Datasets:

cfli

/

ssss

like 0

Crossing the Rubicon can either be considered passing the point of no return or walking in front of a Jeep. In what country does one find the Rubicon River?

Summer Chasers | Sharing the Thrill of Travel Armenia , Bruno , Cab Drivers , Family Reunion , Republic Square , Travel , Yerevan I am going to die. I am going to be killed and no one will ever know what happened to me. I’ll be lucky if he holds me for ransom. That’s it. That will be the story of Sean Chase . My gravestone will read “who wandered and was lost” as my epithet. A single bead of sweat started down my hairy brow. There was nothing to stop it, since I’d shaved my head clean the day before the flight. It was an exciting day, I thought. I was anticipating a new adventure, but this was not quite what I imagined. The driver was a surly old man about a head smaller than me but sturdier in build. The veins popped out of his arm like lightning bolts as he gripped to turn the heavy steering wheel of the old, black S class Mercedes-Benz, a common sight in the Armenian capital of Yerevan. Why is it so hard to simply get a taxi without having to worry about one’s life? And here I had just gotten off an enjoyable flight too. I recalled successfully flirting my way into getting the contact info of cute Tatiana, the tourist sitting next to me as she was flying back to her native St. Petersburg (On my list now!) having flown in from California via the Russian carrier Aeroflot .  At around $700 roundtrip, they offer daily flights from Los Angeles to Yerevan with a brief connection in Moscow. As I stepped out of Armenia’s Zvartnots International Airport , I had turned on Caution Mode as I normally do in such situations. Basically, whenever you are in an unfamiliar place it is wise to heighten your sense of awareness, skepticism and discreetness. Fortunately, with my looks I could somewhat pass for an Armenian… so I pretended to be a local waiting for my ride as the other passengers from the plane got surged by the hawkers looking to score a—no doubt—overly inflated passenger fare. I approached a yellow marked cab outside the terminal and looked around for the driver. That’s when Bruno approached me. Okay, his name wasn’t really Bruno. Probably. But he might as well have been, given the way he looked. Thinking that he was the cab driver, I said that my destination was the Marriott near the center of Yerevan. He gave me an affirmative nod and took my bags… unexpectedly away from the yellow cab! I followed him wondering what the hell was going on! Speaking at him proved futile as he didn’t seem to hear my English, nor did I seem to understand his Armenian. Well sh*t. A short distance at a side parking lot near the small airport, and he loaded the bags into the unmarked black Benz. Now at that point, I have no idea what compelled me to get in… Cultural pressures perhaps, I’m still not certain. In Rome, the best advice is to do as the Romans do. Or so they keep saying. And that, my friends, is basically how we got into my present predicament. Now picture this. Riding down the street away from the airport in a completely unfamiliar culture smack dab in the middle of a very chaotic place on Earth in the middle of the dark night in what could have easily been a getaway car with a guy who looked like a Moroccan hitman, one might be justified enough to pee in one’s favored Levi’s jeans… I attempted to strike up several conversations with the man and each time Bruno nodded and smiled. Confirmed, I thought. He doesn’t know a lick of English. But you know what? Despite the circumstance I did not panic. “But Sean, HOW were you SO brave,” I hear you ask? Well, three good reasons. One, we did not deviate from the route. I came prepared you see. I took advantage of the fact that I am good with maps and directions and memorized the way from the airport to Marriott. (God bless Google Maps.) This is something I highly recommend anyone do when going to a strange new land. Know where things are and how to get from one place to the other. Not having that knowledge puts you at a disadvantage. “Information is ammunition” I always like to say. Two, his body language did not indicate any form of hostile or malicious intent. When you travel often, you’ll come across many a scenario where the language barrier is as thick as your stubborn little brother’s head. Fortunately, body language is somewhat universal and that is what gets me through such sticky situations. Bruno had no nervous twitches. His eyes did not dart back at me on his rear view mirror, his posture was relaxed and open with his elbow leaning out the window, his legs were apart and the feet were pointed away from each other. One of these days I’ll have to blog more about body language, but for now what that meant was that there was not some significant hidden intent that would cause him to be anxious. He’d probably been working all day up through the moment he picked me up which was around midnight. It was bad enough that my double S.O.B. granted me only a measly 3 days time off to go to my family reunion halfway across the world, I was not about to let some potential taxi-driver-kidnaps-the-stupid-tourist-and-ransoms-his-*ss-for-a-hundred-dollars scenario ruin my d*mn vacation! What’s the third reason? As I sat behind him in the car assessing the situation, my mind had already run a thousand deadly simulations on how to kill him efficiently if he pulled something funny. True story. Anyway, as we finally pulled up to the Marriott, I breathed a sigh of relief… I’ve never killed anyone before and didn’t want to go all Jason Bourne on him. Yerevan’s Republic Square as seen from the Marriott One lesson I’d learned though, is that it is much more stress-free if you arrange to have the hotel provide you with a ride from the airport. I swear Bruno billed me three times more than what I heard him say it would cost before taking the ride. Turns out he was just a cab driver. A typical one at that. D*mn taxi drivers will always find a way to get ya, unlike in Mindanao . After he drove off, I was left standing in the center of Yerevan. It took but a second for me to realize why I was there in the first place, for family and for adventure. I looked around to reorient myself and shake off that feeling you always get when you feel cheated. The dark, angry clouds disappeared from my mind and I stood in awe at the nighttime splendour of Republic Square. You can feel the importance of Republic Square simply by just being there. The Marriott Hotel where I was supposed to meet my family was right across from the Government House of Armenia (Curiously, I was surprised to find out that Armenia has both a President and a Prime Minister) which was right next to one of their most popular museums, the National Gallery. Embed from Getty Images When I think back to the beauty I witnessed as I was standing there… I can pinpoint that this was the moment my preconceptions of this country and its people started to gradually dissolve. I came to find out that not only was Yerevan one of the oldest continuously thriving cities in the world, but that it was one of the safest as well. I would soon learn that the people pride themselves in being able to walk their streets at any hour without having to worry about their well-being. As probably one of the only Christian countries in the Middle Eastern region, the women walk openly without fear. You can see Christians and Muslims walking side by side peacefully. Not once did I see a Muslim sneer at a local or a tourist or vice versa. I remember ogling a model-like blonde walking by with her fake breasts pouring out of a tight dress. Just then, a conservatively dressed, hijab-wearing wife who was out strolling with her husband smiled at the bombshell (the more preferable kind of ‘bombshell’), who also smiled back at them. Perhaps I am just getting more cynical as I grow older, but the experience in Armenia was turning out to be a much needed breath of fresh air. I never expected the people and the country to turn out to be the way it had. Just now, a beautiful quote came to mind which I want to share with you all: “The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” -Samuel Johnson And so, my wall of ignorance began to break down. And yet, there was much more to explore in this wonderful Country of Churches, Pomegranates and Brandy. Stay tuned for my next post!   ≈ 1 Comment Hello everyone! It’s been a long while since my last post. It’s been a very challenging past couple of years for me. I got mired in a bad business deal with some folks I thought I could trust. The penalty was a very steep learning curve, costing me a few years of being in a debt pit about twenty thousand deep. Well, I’m climbing out of that pit a dollar at a time and I’m nearly free. On top of all of that… was work, where I had to deal with (putting it nicely) a very challenging boss. I heard it said once that boss is double S.O.B. spelt backwards. Hah! The good news is that all that is behind me for the most part. I have relocated to Portland in the great Northwest which is a new frontier for me. A new exciting location, a new wonderful job, and a fresh new situation. I am happy to say that things are stabilizing quite well. So now, it’s all a matter of time before I can put my plans into action. Recently, I’ve explored a few new places which I will eventually share here with all of you. There was a family reunion in Armenia (of all places) and an epic Eastern Europe trip to talk about! As always, we’ll use code names for the people involved to protect identities. Especially these days when the Net seems nastier and scarier. Hopefully, we can add a ray of sunshine to our corner of cyberspace. Speaking of identity protection, I’ve chosen to adopt a pseudonym. For those who know me in real life, please start referring to me by my pen name, Sean Chase, while we’re on here. Or if you prefer simplicity: the Summer Chaser. =) I appreciate it. Now, the next order of business… Updating my list of places explored ! Finally, I’d like to thank everyone for liking my Face Book page . Now that I have more time, I shall practice my writing by sharing my stories, tips, adventures and experiences. Stay tuned for more! Adventure , Camiguin , Islands , Philippines , Trip , White Sand I can’t help it. I find it very difficult not to return to the Philippines. This is going to be the fourth time now in a span of just a few years. The place just has SO MUCH to offer. Before moving to California, I lived there for over a decade… yet only now do I realize how much of these islands I haven’t experienced yet. Some of the best beaches in the world are found right here, in the Pearl of the Orient Seas. The first time I went back was after almost 9 years of being away from my Motherland. I pretty much just kept it local to Manila, except for a quick trip to my old university in Los Baños, Laguna. I met up with relatives and old friends, not really doing much in the way of sight-seeing. But it was that first trip that sparked a curiosity in me. To the Westerners, you will find that the cost of living there, the prices of locally made goods, as well as that of labor and service to be very affordable. This makes Geo-Arbitration a very potent and efficient way to stretch your money. The efforts put towards earning Dollars or Euros but choosing to spend them as Pesos allows you get a lot more out of it. As a broad generalization, think of always being able to get about 50% off on the things you normally buy; That Happy Meal your kids bug you about, the monthly deep tissue massage at the mall, your weekly groceries, and don’t even get me started on housing rent or mortgage… It was this initial trip back to that breathtaking group of Pacific Islands that brought these facts to the front page of my mind. And it wasn’t like I didn’t already expect prices to be cheaper, but there I was bewildered with the fact that I could take a trip there with a couple thousand bucks, drink, eat and party like a king and still fly back to California with a third of my pocket money left untouched. During that first trip, before even setting foot out of the country, I had already made up my mind on when the next Philippines trip would be. It was in part to attend my best friend’s wedding, but also to satiate my lust for adventure, that I set my sights on the target. The legendary Palawan: A truly wild and green part of the Philippines that kept me living in the moment. What a delightful expedition that turned out to be! During this time my good friend and brother, NWA, cast off his chains and lived up to his code name: Never Winter Again. He is now living in the Philippines full time while taking full advantage of Geo-Arbitration . I admit, I am very jealous of his situation and am constantly striving to achieve a similar lifestyle. A journey which I use this blog to document. What he was able to pull off is a big inspiration that has guided me to my current belief system. It was some time after my second trip that he spoke to me of “A diamond in the rough,” -his exact words. I made it a mission to go there and see this island called Camiguin (kah-mi-GEEN) with my own eyes and share it with you here. Camiguin is one of the smaller islands in the Philippines but is considered its own province. It is divided into 5 municipalities, with the largest, Mambajao (mam-bah-HOW) serving as the provincial seat where it’s governor takes office. Due to it being located right off the northern coast of the second largest island in the Philippine archipelago which is Mindanao, Camiguin is technically part of the Mindanao Region and not in the Visayas, at least politically speaking. It has a round shape and is often imagined by the locals to look like the delicious lanzones fruits for which it is nationally well known to produce. Heck, the culture there is so tied to the fruit, they even have lanzones festivals to celebrate the harvest season. If you’ve never seen one before, the lanzones is a small, spherical, yellow fruit that grows in bunches on a type of mahogany tree. The fruit itself has a thin skin that you can easily peel off to get to the edible part. Watch out for the seeds, they’re bitter if you bite into them. Normally, lanzones have a sour zing to them however the ones I’ve tasted from this island have a much sweeter tickle to my taste buds… which is perhaps due to the nutrient rich volcanic soil they grow on. Speaking of volcanoes, Camiguin has 7 of them! That’s right, SEVEN. The last recorded eruption was back in 1951, which killed about 3,000 people with pyroclastic lava flows and poisonous gases. Something about that fact still gives me a tinge of adrenalin rush when I think of it… The entire time I was there, at the corner of my mind lofted the fact that I could very suddenly find myself in hot water (literally!) at anytime. I came across several tourist guides that referred to place as “the Island born of Fire,” I also found out that this was one of the few provinces that had a dedicated outpost and research station operated by PHIVOLCS , the national entity that monitors volcanic activity. To me, both were subtle reminders of how short life is, cementing in my mind why the lifestyle path I’ve chosen to take, that of living in each moment, is thus far the correct decision. Camiguin: The Island Born of Fire NWA had a lot of good things to say about the place and having been there ahead of me, he had made some connections with locals. To my surprise, he said a good number of foreigners had decided to settle in Camiguin. I sought out to answer my question of why; what made this place so settle-down-worthy? We planned to take a quick jaunt over to Camiguin during the latter part of my third ‘Pinas trip (The affectionate nickname is comes from Pilipinas which is what we Filipinos call our country.) We took a Cebu Pacific flight from Manila to Cagayan de Oro, the most urban area in Misamis Oriental which is the nearest province in northern Mindanao to our destination. After arrival, you have several  options . We took a 2 hour shuttle van ride to a ferry terminal still further north of the province and traveled by ferry for about an hour to one of three ports of entry, this one being Benoni, in southeastern Camiguin. In hindsight, it turned out to be a mistake since the more time-efficient way would have been to take a flight to Cebu and make a connecting flight to the small airport in Mambajao. Ah well, as my uncle always said: charge it to experience. NWA, helped plan the details of the trip. He brought along with us, his girlfriend (we’ll call her Maya) and her friend whom she used to work with, let’s give her the code name Inday (in-DIE,) both of whom proved to be such sweethearts during the trip and were representative of the compassionate and caring nature which epitomize the Filipina character. Inday was born in Camiguin and was eager to revisit her family and she was to be our guide and translator. Even though a good number of the locals could speak English and Tagalog (Filipino) it’s still very useful to have someone who could speak the local dialect. If anything, as a good way to haggle or negotiate for good deals. It caught me off-guard that Maya and Inday had never been on-board an airplane before. Having been in the air as early as I was three months old, it was easy for me to take something like an hour-and-a-half flight for granted. The mixed excitement and apprehension in their eyes gave me a glimpse into what it must be like to, for the first time, find yourself in a fragile can of metal and plastic and be thousands of feet in the air as you are propelled forward by aviation science. I chatted with Inday to ease her mind. It turns out that she had left her province a couple of years ago for the allure of the career opportunities in Manila. This is a very familiar story to most Filipinos, as there are many who set out to the big city to seek out their fortunes. Personally, I think it’s a mistake for everyone to crowd into the capital when there are so many other places in the country that could use development from the enterprising and ambitious provincial. This sort of Centralization mentality can have it’s uses, but the glaring disadvantage is that it keeps the poverty line at status quo. Aaaanyhow… that’s a conversation for another time. ~ Once we set foot on the island, we were picked up by a shuttle van courtesy of the resort we were booked to stay at, a place called Dayon sa Cabuan. We embarked upon Camiguin’s main artery of transportation which is called the Circumferential Road because it encircles the entire island along its coast. Shocking. I know. It took about 30 minutes to traverse there from the port. Upon arriving, we found it to be a modest resort, very easy on the pocket and had great service. It sprawled over a rather large strand with a lawn that led to the coast. There was a simple wooden fishing pier that jutted out to the relaxed waters. The fruit trees that dotted the resort swayed to the calm sea breeze. Rooms were in separate housing that were spaced apart from each other for ample privacy. We set our belongings down and asked the driver to drop us off to meet a college friend of NWA’s who lived nearby. The meeting place was at a local open air bar, known as the Northern Lights . It was a gorgeous little place. We were greeted by Paul who met us at entrance to the charming restaurant/bar (commonly called “resto-bars.”) He was somewhat popular around town and had a long family history tied to the island. It turns out that he and Inday knew of each other. Ahhh, talk about the simple life on the small island where the people are pleasant and nice. Imagine that! I was slowly beginning to see why foreigners were opting to settle down here. After feasting on good food and a few drinks, Paul drove us to the middle of the provincial capitol for some souvenir shopping. We got to finally taste another enjoyable edible that Camiguin is well known for, the heavenly pastry called Pastel. Pastel de Camiguin, is a bun baked with yema filling which is a sweet derivative of egg yolk. It’s history goes back more than a century ago with the birth of its creator, Agrepina Gultiano who turned it into a successful commercial business. Today, the pastries are filled with authentic Filipino flavors such as Ube (purple yam), Makapuno (a sweet product of coconut flesh) or Leche Flan (baked custard), and now you can even try strawberry and mocha flavored Pastel. Though I still think nothing beats the original yema filling. Each of us loaded up on boxes of Pastel and along with our lanzones in tow, we would randomly snack on them for the rest of our stay. NWA and I got into the habit of taking bites out of the Pastel bun until we’ve eaten most of the bread and all that’s left is pretty much the yema filling. Saving the sweetest part for last, we’d would drown out our palettes with these overpowering flavors! It’s in line with one of our guiding principles in life: Work hard, play hard. At the market, Inday made plans to meet with her younger sister. She was from a big family and had numerous brothers and sisters. This one was the closest in age to her and was rather cute. Inday, if you are reading this… 😉 Katibawasan Falls *ahem* … Paul then drove us up into the volcanoes and tropical jungles towards one of the tourist attractions there, Katibawasan Falls. We parked along a gravel lot surrounded by souvenir stalls. Paul bought a local treat for all of us. The name escapes me right now, but I think it was called kiping. It was a crunchy type of hard wafer that was shaped like a bowl or plate. Sweet, chocolate-y syrup is sprinkled over it. Be careful as you walk up the path to the water falls, a brood of hungry chickens will follow you around hoping to have a peck of your delicious kiping! Pesky chickens. The kiping is mine! After a short stroll up the hill, we looked down towards a majestic pool that collected the cold mountain waters. The view was spectacular. We made our way down cautiously while making sure the chicken assault team stopped following us (they did.) NWA immediately checked in to the cool pond and stepped under the thunderous falls to shower. Looking up from the pool, the mountains and trees encircled us as if we were gladiators in an arena and they were the spectators. The girls and I took the mandatory photos posing by the waterfalls. Maya, despite her absurd fear of sea monsters, decided to brave the pool with her boyfriend. She cautiously stepped in and was feeling the waterbed with her feet for anything alarmingly weird. NWA held her hand as he gallantly led her deeper. I really did not expect her fear to expand the borders of irrationality, so I jokingly called out to her “No need to fear [Maya], there are no sharks here. Sharks are afraid of crocodiles…” It took only a split second for her to go crazier than a sack of bees. She hopped on NWA’s back and cried out as she flailed about with one hand while the other covered his vision. I felt so bad after the initial chuckles wore off. Note to self: Don’t joke to Maya about sea creatures lest someone loses an eye. After consuming our fill of unique treats and pure mountain spring, we loaded ourselves onto Paul’s van and were dropped off at the center of town. Paul had to go home and check on his kids while we accompanied Inday to her family who had prepared dinner for us, partly as a custom of hospitality, but also to thank us for bringing their daughter back home to visit them. The four of us each took one of the numerous scooter bikes, used by the locals to shuttle people around town. The operators would charge a small fee to ferry passengers sitting behind them to anywhere nearby. Eight people and four scooters set off towards Inday’s home. We would goad each other with jeers into a sort of race whenever one scooter overtook the other. Inday won in the end (I think she totally cheated by talking to her driver in their language to speed up and finish first! 😛 ) Soon the pavement ended and we were dropped off. After paying our transport, the exciting moonlight hike started. It was dark and the only source of luminescence was the full moon above and the twinkling stars. We’d pass by the occasional nipa hut along the grassy path. It was remarkable how Inday could navigate through the fields, she still remembered the place like the back of her hand. Once in a while we’d pass by people who greeted her along the way. NWA and Maya were walking hand in hand, so I put Inday’s arm around mine and flirtatiously joked around to keep to the mood. I teased her about whether her dad would accept me or bring out the shotgun… She returned the jokes by saying not to worry “darling,” that her dad had poor aim. We laughed all the way to their humble residence. Inday’s brothers and sisters all ran out to greet her. It was quite the happy occasion. She introduced us to them one by one and we greeted her parents, snickering about our earlier private jokes. A bead of sweat would always be present over my brow whenever her dad, a strong and silent type, would disappear behind the plain cottage. It abruptly occurred to me that you really don’t need to aim well with a shotgun… Again we feasted in the abundant local food. The laughter and merriment were thick in the air around us as the local kids, Inday’s brothers, sisters and their cousins and friends fed their curiosity at the sight of their visitors. We chatted with her parents, who were farmers and caretakers of the local land. Theirs was a simple, happy life far removed from the smart phone obsession and social media frenzy the rest of us were up to our eyeballs in. It was very refreshing to escape the complexities of urban living, even for a little while. With full stomachs we said our goodbyes and left Inday to spend the night with her family. Paul picked us up a short while later right by the paved road, the night was not over yet. ~ Casa Roca was an exquisite bed and breakfast, an island mansion nestled upon the wave-stopping cliffs. We found ourselves in the resto-bar that lounged from the front door on the main floor of the mansion to the open air courtyard outside. We were warmly welcomed by the owners, Jim and Evelyn whom Paul knew and NWA had previously already met. Jim was a Canadian expat who resided there with his lovely fiancé, Evelyn. By the time of this writing, the two lovebirds have since gotten married (Congratulations!) Evelyn excitedly gave us the grand tour of the upstairs where all the rooms were nestled. The master bedroom was like a picture torn out from the front cover of some ultimate romance novel. Tropical style ceiling fans made of rattan, pearly-white veils draped over the king sized bed, open air windows inhaling the fresh sea air. I think I’ll stay here next time and bring some company. We sat by the table where Jim and Evelyn were entertaining an American expat and began to socialize. The cold beer was a perfect compliment to our earlier food fest while we traded stories. NWA held one of Jim’s guitars and Paul and I chatted with the American who lived in the city of Cagayan de Oro (CDO) with his Filipina wife but had a standing agreement that he would visit Camiguin for a week out of every month for relaxation. That seemed to be the theme around here with the men and women. Paul was no exception as his wife would similarly crave the urban setting and trek out to CDO every now and then for a shopping mall run. Do majority of men seek out simplicity and majority of women, excitement? It certainly seems so to me, now more than ever. “Happiness is leisure.” -Aristotle Next thing I know, my head was swimming in beer and we laid down to sleep for a bit back in the resort where Paul dropped us off at. He’d return the following morning. We got up early to maximize our last day, NWA and I had a motto to live up to: No Rest, No Shame. Inday came by to the resort after staying the night with her family and soon we were off to our first stop, White Island. If Camiguin were to ever be compared to a planet, it would have been like Mars who had two satellite moons. White Island being one of them, was so called because it was a sand bar composed entirely of strikingly white sand and shells. It was about a thirty minute boat ride off the shores of Camiguin. The boat operator would drop us off there along with the other tourist for about an hour while we walked around, took pictures, and had a picnic. They would return a few times to shuttle over other tourists and take us back when we were ready. One thing the city slicker should keep in mind about island life, is that schedules here are not set in stone. NWA and Maya took pictures by the beach and enjoyed the warm pacific waves. Paul, Inday and I laid down our beach towels and snacked on Pastel and Lanzones. Shortly after, a vendor came up to us selling sea urchin. (I know, right?!) They dove into the nearby waters and would harvest them, selling three for about 50 Pesos. Now, since I’m the type of guy that is very adventurous with food, I’ll try anything at least once and so I bit in. The vendor took one of the sea urchins from his wicker basket. They had a variety of dark colors. Some black, some grey and some even purple. He would carefully lay them on the beach and as if they knew they’d be eaten soon, they would try to slowly roll away by moving their spines. The vendor would chop off the spines so that they could be held more easily and he would crack them open like an egg. The hollow insides of a sea urchin have a trail of yellow sand-like goop in the shape of an asterisk with five points. It is precisely those yellow innards that is scooped up with a plastic spoon. If you frequent a sushi bar, you will recognize it as the edible sand grain looking substance that the Japanese call Uni. The difference here is that this is fresh off the sea and the vendor offers to add some vinegar to neutralize the briny taste. It was weird holding half the “shell” of the sea urchin, sort of like a cup, to scoop up the edible part soaked in vinegar. I could feel the rest of the chopped spines wiggling in my palm. If you are squeamish, please know that I wasn’t trying to gross you out… It was just such a unique “dining” experience that I’m always eager to try out and share. Even the girls sucked it up and courageously tried some uni. Before departing, I walked the stretch of the island and took a picture of some of the locals. Standing on the white beach, the back drop of the Camiguin volcanoes and the waves in between were a Facebook worthy cover photo. One of the locals. On the way to the next tourist stop, Paul took us to his home to pick up his kids. They were very excited to join us for a play day at the beach. He introduced us to all three of them plus one of their cousins. They were very well behaved and so charming. As they got their gear ready, Paul showed off some of his wood working skills, a sofa and a bed that he made with his own hands. Mantigue Island At this point in our adventure, I was still not satisfied with the white sand we’d seen so far. My fetish for all things white seems to extend, not just to white chocolate and white women, but to friggin’ sand as well. Having been to Palawan the year before and marveling at El Nido’s gorgeous islets surrounded by the light yellow beaches, I was beginning to get disappointed with Camiguin’s drab, dirt-brown shores during our first day. But fortunately, there was another island nearby that would satiate my lust for everything alabaster. Mantigue (man-TEE-geh) was a fair sized circular island which you could walk in about thirty minutes around back to the point you started from. From our earlier Camiguin-Mars analogy, Mantigue would be the other “moon” just to the southeast of her mother island. The beach was as white as the previous sand bar and there was a jungle of sorts in the middle. It was the kind of deserted island you’d dream about getting stranded on… except… well, it’s not exactly deserted. On the eastern side of the island are some transients that have settled there, building a small community of huts. From what I understand, they are typhoon victims from another island called Bohol, further north. Mantigue Island is a nature park of sorts, with a bridge-path through the jungles and plenty of coral preservation around it where divers could explore. After diving into the warm embrace of the aqua blue clear waters, Paul let loose the kids who were eager to join in with us. The waves were very welcoming and after about a half-hour we walked back and sat on the picnic benches where our food was prepared for us. Pork and fish with rice, prepared right on the island. After chowing down and stuffing my face, I laid down on one of the benches and took a nap while the others explored the vegetation inland and took a holy-sh*t-that’s-a-ton-of-photos with my phone. As for the nap, oh, how it was glorious. I relaxed into a smile as I tucked away all those office day memories in some closet at the farthest corner of my thoughts. (Note to NWA: For the record, bro, I was *not* resting. True to our motto of No Rest, No Shame, I was very busy enjoying doing absolutely nothing.) The time to leave was nearly upon us. We decided to take the second to the last ferry out of Camiguin. A very prudent course of action given how the locals view time and schedules as not something that is constant which has to be adhered to, rather, something that is lucid and flowing like the palm trees in the wind. When someone tells you that the ferry will leave at 3:00 o’clock, allow a thirty minute change in the schedule to occur before or after… Probably after. As we waited for the ferry, we dined at the nearby J & A Fishpen Restaurant. They have floating huts interconnected by wooden bridges that wallow over their fishpens. The sea food was very fresh and delicious. They also had aviaries where hawk-like birds-of-prey know as “kites” were perched. Which meant, you guessed it, mandatory picture taking. The majestic Kite. We left Camiguin soon after, but we had only touched upon the tip of what this enamoring island had to offer us. We didn’t even get to explore the wonders of the Sunken Cemetery, the Soda Water Pools, the hot and cold springs, Mt. Hibok-Hibok and other attractions. I was left wanting more and this would not be the last time I’d be there. Even at this very moment while I type up this article with the words to describe my experience in Camiguin flowing from my memories, I can feel the firm tug of wanderlust pulling me back. My fourth trip looms just over the horizon in a few more months, promising me another chance to uncover other hidden gems in the Philippines. It holds captive my attention and lights a burning desire under my imagination. I have my eye on Cebu, cradled in the bosom of the Philippines. I vow to plunge forth to discover its secrets and quell this hunger within me as it roars once more for adventure… I really can’t help it. A view overlooking Orange Beach, near the town of El Nido , in the island of Palawan in the Philippines. Palawan is truly a wondrous place. This elongated island that stretches to the southwest from just off the coast of the Philippines’ largest island, Luzon, is pretty much untouched by the generic throng of tourists who mostly favor such commercialized getaways as Boracay and Subic. Fools! If they only knew… Something that is really remarkable about Palawan is its vibe. Setting foot there during my last trip to the Philippine archipelago some weeks ago, I quickly noticed that there is still a very primal and adventurous aura that the place gives off. Few places I have ever been to have given me that impression. I smell excitement in its fresh air. Palawan, home to about 25% of all species of animals in the Philippines, is a clean island with little-to-no crime. The people are friendly, hospitable, honest and acclimated to foreign visitors. There is also a very nature-loving culture in Palawan. Illegal logging and illegal fishing are successfully prevented. Littering is strictly prohibited and in certain parts of the island, so is smoking. In my opinion, Californians, Canadians and Europeans as well as any other environmentalists or adventurers would absolutely love it here. And so began my memorable trek. Luckily my good buddy,  NWA , was on board, as were a couple of female friends we brought with us. Once we deplaned at the small, rural airport in Puerto Princesa (PP), arguably the most developed town in Palawan (after all, it is the provincial capitol) we walked to the terminal and collected our belongings. Tourists will find that they will immediately encounter stalls promoting the different tour packages available which are run by different tour agencies. We decided that since a fraternity brother of ours, a local who grew up in the island province, was unavailable to meet with us in PP due to the flu season bug floating around at the time, that we’d spend the first few days in Palawan at one of the most northern towns in the island, called El Nido (EN). When one hears of EN, it is usually spoken with hushed, reverent tones. A place of beauty. Sights that spur wanderlust. It is here that the beaches of legend inspired the author, Alex Garland, to write his novel “ The Beach ” as seen in the film of the same name starring Leonardo DiCaprio. More recently, the film “Bourne Legacy” was shot and filmed in the islands near EN. I was excited to finally see the place for myself. And so I did. Now there are a few ways to get to EN… You can fly there directly from Manila. Not recommended, as it can be comparatively expensive. At around 7000.00 to 12,000.00 Philippine Pesos (Php) for a one way flight, depending on the season, it can’t compare to the deal we got from Cebu Pacific Airlines 690.00 Php (plus taxes and fees) for a one way flight to PP. Island Hopping by boat. Again, not recommended, the boats are probably not the type of boats you are hoping for. It will be smaller and flimsier than what you are imagining and the boat ride will take you hours on end. Only do this if you are a die hard adventurer. Take an air-conditioned shuttle van or a bus from PP that will clock about 5 to 6 hours over a winding, crooked, bumpy ride. Emphasis on bumpy. One thing about taking a trip to the Philippines that you’ll want to remember (and also in most similar countries) is that it’s okay to haggle. Ask for 10-25% discounts. No one will judge you harshly for simply asking and peddlers will typically pad up the prices in anticipation of being bargained down. Being somewhat financially savvy , I discreetly went from stall to stall at the airport and got the tour operators to out bid each other. What should have normally been a 700.00 Php shuttle van ride per person to EN, ended up costing us 600.00 Php instead. We left PP not long after and about three hours into the trip, the shuttle van stopped at an eatery for dinner. It’s a typical style of restaurant for most Filipinos. Rice plates and you pick an entree or ulam to go with it. Not much choice here… It seemed to me that the eatery had the lion’s share of shuttled tourists. They were probably in cahoots with the shuttle service… The second leg of the trip was a lot more bumpy. The paved roads gave way to soil and rock and they were much more unforgiving. Remember what I said? Primal. I now understood why mainstream tourists have not poured into these western islands en masse. Further efficient development is necessary to make the towns more accessible and less rough on the travelers. Heck, the German guy traveling with us had to stop the van in order to hurl his road-sickness away as his Filipina girlfriend pat him encouragingly on the back by the roadside. That said, the experience gave me new respect for the people who *have* been to EN and made it back. It was a hard road getting to EN. Waaay off the beaten path. When the poor German guy finally felt a bit better, we continued on. I wasn’t feeling too well myself. Not because of the road-sickness… rather, I was starting to get feverish off the flu season that was sweeping through the country. Luckily, NWA was in a more social mood and chatted up the Filipino couple next to us. Oliver and his young wife, Rose, would later on share some of our EN adventure. As we neared EN, Oliver had mentioned that they planned to stay at a modest hostel called the Sands Inn. Rooms there would only cost them 1200.00 Php for a non air-conditioned room for two. NWA and I looked at each other and nodded. There was something about this couple that seemed very agreeable to us. Oliver gave off an experienced man’s air. Probably in his early 40’s, he was well built and spoke with a calm, learned demeanour. His lovely young wife must have easily been half his age and was also very easy to talk to. These easy-going people are ‘one of us,’ we decided. We agreed to go along and stay at the Sands Inn as well. At the ‘station’ (if it could be called that, since it consisted of nothing more than four posts, a steel roof and some bamboo benches) we stretched our stiff legs from the long ride. It was raining hard. The rainy season discouraged much of the tourists, but on the other hand, that made a trip to Palawan in the middle of September considerably cheaper. We didn’t mind. Philippine rain was as warm as I remembered it. Or perhaps it was only because Michigan rain was so damn cold in my memories… Hmmm. I must ponder this some other time… We rode a tricycle to town. It was dark. So dark that I didn’t realize we were already in the midst of town when the driver dropped us off in front of the Inn. Stepping out of the rain, the Innkeeper, a kindly old lady greeted us with a candle lamp. Apparently, there was a power outage. At first, I thought because of the storm but later learned that in EN, electricity is cut off on purpose during a set time in the wee hours of the night. A scheduled brown-out, she called it. It made no sense for us then to book an air-conditioned room only to be left in the heat and without power at night. Our room ended up costing 1600.00 Php for the four of us. NWA crashed dead-tired on one bed to the side modest room. As for myself, I sweated off my fever on the bottom bunk of our double-decker bed. The two friends with us, Weng and Lovelly, tended to me that night. It warms my heart that Filipina women are so compassionate and caring. Lovelly went to the store and purchased some cold medicine, while little Weng made me some warm tea. I felt much better in the morning. When the storm passed, so did my fever, it seemed. I woke up to this view from the hostel balcony. Everyone should wake up to this view, at least once in a while. We spent the first day in EN just relaxing. Oliver and Rose had disappeared, kayaking off somewhere. The German guy and his girlfriend were apparently staying at our Inn as well. He was looking much better, breathing in the salty sea air and marveling over the same view as I was. Later on, when NWA woke up (that lazy bum…) we walked around town for a bit. Looked at some souvenirs. I bought some purple pearls for a friend back home who was all about the colour purple. We had an unremarkable lunch at a nearby eatery. One thing I noticed here, was there were a lot of foreigners backpacking across town even during the off-season. El Nido itself is not all that big. You can walk from one end of town to the other in about an hour. There is a airstrip nearby for small chartered planes and a single small pier that docks boats from the town of Coron, located at an island to the north. With NWA as the camera man, the girls and I went to explore Orange Beach, about 5 km outside town. We had to take a tricycle ride to get there and hike down a dirt path. The beach, unlike the one at the coast of EN was unbesmirched by any boats. Though there were a few houses here and there and a modest resort nearby, the area was pretty secluded for the most part and made for a relaxing beach-walk. The rains were on and off that day. We took a brief respite from the downpour at an unused hut along the shore. Not fifteen minutes later, the hard rain stopped and we continued along. NWA and I, the old farts that we are, stopped at the resort and took a coffee break while the girls set off to explore the stony shoals, looking at starfishes and shells. This was the life, I remember thinking. Taking all the time that day to do absolutely nothing was enjoyable. The fast paced life, a world away in the US, was but a distant memory. Doubtlessly, the French tourists sipping on their coffee next to us were thinking something quite similar. C’est la vie. We headed back as the sun went down. Seeing Oliver and Rose back at the Sands Inn, we invited them to dinner. As we had no particular place in mind yet… we walked along the beach-side of town and saw a ‘resto-bar’ that had tables along the shore, complete with tiki torches. Bingo. Particular place found. We feasted on fish and meat and beer and having discovered that Rose was celebrating her birthday, we got even more liquored up! We could hear the chatter of Americans, Europeans, Australians and Filipinos in the background. Later, live music was put on by the local band. The night drifted on slowly. Next thing you know, we were relaxing at a hookah bar right next door. It’s evenings like these that melt all the stress away. Suitably having elevated my blood alcohol level, I drifted off as the girls helped lay me to bed. I was up early next morning. The old lady Innkeeper had a boat ready for us to take on one of the 4 tour packages… Tour A , B , C , and D as has been standardized by provincial government of Palawan, in order to have a single price point across the board for all tour guide services. This would keep boat operators from having to out do each other. On the positive, it also provides funds to license and train operators in first aid, historical knowledge of the tour sites, and environmental protection of the coral reefs. Not having any experience here, we took Tour A, which was a whole day island hopping boat ride to visit the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and the Seven Commandos Beach. The tours range from 700.00 Php per person to 900.00 Php, depending on which of the 4 you choose. In addition there is a 200.00 Php per person environmental tax. No negotiating these fees, unfortunately. As for the other tour options, I heard that Tour C was highly recommended and included a visit to a Secret Beach. Tour B was mostly cave sites and Tour D was somewhat lackluster.  So, when you get here… try A or C. The boat ride to the tour site took about an hour… There were seven of us on the tour. Myself along with NWA, the girls, Oliver and Rose and a new comer as well, a British National who looked Indian to me, checked into the Inn the night before. The lagoons we visited were incredibly amazing. The Big Lagoon was like an entrance into some exotic kingdom, it kept winding inwards and kept on going until a rounded-out dead end, deep inland. It felt like a scene taken out from an Indiana Jones movie. “Indiana Jones and the Secret Lagoon.” A wide open pool awaits at the end of the Big Lagoon water way. They say that the lagoons in the area used to be caves hundreds of years ago. When the ceiling of the caves collapsed, presumably due to the volcanic activity of Pacific Ring of Fire, lagoons like these were formed. Upon reaching the next site, Small Lagoon, the boat operators allowed us to swim with life preservers. We explored mini caves and swam around the turquoise waters of the lagoon. One of the guides mentioned that the water was even clearer than we were seeing during the summer, when there are no rains or currents to disturb the white sand below. At Shimizu Island, we snorkeled amongst the schools of fishes. Our boat operators found us a little cove that would be suitable for cooking lunch. Earlier that day, before leaving EN, the old Innkeeper gave our tour guides some fresh fish, squid, and pork chops as well as tons of rice, veggies and fruits all packed safely within the boat. They then grilled us up a sumptuous feast which we proceeded to destroy! What better way to experience the trip than to eat fresh, natural food at a deserted white sand beach. We all ate heartily. Oliver, the Brit and I got into an investments and travelling conversation. Apparently, the Brit made a lot of money in the banking trade which afforded him the chance to travel freely. I admit I was jealous that he’s seen quite a bit of the world . Everybody else probably found our intense currency discussion very boring as they scattered to the winds. Rose was taking a dip in the beach and NWA was playing photographer to the two girls modeling around the stunning cove. The last stop after having our filling lunch, was the 7 Commandos beach. Not terribly far from EN, this beach was so named after 7 Japanese commandos who held out in the jungles long after World War II was won by the Allies. Much of the area has been fenced off, presumably by whoever purchased the land, however, the beach is still accessible to the public. There is even a store nearby if you want to sip on coconuts while sun bathing. 7 Commandos Beach. Sadly, we didn’t have a lot of time and there was still much more of Palawan to explore. Near sundown, we cut through the waves back to EN. That day on the islands and among the fishes will be a day I’ll always remember. I wish I was back there even now. Once back, we quickly packed our bags. But there was still a bit of time afterwards for dinner before our shuttle was scheduled to depart EN. So, we invited Oliver and Rose to a farewell dinner. We had to leave soon, but they still had a few days to spend in town. We dined at La Chupetta, a very simple Italian resto-bar serving perfectly al dente pasta. We then wished our new friends good luck and safe journeys and went our separate ways. The road back to Puerto Princesa wasn’t as bad as I remembered. But perhaps, that was because thoughts of El Nido still lingered in our minds. It is a very difficult place to forget. PS Stay tuned, as my next blog post shall cover what other hidden gems the Philippines has! Apology , Hiatus , Palawan , Return , Travel Wow… It’s been way over a year already! Firstly, I’d like to apologize to everyone for my abrupt disappearing act… There have been many personal reasons that have prevented me from being at the keyboard. What can I say? It’s been a crazy year (and a half!) I’ve loved and lost, lived and laughed, but most importantly I’ve learned a lot of things along the way. Perhaps I will share some of the events of the past year here… We’ll see. A few good friends have been clamouring for me to continue the blog, so I’ll try to blog as my schedule permits me. I think I won’t press myself to make any promises I can’t keep this time… Therefore, it won’t be a new post every MWF. Everything else stays the same, though. The goal is still to See the World and to Travel to where ever it’s Summer. So, as before, we’ll talk about traveling to wonderful places, eating exotic food, how to be money-smart and fund such travels, and the interesting experiences we encounter on the dusty trail. I’ll also recap my European Adventures at some point, as I got cut off before I had a chance to share that with all of you. Having just gotten back recently from the beautiful Pearl of the Orient Seas , the Philippines, my next post shall be about the gorgeous islands of Palawan , how to best enjoy it there, and what travel pitfalls to watch out for. Exciting, no?!   I’m feeling hungry for pork, so let’s go with that. Next, we’ll want to fry up some chopped garlic in extra virgin olive oil on medium heat. After a couple of minutes, we’ll go ahead and add the pork. Turn up the heat to high and fry the pork for 5 minutes. Mix it well so that the chopped garlic covers the pork cutlets and infuses it with flavor. Now, add about a half a cup of vinegar and soy sauce. Also toss in some black pepper and Bay Leaves. Do NOT stir for about 10 minutes to allow the mixture to cook into the meat. After 10 minutes, stir the mixture and continue cooking for another 10 minutes on medium heat. Once the sauce is a thin gravy-like and dribbles off the spoon, you may add some chopped onions. Cook on high for about 2 minutes. Jawohl! You’re done! Serve with some sticky white rice! Back from Europe , Brussels , Channel Tunnel , Czech Republic , Euro Tour , Eurostar , London , Old World , Paris I’m back and have more or less recuperated from the most amazing, memorable and (These days most people take this word lightly, but still…) EPIC European Adventure! Before diving into the details of the trip, let me apologize to everyone for not being able to update my blog as I journeyed. Yes… Europe was THAT good. So much so, that I couldn’t concentrate on blogging as I went. The experience was just too intense! So, here’s what we did. There were three of us who trekked across the Old World. My good friend, Never Winter Again (NWA) along with Pizzarol (Code name explained later), who is NWA’s former co-worker that I have come to call a good friend as well. Now, I’d like to state this upfront that I do NOT recommend what we did for just anyone taking a trip to Europe. It can get expensive, physically and mentally stressful and may even take away from the enjoyment of your travels. That said, if you are young, single, unburdened by finances and trust the people you are traveling with then by all means, feel free to have an adventure of your own in our footsteps! 🙂 The thing about our grand endeavour (I’ve been to England now and have every right to spell ‘endeavour’ with a ‘u’ 😛 ) is that the only plans we had made was to get in and out of Europe. A flight into Heathrow Airport in London and a returning flight to the U.S. from Arlanda, near Stockholm were the only two things that were set in stone. Everything in between, we decided, would be figured out as we were confronted with it. That probably makes some people cringe, but we wanted this kind of uncertainty to add excitement to our undertaking. I shall describe in detail each city we stayed in during future posts, but right now, let me present you with the outline of our enterprise. Upon landing, we spent a couple of days exploring majestic London. Getting the lay of the land, so to speak. Having our fill of fish and chips, we took the Eurostar train under the Chunnel (Tunnel under the Channel, therefore, Chunnel) and found ourselves lost in a dangerous part of Brussels. Recovering from a riveting experience, we acquire a vehicle and make our way up to Amsterdam (Henceforth to be known as Amster-DAMN!), where a good seven and a half hours of my life remain unaccounted for… From the Netherlands, we journeyed southwards to lovely Paris, where we took on a more cultural tone. After staying in our Five Star Opel, we drove it to San Sebastian, Spain to meet NWA’s aunt. Then, it was back across the Pyrenees and onward to Monaco and Italy. Charming Pisa and Ancient Rome where our hosts in the Italian Peninsula and afterwards we cut through the Austrian Alps towards Germany. Ahhhh… Deutschland, where I have made many good memories and many more good friends. Setting this as our home base, we struck out towards Karlovy Vary and Prague in the Czech Republic to meet and make new friends and to Switzerland and Liechtenstein afterwards. Lastly, we flew off to lonely Stockholm and spent our remaining two days there before reluctantly returning to the US. In the coming days, I shall regale you with the tales of our various experiences. Right now though… I really want to update something I’ve been meaning to update for a while now. Last we saw the Travbuddy map, I was at a measly 4% of the World Seen. I am quite glad to have more than doubled that. Percent of the World Seen after Euro Tour '12 Choices , Free Market As I sit at the airport waiting for the connecting flight to New York before flying off beyond the azure main to Her Majesty’s land , I can’t help but marvel at one of the things most Americans like myself tend to take for granted. Choices. Looking for gas, earlier, I had the pick of either Shell or Chevron conveniently located near my place. At the coffee shop, Chai Latte, White Chocolate Mocha or a double shot of Espresso in my Cappuccino. Here at the airport, it was cinnamon-apple-walnut oatmeal, a breakfast burrito or some fruit yogurt (I went with the yogurt as my last healthy meal before abandoning all forms of inhibition once I land in the Cradle of Western Civilization.) I remember as a kid in the Philippines, I’d go to the store near my school and ordering a sandwich was pretty straight forward. Ham sandwich or corned beef sandwich or tuna sandwich. When I first walked into a Subway in suburban Michigan, I was hungry for a Steak and Cheese sandwich. “What kind of bread?” the chubby, gothic [teenager] asked me. “Uhhhh… what do you have?” In the 30,000 years of its existence, I had never been afforded the chance of choosing what way to cook my dough of flour and water. “There’s White, Wheat, Rye, Sour-dough, 7-grain…” “Well… Let me try the Sour-dough.” “Six inch or foot-long?” “Foot-long.” It was slowly dawning on me why they called America the land of plenty. “What kind of cheese? There’s Swiss, American or Provolone.” Wow… I get to pick my cheese too? When in Rome … “American.” “Veggies?” “All of it.” I nodded. “What kind of sauce?” Just give me the d*mn sandwich already! It really is such a great thing, to be fortunate enough to have all these options in front of us we can enjoy. Make no mistake, I am not taking a shot at how things were in the Philippines. I’m certain a lot has changed for the better over there since I migrated, but the fact of the matter is, I have never been so bogged down by having too many choices in any other country. I believe that this is the result of a free market system. One that gives consumers the power to decide. I applaud businesses that have been able to monopolize their respective markets, however, it is through competition that companies can improve, renew, grow and set themselves apart. And when government steps aside and lets companies compete with each other, that is when we recieve the best value for our money. So, be glad you have choices. Somewhere out there the only option for beverage is water. Fight fiercely to defend that which allows us the variety in our lives, that is, our free market system. Now then, all this writing and thinking has gotten my appetite complaining. I think I want something sweet. Should I get a Jamba Juice strawberry smoothie, a Smirnoff Ice or try the local restaurant’s rasberry iced tea? Bavaria , Beer stein , Berlin , Berlin Wall , Brandenburg Gate , Cologne , Eastern Bloc , European Tour , Germany , Neuschwanstein Castle , Wishlist I seem to have a fondness for anything German, especially the language. As I mentioned in an earlier post , Deutsch has a certain appeal to me that I cannot quite explain. While I can’t quite recall any memories from my childhood that might have contributed to this unusual preference, I do remember however, that while my father was alive, he spoke very highly of German automotive engineering. Not that it would be anything related. Years later, here I am, about to visit Germany. Anyways, we tackled the United Kingdom , France and Italy . It’s time for Deutschland! Here are my choice picks for sights and sounds to see in this amazing country:   Right in the middle of the city…   Why:   Just imagine that someone erected a wall effectively cutting off half of the city you live in. Anyone attempting to cross from the East to the West would be shot on sight. That is just a tiny glimpse of the horrors the citizens had to face during the Cold War. Though very little remains of the wall, it is a place that has profoundly contributed to modern history. It’s amusing to remember the world maps in my old elementary classroom back in the 80’s when the wall divided these into two vastly polar countries. Having been erected by the Eastern Bloc, President Reagan  later challenged General Secretary Gorbachev to tear down  the wall, leading to the reunification of Eastern and Western Germany.        For guys, I would recommend a beer stein. A well crafted piece of art such as this would be well suited to embrace that smooth brew, keeping it cold enough until you pour it down your belly. Nothing else shows how serious you are about your beer than this.     Für sie For the ladies, how about trying on a dirndl ? This traditional garb worn by der frauen are not just a common sight worn during Oktoberfest, they are traditionally worn in formal occasions and other such events. Perhaps I am just biased… but it *does* look good on the ladies. 🙂    ≈ 5 Comments Tags Annual percentage rate , Clark Howard , Credit card , Credit card debt , Credit score , Savings account , Tips , Tips and tricks Having learned the History of Money and the Basics , let me offer some tips and tricks I hope you can make good use of: A simple and easy tip for U.S. residents from Consumer Warrior and Financial Expert Clark Howard is to visit www.missingmoney.com to find out if there is any money out there in your name waiting to be collected. I once found a paycheck  in my name that was never cashed just by following this simple advice. Pay off your credit card debts. Collect information on your credit cards. Which cards are costing you the most every month in terms of interest? List them in that order and concentrate on paying one off. Every month going forward, pay the minimum on all cards except for the one at the top of the list, which you will be contributing all the extra cash that would have gone to the rest of the cards. Discipline yourself until this card is paid off. Once that is done, the extra cash that is freed up is then added on to pay off the next card on the list. Do not relent on this! You will be amazed at the momentum you’ve built and it will speed up your way to freedom! Once every six months, call up your credit cards and ask 1) If they can raise your credit limits without you having to go through a credit check and 2) If they can lower your Annual Percentage Rates so that you could have an easier time using their card more often (which you really aren’t, but this gives them incentive to comply with your request.) Raising your limit will give you better creditworthiness and make it easier to lower your rates with the other cards. This has saved me a lot of money in the long run and has brought me closer to my goals . Credit is an important concept not only in consumeristic or capitalist modern societies, but also dating back as early as ancient Greece and Egypt. Once you have paid off a card, do not cancel it. If you use it, pay off the debt as soon as possible. If it has an annual fee, ask if it can be waived (at least for this year.) Just make sure that once every six months, you use the card for something, otherwise, the card will automatically be closed due to inactivity. If you have direct deposit through your employer, try to set it up so that a certain amount per paycheck goes into your regular bank account that you use for paying for bills and the rest into a savings account. I remember when I was just starting out during my first job in Michigan as a troubleshooter for a big company, I arranged to have $1000 per paycheck sent to my checking account which I used for paying for daily expenses. Anything I made through overtime or other means that went over that amount automatically got deposited to my savings account which I then forgot about. It’s a nice surprise that on a rainy day, I have emergency funds available. Eliminate bills and expenses that you can live without. Downgrade where ever you can. I mean, do you really need 1000 channels? As the say, less is more… for you! Be diplomatic and polite. You’ll be happy with the results. Not too long ago, I was remodeling my condo to have an Arabian Nights theme. I didn’t want to spend a whole lot on it, so I started browsing online to find complimentary things to add to the theme. I found two people selling a circular, fairly new Moroccan bed that went well with what I had in mind. I wrote a simple, yet polite letter to both owners asking if they would be willing to offer the beds at a lower price. I sent them a link of each other’s ads. One was adamant about her price, while the other was more receptive and lowered the cost. I got a great deal just by having a good, respectful attitude. And in the end, I get a good night’s sleep in a kick ass bed. My awesome bed. I hope you gained something out of this post. Please send me any feedback or questions you may have. Next time, I’ll be talking about the different types of assets and why you should have at least one of each!

Italy

Which Wizard of Oz character was searching for brains?

2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport: Installing a TeraFlex HD Hinged Tire Carrier December 12, 2014 Yes, it still exists. What used to be the official Edmunds 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport long-term test vehicle has been my personal vehicle since I seized the opportunity to buy it after the test ended. Functionally it's the same JK Jeep Wrangler that's sold today as the 2015 Jeep Wrangler . We don't expect to see a full redesign for a couple of more years, so most of what we learned (and I continue to learn) still applies. Just before it left the fleet it developed a couple of cracked spot welds on the tailgate that creaked and popped on rough roads. The culprit was the oversized spare tire, made up of a 285/70R17 BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tire and AEV/Mopar aluminum wheel. The largest factory wheel and tire weighs about 20 pounds less than this combination, and the JK's factory tailgate-mounted spare tire carrier has an upper limit that we had crossed. And that's why Teraflex devised their Heavy Duty Hinged Carrier. It's designed to carry the load of massive oversized spare tires up to 37" in diameter with the optional Spare Tire Mounting Kit. The nice part about the TeraFlex approach is you don't have to buy a new rear bumper, which is a big cost savings. A new bumper costs upwards of $1,000 before you add any swing-away tire carrier option. It can run into big bucks. So I bought one, brought it home and installed it the very next weekend. 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Edmunds' New Car May 29, 2013 Our long-term 2012 Jeep Wrangler has a new owner, one who frequent readers of this blog may recognize: Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing. 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport: Airing Down with Staun Tire Deflators April 8, 2013 Airing down the tires is the first order of business upon arrival at any rocky trailhead such as those found in and around the town of Moab, Utah. But the average tire gauge doesn't have a dump valve. The slightly nicer dial gauge I own has one, but it's a thumb button that needs to be held down through the entire process. In the past this made for a long, drawn-out ritual as I walked around our 2012 Jeep Wrangler and set each tire one at a time. Large off-road tires contain more air than you think, and it doesn't drain out near as fast as a compressor can shove it in. It can take minutes to let out 10 to 15 psi — times four. I vowed this trip would be different. Before I headed to Utah I stopped at my local four-wheel parts warehouse for some Staun "Tyre Deflators," a particularly useful Australian product. 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport: Off-Road in Moab in Jeep's Jeeps April 5, 2013 The Easter Jeep Safari in Moab is a big deal. Jeeps and Jeepers take over the town for the week, which makes it a natural place for Jeep, the corporation, to wade in and mingle with the Jeep faithful. Once I arrived I participated in some of these Jeep-organized Jeep activities, which means I would park our 2012 Jeep Wrangler while I Jeeped in some of Jeep's Jeeps. 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Running Strong at 30,000 miles March 28, 2013 It happened on the way to Moab for its second visit to the Easter Jeep Safari. Our Jeep's odometer rolled over to 30,000 miles not one mile after I crossed the Utah state line. It's running strong, but so far the combination of 75 mph freeway speed limits, rising elevation and a fierce headwind are not adding up to a new "best tank" in the Jeep's mpg logbook. 2012 Jeep Wrangler: I Dislike Tire Shine Products March 26, 2013 It was 9:00 am when I rolled into the parking lot to meet my friends to start our recent Arizona off-road camping trip. Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler was clean. Too clean. The person that drove it before me took it to the car wash. It was spotless, and for that I am grateful. But the thing that had my buddies pointing and snickering was the liquid black tire shine goo the car wash had lathered onto my BFG rubber. "That's not going to last," was the kindest thing they said. They were right, of course. My wet licorice BFGs did look more than a little ridiculous in the face of 300 miles of dirt and rocks. It's a lot like putting on makeup before heading into a coal mine. Or so I'm told. A Jeep can and should be a little bit dirty. Dusty, at the very least. Extra points for mud, but not too much. 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport: Off-Road Near the Grand Canyon March 21, 2013 There's a lot of unspoiled desert out there, and last weekend a small group of us headed north from Quartzsite, Arizona in three vehicles to explore a decent-sized swath of it. We left the pavement just northeast of Q-site at a wide spot in the road called Bouse, and from there we bumped our way north as far as Meadville and Grand Canyon West. This was expedition-style off-roading. Nothing too technical, but clearance and 4-wheel drive were necessary. A soft-road crossover, especially an AWD one without a lockable center differential, would have stood a good chance of getting stuck in any number of sandy washes and rocky streambeds. I used low range a few times. Anyone who ventures out this way can't be averse to superficial paint and clearcoat scratches because trailside growths of mesquite, creosote bush and palo verde are common along the often-narrow trails that meander across the Arizona backcountry. You could say the Desert Stripe package comes standard at no extra charge. 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Help Me Up, Will Ya? March 19, 2013 Some trucks and SUVs, such as a Ram 1500 have A-pillar-mounted grab handles. These make it a lot easier for shorter drivers and passengers to hoist themselves up and into a high-riding 4WD. The Wrangler provides a grab handle for the passenger, but it's mounted horizontally down on the dash which isn't as handy as being angled and higher up on the A pillar. 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Garaged With Inches to Spare March 15, 2013 Lift kits on Wranglers look cool and of course increase the Jeep's already impressive off-road capabilities. But if you like to keep your vehicles garaged, or have to because there's no driveway and you live where street parking is tough, you may want to do a little homework before you jack up your Jeep. As you may know, we installed the Mopar Pre-Runner suspension kit on our Wrangler which includes a three-inch lift. 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Rookie Off-Roading March 11, 2013 Prior to starting to work for Edmunds, the only time I had spent off-road included a few dirt bikes rides (no jumps), some time on a quad, and a trip to Lake Havasu in college where my buddies and I had ingloriously ran a Jeep Wrangler out of gas. So when an opportunity came up to take our 2012 Jeep Wrangler and leave the pavement behind with a local group of Land Cruiser owners, I jumped at the chance. 2012 Jeep Wrangler: A Piece of Jeep's History March 8, 2013 When I drive our 2012 Jeep Wrangler around town (and especially on trails) it gets a lot of attention. Jeep owners seem to be a particularly passionate group. Drivers in other Wranglers are constantly waving, giving the thumbs up, or taking a closer look at our modifications. Driving the Wrangler also makes me much more aware of other Jeeps and various off-road vehicles around me. 2012 Jeep Wrangler: My Parents-In-Law Bought One February 27, 2013 My wife got a call from her mother yesterday. Apparently she and my father-in-law bought a new car. My wife was a little perplexed. She knew they were thinking about getting one, but per tradition, they hadn't talked to me yet about what they should be looking for. I haven't steered them wrong yet. She knew immediately why they didn't when she found out what it was: a loaded 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2-Door. 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Am I In My Lane? February 26, 2013 When I look at our Jeep Wrangler, I don't feel like it's massive. Next to our Jeep Cherokee it seems relatively normal. Parked in my structure at home it doesn't seem gargantuan. When the Wrangler is stationary, it seems large but not too big to park, commute in, or navigate on normal roads. The size dynamics of the Wrangler change dramatically the moment you drive it. It's high up, difficult to see out of in traffic and has aftermarket tires that are wider than the body. Is this all an illusion or am I running over curbs, fire hydrants and small woodland creatures everywhere I go? 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Needs Proper Gearing February 21, 2013 Given our Wrangler's huge tires there's no need to ever use sixth gear. At 70 mph in sixth the Pentastar V6 is turning over only about 1,850 revolutions per minute. And that's just not enough to pull even the slightest hill. Even a medium crosswind will trigger the need for a downshift. Fifth gear is only turning about 2,350 rpm at the same speed and that's a usable engine speed. 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Earned Its Stripes February 5, 2013 The same way a kid isn't a ball player until he's taken a fastball to the ribs, a Wrangler isn't a Jeep until it's cracked its windshield. Our Wrangler has proven itself a Jeep multiple times during its stay with us. This growing crack (nearly spanning the length of the glass) only solidifies it. Dan Frio, Automotive Editor @ 25,706 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Wants to Be Wild January 28, 2013 I've got this neighbor, really nice guy, works in IT. He must stress, because I often see him outside having some nicotine when I drive in for the evening. We always get to talking about whatever car I'm in. "I've always wanted a Jeep," he said the other night when I drove up in the Wrangler. "Maybe not as aggressive as this, but a Jeep. A Wrangler, specifically." He doesn't have any need for the winch, nor our beastly tires. But he likes the look and more so, the purpose of a Jeep. I told him ours was horrible to drive on the freeway, floaty with steering that feels continentally wide. Jacquot says he feels the clutch slipping too. I didn't notice that, but my mechanical senses are nowhere near as keen. But, bad as the Wrangler might be for commuting, I like how it kinda keeps you on edge buffeting down the highway. It's not a relaxing drive, but it's good to drive something that keeps you fully engaged now and then. In the Wrangler's case, it just reinforces the notion that this car is built from the factory, and now especially under the guiding hand of Dan E, is made for the wild. It just wants to be out there, and rewards you for being out there. My way of coping is just getting up on the Pentastar hard, then easing off into the right lanes and parking it there for the duration of the drive home. People see a blacked-out Wrangler perched up high and they treat it like a VW Bus. You don't need to stress. They'll find a way around you. Dan Frio, Automotive Editor @ 25,800 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Washboard Abuse January 24, 2013 Hundreds of miles of washboard roads can take its toll. In the recent trip crisscrossing the Panamint and Saline Valleys (and eventually ending up in Death Valley) the 2012 Jeep Wrangler handled it easily, but with two minor hiccups. January 23, 2013 Los Angeles, Sacramento, Reno, Virginia City, Bishop, Panamint Springs, Death Valley and back home. The 2012 Jeep Wrangler wouldn't be considered much of a road trip vehicle, but with two dogs and two adults it fit the bill. The back seat was removed to help with canine and cargo space. With a smartphone/iPod hooked up to the aux we were off. 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Last Chance Canyon January 22, 2013 The Sunday trip was set and we were off. Last Chance was the destination and we made good time getting there. This particular area is south of one my other favorites, Jawbone, where I spent countless weekends trying to ride MX bikes that were way too tall for me as a kid. Last Chance Canyon is a beautiful remote canyon within Red Rock Canyon State Park. Not exactly the most hardcore wheeling, but it's spectacular and there's a lot more than just rocks and sand. The name Last Chance is generally associated with explorers and prospectors who finally found water as time was running out via dehydration. 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport: Which Tire Pressure Gauge is Correct? January 10, 2013 It was cold, and the tire pressures had recently been dropped on purpose for some light off-roading. It was therefore understandable that the TPMS light had winked on, but I still needed to check and make sure one of them wasn't leaking. The Wrangler's TPMS system is of the dumb variety, in that it doesn't display the actual pressures on the dash like some others. So I grabbed a tire pressure gauge out of my toolbox. None of them were lower than any of the others, so I wasn't facing any sort of leak. For fun I decided to grab a couple of other gauges I had lying around. As you can see, three out of three tire pressure gauges don't agree. Can you guess which one was correct? 2012 Jeep Wrangler: I Liked the Post Office Special November 09, 2012 Let's not confuse things, I really do like our Jeep in its current state of not-too-extreme tune and I'm head-over-heels for the wheel/tire package.  Unfortunately, I don't want to own it.  When we first got our Jeep it was a revelation. It was pure, simple, uncomplicated and a thrill to drive. It didn't steer particularly well, but it was way, way faster than it needed to be and the traction control wasn't as grabby as it is now. You could get rubber in second gear. It looked kind of stupid with the 16-by-7 inch wheels with P225/75R16 tires, but it wasn't supposed to. The tires were meaty enough to survive obstacles, quiet enough to be tolerable on the highway and cheap enough to reasonably exist on a $23,000 Jeep.  Our tweaked Jeep is extremely capable. So is a stock Wrangler. The way our Jeep currently sits is pretty rad (and about 250 pounds-- excluding new bumper and winch-- heavier), but I'd have been perfectly happy keeping this one stock.  Okay, maybe I'd add the blacked out wheels.  Mike Magrath, Features Editor November 08, 2012 Following the jump is some additional video I shot earlier this week on the trail. Without being able to see the whole picture, it sure looks like I spent a lot of time needlessly hugging the left side of the trail. But this is a narrow road descending a very steep hill with a big drop to the right. Keeping left mattered. Josh Jacquot, Senior editor  2012 Jeep Wrangler: Off Road With Company November 07, 2012 Here's the best thing about off roading: Having something old and tired is better in many ways than having something new and shiny. My friend Tani's 1994 Toyota Pickup is old and tired. And awesome. He joined us on yesterday's adventure and, on some terrain, embarrassed the Wrangler. With a solid-axle front suspension conversion, a dual transfer case and a rear locker, the Toyota's off-road abilities are not to be taken lightly. It idled through rock beds and up hills that made the Wrangler -- with its front stabilizer bar still connected -- struggle. Also, I'm pretty sure Tani wasn't worrying about his paint. Josh Jacquot, Senior editor 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Off-Road With On-Board Video November 06, 2012 Here's a little point-of-view action from the Wrangler shot with a cool little iPhone case I'll tell you all about. Went back to the usual spot, but forgot the tools to disconnect the front stabilizer bar. The above video is the same small climb you can see in the first video in this post . Here, with the bar connected, it's a problem. Enough so, in fact, that it required a second attempt. We did all of today's session with the bar connected and it made obvious the importance of axle articulation and limited-slip diffs -- in that order. Next time I'll remember the tools. This is our first try at shooting anything with the Igloo Case -- a protective sheath for an iPhone 4, 4s or 5. Coupled with a suction cup mount it makes some pretty engaging video. The I gloo Case was cooked up by car guys and it works well in this kind of application. Recording can be triggered by a Bluetooth headset so you don't have to open the case. Josh Jacquot, Senior editor   2012 Jeep Wrangler: Tantrum Maker October 29, 2012 This was back when it was all going well. I drove our Jeep for two of the last three weeks. As you've likely seen, it went everywhere from our local off-road trails to some mild fire-road hustling out in Big Bear. I also, hauled this one to pre-school on several occassions. Everything was going just fine until I gave it back last week. That's when she had a fit. She wants the Jeep back. So do I. October 26, 2012   You might have noticed that our Wrangler is still in the fleet even though we've had it for more than year now. Since we own it, we're free to keep it longer if we choose to (unlike the manufacturer-sourced cars that typically have to be returned after 12 months). While nothing is official, I believe there's interest from Mr. Oldham in keeping it longer so that we can continue to mod it and do a few more off-road excursions. Sounds good to me. The Wrangler continues to be one of my favorite vehicles we have right now. Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor 2012 Jeep Wrangler: It's Getting Wet October 16, 2012 So about half way through last week's off-road adventure it started raining. Normally, this would be a welcome change, but we were about 1,000 feet into a surprising long, surprisingly steep climb that would eventually dead end. Of course, we weren't certain of this at the time so we soldiered on. In the rain. Honestly, I was more concerned about getting back down this hill once it became slick than I was about continuing up, which, you'll notice, wasn't a problem for the Wrangler. I shot this video from the spot the dead end a few thousand feet above where we started. Josh Jacquot, Senior editor 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Up The Hill October 15, 2012 During last week's off-road adventure , we found a big hill to climb. A really big hill. In most of the world it would be a mountain. Click through for a few minutes of in-car footage with Monti on color commentary. Again, the video just doesn't do the angles and the terrain justice, which is a shame because the stuff this Jeep will climb with ease is truly stunning for us off-roading novices. Yes, the windshield is cracked. No, we didn't do it on this adventure. Josh Jacquot, Senior editor 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Light Foot October 14, 2012 After a few minutes of driving up loose dirt hills last week I realized that it is possible, in fact, to tread lightly. Here's a video of the Jeep climbing a very loose, very steep hill with stunning ease. It also happens to be a video of me not screwing it up with a -- wait for it -- heavy foot. Like I said...easy. 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Off-Road Video For Wussies October 12, 2012 Yesterday Mike Monticello and I made many short off-road videos of the Wrangler. I learned from this experience that the feats that feel absolutely stupid inside the Jeep look absolutely timid from the outside. Especially on video. Also, here's a good shot of the axle articulation available with the stabilizer bar disconnected. And, yes, we need quick disonnects so we don't have to deal with Monti's shoelaces anymore. So if you want to see some solid video work (and commentary) by Monti combined with some not-so-hard-to-tackle terrain for the Jeep go ahead and hit the jump.   OK, so this is before I learned that the Wrangler will essentially idle up this kind of loose hill. My foot gets lighter in upcoming videos. Even so, I'm no Tim Cameron . Josh Jacquot, Senior editor October 10, 2012 The 2012 Jeep Wrangler parked next to a Sequoia. Last night I took our modified Jeep home. Something I've been reluctant to do, especially during rush hour. I've never been a fan of its long throws and the fact that I have to push my seat up against the steering wheel so my short legs can work the pedals. But add to that it's now easier than ever to stall. Why's that? Because of those huge tires. The gearing is taller now so a driver has to nearly slip the clutch to prevent the car from stalling. I stalled it twice yesterday. Another downside to those tires? Without the benefit of a step (or a good running jump), short people or those with bad joints struggle to climb in. Not really a great city car, but I'm sure it's just perfect out in the wild. Caroline Pardilla, Deputy Managing Editor 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Installing the Bikini Top October 9, 2012 It was last November when I thought it would be cool to install a bikini top on our Jeep Wrangler. So I went out and bought one. It's so long ago now I not even sure I remember how much it cost, but I think it was about $150 with the installation kit.  And since November it sat in its box in a closet. The excuses were numerous; too rainy, too cold, too hot, not good for road trips, not good for the freeway, no way to lock the car, etc.  Well, this past Saturday morning I said the heck with it and installed the sucker. And on Sunday afternoon I realized it was useless and uninstalled it.  Although the top installed easily with a handfull of supplied straps that secure it to the Jeep's roll bar, after a couple of days of driving the abbreviated top just seemed pointless. First of all it only covered the front seats, so there was still no sun or wind protection for my kids in the back. Worse than that, from the driver's seat it felt like the Jeep's full size top was still in place. I was getting absolutely zero convertible experience.  In other words, I was bored up front and my kids were still complaining about the sun and wind in the back seat. Like I said, pointless. The bikini top now sits rolled up on my garage floor. Lesson learned. Scott Oldham, Editor in Chief @ 20,555 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Siren Song August 31, 2012 It wasn't that loud at first, but in recent days our 2012 Jeep Wrangler's whining accessory drive noise has become unbearable. At this point it sounds like an electric car with open headers. A serpentine belt at the front of the Pentastar V6 drives the air conditioning compressor, the power steering pump and the alternator. Probably a water pump in there, too, and I'm sure there's and idler pulley and a tensioner. It could be the bearings of any of those. For the moment I'm ruling out the A/C and the steering, because the noise doesn't change as those devices apply their variable loads to the system. I'm betting on alternator, based on the fact that the location of the alternator and the noise are pretty much the same. We're still under warranty, so I'm off to the dealer to let someone else handle it. No point in a DIY when a presumably free repair is waiting there. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 19,705 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: That's Why August 21, 2012 I haven't taken our Project Jeep off road. And while I have my fair share of reasons as to why I haven't, the first, and foremost among them is, I have no experience driving the low speed technical trails that our Jeep has been built to handle. As a matter of fact, my off road driving experience has been limited to a 20 something year old Camry on groomed gravel roads. I've understandably left that off my driving CV. So what? What's the worst that could happen? It's remarkably free of swearing, but there is a fair bit of screaming. And, it should show you EXACTLY why I'm hesitant to do anything remotely techincal in our Jeep. Oh sure, it might get me a few good blogs, but it would also get me a pink slip. Also, the dog at ten seconds in is undoubtably the smartest thing in the video. Kurt Niebuhr, Photo Editor @ 19,376 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Putting the Top Up In Time August 13, 2012 This weekend I used our long-term Jeep Wrangler as God and my Golden Retriever intended, with its top down. It was three days of roofless bliss. Last night I had to reassemble the puzzle, and I did so in a personal best time of just over eleven minutes. Yes, I timed myself. Not bad, but I'm sure I can do better. Parking the Jeep on the steep incline of my driveway was not a good idea. I think it's a five minute job with practice and determination. Scott Oldham, Editor in Chief @ 19,106 miles "So have you actually used a winch before?" "Hey, do you have a portable air compressor we can take? Mine's broken." "Dang, my water bag is leaking." "Crap, I forgot the wrenches for the stabilizer bar disconnect." These are a few quotes from my off-road trip in the Jeep last week. While I knew I wasn't driving a particularly hard trail, it was also obvious that I wasn't as prepared as I should be. My friend and I brought extra food and water and some basic camping gear, but we didn't have any extra tools or equipment. I suppose this was mostly because I'm not a true off-roader guy; I just get to pretend while I drive our long-term Jeep for a couple weeks. After the trip, I did some research about the things off-roaders typically bring along. A selective list of gear follows. Feel free to chime in with other suggestions. Trail jack. This is the big jack that's very common for off-roading. The Hi-Lift brand is pretty popular. It's impressively versatile and can be used for jacking and lifting a vehicle as well as winching. Tools. You can't bring everything, but the essentials are worthwhile. Spare parts for your vehicle. Typically the stuff that breaks, like axleshafts, tie-rod ends and U-joints. Extra fuses, hoses and clamps are also a good idea. Rain gear/overnight camping gear. For when you're really stuck and have to stay longer than expected. Extra food and water. Same as the reason for rain and camping gear. Flashlight. A headlamp will allow you to work with both hands. Gloves. For when you need to make repairs. Recovery kit. To assist with winching. Snatch block, tree trunk protector, shackles. Tow rope Pull-Pal . Used as an anchor point for winching when nothing else is available. First Aid kit August 06, 2012   Driving our long-term Wrangler around makes me want to buy one. It'd be quite the impractical purchase, and for now I have more important budgetary things to worry about than another motorized toy. But down the road? For sure. Yet I wonder what year of Jeep Wrangler I'd end up with. A 2012 Wrangler would certainly tempting. It's fresh, it's got the new V6 engine and I like the look of the latest generation (JK) best. But it's also prohibitively new-car expensive. How much money would be left over for mods, and would I really be willing to risk wheelin' my new ride? So maybe I'd look at slightly used Jeep, but still a JK. But now I'm stuck with the sucky 3.8-liter engine and a price that could still be uncomfortable. Alright. Perhaps I'd go even older, say the TJ generation ('97 to '06). More affordable, certainly, giving me more money to spend on mods (or maybe the previous owner already modded it.) I'd probably be less worried about damage on the trail. But, it is an older Jeep. It'd be less useful for daily use, certainly, nor would there be a four-door option. If you were going to buy a Wrangler, what year or generation would you get? Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor @ 18,724 miles August 03, 2012   Have Jeep, will travel. I've had our Wrangler for more than a week and figured it would be an injustice if I didn't let it play in the dirt at some point. So yesterday I convinced a friend of mine on his day off to head up into the mountains with me for some wheeling. After doing some research, we chose the Bald Mountain OHV route near Shaver Lake, Calif., as it sounded like it'd be a good fit -- not too hard (a good thing considering my novice off-roading skills) but still hard enough that you probably want a modified vehicle and be challenged. And once you're at the top of the mountain, there are some impressive views of the surrounding lands from an abandoned fire lookout tower. Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor  August 01, 2012   It used to be that most SUVs and trucks came with solid-axle front suspensions. Then, slowly, independent front suspensions (IFS) became more prominent. It makes complete sense, of course. With IFS, you get less unsprung mass, better packaging and a superior ride quality. For the way the majority of people use their SUVs, IFS is the way to go. But I'm glad the Wrangler, with its old-school solid front axle, is a glaring hold-out. Other than the heavy-duty Ford and Ram trucks (and the Mercedes G-Class), it's the only vehicle left with a solid front axle. For off-roaders who like slow-speed rock-crawling, a solid front axle is considered more robust and better suited to handle the greater stresses occurred when running big off-road tires. There are also fewer parts to wear out and typically simpler steering. There are even a lot of aftermarket companies these days that offer kits to convert IFS trucks and SUVs back to "low-tech" solid axle suspensions. If there's ever a day in the future when Jeep decides to give the Wrangler an IFS, it's the day I decide the Wrangler's no longer a Wrangler. Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor Also, Dan Edmunds wrote a cool post with his thoughts comparing our Wrangler build versus a stock Wrangler Rubicon . Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor @ 18,411 miles  2012 Jeep Wrangler: Murdered July 26, 2012 The other day while cruising down the mean and treacherous streets of Beverly Hills (or was it Beverly Hills adjacent? I forget), I spotted this murdered-out Jeep Wrangler giving off serious gangsta attitude as its driver sipped on an overpriced latte. What do you think? Better in matte? Warren Clarke, Automotive Content Editor 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Dwarfed July 25, 2012 OK, maybe not exactly dwarfed. But the mostly-stock '01 Cherokee sure looks pretty scrawny next to the significantly not-stock '12 Wrangler. Three-inch lift, 33-inch tires, Superwinch - our Wrangler is clearly the younger, tougher jock in this scenario. No matter. The Cherokee hauls drums, gets muddy when the rains and snow come, and spends most weekend afternoons in the beach lot watching fit wahines slip into their wetsuits. It's a crafty role player. You can keep your Natty Light and boulder-humping, buddy. We'll be over here by the bar.  Dan Frio, Automotive Editor July 16, 2012   Ocotillo Wells sees very little rain. On average just 3.69 inches of the stuff falls all year long, spread over the 15 rare days when measurable amounts are observed and recorded. In reality the bulk of that falls during 4 or 5 days, and a good chunk of the total comes down in the form of "monsoon" events, mid-to-late summer thunderstorms that boil up throughout the day before drenching the landscape in late afternoon. Sharp-eyed desert veterans will notice that the sand here in San Felipe Wash is much damper and firmer than its usual silty self -- our 2012 Jeep Wrangler is not sinking into it one bit. And then there are the thunderclouds, wannabee echos of the ones that spawned heavy rain and flash floods the day before my visit. It was still humid and swampy when I arrived, but no one was saying, "yeah, but it's a dry heat," like they were three or four days previous, when the weather report talked of 121 degrees (with a wind chill "feels like" temperature of 120 F) and 11 percent humidity. And so I found myself doing a most ironical thing in our 2012 Jeep Wrangler: mudding in the desert. It may not look like much, but persistent flowing water in Tarantula wash some 18 hours after the rain let up suggests one helluva storm. Nearby highway 78 was closed several hours while road crews scraped rocks and mud from the asphalt overnight. Shell Reef Expressway, a "main" artery in Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area is usually covered with deep silty whoop-de-doos. But it's now a pond in some places, a mud bog in others and burnished smooth everywhere else. To follow the road I had to play connect the dots with signposts. I never had to use our Superwinch, but then again I was just one vehicle with no one and no thing to hook it up to, so I played it safe. This was after all, a post-storm desert sightseeing trip. The Jeep's door handles make excellent mud collection devices. Squish. OK, so this ain't Mississippi. But I still fed $5 worth of quarters into the high pressure wand at the local DIY car wash to make it presentable again (one could argue it's just getting presentable now,) and even at that I ran out of coin before the job was 100 percent done. The stuff was much more like cement than the easily-dissolved sandstone I picked up in Moab, and presenty there are still a couple of persistent hunks of desert hidden up in the fenderwells that should crumble back into sand in the coming days. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 17.985 miles  2012 Jeep Wrangler: Urban Apocolypse II July 10, 2012 Recently comrade James Riswick wrote that if the shizzle hit the proverbial fan, he hopes he'll be driving our Project Jeep Wrangler. I kindly disagree. Not that I hope I have the Jeep that day and he doesn't, but rather if we're talking fantasy land there is another vehicle I'd much rather have. There are two vehicles that would come before our Wrangler on my short list. We're talking a post-apocalyptic fantasy land, right? I mean, we watch movies where the cast of 30-somethings are supposed to be believable high schoolers, right? We can bend the rules a bit and not stress the details here. I figure if you're gonna blast your way out of a city filled with zombies, might as well do it in proper style. Reader ed341 said it in response to James' post before I could remember the official name of it: the 2010 Holland & Holland Land Rover by Overland. There is something to be said about rolling in a 503 horsepower, piano black luxo-death machine packing custom luggage, a bar, and matched shotguns. You might not get the free booze refill offered if your first year happens to be post-apocalyptic, however. If not the H&H Land Rover, then the recently debuted 2012 Land Rover Defender Xtech Special Edition. Just looking at them I can imagine the Molotov cocktails thrown by irradiated punks bouncing off the sides. The well known capabilities of the Defender will help you traverse the pile of rubble where your local mini-mall once stood while searching for supplies. Powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine, the Defender comes in 90 and 110 body styles, thus giving you flexibility to accommodate the number of survivors that made it to your bunker. These Land Rovers might not be the most practical for an E.L.E, but damn if I'm going down without keeping my head held high. And if they aren't available, I won't turn my nose up to our Wrangler either. When there is a horde of zombies bearing down on you, beggars can't be choosers, right? What factory vehicle would you ride into the end of time? Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography July 10, 2012   When SkyNet, the Eastern Coalition or whatever those ID4 aliens were called come to destroy us all, I certainly hope I'm driving our Wrangler that day. I mean, just look at the thing. The tires, the suspension, the winch. I'm sure Takahashi could provide some sort of rifle to mount on the roll cage to fend off the anarchic horde as we flee into the hills. Now, I can't know for sure since the Chrysler specs didn't specify, but I'm doubting the roof is radiation proof so that's one downside. So when the time comes, I really hope our beefed up Wrangler will be ready, because otherwise, it'll mean this interim period of driving such an absurdly cumbersome beast was all for naught. Seriously, kudos to anyone who drives such a thing every day in a place where people outnumber cattle. James Riswick, Automotive Editor 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Low Brow Adventure June 25, 2012 Dan installed a mean bumper. Then he stacked on a Superwinch. Including the lift/suspension upgrade that he installed a few months ago, our Jeep has transformed from you basic base model into a capable dirt machine. So what did I do to celebrate this machine's metamorphosis? I went to a backyard crawfish boil in wilds of Hollywood. The Jeep wasn't completely wasted on such an endeavor, I came prepared. I packed my cot tent, sleeping bag and inflatable air mattress to camp out in the backyard. I knew that in the midst of this Louisianian smorgasbord there would be a whole lotta beers and cigars. I wasn't going anywhere after. But in all seriousness, this Jeep is a new beast. You can tell there is a lot of weight out front when you're behind the wheel. The weight has tempered the bouncy nature of the big tires. In addition, Dan lowered the air pressure all around to help out even more. Now it's pretty comfortable to drive through all the pot holes and over the cracks of Los Angeles. Driving a black-ops cocktail shaker is a thing of the past. Now is about the time to really try this thing out in the wilds of... the wilds. Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography June 22, 2012   Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler received its new Superwinch Talon 9.5 SR winch mere hours after the Expedition One front bumper was installed . Basically, Scott and I drove it out the door for the "bumper done" shot, then rolled it straight back in for the Superwinch installation. Installation was easy thanks to a commodious and well-designed winch platform by Expedition One. The Superwinch Talon fits with room to spare, and I think it looks great up there. I especially like how it's partially hidden and protected, with a generous portion of spool visible up top for a clear view of what the rope is doing. Full blow-by blow phots next week, but for now I want to mark it as done so others can post photos of the Wrangler if they take it out somewhere. Until then, here's a trivia question. Please promise me you won't play if you read my Facebook posts on the topic: What feature-length film features off road humor, including a prominent winch joke scene? Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 16,739 miles June 18, 2012   You already know the end of this story because last week we posted a couple of sneak peek photos that show our 2012 Jeep Wrangler wearing its brand new Expedition One Trail Series front bumper. Complete with a black powder coat finish like you see here, their JK Trail Series front bumper goes for $1,109.95 -- with the hoop. Our hoopless version was $1,059.95 -- just $50 less. We went this route for two reasons: 1) I like the hoopless look and; 2) the more popular hooped version was on a 3-week back order. Slice $80 off either price if you want to do without the black powder coating and apply your own finish.   What follows is a description of the installation process, with photographs by our own Scott Jacobs. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 16,392 miles  2012 Jeep Wrangler: Out With the Old June 14, 2012 I think we can say that most Wrangler owners would not mod their Jeep like we have. Obviously there are those who go over the top and create monsters, but I think what we are doing looks pretty tough. You can see the path we are taking with our Jeep. Would you upgrade, just buy a Rubicon, or keep it stock? If you could make upgrades, what would your mod-list be? I can tell you that I'm itching to take this out for another weekend in the hills. The last time I took our Jeep out, it was bone stock. I'm curious about the difference in feel/capability. Look, even my dog wants to roll! Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography June 12, 2012   Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler has a new front bumper, and it's a beaut. It's made by Expedition One , an off-road bumper manufacturer doing business out of Ogden, Utah. This is their Trail Series front bumper, and I decided to go with the hoopless look. A little more of the grille shows, a little less airflow gets blocked (theoretically, anyway,) and I generally like the way it looks. Of course they'll gladly make you one the other way, too, if that's your thing. The installation preocess was very simple, and thanks to good engineering on Expedition One's part it fits pretty much perfectly with no horsing around to get the ten mounting bolts lined up. It went on centered and level with no adjustment necessary on my part. And it's a good-looking piece behind the scenes, too. There are finger pockets built in where you can't see them that act as hand holds during installation. There are wrench cutouts that allow access to the back side of certain nuts. The main attachment nuts are paired up in dogbone brackets make it easy to tighten the bolts without the need of a backing wrench on the blind side. They really did their homework, and the result is a pretty staightforward DIY installation. The only difficulty I ran into had little to do with the bumper itself and everything to do with changes made to the JK Wrangler for 2012. For some inexplicable reason Jeep relocated a vacuum pump to a spot right behind the stock bumper that is prized by aftermarket bumper and winch makers. It wasn't there pre-2012, and over the last few years quite a few parts makers have moved into that open space and made use of it. I spent the bulk of my time cutting off a bracket and installing a relocation kit that Expedition One supplied along with their bumper. It's a non-issue on earlier JK Jeeps, but I can't help thinking this is something that should have never happened on the 2012 JK in the first place. You'll be able to see all that was involved in the bumper installation and vacuum pump relocation in a few days because Scott Jacobs was peering over my shoulder with his trusty camera the whole time. Stay tuned. And you know what comes after that, right? Yep, I now have a platform onto which I can bolt our waiting  Superwinch . Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 16,392 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Hill Assist June 12, 2012 In my life before Edmunds, I lived in San Francisco, a.k.a. Burnt Clutch City. Once you got the technique down to do a start on a steep hill with a manual, it wasn't that big of a deal. But it was still stressful. Especially when you couldn't see beyond the crest of the hill where the stop is or if someone is sitting right on your rear bumper. I currently live in a part of Los Angeles that has a lot of rolling hills. Nothing like Seattle of SF, but enough of a pucker factor that the Hill Start feature of our Wrangler is greatly appreciated. Granted I know this is mean for starting out on some steep rocky trail, but this has become my new fav feature of the Jeep. This is especially true since I noticed the parking brake, a key part of my manual hill start style, is fairly weak unless at full lock. According to Jeep, "Hill start assist helps when starting from a stop on a hill by maintaining the level of brake pressure applied for a short period after the driver's foot is removed from the brake pedal." However the engineering voodoo works is cool with me. Just as long I don't roll too far back and smack the bumper of that tailgating jerk in the SLK. Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Whac-A-Mole. Or Hand. June 11, 2012 With the lift, our Jeep is a little more bouncy. It's not that I'm looking for bumps or cracks in the pavement, it just lets you know every detail of the street. One side effect, something I noticed when our Wrangler wasn't lifted, has been enhanced. The shifter swings around like crazy, like a batter waiting for a pitch. Once, when I was reaching for it without looking, it smacked my hand pretty forcefully. Having a shifter that fights back isn't so great. I guess the advice I'd give for my fellow Wrangler drivers would be to be more wary and not to ride so slack legged when in cruise, lest you want a bruised knee cap. Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography 2012 Jeep Wrangler: I'd Rather Be... June 07, 2012 Ah, the morning commute. Twenty miles through the heart of Los Angeles can be maddening, but this time I'm in our Wrangler and my mind starts to drift... Noisy tires, lane wander, creaks and squeaks don't bother me at all. Crank windows? Who cares. I'm taken to my happy place. I'm not thinking about getting from point A to B. I want point C. A place where no phones work and everything slows. Dirt. Rocks. Creosote Bushes.  A BLM Zen Garden. That's where the Jeep shines and that's where I want to be. Hopefully I can get this thing dirty soon - at least for my sanity. John Adolph, Senior Multimedia Editor @ 16124 miles May 28, 2012   Our shipping and receiving room was overwhelmed by a bulky package that arrived for our 2012 Jeep Wrangler, so Mike and I headed upstairs to claim it. The sheer size of the thing and the Expedition One logo on the box tells me it contains our Jeep's new front bumper. Expedition One is an Ogden, Utah-based company that makes nice-looking and well constructed bumpers and selected suspension components for Jeeps, Toyotas and Big-3 pickups. I like the look of the Trail Series JK bumper, which you can see for yourself by clicking on the third carousel image here .  The one in the box is the same as the one pictured on the blue Rubicon, except it doesn't have the hoop above the lights. And I know for a fact that our new Superwinch Talon will fit because the winch in the picture is the same one I have waiting on a shelf. Things are going to get busy in the next couple weeks. DIY installations of U-Connect, this Expedition One bumper and the Superwinch have all landed on my plate at nearly the same time. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 15,962 miles   2012 Jeep Wrangler: Downside to the BFGs May 25, 2012 We are really digging the BFGs on our 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The other week, while securing the lugnuts, we noticed something. There is a potential downside to these big tires. It certainly isn't a deal-breaker, but it does require some extra care. Can you figure it out? Take the jump for a better angle... Notice the angle of the torque wrench. It isn't straight. Standard deep sockets don't quite work with this wrench. A breaker bar with a pivoting head fits better. Luckliy for us we already had the right tools. But an upgrade to larger tires could require an upgrade to your toolbox. Be prepared. Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager May 15, 2012   Here's the winch that will soon grace the front of our 2012 Jeep Wrangler. It's a Superwinch with 9,500-lb capacity, and it goes by the code name Talon 9.5iSR. If you hadn't guessed already the "SR" stands for synthetic rope. A traditional steel cable version is also available. Some one asked me how much weight one of these adds to the front bumper. Good question. My trusty bathroom scale tells the tale: 57.2 pounds. The 80-foot length of 3/8-inch synthetic rope weighs just 3.2 pounds and brings the total up to 60.4 pounds. Interestingly, that's about 25 pounds less than the steel cable model, the 9.5i.  Add in four mounting bolts, the steel hook at the end of the rope and the fairlead we saw before and we're talking in the neighborhood of 65 pounds of added bumper weight. Superwinch specs claim a 67-pound installed weight for the synthetic rope model, but I'm thinking that includes the remote control unit that lives in the glove box until needed. The synthetic rope, incidentally, has an average strength of 19,600 pounds and a minimum strength of 17,600 pounds -- we're more than covered. Beyond that, the Talon 9.5iSR's electric motor puts out 5.2 horsepower, its solenoid is submersible and there's a gear reduction of 148-to-1 between the motor and the spool. They get $1,602 for one of these, and for that you get lifetime mechanical and three-year electrcial warranty coverage. The steel cable version is cheaper by just under $500. Figuring out which winch fits which bumper is not something you can easily look up on a website. Turns out the bumper makers don't necessarily keep abreast of every winch out there, which is odd considering their symbiotic relationship. The 10-by-4.5-inch mounting hole spacing is standard, but housings and such vary. So I made a few measurements. Looking at this again I see that I missed an important one. At this point I've narrowed my bumper choices down to two or three that I like and now I'm simply trying to find the right price, availability (at least one is back-ordered) and confirm winch clearance dimensions. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 15,583 miles   May 10, 2012   Last Saturday at 6:00 am: I'm sitting in a left turn lane waiting to enter Interstate 5 on my way south to San Diego. I'm driving our 2012 Jeep Wrangler down to Mt. Laguna for a day of hiking. Taking another sip of much-needed coffee, I hear the distinctive too-cheerful-for-this-hour (or any hour) squeak that can only be a small car's horn. I turn to see a guy to my right in a black Prius with Solar USA stickers (or equivalent) on the door, and he's motioning me to roll my window down. Our Jeep actually has crank windows, so his gesture makes perfect sense. "Really?" I think to myself "You're going to try and sell me solar panels NOW?" Thankfully, I am mistaken. "Are those AEV wheels?" he asks. "Did he really just say that?" I say to myself. Then, out loud, "Yes, they are. Mopar sells them now, too." "Nice Fox shocks," he adds, pointing at the be-stickered remote reservoir that sits at his eye level in the Jeep's right front wheel well. Before I can ask him what kind of Jeep he has the light turns green and we both reluctantly start moving because of cars behind. He roars, after a fashion, down the onramp in the lane next to me, but our Jeep's lousy gearing and oversized BFG tires make it impossible to keep up. Yes, our Jeep was beaten by a Prius, but I was not bested by a Prius driver, apparently. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 15,353 miles  2012 Jeep Wrangler: Topless in the Rain May 05, 2012 I was driving our 2012 Jeep Wrangler a few weeks ago during a Southern California storm of the ages. In these parts, a storm of the ages makes headline news for days. Yet the actual measure of precipitation from these outbursts ranks closer to a casual sneeze than a deluge. We just don't get a lot of rain around here. And maybe that is why, driving down the 405 freeway, I see this guy. For the sake of argument we're going to call it an Isuzu Amigo. Did he not hear the reports? Did he ignore them like the rest of us? Or did he not have a choice in the matter? Regardless, he's all wet now. For almost 30 miles I followed this Amigo in traffic. I passed him. He passed me. Every time I saw the driver and his front seat passenger they were laughing. I had to laugh too. It was a good break from the stress that is rush-hour in the rain. Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager @ 15,010 miles May 04, 2012   Do you know what today is? Yes, that's right, it's Star Wars Day! I'll be filling this blog wih pointless, but hopefully entertaining posts throughout the afternoon. First up: The Jeep Wrangler AT-ST. Yes, it's true, there is simply some terrain that even our rugged Wrangler can't conquer. And when Mr. Takahashi has a hunger for some slow-roasted Ewok, you can bet some new Jeep mods are in store. So we headed over to Toshi Station for some radically different suspension bits. While I was there, I also grabbed a few power converters, of course. After a few days on our Rotary lift and some special order parts that were smuggled, I mean, lawfully purchased, the Jeep was ready for action. It worked so well, I think I'll keep it this way until Gungan season starts up. Sushi, anyone? Admiral Mark Takahashi, Starcruiser Editor @ 7.823308704e-10 parsec May 03, 2012   Back in the late 1990s, I used to do quite a bit of rock climbing. In the intervening years, other hobbies and activities have pushed climbing off to the side. Just recently, however, my girlfriend found a Groupon for a month's membership at a local indoor rock gym. It just so happens, that it was also the same gym I used to frequent oh so long ago. What better vehicle to show up in than our long-term Jeep? But I didn't just sign out the Wrangler to appear to be a rugged outdoorsman. I hadn't driven the Jeep since Dan completed all of the modifications. I must admit, it's better than it was in stock form. My biggest complaint in the past was the amount of driveline lash and lurchy nature when changing speeds. All of that is gone now. The stiffer suspension now keeps the Jeep flatter under acceleration and braking. Dare I say, I like the Jeep now. Once our month-long membership at Rockreation is up, we're planning on heading up to Joshua Tree to do some real climbing (thanks to yet another Groupon). You better believe I'm taking the Jeep out for that. Mark Takahashi, Automotive Editor @ 15,120 miles   It's true that you sit pretty high in our Jeep Wrangler these days. But it's not true that when you look down the people look like ants on the ground and oxygen masks drop from the ceiling every time you roll over a speed bump in a parking lot.  Actually, it's more like being on top of a Ferris wheel, and my breathing is just fine aside from a certain shortness of breath over said speed bumps. But it is true that you look down on the window at the drive-thru, and I'm reminded of the Hummer H2 in the technique required to get a Coke through the open window. Forget about the keypad at the bank drive-thru, though. So there are some consequences to the Dan Edmunds makeover. The Wrangler is kind of like a street-legal track car now. It's not so bad to drive, really. The engine and gearbox are brilliant, and the squirming from the rock-crawler tires is fairly manageable really. The clutch engagement is a little high, though, plus the chassis winds up like a 1930s baby buggy when you leave the lights, so it takes some care to keep the whole proposition from lurching onto the sidewalk if you make a clumsy getaway. But aside from the fact that getting into the driver seat reminds me of climbing the monkey bars when I was five, the Wrangler is pretty neat. Michael Jordan, Executive Editor, Edmunds.com @ 15,112 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Planet Jeep April 30, 2012 It doesn't look too foreign, but to me, driving our around trail-happy Wrangler puts me completely out of my element. And that doesn't have anything to do with the way it drives. I'm a car guy. More specifically, I'm a sports car guy. That means I've never done any (intentional) off-roading. So I spent most of my time driving the Jeep hoping no one would see me as an interloper. Does that sound dumb? Maybe, but to me, when you drive something so specialized, you're bound to attract the attention of other people dedicated to vehicles like yours. And having to act like I know what I'm talking about when I really don't? Yeah, I don't like that. Now put me in the Miata , and it's a different story. But the Jeep? I might as well be discussing 17th century French literature. I think I need to take this thing to the desert. Kurt Niebuhr, Photo Editor @ 15,062 miles April 26, 2012   Look what the UPS-man dropped off for our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport: It's the Hawse fairlead from a Superwinch Talon 9.5i SR , a 9,500-lb winch that comes highly recommended by a lot of off-road friends and professionals that I trust. I met Zach Bohn and some of the other Superwinch crew at Moab, saw their stuff in action during an impromptu rescue of a dozen ATVs stuck at the bottom of Wipeout Hill and came away convinced.  The rest of the winch is still in the box down at our super-secret test lab, awaiting a bumper on which to mount it. Not all brands of bumper fit all brands of winch, so I need to make inquiries. On that front I'm getting close. We're going with synthetic rope (that's what the "SR" stands for) instead of a steel cable. Many of my off-roading friends swear by it, and I know one person who has been using the same rope -- and he uses his winch a lot -- for over a dozen years. More pictures to come later as we get further into the installation process. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing Shooting a photo of the Wrangler's odometer isn't as easy as it used to be. Took me two miles to click-off a photo this clear. Here's to many more miles of off-roading, bumpy Wrangler. Kelly Toepke, News Editor @ 15,008 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: An Honest Speedometer April 25, 2012 How many times have you seen a 140mph speedometer in a car that couldn't hit 110mph if it was getting dragged by a 747? It's most often a case of simple parts sharing, but it's always amusing to hear drivers who think it's an indication of how fast the car will go. In the case of our Jeep, it's a little different. It probably could top 100mph, but who cares? Unless you're in Baja, this vehicle does not need to be driven over 100mph. Leave all those extra numbers for the Viper. Ed Hellwig, Editor, @ 14,956 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: My Kind of Compact Car April 24, 2012 Put aside all of the Jeep's off-road abilities for a second and consider its credentials as a city car, or truck, or whatever you want to call it. After a weekend of running around on roads that were most often paved, I was continually reminded of how small and nimble the Jeep is when it comes to maneuvering into tight spaces. Credit goes to its 95-inch wheelbase and a turning circle radius of just 34.9 feet. For comparison, a Ford Fiesta's turning circle radius is 34.4 feet. Now, no one from the Sierra Club is likely to pat you on the back for driving a Jeep, but anyone who thinks a proper city car needs to be a compact hatchback hasn't driven a Wrangler lately. Ed Hellwig, Editor, @ 14,921 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Shopping for a Windshield April 23, 2012 This  crack in the windshield of our 2012 Jeep Wrangler is not getting any smaller. We spent a little time shopping replacement windshields at local outlets. You might be surprised by what we found: Remember that our car has the OEM glass, which means there is a Wrangler silhouette in the lower right corner and the Jeep name/grille logo above the rearview mirror. Local Independent Supplier 1: $280 OE, Jeep name logo only $350 OE, both logos $409 plus tax OE, Jeep name logo only Indy 3: Local Jeep Dealership: $459 OE both logos The identical matches are in bold. There is the expected price discrepancy between the dealer and everyone else. But one other thing jumps out right away. These are (relatively) inexpensive windshields. Historically, we have not seen replacements for other long-term cars for any less than $1,000. Then again, there isn't much to this windshield. Now we get to the important questions. Are the in-glass logos worth the extra cash? Would you pay the premium, or choose the cheaper aftermarket options? Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager April 19, 2012   So there I was, driving home across the desert in our 2012 Jeep Wrangler. I was going 70 to 75 mph into a headwind that was blowing at least 25 mph. Probably more. From the Jeep's perspective, the air flowing over it was traveling over 100 mph. As you might imagine, the wind noise was deafening.  The video on the next page shows how the upper flat surface of the hood was oil-canning a bit just behind the windshield tie-down. And check out how much the hood was moving as the rubbery straps that hold it closed were stretching under the strain. The centrally-mounted metal safety catch was never going to let the hood fly open had anything failed, but still. This Jeep is new. I wonder how the hood latch bands hold up after they've dried out after 5 or 6 years in the sun and smog of SoCal. Is it time for the Wrangler to go to a normal hood latch system? And what about the windshield tie down u-bolt and the rubber bumpers that go with it? I saw no JKs with folded windshields in Moab -- the windshield hinge itself is an accessory that's not included with the vehicle. Can these legacy hood protruberances be optional, too, as part of some sort of Heritage Package? If they were, would you buy that option? Would your answers differ for the 4-door? Or does all of this talk represent Jeep blasphemy?   Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 14, 543 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: 30 > 33? April 18, 2012 Last week I posed one of my new favorite videos of all time over on Straightline. It was a Chevy Camaro rolling on horrific set of 32" rims. It was a nightmare. And then one of you lovely readers decided to raise the bar with a Jeep Wrangler Sahara on 30s. We just spent a bunch of time chucking a set of 33" BFG Mud Terrains onto our Jeep. If we'd known this was possible, we might've reconsidered.... (Note: In no way would we ever have considered this. Though, like the Camaro, I've got to drive one of these someday.) Mike Magrath, Features Editor, April 18, 2012   Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler has been back prowling the streets of LA for a couple of days now, but I've only just been able to sit down and summarize its performance in Moab.   The big question is this: Did we do the right thing by buying a Wrangler Sport instead of a Rubicon? I've gone an back and forth on the question in my own head, but after Moab I'm certain: For us, at least, a Wrangler Sport was the right move. The first issue is price, of course. The MSRP of a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport with a manual transmission like ours currently stands at $22,045. The 2-door Rubicon version goes for $29,995, almost $8,000 more. Add about $3,500 to each to get 4-door prices. Lower payments never suck, and a lot can be done with that extra $8,000. A Wrangler Sport owner can spend some of it or none of it, at whatever pace suits their paycheck and priorities. Of course their are interior cabin differences between the two, and the hard top, but I'm focusing on off-road equipment, the Jeepy stuff I'm assuming is particularly important to anyone considering a Rubicon. Here's my take on each of the major differences.    TIRES: The Rubicon comes with bigger tires than a base Sport, but from what I saw in Moab few folks who take their Rubicons off road consider the OE tires to be big enough. 33-inch tires seem to be the unoffical minimum size and many Jeeps wore larger shoes than that. The ledges and steps of the Moab terrain favor bigger-than-stock rubber and the approach angle and clearance benefits they provide, but I think that's true in a lot of rocky places. Also, I think Jeeps attract the sorts of buyers that like to personalize their wheels and tires whether they go off-road or not. Advantage Sport -- If you're going to change the tires (and probably wheels) anyway, you might as well start off with throwaway steel wheels and skinny tires and save money.    SUSPENSION: I don't think I saw any stock-height Rubicons in Moab -- or Tierra Del Sol for that matter. Two- or Three-inch lift kits were everywhere, including the rental Jeeps. And Mopar tells me that lift kits are the number one hardware accessory they sell in terms of volume. It was certainly high on my list, after tires and wheels.  Advantage Sport -- See tires, above. If you're going to lift it anyway, why pay more going in for something you're going to ultimately strip off and set aside? At this point I'm not counting our tires, wheels or suspension lift against the $8,000 price differential because I'd have made those mods if I had started with a Rubicon or not. But I can't say that about the rest of my list.   FRONT AXLE: Rubicons come with a beefier Dana 44 front axle, while the Sport and Sahara come with a Dana 30. All of them have a Dana 44 in back. The front axle difference can't be denied, but this is not a change that must absolutely be made before you head out. Oldtimers tell me that a Dana 30 will hold up just fine in skilled hands and a measured appraoch to difficult obstacles in vehicles that produce stock horsepower. I've been advised to not worry about it unless and until I get absolutely serious about going to tough spots often.  Advantage Rubicon -- But Dana 44 upgrades are readily available for those of us with a Sport. If it turns out I need it, this is where a couple of that $8,000 could be directed. As for serious rock crawlers, they may want reinforced axles that are even MORE robust than a Dana 44, in which case the Rubicon axle advantage evaporates and this switches to a Sport advantage.   AXLE GEARING: Our Sport 6-speed comes with pitiful 3.21 gearing, and that was part of the reason why I couldn't creep as slowly as I wanted. These fuel economy specials are also a bit too tall when combined with the 33-inch tires we're now running; our 6-speed essentially drives like a 5-speed. Manual-equipped Rubicons come with 4.10 axle gears. Thing is, we could have paid just $50 for 3.73 gears on our Sport if we had checked that box on the option sheet. In hindsight our failure to do that was a major mistake because it's going to cost me way more than $50 to get to that gearing now. Advantage Rubicon -- A mere $50 for 3.73 gears in a Sport dilutes the case for the Rubicon on a pure axle gearing basis, but the Rubicon manual does come with 4.10 gears. Whichever ratio I choose, I'm going to have to spend some of my $8k savings here. If I had paid the $50 bucks up front for the 3.73s on our Sport I'd stand pat and be satisfied.      TRANSFER CASE GEARING: A Rubicon comes with a 4-to-1 reduction in the transfer case. The Sport and Sahara come with a 2.72-to-1 reduction. This is huge. Of all the things I've listed so far this is the biggest deal. Low range is engaged whenever the going gets rough, and the difference between 4-to-1 and 2.72-to-1 is far more significant, percentage-wise, than the difference between my 3.21-to1 axle ratio and the 3.73-to-1 axle ratio I missed out on. Advantage Rubicon: I simply must change my transfer case. With that change I might actually be able to live with my 3.21 axle gears. The transfer case dominates the crawl ratio math, after all. First gear is 4.46 in both versions. But the Sport's 2.72-to-1 transfer case and 3.21 axle gears peg the overall crawl ratio at 38.9-to-1. Yucky. The Rubicon's 4-to-1 T-case and 4.10 axle gears return a 73.1-to-1 crawl ratio. If I change the transfer case to 4-to-1 and do nothing else my first gear crawl ratio improves 47% to 57.3-to-1. Conversely, if I leave the T-case alone and go for 3.73 gears instead I only get a 16% improvement to 45.2-to-1. 4.10 gears bump that up to 49.7-to-1 by themselves. Clearly the T-case change gives me the bigger boost, so that's what I need to look at first. And I only have to change one transfer case as opposed to two axles.  If I still need or want more I can add the 3.73 gears after I change the transfer case and bump the crawl ratio up a bit more to 66.5-to-1. I'll also recover some highway driveability with this change. LOCKING DIFFERENTIALS: Clearly, front and rear factory lockers are a Rubicon advantage. On the other hand, lockers can be overused and they aren't something that's automatically required for a given trail. Automatically locking up at the merest bump in the road can take the challenge out of things. I'm the guy who drives as far as he can in 2WD before selecting 4WD, then goes as far as possible before engaging low range. Same for lockers (when I have them) and stabilizer bar disconnects. Trail running of this sort is supposed to be a challenge, a puzzle. Lockers should be looked at as a last resort feature to help out in a particularly tight spot. But if you're going to have them it is nice to have factory ones integrated into the vehicle.  Advantage Rubicon: I can retrofit lockers in my differentials using some of my $8,000. I'm thinking a rear locker is all I'll need at first. I can add one to the front later on if it becomes necessary.    FRONT STABILIZER BAR DISCONNECT: Another built in Rubicon feature that is convenient. Still, I can disconnect my end link with a pair of 18 mm wrenches in less than two minutes and achieve the same result. It's easy. And it turns out that at trail's end we're all waiting around for each other to air our tires back up to highway pressure with tiny compressors anyway. There's plenty of time for me to work my wrenches without holding anyone back.  Advantage Rubicon (I suppose) -- But wrenches don't bother me and several low-price manual disconnects that employ a quick-release pin are out there. The electro-mechanical device on the Rubicon doesn't represent a lot of value for me. And though I don't share their views, I actually met a couple of Jeep conspiracy theorists that doubt the factory disconnect fully severs the stabilizer bar after all. Unable to see the workings inside the housing (see photo above), they installed manual pull-pin disconnects on their Rubicons just to make sure! ROCK RAILS: Rubicons come with small, nicely integrated rock rails at the lower edge of the body, but many Jeepers prefer something more substantial. Aftermarket bolt-on rock rails are common and they only cost a couple of hundred. I'll have no problem eclipsing the OE Rubicon rock rails for two or three hundred bucks. Advantage Sport -- The Rubicon OE rails are OK as far as they go, but beefier ones can be had in the aftermarket for cheap.   All of the above is based on my personal desire to tinker with my machine. I enjoy it. I like the idea of making something that suits me, and I don't like paying for (and making monthly payments on) parts I'm likely to discard early on such as facotory tires, wheels and suspension bits.  I do like going off-road, and the terrain in my neck of the woods tends to be rocky, so the clearance, tires and low range gearing are important to me. On the other hand, my need for lockers is not absolute. I can see myself getting by without them. Well, two of them, anyway. I'm pretty confident I can get the running gear hardware I'm targeting for far less than $8,000.  If all of this sounds like too much hassle, time or calories, by all means the Rubicon is a very capable machine that includes a lot of well executed and well considered off-road hardware. It's a great vehicle on its own and a great modding starting point if you don't mind spending the extra upfront money. I saw plenty of Rubicons running around quite capably with nothing more than bigger tires and a lift kit.  There are no wrong answers here. Jeep's Wrangler lineup truly does have something for everybody. I'm still happy we went with a Wrangler Sport. I just wish we had spent the extra $50 for 3.73 axles in our Wrangler Sport, is all. How did we miss that? Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 14,432 miles   April 12, 2012   The Superwinch bunch was all set to go out again the day after completing the Top of the World trail, and they had some open spots. This time it would be 7-mile Rim and Wipeout Hill, a route northwest of town with plenty of slickrock. With no particular desire to wipe out, I eagerly raised my hand anyway. Bill Burke wasn't around to lead on this day, so Nena Barlow of Barlow Jeep Rentals in Sedona, Arizona stepped up. Jeep renting for those who want to try off-roading before they buy or spice up a visit to spots like this is apparently a decent business, as I saw other such companies renting out late-model Rubicons here in Moab.   Today's group was smaller, just 6 vehicles. This is about the perfect number; the group moves along and covers ground without ever losing touch with one another, no obstacle takes much time to get past and there's enough other Jeeps to watch to add to the fun. All but one of our party were piloting Jeep Wranglers, and all of those were lifted at least two inches. The sole holdout was the Australian-market 70-series right-hand drive diesel Land Cruiser some of you spotted in yesterday's photographs.   Today's obstacles were no more numerous but a bit more difficult than Top of the World had been. Trail leader Nena stepped out of here Jeep to offer spotting advice because that's what trail leaders do. This un-named climb brought our vehicles up onto the slickrock from the mostly sandy desert floor below.   Wipeout Hill was next after everyone made it onto the slickrock-level of 7-Mile Rim. That Orange Crush Jeep Rubicon, by the way, is typical of the Jeeps for rent in Moab and Sedona. It has a 2-inch lift and of course sports the Rubicon's factory lockers and stabilizer bar disconnect.   Wipeout Hill is aptly named. It is very steep and overuse of the brakes when your front tires hit the crook at the bottom of the ledge can send you over.     Wipeout consists of two big drops, the second of which is a bit less stepped and a little shorter. The longer 4-door Wranglers have an easier time of it. Any angularity you see here or in the previous photo was more dramatic when our 2-door Wrangler and its stubby 95.4-inch wheelbase came through. The other thing about Wipeout is this: it's a cul-de-sac if you plan to complete the 7-Mile Rim trail. Don't go down unless you can go back up is what I'm saying. At this point I was starting to wonder if the Superwinch bunch allowed my Jeep and it's ultra-tall 3.21 gears and 2.76 transfer case along to demonstrate their product line. I'd have to wait until after we all ate lunch to find out.   Speed is the enemy. You don't want to bash your way up the hill and break something. But our Wrangler Sport came with the aforementioned 3.21 gears and a 2.76 low range transfer case. In first gear I'm looking at no more than 8.86-to-1 gear reduction. A Rubicon comes with a 4.00 transfer case gearing and either 3.73 or 4.10 final drive gears in the diffs. For a given tire size and trnasmission, one of those babies has either 14.92- or 16.4-to-1 gear reduction. What does this mean? My "walking speed" at idle rpm is almost twice as fast as theirs. Any attempt to creep up the slope bogged the engine into a stall when I tried the gentle approach. The engine won't run under this much load at 700 rpm. With Rubicon gearing the same vehicle speed would come at 1,300 or 1,400 rpm and there would be no drama.   I discovered something surprising when I tried to back down to the mid-level ledge for another go. Remember the hill hold feature our Jeep has, the one that holds the vehicle stationary when you attempt a manual transmission hill start on an upslope? Turns out it works beautifully at crazy angles like this. It works so well that I had to wait a full three seconds before the Jeep would start to roll back to line up for another try. There is no reason to fear a manual transmission Jeep Wrangler for off roading of this sort. After two stalls in the same spot I decided to approach the climb with a little more aggression and a little less mechanical sympathy than I had planned.   The third time is, as they say, the charm, and with a slightly higher dose of steady throttle and a bit more speed I burned out across the top of the climb. There you go, Scott: a Jeep can do a 4WD burnout on solid rock. Still, this wasn't a wide open attack. The 2012 Wrangler's Pentastar V6 makes good torque down low, and even though my gearing wasn't ideal, this was still a low speed climb at no more than 1,800 revs. I think. Who looks at the tach at a time like this?   After climbing Wipeout I had to wait for the rest of the group to climb out before we continued on. The monument above is either the Monitor or the Merrimac -- whichever one has the turret. The other one stands just behind it, and that's the direction we were headed.   A tight pinch stands between the Monitor and Merrimac. Thanks to Zach at Superwinch for the photo.   There's a broad flat slab of slickrock just beyond the pinch, which was perfect because that's where we met an official RR4W run coming the other way. I counted 29 vehicles, one of them a massive Dodge Ram Power Wagon. According to Nena this bunch wasn't destined to do the Wipeout Hill option.   We stopped between the Monitor and Merrimac for one last group photo. From here the trail dropped back off the slickrock into sandier terrain. We all aired back up to highway pressures before saying our goodbyes and heading off in seperate directions. For me, at least, that direction would be southwest toward SoCal and home. You know where I'll be next year. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 13,319 miles  April 11, 2012   Driving the Jeep Mighty FC concept may have been fun and all, but I was here to drive our 2012 Jeep Wrangler on some Easter Jeep Safari trail runs. This year some 30 trails were available throughout the 9-day event, and the usual way to tag along on a formal guided run and be part of the event is to register online ahead of time with the Red Rock 4 Wheelers via their website and pay $50 per trail. Industry rides simultaneously occur on trails the RR4W isn't using on a given day, and a well-timed Facebook like might get you a spot in a smaller group. I was able to tag along on a small 9-vehicle run hosted by Superwinch on the Top of the World trail. The Top of the World route starts at Dewey Bridge, some 25 miles up the Colorado River form Moab itself. Bill Burke, a Camel Trophy participant in 1991, led the day's activities from his well-worn Range Rover. Yes, the Easter Jeep Safari tolerates welcomes non-Jeeps. As for Dewey Bridge, it is/was a wooden-deck suspension bridge that was built in 1916. At some point in the 80s it was replaced with a more modern bridge and fell into disrepair. In 2000 it was restored , reopened for foot traffic and added to the National Register of Historic Places. Just four years ago, however, a runaway campfire destroyed it once again. All that remains now are cables and an ironic plaque proudly commemorating its restoration, saying "Dewey Bridge is Utah's longest suspension bridge." Sadly, was seems to be the operative word today. We had time to contemplate all of this while we dropped the air pressure in our tires for the rocks to come. Folks that run BFG Mud-Terrain KM2s like mine say that 15 psi is a good place to start. I would simply have to ignore the low tire warning on the dash until I aired up again later.   The Top of The World trail was fairly easy most of the way and scenic for its entire length, but there were several 12-inch rock steps and ledges as well as a couple of moderately difficult rock and frame-twist obstacles. Our Wrangler was able to tackle all of them with its open diffs and I didn't have to unbolt its front stabilizer bar to get through any of it. They tell me that at one point my left front hiked itself 18 inches in the air as I teetered over a particularly large rock, but you'll have to take my word for it. The trouble with driving without a passenger is you can't take pictures of yourself.   Top of The World trail is and out-and-back loop, and the turnaround is a dramatically overhanging ledge that you've seen in commercials. I wasn't first in our congo-line of Jeeps, so I didn't arrive soon enough for the prime parking spot on the precipice which, come to think of it, is no bad thing.    Even the guy who hogged the prime spot didn't get too close.   On the way back down we took a detour on a very easy graded dirt road to visit some old cowboy graves. My picture didn't come out, so I'm substituting a photo of some cowboy caves I saw the day before when I was driving all of those Jeep concepts .   2012 Jeep Wrangler: Engine Grime April 10, 2012 It was inevitable that the engine compartment of our 2012 Jeep Wrangler would end up in a world of filth. After all, these cars were built for it. Dan's trip to Moab dusted the Wrangler with a respectable layer of grime. It is in need of some TLC. When it comes to engine cleanliness there are many schools of thought. I've met some "close the hood and nobody will see it" types. There are the white gloved, toothbrush detailers. Still others wait until the engine bay is begging for it before diving in. What is your approach to engine cleanliness? Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager @ 14,301 miles April 06, 2012   Our trusty 2012 Jeep Wrangler sat parked at a nearby ranch while I went off to drive other Jeeps. And these were not just any Jeeps, they were Jeep and Mopar concept and show vehicles put together for this event. A light dusting of snow fell overnight in the higher elevations, but that tapered off to a light drizzle as we left the ranch.   The Jeep Mighty FC Concept harks back to the forward control Jeeps built in the late 50's and early 60's. Thing is, this one was built from a 2012 JK Jeep Wrangler 2-door like ours. Well, it started out that way; the front half of the frame was lengthed to pull the axle forward while leaving the engine behind. Squint real hard and you'll see the windshield, A-pillars and doors are identical to ours. The roof panels come from the factory hardtop and the back half of the cab comes for the JK8 pickup conversion kit that Mopar already sells. Inside, the dash looks just like our Wrangler, but it sits much closer to the driver; I barely fit. The Mighty FC Concept is an automatic because there's not enough space to work a clutch pedal. Someone said it's a carinval ride, and they're right. Sitting this far forward you see nothing but sky when cresting a hill. Downhill, especially when the slickrock transistions back to flat, all you see is the cold hard earth directly ahead as your forward-hanging feet, which reside just below those headlights, feel like they're going to Fred Flintstone the into ground. They could never build this, of course; a frontal impact would not be pretty. But that's not the point of the Mighty FC. It's pure awesome, pure fun, pure OMG.   But the FC isn't merely a design exercise. The FC's so-called portal axles are something you can actually buy from Mopar. But you'd better be quite serious because you'll pay $12,500 for the front one and $11,000 for the rear. Yes, a pair of these axles costs almost as much as our entire Jeep. Notice that the axle centerline sits far above the wheel cetner. This dramatically increases ground clearance -- I didn't measure it, but there's at least 5 inches of offset there. Furthermore, each hub also features a 1.5-to-1 gear reduction. With 4.56-to-1 gears in the front and rear differentials, this additional hub reduction brings the effective final drive ratio to a staggering 6.84-to-1. The hubs are so big that two smaller brake calipers (gray, at 4:30 o'clock and 7:30 o'clock) are used per wheel instead of the usual one. Unsprung weight of course is off the charts, but who cares when extreme low-speed rock crawling is your primary reason for existence?   The FC's engine sits well behind the front axle. I believe the new wheelbase is 117 inches. A 2-door JK starts out life at 95.4 inches, so they've added almost 22 inches ahead of the front motor mounts.   This JK8 conversion kit, allows a Wrangler 4-door to be morphed into a pickup, and the result is way cool. The back of the cab, which is the same part we just saw on the Mighty FC Concept, provides plenty of storage behind the front seats. The kit costs $5,499 (plus installation) and comes with a 3-year 36 kilomile warranty when installed at a Chrysler group dealership. I don't know if I'd install such a kit on a brand new JK, but it also works on used ones dating back to 2007. Mopar has apparently had several hundred takers so far. I've been seeing quite a few running around Moab.  The strong interest Jeep has seen makes it quite possible that a factory-built pickup version of the next generation Jeep might see the light of day when it breaks cover in a couple-few years. If that comes to pass you might see me buying one. Incidentally, those high clearance fenders and the rock rails are not part of the kit -- they're yet another Mopar Jeep part. For my money, I'll keep running the stock fenders unless and until a rock tears one off, but the rock rails are high on my to-do list.   This one is called the Traildozer, and not just because it's painted Dozer Clearcoat, one of Jeep's newer colors and the second of two shades of orange you can get. No, the thing to note here is the 470-horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V8 stuffed under the hood and the incredible noises it makes. The Pentastar V6 in our 2012 JK has plenty of power and torque to work with and doesn't beg for an engine swap, which is fortunate because the AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) kit only works for 2007-2011 JKs anyway. Owners of the anemic 2007-2011 V6 are much more in need of such Hemi-fication, and for them AEV sells this kit for $5,299. That figure does not, however, include the actual HEMI V8 engine itself or the transmission necessary to handle all of its power and torque. And so the floppy 6-speed manual we have in our Jeep has been replaced here by the Getrag 6-speed manual that comes in a Dodge Dakota. To me that's a huge difference. For one, the shift lever does not flop around over bumps and smack me in the thigh. Also, the more close-set gates are well-defined and the lever snicks into place much more accurately. I almost appreciate this tranny upgrade more than the V8 power. Almost. There were a couple of other modded Jeeps on hand, but I didn't have time to drive them. Clearly, though, Jeep and Mopar have a lot of tricks up their sleeve and they enjoy tweaking the formula to keep the Jeepers at Moab on their toes. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 13,201 miles  April 03, 2012   I decided to take it easy on my first full day in Moab and get the feel for the place. I'm here a day earlier than I had originally planned, so I'm not pre-registered for a spot on any of the official Easter Jeep Safari guided runs. That's OK. There are umpteen trails to choose from in all directions. I chose a path that would eventually take me to the Island in the Sky district of Cayonlands National Park. My route up Long Canyon would take me from the Colorado River shoreline to the top of the Island in the Sky Mesa. Imagine driving up from the bottom of the Grand Canyon and you get the idea. In the process I'd be traversing the myriad layers of different sorts of sandstaone that create the dramatic terraced landscape of cliffs, towers, fins and the occasional balanced rock.   Meep! Meep! Free ACME birdseed. The top of the mesa is at the same level as the top of the highest formation in the distance.   The going is fairly easy in the lower parts of the canyon, where eons of fallen rubble from once-towering cliffs make it easy for roadbuilders.   The trouble with driving alone is there's no one to take any action shots. The upper reaches of Long Canyon, the part where the cliffs get really vertical, contain tight switchbacks and this final slot canyon. This was rough and stepped. It would have been easy to screw up and get stuck, but I was too busy to stop and take pictures.   Once on top it's possible to park right at the edge. This could very well have been one of those overhangs, but I wasn't about to lean over and check. You could parachute from up here. Those are the snow-capped La Sal mountains in the distance. Closer in is the Fin District, so-named for obvious reasons.   After a few hours in Canyonlands it was time to get back to Moab. I descended back down toward the river via Shafer Canyon Road, a sacry series of five nearly full-lock switchbacks just barely visible in the bowl above. The first starts at the arrow after a lengthy traverse along the edge of the cliff.   This picture, taken halfway down, doesn't begin to do it justice.   After the last bend the road straightens out and reaches a plateau, but this is merely the White Rim, a formation of sandstone that dates back to the Permian era. The White Rim is only the halfway point in our descent to the Colorado River. The White Rim Jeep Trail starts about 2 miles ahead of me, and it runs clockwise for 103 miles as it encircles the Island in the Sky mesa. It's like being halfway down the Grand Canyon, with awesome views -- and sheer cliffs -- overhead and down below. I tried out 5 miles of the White Rim road before doubling back and taking Shafer Canyon the rest of the way down. It's rocky, it's slow, and the view is breathtaking. They say White Rim is a 3-day trip by Jeep. Someday I'll be back to see if they're right. Tomorrow I step things up a notch. I'm paying a visit to Jeep and Mopar, and they have some surprises in store. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 13,117 miles April 02, 2012   Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler embarked on the last leg to Moab, Utah after spending the night in tiny Ely, Nevada. But Nevada had a few more tricks up its sleeve. I was going to stop in Great Basin National Park, of which the peaks in the photo above are a part, but I decided to press on. Mainly this was because I'd already made a side trip to a ghost town called Osceola, situated high up near the park's northern flank.   The wind was really howling by the time I got there, so I paid my respects at the ex-town's cemetery and moved on.   How windy was it? Windy enough that they're installing dozens of humungous windmills in the valley just below. I caught up with these semis hauling individual blades at the Utah border. The strong crosswind made driving the short wheelbase Jeep a bit more entertaining, and Utah's baked asphalt stood out as rougher as soon as I crossed the border.     The Nevada-Utah border really does feel like you're crossing into another place. Sure, Nevada's highway 50 crosses through desert too, but the basin and range character of the land and the altitude make it feel less harsh. Once in this part of Utah the mood changes. It feels bleak, dry and hot, as if the last shreds of moisture had been squeezed out of the atmosphere as the prevailing winds passed over the last high ridge in Nevada. Highway 50 stays mighty lonely for the next 70 miles, but things perk up briefly as it nears farmlands west of Interstate 15. A few dozen miles after crossing I-15, highway 50 eventually dumps into and becomes Interstate 70, which runs just north of the Moab region.   You know you're in eastern Utah when the landscape turns all Wile E. Coyote on you. I love this part of the world.   There's time for one more picture at the Colorado River just outside of Moab before I check in to my hotel for some much-needed rest. Two solid days on the road will do that to you. Sure, they'll be driving tomorrow, but I won't be going anywhere but here. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 12,934 miles April 02, 2012   Sure, I could have taken Google Maps' advice and driven our 2012 Jeep Wrangler from Reno to Utah using Interstate 80, but interstates are boring. Besides, I-80 loops far to the north and adds miles to the trip. Nevada's highway 50, otherwise known as the Loneliest Road in America, is more of a straight shot. Also, Nevada's rural two-lane highways tend to have 70 mph speed limits, and highway 50 is no exception. That's about as fast as I wanted to go, anyway.   It's hard to argue with the Lonliest Road nickname. Once I left Fallon, which is only 20-something miles past the point I left the interstate, the number of cars coming the other way dropped dramatically. Several time I sat parked and waited 5 minutes or more for another car to come by. But the thing that really does it is the utter lack of buildings. There's nothing out here but miles of barbed wire fence and a smattering of pullouts where they've put Nevada state historical markers. I didn't know this until I started reading some of them, but Highway 50 mostly follows the Pony Express route. I also didn't know that the famous Pony Express was a total failure that lasted less than 18 months, ran in the red the entire time, and went out of business 4 days after the first transcontinental telegraph was sent.   The route continued on as a stage coach road, though. In the 'teens it morhped into a primitive auto route, the Lincoln Highway. I'm led to believe these ruins were once some sort of wayside rest. Today's highway 50 runs about a quarter-mile away from this point, cutting through a hill instead of winding around it.   Signs of recent human activity are pretty much limited to the shoe tree.   The first town of any size is Austin, population 192. It comes up 111 miles after leaving Fallon.   Mostly, Highway 50 looks like this: miles and miles of straight road with the occasional bend to miss a mountain. Surprisingly, the asphalt out here is fairly smooth and the Jeep's Mopar Stage 3 lift kit rode sure and steady. The Jeep tracks pretty straight most of the time, but the short wheelbase sometimes demands a little attention. The longer wheelbase of the 4-door would certainly help. On top of that, the steering feels a bit vague, like there's a dead spot and a touch of lag on center -- there's a reason why sedans have rack-and-pinion steering. The Jeep, with its solid live front axle, doesn't. Despite all that, I wasn't fatigued by driving this road in the least.  Also, there's no radio out here. At all. We didn't opt for the audio system that offers satellite radio, so I survived on podcasts and playlists on my iPod.   Highway 80 road sees snow in winter, but I didn't see any except on distant mountaintops. That's some sort of salt in the foreground. Don't tell anyone. It got dark before I passed through Eureka, the next tiny town that comes up 71 miles past Austin. At 8:30 pm the place looked deserted. I kept going.  I continued another 77 miles to Ely, Nevada before calling it a day. In between darkness fell and I saw NOTHING. No distant lights in any direction, no signs of habitation at all. It was eerie. It was  ... lonely. It was also enjoyable, and I'd do it again. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 12,544 miles April 02, 2012   Right now our Jeep Wrangler is with Dan Edmunds at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, UT. But two weeks ago it was gettin' muddy on a rainy Saturday with the Oldhams. I packed the family into our Wrangler and headed for the closest Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area, which is up in the San Gabrial Mountians off Highway 39 in Azusa Canyon.   With my kids in the backseat, I wasn't going to do anything too serious, but we climbed some hills, dug around in some mud and drove through several raging water crossings and muddy puddles. Low gear probably wasn't necessary, but we used it anyway. It made things much easier. How easy? Well, that's my wife who has zero off roading experience driving the Jeep through that water crossing. I had to hop out to shoot the above photo and the videos of the action, which appear on the next page. By the way, my wife rocks. And when we were done, the Jeep was muddy enough to look just right. It costs $8 to abuse your vehicle in the OHV Park. We off-roaded for two hours. It was a ton of fun and the only damage to the vehicle was the reshaping of the license plate. Scott Oldham, Editor in Cheif April 01, 2012   The trip up and over the Sierra Nevada was a painless one in our 2012 Jeep Wrangler. Its new Penstar V6 makes good power, but our combination of 33-inch tires and 3.21 axle gearing does suck the life out of 6th gear. Cruising in 5th is a better option when the terrain tilts up very much or if the prevailing speed falls below 70 mph. But interstate 80 isn't the only way to make it over Donner pass. The old road is still there. I doubled back for a look.   The old road is a tight and twisty two-lane good for no more than 35 mph. Today it's the primary access to two ski resorts. It's also a good route to take if you want to stop for great views of Donner Lake and stop at historical points that commemerate the unpleasantness suffered by the early settlers that gave this pass its name.   The notch in the upper left is Donner Pass as far as the old road is concerned. After a dozen breathtaking miles the old road rejoins the Interstate, where this happened ...   I was startled by the sharp sickening crack of a stone striking the windshield. It came from a passing Lexus CT200h, which isn't really fair because it came from the road itself. Tire chains are used extensively up here (for good reason) when it snows and the road surface gets chewed up. Also, the California road department is fond of spreading sand and pumice instead of salt. That said, nobody needed chains on this day and the road surface looked clean and devoid of gravel. It's just one of those things.   Soon I was over the Sierra Nevada and crossing into Nevada proper, where there was a little turnout for dweebs like me that want to stop and take a commemorative picture. Strangely, the leg from wine country through Sacramento and up and over a 7,200-foot pass yielded the best fuel economy so far: this tank was 19.0 mpg. The two tanks that got me from Orange County to wine country a couple days ago had been only 17.8 and 16.4 mpg. I'm guessing that was because my average speed was about 5 mph higher. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 12,263 miles March 29, 2012   Once you clear Tejon pass, the run up California's Interstate 5 between LA and San Francisco is mostly straight and entirely dull. You pretty much head north and set the cruise, then settle in and pass the time while the odometer rolls up and the fuel gauge sinks down. Most such gauges are hopelessly non-linear. The majority of cars I've owned seemed to stay bolted near "F" for the first hunderd miles and then plummet before hanging out near E for awhile. Not so in our 2012 Jeep Wrangler. Here I'm at the half-tank mark -- it may look a shade low but the needle is actually dead-nuts on the line with my eye square with the gauge. At this point the trip meter and distance to empty (DTE) meter read more or less the same. The number of miles I've come equaled the number of miles I could still go, which is what every geeky engineer like me wants to see when the gauge reads half full (or half empty.)   It gets better. Said linerarity (or accuracy, or truthfulness -- whatever you want to call it) was still in play at a quarter tank. 79 miles is exactly one fourth of the total you get when you add DTE to the trip odometer reading. The low fuel warning came on at 1/8th of a tank, and those numbers worked out, too. Of course it did help that I spent the entire tank on cruise control over flat ground. Big throttle fluctuations or changes in engine load, had I made them, would have caused the DTE number to dance around and perhaps plummet as the computer re-evaluated my driving and delivered a more pessimistic prediction that would have screwed up my perfect ratios. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 11,777 miles March 28, 2012   Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler is making an appearance at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. I'll be there for the first half of the week-long event. I have 4 trail days on my schedule. Even though it doesn't kick off until this weekend, I've already left SoCal. I'm making a 750-mile detour to northern California right now to attend the super-secret preview of a car I can't tell you about just yet. What would have been a 1,450-mile out-and-back run up I-15 has turned into a big 2,200-mile triangle. This should be good. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 11,700 miles March 27, 2012   Installing new headlights in a new 2012 Jeep Wrangler (or just installing new bulbs in the existing ones) isn't terribly difficult or time consuming, even though the best approach involves taking the front grille clean off. I'm replacing the reflectors for two reasons: to modify the light pattern to gain a sharper cutoff and to gain the ability to use any number of widely available DOT-approved H4 bulbs. The results are amazing . After doing this it seems like I've got twice the coverage and much whiter light, but the new pattern's sharp cutoff doesn't blind oncoming traffic. I'm still trying to quantify the improvement, but there's no question in my mind this was a good move. Time spent: less than 30 minutes. Tools required: Thin flat-blade screwdriver, T-15 Torx screwdriver Cost: $118.77, -- Two IPF H4 headlight reflectors, part number 920HJK, $44.99 each from ARB USA through 4 Wheel parts; 1 pair of Philips Xtreme Power H4 bulbs, $28.79 from Amazon Let's get started.   Eight of these clips hold the grille in place along its top edge. They're easy to locate once you open the hood. Use the thin flat blade screwdriver to fully extend the center plunger of the each clip, then pry on the base and pull the whole thing out in one piece. Don't worry if the plunger pops out; it can be snapped back into place later.   Next you have to tug gently forward along the bottom in order to detach a row of spring clips (yellow) along the bottom and near each turn signal. Do this with the grille still nearly vertical. The trademark Jeep grille bars make good handholds for this. Once these are free the trun signal wiring (green) will be the last thing keeping the grille from coming off.   Here you have two choices: unplug the connector hidden beneath my thumb or rotate the light assembly out as if you were changing the bulb.   That wasn't so bad.   Use the T-15 Torx screwdriver to remove the four perimeter screws that hold the retaining ring in place. A skinny one like this is useful because the aiming screw you need to access once the grille is back in place is also a T-15, but access to that one is impossible with any sort of socket or hex-drive multi tool that's much fatter than this.   Once the ring is off the headlight practically falls out. Disconnect the harness thusly: slide the red locking tab back, press in on the green tab behind it and the wiggle the harness off the back of the light. If you're just changing bulbs in the stock reflector you can do that now and then reassemble everything. In our 2012 Wrangler, at least, the process of removing the grille to get at the back of the headlights this way looks far easier to me than trying to access the back of the headlights from under the hood. But here we're replacing the reflectors altogther, so these headlights are history.   Jeep's headlight connector won't plug onto to an H4 bulb, so first we've got to install these pigtails that came in the box with the new IPF reflectors.   Also included in the box is a little vial of dielectric grease to protect the connector terminals from dirt and moisture. A little goes a long way.    Make sure the gree tab snaps home fully. You'll know this is the case if the red locking tab slides all the way down until it bottoms out in the locked position. I had to use an exacto knife to trim a tiny amount of flash from the new connector's locking tab to make this happen. Now we're ready to prepare the new headlights.   The metal retaining clip will hold the new bulb in place. For now we'll fold it out of the way so we can insert the bulb.   Handle the bulb by the base or by the connector -- never touch the glass. This makes getting the bulb out of the packaging a bit tricky, so take your time. If you do touch it, a very soft and clean lint free cloth is needed to remove any oils or fingerprints you transferred to the glass.   The bulb can only go in one way. Once it's seated, fold the retainer over the top of it and engage the catch.   Snap the included rubber gasket into place. The "top" label should line up with the flat center terminal on the bulb. It should also make sense when you look at the front of the bulb with the IPF logo right side up..   More dielectric grease goes on the bulb terminals before they get plugged in to the pigtail harness.   Use the "top" label or the IPF logo to get the headlight assembly in the right orientation, then engage three tabs like this one with same-sized notches in the Jeep's headlight bucket.   The retaining ring goes on next. It's helpful to wear the ring like a bracelet during the previous step so you can slip it on here without letting go of the headlight.   Finally, the four Torx screws go back in. They screw into plastic, so don't tighten them much beyond snug.   Done. Now the grille can go back on. Don't forget to reconnect the turn signals as you replace it.   Aiming will have to wait until nightfall. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 11,310 miles  March 24, 2012   Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler is a of course a short wheelbase 2-door model, and we've run it up the RTI ramp in many configurations. But how does a long-wheelbase 4-door compare? I recently got my hands on a Wrangler Unlimited. It's a Rubicon, so it's equipped with a factory front stabilizer bar disconnect mechanism. A word about the color: It's Dozer Clearcoat, a.k.a. bright orange. It may look like some kind of white-to-orange fade, but that's just my point-and-shoot and the overhead skylight butting heads.   The Electronic Stabilizer Bar Disconnect acts as a bridge between the two halves of a stabilizer bar that has been split in two. It's one of the off-road features you get when you buy a Rubicon. I have my 18mm wrenches, Rubicon owners have a switch on the dash.    Stabilizer bar connected.  Wheel lift = 20.56"   Distance up ramp = 60.12" RTI = 518 Stabilizer bar disconnected.  Wheel lift = 27.25"   Distance up ramp = 79.67" RTI = 687 99.6 257 The Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon tops our list of stock vehicles if we focus on the RTI number measured with the stabilizer bar disconnected. We can do that because it's a factory-installed stabilizer bar disconnect system. The Toyota and Lexus SUVs have a factory stabilizer bar disconnect systems too, but their KDSS system is automatic so they have just one RTI value. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Action Camper March 22, 2012 We may have found a new accessory for our 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The Action Camper . The T-1000 supermodels make this illustration a bit creepy. Take the jump for exterior and interior photos of the camper in its element. What do you think?   2012 Jeep Wrangler: Cheap Raingler March 21, 2012 This is what happens when you drive a 2012 Jeep Wrangler in the rain. I'd have thought the guys over at Jeep would figure this one out by now, but not quite. Even with full-sized doors the Wrangler leaks in the rain. I'm going to bet the hard top is water tight. But this soft top can't say as much. Don't get me wrong, I'm not worried that it leaks. Honestly, It brings back memories of the YJ Wrangler I owned in high school. Any time the skies opened the dash would fill with water. I used to remove the interior windshield support bracket, roll up a shop towel and stuff it inside just to siphon out the rain. Otherwise it was mildew skanky for the next week. Oh, the good old days. Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Kickin' HVAC March 20, 2012 HVAC, if you don't know, is a car's, heating, ventilation and air conditioning. And our Jeep's HVAC may be the very best around.  First of all it's controlled by three very simple knobs, one for fan speed, one for temperature and one to control the direction of the air flow. This is as it should be, simple, attractive and functional.     But what makes the Jeep's system so special is its power. It will roast you if you let it, even when the Wrangler's top is down. And its air conditioning will freeze you out on the hottest of days, even when the So-Cal sun is beatin' down on you. Scott Oldham, Editor in Chief March 18, 2012   Break time is over. It's time to install the rear half of the Mopar Stage 3 Lift Kit with Fox Racing Shox on our 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The front suspension installation , Part I of our story, appears one blog below this one. The front end installation involved the drilling of 14 holes, the mechanized removal of two bump stops and the intentional destruction of two brackets. There's not near as much metal manipulation back here. This end is a cake walk in comparison.   First I need to reposition the two tall jack stands and lower the Jeep's rear axle onto them with our Rotary lift until the axle's weight is supported and the rear shocks are compressed ever so slightly.   The rear shocks are the component that defines how far the axle can hang, so they need to come off right away.   The stabilizer links are next to go. They're destined to be replaced with longer ones, so they can go in the trash can alongside the shocks.   Like the front, the rear axle is located by 4 trailing links and a lateral track bar (a.k.a. Panhard bar.) Once again their 10 bolts are to be loosened, but not removed.   The sole exception is the bolt on the left-hand end of the track bar (yellow.) It gets taken out so the track bar can hang out of the way for the next few steps.   The parking brake cables will still be long enough once the 3-inch Mopar lift is installed, but only after I remove and discard the factory retaining bracket so they can hang down a bit more.   The brake line retaining brackets are disconnected, too, but no parts will be thrown away here.   Once the brake brackets are loose it's time to raise the lift enough to take the weight off the coil springs and open up a gap so I can pull them out. The rear differential breather hose (yellow) doesn't like it much, but I'll deal with that later on. The rubber spring cushion seen on the uppermost coil will be reused, but the springs are now boat anchors.   Now the lower trailing links can be removed and replaced. The new ones are longer in order to keep the rear differential pinion angle at the proper angle with respect to the driveshaft. The extra length also keeps the wheelbase from shrinking.   Both ends of the one on the passenger side can be bolted (loosely,) but the one of the driver side needs to hang out for a couple steps while I do something else with its rear mounting bracket.   This new bracket moves the left pointing point of the track bar up three inches so it will run at the same angle (nearly flat) after the three inch lift is installed. One of its mounting holes (yellow) will share the bolt used to mount the link we saw in the last photo.   Here the trailing link has been installed with its mounting bolt also running through the new track bar bracket. Meanwhile, I'm installing a u-bolt around the axle tube to hold the other end of the track bar bracket in place.   Unlike the suspension link bolts, the u-bolts can be torqued to their final tightening spec right now.   Now it's time to re-mount the left end of the track bar in the new bracket.   New upper trailing links go in next. Keep your eye on the urethane bump stop because it's about to disappear.   No, the old bump stop is not in there. I removed it before installing these new cups. They snap in place over the old bump stop retaining bracket.   A new longer microcellular urethane bump stop will snap into the original bracket; the cup's job is to keep it lined up vertically. Silicone spray helps it snap into place.   But it still takes persistence to finally snap it home.   Things are moving along quickly now. It's already time for the new longer stabilizer bar links to go on.   I've bragged on the Craftsman Max Axxes external drive socket set before as a good deep socket alternative, but this is brilliant. Stabilizer bar ball joints and many strut tops feature an internal hex you're supposed to hold still while you tighten the nut, and it's always a bit of a hassle. Ratcheting end wrenches work, too, but you have to buy them one size at a time. Owning a whole range of them is not cheap. The Max Axxess socket set is a lot less expensive, and it works great as a regular ratchet, a deep socket alternative, as well as this particular situation.   These brake bracket extensions drop the hoses down so they'll still work with the lifted suspension. I haven't cracked open any brake lines, so they'll be no brake bleeding later.   I do have to reshape the hard part of the brake line by hand to make sure it clears the stabilizer bar end link, though.   This is moving along fast. It's already time to install the rear springs.   The lower end of the spring drops easily onto its seat.   Mopar's kit comes with the special tool that helps get a retaining nut up in behind the spring seat...   ...so I can install this spring retainer.   This spring retainer holds the spring in place at the top, and the bolt goes into an existing hole. That's right; I still haven't cut or drilled anything at the rear axle.   Here's another of those Nutserts we saw during the front suspension installation. This one goes into another existing hole in the frame for the rear limiting strap.   You can bet what's coming next.   That's right, the rear limit strap needs a hole to connect to, so I've got to make one. Two, actually, because I'm doing all of this on the other side, too. But you knew that.   Now I can tighten the lower limit strap bolt. Incidentally, the hole I drilled made it necessary to remove one of two clips (orange) holding the ABS wire in place. On an unrelated note, all of the trailing arm bushing bolts, front and rear, get these rectangular positioning shims where they bolt to the axle. Mopar says these lock the links into just the right position so no wheel alignment is necessary after the kit is installed. The only adjustment needed is a small change in the length of the drag link to re-center the steering wheel, and that's a cosmetic adjustment that can be eyeballed.   Now it's time to install the Fox Racing Shox. There's a simple trick that makes it easy: compress the shock fully on the floor, then quickly swing it into the lower bracket and let the internal gas pressure "grow" the shock into the upper mount.   One of the last steps in the process is the installation of a new rectangular landing pad for the rear bump stop. It bolts into existing holes. This is probably my favorite picture of the bunch. Clockwise from the left we have: upper trailing link (with the lower one partially hidden below); limit strap; ABS signal wire; bump stop (with the spring partially hidden behind); track bar and in new bracket; Fox Racing Shock; rubber brake hose; stabilizer bar and link.   Can it be? Are we done? Not quite. There are a few more things to take care of. But for those we must lift the Jeep high up on the lift and retire our trusty orange floor jacks.   There's still the matter of reconnecting the driveshaft, and there's a small issue. A 3-inch suspension lift requires the driveshaft to hang down at a steeper angle. But here it's hitting the exhaust system. This is only an issue with 2012 Wranglers like ours, the ones with the new Pentastar V6 engine. 2007-2011 JKs with the older engine don't have the same exhaust routing and there's no interference. The next couple of steps apply only to 2012 JK Wranglers (and later if you're reading this in the future.)   These are exhaust spacers. It's hard to tell, but the one on the left is a little longer. These parts are fairly new, and their installation isn't described in the draft set of instructions I'm working from. So, after careful study of the parts and the vehicle, I'm making this up as I go along.   They bolt to the forward legs of the central y-pipe in order to push it back and allow the driveshaft to clear. But pushing the y-pipe back has knock-on effects farther downstream. Theoretically, the rear pipes and the muffler would also get pushed back the length of the spacers, and I figured that would put pressure on the exhaust hangers and move the pipe close to my new springs. I decided a little adjustment is in order.   For the pipe to go back this indexing nub has to come off. Scott and I had this plan for a dramatic action shot, with me swinging a hammer while holding a chisel. While he went for another lens I made a gentle exploratory tap ... and it came right off. Oh well. That blue tape contains a scratch mark for the next step.   Yes, I'm cutting off a bit of the pipe. The dimension I chose corresponds to the length of the shorter of the two spacers -- the reason for that will become clear in a moment. Mopar later told me this cut wasn't necessary, that removing the nub was enough on it's own and I could do that with the y-pipe still in the car. Removing the nub, they say, allows the y-pipe to telescope into the rear pipe a little bit, and the flex in the rubber hangars would make up the rest. Maybe they're right. (Of course they're right.) But this way isn't wrong, it's just more time consuming. My exhaust hangars will hang exactly as they did before and the pipe slip-joint will engage exactly the same amount.   The long spacer goes on the passenger side, where the exhaust pipe runs at a downward angle. Because of this angle, only a portion of its length contributes to a shift to the rear. And the magnitude of that shift is exactly equal to...   ...the length of the short spacer, which goes on the driver side where the pipe points straight back. And that's why the length of my cut equaled the length of the short spacer. Notice how the y-pipe's cross tube runs just ahead of the frame cross member. It's close, but there's still a good half inch of daylight.   Now the driveshaft can go back together. But first I need to put a dab of fresh thread locking compound on the bolts.   This concludes the driveshaft detour part of our show.   Here I'm splicing in an additional section of breather hose I bought at my local auto parts store. Technically speaking I bought fuel line hose, but it's the same size. Mopar later told me it's also possible to unfasten the upper end of the hose from its factory mount and reposition it with tie-wraps, but my hands wouldn't fit up in there.    All of the trailing arm and track bar bushings get tightened and torqued once the Jeep is back down on its tires. I'll spend a lot of time crawling around underneath to get it done, but three extra inches of newfound lift make it fairly easy.   OK, now we're done! I made the steering drag link adjustment to re-center the steering wheel while you weren't looking. (In my driveway after driving it home, if you must know.) If you thought the rear installation looked easier than the front, you're right. Now that I've done it, this isn't ridiculously difficult with the right tools. Thing is, the "right tools" is no small list. And our Rotary Lift certainly helped. I'm sure it could be done without such a lift, but it wouldn't be easy. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing      March 18, 2012   Parts and tools strewn everywhere. At one point -- check that, at pretty much every point -- this was the scene as I stripped the factory suspension from our 2012 Jeep Wrangler and systematically replaced it with a Mopar Stage 3 Lift Kit with Fox Racing Shox. This new kit was introduced at last October's SEMA show. It comes in two flavors that you can order from your local dealer. Part Number P5156141 is for the 2-door JK Wrangler and P5156140 fits the 4-door. Each one costs $2,400, not including installation. Whether you intend to do it yourself or pay someone else depends on how you feel about the following images. But the following photos are worth looking at even if you don't have a Jeep or are not considering a lift kit. It's the ultimate Jeep Wrangler suspension teardown walkaround.     Mopar figures the job will take six hours for a seasoned dealer mechanic with a complete set of tools. For us the job spread over parts of three days as trusty photographer Scott Jacobs and I made frequent runs for certain tools and automotive ointments like RTV and Loc-Tite that our new shop has not yet accumulated. Also burritos. Everything is harder the first time you do it, and installing a 3-inch lift kit is no exception. So I read the instructions early and often and spent long periods playing with the new parts while staring blankly at the old ones. Imagine that scene in Top Gun where Cruise is dog fighting with a toy airplane in the classroom then remove the A-list celeb, the model jet and the cleanliness.  This Stage 3 kit is just now making the transition from dealer-only sales to public catalog sales, so the accompanying instruction sheet I had was still in the revision stage. There's a companion DVD video walkthrough too, that makes it look oh so easy. For the most part, it is -- if you have the right tools and experience. That said, on the DIY difficulty scale this is no mere oil change or brake pad swap; it's a 7.5 or 8 level job. The dealer flyer for the kit says "no welding" and that's certainly true, but my first read-through of the instructions revealed a certain amount of drilling and cutting. Yee-haw. What follows is not meant to be a step-by-step substitute for the instructions, but you will get a glimpse of all the major steps.     In order to do this you must first support the entire Jeep and then cradle the axle you're working on with separate stands. All told that's six points of support. Depending on what you have, it can be a stand-up job (lift and tall 6-foot adjustable axle stands), a sit-down job (lift and 30-inch jack stands) tall or a bit of a crawl (tall jack stands for the frame and near-ground supports like wood blocks for the axle.) I'm going with option two. Our Rotary lift easily supports the Jeep at any elevation, and these 30-inch (maximum) 12-ton stands from Harbor Freight hold the axle at a working height that suits me. The 2-post Rotary lift really helps here because I can raise the Jeep and leave the axle on the stands when it's finally time to remove the springs. Now that the tires are off and everything is properly supported the real work can begin. And yes, I'm starting up front.   The first order of business is to loosen, but not remove, all of the bolts associated with all five links that hold the axle in place. There are two upper trailing links, two lower trailing links and a track bar (a.k.a. Panhard rod). Each has a bolt on each end, so that makes ten in all. But I'm only loosening eight of them because the rear bolts on the upper links are too hard to get at. This decision won't cause trouble later on. Also, I'm staying away from all the steering components: the tie rods and drag link bolts can and should remain tight.   The front stabilizer bar links are next to go. These get removed and tossed in the scrap pile because the kit includes new ones that are about three inches longer. But I'll save and reuse the nuts and bolts later.   Now it is time to remove the shock absorbers. The lower bolts are destined to be re-used but the upper ones can go in the trash can along with the shocks.   Next up is the front driveshaft. I've removed four bolts and suspended it with a daisy chain of tie-wraps. I can always zip them up tighter if I need to hike it further up out of the way later on. Incidentally, I like to mark the driveshaft and flange before I separate them so they go back together indexed to the same holes. It's probably overkill in this case, but it's not a bad habit.   Here it is, the first swearworthy step of the entire process. I struggled for some time with a tool that wasn't quite right before I gave up and headed out to locate and buy a better one. The little silver bracket I'm looking at has to go. The thin ABS sensor wire is easy; that'll clip free from it's tie-wrap moorings in two seconds. But the rubber brake hose itself is another matter because it is completely enveloped by the silver-anodized steel bracket. Employing a technique I learned by watching LOST, I'm going to skip around in time to make better sense of things. Do not concern yourself with the magical reappearance of the shock I removed two steps ago.   This is what the end game looks like. To get here I need to unbend some fairly thick steel in order to squeeze the hose through the gap. But there's precious little edge to grab onto, especially since I must prevent the sharp end from digging into the hose. Worse yet, that small bolt was never intended to hold the bracket in place while someone attempts to bend raw steel. My pry bar kept slipping off; nothing built for demo work with a nail removal slot will do. I needed something more solid with with a more distinct and unbroken edge. I found just the tool at my local Sears, a Craftsman Locking Flex Pry Bar with 11 head-angle positions. But I got cheap and bought the small 8-inch one; I should have spent 10 bucks more and bought the 16-inch version. Note: I was tempted to use my cutoff wheel to score the back side of the area to thin the metal I was trying to bend, but I was concerned about cutting through and nicking the hose. That would be bad.      My floor jack's hollow handle works well enough as a cheater to make up for the leverage I lost by buying the smaller version of the tool. Still, the steel is stubborn and the lip is small. The process involves numerous incremental "bites" all along the edge to gradually open the gap.   The brake hose and ABS wire (black) are now free from the bracket, which extends their effective length for the three-inch lift to come. This also allows them to grow long enough as I raise the Jeep in relation to the axle to get the springs out.  But first I have to temporarily disconnect the front diff breather hose so it doesn't get taut during the process. With the Jeep finally raised a few inches the spring can be lifted up off its axle seat, shifted to one side and pulled out from below. The rubber spring isolator that had been atop the spring needs to be pulled down and removed, too.   Burrito break!   Now we install the new limit strap. This is a Nutsert, a sort of slow-motion extra-large pop rivet that uses the tightening-action of a bolt to crush and expand the barrel inside a properly sized hole, leaving an embedded nut behind. In this case it goes in an existing hole in the frame rail.   It takes quite a few turns to slog through the crushing process, and a torque wrench is needed when things start to firm up in order to make sure it's tight enough to be fully seated but not so tight that it strips out.   Finito! The Nutsert has landed. Now I can hang the limit straps.   The straps are in place, but they won't be attached to anything until much later. Meanwhile, the yellow arrow is pointing out the breather hose I unfastened a couple of steps ago.   The time has come to break out the power tools. I'm punching a hole in the side of the lower spring perch that will eventually be used to attach the lower end of the limit strap. I won't install the bolt until later, but with all of the parts removed the time to drill is now. This drilling job -- and many others to come -- requires a heavy-duty center punch, preferably a spring-loaded one, to make sure the drill starts in the right place and doesn't walk. In large part that's because it's crowded down here and I'm not able to square the bit up with the flange. That's doubly true on the driver side version of this hole.   Our Mopar Pre-Runner kit includes Teraflex SpeedBump bump stops, so the original urethane ones and some of the structure that supports them must be cut off. Here I'm using a steel rule and spring-loaded center punch to mark out a cut line some 3.5 inches below the upper surface of the spring pocket. Once I get a decent line of dots I'll connect them with blue painter's masking tape to mark a clear cut line.   Are you sure about this? Very sure. Measure four or five times, cut once. I've chosen to use an air-powered cutoff wheel. The noises it makes are cool. So are the sparks. And I can accurately follow my tape line and make a controlled cut. But the round cutting disc can't get to the back 20 percent of the tube because the frame is too close. To finish the cut I'm forced to break out the efficient but less accurate...    ...Sawzall. The cut it makes wanders a bit, but the reciprocating blade chews through the last remaining bits of steel in short order.   With the internal baffle cut away, the remaining hollow tube is almost ready for the SpeedBump to slip into place. This hat-shaped reinforcement slips over the remaining section of tube to double the thickness. This, after all, is where the new bump stops will transfer their impact energy into the frame. The flat edge goes up against the frame and, yes, I pinched this particular image from the Mopar installation DVD.    .   With the reinforcing tube clamped in position I can use my transfer punch to mark the center of the three holes I must drill. Deep punch marks make the next steps easier because the drill is less apt to walk off-target.    A stepped drill bit works quite well here. The hat can be bolted into place for good once the drilling is complete and the holes are de-burred.   The fractionally longer inner tube, the one I cut to length earlier, must be filed or ground down to match the length of the added hat. This is why an accurate initial cut can save time. A thin coating of RTV helps keeps moisture from getting inside the tube. It also prevents the bump stops from making rattling noises. Yeah, this is a borrowed DVD frame, too. I used blue RTV.    It is finally time to push the bump stop firmly into position until it seats. About an inch of it will protrude out the top.    And that's where I install the retaining clamp (orange) to keep the bump stop in the desired position. The SpeedBump installation is complete once the original rubber spring isolator is put back where it came from.    Now I can hang the Fox Racing Shox using the new hardware that came with them.    Two small holes need to be drilled in the frame itself. They'll hold the bracket that holds the remote reservoir in place. Keep telling yourself that Jeep said it was OK!   Two simple hose clamps hold the remote reservoir to the new bracket.   What's this? Another new hole? Yep. This one will eventually accommodate a spring retainer clip. Meanwhile, it's important to make sure the brake hose (orange) runs between the spring and the shock.   The spring clip (yellow) is staged and ready for the spring, but first I need to replace the lower trailing links with the new longer ones from the kit. Their extra length compensates for the 3-inch lift to keep the front suspension's caster angle the same as it was when I started.     Almost there! This is starting to look like something.    Now I can position the spring clip over the lowermost coil and torque it down.   It's finally time to connect the lower end of the limit strap. Once that's done I'll tie-wrap the brake hose to the convenient slot in its gold-colored fitting to keep it from running afoul of the shock or the coil spring.   New front stabilizer bar links go on next.   Can it be? Yes, the front is done -- for the moment. I won't torque the control arms until the rear is finished and I can finally put the Jeep back on the ground. Why? Suspension bushings need to be in their neutral curb-weight state when they're tightened so they're not pre-loaded. Time for a five minute break before I start working on the rear axle . Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing March 13, 2012   No, I'm not referencing the 1998 Grammy Award-winning hit by the Wallflowers, which, by the way, I have just ingeniously implanted into your brain for the day because you can't remember how it ends. It may even lodge itself there for a week. Instead I'm talking about the new headlights I'm attempting to install in our 2012 Jeep Wrangler. ARB, manufacturer and distributor of a whole range of kick-ass off-road accessories, sells a nifty H4 conversion kit for the Wrangler. The kit includes a pair of new IPF reflectors to better aim the light, a pair of pigtails that allows the standard 55/60w H4 bulb they take to connect to the Jeep's factory headlight connectors, and a couple of decent H4 bulbs. 4Wheel Parts sells the ARB/IPF H4 kit for $176.99. Thing is, I had my eye on some highly recommended and well-reviewed 55/60w X-treme Power H4 bulbs from Philips, but those aren't what comes with the kit. So I bought the bulbs on Amazon for $28.79 (P/N 9003-XP S2, marked down from $66) and ordered the ARB reflector and pigtail from 4Wheel Parts (P/N ARB-920HJK.) And that's where I outsmarted myself. The all-inclusive conversion kit comes with pairs of everything. My Amazon-sourced bulbs came in a two-pack. But when you buy the ARB/IPF headlights separate from the conversion kit you get headlight, as in one. At just $44.99, I should have recognized this as an "each" price well before I failed to notice the fine print which, now that I look back on it, wasn't all that fine. This makes perfect sense for those who just lost an IPF headlight to a stone and want to replace just one. I wasn't paying attention. That's what I get for using my dinky iPhone screen to make a purchase. On the other hand, "One Headlight" didn't earn the Wallflowers just one Grammy. They received two: One for best Best Rock Song, and another for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. So now I'm stuck waiting for the UPS-man to deliver the second headlight. I'll still be ahead when the dust settles because I'll have paid just $118.77 for what amounts to the same conversion kit with H4 bulbs of my own choosing that are, by most accounts, better in terms of the number of lumens they throw out there at the same power draw. We'll see. My off-roading knowledge is limited to: When you go uphill, go straight up, never diagonally Watching the Dakar Rally (if I can find it on cable) Having said that, last night, when I rolled in a short term 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that Dan is going to test, I was pleasantly surprised to find it was fitted with a 5-speed auto transmission. While others here love our long-term Wrangler's 6-speed MT, I don't. It's got long throws and has vague engagement of most of the gears. It's a chore in traffic. Now I'm the guy that wished for the 6MT in our Mazda 3, and prefer manual transmissions in small cars, sporty cars, and in general. But not in SUVs, pickup trucks, or Jeeps. Isn't an AT better for off-roading anyway?  I would think an AT would have less chance to burn up the clutch and be better for crawling. Not necessarily, I found out...   I spoke with JKav, and he informed me that our long-term 6MT Wrangler Sport is equipped with Hill Start Assist and Speed Control, both standard. When climbing or descending, you just remove your foot from the brake, let out the clutch, and only steer as the Jeep takes over for you. No worries about rolling back or burning up the clutch. I knew these features existed on high-end SUVs with ATs, but was surprised they were standard on our inexpensive Wrangler. I suppose the MT gives you better control of the Jeep for the hard-core guys, but the AT would make the Jeep more liveable in daily use. OK you Jeep guys -- what do you prefer: Manual or Auto? Albert Austria, Senior VE Engineer @ ~10,700 miles March 09, 2012   Tonight my wife and I discovered a quirky downside to the lift kit (+3 inches) and tall 33-inch tires (+2 inches) I've installed on our 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The undercarriage is now too far off the ground to trip the inductive coils that control the lights of at least one nearby intersection. We sat there with no other cars behind us waiting in vain for our green light while cross traffic, opposing traffic and left turn cross traffic alternated amongst themselves for at least three full cycles. I was about to give up and tiptoe through -- with an excuse pre-loaded in case I was observed by the law and pulled over -- but then a second car rolled up behind me. I decided to continue waiting to see if that made any difference. It did. Immediately. We got our green and were on our way on the very next go-around. About 45 minutes later I came back to the same intersection -- with a camera this time -- and the exact same thing happened. I tried rocking forward and back a bit in an attempt to get my relatively low-hanging differentials directly over to the underground inductive coils, but once again I was stuck until a second car finally came up behind and tripped the signal for me. Traffic being what it is around here, this shouldn't happen often. And I'm sure there's a trick to it that I haven't yet learned. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 10,610 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Soiled My Pants March 09, 2012 I discovered a downside to the raised ride height of our 2012 Jeep Wrangler. She's just tall enough that the backs of my legs drag across this filthy door sill when climbing in and out. Ordinarily I wouldn't care. But I just did laundry. Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager March 08, 2012   Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport ran across something odd in the desert on the way home from Truckhaven. It seems the heir to the Avery label fortune (or perhaps the original creator of it -- I don't know) has decided it would be a good idea to buy a bunch of undeveloped land in Borrego Springs, Ca. and sprinkle huge steel sculptures all around. Said private land is open to a certain amount of public use, so in theory I could camp right here. Most of them are animals of the prehistoric variety that used to roam this part of the world, and they could be described as "actual size" if not for the pure mythicality of this Chinese dragon/serpent. It loops in an out of the ground like some giant for at least 250 feet and terminates on the other side of a paved road.   There are maybe 40 or 50 such sculptures scattered widely around the outskirts of the city, and Mr. Avery keeps adding more. Their number has doubled or tripled since we came across this one in our 2009 Dodge Ram pickup. But not all of them are prehistoric animals in a bad mood. With the curious exception of our dragon, the subject matter has recently morphed into the history of Borrego Springs, be it animal, dinosaur or...   Jeep. Kinda neat. It's definitely worthy of a side trip if you find yourself near this part of the world.  Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 10,333 miles March 07, 2012   I hadn't registered our 2012 Jeep Wrangler for the 50th annual Tierra Del Sol Desert Safari because I originally had somewhere else to be that weekend. And we weren't quite ready anyway: no lockers, no rock rails, no winch, no axle gears worthy of a steep climb. I didn't want to muck up the place and perhaps clog up a trail run with a noobish lack of preparation. After all, over 1,500 Jeeps were expected, and almost all of them would be BUILT and/or battered from regular off-road use. But then my plans got cancelled and I ended up with a one-day window of opportunity to at least head down to the Truckhaven Hills for a few hours to check it out.   There were Jeeps as far as the eye could see. Hundreds and hundreds of them were strewn about the desert, clumped around a like number of motorhomes and campsites or zipping this way and that. The event spawned a temporary city that no doubt dwarfed the population of nearby Borrego Springs. My weak-sauce picture can't possibly to it justice. And though the following clips aren't specifically from this past weekennd, they do represent the sort of stuff that goes on at TDS. Watch this one all the way to the end. This is just plain weird. Last thanksgiving this "bronco" was the first vehicle to make the climb up the tube obstacle. There's a longer version of this on the interwebs that shows him gradually building up the courage to try it, but the person holding the camera in that one can't seem to shut up and let the V8 do the talking.  What goes up must come down. Truckhaven is only 2 hours from my house, so you can bet I'll be bringing the Jeep back down here when I have a full weekend to camp out and do it properly. I also need to make sure I bring along a buddy/spotter so I can produce photographic evidence of the Jeep's antics. I don't think any of the above obstacles are in the cards, though.  Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 10,205 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Ten Thousand Miles and Counting March 06, 2012 Crummy picture notwithstanding, our 2012 Jeep Wrangler quietly passed the 10,000-mile mark late last week. It happened on a nondescript residential street with nothing humourous or notable in the background. It's running just great, but later that same day I did order up new headlight refelectors and bulbs in order to remedy our Wrangler's worst shortcoming. Expect to see more on that later this week once the parts arrive. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 10,000 miles   February 29, 2012   "Rex, I need to ask you a question I haven't asked anyone since 2003. Do you have a blank CD?"  I was operating under the assumption here that my computer had a CD burner and that I had any idea how to use it, but still, I was going to make this Jeep thing work. I don't drive without music. I'll keep it off during evaluations and hard drives, but to me, music and cars are intertwined. Rex didn't have one, but our IT guys did. It worked well, but was inconvenient and slow. I can put up with CDs on something like our 911 or the NSX, but not the Jeep. The Connectivity Package is $460 and includes a USB as well as Bluetooth. The CD thing worked, but being limited to one album without having to change discs is something I'd honestly forgotten about. (Yes, yes, first world problems.) $400 is not a friction point on something that I will own for more than a year. So it's a bit of change in my habits to have to plan ahead for what I want to listen to. But when this tune popped up as I was cruising PCH that first night with the top down, I had one of those "This is why I love Jeeps" moments. Everything was going exceptionally well, I felt extremely cool and all was forgiven. Until the album was over and I had to listen to it again that is. Mike Magrath, Features Editor, February 28, 2012   You might remember my mini adventure from a few weeks back . It involvolved driving up a rocky wash, getting stuck (sort of, on this silly hill), getting unstuck, pulling out a Ford Bronco and visiting a waterfall with a three-year-old. That's a lot of activity for a three-year-old. And don't ever let anyone tell you a Wrangler -- even a Wrangler with big, dumb tires and a soft top --is too loud inside for a toddler to fall asleep.   Because that's exactly what happened on the way home.  Yes, there's an entire orchestra of racket inside the Wrangler at 60 mph -- tire noise, top noise, wind noise -- but I'd guess it's still better than Wranglers from ten years ago. And she certainly didn't care. After all, she had her zebra. Josh Jacquot, Senior editor   Sometimes, I'm a simpleton. By this I mean it doesn't take much to make me happy. Two weekends ago it was as simple as looking at the decidedly badass Wrangler with a little mud on its rockers sitting in my driveway. Of course, there are other cars in our fleet -- now and in the past -- that have served well in this regard. You might recall a similar experience I had with our old Ferrari 308 in 2008. That car was a truly beautiful piece crap that I loved to look at but hated to drive. Come to think of it, there's another beautiful piece of crap in our fleet right now. The 911, however, I really, really want to love. The Ferrari was beautiful, but nobody was ever going to love driving it. The Wrangler, though, I love for different reasons. It's not exactly beautiful in a traditional sense, but there's an undeniable purpose to its look that I can't help but be attracted to. Functionalty is something that sells itself to me. Doesn't really matter if it's a miserablly ugly turd. If it's a wildly functional yet miserably ugly turd, there's a good chance I'll like it. Make it a big black wildly functional Jeep Wrangler with some dirt on the sides and I'm in. Josh Jacquot, Senior editor February 27, 2012   Sunday morning I walked out to our long term Jeep Wrangler to see a bright green ticket on the window. This was odd for two reasons: 1) I was parked in secure, private, underground parking. (I drove out to get a better picture.) 2) Parking tickets aren't usually green...   Seriously?  It's a Jeep. That top will only stop the laziest thieves. The same casual pickers that would be thwarted by a locked door. I guess the LAPD didn't read my first Jeep post . Mike Magrath, Features Editor, @ 9,700 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: No Use for the Green Zone February 24, 2012 Tachometers have had red zones forever, but our Wrangler also has a green zone. As you can see, the green zone is nestled on the other side of the spectrum from the red zone. Looks to be from around 1,000 rpm up to 2,500 rpm. It's a nice gesture and all I guess, but in all practical terms it's utterly useless. For one, 1,000-2,500 rpm isn't exactly this engine's -- or any engine's -- sweet spot, so good luck trying to keep in the green zone. Second, do we really need a green zone to tell us that we'll get better mileage by running the engine at just over idle? I would hope not. Ed Hellwig, Editor, February 23, 2012   Turns out, like most things in life, there's a right and wrong way to arrive at a rolled up Wrangler window. Some of you -- those who own or have lived with one of these things -- already know the routine. For me, it's new.    This photo is taken several steps into the process after unclipping the window flaps from the body and rolling the tailgate bar, which is attached to the bottom of the window, out of its fasteners (stupid-huge red arrow). There are two pulls on the single zipper which runs around the entire rear window. When zipped, one pull is at each end near the tailgate. Unzip each pull until it's slighty into the horizontal plane and stop. From there it's easy enough to slip the elastic straps inside the roof around each end of the rolled top. It hangs down about 8 inches when all is said and done.   Also, there's this. When raising or lowering the window, it's vitally important to unzip the side zippers before attempting to fasten or unfasten the tailgate bar. Look carefully at the silver engagement tab on the window side (right side) of the zipper. It's clearly been gnarfshweckled by someone who didn't take the time to be certain it was aligned evenly with the tab on the  other side. If it's misaligned, the zipper will often still engage, but it will be nearly impossible to unzip all the way should you need to. Now gnarfchweckling is something that happens easily with the zipper on a Wrangler top, so I'll cut whoever did this a break.  There are, I'm certain, variations on this technique. And those who are familiar should share them. The point, of course, is that you needn't ever remove the rear window. Leave it in to drop the top. It's quicker. And you're less likely to become a gnarfschweckler. Josh Jacquot, Senior editor  February 23, 2012   With the addition of the Mopar Pre-Runner Stage III Suspension System, a 3-inch lift kit, our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport is fast approaching the limit of our 20-degree RTI ramp. But not quite yet. The smidge of daylight under the left-rear in the above pose indicates this shot was taken just before I backed it down the ramp slightly to find the official measurement point where the BFG rubber barely kisses the concrete. This time I made the measurement two ways: once with the front stabilizer bar connected and once with it disconnected. The results were surprising.   You'd think that three inches of lift and remote reservoir shocks would add up to a healthy bump in measured suspension articulation. With the front stabilizer bar disconnected, at least, you'd be right. So configured, our lifted Wrangler produced 29-5/8" of left-front wheel lift, a number that corresponds 86-5/8" of progress up our 20-degree ramp. That works out to 908 RTI points when compared to our 2-door Jeep's 95.4-inch wheelbase. The same measurement was 820 before I installed the Mopar Stage III kit. But a funny thing happened when I measured RTI with the front stabilizer bar connected: It was worse. And by that I mean worse than the stock un-lifted suspension with the front stabilizer bar in the same state. With the bar in full effect, the Stage III kit hiked the front wheel 18-3/32" and generated an RTI of 564. The stock suspension allowed 20-7/16" of lift and 626 RTI points. How can this be? Turns out, the Mopar Stage III kit employs springs that are not only taller -- they're also stiffer by about 25 percent. Articulation is limited by roll stiffness, and roll stiffness is generated by the stabilizer bars and the springs. For a given stabilizer bar size, stiffer springs produce more overall roll stiffness. And so the stiffer stage III springs restrict RTI somewhat when the stabilizer bar is connected. But the stabilizer bar still represents the lion's share of the roll stiffness, and when it is disconnected the stiffer springs don't produce enough to limit articulation on their own. And so we see pictures like this...   The front spring is impressively compressed, but there's still a fair amount of daylight.    We may yet be able to squeeze more RTI out of this suspension. After all, we have not yet disconnected the rear stabilizer bar, and we have not yet played around with tire pressures on the RTI ramp. We may yet get to 1000 -- or beyond. But we will probably have to institute our Plan B for the RTI ramp before we cross that threshold. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ I forgot to check miles   February 21, 2012   On Sunday afternoon I loaded up the kid and headed for the nearest off-road play land. Not that I'm any good at off roading, but its appeal does seem to be rather univeral. The plan was to drive up the wash for about five miles and then unload, hike a few more miles and check out a waterfall which only runs (trickles, if I'm honest) in the winter. It's been a dry one in SoCal this year, but with snow in the highest reaches of our local mountains last week, I was hopeful. Turns out, the Wrangler is refreshingly fun in its element. About half way up the wash we stumbled into this Bronco. This guy's combination of genius level driving and heavy footedness youthful indiscretion and enthusiasm landed him up to his axles in rocks. Physics, it turns out, apply to Fords as well. One quick snatch in four low and the Bronco was free. He was thankful and we had fun.   And then this happened. Doesn't look like much, but it stopped the Jeep on our first three attempts. That, of course, was before we unleashed our inner Tim Cameron and decided more throttle was the solution. Now, in fairness, this photo doesn't fully illustrate the hill's looseness or its frame-twisting nature which would simultanteously lift opposite front and rear wheels causing the Jeep to spin its tires and lose grip. Next stop: locking differentials. Or, at the very least, a disconnected front stabilizer bar. Spending the five minutes to make that tweak would likely have kept the tires on the ground. After the hike we saw this:   It wasn't much. But it was enough to produce this:   February 17, 2012   Here's the deal: I've never owned or driven a Jeep Wrangler and never -- before today -- dealt with a Wrangler soft top. But this weekend I intend to drive this thing around with no top. So, today is the day I learned how to do it. Despite what you might have read or how you feel, it is a learning experience. I even got the bright idea to time myself on the top's reassembly. After all, anyone can take things apart. So, being a mission-focused male, I paid little attention to how it came apart. One quick glance at the soft-top guide in the glove box and I arrived here in a few minutes. Care to guess how long it took to put it back together?    After about 20 minutes of futzing with the rear gate/window interface -- what I thought should be the first step in reassembly -- I called resident logic specialist, Dan Edmunds. Mind you, I did have Jeep's very own soft top instructions in front of me. These instructions advise (logically, I should add) reassembling the top in the reverse order used to take it down. So that's what I was doing. Dan, however, pointed out some tricks which at first seemed counterintutive but ended up paying big dividends. Step one, he said, was to fasten the top to the windshield header. Now that's the last step if one follows the lowering instructions in reverse order, but it worked. This, I suspect, is because the it's about 75 degrees today and the top material is quite flexible. Dan also mentioned that our resident jammer, who shall remain nameless, shweckled the rear window zipper some days ago and that it was in need of love. He advised silicon spray lube. So I obliged. The tiniest squirt when the zipper began to slow made things smooth again:   The only other sticking point were these plastic brackets which locate tailgate bar against the body. It's not obvious at first which way they go, but they'll only work one way, so trial and error solved that problem fairly quickly:   Here the tailgate bar isn't fully seated. It pushes into the mouth of the bracket easily enough. In total, after my phone call with Dan, I spent six minutes and 28 seconds reassembling the top. And there's ample room for improvement.  Josh Jacquot, Senior editor 2012 Jeep Wrangler: The Downside of Whitewalls Out February 17, 2012 Take a look at the tire on our 2012 Jeep Wrangler. We decided to go whitewalls out, which looks cool paired with the black paint job. But it is harded to hide when you curb the tire. The good news, it scrubbed clean with a little effort. Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager 2012 Jeep Wrangler: It Soiled My Shirt February 16, 2012 Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler was clean before I drove it last night. Sporadic downpours during the day pooled into numerous opportunities to get the Jeep dirty again. And with the BFGs and Mopar Pre-Runner suspension installed, she sends up some kind of rooster tail... Even slow speed driving generated a tall enough spray to soak the elbow I had perched on the window sill. The Jeep soiled my new shirt, which actually made me smile. It reminded me of the days when I owned a Wrangler. No matter my intention, I was prepared to get dirty at all times. There is something inherent in these cars that attracts filth. Its kind of awesome. I drove through this puddle of red arrows to portray just how high the spray travels. The water spots would be mud if I did my job better. Next time. Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager @ 9,233 miles This is how our Jeep Wrangler really looks. But this is how I see it: There's no good reason for this. Partially, though, it's that ever since Magrath discovered Tim Cameron's big-block-powered rolling ego last month, I've had a serious off-road jones. "Showtime" as it's known, is a one part rock crawler, one part Saturn V rocket and three parts unmitigated chaos. And I love every chaw-fueled inch of the thing. It goes about its backwoods business with all the subtlety of a sand-and-tobasco enema. Yee. Haw.  So what's all this have to do with our Jeep? Not a lot, really. On some level, though, both these things are made for crawling rocks. Now, if you haven't already witnessed the unbridled ass-kickitude Showtime is cabable of unleashing on Mother Nature then you need to first click the above link. Then you can decide for yourself where Cameron ranks on the Sierra Club's hit list. But if you want to see him use more brains than horsepower (Who cares, really?) to climb the unclimbable, just click below. And be amazed. Hey Wrangler...you and me. We got a date. Josh Jacquot, Senior editor February 14, 2012   This rolled into the swank Mr. C Hotel parking lot yesterday while I was awaiting a Fisker event to start. I was told it was Philadelphia Eagle DeSean Jackson's, and given the brief glimpse I got of the driver, I'd buy that. As you can see, it's a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon that's been modified. Check out the badge pictured after the jump, however. That thing got a Hemi?   In this world of morons putting AMG badges on their C240's, you'd be inclined to say it's just a stick-on. However, this thing had a warble to it completely not in keeping with either the current or old V6s. We couldn't exactly look inside, but looking around, there was definitely something different going on. So I'm going to give Mr. Jackson credit and say that yep, it's got a Hemi. And it is possible . I know the Pentastar is new-and-improved and all, but should we do it too? James Riswick, Automotive Editor February 13, 2012   Our Jeep has a brand new stance, and I like it. As you can see, I finished installing the Mopar Pre-Runner Suspension on our 2012 Jeep Wrangler last week. You can just make out a Fox shock and its remote reservoir in the front wheel well as our JK poses atop Modjeska Peak. I made a quick run up Saddleback, the local OC name given to the twin peaks of Santiago and Modjeska, in order to shake things up a bit. To make sure everything is tight and as it should be before I put the Wrangler back in general circulation. It passed with flying colors, but I'm still going to put it back on our Rotary lift and go over everything once more with a torque wrench. A full description of the installation process will be coming in the next few days, and a selection of opinions about the performance change brought about by this kit will no doubt trickle in over the next few months. Here's my quick take:   It's firmer around town, but then it would be with stiffer springs and more damping force in the shocks. In many situations that's preferable to the way it was before when the stock suspension had its hands full with the 90-pound unsprung mass of these large wheels tires. That's no longer a concern as the big Mud Terrains now stay firmly planted all the time. Despite the 3-inch lift and the higher CG that results, the Jeep corners quite securely, even when mid-corner bumps rear their ugly head. But the key word is firm, and I think there's something to be gained from a slight tire pressure drop. We're still running factory pressures, but these humungous BFG's can no doubt match the load-carrying capacity of the skinny originals at a lower set point. As expected, the ride is hardest on pavement cracks, concrete joints and other small imperfections, but control and impact absorbtion are dramatically better over larger stuff that gets the suspension really moving. I can now roll through nearby dips, ones I had to tiptoe through last week, without slowing much at all. Generous rear rebound damping has utterly eliminated the expected donkey kick. The change is transformative on Saddleback's fire roads, where it soaks up washboard and big water bars with equal ease. I can bomb around without feeling like a random bump or hole will send the Jeep skittering sideways. Approach and departure angles look to be dramatically improved by the three inches of lift, and we still have to measure the "after" RTI. And I can't wait to get it out in the open desert and hunt me up some whoops. This is a real off-road kit, make no mistake. It's probably not the best choice for those who simply like the idea of driving a high-riding Jeep up PCH to Zuma Beach, but I'm sure we'll hear more on that score from others on the team.   Incidentally, I saw 7 other Jeeps during my short Saddleback run, and all of them had two doors. Three were old CJs and four were JKs like ours. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 8,972 miles February 08, 2012   What you see before you will soon be bolted to the underbelly of our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport. It's Mopar's new 3-inch "JK Wrangler Pre-Runner Suspension System - Stage III Performance" and we're going to DIY the installation and document the process. No welding is involved, but there is a wee bit of cutting and drilling. Maybe some swearing. It should be fun. Mopar sells two versions: part number P5156141 for the 2-door and P5156140 for the 4-door. Each costs $2,400 and includes everything shown on this bench. The flyer I have here before me figures it take 6 hours to install assuming you are a Jeep dealer mechanic in full possession of the required skill, tools and equipment. The implication for those not looking for a DIY challenge is you can buy this setup at a Jeep dealer and pay them to install it for a nominal fee that probably amounts to whatever they charge for 6 hours of labor. We fully expect it to take longer as we photograph the process for what should be the ultimate suspension teardown walkaround. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing February 07, 2012   We thought we could dodge the rain, but we were wrong. The plan was to bring our 2012 Jeep Wrangler to the obstacle course at Hungry Valley with both sets of tires for a shoot out. Our goal was to see how the performance of our Jeep would change over the same stretch of ground -- see if the extra RTI and ground clearance afforded by the big 33-inch BFG tires would be obvious to the naked or camera-aided eye. Scott Jacobs came along to take stills while John Adolph shot video. But things began looking gloomy when we finally arrived, so we dialed back our plan to push the Jeep to its absolute limit and settled for a simpler back-to-back comparison we knew we could finish before we all got dumped on. The big BFG Mud-Terrain KM2s went first, for no other reason than they were already on the Jeep when we arrived.   I walked the Wrangler and its 33-inch BFGs through this ditch in low range, crossing at about 45 degrees. About 30 minutes later I followed my own tracks as precisely as possible with the OE Goodyear 29-inch rubber bolted on.   The rain started as we were changing tires. Even though Scott is standing in a slightly different position, he caught the Jeep at the same moment. The lower RTI value of the stock setup shows itself here as a lot more rear wheel lift.   The frame twist section is made up of alternating humps of dirt. The 33-inch tires have no trouble staying planted.   Once again, slightly different camera angle, same spot. The smaller-diameter tires look like they're working harder because they are. And now for some split-screen video. In general, the Jeep moves around more on the small tires, there's more head toss inside the cabin. In part that's because the smaller diameter tires dip farther into holes and hollows. And don't forget the narrower track that results from skinnier tires and a substantial difference in wheel offset. There's also less clearance, of course. This becomes easier to see in the following Go-Pro camera shots. The skinny Goodyear OE rubber had a tough time with the rain. Aside from the wheelspin you can see, the Jeep felt pretty greasy behind the wheel. At this point Scott and John (not to mention their cameras) were getting drenched, so we packed it in. And even though we weren't able to push the Jeep as far as we wanted, we were still able to grab some cool photos and video. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing.   February 06, 2012   Let's make one thing perfectly clear: This is not our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport. No one here at Edmunds has ever seen this Jeep before. We swear. But alert reader Tracy (aka my wife) saw it whilst taking the kids to school this morning, mere blocks from my house. The possibilities are endless. Before you go to the obvious place, consider these: perhaps this person competed in a cycling event and was later found to be doping, or maybe he (or she) was caught counting cards at the Pechanga Casino; it's also possible this person's Ford-Riley passed through tech after the 24-hours of Daytona and was found to be 75 pounds underweight. Or maybe... February 02, 2012   Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler is begging for new shocks, and a mild 2-inch lift kit has always been on our "to-do" list. There are many options out there that achieve both goals at once, but these remote reservoir Fox shocks sealed the deal. Aren't they pretty...awesome? They come as part of Mopar's new JK Wrangler Pre-Runner Suspension System, along with springs, new control arms to maintain proper alignment and driveshaft angles, new stabilizer links, limit straps and bump stops. And the front bump stops are TeraFlex Speedbump hydraulic units. As the name implies, this so-called Stage-III kit isn't just for rock crawling; it's also meant to keep the tires planted in the comparitively high-speed wheeling environment found in Southern California's open deserts and fire roads -- something our Jeep sorely needs. If you want to draw parallels to the Ford Raptor, go right ahead. I'm not going to stop you. Thing is, this is a 3-inch lift kit -- slightly more than I had in mind. But at least it's not 4-inches. That would have been too much. As a former OE suspension development engineer myself, I like the idea of going with a kit the Jeep's Mopar division had a hand in. It's been tested and blessed by the folks that built our Wrangler in the first place. Few other such kits can say that. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing   February 02, 2012 Took our Wrangler to career day at the local elementary school. Not surprisingly, it was a hit. I think much of its appeal rested on its lack of a roof, but the ability to climb inside by stepping on the rear tires surely boosted its appeal. Plenty of kids said they would love to have one when they get their licenses. So much for kids not caring about cars anymore. Ed Hellwig, Editor, 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Keeps the Stink Out January 31, 2012 Let's be honest, one of the best parts of camping is that first beer in front of the campfire. Come morning, there is usually an assortment of cans strewn about. If you're responsible you bide by the credo pack it in, pack it out. As a result, one of the worst aftermaths of a good camping weekend is the trash. There is nothing worse than stale beer funk mixed with the smell spoiled food in the car. Thankfully during my last outing Sr. Multimedia Editor John Adolph loaned me his spare Trasharoo . I'll consider it my personal mod to our Jeep. On the way up to our campsite it help two bundles of wood. On the way home it held the trash in a secure pouch, free from highway "dispersal." I realize that a lot of people will have ready access to a dumpster near where they car camp so the stink isn't as much of a concern. But when you do remote camping like we do and the nearest dumpster is an hour away, this is a great idea. Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Badge of Honor January 31, 2012 The drive home Sunday night from a weekend camping adventure can be a long one. Most likely you're tired, dirty, and just want to sleep in you own bed. To keep myself from falling asleep motivated, I usually listen to some good tunes, drink (regrettably) an energy drink and take in the scenery. More often than not the scenery involves checking out other cars on the road. You can make a game out if to see what they did that weekend by the type of vehicle is is and the condition it's in. Fortunately the Jeep was available this past weekend. I took out the rear seat, packed in my gear along with my dog, then headed north to the desert. I met up with Sr. Multimedia Editor John Adolph in his Toyota Land Cruiser (which you've probably seen in other places on this site) in the city Mojave. Our plan was to hike up to the top of the Five Finger Mountains. To make the most of our weekend, not only were we going to hike to the top of the Five Fingers, but we decided to roll in a trip to yonder valley. Best way of doing it with minimal fuss in our opinion was to parking a vehicle on each side. We drove out to the opposite side of the mountains to set up camp so that we'd only have to make one trip in the morning. To get to our finishing point, we had to drive over some easy cheese fire roads. Eventually we had to navigate over some nastier bits where 4WD and some clearance were a must. The deeply scored ruts we had to traverse were no problem for our Jeep. At our destination we found a nice alcove in the rocky hillside to set up camp. Come sunrise, we got ready to head out. Leaving John's Toyota behind at the end point, we took our long term Jeep around hill to the beginning of our hike. Streams, rocks, deeply scarred roads and steep hills along the way were not a problem for our Jeep. After a bit of searching, we found a suitable spot to start our cross country hill climb. Our hike was a tough one, but it was a great feeling of accomplishment when we cooled our feet in the stream of yonder valley. By the end of the day, I was dirty, tired and hungry. After packing up camp I turned south for home. Somewhere on the 14 during that journey south, I passed a filthy FJ Cruiser. As I looked over, the guy smiled and gave me a thumbs up. Looks like he had a great weekend adventuring too. To me, the spray of mud and dirt is an unspoken bond between like minded folks. Having this Jeep in our long term fleet has been an absolute joy. It's my ticket to anytime adventure. Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Rubber Not the Same As Steel January 30, 2012 Southern California can get quite windy from time to time. This past Saturday through the Agua Dulce Canyon was no exception. As I made my way the grade, I was hit by a fierce headwind. Being shaped like a brick, the Jeep was rocked and buffeted the whole time. What had me concerned the most was that I saw the hood slapping up and down. Most of the time it was chattering as if it got the cold shivers. But a few times I was hit by gusts of such force that I could see the rubber fasteners stretch a good distance then slam the hood back down with a loud thud. I was worried that another good gust like this might loosen a fastener and throw the hood back at the windshield. Maybe I was freaked about something that was very unlikely, but just in case I pulled in behind a truck lumbering up the hill as a shield. Though the hood still chattered, it didn't pop up and slam down any longer. It made me wonder if a metal fastener would be better than a rubber one. Am I too paranoid, or would you want metal too? Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography January 24, 2012   Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport did not come equipped with a fancy pants electronic front stabilizer bar disconnect-o-matic system. To get one of those you need to step up to the Rubicon. A few minutes with a pair of wrenches will take care of that. The main problem with this approach is remembering to reconnect everything before you take it out of low-range and head back onto the pavement. Forgetting to do so could land you in a world of hurt. As long as one remembers that, the manual stabilizer bar disconnect strategy is a very effective way to increase off-road articulation in rough terrain. But how big is the benefit, exactly? I grabbed a couple of 18mm wrenches (yes, they're metric) and pointed the Jeep up our RTI ramp to find out.     The easiest bolt to remove is found at the lower end of the stabilizer link, the end that bolts to the bracket on the front axle tube. The bolt is a bit longer than it needs to be, so a standard-length socket wasn't quite going to work. I probably could have made it work, but this gave me a chance to try out one of my newest wrenches.   It's a hollow pass-through socket that's externally driven by a special matching ratchet. Craftsman calls this contraption by the name Max Axxes. The socket is short but utterly hollow. Any extra bolt length sticks right through so there's no need for a separate set of deep sockets. Also, because the socket is short (shorter than a normal one, in fact) I don't have to steady it with my free hand to counteract the sideways torque that can be generated by the very length of a deep socket. Pretty clever -- and effective.   After the bolt was gone I simply pivoted the link up on its remaining bolt. A tie-wrap is certainly called for, but I didn't bother since I was merely making a quick measurement.   The good news is the disconnected stab bar allows the left front suspension to bury itself (yellow) in the front bump stop. We're getting everything there is this time -- the stab bar is no longer holding us back. But farther down things are looking sketchy. The floating stabilizer bar end and the stowed link (blue) are banging into the steering arm. It's doing this because I did not disconnect the other link on the other end of the bar. Strictly speaking, one disconnected link is enough to defeat a stabilizer bar. The problem is the free end wants to droop in lock-step with the opposite side. In the field I'd solve this by removing both links and tying the bar up high out of the way with tie wraps. Two bolts removed instead of one; no big deal if a serious off-road slog is in the cards. Or I could install some purpose-made links that have a quick disconnect built into them. Yeah, that's already on our to-do list.   The view at the right rear looks about the same as before, with the big 33-inch tire crammed neatly into the wheel well. But that front end is looking a bit more dramatic.   But just how far did our Jeep make it up the ramp? Time to break out the measuring tools.   I measured wheel lift at 26.75 inches, well over SIX INCHES more than  RTI measurement #2 . This works out to 78.2 inches up our 20-degree ramp instead of 59.8 inches. Yowsa. And the RTI? How does 820 grab you? That's almost 200 points better than the 626 it generated last time out with the same big BFG tires and a working front stabilizer bar. I expected a big improvement -- 100 points, at least -- but I never suspected it would amount to anything approaching 200 points. Clearly, the pent-up flexibility of our Jeep's live axle front suspension has been unleashed. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 8,065 miles  January 22, 2012   What's right with this picture? The TPMS fault lamp is no longer glowing on the instrument panel of our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport. I brought the Jeep and  Mike's sack full of five sensors to a Just Tires store I pass every day on the 405 freeway while motoring through Carson, CA on my way home. These TPMS sensors are of the simpler rubber-stemmed variety and they pop into the rim just like any regular rubber valve stem would. Our BFG tires not need be fully dismounted from the rim to make the swap; a broken outboard bead gives the tech enough room to reach in there. "How much to install these?" I asked William, the friendly guy behind the counter. "Three dollars and fifty cents apiece," said he. I'll do the math for you: that's $17.50 for all five. Pretty cheap. But the sensors do add a little weight where there was nothing before, so I had them rebalance the tires. That brought the total up to $104.85 -- just slightly over $20 per tire for everything. Necessary? Perhaps not, but I didn't want to have to come back. And it is a lifetime balance -- the tire's lifetime, anyway. That could come in handy later on with big off-road tires like these. Many TPMS systems require new sensors to be formally introduced to the vehicle's ECU with a special tool that plugs into the OBD port. But a 2012 Jeep learns the ID numbers of new sensors by merely driving for 10 minutes (or less) at a speed of 20 mph (or more). Apparently "or less" is the operative phrase. The technician's test drive lasted no more than a mile before the lamp winked out. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 7,826 miles January 20, 2012   Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler's low-beam headlights were never very good to begin with. Folks around the office have compared them to lanterns on more than one occasion. But its more than just their general dimness. The light seems to pour out of a slot, as if our Jeep was fitted with World War II blackout covers, the kind that used to be mandatory to lessen the chance of being seen by the enemy flying overhead. Any shot of the front end will show that our Jeep has driving lights in its front bumper, but those don't ever do very much, right? Might as well try them. Now, if I can only find that switch. It's dark in here, and the location of switch isn't obvious. There's certainly nothing backlighted to find. This all happened while Mike and I were coming down from Santiago Peak in the pitch dark last weekend. With no owner's manual in the glovebox to consult, I pulled over and hunted around with a flashlight until I found the switch. As you can see it was staring me in the face the whole time -- sort of. Oh sure, it's easy to see when the headlights are off, but that's not when I needed to find it. Once the headlights were on the icon I was seeking had rolled up to the top where it wasn't that visible -- especially inside a dark cabin on a very dark trail. But that only applied this first time. Now that I know it, I know it.   What a difference! The total amount of light jjust about doubled, with all of it illuminating the dark spot where the rocks, water bars and the edge of the road were hiding. The near distance was now fully illuminated.  That thin line that separates the two only appears close to the vehicle; the height difference between the upper and lower beams quickly resolves itself as the beams converge. Still, a small adjustment wouldn't hurt.  Because none of the new light goes up, oncoming drivers on the road are not getting blasted with any more light. Anyone who flashes their brights to complain is simply counting lights and coming up with a result greater than two. But this one-two combination still doesn't add up to awesome on the street. As for the high beams, they're junk. The driving lights wink out when they come on and the weak slot of yellow light simply moves up higher. Josh's Camry high-beam photo is ten times more impressive. (OK, maybe three times.) An upgrade is still in the cards, but until then I'll be using the driving lights all the time.  Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing January 20, 2012   By now you know about the new wheels and tires on our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport. That means you also know we have yet to install the TPMS sensors since the BFG upgrade. There was a delay due to some significant misinformation regarding the cost and availability of these black rubber thingies. A (once trusted) source for all things tire warned us of prices in the $100-each range for new sensors. That put the purchase on hold until we could do more research. Our gut told us he was blowing smoke, so we dug around... MY2010-current Wranglers use a newer 315 Mhz unit, which replaced the 433 Mhz system used in models prior to 2010. We shopped 4WheelParts.com but they didn't offer anything compatible with the new system on our 2012. Same luck on Amazon. Our local Jeep dealership, NAPA and Tire Rack did have parts in stock, however: Dealer: $82.80 each NAPA: $49.99 each Tire Rack: $37 each Which would you choose? Multiply that cost by 5 tires. It sure beats the $500 stab-in-the-dark quote we received originally. We've spent $192.42 (with shipping) so far. Next step is to get these suckers installed. Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager @ 7,725 miles  January 19, 2012   I climbed into the Jeep this morning for some investigation unrelated to this post and noticed that, well, it stank. Literally. Smelled like mildew. In a soft-top vehicle like this one, I was pretty sure that could mean only one thing.     I was right. When I opened the tailgate to dig around behind the rear seat, the problem was obvious. Water had penetrated the roof and found its way into the small cargo bin that's built into the floor behind the rear seat. This small tray was retaining maybe a half-inch of water and the floor mat which covers the bin was soaked. Turns out, Chief Car Wrangler Mike Schmidt had, earlier in the day, found the seals between the top and the tailgate to be misaligned and straightened them out before I arrived. We're unsure if this is residual water from last weekend's brief rain or perhaps the Wrangler went through the car wash on Monday in this condition. It's likely the latter.  Either way, this appears to be user error. However, in our defense, this is an easy mistake to make without careful attention to every seam, zipper and seal when reassembling the top.  I took everything apart, left the tailgate open and flipped off the interior light in an attempt to let it all dry out before it goes home with Dan Edmunds tonight. I'm sure he will update the situation if it's justified. If not, I'd expect no issues once things dry out. Josh Jacquot, Senior editor 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Loving the New Wheels and Tires January 17, 2012 When I heard we were putting some real meats on the Jeep I was pleased. Figured anything would be a huge improvement over the donuts that come from the factory, at least in terms of looks. Turns out, the new tires make it drive better too. It feels more controlled over bumps and it's far less jumpy on the highway. The noise is pretty minimal for mud tires, too, far quieter than the original Mud-Terrains I had on my F-250 a decade ago. I don't even mind the "taller" gearing as the new V6 still pulls just fine.  I don't think there's any doubt that they look better too. In fact, if it were my Jeep I might even go without a lift, at least until I could get a feel for it in the backcountry. I'm guessing it would be just fine in anything but the most extreme circumstances. Ed Hellwig, Editor, 2012 Jeep Wranger: Um... Is This Normal? January 13, 2012 I took our Jeep home last night. Mostly for the lazy reason that I had left the rear headrests in my garage and needed to put them back. Once I crawled into the rear seat area, I noticed a red puddle. I ran my finger through it to make sure it wasn't cheetle (noun: The orange, cheesy residue left on the finger tips after eating a bag of Cheetos). Nope, it was rust. I tried to find the source of the drip, but couldn't locate it. Being a soft top, I would bet there are gaps so it could be from many sources. Is this something that other Jeep owners have noticed? Should we be concerned? Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography January 10, 2012   The speedometer in our 2012 Jeep Wrangler is accurate once more. Even with the big tires, 35 mph is now 35 mph, 70 mph is now, well, 71 mph according to my GPS speedo app ( a free one called Car Dashboard this time) but that's close enough. My local dealer, Glenn E. Thomas Jeep, did the trick in about an hour -- 50 minutes of which was spent waiting for a service technician to become available. All he needed from me was the circumference of the new tires, expressed in revolutions per mile. A quick check of the BFGoodrich website showed that number to be 630 revs/mile for our LT285/70R17 Mud Terrain KM2s . For reference, our Wrangler's smaller stock tires rotated 705 times per mile. Yep, that's 12 percent more. We made the tire swap 1,268 miles ago, so the 12 percent error during that time amounts to 152 miles and won't grow any larger.   I wasn't allowed to go back into the service area to watch or photograph the procedure, but I'm told it was performed through the OBD-II port. Jeep of course offers a variety of tire size and differential options on the Wrangler, so there's a changeable tire circumference parameter built into the ECU programming. According to what I was told the spectrum is stepped, not continuous (it isn't possible to notch the number up or down in 1 rev/mile increments) and there are upper and lower limits. Our tires apparently sit right at the cutoff because my service writer told me the technician used the last available choice. For these reasons the service ticket reads "recalibrate speedo as best as possible." This may also be why 71 mph on the GPS reads 70 mph on the speedometer. Close enough, but not spot on. The service writer also told me there isn't a similar ECU parameter for the gear ratio in the diffs. When we swap out our 3.21 units for something more sensible we'll need to pretend we put on smaller tires instead and figure out what the equivalent recalibration factor would be in revs/mile. Luckily, that will push us back in the direction we just came from. Total cost: $52.50, all of it labor. Plus tax, of course. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 7,376 miles January 10, 2012   Forza 4 isn't the only video game that has tie-ins to cars in the real world. After figuring out how to get a screenshot from Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, I can finally show you what our Jeep Wrangler has in common with my carpal tunnel. The Jeep really doesn't play a major role in the game itself, nor does it stand out as a blatant product placement ad. It just sort of sits there in some of the multiplayer maps. I was, however, a little surprised that it's susceptible to in-game damage. Just after the image at the top of the page was captured, an opponent blew it up with an RPG; along with myself, unfortunately. Below are images of the burned-out husk of a Wrangler.     Oddly enough, the in-game Jeep doesn't completely line up with the MW3 Edition Rubicon that is selling for $36,880. For the $6,000-plus premium, you get special black wheels and spare tire cover, a Mopar hood with scoop, Mopar Front Bumper (winch ready) with fog lights & Mopar rear bumper, rock rails, a black fuel fill door, black tail lamp guards, a black interior with black Sedosa fabric w/hex embossment & unique "MW3" Logo, a unique IP cluster & IP grab handle with new logo and slush mats. Worth it? I don't think so. As our Wrangler currently sits, I think I prefer it to the special edition. Mark Takahashi, Automotive Editor January 09, 2012   The gates were open. The dirt roads up to Santiago and Modjeska peaks, together known as Saddleback, were fair game. I called my buddy Mike (not that Mike, or that Mike, or that Mike -- you don't know him) to see if he wanted to ride shotgun in our 2012 Jeep Wrangler and head up there for some geocaching. Mostly, these are fire roads that any cute ute could tackle. But there are always washouts and the place is sprinkled with tall water-bars. Good approach and departure angles are nice to have. Knobbly tires and 4-Low aren't strictly necessary if you stick to the Main Divide Truck Trail, but there are always spurs and side roads to investigate.   This particular side trail might have been beyond reach with our Jeep's original stock tires. Remind be to build a tool to measure how much our approach angle has improved with these 33-inch BFG Mud Terrain T/As and the extra 2 inches of lift they provide.   This is one of many Forest Service helipads that are sprinkled atop the numerous peaks along the ridge. It's steeper than it looks here and the lip is taller than a curb. The muffler actually kissed the asphalt (no harm, no foul) as the rear tires dropped in.   Easy hillclimb. Yawn.   You can see this soccer ball thing from many parts of northern Orange County. It sits at the top of Black Star Canyon. Called Beek's Lookout, informally.   Another random hilltop helipad.   Shadows started to get long before Mikle and I hightailed it back down the mountain to the Silverado gate, some 20 miles distant. It was pitch black by the time we got there. Admittedly, this wasn't much of a challenge for the Jeep, but a few things became clear: The stock final drive ratios have got to go. I spent most of the time in 4-Low, not because of the steepness, per se, but because of the combined effect of the factory gears (which are fuel economy specials to begin with in the 6-speed Sport) and the bigger tires. It needs new shocks and springs. When I opened it up a little (a whole 30 mph!) the heavy unspring mass of the new tires had their way with the suspension as we crashed over the bumps. A big hike in damping is needed to keep them planted on the ground. A lift kit would be nice. The rear tires rubbed inside the fender wheels a couple of times. Not very often, mind you, and certainly not very hard, but enough to tell me that I could have a problem if I got into some serious frame twist action. This is not so much news as it is confirmation of our earlier RTI ramp results . All in all, it was a good day. We went where we wanted in the knowledge that the vehicle wouldn't be the thing that held us back. That's what Jeeping is all about. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 7,245 miles January 05, 2012   Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler now wears big aftermarket tires and wheels, but the diff ratios have not yet been changed.  Track testing showed that this didn't do terrible things to performance. But while we were at it our VBOX was able to confirm what I'd predicted by comparing tire sizes: the actual speed our Jeep travels at any given time is now 12 percent faster than what the speedometer is telling us. That's a recipe for a speeding ticket, that is. At first I considered a conversion chart taped to the dash. And then I found Speedometer+, an iPhone/Android app that uses the phone's GPS capability to produce a speed readout. There's a choice of knots, mph or kph. I found it in the iTunes store a few days before the new year for free, but that was an introductory offer. They get a whole 99 cents for it now. Worth it.   It lags a second behind reality, but thats no big deal on account of I usually don't care until I'm at cruising speed. Point is, I know exactly how fast I'm going now. An indicated 60 mph on the Jeep's speedo is 67 mph as far as the Highway Patrol is concerned. That's a ratio of 1.12-to-1, the same 12 percent error we came up with using the VBox. Everyone in the office with plans to drive our modded Jeep should get this app. Any smartphone user who has changed their tire and wheel sizes enough to change the height of their car or otherwise suspects a speedometer error should get this app. As an added bonus, the Jeep's dashtop bin contains a small ridge that helps the phone stand up at a useful angle. OK, Mr. Newcomb, I think this just about takes care of this week's Automotive App of the Week. You're welcome. January 05, 2012   Base Model Upside: No power windows means you get this handy little bin that holds an iPhone/iPod in a very convenient place. Also, I appreciate the simplicity of this head unit rather than Chrysler's old touchscreen thing with the tiny screen and annoying menu structure. Base Model Downside: The stereo sucks. Yes, I've been driving the Shaker-equipped Mustang for a week, but it's just awful. With all those hard, flat surfaces and the abundance of noise coming from everywhere, I'm pretty sure it's impossible to create a sonic cathedral inside a Wrangler. Still, some semblance of bass would be nice. As such, I would definitely pay the extra money for the Sport S trim (includes 17-inch alloys, A/C, leather-wrapped wheel) and $395 above that for the seven-speaker Infinity sound system. I can't speak to its quality, but it's got to be better than the standard one. James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 7,003 miles January 04, 2012   The plan was to take the girlfriend and one of her friends out to dinner after work last night. Then I got into our Jeep and realized that someone had removed the rear seat. I remember one time a few years back I went to take our Long Term Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and  somebody had taken the doors and roof off . Surprise!   Just one of those things you have to deal with when sharing a car that's so easy to disassemble. Mike Magrath, Features Editor, @ 6,985 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Weekend Adventure Summary January 03, 2012 I, like many of you, have been beset by family visits, fighting through throngs of shoppers and and a constant set of obligations that aren't of your choosing. I needed a break and some time to myself. Mix together our long term Jeep Wrangler, a free day, add my dog and it was a perfect plan. I have become fat festive during the string of holidays due to the abundance of great home cooking and the lack of activity (aka: playoffs, bowl games, etc.). So had my dog. We both needed to get out and hike/adventure about. In the chilly pre-dawn hours of my free day I drove 150 miles north to a great upland hunting spot west of Ridgecrest, CA. Our Wrangler was probably overkill for the location I drove to because at the end of a relatively flat dirt road I found a parked Camry. No matter. The greater point was that I needed to get out and the Jeep got me there. After a long day of hiking around the canyons, we got back to the Jeep with enough daylight to casually pack everything up. Looking out east of my location I could see the peaks of the Garlock Mountains. That rugged landscape is my future destination once a lift kit is installed. Not that I think the Jeep in it's current state cannot handle the Garlocks, I just don't want to be responsible for the tires rubbing and possibly damage the fender flares. The day out was just what I needed both on a physical and mental level. The quote: "Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is not found in finishing an activity but in doing it" is so true when it comes to our Wrangler. Not only can it take me to my favorite back country spots to do the things I love, but I really enjoy driving it around town on errands and during the those dark hours of pre-dawn. Besides, it looks great sitting in my driveway. While not for everyone, I feel the Wrangler is a winner. Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography 2012 Jeep Wrangler: The Buzz January 03, 2012 As you already know, we swapped the factory meats with some big mudders. I did a 300 mile round trip over the New Years holiday weekend, so I've got a decent amount of seat time riding on the 33's. Does it cause more sonic pain? As you can tell by the video, albeit from a crappy phone camera and limited audio capability, it's really a wash. Yes the tire noise is there, but he soft top still creates more noise than the tires themselves. I'm sure the extra 2-inches of lift provided by the off-road BFG's help soften the reverberated sound. We'll see if a lift kit will further deaden the sound. Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Unimpressive Headlights January 02, 2012 This picture of the headlight projection from our 2012 Jeep Wrangler doesn't express just how poorly they function. These headlights are weak. Do I smell an excuse for an upgrade? Take the jump for more examples...   2012 Jeep Wrangler: Jeep Nostalgia December 31, 2011 I found this guy parked while I was driving our 2012 Jeep Wrangler around my neighborhood. Is it me or are all old Jeeps just cool? The Willys era Jeeps are my personal favorites. I'll take mine with a small-block Chevy conversion, please. Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager 2012 Jeep Wrangler: New Tires and TPMS Sensors December 29, 2011 The TPMS warning light is on in our 2012 Jeep Wrangler. We were so eager to mount our new wheels and tires when they arrived that, frankly, we didn't give much thought to TPMS sensors. We decided to revisit the subject. We figured we could just drive down to the tire shop, have a set installed, extinguish the pesky light and be on our way. Piece of cake. But a conversation with our local tire shop made it clear things were not so cut and dry. "TPMS sensors are about $100 apiece," our tire guru explained. He added, "And that is our cost. Heck, we installed two new sensors on a Lotus the other week that were about $400 each." That was the moment when the light bulb went off overhead. We asked, "Any reason we can't just remove the sensors from the old tires and put them on these new ones?" His response was short, "I'd recommend it." It might be a hassle to get 10 tires (including 2 spares) down to the tire shop, but that is exactly what we're going to do. And save ourselves $500 in the process. Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager @ 6,560 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Details December 29, 2011 I like Chicago style deep dish pizza. I like home runs that go deep into the stands. I like meaty wheels that go deep. Our Jeep has 'em and they're awesome. Scott Jacobs, Sr Mgr, Photography December 21, 2011   A trip up the RTI ramp was the first order of business after installing new Mopar wheels and BFG tires on our 2012 Jeep Wrangler. With no suspension mods, we expected zero change in Ramp Travel Index. Instead we saw this as a clearance test to see where the new tires would rub on our Jeep, which hasn't been lifted yet. Rubbing inside the fender wells might even limit articulation, reducing RTI for the time being, we thought. Funny thing, thinking.   Despite expectations, our Wrangler went further up the ramp this time, achieving 20 7/16 inches of wheel lift while making it 59.8 inches up the slope. That works out to an RTI of 626. It was 561 in bone stock form .    How can this be? You have to turn your perspective 90 degrees and imagine what's happening along that tilted front axle.   With no suspension mods, it's easy to imagine that the Angle of the Dangle (AoD) has not changed. But two things that have changed (and dramatically so) are the track width due to wheel offset and the width of the tire tread itself. Those filled fenders represent a wider base of operations, which generates more wheel lift for a given AoD. That's most of what's going on, but the effect is not quite large enough on its own to explain the 2 1/8-inch increase in lift we're measuring.  The other factor also relates to the wider track width. The increased leverage ultimately compresses the left front spring a little more, generating a bit more maximum twist in the stabilizer bar. This amounts to a slight increase in AoD and front axle articulation.   Meanwhile, there are no clearance problems up front. There's plenty of space at this point, but things are getting closer. At first this seems surprising, but it shouldn't be. Our Wrangler Sport's original skinny tires are far from the largest ones Jeep installs at the factory. And it turns out our new 285/70R17 (33-inch) BFG tires are not that much bigger than the Rubicon's 255/75R17 (32-inch) factory rubber.   They are wider, though, and that seems to have pushed things to the limit at the rear. The tread is contacting the fender liner along the outside block of tread, although by and large the tire does tuck under the fender flare quite nicely. In short, these tires fit just fine for everyday driving. They clear well enough to do some light to moderate 4-wheeling, too. But the rear tire will rub through the rough stuff, and there's no telling how hard it's making contact, how much further it would go if it wasn't touching. We'll go easy on the hardcore wheeling until we install a lift kit. RTI #1     561  (box stock) RTI #2     626  (wheels and tires) RTI #3     ??? December 20, 2011   Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler has new shoes. Man, what a difference. In no time at all we've gained about 2 inches of ground clearance owing to the larger radius of these tires. And the dorky mail truck look is long gone. We of course mounted the BFGoodrich KM2s white letters out, in accordance with IL reader poll results. Frankly, I like it better than I thought I would. We'd have had too much black otherwise. Of course gearing has suffered. And the speedometer is now off by about 10 mph at freeway speeds -- the wrong way. It read 60 this morning when I was going about 70 mph. New axle ratios are in the cards, but we're going to live with this awhile and measure the ill effects at the track. On the road, acceleration isn't near as bad as I expected. Maybe that's because the 3.6-liter engine packs 83 horsepower more than the 2011 edition, has 23 lb-ft more torque. It also has a 6-speed manual, which means the gears were never canyons apart to begin with. With these tires it feels pretty natural if I ignore 6th alltogether and drive it like a 5-speed. Yeah, there's more tread noise, but not as much as I expected and it's not that evident until 40 mph. Our soft top isn't helping, of course. Braking doesn't seem too bad in normal use, either. We'll quantify all of this when we take it to the track next week. Should be interesting. But you wanted to know how much these babies weigh...   That's right, each wheel and tire assembly weighs 91.4 pounds, exactly 40 pounds more than the originals. According to Price is Right rules, aspade called it with a guess of 90 pounds. And so our Wrangler gained 200 pounds in one go; 40 pounds of pure unsprung weight per corner and another 40 for the spare. The ride is a bit more "clompy" over rough stuff at speed, but it's not a dramatic change because the Wrangler's solid axles didn't exactly represent a Lexus starting point.  Upgraded shocks will help and we're just beginning to play with air pressure. With a higher rated load capacity, we can safely run these tires at a slightly lower pressure than stock if we so desire.  In corners the extra tire footprint and the increased track width seem to make it feel more planted despite the extra height. The track is about 4 inches wider at the center of the tread and something like 6 inches wider from outside rib to outside rib. (We'll measure these numbers later.)   At just over 50 pounds, the old rubber came off rather easily.   But I was glad to have a Go-Jack roller jack handy to save my back the hassle of lifting a 91.4-pound replacement into place while the Jeep itself was suspended at knee height by our Rotary lift . Here the tire sits on rollers that allows me to clock it into position and line up the studs. These jacks are usually used four at a time to move cars around in tight spaces, but we've figured out a couple of other ways to make them pay for themselves. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 6,155 miles Photos by Scott Jacobs  December 19, 2011   Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport has a set of five new tires and wheels ready to install. But first let's see how good you are at weight guessing. A few hints: The tires -- BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM2 radials, size LT 285/70R17. In off-road language they're 33 inches tall and 11 inches wide. (Aside: Doesn't 33x11x17 make a lot more sense?) Tirerack.com gets $265 apiece for them. The rims -- 17-by-8.5-inch 5-hole deep dish aluminum wheels sold by MOPAR for $259 each. Built with off-road use in mind, their valve stem holes are deeply recessed so the valve stems are less likely to get snagged on rocks or roots. And then there are the old tires and wheels that are on their way out... The skinny originals are P225/75R16 tires (something like 29x9x16) riding on 16-by-7-inch steel wheels.   And they weigh 51.4 pounds mounted and ready to go. What am I bid? How much you figure one of the new mounted tire and rim assemblies weighs? Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 6,100 miles Photos by Scott Jacobs 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Pivot Point December 19, 2011 I got the keys to our Jeep this past weekend hoping to make it out to the Mojave for another fun run. Family, weather, and just plain feeling sick conspired to sabotage my plans. Sadly the Jeep spent the majority of the weekend parked in front of my house as I sofa surfed. Come Sunday morning, I needed to get out and get some meds. I jumped into the Jeep, started it up and got a big surprise. I cranked the wheel hard to pull a u-turn. With the street clear of traffic, I came around slow. Didn't hit the trash cans in front of me so I kept going.... I cleared the car parked on the other side of the street! I love the turning circle in our Wrangler. The high seating position, short wheelbase, and excellent maneuverability give you the illusion it pivots on itself. The Jeep is built to move through tight spots, so I guess that a turning circle of 34.9 ft shouldn't be too surprising. I'm betting this might be more of a challenge with new tires before we get the lift kit. Any takers on what the radius will be with the new tires and lift kit? Scott Jacobs, Sr Mgr, Photography 2012 Jeep Wrangler: The Appearance of Usefulness December 14, 2011 I like the fact that Wranglers have big ugly tow hooks sticking up from their bumpers. It's one of those features that only a Jeep could get away with. Anything else looks like it's trying too hard with stuff like this, yet on the Jeep it seems perfectly reasonable. Sure, it would probably look even more purposeful if it wasn't sticking out of a plastic bumper cover, but you can't have it all. On a more mundane note, I still like driving this Wrangler and its six-speed manual. Thought that thrill might wear off after spending more time behind the wheel. Instead, I still appreciate the easy to find gates and smooth clutch action. The gutsy engine helps too. Ed Hellwig, Editor, December 12, 2011   We have plans for our 2012 Jeep Wrangler, plans that include modifying the suspension with off-the shelf parts for better off-road performance. A key predictor of off-road potential is suspension articulation (the degree to which the front axle can hang out of phase relative to the rear axle) and many off-road mods strive to improve articulation, not just ground clearance. One way to quantify this is by measuring a vehicle's Ramp Travel Index RTI using a purpose-built RTI ramp. The measurement is made by driving the driver's side front tire as far up the ramp it will go before the right front tire and/or left rear tire lifts off the ground and the vehicle starts teetering. At this point you measure how far up the ramp you got, divide that number by the wheelbase and multiply the result by 1000. Stock vehicles never get to the point where the left rear tire touches the ramp with four on the floor, so they always come in with an RTI less than 1000; less than 400-500 is more like it.   Turns out it's easier to build an RTI ramp than it is to buy one, and in any event I wanted a traditional 20-degree ramp that could accomodate the approach angle of the sorts of stock unmodified vehicles we see all the time. RTI ramps of 30 degrees and up are favored by rock-crawlers that go completely sick with modifications, but they have to back-calculate their results using the 20-degree standard. To I get what I wanted I made a few sketches and some stress calculations and headed off to my local metal store. Schmidt's buddy Shaun knows his way around a welder, and he agreed to spend a Sunday with us cutting and welding the pieces together. It came out very nice. Thanks Shaun! The mods we have in mind are not likely to boost our Jeep all the way up to an RTI of 1000, but if they do this ramp can take it because its deck is longer than our Wrangler Sport's 95.4-inch wheelbase. As soon as we get it set up back at the shop we'll measure project Jeep's "before" RTI measurement so we can see what each and every modification does for suspension articulation. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing  2012 Jeep Wrangler: What Plate Would You Create? December 08, 2011 I saw this clever vanity plate on the way to work this morning. Knowing that we're going to modify our Wrangler with some suspension and tire upgrades, here's a hypothetical question for y'all. What would you suggest for a vanity plate for our basic black bomber?  John DiPietro, Automotive Editor @ 5,808 miles Does anybody actually use these dash-top bins? Chief Road Test Editor, Chris Walton 2012 Jeep Wrangler: At Least It Looks Like It's Put Together Well December 06, 2011 Forget the fact that these exposed screws could be nothing more than decoration for a moment. I like the way they look. They give the interior of the Jeep a visible sense of solidity. Every new car interior these days covers over every nut and bolt so you can't see any of the real guts. It's fine for the most part, but sometimes you would like to know that there's something solid holding everything together, especially in a Jeep. One of these days I'll get industrious and pull a few of these screws to see if they really do anything. Or maybe not. Sometimes it's better not to know how the sausage is made. Ed Hellwig, Editor, 2012 Jeep Wrangler: A Little Help December 05, 2011 You tend to think of the Wrangler as being a nimble friend on wild mountain terrain, but it turns out it's quite the helpful amigo on civilized hills of the paved variety, as well. The reason? Well, a standard feature with its six-speed manual transmission is hill-start assist. The feature works exceptionally well, keeping the Wrangler super-glued in place with nary a hint of rollback. Made for a stable and stress-free experience during a recent trek up and down some steep roads.   Warren Clarke, Automotive Content Editor 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Cold Confirmation December 05, 2011 I've had either work or family obligations through a long string of weekends. This past weekend my dance card was empty and fortuitously the Jeep was available. I had cabin fever. I needed the Jeep. We had a bit of a cold snap here in SoCal. No, not a wus-like "had to switch from shorts to jeans" kind of SoCal cold front some might imagine. As I stepped outside my house at 4am with gear in tow, local weather had it at 38 degrees. That's right on the coast. It was a bad portent because where I was heading was undoubtedly going to be much worse. I have said it before , I'd love to have a hard top for our Jeep. This time it was because of the cold. When I got to my destination, it was 18 degrees and the wind was howling. That's cold no matter where you're at. The soft top offers zero insulation and the powerful gusts of chilly air seeped through the gaps. I had the heat cranked for a good chunk of my trip, multiple layers of clothing (including rocking the long johns), and drank some hot coffee I picked up on my way through the Mojave Desert. While these measures helped, I was still a bit cold. I know a lot of Wrangler owners that actually experience a real winter have the hard top to swap into. A brief taste of the cold has given me a greater appreciation for their dedication to the Wrangler. I think for the kind of adventuring I do in the deserts that surround LA, keeping out the dust, keeping the heat in, and the abrasive resistance to the desert flora is of greater importance than the versatility our soft top offers. Despite the cold, I still was able to wheel out to a canyon deep in the Mojave where passenger cars wouldn't have made it. Romped over rocks, ruts, and had a great ol' time. Even bagged a couple of quail in the process. After looking at our dirty Jeep sitting my my driveway Sunday night, I thought to myself, "What an antidote." I definitely cured my cabin fever. Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography December 02, 2011   In 1987 my dad went to Maple Leaf Gardens. After the game, he returned to his new Jeep Cherokee to discover the parking lot behind him was jammed. Sitting in the driver seat he looked forward to see a curb, a strip of grass and a wide-open Jarvis Street. He shrugged his shoulders, said "What the hell?" and plowed forward over the curb, across the grass and on to freedom. Last night, I went to Cheviot Hills community park. After my softball game, I returned to "my" Jeep Wranger to discover the parking lot behind me was, well, pretty much empty. Sitting in the driver seat I looked forward to see a curb, a strip of grass and the rest of the parking lot that was also pretty much empty. I shrugged my shoulders, said "You know, I'm not really feeling reverse right now," and plowed forward over the curb, across the grass and on to freedom. Then I remembered I should probably take a picture. So I did it again. Yay Jeeps. James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 5,236 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Nice to Meet You December 01, 2011 As I was heading out to the parking structure the other night after work, I was thinking that this was probably the wrong night for my first experience with the Wrangler. Too tired, too cranky. Not in the mood to be bounced and jostled. Not in the mood to bump elbows with all those hard surfaces.  But by the time I got home, after 20 or so minutes in the Wrangler, my mood had lifted.   One reason: The Wrangler's seats were way more comfortable and supportive than I'd expected. Contoured just right for my frame; felt like I'd melted right into them. Another: That high seating position. Reminds me of when I was a kid and my dad would hoist me up on his shoulders; felt like I had a bird's eye view of the world. Put a smile on my face.  Nice to meet you, Wrangler. Looking forward to getting better acquainted. Warren Clarke, Automotive Content Editor @ 5,210 miles November 30, 2011 Nuts. Bolts. Clips. Welds. Spin-y bits. Look at the bottom of almost any modern car and you'll see the miracle of packaging at work from the drive train to the fuel system to the exhaust. Or not. It's a shame, because most of that highly engineering parts stuffing is hidden behind smooth under-body paneling or splash guards. The stuff that makes a car, or a truck, move is increasingly hidden from view. So you'll forgive me for noticing the Jeep's sharp stuff. See that? That's the transfer case, just hanging out there. I guess when the shiny side of the Jeep resembles a barn door, there's not much point in improving under-body aerodynamics, is there? And this? That's the front differential. With the addition of our bigger wheels and tires, you should be able to get a little better view of all this mechanical stuff on the road. Am I the only one that finds moving parts mesmerizing? Kurt Niebuhr, Photo Editor @ 5,402 miles November 29, 2011   For eight out of the past 10 days I was driving a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C350, which has elevated itself onto the list of my absolute favorite new cars. I just love the thing. If you were to drop me in that forever, I'd be perfectly content. However, when a car is that good and I like it so much, it's easy for everything else to be a letdown. As such, I need an automotive palate cleanser, something so radically different than whatever it is I've been driving for an extended period. And nothing is more radically different than whatever than our Jeep Wrangler. Driving it is like unplugging my modem for 5 seconds. The ride, steering, driving position, gear change, noise, plastic windows, handling and the utter back-to-basics approach to everything means there's no way you can realistically compare it to whatever newish car you were driving before. So after a night in the Wrangler, hopefully my automotive palate has been cleansed. Sure beats lemon sorbet. James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 5,368 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport: Milestone November 21, 2011 In a rare stroke of observation, I actually noticed our Jeep Wrangler hit the 5,000-mile mark. It helped that I had just gotten home when it happened. So there it is, the spot-on milestone mark for ya. Here's something else I noticed over the weekend:  Those stock tires have surprisingly little grip in the rain. Not that you could actually lose control, as the overly-sensitive stability control system (which can't be fully defeated in 2WD) very quickly cuts in when it senses the tires have lost grip. But it's shocking just how little it takes for the front or rear tires to break loose in a turn when the road is wet. Another observation: The Wrangler looks dorky with its base wheels and tires. Mike Monticello, Ultra Observant Editor @ 5,000 miles. 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Off Road with Video November 15, 2011 It rained here Friday night. So on Saturday a friend and I decided to get our long-term 2012 Jeep Wrangler muddy. It was a blast. We even used the low gear in the transfer case, which is rare for us city boys. Besides this sippy hole, we also climbed some hills, did donuts in dirt and basically acted like idiots until we felt the Jeep was sufficiently dirty. Meanwhile, this thing is awesome, even with those dinky tires. Scott Oldham, Editor in Chief 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 November 08, 2011 Just when I was starting to think our long-term Wrangler Sport was particularly cool, Jeep releases the lastest Call of Duty , based on the Wrangler Rubicon. What's more is Chrysler is hosting a Facebook contest, and winner gets the first Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition to roll off the production line. I'm not sure why I need one, but I do. Kelly Toepke, News Editor 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Stick With the Stick November 07, 2011 I really liked the idea of getting a dirt cheap Wrangler. Getting a six-speed manual? Didn't like that idea as much. Sure, I prefer driving vehicles with manual transmissions as much as the next guy, but my prior experience with manual gearboxes in Jeeps didn't leave a great impression. They were just too vague and disconnected to feel good going through the gears. I never found it very satisfying.  The six-speed in our Jeep is not like those old gearboxes. It actually feels reasonably precise, and I mean that in the best possible way. There's no wrist wiggling required to get this thing in gear, it just slides right in with a firm push. It doesn't rattle or vibrate when you're cruising, either. It's like a properly sorted manual from a midsize sedan. Glad we didn't pay up for the slushbox. Ed Hellwig, Editor, November 03, 2011   While Mike Magrath was hard at work in Las Vegas , I decided to give his (and a few commenters) Jeep driving style a try. And yes, starting out in second gear and short shifting definitely smoothes out the driveline lash. I rarely got past 2,000 rpm and took it out of gear when coasting. But I'm still right. And here's why I think I'm still right. We all agree there's a lot of driveline lash, and that was the whole point of my first post . For someone who's never driven a Wrangler, it will certainly seem excessive, at least with the manual transmission. For the dazzling urbanite outside of a rustic setting, this should certainly be considered before selecting a Jeep as a daily driver. The added time spent in the clutch's friction zone (starting in second gear) is sure to shorten its life.  Just sayin'. On my way to drop off the rent check this morning, however, I discovered another way to smooth out the driveline lash. I had to turn left from a small side street onto a busy boulevard. There are rarely gaps in traffic, so when I see one, I go for it. I started in first and gave it the kind of throttle I give lower profile cars. I got the revs well past my normal shift point, but still nowhere close to redline and shifted decisively and quickly. Nope, no driveline lash. So there it is. As long as you don't drive moderately, the Jeep is fine in terms of driveline lash. Either nurse it off the line in second and lope it along at low revs, or get on it and drive aggressively. That's the key, at least for me. Mark Takahashi, Automotive Editor 2012 Jeep Wrangler: More Meat November 02, 2011 Love the Wrangler, but that's not news by now. Many of us have professed our adoration already. It's a bit of an adjustment for me though, coming from a decade of driving a Cherokee. The Wrangler's profile and wheelbase give me a little pause, and I realize I can't guide it through a corner nor get back on the gas as quick as I can in the Cherokee. I'll reiterate what others have written, that the Wrangler feels a little buoyant and its steering is vague. If it were mine, I'd swap on at least some 235s for a little more footing (although looks like PLENTY of tire is in our near future ). Still, the new Wrangler is more civilized than I originally thought. Clutch action is long, but light, and the gearbox is slick. It's about as easy in traffic as the Mazda2's. I found my hand quite often just resting on the shifter. It's actually kinda fun and effortless to row this thing. Sure, you'll be surging and bucking a bit if you're creeping along at 20 mph, but…it's a Jeep. That's not a pass, but getting behind the wheel does require that you suspend any deeply-held beliefs about ride quality. And the new engine is, as everyone else has noticed, fantastic. I don't think it pulls as strong down low as the 4.0-liter in my four-speed 2001 XJ (one for the chassis code nerds). Indeed, the XJ makes less torque than the Wrangler, but makes it much sooner: 225 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm vs. the Wrangler's 260 lb-ft @4,800. Still, the Pentastar sounds better doing it; wish the Cherokee growled like this thing. Hopefully there's an exhaust on the mods list. It'd be nice to hear more of this Pentastar rumble at cruising speed. Dan Frio, Automotive Editor 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Não Italiano November 01, 2011 I didn't think there had been any Italian influence on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler (wisely, Fiat just let the Jeep guys built a kick-ass Jeep) until I spotted this stamping on the spare wheel. I figured the wheels were Italian and forgot about it, but last night, curiosity got the better of me. Fumagalli is in fact a Brazillian wheel manufacturer that has been making wheels since the late 1940's, equipping among other brands, the original Willys Jeep. That's probably a lot more than you wanted to know about the Wrangler's stock steelies, but there you have it. You can thank me when "What is Fumagalli?" becomes the correct question in Final Jeopardy. Kurt Niebuhr, Photo Editor @ 4,225 miles   You know, I like the Jeep.  You never know where it’ll take you. It’s taken me plenty of places with boulders and wash-outs and water bars, but it’s also taken me down alleys in New York City, up the length of California Highway 1, around Lake Tahoe and even into a thundershower in the middle-of-nowhere western Nevada on Interstate 80 where there were two rainbows. Turns out, the Jeep is not so bad to drive on pavement. This Wrangler Sport doesn’t rattle. The blows absorbed at road level from potholes and the rest (there was a lamp in my lane today) are absorbed by plenty of rubber bushings before it they get to the bottom of the driver eat. The light-effort steering doesn’t have much on-center feel, but this is because the geometry is meant for off-roading, where you want to avoid as much kickback from the wheel as you can. Once tech guys look under the Jeep and see those stick axles, their tongues start wagging and they begin doing little equations on their calculator watches and try to teach you about unsprung weight. But the truth is, the Wrangler doesn’t ride bad at all. The wheels articulate pretty decently, so the Wrangler doesn’t try to buck you off over the bumps. You just have to get used to a fairly lively ride. The axles aren’t located very firmly in order to get wheel articulation, so you can feel the body sway back and forth, but the ride motions are managed well enough that you wouldn’t be talking about jiggle and jounce like some Oldsmobile ride engineer. Some driving skill is called for, of course. The suspension (such as it is) will wind up when you jump too hard on the throttle (the short overall gearing plays a role here), but off-road guys know enough not to jump on the gas whether the traction is dirt or pavement. This new V6 also works very well, delivering a broad spread of torque like a four-cylinder, and it’s easy to manage the six-speed manual transmission with its rifle-bolt shift action. Really, no matter what kind of lively adjectives you might hear applied to the Jeep Wrangler’s capability as a street car, this device is way, way nice than you realize. Sure, it's an off-road vehicle living in an alien world of concrete and traffic, so you have to get your driving act together to get the best out of it. But that's what I like about it -- no slackers need apply. I’ve driven so many cars that are way, way worse, pricey ones as well as cheap ones. Michael Jordan, Executive Editor, Edmunds.com @ 4,025 miles. October 28, 2011   I find it next to impossible to drive our Jeep smoothly. There's a lot of driveline lash that will have you bobbing back and forth, no matter how smooth you are on the pedals. Let off the throttle slightly and you're greeted by a significant lurch forward. Get back on it and it feels like the whole car is made of gelatin. Boing, lurch, slosh. The Jeep is not my choice for taming the urban wilds. But let's face facts, the Jeep isn't meant to. That's why I can't wait for the opportunity to try it out on some trails. Soon. Mark Takahashi, Automotive Editor 2012 Jeep Wrangler: This Or That October 25, 2011 If you read my series of blogs on the Jeep and my adventure through California , you would know that a friend, Ron, an owner of a 2010 Jeep Rubicon, got a chance to drive our long term Wrangler. After a spin around the hills of our "Alamo" campsite , he came back with a lot to talk about. It became clear to me at the start of our conversation he knew far more about our Jeep than I did. After four minutes of a number conversation (the kind of discussion about cars where nouns and verbs are replaced with specs and part numbers), I asked him to put his thoughts into an email. His detailed comparison between his 2010 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and our 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport. I hope you find it as interesting as I have. Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport: Jay Leno's Parking Spot October 22, 2011 Want to see Jay Leno do stand up? Not interested in battling for tickets or waiting in long lines with tourists at the Tonight Show? Come on down to the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, California. Even though his name is rarely on the marquee, Jay has played a set here just about every Sunday evening for the last 20-odd years, working out material for the coming week's monologues. HB's proximity to Hollywood makes it convenient for him, but because this is not a jaded industry town the reactions of the laid-back beachside crowd are said to be more indicative of how the jokes will fare across the country. Or so I've been told. Maybe you don't want to see Leno perform. Maybe you'd rather see his vast car collection one meticulously restored machine at a time. If so, simply drive past the club on a random Sunday evening. Our 2012 Jeep Wrangler (and that Range Rover) sits parked in Jay's private spot. You'll be able to tell if Jay's there (or about to be there) by the orange cones the club sets out Sunday afternoon. I lived across the street in a second floor apartment in the early 90's, with a view of the club from my bedroom window not unlike this one. From there I saw Jay pull up in everything from Stanley Steamers (complete with cap and goggles) to Duesenbergs, from Hudsons to Ferraris, as well as stuff more obscure and weird than any of those. You name it, he's probably driven it here and left it in this very spot while he went inside to do his routine. And still does, according my eye doctor, whose office is on the first floor under my old apartment. Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 3,812 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: The Sum October 21, 2011 By the time I got back to my house after a five day loop around California, I was ready to not be driving anymore. I was tired, my dog was restless, and I just wanted to take a shower. I had romped through the Mojave, cruised up the Eastern Sierras, over them to Tahoe, and down through the Central Valley to Los Angeles. The sight of a dirty Jeep in my driveway the next morning made me smile. I wasn't sick of the Jeep. I wanted more. I think it's a good sign in any vehicle that after a lot of seat time, you want more. It might be a little crude, a little loud and short on creature comforts, but I overlook all of those detractors because it's so much fun. At the core of improvements for our 2012 Wrangler is the engine. Does the new Pentastar V6 make a big difference? Jeep claims 40 percent more horsepower, 10 percent more torque, and 26 percent faster 0-60 mph. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine delivers 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. If you read my "Alamo" blog , you'd know I met up with a bunch of 4-wheelers. Ron, the owner of the 2010 Rubicon, took our Wrangler for a spin. Right away he noticed the horsepower "which would make it really nice for the highway" and the ability for our Jeep to crawl up hills in 4-lo without throttle and not stalling. Granted the hill climb might be due to a timing retard or some other kind of engineering. In Ron's estimation, the new engine wasn't bent just towards folk who would keep it mostly on blacktop, but gave it a nice nod to the dirty birds too. I would concur with Ron as to the freeway power. It had strong acceleration from a stop and plenty of power to pass trucks at freeway speed. I never felt like the Jeep was a dog in any sense. In total I drove 1,174 miles during which time I had a good mix of terrain and surfaces. During my Mojave off-roading, I averaged 14.7 mpg. During a long stretch of freeway from Tahoe back to LA, I got 21 mpg. My best tank range was 315.2 miles. For a vehicle that's shaped like a brick, and a tall one at that, I think that's pretty good. I think the new engine does make a big difference The future is bright for our Jeep. We might have plans to mod it, but at it's core it remains a solid, inexpensive ticket to adventure. I can't wait for the next trip I can take in it. Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography @ 3,666 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: The Alamo October 20, 2011 The Alamo. Not the Texas variety, but an old shepherds hut out in the Mojave we so named after discovering it a few years back. Perfect place to make camp during upland hunting. Perfect country for our Jeep. Easy fire roads, flat valley. We had originally thought about making camp in rougher country just south of Randsburg, but decided that the jeep we had might not make it. It was the tires. Looking at the street issued wraps we weren't sure they make it over the rough terrain on the way to a few campsites we knew about high in the Garlock Mountains. We were wrong. We had met up with a group of friends that were experienced four wheelers at our Alamo campsite. They had a range of vehicles, from a 2010 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, two generations of the Toyota Land Cruiser, and finally a Land Rover Discovery II. All capable vehicles. After camping at the Alamo for two nights, we decided to check on another spot, much further up the canyon dubbed "Cowboy Hideout." We'd have to pass through some challenging terrain including a climb up a very silty hill that any 4wd vehicle would have trouble with. Yeah, I wanted to check out the new spot, but I don't do as much back country cruising as these guys. Besides, I had the most one of the most basic Jeeps you can get. I was nervous. The video is boring, right? It should be! It shows that even with our street-meats, this thing has got plenty of capability to beat the silty hill. The Disco2 in front of me (not in the video) bogged down several times and had to make three attempts. Watching it struggle made me nervous. When it was my turn, I dropped our Jeep into 4-lo, put it in second gear, and just motored. I MOTORED up through the silt without a hiccup. As I crested the hill I screamed victory. Once we got to the top we all took a moment to savor the view from Cowboy Hideout. So maybe the Disco2 isn't as tough as one might think, but the challenge illuminates the possibilities our basic Jeeps provides. I'm in love. With our Jeep that is. This thing is pretty freakin' awesome. Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Optional Equipment October 19, 2011 Our Wrangler came about as stock as can be. About the only option we have is air conditioning. I put plenty of miles on our Jeep the last few days and for the most part, I don't think you really need much else. But if I could change one thing, I would. Honestly I'd prefer the hard top. Not because I think it's too loud on the freeway or it gets hot easily on a warm day. Id get the hard top because it has glass. Plastic isn't as durable. I noticed on the side window there is a warning to "do not rub dry." Why? It scratches easily. Examples of which can now be found from the branches I brushed while in the Mojave. It wasn't like I drove straight into a Joshua Tree, it was the normal off-road kind of brush you'd find on any trail. Another reason to get the hard top I found while out in the Mojave and carrying gear, the rear plastic window has to be rolled up to access larger items like coolers. It's not the end of the world to zip up the sides and roll it up, but after doing it several times I got tired of the process. I'd rather be able to swing open the gate and lift the glass. While at my family cabin in Tahoe, I found the low temp (38 degrees) made the plastic window material surprisingly rigid. Yes I did expect it not to be as pliable, but as I carefully tried to roll up the rear window I noticed a few kinks had appeared. Permanent kinks. If I owned a Jeep, I don't know if I'd be the kind of owner that would drop the top at any opportune moment. Without that advantage of a soft top all I see in one are rear window zippers that get jammed (already fixed once), plastic which windows scratch easily, can kink, and they will yellow over time. A glass rear window on struts wouldn't give me those problems. The $735 (MSRP) cost savings of a soft top over the hard top isn't worth it to me. Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography  October 15, 2011   "The package delivered to you earlier is 5 very large tires. I just wanted to give you the heads up that they are in fact in the mailroom despite their size." -- Sincerely, our very friendly receptionist.    That's code for "Get these tires out of my mailroom now!" ...as if we weren't already sprinting upstairs the second we heard that our Jeep's new 33" BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2s were finally here. Our plans for project 2012 Wrangler are shoring up quite nice. We think we know what we're doing for suspension (but we'll update you on that later) and everything else which means it was pretty safe for us to go ahead and get some tires. We're not going crazy with lift, either and figured 33s would be just fine. Deciding on the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 (KEY feature MUD traction, 2nd generation) took about two seconds. According to Tire Rack, our 285/70R17 Mud-Terrains weigh 59 pounds each (we'll weigh them ourselves later), have a tread depth of 19/32" a section width of 11.5", a tread width of 19.5" and do 630 revolutions per mile. They cost $274 each  and shipping's about $70. We got five because A) We'll need a spare and B) Jeeps without a matching spare look stupid. What we still don't have, however, are wheels. These tires fit on wheels 7.5 - 9" wide so that's our only constraint.        And because it was Friday and we were bored, we wanted to see if Bryn would fit in the stack.   2012 Jeep Wrangler: Worst Mobile Office. Ever. October 12, 2011 Chevrolet is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and this week GM planned a celebration of sorts for members of the media, issuing press releases and announcing news morning and night.   So I'm here in Santa Monica doing my usual news editor thing, while Editor in Chief Scott Oldham is attending the hoopla in Detroit. The Chief, who's nothing if not, uh, thorough, called me several times this morning to make sure I was on top of everything he was learning in the Motor City. I was driving to the office in the Jeep Wrangler during a couple of his calls, which went something like this: Chief: "Hey, Scoop. It's me. Didja get the bit on the TrailBlazer?" Me: "Trial laser from GM, too? I just edited a BMW story yesterday on laser tech replacing LED." Chief: "Not, laser. Blazer! Can you hear me, Scoop?" Me: "You gotta a scoop? On what? Who's your source?" The Chief grumbles something in New Jerseyan and hangs up. He calls back. Chief: "It's a full truck frame, not crossover. Maybe say, 'unlike the Grand Cherokee.'"  Me: "You're at Chrysler now? I thought you were only going to GM this week. Let's just say it didn't get any better from there. I have an awesome Bluetooth earpiece, but it was no match for the Wrangler's wind and road noise. Kelly Toepke, News Editor  2012 Jeep Wrangler: Easter Egg! October 09, 2011 Walking past the Jeep one evening, I spotted something out of the corner of my eye. D'you see it? Easter Egg! Here's a tighter shot of it. How long has Jeep been doing this? Chief Road Test Editor, Chris Walton 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Better Set Aside 15-20 Minutes October 08, 2011 Before the Jeep Wrangler was officially announced as a long-termer, we had to take photos for the intro. Of course, Kurt and I had to cover both top-up and -down photos requiring, well, putting the top down. Any guesses how long it took the two of us (and Kurt had done it once before with his wife)? Thirteen minutes. There are two header latches, two side-rail releases, three windows to remove, and finally the top arduously folds down. A couple days later, rain was forecast, so I took it upon myself to put the top back up. It took me 20 minutes by myself. I'm told that this is an improvement on previous Wranglers' top operation. This is as good as it gets in the, what is it now, 70 years it has been in existence? I'd shudder to think. How long does it take a Jeep veteran to do the whole thing? Chief Road Test Editor, Chris Walton (with the welcome aid of Kurt Niebuhr) 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport: This Is More Like It October 07, 2011 You can't fully appreciate the Jeep Wrangler by driving it around town. So I was more than happy to get sidetracked with a brief off-course excursion in the desert yesterday. Nothing too crazy, just some quick fun in the dirt. And off-road is where the Wrangler belongs. It will never be a stellar highway vehicle, but it will always be one of the best off-roaders in the world. I was pounding along on some fire roads and the Wrangler just didn't care. Deep sand? No problem, it has ground clearance galore. Meanwhile, the suspension was soaking up everything I threw at it, with ease. Embedded rock, the kind that would rattle most crossovers loose? It barely noticed. Huge dip across the road? It was like the Wrangler was saying, "Come on, is that all you got? Why'd you even bother slowing down?" Then I came across a semi-steep trail off the fire road. Hmm...what to do? Uh, put it in 4WD and go up. Why? No reason. You don't need a reason in the Wrangler. You just do it, because you can. And what did the Wrangler think? It was laughing at me again, saying, "Seriously buddy, if you don't need 4WD Low, don't even waste my time." Yes, this thing is ultra-capable. Even in bone-stock, base model, wimpy-tire form. Mike Monticello, Road Test Editor @ 2,025 miles. 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Get Rid of the Rear Headrests October 04, 2011 This is the Wrangler's rear view with the rear headrests in place. It sucks, so I removed them about 30 seconds after we got the Wrangler and out they've remained until I took the above picture.   We've kept the headrests in the Jeep just in case someone tries to use the cramped back seat, but that means they otherwise fill the tiny cargo area and/or roll around. Oh well, better than not seeing anything and looking dopey. Jeep should probably use the flush-mounted headrests that dig into your back if you don't raise them like those in the third row of our Odyssey. Or perhaps drop-down ones like those in the Mustang. James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 1,480 miles  2012 Jeep Wrangler: Discuss October 04, 2011 While digging through our Jeep's manual for the factory's recommended break-in procedure, I stumbled across this section. Click on the image for a full sized version. Full disclosure - the above text was taken from two consecutive pages (72 and 73) of the manual and was then cut and pasted in order to form one page/image with all of the text. Nothing has been omitted. So, yeah. Discuss. October 03, 2011   My wife planned a date night for us Saturday night that involved driving down to Orange County. I picked the car for our journey: the Jeep Wrangler. Truth be told, I forgot about the date, but rather than scramble to trade someone for something less " terrible ," I decided to walk the walk and keep the Jeep. Yes, the ride on the I-110 was choppy. Yes, the wind noise was deafening. Yes, I had to ask my date to lock her own door (oh the shame). But not surprisingly, we were more than happy with our Jeep date. She even pointed out that the Wrangler was the unofficial vehicle of her high school -- the car that all the cool kids got. She actually wanted one, but when her dad informed her that the automatic was lame and that the manual was the only way to go, she backed down. My kinda father in law. People will no doubt complain that we're wasting our Wrangler by not taking it up a mountain or fording some stream every weekend, but you know what, our humble Jeep is a hell of a lot of fun even when driving on the freeway or around the city. James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 1480 miles  2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport: Unlimited Possibilities September 29, 2011 Now that's a back-to-basics, bare-bones, old-school driving experience. I actually find the manual-crank windows and non-central-locking doors strangely endearing, a welcome change from the power-everything that's become the norm these days. As for the soft-top's windows billowing in the breeze on the highway, and the bouncy ride, well, you just have to chalk those up as "Jeep things." I'm definitely happy we stuck with the standard six-speed manual. It makes much better use of the Pentastar V6's newfound power versus the new-for-2012 five-speed automatic. And, of course, the six-speed gets the driver more involved. A part of me, though, wishes we had scrimped and saved our quarters a few more months to afford the four-door Unlimited Sport model, the long wheelbase of which gives a far smoother ride and greater cargo room/general usability. But that would've set us back another $3,500 and defeated our plan of starting with the absolute cheapest Wrangler and building it up from there. And the real fun will begin once we start taking it off-road. Where the Wrangler truly shines. Mike Monticello, Road Test Editor @ 1,364 miles. September 29, 2011   I'm making a list of mods we want to bolt onto our 2012 Jeep Warngler. We'll do it in stages of course, and document it all with photographs. We're following the classic garage-tuner formula: intentionally buy the bare-bones, steel-wheel strippo model to lock in low(er) monthly payments, using the saved money to add targeted mods in stages, one paycheck at a time. The basic idea is a mild, functional upgrade of our new JK; we're not going for SEMA glory here. There's a lot of desert nearby and we plan to make frequent visits over the next year. Our plan revolves around tires and wheels, and the number we have decided on is 33, as in 33 inches tall. We're going after the extra ground clearance such taller tires will provide. This decision may well force the installation of a mild 2-inch lift, but we're not interested in cartoon status so it'll be no more than that. And yes, we're prepared to swap in 3.73 gears to bring the overall gearing back in line, 4.10s if we're feeling frisky. A winch bumper and winch are in the cards, as are rock rails. We'll probably add a door mirror relocation kit. A Bikini top is likely next spring. Could we have bought a Wrangler spec'd out closer to what we'll end up with when we're done? Sure, but half the fun of owning a Jeep is modding it. It's one of the most compelling DIY vehicles on the road today. As for the photo, knock yourself out. It's an underhanded softball pitch.  Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 1,234 miles  2012 Jeep Wrangler: Can't Wait September 26, 2011 I'm itching to get my hands on the keys of the Jeep in a few weeks. That's right, not now, but in a little over three weeks. That's because I'm an upland hunter and the season starts here in California October 15th. Last year we had the Raptor. It was more than capable to get me out into the great wilderness of the Mojave without a hitch. I'm looking to do the same in the Jeep. yes, the Raptor was overkill for where I traveled, but our Jeep in bone stock. I'm thinking some new meats would help bridge that gap in capability. Even if I don't bring home dinner during the opener, I love being in the outdoors. Our Jeep is a perfect vehicle for all my favorite outdoor activities. I'll make it my mission in the next year to utilize the Jeep and it's potential as much as possible. Not just another blog about my run to the grocery store and back, but a run to a top of a mountain range and camping out. If you could tell us what to do with the Jeep, what would you do? I'm meaning both equipment wise and adventure wise? What should our goals be with this blank slate? Scott Jacobs, Sr. Mgr, Photography 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Liking the Drivetrain September 26, 2011 I got last-minute tickets to Friday's Angels-A's game (back when the Angels' mathematical wild card chances looked a little better), and waded right into evening L.A. traffic with our long-term 2012 Jeep Wrangler. Making allowances for my slightly euphoric mood (going to a baseball game with potential post-season implications!), I enjoyed my extended time in the Wrangler. To start, this may be my favorite application to date of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. This engine is not big on real-world low-end grunt (doesn't matter what the actual rating is), and in some Chrysler vehicles (the minivans especially), it sounds and feels kind of rough. But I don't notice this stuff in our Wrangler, which isn't much over two tons. This engine feels much stronger than last year's 3.8-liter and at least as good as my fading memory of the 4.0-liter inline-6. The gearing is kind of tall, so in heavy traffic, there was a lot of room to hang out in 1st gear, and when that wore out its welcome, well, there was 2nd gear. If there's a tricky part of driving the Wrangler in heavy traffic, it's the long, slow clutch engagement, which starts somewhere off the floor and finishes high. Makes sense for an off-roader, but makes it vulnerable to clumsy-footed city dwellers. Despite the slightly tricky clutch takeup and slightly crowded footwell, heel-and-toe downshifts are possible in the Wrangler, and they are kind of fun. The Pentastar V6 responds with a nice growl when you get them right. Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 1,075 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Hooked After One Night September 23, 2011 I didn't realize how long it had been since I'd driven a real Jeep. A family member had a series of Wranglers that I liked (at least when he let me drive them). All were pre-2007 models with the old 4.0-liter inline-6, all had the manual gearbox, one had the zipper front windows, one was a Rubicon, all were clumsy-silly-fun, and so is this 2012 Jeep Wrangler. I ran errands in it last night, and it was a great time. I dig the loopy manual shifter (it's funny, but the original Jeep just feels too serious with an automatic), the super-upright seating position, the terrific visibility and the 3-foot turning circle (or 34.5 feet, whatever, it feels tiny). Our long-term also looks fantastic with black paint, and I'm still at the stage of being all excited when I walk up to it in a parking lot. Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 892 miles September 22, 2011   Growing up, I spent a lot of time in Jeeps. They were cheap, tough, cool, easily modable, relatively dangerous (which ups the cool factor to a 16 year old), and dead-simply enough to fix yourself.  As we got bored of our small town and the wooded trails it contained, we started visiting Boston and New York City more and more and, eventually, a number of my Jeep-owning friends moved to the city.  Last night I parked our new Jeep Wrangler went to lock the door -- my laptop and the GF's laptop were in the car after all -- when I remembered rule number 1 of driving a Jeep in the city: Never Lock the Doors; Never Leave Valuables in the Car.  Why? Easy. Leaving the door unlocked means the thieves can simply walk into the car instead of slicing open the top. A lot of convertible owners have the same thing, but Jeeps are particularly vulnerable due to, well, an extremely thin top with plastic windows. (Clever thieves will simply unzip the rear window from the outside, but, shhhhh; no need to tell them about that issue.) So we carried our respective computer bags into the grocery store and left the Jeep alone. "I hate this thing," she said. "It's great! Every trip is an adventure!" I replied. We're used to, for better or worse, thinking cars are a vault that keeps everything inside safe and sound with just the click of a keyfob, it's fun to get away from that for a while. Mike Magrath, Features Editor, @ 866 miles (Plus, without power door locks, who has the time?) September 22, 2011   The Jeep Wrangler is quite possibly the worst form of automotive transportation you can buy. Let's run down the list of reasons, shall we? Take a deep breath ... and go. It can be broken into by undoing a zipper. The wind noise is excessive. You don't raise the roof as much as painstakingly reconstruct it. Our Wrangler has no power windows, locks or doors. You can remove the doors, which don't provide crash protection any way. The trunk is so small you can't even fit the roof's back window in it. The back seat legroom stinks. It has the aerodynamic profile of the Parthenon (good one Jay). Not only is there no dead pedal, there's no where left of the clutch to put your foot at all -- just wall. Steering is vague, handling a touch scary, the ride choppy. I'm probably missing stuff. And yet, it's been a tough task to pry the Wrangler's key out of my hand. Sure, I was writing the introduction for the Wrangler, but I kept coming back to it once my assignment was complete. Despite its absurd number of faults, I just love this thing. There is just such an old-school connection with it that is so hard to find these days. I don't even mind driving it in traffic despite its manual transmission and lack of creature comforts. The Wrangler is making me realize more than ever that my favorite cars are those that are unapologetically honest. It knows what it is, it's upfront with its faults, and if you don't like it, well, buy something else. It may technically be the worst form of automotive transportation when compared to everything else, but it was intended to be that way. It's not like the Jeep Compass, which is bad because it's badly executed. The Wrangler can't be everything to everyone, and that's fine. BMWs of old used to be like this, but aren't any more. Pretty sure that's the reason my fondness for that brand has rapidly waned. Appealing to everyone may get you sales in the short-term, but you'll never grasp onto those lifelong fans by establishing an emotional connection.   With the Wrangler, all you have is an emotion connection because you're certainly not thinking with your head. You can stuff the Wrangler full of a whole host of items to make it more civilized (we didn't), but most of the above faults still remain. And really, those faults are part of the charm. As Magrath said with a fond smile on his face, "It's a really fun piece of crap." James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 808 miles 2012 Jeep Wrangler: Double Rainbow August 29, 2012 Admittedly, my iPhone didn't exactly do a stellar job of capturing what is, in fact, a double rainbow, but the question remains: what does this mean? Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing @ 19,601 miles

i don't know

What is the more common name for toxicodendron radicans, a poisonous vine known for its production of urushiol (oo-roo-shee-awl), a substance that causes an itching rash in most people who touch it?

Toxicodendron radicans : Wikis (The Full Wiki) The Full Wiki More info on Toxicodendron radicans   Wikis Related topics Toxicodendron radicans: Wikis Note: Many of our articles have direct quotes from sources you can cite, within the Wikipedia article! This article doesn't yet, but we're working on it! See more info or our list of citable articles . (Redirected to Poison ivy article) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For other uses of "Poison ivy", see Poison ivy (disambiguation) . Poison ivy Rhus toxicodendron Rhus radicans Toxicodendron radicans (Poison ivy; older synonyms Rhus toxicodendron, Rhus radicans [1] ) is a plant in the family Anacardiaceae . It is a woody vine that is well known for its ability to produce urushiol , a skin irritant that causes an itching rash for most people, technically known as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis but it is not a true Ivy (Hedera). Contents 8 External links Habitat and range Poison ivy grows throughout much of North America, including the Canadian Maritime provinces, Quebec and Ontario, and all U.S. states east of the Rockies except North Dakota, as well as in the mountainous areas of Mexico up to around 1,500 m (4,900 ft) (see caquistle or caxuistle—the Nahuatl term), and is normally found in wooded areas, especially along edge areas. It also grows in exposed rocky areas and in open fields and disturbed areas. It also grows as a forest understory plant, although it is only somewhat shade tolerant. [1] The plant is extremely common in suburban and exurban areas of New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and Southeastern United States. Similar species, Poison-Oak , and Toxicodendron rydbergii are found in western North America. Poison ivy rarely grows at altitudes above 1,500 m (4,900 ft), although the altitude limit varies in different locations. [1] The plants can grow as a shrub up to about 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) tall, as a groundcover 10–25 cm (3.9–9.8 in) high, or as a climbing vine on various supports. Older vines on substantial supports send out lateral branches that may at first be mistaken for tree limbs. It is not particularly sensitive to soil moisture , although it does not grow in desert or arid conditions. It grows in a wide variety of soil types, and soil pH from 6.0 (acidic) to 7.9 (moderately alkaline). It can grow in areas subject to seasonal flooding or brackish water. [1] It is more common now than when Europeans first entered North America. Real estate development adjacent to wild, undeveloped land has engendered " edge effects ," enabling poison ivy to form vast, lush colonies in such places. It is listed as a noxious weed in the U.S. states of Minnesota and Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario . Poison ivy and its relatives are virtually unknown in Europe. Many Europeans who hike in the US and Canada are quite surprised to find that such a hazardous plant exists so commonly on the continent. Description Poison ivy vine with typical reddish "hairs" (like leaves, vines are extremely poisonous to humans) The deciduous leaves of poison ivy are trifoliate with three almond -shaped leaflets . [1] Leaf colour ranges from light green (usually the younger leaves) to dark green (mature leaves), turning bright red in fall ; though other sources say leaves are reddish when expanding, turn green through maturity, then back to red, orange, or yellow in the fall. The leaflets of mature leaves are somewhat shiny. The leaflets are 3 to 12 cm long, rarely up to 30 cm. Each leaflet has a few or no teeth along its edge, and the leaf surface is smooth. Leaflet clusters are alternate on the vine, and the plant has no thorns. Vines growing on the trunk of a tree become firmly attached through numerous aerial rootlets. [2] The vines develop adventitious roots , or the plant can spread from rhizomes or root crowns . The milky sap of poison ivy darkens after exposure to the air. Poison ivy spreads both vegetatively and sexually . Poison ivy is dioecious ; flowering occurs from May to July. The yellowish- or greenish-white flowers are typically inconspicuous and are located in clusters up to 8 cm above the leaves. The berry-like fruit, a drupe , mature by August to November with a grayish-white colour. [1] Fruits are a favourite winter food of some birds and other animals. Seeds are spread mainly by animals and remain viable after passing through the digestive tract. Aids to identification The following three characteristics are sufficient to identify poison ivy in most situations: (a) clusters of three leaflets, (b) alternate leaf arrangement, and (c) lack of thorns. Although a number of other plants fit this simplified description, any plant with these criteria should be prudently avoided by people unfamiliar with identifying poison ivy. Identification by experienced people is often made difficult by leaf damage, leafless conditions during winter, and unusual growth forms due to environmental and/or genetic factors. Various mnemonic rhymes describe the characteristic appearance of poison ivy: [3] "Leaves of three, let it be." "Hairy vine, no friend of mine." [4] Poison ivy vines are very poisonous. "Raggy rope, don't be a dope!" Poison ivy vines on trees have a furry "raggy" appearance. This rhyme warns tree climbers to be wary. "One, two, three? Don't touch me." "Berries white, run in fright" and "Berries white, danger in sight." [5] "Longer middle stem, stay away from them." This refers to the middle leaflet having a notably longer stem than the two side leaflets and is a key to differentiating it from the similar-looking Rhus aromatica - Fragrant sumac . "Red leaflets in the spring, it's a dangerous thing." This refers to the red appearance that new leaflets sometimes have in the spring. (Note that later, in the summer, the leaflets are green, making them more difficult to distinguish from other plants, while in autumn they can be reddish-orange.) "Side leaflets like mittens, will itch like the dickens." This refers to the appearance of some, but not all, poison ivy leaves, where each of the two side leaflets has a small notch that makes the leaflet look like a mitten with a "thumb." (Note that this rhyme should not be misinterpreted to mean that only the side leaflets will cause itching, since actually all parts of the plant can cause itching.) "If butterflies land there, don't put your hand there." This refers to the fact that some butterflies land on poison ivy, since they are not affected, which provides them protection as their predators avoid eating the plant. [6] Effects on the body Main article: Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis The reaction caused by poison ivy, urushiol-induced contact dermatitis , is an allergic reaction . Around 15% [7] to 30% [8] of people have no allergic response, but most people will become sensitized with repeated or more concentrated exposure to urushiol. Reactions can progress to anaphylaxis . Poison ivy on a roadside Urushiol binds to the skin on contact, where it causes severe itching that develops into reddish colored inflammation or non-colored bumps, and then blistering . These lesions may be treated with Calamine lotion, Burow's solution compresses or baths to relieve discomfort, [9] though recent studies have shown some traditional medicines to be ineffective. [10] [11] Over-the-counter products to ease itching—or simply oatmeal baths and baking soda—are now recommended by dermatologists for the treatment of poison ivy. [12] In severe cases, clear fluids ooze from open blistered sores and corticosteroids are the necessary treatment. Blisters from contact with poison ivy The oozing fluids released by itching blisters do not spread the poison. [13] [14] [15] The appearance of a spreading rash indicates that some areas received more of the poison and reacted sooner than other areas or that contamination is still occurring from contact with objects to which the original poison was spread. [13] The blisters and oozing result from blood vessels that develop gaps and leak fluid through the skin; if the skin is cooled, the vessels constrict and leak less.[citation needed] If poison ivy is burned and the smoke then inhaled, this rash will appear on the lining of the lungs, causing extreme pain and possibly fatal respiratory difficulty. [16] If poison ivy is eaten, the digestive tract, airway, kidneys or other organs can be damaged.[citation needed] A poison ivy rash can last anywhere from one to four weeks, depending on severity and treatment. In rare cases, poison ivy reactions may require hospitalization. [13] [17] Urushiol oil can remain active for several years, so handling dead leaves or vines can cause a reaction. In addition, oil transferred from the plant to other objects (such as pet fur) can cause the rash if it comes into contact with the skin. [18] [19] Clothing, tools, and other objects that have been exposed to the oil should be washed to prevent further transmission. People who are sensitive to poison ivy can also experience a similar rash from mangoes . Mangoes are in the same family ( Anacardiaceae ) as poison ivy; the sap of the mango tree and skin of mangoes has a chemical compound similar to urushiol. [20] Similar reactions have been reported occasionally from contact with the related Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) or Japanese lacquer tree . Similar-looking plants Virgin's Bower ( Clematis virginiana ) (also known as Devil's Darning Needles, Devil's Hair, Love Vine, Traveller's Joy, Virgin's Bower, Virginia Virgin's Bower, Wild Hops, and Woodbine; syn. Clematis virginiana L. var. missouriensis (Rydb.) Palmer & Steyermark [1]) is a vine of the Ranunculaceae family native to the United States. This plant is a vine which can climb up to 10–20 ft tall. It grows on the edges of the woods, moist slopes, fence rows, in thickets and in streambanks. It produces white, fragrant flowers about an inch in diameter between July and September. Box-elder ( Acer negundo ) saplings have leaves that can look very similar to those of poison ivy, although the symmetry of the plant itself is very different. While box-elders often have five or seven leaflets, three leaflets are also common, especially on smaller saplings. The two can be differentiated by observing the placement of the leaves where the leaf stalk meets the main branch (where the three leaflets are attached). Poison ivy has alternate leaves, which means the three-leaflet leaves alternate along the main branch. The maple (which the box-elder is a type of) has opposite leaves; another leaf stalk directly on the opposite side is characteristic of box-elder. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) vines can look like poison ivy. The younger leaves can consist of three leaflets but have a few more serrations along the leaf edge, and the leaf surface is somewhat wrinkled. However, most Virginia creeper leaves have five leaflets. Virginia creeper and poison ivy very often grow together, even on the same tree. Be aware that even those who do not get an allergic reaction to poison ivy may be allergic to the oxalate crystals in Virginia creeper sap. Western Poison-oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum‎) leaflets also come in threes on the end of a stem, but each leaflet is shaped somewhat like an oak leaf. Western Poison-oak only grows in the western United States and Canada, although many people will refer to poison ivy as poison-oak. This is because poison ivy will grow in either the ivy-like form or the brushy oak-like form depending on the moisture and brightness of its environment. The ivy form likes shady areas with only a little sun, tends to climb the trunks of trees, and can spread rapidly along the ground. Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) has compound leaves with 7–15 leaflets. Poison sumac never has only three leaflets. Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is a non-toxic edible vine that scrambles extensively over lower vegetation or grows high into trees. Kudzu is an invasive species in the southern United States. Like poison ivy it has three leaflets, but the leaflets are bigger than those of poison ivy and are pubescent underneath with hairy margins. Blackberries and raspberries (Rubus spp.) can resemble poison ivy, with which they may share territory. The chief difference between blackberries and raspberries, on the one hand, and poison ivy, on the other, is that blackberries and raspberries almost always have prickles on the stems, whereas poison ivy is smooth. Also, the three-leaflet pattern of some blackberry and raspberry leaves changes as the plant grows: leaves produced later in the season have five leaflets rather than three. Blackberries and raspberries have many fine teeth along the leaf edge, the top surface of their leaves is very wrinkled where the veins are, and the bottom of the leaves is light minty-greenish white. Poison ivy is all green. The stem of poison ivy is brown and cylindrical, while blackberry and raspberry stems can be green, can be squared in cross-section, and can have prickles. Raspberries and blackberries are never truly vines; that is, they do not attach to trees to support their stems. The thick vines of Riverbank Grape (Vitis riparia), with no rootlets visible, differ from the vines of poison ivy, which have so many rootlets that the stem going up a tree looks furry. Riverbank grape vines are purplish in color, tend to hang away from their support trees, and have shreddy bark; poison ivy vines are brown, attached to their support trees, and do not have shreddy bark. Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) has a very similar appearance to poison ivy. While both species have three leaflets, the center leaflet of poison ivy is on a long stalk, while the center leaflet of fragrant sumac does not have an obvious stalk. Fragrant sumac produces flowers before the leaves in the spring, while poison ivy produces flowers after the leaves emerge. Flowers and fruits of fragrant sumac are at the end of the stem, but occur along the middle of the stem of poison ivy. See also Family: Anacardiaceae Toxicodendron radicans (syn. Rhus toxicodendron, Rhus radicans; Poison ivy [1] ) is a woody vine that is well known for its ability to produce urushiol, a skin irritant that causes an itching rash for most people, technically known as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis. Poison ivy is subject to frequent taxonomic reclassification and confusion; it is currently divided into eastern and western species in the genus Toxicodendron. At least six distinct subspecies of Toxicodendron radicans are recognized. Complicating identification and taxonomy are the fact that the species (even a particular subspecies) can be highly variable in growth habit and leaf appearance. It is more common now than when Europeans first entered North America. Real estate development adjacent to wild, undeveloped land has created "edge effects", enabling it to form vast, lush colonies in such places. It is listed as a noxious weed in the U.S. states of Minnesota and Michigan. Description The plants can grow as a shrub up to about 1.2 meters (4 ft) tall, as a groundcover 10–25 centimeters (4–10 in) high, or as a climbing vine on various supports. Older vines on substantial supports send out lateral branches that may at first be mistaken for tree limbs. The leaves are ternate with three almond-shaped leaflets. The berries (actually drupes) are a grayish-white color and are a favorite winter food of some birds. Hence the mnemonic, "Leaves of three, let it be; berries white, danger in sight." Another version is: "Leaves of three let it be; if it's hairy, it's a berry." [2] The color ranges from light green (usually the younger leaves) to dark green (mature leaves), turning bright red in fall. The leaflets of mature leaves are somewhat shiny.The leaflets are 3-12 cm long, rarely up to 30 cm. Each leaflet has a few or no teeth along its edge, and the leaf surface is smooth. Leaflet clusters are alternate on the vine, and the plant has no thorns. These three characteristics: (a) clusters of three leaflets, (b) alternate, and (c) lack of thorns, are sufficient to positively identify the plant. If it is growing up the trunk of a tree, the presence of root-hairs will identify it. [3] Poison ivy flowers Box Elder on the left, poison ivy on the right Poison ivy vine with typical reddish "hairs" The color ranges from light green (usually the younger leaves) to dark green (mature leaves), turning bright red in fall. The leaflets of mature leaves are somewhat shiny.The leaflets are 3-12 cm long, rarely up to 30 cm. Each leaflet has a few or no teeth along its edge, and the leaf surface is smooth. Leaflet clusters are alternate on the vine, and the plant has no thorns. These three characteristics: (a) clusters of three leaflets, (b) alternate, and (c) lack of thorns, are sufficient to positively identify the plant. If it is growing up the trunk of a tree, the presence of root-hairs will identify it. [4] Poison ivy flowers Box Elder on the left, poison ivy on the right Poison ivy vine with typical reddish "hairs" The plants can grow as a shrub up to about 1.2 meters (4 ft) tall, as a groundcover 10–25 centimeters (4–10 in) high, or as a climbing vine on various supports. Older vines on substantial supports send out lateral branches that may at first be mistaken for tree limbs. The leaves are ternate with three almond-shaped leaflets. The berries (actually drupes) are a grayish-white color and are a favorite winter food of some birds. Hence the mnemonic, "Leaves of three, let it be; berries white, danger in sight." Another version is: "Leaves of three let it be; if it's hairy, it's a berry." [5] Growing Conditions It grows throughout much of North America, including all Canadian provinces except Newfoundland (but not the territories) and all U.S. states except Alaska, and is normally found in wooded areas, especially along edge areas. It also grows in exposed rocky areas, in open fields and disturbed areas, and even in areas with wet soils. It rarely grows at altitudes above 1,500 meters (5,000 ft). Varieties Aside from the many subspecies, individual plants can vary greatly in the shape of their leaflets. Confusion with other plants Boxelder ( Acer negundo ) saplings can look almost indistinguishable from poison ivy. While Boxelder Maples often have five or seven leaflets, three leaflets are also common. The two can be differentiated by the fact that Poison-ivy has alternate leaves, while the maple has opposite leaves; in other words, by observing where the leaf stalk (the "branch" the three leaflets are attached to) meets the main branch. Another leaf stalk directly on the opposite side is characteristic of Boxelder Maple. If the three-leaflet leaves alternate along the main branch, it may be Poison-ivy. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) vines can look like poison ivy. The younger leaves can consist of three leaflets (as opposed to the usual five) but have a few more serrations along the leaf edge, and the leaf surface is somewhat wrinkled. The rootlets of a climbing Virginia creeper are paler and much stouter than the hairy roots of poison ivy, which are dark red. Virginia creeper and poison ivy grown in the same habitat and frequently co-occur, often on the same trees. Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) has compound leaves with 7–15 leaflets. Poison sumac never has only three leaflets. Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is a non-toxic edible vine that scrambles extensively over lower vegetation or grows high into trees. Kudzu is an invasive species in the southern United States. Like poison ivy it has three leaflets, but the leaflets are bigger than those of poison ivy and are pubescent underneath with hairy margins. Blackberry and raspberry vines bear a passing resemblance to poison ivy, with which may share territory. The chief difference between blackberry vines and poison ivy is that blackberry vines have spines on them, whereas poison ivy is smooth. Also, the three-leaflet pattern of blackberry vine leaves changes as the plant grows: the two bottom leaves both split into two leaves, for a total of five in a cluster. They have many teeth along the leaf edge, and the top surface of their leaves is very wrinkled where the veins are, and the bottom of the leaves is light minty - greenish white, while poison ivy is all green. The stem and vine of poison ivy are brown and woody, while blackberry stems are green with thorns. Toxic effects See Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis for more details about the rash, including prevention and treatment. The reaction caused by poison-ivy, urushiol-induced contact dermatitis, is an allergic reaction. Around 15% [6] to 30% [7] of people have no allergic response, but most if not all will become sensitized over time with repeated or more concentrated exposure to urushiol. For those who are affected by urushiol, it causes a very irritating rash. In extreme cases, corticosteroids can be needed to treat rashes and severe itching. The first symptom of contact is a severe itching of the skin that develops into reddish colored inflammation or non-colored bumps, and then blistering of the skin occurs. In severe cases, clear fluids ooze from open blistered sores. The urushiol poison is quickly bound to the skin after contact. The oozing fluids released by itching blisters do not spread the poison. The appearance of a spreading rash indicates that some areas received more of the poison and reacted sooner than other areas. The blisters and oozing result from blood vessels that develop gaps and leak fluid through the skin; if the skin is cooled, the vessels constrict and leak less. If poison ivy is burned and the smoke then inhaled, this rash will appear on the lining of the lungs, causing extreme pain and possibly fatal respiratory difficulty. If poison ivy is eaten, the digestive tract, airway, kidneys or other organs can be damaged. Understanding why new lesions may develop for two weeks (studied on forearm) after one exposure was made clear by a Univ of Miami scientist: larger amounts have earliest onset and largest reaction, smallest produce a delayed reaction. The overall severity 'progresses' with the combined active lesions. Therefore, the last new lesion should occur at two weeks after last exposure, the total rash (untreated) may go on for 3-4 weeks. Urushiol oil can remain active for several years, so handling dead leaves or vines can cause a reaction. In addition, oil transferred from the plant to other objects (such as pet fur) can cause the rash if it comes into contact with the skin. [8] People who are sensitive to poison-ivy can also experience a similar rash from mangoes; the skin of mangoes has a chemical compound similar to urushiol. [9] Similar reactions have been reported occasionally from contact with the related aromatic sumac or Japanese lacquer tree. Maintenance

Toxicodendron radicans

What Egyptian pharaoh was immortalized in a 1978 song by Steve Martin and the Toot Uncommons?

Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System - Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility (CBIF) Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System Rhus radicans (Scientific name) General poisoning notes: Poison ivy (Rhus radicans; synonym Toxicodendron radicans) is a native shrub or vine found throughout southern Canada. Three recognized varieties are found in various parts of the country (Mulligan and Junkins 1977). Urushiol is the allergenic agent found in most parts of the plant. Damage to plant tissues causes the nonvolatile chemicals to be exposed. Humans are often sensitized, with symptoms ranging from mild itchiness and redness to severe oozing lesions with fever. Poison ivy is probably responsible for more cases of plant dermatitis in Canada than any other plant. Urushiol can contaminate clothes, tools, and the fur of domestic animals. Humans can subsequently develop dermatitis from contact. Humans do not contract the dermatitis on first contact, but most people are sensitized the first time (Mulligan 1990, Schwartz and Downham 1981, Gayer and Burnett 1988). References: Downham, T. F. 1986. Science has got its hands on poison-ivy, poison-oak, and poison-sumac. U.S. Dep. Agric. For. Serv. Man. N., 47: 23-28. Epstein, W. L., Byers, V. S. 1981. Poison oak and poison ivy dermatitis. Prevention and treatment in forest service work. U.S. Dep. Agric. For. Serv. Rep., 14 pp. Gaillard, G. E. 1956. The modern treatment of poison ivy. N. Y. State J. Med., 56:2255-2259. Gayer, K. D., Burnett, J. W. 1988. Toxicodendron dermatitis. Cutis, 42: 99-100. Goldsmith, M. F. 1984. Sensitivity test may aid in avoiding 'poison' plant-induced dermatitis. J. Am. Med. Assoc., 251: 1389-1390. Guin, J. D. 1980. Reaction time in experimental poison ivy dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis, 6:289-290. Mulligan, G. A., Junkins, B. E. 1977. The biology of Canadian weeds 23. Rhus radicans L. Can. J. Plant Sci., 57: 515-523. Mulligan, G. A. 1990. Poison ivy. Western poison oak. Poison sumac. Agric. Can. Publ., 1699. 13 pp. Schwartz, R. S. 1981. Erythema multiforme associated with Rhus contact dermatitis. Cutis, 27: 85-86. Nomenclature: Go to ITIS *ca for more taxonomic information on: Rhus radicans References: Agriculture Quebec. 1975. Noms des maladies des plantes du Canada/ Names of plant diseases in Canada. , Quebec City, Que., Canada. 288 pp. Alex, J. F., Cayouette, R., Mulligan, G. A. 1980. Common and botanical names of weeds in Canada/Noms populaire et scientifiques des plantes nuisibles du Canada. Revised. Agric. Can. Publ., Ottawa, Ont., Canada. 132 pp. Bailey, L. H., Bailey, E. Z. 1976. Hortus third. Revised. MacMillan, New York, N.Y., USA . 1290 pp. Scoggan, H. J. 1978, 1979. The flora of Canada. Nat. Mus. Nat. Sci. (Ottawa) Publ. Bot. 7(1)-7(4). 1711 pp. Van Wijk, H. L. 1911. A dictionary of plant names. Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague, The Netherlands. 1444 pp. Victorin, M. 1964. Flore Laurentienne. 2nd ed. Univ. Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada. 952 pp. Geographic Information Saskatchewan References: Bailey, L. H., Bailey, E. Z. 1976. Hortus third. Revised. MacMillan, New York, N.Y., USA . 1290 pp. Boivin, B. 1966, 1967. Énumération des plantes du Canada. Provencheria 6. Nat. Can. (Que.) 93: 253-274; 371-437; 583-646; 989-1063. 94: 131-157; 471-528; 625-655. Image or illustration References: Gayer, K. D., Burnett, J. W. 1988. Toxicodendron dermatitis. Cutis, 42: 99-100. Goldsmith, M. F. 1984. Sensitivity test may aid in avoiding 'poison' plant-induced dermatitis. J. Am. Med. Assoc., 251: 1389-1390. Mulligan, G. A., Junkins, B. E. 1977. The biology of Canadian weeds 23. Rhus radicans L. Can. J. Plant Sci., 57: 515-523. Mulligan, G. A. 1990. Poison ivy. Western poison oak. Poison sumac. Agric. Can. Publ., 1699. 13 pp. Schwartz, R. S. 1981. Erythema multiforme associated with Rhus contact dermatitis. Cutis, 27: 85-86. Notes on Toxic plant chemicals: Urushiol, a group of alkylcatechols, is found in the sap of poison-ivy plants. The allergic reaction has been traditionally thought to involve initial oxidation by which a protein-reactive quinone is formed. Recent work indicates that redox cycling in the skin, following penetration of the allergenic alkybenzenes, initially depletes local levels of endogenous-reducing equivalents such as NADH and glutathione. Further cycling results in the uncontrolled generation of radical species that exhibit protein reactivity. The urushiol is not volatile and can contaminate clothing, tools, and domestic animals. Under dry conditions, the chemical can remain harmful for long periods (Mulligan 1990,Schmidt et al. 1990). Toxic plant chemicals: 3-pentadecyl catechol References: Downham, T. F. 1986. Science has got its hands on poison-ivy, poison-oak, and poison-sumac. U.S. Dep. Agric. For. Serv. Man. N., 47: 23-28. aillard, G. E. 1956. The modern treatment of poison ivy. N. Y. State J. Med., 56:2255-2259. Gayer, K. D., Burnett, J. W. 1988. Toxicodendron dermatitis. Cutis, 42: 99-100. Goldsmith, M. F. 1984. Sensitivity test may aid in avoiding 'poison' plant-induced dermatitis. J. Am. Med. Assoc., 251: 1389-1390. Mulligan, G. A., Junkins, B. E. 1977. The biology of Canadian weeds 23. Rhus radicans L. Can. J. Plant Sci., 57: 515-523. Mulligan, G. A. 1990. Poison ivy. Western poison oak. Poison sumac. Agric. Can. Publ., 1699. 13 pp. Schmidt, R. J., Khan, L., Chung, L. Y. 1990. Are free radicals and not quinones the haptenic species derived from urushiols and other contact allergenic mono-and dihydride alkylbenzenes? Dermatol. Res., 282: 56-64. Animals/Human Poisoning: Note: When an animal is listed without additional information, the literature (as of 1993) contained no detailed explanation. Humans Tracheitis References: Downham, T. F. 1986. Science has got its hands on poison-ivy, poison-oak, and poison-sumac. U.S. Dep. Agric. For. Serv. Man. N., 47: 23-28. Epstein, W. L., Byers, V. S. 1981. Poison oak and poison ivy dermatitis. Prevention and treatment in forest service work. U.S. Dep. Agric. For. Serv. Rep., 14 pp. Gayer, K. D., Burnett, J. W. 1988. Toxicodendron dermatitis. Cutis, 42: 99-100. Goldsmith, M. F. 1984. Sensitivity test may aid in avoiding 'poison' plant-induced dermatitis. J. Am. Med. Assoc., 251: 1389-1390. Guin, J. D. 1980. Reaction time in experimental poison ivy dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis, 6:289-290. Mulligan, G. A., Junkins, B. E. 1977. The biology of Canadian weeds 23. Rhus radicans L. Can. J. Plant Sci., 57: 515-523. Mulligan, G. A. 1990. Poison ivy. Western poison oak. Poison sumac. Agric. Can. Publ., 1699. 13 pp. Schwartz, R. S. 1981. Erythema multiforme associated with Rhus contact dermatitis. Cutis, 27: 85-86.

i don't know

What playing card was introduced by US players in the 1860's as the ultimate trump card (the best bower) in the game of Euchre?

joker | playing card | Britannica.com playing card THIS IS A DIRECTORY PAGE. Britannica does not currently have an article on this topic. The joker, who symbolizes the practical jokes associated with April Fools’ Day. PhotoObjects.net/Jupiterimages Learn about this topic in these articles:   in euchre ...Alsatian game called juckerspiel from the fact that its two top trumps are Jucker, meaning “jack.” This word may also have influenced the choice of the term joker for the extra card introduced into American euchre in the 1860s to act as the “best bower,” or topmost trump; bower is from German ... in playing card: Jokers Standard decks normally contain two or more additional cards, designated jokers, each depicting a traditional court jester. Few games employ them, and those that do use them in different ways. In rummy games, such as canasta, they are “wild” and may be used to represent any desired “natural” card. The joker was originally invented (though not under that name) to serve as... in president (card game): Game play Two jokers, if available, rank as the highest cards, and one outranks the other if they are distinguishable. (For example, black joker beats red joker.) Second highest are the 2s, which, like jokers, may also be used as wild cards to a limited extent. These are then followed downward by A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 in each suit. There is no trump suit, and no suit outranks any other...

Joker

What video rental store, with over 5000 locations worldwide, recently announced their bankruptcy, after getting slaughtered in the marketplace by Redbox and Netflix?

Jester is King | Rummy Circle RummyCircle Blog | September 25, 2014 | Did You Know | No Comments How did the Joker come to be a part of playing 13 cards rummy ? Come to think of it, games like “Crazy Eights” and “Go Fish” can go on even without this card. However, the “Joker” is a unique playing card found in most card decks today, in addition to the standard suits of clubs, spades, diamonds and hearts. And we all do light up when this card comes to complete our sets and sequences, as we play a Rummy tournament. This colourful card actually does have a significance of its own, dating back as far as the late 1800s. How the Jester was Born According to Britannica.com, playing cards came into being sometime around the 15th century, drawing inspiration from tarots cards, which were used for fortune telling. However, the Joker did not make his appearance until the 18th century, when the Americans added this “extra” card to the standard playing deck, while bending the rummy rules of the game of Euchre. The name “Joker” is said to come from the name Jucker, which was what the Alsatians, who invented the game of Euchre, called the card. Introduced in the American playing deck around 1863, it took some time to reach the English shores. When the idea finally caught up with the British in 1880, this card was used in “Imperial Bower,” the British version of Euchre. Alternatively, it is believed that this card was originally intended for the game of Poker, as a “wild card,” although this has been largely discredited by those in favour of the Jucker theory. Today, this “Jester” is being used in many card games, if not all, across the world. It is a favourite in Rummy tournaments and there is even a card game that it actually called “Joker.” When the Jester is King In today’s card games, the Jester can be a rather important card and is being used in a number of games. Here are a few popular games that showcase this card at its best: Euchre: The Joker is used as the highest trump, wielding maximum power. Canasta: Here it is used like a wild card. While fusing a set, the Joker is worth 50 points. Rummy Tournaments: In the game of Rummy, it is a wild card used as any necessary rank to complete a set or sequence. Chase the Joker: This game is similar to the game of “Old Maid.” Here, the card is used as an alternative to the “Ace,” thus giving the game its name. War: There are many variations of this card game. However, in some variations, the Jester beats all cards. So, the next time you play a Rummy tournament, know that the Joker isn’t always the “fool,” like the tarot cards portray it to be. When the Jester is King: The Story of the Joker in Playing Cards 4.75 (95%) 4 votes

i don't know

What sadly short lived sci fi show featured crewmembers Wash, Kaylee, and Jayne, among others, aboard the spaceship Serenity?

Firefly | Space Opera Premise Backstory The series takes place in the year 2517, on a variety of planets and moons . The TV series does not reveal whether these celestial bodies are within one star system, only saying that Serenity's mode of propulsion is a "gravity-drive". The film Serenity makes clear that all the planets and moons are in one large system, and production documents related to the film indicate that there is no faster-than-light travel in this universe . The characters occasionally refer to "Earth-that-was", and the film establishes that, long before the events in the series, a large population had emigrated from Earth to a new star system in generation ships : [9] "Earth-that-was could no longer sustain our numbers, we were so many". The emigrants established themselves in this new star system, with "dozens of planets and hundreds of moons". Many of these were terraformed , a process in which a planet or moon is altered to resemble Earth. The terraforming process was only the first step in making a planet habitable, however, and the outlying settlements often did not receive any further support in the construction of their civilizations. This resulted in many of the border planets and moons having forbidding, dry environments, well-suited to the Western genre. Synopsis Mal and Zoe in the original pilot "Serenity". The photo depicts the harsh planetary environments of the fictional universe's frontier cultures. The show takes its name from the "Firefly-class" spaceship, Serenity , that the central characters call home. It resembles a firefly in general arrangement, and the tail section, analogous to a bioluminescent insectoid abdomen , lights up during acceleration. The ship was named after the Battle of Serenity Valley, where Malcolm Reynolds, former sergeant in the Independents, and Zoe Alleyne, former corporal, were on the losing side. It is revealed in "Bushwhacked" that the Battle of Serenity Valley is widely considered the loss which sealed the fate of the Independents. Throughout the series, the Alliance is shown to govern the star system through an organization of "core" planets, following its success in forcibly unifying all the colonies under a single government. DVD commentary suggests that the Alliance is composed of two primary "core" systems, one predominantly Western in culture, the other pan-Asian, justifying the mixed linguistic and visual themes of the series. The central planets are firmly under Alliance control, but the outlying planets and moons resemble the 19th-century American West, with little governmental authority. Settlers and refugees on the outlying worlds have relative freedom from the central government, but lack the amenities of the high-tech civilization that exists on the inner worlds. In addition, the outlying areas of space ("the black") are inhabited by the Reavers , a cannibalistic group of nomadic humans that have become savage and animalistic. [10] The captain of the crew of Serenity is Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds ( Nathan Fillion ) and the episode " Serenity " establishes that the captain and his first mate Zoe Washburne , née Alleyne ( Gina Torres ) are veteran " Browncoats " of the Unification War, a failed attempt by the outlying worlds to resist the Alliance's assertion of control. A later episode, titled " Out of Gas ", reveals that Mal bought the spaceship Serenity to continue living beyond Alliance control. Much of the crew's work consists of cargo runs or smuggling . A main story arc is that of River Tam ( Summer Glau ) and her brother Simon ( Sean Maher ). River is a child prodigy, whose brain was subjected to experiments at the hands of Alliance scientists at a secret government institution. As a result, she displays symptoms of schizophrenia and often hears voices. It is later revealed that she is a "reader", one who possesses telepathic abilities. Simon gave up a career as a highly successful trauma surgeon in an Alliance hospital to rescue her from the Alliance, and as a result he and his sister are both wanted fugitives. In the original pilot "Serenity", Simon joins the crew as a paying passenger with River smuggled on board as cargo. As Whedon states in an episodic DVD commentary, every show he does is about creating family. [11] By the last episode, " Objects in Space ", the fractured character of River has finally become whole, partly because the others decided to accept her into their "family" on the ship. [11] Signature show elements The show blended elements from the space opera and Western genres, depicting humanity's future in a manner different from most contemporary science fiction programs in that there are no large space battles. Firefly takes place in a multi-cultural future, primarily a fusion of Western and East Asian cultures , where there is a significant division between the rich and poor. As a result of the Sino-American Alliance , Mandarin Chinese is a common second language; it is used in advertisements, and characters in the show frequently use Chinese words as curses. According to the DVD commentary on the episode "Serenity", this was explained as being the result of China and the United States being the two superpowers that expanded into space. [12] The show also features slang not used in contemporary culture, such as adaptations of modern words, or new words altogether. For example, "shiny" is frequently used in a similar manner as the real world slang "cool", and "gorram" is used as a mild swear word. Written and spoken Chinese as well as Old West dialect are also employed. As one reviewer noted: "The dialogue tended to be a bizarre purée of wisecracks, old-timey Western-paperback patois, and snatches of Chinese". [4] Tim Minear and Joss Whedon pointed out two scenes that, they believed, articulated the mood of the show exceptionally clearly. [11] One scene is in the original pilot "Serenity", when Mal is eating with chopsticks and a Western tin cup is by his plate; the other is in "The Train Job" pilot, when Mal is thrown out of a holographic bar window. [13] The DVD set's "making-of" documentary explains the distinctive frontispiece of the series (wherein Serenity soars over a herd of horses) as Whedon's attempt to capture "everything you need to understand about the series in five seconds". One of the struggles that Whedon had with Fox was the tone of the show, especially with the main character Malcolm Reynolds. Fox pressured Whedon to make Mal more "jolly", as they feared he was too dark in the original pilot, epitomized by the moment he suggests he might "space" Simon and River, throwing them out of the airlock to die. In addition, Fox was not happy that the show involved the "nobodies" who "get squished by policy" instead of the actual policy makers. [11] [14] Cast Main article: List of Firefly characters Firefly maintained an ensemble cast that portrayed nine crew members and passengers of the ship, Serenity. These characters fight criminals and schemers, Alliance security forces, the utterly psychotic and brutal Reavers, and the mysterious men with "hands of blue"—who are apparently operatives of a secret agency which is part of the megacorporation referred to in the DVD commentary only as The Blue Sun Corporation. The crew is driven by the need to secure enough income to keep their ship operational, set against their need to keep a low profile to avoid their adversaries. Their situation is greatly complicated by the divergent motivations of the individuals on board Serenity, but complex characterization was hampered by the show's brief run. All nine of the main characters appeared in every episode, with the exception of " Ariel ", from which Book is absent—he was meditating at an abbey. Nathan Fillion as Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds —the owner and captain of Serenity and former Independent sergeant in the pivotal Battle of Serenity Valley. Malcolm grew up on a ranch, and was raised by his mother and the ranch hands. In the Unification War, he fought for the Independent Army, the " Browncoats ", as a platoon sergeant in the 57th Overlanders. He is cunning, a capable leader and a skilled fighter. Mal's main character drive is his will for independence. While he is not above petty theft, smuggling or even killing to maintain his free lifestyle, he is generally honest in his dealings with others, fiercely loyal to his crew and closely follows a personal moral code. He is openly antagonistic toward religion. Gina Torres as Zoe Alleyne Washburne —second-in-command onboard Serenity, a loyal wartime friend of Captain Reynolds, and the wife of Wash. Her surname during the Unification War was Alleyne. [15] She was born and raised on a ship [16] and served under Mal during the war as a corporal. [17] Described by her husband as a "warrior woman", she is a capable fighter who keeps calm even in the most dangerous situations. She demonstrates an almost unconditional loyalty to Mal, the only exception noted being her marriage to Wash, which the captain claims was against his orders. Alan Tudyk as Hoban "Wash" Washburne —Serenity's pilot and Zoe's husband. Deeply in love with his wife, Wash expresses jealousy over his wife's "war buddy" relationship and unconditional support of their captain, most particularly in the episode " War Stories ", in which he confronts Mal regarding their relationship. He joined pilot training just to see the stars, which were invisible from the surface of his polluted homeworld, and he joined Serenity despite being highly sought after by other ships. He is very light-hearted and tends to make amusing comments, despite the severity of any situation. Morena Baccarin as Inara Serra —a Companion, which is the 26th century cross between a geisha and an escort or mistress, who rents one of Serenity's two small shuttles. Inara enjoys high social standing. Her presence confers a degree of legitimacy and social acceptance the crew of Serenity would not have without her on board. Inara displays great dignity, civility and compassion. There is strong romantic tension between her and Mal, who share many character traits, but each jokingly objects to the other's "whoring" or "petty theft", respectively. Both refuse to act on their feelings, and try to keep their relationship professional. Adam Baldwin as Jayne Cobb —a mercenary. He and Mal met on opposite sides of a rivalry; Mal, while held at gunpoint, offered Jayne his own bunk and a higher cut than his current employer, so he turned coat and shot his then-partners. In the original Pilot "Serenity" he intimates to Mal that he did not betray him because "The money wasn't good enough." However, previously he had pointedly asked the Alliance agent whether he would be required to turn on the captain to help him, and in "Ariel" defends his actions alerting the authorities regarding Simon and River by claiming he had not intended to betray Mal. He is someone who can be depended on in a fight. [18] He tends to act like a "lummox" who thinks he is the smartest person in space, but occasional hints of intelligence peek through this façade, giving the impression that he acts dumber than he is. [11] As Whedon states several times, Jayne is the man who will ask the questions that no one else wants to. [19] Even though he is a macho character, he has shown a particularly intense fear of Reavers , more so than the rest of the crew. Despite his amoral mercenary persona, he sends a significant portion of his income to his mother, again suggesting that there is more to his character than what he presents to the rest of the crew. Jewel Staite as Kaywinnet Lee "Kaylee" Frye [20] [21] —the ship's mechanic. In the episode " Out of Gas ", it is established that she has no formal training, but keeps Serenity running with an intuitive gift for the workings of mechanical equipment. Jewel Staite explains Kaylee's character as being wholesome, sweet, and "completely genuine in that sweetness", adding "She loves being on that ship. She loves all of those people. And she is the only one who loves all of them incredibly genuinely." [22] She has a crush on Dr. Simon Tam. Kaylee is the heart of the ship: according to creator Joss Whedon, if Kaylee believes something, it is true. [11] Sean Maher as Dr. Simon Tam —a trauma surgeon of the first caliber (top 3% in his class at a top core-planet institution), who is on the run after breaking his sister River out of a government research facility. In the episode " Safe ", it is revealed that he and River had a privileged upbringing with access to the best education. In rescuing River over his stern father's severe objections, Simon sacrificed a highly successful future in medicine. His bumbling attempts at a romantic relationship with Kaylee are a recurring subplot throughout the series, and at every turn he seems to find a way to unwittingly foil his own attempts at romance. His life is defined by caring for his sister. [11] Summer Glau as River Tam —smuggled onto the ship by her brother. A highly intelligent, compassionate and intuitive child prodigy . Experiments and invasive brain surgery at an Alliance secret facility left her delusional, paranoid, and at times violent, though her uncanny ability to seemingly sense things before they happen leaves questions as to where the delusions end and reality begins for her. The experiments seemed to have made her a psychic . The experiments also gave her with a seemingly innate ability in hand-to-hand combat, and she is capable of killing or incapacitating several stronger opponents with ease. She gets frequent fits of anxiety and experiences post-traumatic flashbacks of her time in the Alliance facility. Her mental instability and uncanny abilities, paired with several erratic and violent acts, are a recurring source of fear and doubt among the crew, especially with Jayne, whom she once slashed with a knife. Jayne very frequently requests that River and Simon be taken off the ship. Ron Glass as Derrial Book —a Shepherd (equivalent to a pastor). Although presented as a devout Christian, [23] Book has profound, unexplained knowledge about criminal activities, police corruption, and military strategy, tactics, and weapons. In " Safe ", he was shown to have sufficient status in the Alliance to receive emergency medical treatment from an Alliance ship, with no questions asked. He is also proficient in hand-to-hand combat and the use of firearms. While objecting to violence most of the time, on a rescue mission he joins the fight, stating that while the Bible is quite specific about killing, it is "somewhat fuzzier on the subject of kneecaps". Book is a moral guide for Mal and the rest of the crew, a voice of reason, conscience and spirituality. At the same time, he seems to get along well with the amoral mercenary Jayne, with the two spotting each other while working out using a bench press . His hidden backstory would have been gradually revealed, had the series continued, but was instead explored in the 2010 comic book The Shepherd's Tale . Recurring characters Despite the series' short run, several recurring characters emerged from the inhabitants of the Firefly universe: Mark Sheppard as Badger—an established smuggling middleman on the planet Persephone . He provided jobs for Serenity on at least two occasions. In the DVD commentary for the episode "Serenity", it was revealed that this part was originally written with the intention of Whedon himself playing the part. Badger appeared in the original pilot "Serenity" and in " Shindig ", with a return in the comic book series Serenity: Those Left Behind . Michael Fairman as Adelai Niska—a criminal kingpin who has a reputation for violent reprisals, including severe, prolonged torture , against those who fail him or even irritate him. He appeared in "The Train Job" and "War Stories". Christina Hendricks as "Saffron"—a con artist whose real name is unknown. She first appeared in the episode "Our Mrs. Reynolds" as Mal's involuntarily acquired wife. She has a habit of marrying her marks during her scams . She returns in episode " Trash ", where Mal jokingly addresses her as "YoSaffBridge", a portmanteau of three of her aliases, "Yolanda", "Saffron", and "Bridget". Jeff Ricketts and Dennis Cockrum as "The Hands of Blue"—two anonymous men wearing suits and blue gloves who pursue River, apparently to return her to the institute from which she escaped, as shown in "The Train Job", "Ariel", and the Serenity: Those Left Behind comic. They kill anyone, including Alliance personnel, who had contact with her, using a mysterious hand-held device that causes fatal hemorrhaging in anyone at whom it is aimed. River , during anxiety attacks or psychological meltdowns, has repeated the phrase "Two by two/hands of blue" in a way that resembles poetic meter. This suggests that River has had close experience(s) with them. Episodes December 13, 2002 (2002-12-13) 1AGE11 Serenity encounters a ruthlessly professional bounty hunter, Jubal Early , who will stop at nothing to retrieve River. But River, feeling unwelcome on the ship, takes a novel approach to escaping from the long arm of the Alliance. Production Origin Nathan Fillion as Malcolm Reynolds, featured in a print advertisement for Firefly in 2002 Whedon developed the concept for the show after reading The Killer Angels , the Pulitzer Prize -winning novel by Michael Shaara chronicling the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War . He wanted to follow people who had fought on the losing side of a war and their experiences afterwards as pioneers and immigrants on the outskirts of civilization, much like the post-American Civil War era of Reconstruction and the American Old West culture. [24] He intended the show to be "a Stagecoach kind of drama with a lot of people trying to figure out their lives in a bleak pioneer environment". [25] Whedon wanted to develop a show about the tactile nature of life, a show where existence was more physical and more difficult. [11] After reading The Killer Angels, Whedon read a book about Jewish partisan fighters in World War II that also influenced him. [24] Whedon wanted to create something for television that was more character-driven and gritty than most modern science fiction. Television science fiction, he felt, had become too pristine and rarefied. [26] Whedon wanted to give the show a name that indicated movement and power, and felt that "Firefly" had both. This powerful word's relatively insignificant meaning, Whedon felt, added to its allure. He eventually wound up creating the ship in the image of a firefly. [11] Format During filming of the pilot episode, Whedon was still arguing with Fox that the show should be displayed in widescreen format . Consequently, he purposely filmed scenes with actors on the extreme edge of both sides so that they could only be shown in widescreen. [11] This led to a few scenes on the DVD (and later Blu-ray) where objects or setups that were not visible in the original 4:3 broadcasts were now displayed—such as the scene in the pilot where Wash mimes controlling the ship with a non-existent yoke . However, the pilot was rejected by the Fox executives, who felt that it lacked action and that the captain was too "dour". [13] They also disliked a scene in which the crew backed down to a crime boss, since the scene implied the crew was "being nothing". [11] Thus, Fox told Whedon on a Friday afternoon that he had to submit a new pilot script on Monday morning or the show would not be picked up. [13] Whedon and Tim Minear closeted themselves for the weekend to write what became the new pilot, " The Train Job ". [13] At the direction of Fox, they added "larger than life" characters [13] [14] such as the henchman "Crow", and the "hands of blue" men, who also introduced an X-Files -type ending. [14] For the new pilot, Fox made it clear that they would not air the episodes in the widescreen format. Whedon and company felt they had to "serve two masters" by filming widescreen for eventual DVD release, but keeping objects in frame so it could still work when aired in pan and scan full frame . [27] To obtain an immersive and immediate feel, the episodes were filmed in a documentary style with hand-held cameras, giving them the look of " found footage ", with deliberately misframed or out-of-focus subjects. [11] [28] As Whedon related: "...don't be arch, don't be sweeping—be found, be rough and tumble and docu[mentary] and you-are-there". [29] Computer-generated scenes mimicked the motion of a hand-held camera. This style was not used, however, when shooting scenes that involved the central government, the Alliance. Tracking and steady cameras were used to show the sterility of this aspect of the Firefly universe. [11] Another style employed was lens flares harking back to 1970s television. This style was so desired that the director of photography, David Boyd , sent back the cutting-edge lenses which reduced lens flare in exchange for cheaper ones. [11] Unlike most other science fiction shows, which add sound to space scenes for dramatic effect, Firefly portrays space as silent, because a vacuum cannot transmit sound. [30] Set design The spacecraft Serenity was digitally rendered by special effects house Zoic Studios . The shape was inspired by the shape of the firefly insect, and its tail section lights up in imitation of it. Production designer Carey Meyer built the ship Serenity in two parts (one for each level) as a complete set with ceilings and practical lighting installed as part of the set that the cameras could use along with moveable parts. [28] [31] The two-part set also allowed the second unit to shoot in one section while the actors and first unit worked undisturbed in the other. As Whedon recalled: "...you could pull it away or move something huge, so that you could get in and around everything. That meant the environment worked for us and there weren't a lot of adjustments that needed to be made." [31] There were other benefits to this set design. One was that it allowed the viewers to feel they were really in a ship. [28] For Whedon, the design of the ship was crucial in defining the known space for the viewer, and that there were not "fourteen hundred decks and a holodeck and an all-you-can-eat buffet in the back". [32] He wanted to convey that it was utilitarian and that it was "beat-up but lived-in and ultimately, it was home". [33] As Joss Whedon discusses in the DVD commentary, each room represented a feeling or character, usually conveyed by the paint color. [32] He explains that as you move from the back of the ship in the engine room, toward the front of the ship to the bridge, the colors and mood progress from extremely warm to cooler. Besides evoking a mood associated with the character who spends most time in each area, the color scheme also alludes to the heat generated in the tail of the ship. Whedon was also keen on utilizing vertical space; thus, having the crew's quarters accessible by ladder was important. [31] Another benefit of the set design was that it also allowed the actors to stay in the moment and interact, without having to stop after each shot and reset up for the next. [28] This helped contribute to the documentary style Whedon strove for. The set had several influences, including the sliding doors and tiny cubicles reminiscent of Japanese hotels. [31] Artist Larry Dixon has noted that the cargo bay walls are "reminiscent of interlaced, overlapping Asian designs, cleverly reminding us of the American-Chinese Alliance setting while artistically forming a patterned plane for background scale reference". [34] Dixon has also remarked on how the set design contributed to the storytelling through the use of color, depth and composition, lighting, as well as its use of diagonals and patterned shadows. [34] Their small budget was another reason to use the ship for much of the storytelling. When the characters did go off the ship, the worlds all had Earth atmosphere and coloring because they could not afford to design alien worlds. "I didn't want to go to Yucca Flats every other episode and transform it into Bizarro World by making the sky orange", recalled Whedon. [29] As Meyer recalled: "I think in the end the feel was that we wound up using a lot of places or exteriors that just felt too Western and we didn't necessarily want to go that way; but at some point, it just became the lesser of two evils—what could we actually create in three days?" [35] Music [37] [38] Greg Edmonson composed the musical score for the series. He stated that he wrote for the emotion of the moment. However, one reviewer averred that he also wrote for the characters, stating: "Edmonson has developed a specialized collection of musical symbolism for the series". [39] To help illustrate the collection, the reviewer gave key leitmotifs , or "signatures", various names, noting that "Serenity" recalls the theme of the show and is used when they return to the ship, or when they were meeting clandestinely; it was "the sound of their home". The slide guitar and fiddle used in this piece are portable instruments which fit the lifestyle of the crew: "the music they make calls up tunes played out in the open, by people who were hundreds of miles away yesterday. 'Serenity' conjures the nomadic lifestyle the crew leads and underlines the western aspect of the show." [39] Another emotional signature was "Sad Violin". It was used at the end of the Battle of Serenity Valley, but also helped set up the joke for when Mal tells Simon that Kaylee is dead in the episode " Serenity ". The most memorable use of "Sad Violin", however, is at the end of " The Message ", when the crew mourned the death of Tracey . This was also the last scene of the last episode the actors shot, and so this was seen by them, and Edmonson, as Firefly's farewell. To denote impending danger, "Peril" was used, which is "a low pulse, like a heartbeat, with deep chimes and low strings". [39] The reviewer also noted character signatures. The criminal Niska has his own signature: Eastern European or Middle Eastern melodies over a low drone. Simon and River's signature was a piano played sparsely with a violin in the background. This is in contrast to the portable instruments of "Serenity": the piano is an instrument that cannot be easily moved and evokes the image of "the distant house and family they both long for". The various signatures were mostly established in the first pilot, "Serenity", and helped enhance the narrative. In every episode, the musical score intensified my experience of this intelligent, remarkable show. Using and combining all these signatures, Greg Edmonson brought out aspects of Firefly's story and characters that were never explicitly revealed in the other elements of the series. [39] The musical score expressed the cultural fusion depicted in the show. Cowboy guitar blended with Asian influence produced the atmospheric background for the series. As one reviewer stated: Old music from the future—the music of roaring campfires and racous [ sic ] cowboys mixed with the warm, pensive sounds of Asian culture and, occasionally, a cold imperial trumpet, heralding the ominous structural presence of a domineering government. Completely thrilling. —Steve Townsley [40] The show's theme song, "The Ballad of Serenity", was written by Joss Whedon and performed by Sonny Rhodes . Whedon wrote the song before the series was greenlit and a preliminary recording performed by Whedon can be found on the DVD release. The soundtrack to the series was released on CD on November 8, 2005, by Varèse Sarabande , although a 40-minute soundtrack was released by Fox Music in September 2005 as a digital EP. [38] "The Ballad of Serenity" was used by NASA as the wake-up song for astronaut Robert L. Behnken and the other crewmembers of STS-130 on February 12, 2010. [41] Track listing [42] (tracks 1–17 appear in both the digital and CD releases) No. "Dying Ship/Naked Mal" (from "Out of Gas", "Trash") 2:10 Casting (From left to right, top to bottom) Ron Glass , Summer Glau , Alan Tudyk , Sean Maher , Adam Baldwin , Jewel Staite , Morena Baccarin , and Nathan Fillion : eight of the nine main actors in 2005 (not pictured: Gina Torres ) In casting his nine-member crew, Whedon looked first at the actors and considered their chemistry with others. Cast member Sean Maher recalls, "So then he just sort of put us all together, and I think it was very quick, like right out of the gate, we all instantly bonded". [43] All nine cast members were chosen before filming began. However, while filming the original pilot "Serenity", Whedon decided that Rebecca Gayheart was unsuitable for the role of Inara Serra , and shot her scenes in singles so that it would be easier to replace her. [11] Morena Baccarin auditioned for the role and two days later was on the set in her first television show. "Joss brought me down from the testing room like a proud dad, holding my hand and introducing me," Baccarin recalled. [44] Whedon approached Nathan Fillion to play the lead role of Malcolm Reynolds ; after Whedon explained the premise and showed him the treatment for the pilot, Fillion was eager for the role. [45] Fillion was called back several times to read for the part before he was cast. He noted that "it was really thrilling. It was my first lead and I was pretty nervous, but I really wanted that part and I wanted to tell those stories." [46] Fillion later said he was "heartbroken" when he learned the series had been cancelled. Fillion has called his time on Firefly the best acting job he ever had, [47] and compares every job he has had to it. [48] Alan Tudyk applied through a casting office and several months later was called in for an audition, where he met with Whedon. He was called back to test with two candidates for the role of Zoe (Wash's wife) and was told that it was down to him and one other candidate. The Zoes he tested with were not selected (Gina Torres eventually received the role) and Tudyk was sent home, but received a call informing him he had the part anyway. [49] His audition tape is included in the special features of the DVD release. Gina Torres , a veteran of several science fiction/fantasy works ( Cleopatra 2525 , The Matrix Reloaded , Alias , Hercules: The Legendary Journeys ), was at first uninterested in doing another science fiction show, but "was won over by the quality of the source material". [50] As she recalled, "you had these challenged characters inhabiting a challenging world and that makes for great storytelling. And no aliens!" [50] For Adam Baldwin , who grew up watching westerns, the role of Jayne Cobb was particularly resonant. [51] Canadian actress Jewel Staite videotaped her audition from Vancouver and was asked to come to Los Angeles to meet Whedon, at which point she was cast for the role of Kaylee Frye , the ship's engineer. [52] Sean Maher recalls reading for the part and liking the character of Simon Tam , but that it was Whedon's personality and vision that "sealed the deal" for him. [43] For the role of Simon's sister, River Tam , Whedon called in Summer Glau for an audition and test the same day. Glau had first worked for Whedon in the Angel episode " Waiting in the Wings ". Two weeks later, Whedon called her to tell her she had the part. [53] Veteran television actor Ron Glass has said that until Firefly, he had not experienced or sought a science-fiction or western role, but he fell in love with the pilot script and the character of Shepherd Book . [54] Production staff Tim Minear was selected by Whedon to be the show runner , who serves as the head writer and production leader. According to Whedon "[Minear] understood the show as well as any human being, and just brought so much to it that I think of it as though he were always a part of it". [55] Many of the other production staff were selected from people Whedon had worked with in the past, with the exception of the director of photography David Boyd, who was the "big find" and who was "full of joy and energy". [56] The writers were selected after interviews and script samplings. Among the writers were José Molina , Ben Edlund , Cheryl Cain , Brett Matthews , Drew Z. Greenberg and Jane Espenson . [56] Espenson wrote an essay on the writing process with Mutant Enemy Productions. [57] A meeting is held and an idea is floated, generally by Whedon, and the writers brainstorm to develop the central theme of the episode and the character development. Next, the writers (except the one working on the previous week's episode) meet in the anteroom to Whedon's office to begin 'breaking' the story into acts and scenes. For the team, one of the key components to devising acts is deciding where to break for commercial and ensuring the viewer returns. "Finding these moments in the story help give it shape: think of them as tentpoles that support the structure". For instance, in " Shindig ", the break for commercial occurs when Malcolm Reynolds is gravely injured and losing the duel. "It does not end when Mal turns the fight around, when he stands victorious over his opponent. They're both big moments, but one of them leaves you curious and the other doesn't." Next, the writers develop the scenes onto a marker-filled whiteboard, featuring "a brief ordered description of each scene". A writer is selected to create an outline of the episode's concept—occasionally with some dialogue and jokes—in one day. The outline is given to showrunner Tim Minear, who revises it within a day. The writer uses the revised outline to write the first draft of the script while the other writers work on developing the next. This first draft is usually submitted for revision within three to fourteen days; afterward, a second and sometimes third draft is written. After all revisions are made, the final draft would be produced as the 'shooting draft'. Costume Jill Ohanneson, Firefly's original costume designer, brought on Shawna Trpcic as her assistant for the pilot. When the show was picked up, Ohanneson was involved in another job and declined Firefly, suggesting Trpcic for the job. The costumes were chiefly influenced by World War II , the American Civil War , the American Old West , and 1861 samurai Japan. Trpcic used deep reds and oranges for the main cast, to express a feeling of "home", and contrasted that with grays and cool blues for the Alliance. [58] Since the characters were often getting shot, Trpcic would make up to six versions of the same costume for multiple takes. [59] For River, mostly jewel tones were used to set her apart from the rest of the Serenity crew. River had boots to contrast with the soft fabrics of her clothes, "because that's who she is—she's this soft, beautiful, sensitive girl, but with this hardcore inner character," recalled Trpcic. [60] The designers also wanted to contrast Simon, River's brother, with the rest of the crew. Whereas they were dressed in cotton, Simon wore wool, stiff fabrics, satins and silk. He was originally the "dandy", but as the show progressed, he loosened up slightly. [61] For Kaylee, Trpcic studied up on Japanese and Chinese youth, as originally the character was Asian. Other inspirations for Kaylee's costumes were Rosie the Riveter and Chinese Communist posters. [62] Inara's costumes reflect her high status, and are very feminine and attractive. Trpcic designed and created the clothes for the minor character of Badger with Joss Whedon in mind, since he intended to play that part. When Mark Sheppard played the role instead, he was able to fit into the clothes made for Whedon. [63] For the Alliance, besides the grays and cool blues, Trpcic had in mind Nazi Germany , but mixed it with different wars, as the first sketches were "too Nazi". [64] The uniforms of the Alliance soldiers are from the 1997 film Starship Troopers . [65] In the commentary for the pilot episode Whedon points out that "bad guys wear hats, good guys don't". Unproduced episodes Since the cancellation of the series, various cast and crew members have revealed details they had planned for the show's future: [66] [67] Alan Tudyk had the idea for an episode about a planet that is always day on one side, and night on the other. On the night side, Jayne accidentally spills a type of pheromone on himself and the crew, which attracts a species of dogs. The crew are chased back to the ship by these dogs. There River uses her mind powers to domesticate the dogs. Adam Baldwin wanted to make an episode in which Jayne goes up against Mal as captain of his own ship. Tim Minear revealed the secret of Inara's syringe, as seen in the pilot episode ; she is infected with a deadly disease. There would have been an episode where she is gang-raped by Reavers. Because she injected herself with the syringe, all of the Reavers on the ship die. According to Nathan Fillion, there was an episode in which the crew land on a dying planet. The inhabitants try to steal Serenity, after they explain to the crew about their need to get off the planet. The problem is that unless they were to run into another ship along the way, with the extra passengers, Serenity would not have enough fuel and oxygen to make it to the closest destination. While everyone else is asleep, Mal takes the ship himself and discovers that help never would have arrived. Reception Critical response Many reviews focused on the show's fusion of Wild West and outer space motifs. TV Guide 's Matt Roush, for instance, called the show "oddball" and "offbeat", and noted how literally the series took the metaphor of space operas as Westerns. Roush opined that the shift from space travel to horseback was "jarring", but that once he got used to this, he found the characters cleverly conceived, and the writing a crisp balance of action, tension and humor. [68] Several reviewers, however, criticized the show's setting; Tim Goodman of the San Francisco Chronicle felt that the melding of the western and science fiction genres was a "forced hodgepodge of two alarmingly opposite genres just for the sake of being different" and called the series a "vast disappointment", [69] and Carina Chocano of Salon.com said that while the "space as Wild West " metaphor is fairly redundant, neither genre connected to the present. [70] Emily Nussbaum of the New York Times , reviewing the DVD set, noted that the program featured "an oddball genre mix that might have doomed it from the beginning: it was a character-rich sci-fi western comedy-drama with existential underpinnings, a hard sell during a season dominated by Joe Millionaire ". [71] The Boston Globe described Firefly as a "wonderful, imaginative mess brimming with possibility". The review further notes the difference between the new series and other programs was that those shows "burst onto the scene with slick pilots and quickly deteriorate into mediocrity... Firefly is on the opposite creative journey." [72] Jason Snell called the show one of the best on television, and one "with the most potential for future brilliance". [73] Reviewers also compared Firefly to Whedon's other series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer . Chocano noted that the series lacks the psychological tension of Buffy, and suggests that this might be attributable to the episodes being aired out of order. [70] MSN , on the other hand, pointed out that after viewing the DVD boxed set it was easy to see why the program had attracted many die-hard fans. "All of Whedon's fingerprints are there: the witty dialogue, the quirky premises and dark exploration of human fallacy that made Buffy brilliant found their way to this space drama". [74] Fandom Example fan artwork produced by Susan Renee Tomb (widely known in the Browncoat community as "11th Hour") used as guerrilla marketing to promote sale of Firefly and Serenity DVDs. Firefly generated a loyal base of fans during its three-month original broadcast run on Fox in late 2002. These fans, self-styled Browncoats , used online forums to organize and try to save the series from being canceled by Fox only three months after its debut. Their efforts included raising money for an ad in Variety magazine and a postcard writing campaign to UPN . [75] [76] While unsuccessful in finding a network that would continue the show, their support led to a release of the series on DVD in December 2003. [5] A subsequent fan campaign raised over $14,000 in donations to have a purchased Firefly DVD set placed aboard 250 U.S. Navy ships by April 2004 for recreational viewing by their crews. [77] These and other continuing fan activities eventually persuaded Universal Studios to produce a feature film, Serenity. [4] (The title of Serenity was chosen, according to Whedon, because Fox still owned the rights to the name 'Firefly'). Numerous early screenings of rough film cuts were held for existing fans starting in May 2005 as an attempt to create a buzz to increase ticket sales when the final film cut was released widely on September 30, 2005. [4] The film was not as commercially successful as fans had hoped, opening at number two and making only $40 million worldwide during its initial theatrical release. On June 23, 2006, fans organized the first worldwide charity screenings of Serenity in 47 cities, dubbed as Can't Stop the Serenity or CSTS, an homage to the movie's tagline, "Can't stop the signal". [78] The event raised over $65,000 [79] for Whedon's favorite charity, Equality Now . In 2007, $106,000 was raised; [80] in 2008, $107,219; and in 2009, $137,331. [81] In July 2006, a fan-made documentary was released, titled Done the Impossible , and is commercially available. The documentary relates the story of the fans and how the show has affected them, and features interviews with Whedon and various cast members. [82] Part of the DVD proceeds are donated to Equality Now . NASA Browncoat astronaut Steven Swanson took the Firefly and Serenity DVDs with him on Space Shuttle Atlantis 's STS-117 mission in June 2007. [83] [84] [85] The DVDs were added to the media collection on the International Space Station as entertainment for the station's crews. [86] [87] A fan-made, not-for-profit, unofficial sequel to Serenity, titled Browncoats: Redemption, premiered at Dragon*Con 2010 on September 4, 2010. According to the film's creator and producer, Whedon gave "his blessing" to the project. The film was sold on DVD and Blu-ray at the film's website, with all proceeds being distributed among five charities. [88] [89] The film was also screened at various science-fiction conventions across the United States, with admission receipts similarly being donated. All sales ended on September 1, 2011, one year after its premiere, with total revenues exceeding $115,000. [90] Community discussion continues regarding screenings in conjunction with the Can't Stop the Serenity project. Cult status In 2005, New Scientist magazine's website held an internet poll to find "The World's Best Space Sci-Fi Ever". Firefly came in first place, with its cinematic follow-up Serenity in second. [91] In 2012, Entertainment Weekly listed the show at No. 11 in the "25 Best Cult TV Shows from the Past 25 Years," commenting, "as it often does, martyrdom has only enhanced its legend." [92] Brad Wright , co-creator of Stargate SG-1 has said that the 200th episode of SG-1 is "a little kiss to Serenity and Firefly, which was possibly one of the best canceled series in history". In the episode, "Martin Lloyd has come to the S.G.C. [Stargate Command] because even though ' Wormhole X-Treme! ' was canceled after three episodes, it did so well on DVD they're making a feature [film]". [93] The follow-up film, Serenity , was voted the best science fiction movie of all time in an SFX magazine poll of 3,000 fans. [94] Firefly was later ranked #25 on TV Guide's Top Cult Shows Ever. [95] The name for the Google beta app Google Wave was inspired by this TV series. [96] On the CBS sitcom, The Big Bang Theory , Sheldon Cooper is a fan of Firefly. When he and Leonard Hofstadter are discussing their roommate agreement, they include a passage in which they dedicate Friday nights to watching Firefly, as Sheldon believes it will last for years. Upon its cancellation, he brands Rupert Murdoch , the owner of Fox , a traitor. [97] During the second season of The Big Bang Theory, in episode 17 ("The Terminator Decoupling"), Summer Glau appears as herself, encountering Sheldon, Leonard, and their friends on a train to San Francisco. When Raj tries to hit on her he says that although he is an astrophysicist, she was actually in space during the shooting of Firefly. Glau chides him for believing this and Raj backtracks, saying, "Those are crazy people!" [98] On the NBC comedy Community , the characters Troy and Abed are fans of the show. They have an agreement that if one of them dies, the other will stage it to look like a suicide caused by the cancellation of Firefly, in the hopes that it will bring the show back. [99] In the 2003 Battlestar Galactica miniseries/pilot, a ship resembling Serenity appears in the background of the scene with Laura Roslin ( Mary McDonnell ). [100] Serenity is one of several spaceships inserted as cameos into digital effects scenes by Zoic Studios , the company responsible for digital effects in both Firefly and Battlestar Galactica. [100] In an interview on February 17, 2011, with Entertainment Weekly , Nathan Fillion joked that: "If I got $300 million from the California Lottery, the first thing I would do is buy the rights to Firefly, make it on my own, and distribute it on the Internet". [101] This quickly gave rise to a fan-run initiative to raising the funds to purchase the rights. [102] On March 7, 2011, the organizers announced the closure of the project due to lack of endorsement from the creators, with $1 million pledged at the time it was shut down. [103] Joss Whedon, Tim Minear, and cast members Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Summer Glau, Adam Baldwin and Sean Maher reunited at the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con for a 10th anniversary panel. Ten thousand people lined up to get into the panel, and the panel ended with the entire crowd giving the cast and crew a standing ovation. [104] A tenth anniversary special, Browncoats Unite, was shown on the Science Channel on November 11, 2012. The special featured Whedon, Minear, and several of the cast members, in a discussion on the series' history. [105] The television series Castle , where Fillion plays the lead character Richard Castle, has made ongoing homages to Firefly. Castle has props from Firefly as decorative items in his home, has dressed up as a "space cowboy" for Halloween ("You wore that five years ago," cracked his daughter), speaks Chinese that he learned from "a TV show [he] loved", and has made rapid "two-by-two" finger motions while wearing blue surgical gloves. He has been humorously asked if he has ever heard of a spa known as "Serenity", and Firefly catchphrases such as "shiny", "special hell" and "I was aiming for the head" have been used as punchlines during various dramatic scenes in Castle. He has worked a murder case at a science fiction convention with suspects being the cast of a long-cancelled space opera that only ran for a season, and has had incidental interaction with people portrayed by Firefly cast members. [106] [107] [108] Con Man , a 2015 comedy web series created by Tudyk and co-produced by Fillion, draws on the pair's experiences as cult science fiction actors touring the convention circuit. [109] [110] Though it is not autobiographical, the show's fictional Spectrum echoes Firefly and Tudyk's and Fillion's roles reflect their own Firefly roles. Torres and Maher made guest appearances. Maher played himself as a former Firefly actor. [110] [111] [112] According to Reason 's Julian Sanchez , Firefly's cult following "seems to include a disproportionate number of libertarians." The story themes are often cautionary about too-powerful central authority and its capacity to do bad while being considered by the majority as good. The characters each exhibit traits that exemplify core libertarian values, such as the right to bear arms (Jayne, Zoe), legal prostitution (Inara), freedom of religion (Book), logic and reasoning (Simon), and anti-conscription (River). [113] Joss Whedon notes this theme, saying "Mal is, if not a Republican, certainly a libertarian, he's certainly a less-government kinda guy. He's the opposite of me in many ways." [114] Awards SyFy Genre Awards: Best Actor/Television Nathan Fillion, 2006 SyFy Genre Awards: Best Supporting Actor/Television Adam Baldwin, 2006 SyFy Genre Awards: Best Special Guest/Television Christina Hendricks for "Trash", 2006 SyFy Genre Awards: Best Episode/Television "Trash", 2006 The series was also nominated for the following awards: Visual Effects Society: Best compositing in a televised program, music video, or commercial, 2003 Motion Picture Sound Editors, USA, "Golden Reel Award": Best sound editing in television long form: sound effects / foley , 2003 Hugo Award: Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form, 2004 (episodes "Heart of Gold" and "The Message", which at that time had not been shown on television in the USA) Golden Satellite Award: Best DVD Extras, 2004 Ratings At the time the series was cancelled by Fox, it averaged 4.7 million viewers and ranked 98th in Nielsen ratings . [3] Broadcast history Firefly consists of a two-hour pilot and thirteen one-hour episodes (with commercials). The series originally premiered in the United States on Fox in September 2002. The episodes were aired out of the intended order. Although Whedon had designed the show to run for seven years, [116] low ratings resulted in cancellation by Fox in December 2002 after only 11 of the 14 completed episodes had aired in the United States. [117] The three episodes unaired by Fox eventually debuted in 2003 on the Sci Fi Channel in the United Kingdom. [118] Prior to cancellation, some fans, worried about low ratings, formed the Firefly Immediate Assistance campaign whose goal was to support the production of the show by sending in postcards to Fox. After it was canceled, the campaign worked on getting another network such as UPN to pick up the series. [75] [76] The campaign was unsuccessful in securing the show's continuation. [5] The A.V. Club cited several actions by the Fox network that contributed to the show's failure, most notably airing the episodes out of sequence, making the plot more difficult to follow. [119] For instance, the double episode "Serenity" was intended as the premiere , and therefore contained most of the character introductions and back-story . However, Fox decided that "Serenity" was unsuitable to open the series, and "The Train Job" was specifically created to act as a new pilot. [13] In addition, Firefly was promoted as an action - comedy rather than the more serious character study it was intended to be, and the showbiz trade paper Variety noted Fox's decision to occasionally preempt the show for sporting events. [117] Fox remastered the complete series in 1080i high-definition for broadcast on Universal HD , which began in April 2008. [120] On March 12, 2009, the series was the winner of the first annual Hulu awards in the category "Shows We'd Bring Back". [121] The Science Channel began airing the series on March 6, 2011. [122] All episodes aired in the intended order, including episodes "Trash", "The Message" and "Heart of Gold", which were not aired in the original Fox series run. Along with each episode, Dr. Michio Kaku provided commentary about the real-life science behind the science fiction of the show. [101] Home video releases A box set containing the fourteen completed episodes (including those which had not yet aired in the United States) was released on region 1 DVD on December 9, 2003, [123] region 2 on April 19, 2004, and region 4 on August 2, 2004. The box features the episodes in the original order in which the show's producers had intended them to be broadcast, as well as seven episode commentaries, outtakes and other features. The DVDs feature the episodes as they were shot in 16:9 widescreen, with anamorphic transfers and Dolby Surround audio. By September 2005, its DVD release had sold approximately 500,000 copies. [124] The series was re-released on Blu-ray Disc on November 11, 2008, comprising three discs; exclusive extras to the Blu-ray release include extra audio commentary from Joss Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk and Ron Glass for the episode "Our Mrs. Reynolds", as well as an additional featurette, "Firefly" Reunion: Lunch with Joss, Nathan, Alan and Ron. [125] Firefly: The Complete Series Main article: Firefly media franchise The popularity of the short-lived series served as the launching point for a media franchise within the Firefly universe, including the feature film Serenity , which addresses many plot points left unresolved by the series' cancellation. Additionally, there are two comic-book mini-series , Serenity: Those Left Behind (3 issues, 104 pages, 2006), Serenity: Better Days (3 issues, 80 pages, 2008) and a one-shot hardcover Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale (56 pages, 2010), along with the one-shots Serenity: Downtime and The Other Half and Serenity: Float Out in which Whedon explored plot strands he had intended to explore further in the series. The comics are set, in plot terms, between the end of the TV series and the opening of the feature film. The two mini-series were later published in collected form as hardcover and paperback graphic novels. A six-issue series titled Serenity: Leaves on the Wind began in January 2014 and the series takes place after the events of the film. [127] In July 2014, the release of video game Firefly Online was announced, in which all the cast will reprise their roles. [128] References

Firefly

In what nursery rhyme was the main character born on Monday, Christened on Tues, Married on Wed, Took ill on Thurs, Grew Worse on Fri, Died on Sat, and was buried on Sun?

Firefly / Headscratchers - TV Tropes     open/close all folders       Reavers in "Bushwhacked"  In "Bushwhacked", we get a look at the galley of the ghost ship where trays of half-eaten food remain on the table; someone (Zoe, I think) says there are no signs of a struggle. But there was a struggle, or ought to have been - they were attacked! By enemies not known for their ninja-like stealth and subtlety, I might add. Did everybody just get up and leave the galley to go hide in the cargo bay, while the Reavers went directly there without bothering to search anywhere else? Reavers aren't exactly subtle, but they aren't stupid. The fact that they can fly ships and set up bombs to trap rescuers should be a clear sign of that. I wouldn't be surprised if the Reavers took pains to clean up after they got finished to lure in rescuers; the entire setup stinks of them acting to deliberately terrify the rescuers, possibly causing them to panic and flee and thus trigger the bomb that would disable them and leave them open for a follow-up raid. The Reavers also tend to attack with melee/nonlethal weaponry, and the settlers probably lacked firearms to defend themselves with. That would have left few signs of a struggle, or at least ones that couldn't be cleaned up in short order. They also don't tend to care about wrecking anything other than people. They're sadists. Perhaps the passengers of the colony ship saw the Reaver ship coming and all immediately dropped what they were doing, locking themselves in the cargo bay, hoping the Reavers would be unable to find them / get to them. This one assumes it was just to give a proper Mary Celeste vibe to the scene and try not to think too hard about how it fits with the Reavers. This episode was our first real introduction to how the Reavers operate. It wasn't until the Big Damn Movie that we saw Reavers as Axe Crazy psychos, it very well could have been a Retcon since the show was so short. It's hard to believe that the Reavers took the time to get a bucket, mop and scrub brush after brutally raping, murdering and skinning the whole crew. Even with melee weapons there would be blood stains. See the Wild Mass Guessing section; my theory is that these particular victims were Paxed, and thus gave up without a struggle. The sole survivor may have been another kind of trap, a Reaver-in-the-making left behind to attack and destroy the rescuers and take over their ship as well. Actually, I just realized the simplest solution to the entire thing. It's brought up in "Our Mrs Reynolds." The Reavers ran down the civilian ship, locked it in place, overrode their atmosphere, and gassed the crew into unconsciousness. Then they went aboard, hauled everyone to one spot, and did their thing once they woke back up. No signs of struggle, no blood, nothing to indicate what happened. I find this likely as it is implied Reavers are highly methodical when not actually facing a human. Also, in the first episode they waited until Serenity passed to begin following them. The crew even had reason to hope they wouldn't be followed as long as they didn't run. Therefore, it is possible the Reavers are quite intelligent and in-control when not faced with the prospect of a chase or have a human directly in front of them (in which case they loose it and go into ax crazy mode). Or there was just no fighting *in the galley*. If people were eating when they noticed an approaching Reaver ship, I don't think cleaning up the dishes would be their first priority. They probably ran to other parts of the ship where they got attacked.      Zoe's armor vest  Why is it that Zoe's bulletproof vest from the pilot is never seen again? Seems like it would be pretty handy, what with most of the crew ending up with gunshot wounds at one time or another. She wears what looks like a bullet-proof vest in "War Stories," and considering how low-profile the thing is, its possible she's wearing it all the time underneath her regular clothes. On a similar note, though, why don't they run into more people with these supremely useful devices? Sure, one can argue that the Operative might have access to expensive and rare technology via his Alliance connections, but if that's the case how did Zoe end up with one? And if she's got one, why hasn't everyone else on the crew? Because it's wrecked ... that's the thing with modern armour. It stops bullets, but is permanently damaged in the process. It was just a little dented. It could still be useful. No, you don't understand. Let's use kevlar as an example. Kevlar is actually tightly-woven fibers that can (hopefully) stop a bullet. But when they stop that bullet, all of the energy from the bullet is transferred into the fibers. The weave of the kevlar is weakened in the process. Once a kevlar vest has stopped a bullet, you throw it away and get a brand new vest. Zoe's vest probably works under a similar principle, and considering their financial situation she might not be able to buy a new one very often. Same for other people. As to why other people don't wear them, they might be wearing them. That's the other thing about body armor, it's not really a "bulletproof vest" as much as it is a "bulletresistant vest". Depends, really, on the kind of armor. If it behaves like Kevlar, yeah. But it may be a more rigid type of armor, akin to the ceramic strike plates in modern armor, which just plain stop the bullet. Those can be reused. If Zoe's armor behaved like that, then it could be "dented" but remain useable. if it's "dented" like she said, then it would now be shaped in a way that it would be likely to channel the next shot it took into an already weakened area Ceramic plates ARE reusable but your mileage may vary. When this troper was a soldier the IBA armor had plates that could withstand 7.62mm rounds at a distance, but were still marked "FRAGILE" in white print at CIF and could be broken by being dropped, counterintuitively. If hit by a smaller caliber the plates can be reused but it takes luck and distance to stop more than a few rifle rounds - some of the first things you're told about the armor in basic training is that it is only really designed to stop one real good bullet impact. The kevlar ACH helmet and the plates aren't just for bullets - they make soldiers extremely resilient in hand to hand combat, where the two most common strike locations are now considerably less squishy. Also for falling down and getting knocked over because you're wearing thirty kilos of extra gear and your poor stabilizer muscles can't hack it. Cost, presumably. Also, most of the times when crew members have been injured by torso wounds, they've either been in situations where they weren't expecting combat (Mal facing the pirate smugglers, for example) or were noncombatants (Book being shot in "Safe," Kaylee in the pilot, etc) of note is that Jayne gets shot in the chest in "War Stories" yet his only reaction is an angry curse, so its possible that he was wearing some variant of a bulletproof vest as well. It's heavy. It probably chafes a lot. According to Word of God , Zoe is an ex-soldier, not just a volunteer but a one time professional in her home settlement's military. She probably just kept the body armor afterward. That makes sense, Mal probably sold his, but Zoe would be the one to keep it around. Why are we assuming Mal doesn't have one? It's specifically mentioned in the pilot that the reason nobody on Serenity wants to deal with Patience is because she shot Mal. We never actually hear the story of how Mal survived being double-crossed and shot by Patience, but a bulletproof vest would answer it plain and simple, as well as explaining why being shot in the back by the Operative in the Big Damn Movie didn't seem to perturb him much either. The gun the Operative shot him with was one of those fancy Alliance stun things, probably a handheld version of the one that Jayne tried and failed to blast a door open with in Ariel, not a slug thrower. According to the official gaming guide, the armor is worth the equivalent of US$1150 today and would only regularly be available on the core worlds. There are only three other types of armor which are more expensive. Most likely, the rest of the crew simply never had the spare cash when they would have had the chance to buy armor. That's a good explanation for why none of the crew would have had armor, but why not other characters who did have money or were opportunist (could steal it)? Surely, after the war, there would be a lot of surplus that people would just walk off with or sell. Who said people don't have access to that armor? Niska's men seem to be wearing armor, and most of the rest of the people the crew fights seem to be either bandits or others who wouldn't have the money to buy the armor.      River's Combat Skills  Where on earth did River's butt-kicking prowess come from in Serenity? (the movie, that is.) The concept of River as a weapon makes no sense. In Ariel Simon discovers a lot of what they did to her mind, including the severing of... something, that meant River "feels everything." This just doesn't sound like a good design for a weapon. They put the "severe butt-kicking" program into her before making her mentally stable enough for even her beloved brother to control her? And really, it was barely hinted at in Firefly, if hinted at at all, that River was a weapon. The stuff she displayed was telepathy, an aptitude for... well, everything mental, and precise around-the-corner aiming. She was code-locked so that her butt-kicking would not come out until a specific code was shown to her. There are a couple of hints in the series, such as her aptitude with weapons. Um, the series was kind of cancelled before they could do any of that hinting. Serenity had to compress a whole lot of plot points to fit into a 2 hour movie; plot points Word of God stated would have taken a good couple seasons to fully flesh out. You wanna be bugged by something, be bugged by the existence of Screwed by the Network . This still doesn't address the idea of the Alliance taking the brilliant mind of a 90lb girl and screwing it over, apparently having decided she's much more suited to Waif-Fu than, you know, putting her brilliance to use. Presumably they decided that it was more important to study her telepathy, and then when she had her breakdown they had to do something with her. The R. Tam Sessions strongly imply that River had latent psychic abilities before they upgraded her psychic abilities. All indications are that they were trying to turn her into a psychic assassin, using her abilities to hunt down targets and eliminate them, i.e. "She'll be ideal for defense deployment." Simon kind of slipped into the Academy and grabbed River while she was still "under construction" so to speak, and we never get to see what a "complete" Academy-created psychic assassin would be capable of. There's also the strong probability that what the Academy was doing was generally new research, developing prototypes with new techniques. That would explain why River is so screwed up; if she's a prototype, then of course she's going to be unstable and unreliable. That would also go a long way toward explaining why they want River so badly, because she's the best product of the Academy, and losing her would mean losing their most promising prototype and thus years of research. Further supporting the River-as-Prototype theory is what the Operative discovered in the Big Damn Movie , and the reason for the hunt: because key members of Parliament have been to see her. It's a small detail, but a critical one: why, exactly, have important people been looking at River? Because she is a new project. You don't call your bosses to say, "Hey, come have a look at yet another mass-produced drone, exactly like all the others we've made." You call them down to say, "Look at what I did, it's new and exciting and not like anything you've ever seen before." The River-as-assassin theory raises the question of who they could possibly have intended to use her against. Sure, the Browncoats are probably still making trouble but if they were making enough trouble that the police, military and Operatives couldn't handle it we surely would have seen some hint of it. It's hard to see a government going to this much trouble (and especially this much risk of scandal) just in case. If the truth about the Academy got out (and were believed) it could spark off a second Unification War. That would seem to imply that the Alliance saw a very serious threat, and the Browncoats don't seem organized enough for that. Very simple answer: whoever they want. You don't have to be at war to want a really good assassin. The Alliance has some shady business practices—you don't think assassinating political rivals and opponents is on the table? The 'Verse has a population in the multi-trillions with governments spread across about a hundred planets and moons and an equal number of space stations. The question isn't whether there would be troublemakers that the Alliance would want taken care of. The question is whether there would be enough assassins like River to deal with everyone they need to take out. I think they were planning on stretching that out and slowly explaining it, but then the show got canceled and the movie was Joss's last chance to show everything he was planning so he had to rush it. Its seemed pretty damned obvious to me that River wasn't finished when Simon rescued her. That's why she's mentally unstable; it seemed as if the Academy cared less about making sure she was sane than making sure she could kill on command, which is why they implanted all those control codes in her. She could be controlled by the Academy, but Simon just didn't know the control codes save for her knock-out phrase. And besides, Firefly got canceled before the first season ended. It seemed pretty clear there was going to be some character development in this regard. A large part of "Objects in Space" was all about River's potentially dangerous nature. It seemed quite natural to me that all the speculation as to River's abilities and her unnatural combat prowess would translate into the combat skills she showed in the movie. The moment River gunned down those three men in "War Stories" should have been the moment anyone with half a brain should have realized what River was being conditioned into. Its worth noting that River's combat ability and mental abilities only begin to really manifest after Simon begins treatment of her immediately after "Ariel" - see "War Stories" and "Better Days" for examples of River destroying things prior to the movie. It seems entirely possible that Simon's medications may have helped clear up her mind and in turn allow her to remember or have the mental clarity to use her combat abilities. The Big Damn Movie just showed what River is like when she goes on a full-scale rampage. Even before "War Stories", we were already getting some subtle cues as to River's abilities. For example, watch "Ariel" and pay close attention to River while she's handcuffed. She's trying to slip out of the handcuffs, which is something we know she's capable of doing by the time of the movie. Not only that, but the camera is conspicuously positioned so we can see her hands while this is happening. Its subtle, but its there. Despite what the movies would have us believe, it makes no sense for a spy (especially one who can find out things just by reading minds) to be trained in the high-exposure-risk job of an assassin. Spies are trained in killing and sabotage, but as a last resort means of protecting their identity, or for times of war (when it would be more difficult to send in a professional killer or saboteur). But the 'prototype' idea might explain this, or perhaps there was bureaucratic infighting between those who wanted River trained as an assassin and those who wanted a 'reader' (like one of those military weapons that end up costing vast sums because they're trying to fulfill too many requirements). All indications are that she was intended specifically as an assassin, not a spy, i.e. "She'll be ideal for defense deployment." Presumably she would have used her psychic abilities to hunt down her targets, or would have been used in conjunction with Alliance special forces in that she would hunt down the target and they would eliminate it. She would be the PERFECT assassin however. A target can't hide from someone who can find him with her mind, sneak up on him, and kill him in a second. The phrases were most likely used BECAUSE she was unstable. Or her psychic abilities were designed so she could steal secrets out of a target's mind, then kill the target and return to base, fighting her way out if necessary. Send her after researchers or tacticians, and she can retrieve their knowledge and deny that knowledge to the opposition. Here's an idea. River's main function was to be a psycic, not an assassin, and the "butt-kicking" was intended as a defensive fail-safe mechanism. If River was ever captured by a group intending to use her psychic abilities against the alliance, they would activate the Waif-Fu, and either she would kill all of her captors or they would be forced to kill her in self defense. I'm personally confused as to how anyone didn't see River's impending badassery coming. Between all the super secret stuff surrounding her experiments at the Academy, coupled with what happened in War Stories, and the crew discussing her being an assassin and a psychic, River turning out to be a Super Soldier seemed perfectly natural to me. It was very foreshadowed. It seems as though there were some lost opportunities to give an earlier look into River's ass-kicking abilities, for example when she was being held at gunpoint (in "Serenity"), threatened with being burned at the stake (in "Safe"), or during the fighting in "Heart of Gold". I suppose the best justification is that she didn't like that side of herself and was too unstable to unleash her true fighting potential, but the gulf between her utter helplessness in those episodes and her Waif-Fu in the movie is almost irreconcilably huge. Or it could be that the Operative's trigger code unlocked the full range of River's combat abilities, which is pretty much exactly what the movie implied. Prior to that she simply couldn't use her combat training to any real effectiveness beyond random spurts in her more lucid moments. The events of the movie almost outright show that before the subliminal code was released, she was unable to really use the combat training. If you notice "Safe", she was absolutely calm even as the hill people were about to light her on fire- possibly because she could sense Mal and Zoe nearby, about to play Big Damn Heroes ? It should also be noted that even after River was activated by the Operative's code, she still didn't have constant access to her abilities. When the crew is trying to hold off the Reavers near the end of Serenity she sits helplessly in a manner reminiscent of the "Pilot" until Simon is shot in the chest. Then, as in "War Stories," the direness of the situation seems to make her lucid enough to force herself into activating. I thought after she said "I'm fine" that the crazy went away, and that in that scene by the barricade it was as much a guess to her as anyone else if she could do it "on command". She could. I think it has to do with what she knows and who is in danger. In "Safe" she knows that "daddy" is coming and even says "its time to go" right before the crew arrives. In "War Stories" when Kaylee is pinned down with her and Book and Simon are also in danger if those guards aren't taken care of she steps up. I think "War Stories" is important because she doesn't step up in the beginning by volunteering (not that they would have let her because of perceived mental instability and age) but only acts when there is no other way of saving someone else. The same goes for "Serenity" when she only gets into the direct action when her brother is shot and the others are pinned down and running low on ammo. She may be afraid of what she can do but willing to do it to help her brother and adoptive family. I think it makes sense, you just have to assemble all the hints. We know River is telepathic and can use that as a targeting system when she shoots those guys with her eyes closed. We know she's got a good memory and intuition for physical activities, when she copied the local's dance in "Safe" (I think it was). At the end of all the hints we've got a girl with a great memory that could be used to remember martial arts techniques, she's graceful enough to pull them off and psychic enough to never get caught off guard. Not sure if someone's already said this but well done for figuring it out first. Also, River can read minds, she's a very fast learner, and she was in the constant presence of spooky mad scientist types, the kind who would have highly trained guards in their employ watching over her (possibly the Blue Sun people). She probably absorbed the information from them, and the Alliance decided to roll with it and groom her badassery in case they need a badass telepathic Waif-Fu fighter. Alternatively, the mind reading abilities combined with her genius math skills makes her able to predict the exact movements of those she's fighting and counter them. IE, they didn't train her, she's just a naturally skilled combatant, similar to how Spider-Man's spider-sense makes him a highly capable of fighter despite never being formerly trained. Even if she did didn't learn them at the Academy, she spent quite some time in a tight-knit group of folks around whom she let her guard down and became friends with. Four of them (Mal, Zoe, Jayne, and (Probably)Book) have high-level combat experience which she gleaned her skills from while she was living there. She had innate firearm knowledge for War Stories despite there being no indication she had ever handled one before.      Fresh Food Being Valuable  Given that Serenity regularly lands on low tech planets, how come fresh vegetables are such a big deal and they all seem to live on processed food? Granted I don't remember seeing a fridge in the galley, but really they should be dealing with unprocessed food more often than not. It's called " subsistence farming " for a reason. Most of the settlers in the setting barely have enough food for themselves, and it's made very clear that the Alliance is keeping a lot of the border worlds at that level intentionally. Low availability of food on the Rim = low supply, which increases price to the point that cheap processed food supplies are probably cheaper than fresh fruits and vegetables. According to the Roleplaying game, canned food costs the equivalent of US$125 per person per week. Fresh costs US$200, while "luxury" food cost US$50 for one "unit" - probably about what Book brought on board in the first episode. What the crew usually eats is a protein paste that costs US$75 per person per week, which comes in a tube and is often cut into different shapes and cooked to try to give it a different flavor. Given the state of cloning and technology in the 'verse, the paste is probably synthetic or cloned. There are no refrigerators because unless a crew is very rich, they will only be able to afford limited supplies of fresh food and will eat so quickly as not to need much refrigeration. Probably also worth noting that it's stated in the series that the terraforming is imperfect, and that most Earth vegetables have very specific soil/environmental conditions needed to grow. Even on Earth colonies in inhospitable spots (e.g. Antacrtica) have to wait sometimes months for the next shipment of fresh veg to arrive. Serenity spends weeks, sometimes months between systems where they can buy food (provided they have the money and it is available). Do the math. And yet in "War Stories" there is apparently ice on hand to put Mal's sliced off ear in until it can be reattached. Plus when life support goes out in "Out of Gas" River mentions, in her creepy way, that they will all freeze to death before they suffocate. In short I'm sure there was some kind of cold place on the ship they could store refrigerated/frozen goods, it just didn't look like a refrigerator. When River says they will freeze to death first, that is because of all the power being off on the ship and one of the things that power gave was heat. It is very cold in space. I think it is likely they have a freezer/refrigerator of some sort. In the pilot, Book comments that they should eat up the fresh vegetables he brought on board quickly because they just aren't the same once they have been frozen. Also, the infirmary seems pretty stocked and it is likely that some of the medicine they kept on board might have needed refrigeration. Technically, stuff that's been frozen before cooking or consumption is not considered "fresh" the same way freeze-dried packets of protein aren't considered "fresh." Similarly, even if they did have some sort of cold-storage room or refrigerator somewhere, perishables put in a fridge don't last for weeks of transit time. Supply, demand, economics, and cost are still the big factor here.      Blue Gloves/Hands of Blue  Those guys with the blue gloves have this little wand that makes a high-pitched sound . That sound causes people to bleed from every orifice and die. Given they don't even have earplugs, why are the blue-gloved guys unharmed? It's not like a Neuralizer from Men in Black, either, since you can't really aim sound. They seem kind of useless anyway. Slower than a gun or laser; just as messy; and (it would seem) more or less a dead giveaway as to who the killer was. Works as a weapon of surprise. The Fed in the Ariel hospital didn't know what was happening until his blood started pouring out of his fingernails and eyes, and by that time it was too late. Plus it killed an entire room of men at once. Anyone who sees the weapon probably thinks its a recording device or something otherwise innocuous until the blood starts flowing from every orifice, and by that time they're already dead. Plus, if they've got Alliance sanction, then they don't need to worry about it being a dead giveaway who they were. This is addressed in the Fridge Logic of Firefly. The Troper who mentioned it suggested the idea that is melts brains - which could be used as evidence (that dead people's brains could be read like a book). They do it to detsroy any evidence that they existed. Why do you assume the futuristic instant-death device works by sound? It could produce nerve gas or, well, anything. Given the fold-out design it might create an arch of pure death energy for all we know. You can aim sound. its called a reflector dish. granted they didn't have a reflector dish. Maybe it was the blue light that kills you, and the high pitched sound is a by -product. or maybe we are over-analyzing a plot device. And who are those guys, anyway? Its pretty bloody obvious that they're Mooks from the Academy as such we can assume that its not the little sticks that are killing people its the Mooks' psychic abilities. It blatantly is the little sticks, otherwise why would they use them on their victims? Perhaps they have some kind of immunity to the sticks, either as an inherent psychic ability or because it was trained/spliced into them at the Academy? This troper assumed the stick was some kind of psychic amplifier. You can't aim sound? well maybe it's highly focused microwaves or something. I mean, this is the future. Technically you CAN "aim" sound. In that you can focus a sound wave into beam form...it's probably more high tech than is worth though and in reality is used mostly by physicists toying around with the notion of inducing cold fusion. Anyway it's besides the point since the sound "beam" wouldn't act at all like the blood melty weapon does. Look up Audioluminescence (I think that's what it was called in physics class) for more info. Actually they ARE working on a weapon like that for riot control. I would suspect that the device is supposed to be emitting ultra-frequency sound waves or some form of radiation from each end of the "stick," which would make it likely that it's intended to amplify or cause resonance at a focal point where the waves overlap. The "focal point" thing would also help explain how they can use such a device without damaging their own ears/brains. Actually, the Word of God states that they're mercenaries from the Blue Sun Corporation who were hired by the Alliance to get River (and eliminate anybody who came into contact with her). They were killed by the Operative, who picked up their duties (they simply failed one time too many). Check out the Serenity graphic novel for the complete story. Not quite. They are with Blue Sun (though it's implied that Blue Sun also runs the academy), but in Those Left Behind, it is the crew of Serenity who kill the Blue Hands, by going full burn when the Hands' ship was right behind them. Ouch. Basically, those aren't gloves, but full body suits. This is shown when they try to assault Kaylee and she rips one of their suits. Presumably, after talking to my med student friend, the sound is at the right frequency to cause aneurysms and the suit muffles/blocks the sound (although presumably it would need to cover their head too, but hey, it's a Sci-fi show) Could be the suit-gloves just prevent the frequency/vibration/psychic wave/whatever it is from traveling up their own bodies to their brains. The full-body blue covering convinced this troper that the Hands of Blue are at least part android. That would explain their blank faces and voices, their synchronous movements, and their immunity to their weapon. There were more than just two of them. River's "two by two, hands of blue" tells us that these guys work in teams of two. Or not, maybe there were just the two, and River communicated poorly. Not everything she says is significant, unless the Hands really did have Christmas presents hidden away on that little ship of theirs. I'm fairly sure the Christmas presents had very little to do with the Blue Hands and everything to do with Jayne's greed. His greed lured him into dealing with the Alliance who then double-crossed him and took away all the presents. Particularly since she specifically warns Jayne not to look in the closet, it's greedy - she's clearly talking about him and warning him against his own greed, which got them into that mess in the first place. Word of God says there were supposed to be more than just the two. The commentary for 'Ariel' says that they wanted to get a different set of guys than those seen in 'The Train Job' but then they didn't. I think the Christmas line was referring to Jayne and how, instead of getting the reward money, they were arresting him, too. Or the fact that the Blue Hand Group was about to kill the guy who thought he was getting the money. That's exactly it. She's referring to Jayne's emotional state, and his situation; she knows what he's done because she presumably read his mind during the flurry of brain activity that the mediscanner picked up (that neither Simon or Jayne notice). He was expecting a 'present' - his reward money - but all he's getting is coal. Or, a jail sentence. Though when she further goes on to tell him not to look in the closet, she's presumably taunting him a little, or deliberately unnerving him. Jail sentence? More like death sentence, since he's known to have spoken with River. In fact, so has the rest of the crew, making it strange that there aren't sonic assassins after them too... Dude, there were Hands of Blue after them. Read "Those Left Behind." Actually, you can aim sound, provided its wavelength is short enough. Low-pitched sounds seem omnidirectional because their wavelength is longer than your living room. High-pitched notes can be aimed very nicely. Ultrasonic notes can be aimed so precisely that they can be used to investigate the structure of a human body better than X-rays. And directional sonic weapons exist . The Hands might have had countermeasures, such as white-sound generators in their suits to cancel out the sonic weapons frequency (or implanted in their heads for all we know.) I thought it was obvious from the Hands' behavior, the ominous way they're presented, River's psychic awareness of them, etc. that they're something more sinister than normal humans. An early product of the project that made River. It makes perfect sense that the first thing Blue Sun did was make creepily emotionless operatives immune to a special brain-melting device that only works on regular non-messed-up brains. They said that River was their "most promising student", but they never said that she was the first... That makes a lot of sense to me. After all, their mission is to capture River, not kill her. It makes sense that they'd want a weapon that would kill the people protecting her and leave her unharmed. Well if the Alliance already had the Hands working for them—who were possibly androids, cybernetic creatures, or advanced psychic ninjas—one wonders why they would bother with grooming an unstable 90-lb teenage girl. Possibly she was an attempt to make a better assassin, or a more powerful psychic. As others pointed out, River was rescued before they were finished. It's possible that the induced mental breakdown is a part of the process, before they reprogrammed her. Maybe she would end up more like a psychic version of Cameron . Maybe they just felt that a small female assassin could have certain advantages, like appearing less suspicious to security personnel, or being able to fit into tight places like air ducts .      Why is the Alliance so Evil?  On a related note, why is the Alliance so evil? The agents of theirs we see are all dangerous, treacherous psychopaths. The Operative is the best of the lot because he feels bad about killing everyone (and see below), but Agent Dobson, Magistrate Higgins, the Blue Hands, the Academy, and Agent McGinnis all do awful things with no sign of remorse. They aren't evil, per se. Basically just the embodiment of I Did What I Had to Do and Utopia Justifies the Means . The Operative and the Holograph Chick from Serenity basically say that word for word. There are always gonna be corrupt individuals in big organizations of course, but that doesn't mean the Alliance itself is evil just cause it has a few evil people working for them. Just because they have the poor luck to come across the evil ones doesn't mean they are all scum. Besides even if they came across a saint in the alliance it wouldn't be that plot significant. Besides no one moral works with a project that involves experimenting on young girls over psychic powers. I don't remember Dobson doing anything particularly heinous. He was doing his job, trying to bring in a pair of fugitives who were pretty clearly at the top of the Alliance Most Wanted List. He got a bit brutal, yes, but he was on a ship of a pirates who had captured him. For God's sake, Jayne, Mr. "Pain is scary!", was the one they sent to interrogate him! That's bound to make a man a mite jittery. As for Higgins, he was barely Alliance. His moon was on the Rim, the part of the system the Alliance explicitly doesn't pay much attention to. I doubt the Alliance much cares who the Magistrate of such a backwater world is so long as they pay their taxes and the ceramics keep flowing. His beating Book around the head several times was pretty heinous. He also trained a gun on and threatened to shoot Mal despite not having any evidence he'd done anything wrong, threatened to shoot Book for trying to talk him out of needlessly shooting an unarmed man, accidentally shot an innocent bystander because she walked into the room and startled him, later threatened to shoot her again in cold blood, and took an unarmed person hostage, fugitive or not. If a cop or federal agent did any of these things today, they would be in some hot water. If they did them all, it would cause a great deal of controversy in the media, and they would probably get some jail time. Also, the fact that the unarmed hostage was a mentally handicapped teenage girl is pretty bad morally if not legally. Which brings up the fact that Book most likely could order him to stand down, being a former Operative and all. He didn't have to worry about the media. He was free to do whatever he wanted. No one but the ship's crew to complain, themselves already in trouble for harboring fugitives for the Alliance. You didn't see anything funny about the lying, nearly murdering-in-cold-blood, and utterly without concept of due process cop? Lying: It's called "undercover." "Nearly murdering-in-cold-blood", if you're referring to Kaylee, that was clearly an accident because he was startled. And "without concept of due process"? He was trying to arrest River and Simon the whole time, up until Mal shot him in the face. As for why he beat up Book, well, Book was the one who beat him senseless in the first place. Dobson knocked Book (who, it looked like, came to help him escape, fearing what the crew would do to him) out with the first blow then kept bashing him basically for shits and giggles. "Without due process": Given the Space Western setting, he's a lawman on the lawless frontier, so that also gives him a good amount of leeway in his methods. Also, he's tasked with returning an incredibly sensitive military secret without its existence going public. So he probably has serious legal carte blanche. The point people are apparently trying to make is that the Alliance willing to give legal carte blanche for these kinds of actions is evidence in favor of the Alliance being seriously amoral. Because while technically legal, these actions damn sure weren't 'good cop'. You've also got to remember that in the series, most of the people who took extreme measures weren't working for the Alliance directly. If you want to compare it, compare it to America hiring Blackwater to handle certain combat situations in Iraq. Alliance tells Blue Sun to do the catchin' and Blue Sun takes their own idea as to how to go about that. For Dobson in particular, don't forget he is most likely over his head. He has no training to resist torture, he gets highly anxious while trying to arrest Simon, and he is exceedingly clumsy when doing so adds little to his cover. The man got into trouble over his head, has no official backing besides seeing the wanted information on the Cortex and being a cop, and so he reacts to unexpected events badly. He shoots Kaylee because he's jittery and he beats up Book because he can't tell if he knocked him out for long enough. The man's incompetent, not overly mean. Joss said that hitting Book when he was down was meant to be his signal to the audience that Dobson deserves what's coming to him, but when I saw the episode for the first time, Dobson double checking that Book STAYS down was my initial impression as well. In story-telling terms, it makes sense to have the alliance seem 99% evil for the first season then bring more complexity in later seasons. And realistically, the crew of the Firefly are largely going to come across arseholes anyway, because they will attract bounty hunters, government agents et al all the time. How "bad" are CIA operatives? Does that mean the US Government itself is "bad"? I agree. Simon and River drag the Serenity crew into big trouble with a side of the Alliance that they may never have known existed otherwise, and it's not even as if they had a good opinion of it before. The Alliance is neither good nor evil. It's a lot of people, who are themselves either good or evil, or a mix of both like most people. Miranda, and employing Blue Hands and the Operative, shows that some of those people are willing to do stupid or dangerous things to "maintain order"— making them Well Intentioned Extremists . Not evil, just the wrong kind of good. Or not quite clear on how to go about causing good. While it's true that most of the Alliance people they meet aren't very pleasant, how many pleasant people do they meet at all in the first place? Most of the people they meet are either thugs, criminals, or both and, frankly, their not exactly saints themselves either. Mal and Zoe are appallingly casual about killing people, Kaylee for all her seeming innocence is completely unfazed by stealing and breaking the law, Simon is a criminal mastermind in the making, and Jayne is...well, Jayne. Desperate people aren't nice, and when you live on the edge of civilization, you're going to run into a lot of desperate people. The simplest explanation is that Firefly isn't about good vs. evil so much as freedom vs. control/security or the individual vs. the establishment. After all, the goal of the Alliance isn't especially evil (even if it did cost the Outer Planets their autonomy, uniting the galaxy and bringing a sense of law and order probably saved millions upon millions of lives) and the goal of the Independents isn't necessarily good (I have to think that at least some of the Browncoats were actually criminals who only opposed Unification because they knew it would make it harder for them to operate). And of course, they did just recently finish fighting a long and costly war. It makes sense that there'd be a lot of antagonism still floating around which would account for why the Alliance acts so hostile towards Mal (a known ex-Browncoat) and vice-versa. On top of that, there's the fact that Mal is harbouring a two known fugitives, which would tend to count against the crew's "just trying to get by" attitude. Okay... allow me to rephrase: why is the alliance so bad at actually benefiting anybody? Joss talks in the DVD commentaries about how they bring medicine and other advancements, while the residents of Paradiso beg to differ. To paraphrase Joss, "Medicine arriving on time makes for bad television". The Alliance was importing a significant amount of medicine into Paradiso, even if they one cowboy cop decided he had better things to do than track down the stolen shipment, it wouldn't even have been an option if the Alliance hadn't been shipping the stuff in. A lot of countries with good governments still have variance in the quality of life of its citizens depending on geography. People in the Core live pretty well, but people out in the Border or the Rim somewhat less so, similarly to how people in cities have decent access to medicine and such, while people in more remote areas often have to do without, due to infrastructure limitations. And as other people have pointed out, the Unification War has only finished a few years before: setting up infrastructure in the one country can take easily that long, let alone across multiple planets. Though the Alliance isn't out-and-out evil, they do strike me as being very corrupt. I mean, in "Bushwhacked," the commander of the Alliance cruiser tells Mal that his ship is going to be auctioned off to pay for his defense. That means that, if Mal had gone to trial and been found innocent, he still would have been left penniless as a result with his ship and property sold. Doesn't strike me as too terribly fair a legal system when simply getting arrested and taken to trial can ruin your life. That seemed pretty accurate for what would happen if this all took place in America today and it was a boat Mal had in US waters under the same circumstances. If you can't afford a defense then one will be provided for you but if you have assets those need to go first to finance that. And it's not just a smuggling charge he has to get out of. Mal and his entire crew of seemingly seven people is going to need quite the lawyer to deal with the kind of horror the Reavers have to deal with and they have literally no other assets besides the ship. Is it fair that if you're innocent you can lose everything proving that in court? No, not really, but it's also what happens today so that's not a sign the Alliance is any worse than the US today in that respect. It's a Wild West setting. It takes place entirely in the "rim" worlds, the outer uncivilized territories barely held together by Alliance law and order. Of course the majority of authorities you meet out there will be corrupt, just as in the 1880s government authority in Wyoming was very different from government authority in New Jersey. Actually... someone's assets can be frozen just because they're jailed in our legal system, and even with a free Public Defender, the trial will almost always have costs. Frozen assets get unfrozen if the accused is acquitted. And there's a pretty big difference between costs like lost wages during the trial phase and the government seizing your property and auctioning it off without your say-so. There's at least one decent Alliance character in the captain of the Dortmunder, who gives up on chasing Serenity for an apparent rescue mission. Also, the commander in "Bushwacked" comes off as more inexperienced than outright malicious. Most of his hostility towards Mal is at first the reaction of a military officer encountering what he considered to be grave robbers, only to later come to the belief that they murder and mutilate ships full of settlers trying to make something of their lives. He's at least somewhat willing to let Mal help hunt down the Second Gen Reaver and listen to his advice, and when all is said and done, he lets the crew go unharmed. He doesn't let them keep any of the loot, but that wasn't theirs to take to begin with. When all is said and done, he is a Reasonable Authority Figure who catches them red-handed committing a crime, absolves them of another much worse crime they are accused of, and then lets them go. The alliance is Lawful Neutral , not evil. Personally, I think that actually makes them even more dangerous, though. All-consuming, galaxy spanning empires can be rallied against and defeated, and all the Tarkin Doctrine is good for is getting your stations blown up . Apathy is a much more effective tool; people know that evil is to be fought, but moral ambiguity makes their heads hurt, and is likely to be dismissed as Someone Else's Problem, provided that it's not their sister getting her brain cut open. Pretty much everyone was so busy saying that the Alliance isn't THAT bad, so nobody actually gave the answer. The reason the Alliance is the way it is, is because half of the people organizing were the future rulers of China and the other half were the future corporate bosses of the United States who then somehow moved a large part of their populations across interstellar distances. In the process, they abandoned old fashioned ideas like the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, the right to privacy. And then a civil war meant that half the 'verse ended up under long term martial law. That's all neglecting to mention, we have seen "good" Alliance members. That lesbian chancellor that Inara serviced, for one, and that Cool Old Guy who protected Kaylee from the Alpha Bitch in "Shindig" was, if not a government official, at least a high-ranking member of society. Eh, in the shooting script of War Stories, the chancellor indicates that she's part of the local planetary government, not the Alliance itself (so she's state government, not Federal), and even she's scared to do anything about Niska. The most she does is give the crew the dermal mender, which is why Inara makes a snippy comment to that effect, because she was turned away pretty rudely when she asked for help. The cool old guy in Shindig is "proof" that the Alliance isn't all bad about as much as Inara and Simon are, in that we have nothing to indicate that any of them have any particular connections to the Alliance government. They're decent people who have benefited from the security and services the Alliance offers (at least until Simon became a fugitive), but that's all we can say. When Book was badly hurt and Simon had been kidnapped, they went to the Alliance for help and thought they had a decent chance of getting him healed. Now, that officer was hardly a saint because he told them that as a military vessel they couldn't just take in whoever was injured and fix them (which I believe and which is a reasonable policy but damn is that cold when faced with someone literally dying before you) but when Book provided identification they patched him right up and sent them all on their way and they didn't have any negative experience with them. Perfectly normal, decent men with the Alliance. The Unification War hasn't been over for very long. With a large-scale conflict as substantial as that one was still in recent memory, we have a large military force suddenly finding itself with nothing to do but the occasional patrol around territory belonging to people they've been trained to recognize as the enemy and conditioned to believe will attempt to murder them and their buddies at the drop of a hat. Restless soldiers suddenly having to try and make nice with enemy combatants is a crapshoot, dependant heavily upon how traumatic the war has been for them personally, and can have any result from a perfectly nice evening with no problems, to somebody snapping and bullets flying, and everywhere inbetween. At the same time, the end of the war means that a lot of military guys are getting awarded for their service with positions in the higher government, which means that in addition to having projects like Miranda, the Academy, etc. still hanging around from the time leading up to and during the war, we're also going to see a lot of war veterans starting up new ones "just in case" those Browncoats get up to something. Just because the war has officially been declared to be over, doesn't mean a LOT of people in the Alliance aren't still going to be preparing to defeat their Browncoat enemies all the same. And that's not counting the government officials that began the war, presumably under the motivation of making the Rim "better" by civilizing them, from what we've seen, and thus combines the typical Imperial ignorance of cultural differences with an easily suggestible disposition that allows projects like Miranda and the Academy to be funded under the pretense of fixing people. Thus: Why is the Alliance so evil? Because half of them are still fighting a war that's been over for years, and the other half are the reason it started. Christopher Hitchens did an interesting speech on how the world "evil" is not an exaggeration for some governments, and evil happens when said governments do more than they have to do to control the citizens, just because they can. The alliance already has a wealthy Core and a subsistence-level rim, but they exert control to the point that even people who aren't outlaws flinch when they see Alliance soldiers. The Academy, the Hands of Blue, the various operatives and bounty hunters keep the population in check, preventing another uprising. And normal people in the states don't flinch when they see cops? No matter what society you're in Law enforcement makes people jumpy. This is partly because almost every society has some laws that most people habitually break (underage drinking, speeding, smoking pot etc...) and partly because the mere presence of cops, especially in an area far from civilization, usually means something bad has happened or is about to happen, or that they're coming to arrest someone who could be you. And every government from the PRC to the USA takes all measures necessary to prevent an uprising, uprisings are bad especially if you're the one in charge. If you don't think this of the US I suggest you ask Robert E. Lee or the indians at Wounded Knee.      The Operative Executing the Scientist  Why did The Operative kill that scientist? He only kills when he has to, which means when someone either presents a threat, or their death helps his mission. This was just a "you have failed me for the last time" revenge murder, which is far removed from his apparent character. He felt that the scientist had failed so badly that his actions warranted ritual suicide, as he explains, which is completely within the Operative's vision of a perfect future. Also, if the scientist is that careless with classified material, I can entirely see the Parliament ordering his death for the encouragement of others. Exactly! It's strongly implied that he was slated for death by the higher-ups anyway. The Operative was actually trying to help him by giving him a more honorable death than he would have gotten otherwise. This. The Operative asks the scientist "Would you be killed in your sleep like an ailing pet?", which pretty heavily implies he's marked for death anyway. The Operative is just being in character - he has to deal with the scientist anyway to find stuff out about River, so why not give him a more honourable death than he would otherwise have while he's at it?      River's Gun in "Objects In Space"  Where'd River get the gun in the opening of "Objects in Space"? She doesn't seem to be carrying it before she gets into the cargo bay, and we never see her break into Jayne's room; we see her pick up a "branch" (from her perspective) once in the cargo bay, but who the hell just leaves loaded, safety-off firearms on the floor like that? Jayne does, evidently. "I don't leave my guns around, Mal, and I don't leave them loaded!" Personally I vote for telekinesis or just plain theft on River's part at some earlier occasion. The one thing Jayne is * NOT* careless about is his weapons. Given the number of firefights that have occurred in the hold, it easily could have been dropped and overlooked for ages. Since what River (and thus the audience) gets to see in that sequence clearly isn't quite right, I tend to assume that she just walked into Jayne's room and took it, while accidentally reading the minds of the rest of the crew. Yeah, pretty much. She had the gun in her hand all along, but only registered it once she got to the hanger. Jayne is careless about his weapons, because the only thing keeping them from being stolen is his room door (River is easily capable of picking/hacking locks) and a bit of curtain hanging up on the wall. In the worst case scenario, River could easily have grabbed some ammo and loaded it up herself without thinking. More likely, Jayne keeps his door locked so people can't just go in and take his stuff. River likely read his mind, got the password, took the gun, but didn't register consciously what she was doing (her Alliance training in action, getting her armed and prepped for violence), hence her confusion in the cargo bay. "It was in my hand." She clearly doesn't know how she got it. Alternate explanation: "War Stories" shows that Serenity has a fully-stocked weapons locker with enough guns to arm the entire crew even after Zoe and Wash take most of the weapons out. If the positioning of the staircase is correct (and my memory of the ships' layout is right), that weapons locker is right next to the cargo bay. River could have easily gotten it out of there. Another alternate explanation: in "Out of Gas" we see that there's a gun in a holster attached to the Mule. A second gun if you had to fire a weapon from 'horseback' (when it would be difficult to reload) would make sense. As shown in said episode, there is actually pretty good reason to have guns put in most unlikely of places in BDHs' line of work.      Inara and Mal Trading Barbs  Mal and Inara supposedly trade verbal barbs ('Believe me, I've called him worse') as part of their Anvilicious / UST-ic masochism tango - so when do we hear Inara actually insult him? I mean, she calls him a 'petty thief' - burn, baby, burn! - and then apologises; all other insults are faint-to-nonexistent. So did all of this cutting dialogue happen before the Tams boarded, or ...? He makes constant comments about her being a whore, which she obviously bristles at. She views her job (as does the Alliance, which legalizes and, in fact, gives prostitutes high status) completely differently than he does. That's an easy one: Inara lied. It's what she does, after all. Hey now. I'm not sure she LIES. She has secrets she doesn't tell, and she has tact, which is what her claiming that she's "called him worse" seems to be. It's her, justifying his treatment of her to someone who doesn't know Mal well. Maybe if your name is Cordelia , you might see that as lying, it's possibly sadly delusional, but I think Inara thinks she's telling the truth. At the very least, she's trying not to poison Book's impression of Mal. Inara calls him stupid all the time and they do trade barbs a lot. The thing with "petty thief" was more to illustrate the difference between "Mal and Inara ribbing each other" and "Mal and Inara fighting for real". There's a noticeable difference in tone between when they really fight and when they're just doing their daily dance. On the DVD commentary Whedon notes that he intended Firefly to be much darker but Executive Meddling forced him to lighten it up a bit. So that particular quote by Inara may not be entirely canonical. Alternatively: It's possible that their relationship simply improved in the time between the first and second episodes. Also, wasn't that "breakup" part of the deep cover necessary to con Saffron? I thought that Inara was doing that in order to set up something which Mal would later allude to in Saffron's presence, thereby feeding her the info that Inara wouldn't help . That was my rationale for the difference in tone between that fight and later sparring, especially as the grievance in question never comes up again. Possible Fridge Brilliance : It may simply be that the insults need not be objectively even, because they are subjectively uneven; Inara, while offended by the denigration of her profession, is ultimately content with it, while Mal is deeply insecure about the morally ambiguous nature of his work and the people it leads him to associate with, and so wishes to avoid facing up to the reality of it, or at least not on somebody else's terms. Both "whore" and "thief" describe the obvious, but only Mal has a problem with people telling him what he is. I agree somewhat, though I add that it seems to bother Inara more than she lets on, otherwise I'm not sure she would've gone all "sad-face Inara cleanses herself" in the pilot. It's possible that there's a difference between Mal is blunt and when her clients are blunt; when Mal is blunt she can simply be offended because he's not a client, but when clients are blunt, they make her feel like she is the insult. In either case, the insults ARE about equal, but only because both insults hit close to home about aspects of their work that bother them. ..."sad-face Inara cleanses herself"? What? She was bathing. You know, like you do in the shower when you're dirty? That had nothing to do with anyone's insults, she was just cleaning herself. According to the commentary for the episode, it was symbolic of her having to clean herself of the insults. That. Also, usually when someone washes themselves off after having sex with someone, that's not a sign of being happy with their partner. She looks sad, hurt even, while she's washing herself there. She's clearly upset, it's a great scene from Morena because she really tries to grab your sympathy there. Doesn't work for everyone but she sure got me on her side. Additionally, it's never just bathing. Inara the character bathes a ton, I'm sure. But how many times did we see her do it? Why then and what did it mean? She never said she called him worse where anybody would hear it. Maybe she called him worse in her diary, or while angrily talking to her pillow, or while washing her hair. When Inara says she's called him worse, she doesn't mean a 1-1 ratio of insults. He constantly calls her a whore. Despite her protestations, deep down, she no doubt knows that that's what she is, and is content with that. However, when she calls Mal a thief, that cuts right through his layers of justification about why he does what he does. He wraps the truth in excuses like revenge, economic necessity, or just For the Lulz , but when he is confronted with the fact that he is nothing but a thief, it cuts him deeper than when he calls Inara a whore. It's actually the "petty" bit that Mal objects to. He doesn't have a problem being called a thief, it's the suggestion that he's bad at it that upsets him. I'm not so sure. In the movie, at first he proudly tells River that "This is what I do," but when he repeats it to himself, he sounds pretty sad about it. Guy who's built around Honor Before Reason , who used to make an honest living as a rancher, might be inclined to think about how the mighty have fallen. And I'm also not so sure that Inara "knows" that's what she is. I think they both try to tell themselves that their professions are noble, when it's not always true. And it hurts when that gets thrown in their faces, like Inara helping and comforting people and not being at all whore-ish but then having a bad client treat her like one (and Mal being insensitive enough to point it out), or Mal hearing "petty thief" and believing Inara sees him as far beneath her. I believe that "That's what I do" line was about Mal's inability to be a good leader. I mean, Ariel shown that Mal is perfectly aware that no plan goes smooth for a Serenity crew and he blames himself for that. The fact that he is a thief doesn't seem to bother him in any way. But that wasn't the context of the conversation. Mal asked River if she was ready for a job of the thieving criminal persuasion. River pointedly asks him if HE'S ready. He's not asking River about her leadership capabilities and having her throw his own in his face, he's asking her if she's okay with stealing and she's throwing his own misgivings back at him. It's an Establishing Character Moment, setting up for the Operatives comments later about the dichotomy between Mal's moral nature and his roguishness. This is corroborated by the way he reacts to Inara needling him about thieving.      Jayne's Attitude in "Jaynestown"  Is nobody else bothered by Jaynestown? Actually, I should clarify —- I love Jaynestown, it's a great episode, but it seems like a really bad example of discontinuity. To wit: the amoral, devil-may-care Jayne is profoundly shaken by the Mudder's act of sacrifice, and it gives him A Lot To Think About. It's strongly implied He'll Never Be The Same Again. And then, one episode later, he's...the same Jayne we've always known. If I'm not wrong, we scarcely see any sign at all of a different Jayne until Serenity. Actually, I am a little bothered by Jaynestown, for completely different reasons. About three days after I first watched the episode, it dawned on me that Stitch actually had a legitimate grievance. Jayne did kind of, you know, drop him three stories and abandon him to Boss Higgins' (non-existent) mercy. Four years in a box? I'd be torqued as well. Stitch never does anything that Jayne himself wouldn't have done if their positions had been reversed, and he winds up with death by blunt force trauma, mere hours after being let out of the box. I didn't necessarily feel bad for the guy, but it's awful tough for me to hate him. Wasn't that sorta the point? That the Mudders were deluded in hailing Jayne as a hero, and that in reality he is, well, kind of an ass? He smashes his own statue to hammer the point home that keeping him a a symbol of goodness is stupid on the Mudders' part. That whole episode is about the uselessness of symbols, really. Jayne isn't a great symbol of righteousness, losing his virginity doesn't work as a symbol of young Higgins becoming a man, and then there's Book's poor Bible that River took to "fixing"... In any sort of realistic context, someone who spent 4 years in a box that small would be too crippled to move. I assumed the box was a part time punishment, and he spent the rest of his time at hard labor. Firefly is that good a show, to the extent that - much as in real life - events can inform a character's worldview without changing it completely. In the next episode, Ariel, Jayne is more concerned about River and Simon finding out about his duplicity than he is about dying - clearly this has been informed by the loss of his legacy in Jaynestown. I'd say it would be unrealistic for something like Jaynestown to turn him around immediately, and since they need to get the possibility of Jayne turning River in for cash out of the way at some point (after it was raised in the pilot), it makes sense to do it straight after Jaynestown. Jayne isn't exactly the type to be introspective or openly emotional. I'm actually refreshed that the effects were subtle instead of the usual Anvilicious instant Heel�Face Turn that most shows bash you over the head with. I sort of took Jaynestown as less of a character change and more of a reaffirmation of Jayne's "screw everything" mentality. He starts to soften up, but then real life comes back and gut-punches him, and his reaction is anger and contempt for the mudders for being so naive as to think he's a hero. His speech at the end and his destruction of his own statue is Jayne's way of reasserting what's familiar to him. His little monologue at the end and his conversation with Mal were another scene where he shows how he's trying to cope with what doesn't make any sense from his rather selfish and nihilistic perspective. It instills a kernel of decency to his character, but doesn't change who and what Jayne really is. And, of course, there was the fact that the show was cancelled long before Jaynestown's effects could be fully realized. Sure, he was the Token Evil Teammate , but his character development was canned long before it could fully blossom. This troper always took this to simply be a stepping stone in Jayne's character development. He has this realization on an emotional level, but not being the brightest (OR DUMBEST— remember the pilot), he doesn't intellectually know what it means or what to do with it. There's a little bit more at the end of Ariel with the confrontation with Mal, but to this troper it was always the beginning of "The Message" that symbolized Jayne's next step. The wearing of the hat was symbolic of Jayne both wearing the "funny hat" (literally) AND the "family hat" it's just that he still doesn't think of Simon and River as part of his "family" until (likely) the very end of Serenity. Hats are symbols! Another, fairly minor question raised by this episode is why everyone appears to believe Jayne dumped the money there out of nothing more than pure altruism. I can see people being shocked and dismayed that he threw his partner-in-crime overboard first, which is a dick move no matter how you look at it, but the fact that his aircraft was damaged and losing altitude should have been a broad hint that the pilot may have been merely jettisoning extra weight to try and save himself. You're ascribing a rational response and thought process when the episode itself is entirely about irrational responses and beliefs. The mudders needed that money, and Jayne provided it, intentionally or unintentionally. Some people may have suspected the truth, but others would have believed a more positive interpretation of the events, and the mudders decided to go with the idea of an altruistic, romantic heroic-thief over a selfish thuggish robber because that simply makes them feel good and gives them hope for the future. Remember Mal's statement at the end: it's not about the truth; its about what people need. They didn't just need money, they needed a hero.      Companions and Swordfighting  Seriously, can someone explain to me why a Companion would be trained to swordfight in a 'verse where they're revered, therefore not in need of much protection, and where a gun would be a more practical weapon in a self-defense scenario, anyway? Well, it's clearly a skill expected of the aristocracy, practical or not. It makes sense that people whose job description basically consists of socializing with the aristocracy would be trained in their pastimes. If aristocracy makes a habit of fox-hunting, Inara would probably know a few things about that as well. Alternatively, duelling is an art form that a lady of class is meant to know, like music or dance. Given that her swordfighting lessons are actually useful in a deathmatch, however, this seems unlikely, unless she picked up real instruction along with her fencing/kendo lessons. It's not surprising that her knowledge would be handy in a duel, seeing as 1) the person she was teaching knew next to nothing about using a sword, so any lessons, even if they are based in a ritualized style, would qualify as "help," and 2) the guy Mal was fighting probably learned from the same people, or at least the same general school. I seriously doubt Atherton Wing was trained at a Companion Academy. However, the style used by an aristocrat might be very similar to that taught at the Companion Academies. And, of course, the lessons didn't turn out to be that much use anyway; the only reason Mal was able to parry for so long was that Atherton was toying with him. As a practical matter, you can't teach someone enough sword fighting in one day to give them a chance against someone who's probably been practicing just about every day for their entire life. Even if Inara were the World's Greatest Fencing Master, Mal would still have been in a lot of trouble. Besides, you don't think Atherton has a serious sword fetish? There has to be more like him. Dueling is like fencing. In fencing, it's not dangerous or fatal, but the object is still to poke the other guy with the sword. And, from how the episode plays out, it's fairly obvious that duels to the death aren't exactly uncommon. If duels to the death are common, it also explains why the style of sword fighting Inara knows is relatively practical. In aristocratic societies that really do fight duels with swords to the death, dueling is Serious Business . And the kind of people who teach dueling in that environment are likely to be very good at it. They will teach practical techniques as a matter of habit. If they don't, their students die and their reputation takes a hit. Also, just because someone is revered doesn't mean that someone won't try to rape a very beautiful, elegant lady. Yes, but a sword isn't the best weapon for that kind of self-defence, if for no other reason than you have to carry one around and they aren't that easily concealed. Besides, she has something else for that . Except we don't know (and have no reason to assume) that fencing is the only form of self-defense Inara knows. In fact, we know she does know other forms of self-defense, from the Big Damn Movie. She's shown wielding a bow, and even though he kicks her ass pretty handily, her attacks on the Operative seemed to be some form of martial arts. She also owns an elegant little laser gun. Or it's just a pretext for Inara to come to Mal's room the night before she thinks he's going to be killed. It's not like she actually shows or tells him anything terribly esoteric; it's equally likely she's bluffing the whole thing. Her excuse to come to his room was to get him the hell out of there. He asked her to give him lessons, she didn't offer it. Dancers and such sometimes take fencing lessons to make them more flexible/graceful. She probably took them for that reason. Probably the best Swordswoman this troper knows happens to be an ex-ballerina. Geishas were trained in calligraphy and flower arranging, among other non-job related skills, so there's precedent. That and the fact that Inara is Buddhist. And since some branches of Buddhism practice martial arts for meditation and physical/mental conditioning, it makes sense that Inara might know a few techniques. Sword-fighting apparently common among the upper class; remember that Simon, who came from an upper class, well-to-do family on a core planet, immediately assumed that Mal knew how to fight with a sword, based simply on the fact that he's a good fighter. ...Aw man, that just made me realize: Simon probably knew how to handle a sword. Damn you Fox, for canceling the show before we ever got to see that. Damn you. Not only did I reach the same conclusions when I first saw the episode, but something else occurred to me at the time as well. Simon's already shown blade-wielding aptitude - surgically-speaking. What if that talent isn't just limited to his medical aptitude but is also part of a more generalised blade-wielding talent? That would result in him not just being trained in fencing because of his breeding but actually being good at it as well (I don't mean River-good, just good by anyone else's standards). Given Simon's personality, I would assume he'd only be interested in the fencing sport and not in death-duels, but then the rather Alexandre Dumas-esque feel of "Shindig" did leave me suspecting that death-duels would only occur on outer planets, leaving core planets to practice it for sporting purposes, and I could see Simon mastering it as a 'gentleman's sport' rather than for gritty fights-to-the-death. That would leave Simon with a general talent for blades but a preference for channelling that talent into healing rather than harming. Unlikely. The skills used in surgery are completely separate from those those one would use with a rapier. Also, Simon appears to have very little in the way of fighting talent of any kind.      Dueling Etiquette  Whilst we're discussing Shinding and swordplay generally, and given that Mal is in a fight to the death against 'Ath', why does he observe duelling etiquette so precisely? For example, at one point in the duel they bind and go corps-a-corps, and then they break again like habitual duelists. Surely Mal's instincts would have lead him to do the smart thing and headbutt or guard punch 'Ath', rather than the 'correct' thing and break? You know what happens when you break dueling protocol, right? The second shoots your ass and you lose by default. The question, then, is how he knew what protocol to observe. You mean besides having Inara tutoring him for a couple hours before the fight? That's the sorta thing she'd probably mention first off, along the lines of, "And if you think of attacking him while he's saluting, you're going to get shot." "Well darn." A couple hours of tutoring may or may not be enough time to explain intricate protocols. About a minute is enough time to demonstrate the salute and say, "Here's how you salute, and oh, if you try to attack him during this point, you'll be shot." It's not that "intricate". I thought it possible that something requiring a handbook might have a few rules, and was just speculating on it. Also, I doubt it's strictly protocol to pummel one's opponent with the broken hilt of a sword, and it certainly isn't protocol in that instance to leave a beaten man alive, so Mal clearly does not know all the rules or protocols, which clearly can get pretty intricate and just plain strange. He could have easily made a slip that got him killed. Not to say I wish he had or anything, I'm always glad to see the Captain win the day, but come on, the man is constantly breaking the rules. He is, yes, but in this case, this particular rule would've gotten him shot out of hand if he broke it. Inara, who knows that Mal's going to go for the advantage when he does fight, would very likely have told him that first off. I mean, "If you break this rule, you're going to get shot," is pretty important information. I'm not saying she taught him Everything You Need To Know About Dueling, I'm saying she gave him, at the very least, enough information on how to start the duel without getting himself shot, which is entirely reasonable. Is it also possible that Mal might know a few things about how to duel someone, and not know how to use a sword? Granted, he didn't know striking Atherton was grounds for a duel on Persephone, but he does seem to have some spotty knowledge of upper class etiquette, i.e. how to dance. Maybe the reason the duel thing caught him by surprise is because he's more familiar with the "throwing down the gauntlet" gesture, or any number of social differences there might be between his homeworld and Persephone. That's true. Mal isn't unfamiliar with the concept of dueling, it's just that the sword part threw him. Recall, when it's pointed out Mal's inadvertently challenged Atherton, Mal's reaction isn't, "Duel? What are you talking about?" it's "Okay, fine, it's a duel, get us some pistols." He's probably been in a pistol duel once or twice before. Also of note here: Dueling etiquette generally provides that the challenged party chooses the weapons, which Mal would know if he'd fought duels with aristocrats prior to his contretemps with Wing; presumably he had never before challenged someone who would consider choosing anything other than pistols. Yeah, I noticed that line too, exactly what I was thinking. The rules about the second shooting you if you try something underhanded in the preliminaries probably apply here to a pistol duel too. Maybe, for once in his life, Mal simply knows better than to try something suicidal like attacking during saluting or taking a cheap shot when they bind then break. Unfortunately, he just didn't know ENOUGH to avoid challenging a master swordsman. When he started to get desperate, he started to fight dirty, but maybe in the resulting scrabble Atherton's second couldn't get a clear shot before it was over. By that point, it might have been in the second's best interest not to shoot so that Mal would spare Atherton. Not sure if this applies in the duels in the setting, but in Real Life a lot of sword duels did, to a degree, involve some dirty fighting, at least once the duel actually began. Technically it wasn't allowed, but no one would fault you for punching your opponent or stomping his foot or gouging his eye in a fight to the death. Dirty tricks during the fight proper would be a lot harder to spot for sure than dirty tricks during the initial ritual salute. That would make the second more cautious about intervening — if he's wrong, he might get shot or prosecuted as a murderer rather than a legitimate enforcer of the rules.      River Breaking Free From the Reavers/River's Physical Strength  Explain to me how River, who weighs 98 pounds soaking wet and whose fighting style is clearly shown to be heavily based on Not Being There, manages to start a fight already grabbed by folks who can't be dissuaded by mere pain and yet kill them all. I've got no problem with her killing them all; what bugs me is that she did it despite starting from a position which is the worst possible for someone who fights like she does. Kicking a Reaver in the head isn't going to make it let go... River's fighting style isn't entirely based around Not Being There. Both her major fight scenes show her engaging opponents stronger than her by grappling and direct deflection as well as evasion, and in the Maidenhead bar brawl, she is grappled multiple times by opponents larger and stronger than her, and is able to break free. In fact, Jayne actually had her in an even worse situation than the Reavers did, and she easily defeated him. And its quite clear that the Reavers do feel pain, judging by how they react to being shot and stabbed and slashed; River manages to drop more than one of them with a single cut or stab to the chest, which generally isn't instantly lethal, yet most of them go down quickly, which would only be explained by feeling the agonizing shock of sharp steel slicing your body open. And blunt force trauma to the head would make an opponent let go, as, immunity to pain or not, a sharp blow to the head will stun and disorient the victim. A precisely-aimed kick that causes the target's nose cartilage to shrapnelize into their brain will make anyone let go. The entire point of the scene is to illustrate how badly outclassed River's ability to "do the math" makes anyone, even Reavers. There's nothing in the nose hard enough to go through the skull and into the brain. Have you never seen a human skull? There's a bloody great hole where the nose goes. There's no skull for the shattering cartilage to penetrate if a blow is correctly aimed. I guess you've never seen one because there is bone there. Your nose isn't just a hole into the inside of your skull, there's bone structures on the inside there, too. And cartilage doesn't shrapnelize. It's physically impossible to drive the bony structures around the nose into someone's brain with a palm strike or punch. You'd sooner damage your hand. You can fracture the area there, which might lead to eventual infection or contamination, but no, the whole "palm strike to the nose" thing being anything other than disorienting and incredibly painful is complete nonsense. Worst case is you fracture someone's skull slightly which would cause problems in the long run or you just hit them hard enough to give them brain damage anyway. The only special thing about the nose is that it hurts a lot when it gets destroyed. A 98-pound mass striking the most vulnerable parts of your head at fifty miles an hour is a pretty significant impact, actually. (That's assuming the Academy didn't enhance her physically as well. Weapon X, anyone?) Except the hardest it would be possible to kick in that position is, and let's be generous with this estimate, maybe 2000 Newtons, given the lack of kinetic linking while restrained, as well as River's apparent lack of muscle mass. This troper doesn't recall the scene accurately enough and is too lazy to check, but a direct hit to the head is much less lethal than an oblique hit (which will cause neck rotation, the real killer in such a head wound). That said, this troper does also recall a story told by an instructor at his dojo, wherein the instructor was being held against a locker at arms length, and escaped by kicking her assailant in the head from a foot away. That involved "being dissuaded by pain", however. It's a sci-fi movie. She has uber-waif fu powers. Nuff said. Also consider that the Reavers probably wanted to rape River. To do that, they have to let go at some point, and that's probably when she struck. Just because someone doesn't appear to be muscled doesn't mean they aren't very strong. Elite military training, such as SEAL training, will often leave candidates looking less "body builder" but who are stronger than they were before. River can do a lot of things real people can't, like read minds. She's superhuman, that pretty much covers everything beyond the normal that she can do. As someone suggests below, her attacks may have some psychic feedback aspect that can incapacitate or damage more than a mere physical blow alone could. Also, Rule of Cool . Some form of (very short range) telekinesis on top of telepathy? Also: she can kill you with her brain. And "apparent lack of muscle mass" means nothing when we're talking about the kind of modifications possible using Alliance medical science. Muscles are easily replaced with much stronger yet unobtrusive means of generating motion. Muscle mass does not equate to power. Lots of bodybuilders have huge mass, but that doesn't mean they're more powerful in a fight. Speed and agility matter more in martial arts than muscle mass. Sure, power is necessary, but "muscle mass" has little to do with it. Its also worth noting that in Serenity River has large and prominent surgical scars on both of her upper arms, and during the breakout at the beginning of the movie, the cut on her left arm looks very fresh. Its quite possible this was the aftermath some form of muscle enhancement. The above explanations don't really make much sense, since Simon would certainly have noticed something as drastic as "muscle enhancement" in his first examination of her. Which brings up another thing that bugs this Troper. Through the course of the TV series Simon appears to have no clue that River has been programmed with any sort of combat ability, and becomes quite upset with Kaylee when she confesses to seeing River shoot three men with her eyes closed. Yet the Big Damn Movie makes it clear that Simon got the low-down on River's abilities just before freeing her, including her safe word. Though some discontinuity between the series and the movie is forgivable, it still bugs this Troper a bit. Its not that odd, when you consider Simon's perspective on things. The very, very, very last thing he wants is for Serenity's crew to view River as a threat to them; to that end, he's probably not going to bring up any enhancements River has received in casual conversation, and Kaylee reporting River's lethality is going to make things a lot more difficult for him and paint her in a much more dangerous light. That reason alone is enough for Simon to become upset that her abilities are coming out into the open, and for Simon to not speak a word on River's combat abilities. It's true there is some discontinuity between Simon's knowledge at the start of Firefly versus what we see in the flashback of Serenity. In the Serenity flashback he gets pretty detailed info from the scientist and is present while River is (almost literally) under the knife, complete with brain-skewering needles, pictures of brain scans on the monitors, etc. Yet later on in the episode "Ariel" when he finally gets her into some diagnostic equipment, he seems awfully surprised to discover that they "cut into her brain!". Scanning someone's brain =/= mutilating it. I saw it as a bit of a retcon considering that Simon had seen her all needle-fied, but his surprise at the Alliance having actually gone and dicked around inside her head seemed reasonable, if a bit expected. That may have been outrage, not surprise. Dude, I'm not sure that sticking a needle into her forehead qualifies as a passive brain-scan. It is, actually. Currently, an EEG can be done either outside the skull or inside. The internal EEG is more dangerous and more effective and is performed by drilling holes in the skull and inserting the electrodes directly onto the brain. Certainly this advanced civilization with unlimited resources in the lab could do it as well He also says in 'Ariel' that he wanted to find out "exactly what they did to her at the academy" with the scanning machine. There's a difference between getting a vague explanation by a scientist in the middle of a covert operation (done by a complete amateur) where the primary objective is to ascertain the health of a prisoner before extracting them and getting a detailed, close-up look at the subject's brain with dedicated medical equipment while under no pressure. During the extraction in Serenity, Simon was too busy and the explanations the doctors offered too vague (the most they said was "she's supposed to be a psychic assassin" and mentioned "neural stripping") and intended for someone who was clearly a high-ranking government official and not what they believed was a scientist, let alone a doctor. He didn't have time to notice that they had been cutting into her brain and he didn't ask detailed questions beyond trying to figure out the gist of what they were doing and making sure she was healthy, and he had to cut that short once the doctors started asking questions about who he was and what his authorization was. In short, time and pressure meant he couldn't get the detailed information that he would have gotten in Ariel's hospital. The series left me with a lot of suspicions. In "Objects in Space", watch Simon during that crew meeting. There are times when he's watching people like a hawk - tense, alert, cagey. When asked directly about her abilities, he becomes hesitant, vague and cagey. To me, he seemed to be deliberately downplaying her abilities - and I felt Mal sensed that, which is why he cut right through it to the 'reader' comment, after all, Simon had first-hand proof in "Safe" that River was reading minds. Even more interesting, while the locals reaction to it shocked him, he didn't seem particularly surprised by River's abilities. Even in the pilot, his initial speech seemed terribly vague - Zoe asked him directly how he got River out of the facility but he didn't actually answer her: money and luck, isn't an answer, it's a detail-free deflection. "Ariel" was an eye-opener for me upon seeing how familiar and good Simon was at breaking into Alliance-controlled facilities, it made me think that the criminal organisation, instead of simply being payrolled by him, was actually (if not put together by him in the first place) controlled by him. By the time "Objects in Space" came and went, I was utterly convinced Simon was hiding something about River's rescue and abilities. If anything, the film's version of events felt more like a confirmation of my suspicions than an actual contradiction of the series. It also has to be remembered that her fighting style is about surgical strikes. Doesn't matter how strong you are if that slash across the chest severed that muscle group or will be torn apart by moving. The Operative showed how hitting nerve clusters can be devastating, and that doesn't require a huge amount of force. Most martial arts even teach techniques for applying and breaking holds and locks that take advantage of the body's structural vulnerabilities.      The Choke-point  But why did Serenity's crew put themselves in that position to begin with? Kaylee said she could rig the blast doors to stay closed, so why not set up their defensive line behind the closed doors to begin with and let the Alliance troops deal with the Reavers? (And don't say it was to distract them from going the other way to get to Mal. The agent found the back door without tipping off the Reavers.) The Reavers aren't animals (well they are, but they possess a human-like cunning). In the pilot it's said that "If we turn and run they'll have to follow, it's their way". From that we can guess they go after threats/challenges. In their worldview why continue searching the complex for victims if there's a whole bunch of them in this room here? The crew just needed to grab the Reaver's attention. They can pilot space vehicles, they must have intelligence. More practically, just because Kaylee could rig the doors shut, it doesn't mean she could do it permanently. They'd get through one way or the other, and then the crew would be stuck in a narrow corridor with no cover or room to fall back. I mean, River was able to open the door somehow, even with them locked; the Reavers would do the same. River didn't open the door, she closed it. When the crew first retreated into the corridor, the blast doors didn't fully close. Simon's medkit and the manual controls to fully close the doors were on the outside, so River went through, passed back the medkit, hit the close button, and fought the Reavers. When the doors snap open, River is still holding two bloody blades, and there are Alliance grapnels in the outer wall. We can probably safely assume that the Alliance soldiers found a full override switch somewhere. Also, the outer door was a much better bottleneck and they needed a clear shot at that to hold them longer. River may also have some kind of psychic attack that she uses when she's truly cornered. After all, she does tell Jayne she can kill him with her brain. I took River's comment as an intellectual observation, not a psychic one. In "Objects in Space" killing Early with her brain is precisely what she does. Intelligence, creativity and psychology are the weapons she uses to win the day. Yes, obviously being a reader gives her an edge, but I'm betting it's not having the psychic abilities that makes her so good, it's how she uses them that makes her so good - and the how comes from her creativity and her intelligence. In other words, she wasn't threatening Jayne with her psychic abilities, she was threatening him with her intelligence. Actually, they address this in the movie. The crew isn't trying to stay safe while Mal does the work; they're trying to draw the Reavers away from Mal. If they closed the blast doors, the Reavers wouldn't hang around; they'd go looking for different prey.      The "Charging-up" Sound  This troper has been wondering why guns that are pretty clearly solid-shot weapons make a "Charging Up" noise. For example, Badgers' goons' guns in 'Shindig,' or "Vera" in 'Our Mrs. Reynolds.' That bothered me, too. In Shindig it looked like an old German submachine gun being pointed at Mal. Railgun. The gun sound effects are really inconsistent all around. Mal's gun, for instance, which actually looks like a sci-fi ray gun (despite being a Taurus .38 with bits glued on), almost always makes a normal "gunshot" sound. So do all of the guns in the war flashbacks throughout the show. Other times, though, they decided to do the pew-pew noises, and the show just uses them interchangeably after the pilot. It's really jarring in episodes like "Safe" and "Heart of Gold" where big gunfights ensue and the props used are completely unmodified revolvers and lever-action rifles. "War Stories" avoids this nicely, the big gunfight at the end uses only standard gun sounds that I can recall. That bothered me, too. It looked like a standard rifle being Just because they looked completely unmodified doesn't mean they were. Maybe in the future it's considered fashionable for guns to have a "classic" look about them. It turns out guns in the future use a futuristic "chemical reaction" rather than plain old gunpowder. At least that's the official explanation. Because gunpowder exploding isn't a chemical reaction... Obviously a different chemical reaction, then. Official explanation be damned, this Troper formulated his own theory, in that the weapons used an ammo type similar to hybrid ammo from EVE Online, in where the weapon would either fire the slug itself or use the matter inside of the slug to create a beam. Of course, this still doesn't explain why Vera needed an atmosphere... Vera could fire some sort of ramjet using, rocket-assisted projectile round. How practical that would be for a handgun, though, who knows? Since it's Jayne we're talking about here, 'practicality' probably takes a back seat to 'power/coolness/overkill'. I always thought it had something to do with the guns' odd recoil; the guns have enormous amounts of kinetic energy behind them but with very little recoil. This is easily observable just by watching how people wearing body armor are knocked off their feet by weapons that barely kick when their users fire them. I figured the "charging" was whatever fiddly bit in the weapons killed the guns' recoil. The modern guns have the very same feat without any phlebotinum. No, they don't. A gun capable of actually knocking someone completely off their feet and hurling them backward with the kind of force that we see Zoe get hit by is the kind of gun that would do the exact same thing to the person who fired it. It's basic physics. Recoil is a bitch with high-powered weapons like that. Especially considering the man who fired that weapon was not standing on the ground, but on top of a horse at the time, which means he would be pushed back and up by the angle of the shot. If he fired a modern weapon with that kind of power from that angle, the recoil would likely lift him completely out of the saddle. There's a reason why high-powered rifles are fired either prone or braced, and why heavier support weapons are mounted on vehicles. A gun that fires a solid bullet capable of knocking an armored person off their feet and tossing them backward, yet is light enough to be fired from horseback, and doesn't hurl its own wielder backward or break their shoulder or collarbone requires phlebotinum. Haven't you heard of recoiless rifles ? As big weapons, they still have a lot of recoil, but maybe, in the Firefly future, they have miniaturized the technology to have recoiless laser/Gauss pistols/rifles, so they can be used on horseback without affecting your ride. This troper always figured it was an enhancement of some sort - a basic weapon that perhaps uses energetic ammunition, perhaps feeding some sort of energy into the weapon's clip prior to firing. As for the 'pew-pew' noises, it might be the same but applying said energy-effect as it leaves the barrel. Quite possibly electrothermal-chemical propellant, the capacitor whine is the sound of the plasma generator firing up. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrothermal-chemical_technology The guns. I can't stand the guns. Okay, it's one thing if you go the Star Wars route and take existing weapons, frill them up, and try to pass them off as blasters. Stormtrooper rifles are really Sterling Submachine guns with doodads attached, just like Han's blaster is a Broomhandle Mauser with modifications. They didn't try very hard, but at least the silhouette was altered enough that only gun experts like myself would immediately recognize the original weapon. Also many of the weapons were mods of weapons dating from WWII or earlier, making them harder to identify for the layman. In the prequels they mostly had from-scratch blasters which looked pretty good too. That includes the battle droid blaster, which was actually a pretty cool piece. Then there's Aliens, where they made the M41 Pulse Rifle from an M1A1 Thompson submachine gun with a cutdown Remington 870 shotgun underneath, and spruced up with some SPAS 12 parts and other fabricated parts. Took some work I'm sure, but it looks pretty good. The Firefly crew mocked up a Saiga 12K shotgun to make Jayne's gun "Vera," which kinda looked gay in my opinion, but at least looked futuristic. Similar to his modified Le Mat revolver, which is a weapon dating from the late 1800s. Most people wouldn't recognize a modified Le Mat let alone one with a barrel attachment and rails on top. So that's another win. The vast majority of the rest of the guns are a range of real-world firearms. And it's uncertain whether they're lasers or projectile weapons. The same weapon will make "bang" sounds, spit out shells, and leave bullets in people (see the pilot, when Simon pulls bullet fragments out of Kaylee's wound) one episode, and then make "ptew ptew" sounds and shoot some kind of indistinct laser blast the next. When those guns shoot bullets, I roll my eyes, because I can't believe that in 500 years we'd still be shooting not only 1980's guns like Steyr AU Gs , but also 1880's guns like fucking lever-action Winchesters! Granted those lever-action guns are still in production, but that doesn't mean they'll be used as anything but hunting/sporting weapons in the future as they are now. I understand Joss was going for a Cowboys IN SPACE theme, but he went a little far. But then, when those SAME OBSOLETE REAL-WORLD FIREARMS are supposed to be LASERS, it's beyond eye-rolling. At that point I can no longer suspend my disbelief and I'm just gritting my teeth and waiting for the shootout to end. In a world with casual interstellar travel, hologram medical imaging with finger-fucking interface, a wierd little double lightsaber that drains the blood out of a human in a few seconds (which also kills my suspension of disbelief), and all that other bullshit, these guys are still using lever-action rifles and Uzis? C'mon. - Martello They're all firing projectiles. We see exactly one laser weapon in use in the series, and that's during "Heart of Gold," and indications are that laser weapons are expensive and extremely restricted. Other indications are that possession of weapons are highly restricted, and that most of the characters are forced to rely on projectile weapons because of very tight laws regarding possession of certain types of firearms. The Alliance does not want potential insurgents toting energy weapons. If that's the case, why do the weapons sometimes sound like "lasers?" Did you actually read what I wrote? - Martello Because, as was noted in the discussion above your initial comment, they're some sort of futuretech guns with futuretech technology firing futuretech bullets. The precise technology involved is never really explained - probably has something to do with penetrating those low-profile suits of armor people like Zoe and the Operative wear. We know that whatever the guns do, they're powerful, as a single shot from one of them can knock a human off their feet from the full force of the blow, if there's armor to stop the bullet and absorb the force behind it (again, Zoe and the Operative) so there's obviously some manner of futuretech involved that makes the pew-pew. Cheaper and more reliable come to mind? We have laser technology now, but there are more parts, more technology involved to create and maintain them. In an outerworld, guns would be easier made, maintained, etc. You go with the old faithful. It's like the AK-47. It was designed years and years ago, but the design works. Also, why aren't bicycles, ox drawn wagons, and rickshaws obsolete the world over? Because poorer nations find them more economical. Given the future-tech that the guns are made of, they probably have some electronic parts inside, like a shot counter or some kind of railgun system, given that we rarely if ever see any puffs of smoke or empty brass/shells when the guns fire. The charging-up sound could be the systems inside the gun turning on, like the equivilent of turning off the safety. Or exactly the same as turning off the safety. So they kept projectiles around because they're reliable, but they have advanced technology which could allow for something like an electronic interlock for a safety. The "whine" noise is the sound a gun makes to indicate it's "going live" or even a fake sound just to indicate the safety is being turned off. This issue was Handwaved in (of all things) the companion poster that came with the official Malcolm Reynolds Stunt Pistol Prop from the Quantum Mechanix company. It displays a page from "Barlow's Guide to Small Arms", which explains that Mal's pistol (the Moses Brothers Self-Defense Engine Frontier Model B), along with other "multi-use sidearms", is able to use both "Newtech" Gauss/coilgun ammunition and conventional ammunition. This neatly explains why the "charging" sound is inconsistent even with the same gun from one show to another; when Newtech ammo is being used, an electrical "charging-up" effect happens when the gun is cocked; conventional ammunition causes no such sound. It's also stated that the Newtech ammunition, although highly effective, is expensive and requires a heavy power pack, so our crew and others in their situation would not always be able to afford it, but would keep a reserve of conventional munitions on hand for backup. This troper always assumed that the guns with charge-up noises and bang noises were hybrid single stage Gauss and chemical propellant guns. The solenoid requires power-packs to work, so if there is not "charge-up" or other lasery noise, the gun was just being fired without the Gauss feature (which the guns are designed to be capable of). As for the lasery sounding rifles in the Unification War flashbacks, those are standard multistage Gauss rifles. Also, IIRC most of the noise for high powered/velocity rounds comes from the projectile breaking the sound barrier, meaning that its possible that the whine+bang weapons are standard Gauss guns that happen to make a bang when they break the sound barrier (explaining the lack of smoke as well). The guns could also use a non-chemical ignition source, and that makes the noise, but that seems less likely than the Gauss hybrid theory. —Salasay Δ      Firefly Setting Space  I've often wondered what space exactly Firefly is set in. Not the literal co-ordinates or anything, but the setting was always kind of vague. Is is a single, really huge solar system? Is a a huge binary system? A bunch of stars all really close together that happen to have 'dozens of planets and hundreds of moons'? It's a single solar system with many planets and moons. The inner worlds, which make up the core of the Alliance are in the inner solar system, while the rougher, more primitive worlds are on the fringe. The "hundreds" line comes from the opening voice-over which also describes the FF 'Verse as "another galaxy", which it clearly isn't. Chalk it up to hyperbole by an Unreliable Narrator . Unreliable narrator may well be the word - the voiceover at that point was being given by a character in one of River's crazy Miranda-dreams. (Actually I was talking about the opening VO of the series. But you're right, the Serenity opening is equally iffy) The problem with the single solar system idea is that there is no gradient based on how far a planet or moon is from the sun. In the real world, Earth is habitable because it is precisely the distance away from the sun where liquid water can exist. In the Firefly 'verse, the "inner" and "outer" planets are equally capable of life sustainment. Sure, they give the excuse of terraforming, but terraforming doesn't do jack when the singular energy source of the sun has radically different distances from different planets and moons. Why assume the sun is the "singular energy source"? Maybe one reason terraforming is so dangerous is that other energy sources are needed, so radioactive isotopes must be mined to keep each planet livable. Or alternately, some means of focusing or collecting energy could be used— most of light or heat from a sun just goes to waste in empty space. And "Blue Sun" might be more than a name— a Blue Supergiant star would have a much wider Habitable Zone than a dinky borderline-dwarf like Sol. Room for plenty of worlds, especially if they're not all in same orbital plane. The official poster map that was recently released shows that the star system actually consists of five separate stars, four orbiting one giant central star. One of the stars is a blue giant, appropriately named Blue Sun. There's also 215 separate planets and moons. Assuming the "dozens of worlds and hundreds of moons" holds up, we're looking at maybe five to ten habitable worlds per star, with an average of about forty moons to each star's multiple worlds. A stretch, but with terraforming to explain it all, it works. Having checked the official map, there are five regular stars and seven protostars. Most of the protostars have two or three planets (and their associated moons) circling them, while the main stars have anywhere from five to seventeen planets. The largest is the Kalidesa system, which contains seventeen worlds, but also has a protostar circling it in a stable orbit which could provide additional energy to the rest of the system. The Core itself is centered around a huge white star called White Sun, and contains eleven worlds and two protostars. The outermost protostar orbiting White Sun contains Persephone, whose elliptical orbit takes it close to the Red Sun and Georgia systems, which orbit on opposite sides of White Sun. Kaladesa and Blue Sun sit on opposite sides of White Sun, but much further out, with Blue Sun being the farthest from the Core. Miranda, incidentally, is in the Blue Sun system, orbiting furthest out, around its own protostar. That would explain why it was used for the Pax and why no one knew about it - it was pretty much the ass-end of nowhere, as far from the Core as a planet can potentially get. If the map's positions are an accurate rendition of what the state of the planets' orbits were as of the series itself (and we have no reason not to believe this) then Miranda's orbit had taken it as far from the Core as was possible for it to get at that point. If the distance is comparable to our solar system (Miranda's star is about fifty AU from Blue Sun, according to the map) then it would have been out there for half a century at least. I'd like to point out with this that 50 AU in astronomical terms is tiny You essentially have a planet+protostar approximately 1.6 thousandths of a light-year away from a blue giant....yeah...sorry, but you can't have non-f* d up planetary orbits with stars in that kind of proximity. That's assuming that the planets/stars/protostars don't pull each other apart anyway. I have this great image of a planet sitting at the roche-limit of a couple of stars... The Blue Sun can actually be an OB-subdwarf. Despite of what the name suggests, these stars can be larger and much brighter than the Sun (up to 1000 times), just not as rad-fryingly bright as the usual kind of blue stars, not to mention they last much longer. 50 AU might not be the most accurate distance on this map, as its shown from a rough overhead angle, and the 50 AU was just a very conservative guesstimate. Its more likely 70 to 100 AU. Blue Sun also doesn't appear to be a blue giant; they just call it "Blue Sun" for some reason, and it appears to be about the same size as most of the other stars in the cluster. That's assuming that 1.) the map is accurate and 2.) it's to scale. Neither is a given. Also, note that in one episode (have to check) there's a background space shot what looks like a planet(oid) forming or collecting out of asteroids— maybe the reason there's so many worlds is that they build new ones. The map is official, so I assume its accurate. And the map is to scale, as it has a scaling marker in the upper right-hand corner. Any solar system with multiple suns is going to have a very different looking sky than the one seen from Earth-That-Was. Views of the sky from the various visited worlds in the series, both day and night views, show no evidence that I've seen of multiple nearby suns unless I missed something. There doesn't need to be multiple suns seen. Q Mx white papers had solar masses listed next to all the stars involved (which yes, probably means blue sun is not a blue star by the main sequence understanding), and orbital distances for all the planets. So I ran some luminosity calculations on some of the outer planets versus their central star, and for most of them the star would look about like the sun does from Pluto. With the other stars being even further away than that, yeah, the multiple star thing wouldn't really come up. The most issue you could have might be in system when they've helioformed some gas giants, but with the respective radius of those so small and the distances in question, I'm not sure they'd be much brighter than another planet except to the worlds in their immediate orbit. There's no really good shot of the night sky at any point in the series, and there's only a few actual shots of a star during daytime, none of which is particularly indicative - and a daytime star would have blotted out any other stars in the sky especially if they're dwarf stars. There are no binary or larger star systems in the 'Verse either (just single stars with a number of protostars circling them), so either way you aren't going to see a Star Wars-eque multi-sun sunset anyway. That being said, the "Official Map of the 'Verse" is called "official" for a reason; it is considered canon by Whedon. If all these stars are large enough to support terraformable planetary systems and they are all in orbit around each other then these stars will be very prominent in daytime skies much less nighttime ones. Not necessarily. We never see more than a single star at any time in the skies of any of the planets in the series, though that may have simply been a single star showing at any given point. Only two of the stars (Kalidesa and Georgia) are yellow stars, and the others are white, red, or blue ones, and we haven't seen any white, red, or blue star. Georgia and Kalidesa are on opposite sides of the 'verse, too, so we're only going to see one prominent yellow star. Also, Kalidesa and Red Sun are on opposite sides of White Sun, so they'd be nearly impossible to see from each other's locations. The stars are also appear to be positioned so that, should the main star be visible in the daytime sky, the other stars will only be visible in the nighttime sky or will be masked by the main star of the system. For example, this applies to Whitefall, which is the only point in the series where we actually have an explicit shot of a star. Not to mention that even though we don't see an explicit shot of multiple stars, it doesn't mean there aren't ever multiple stars in the sky. We just never saw any during the course of the series. Doesn't much if not all of Firefly take place in the relatively unregulated peripheral areas of the star system, outside of the Alliance's attention? So from this, couldn't it be possible that while more centralized planets and moons may well have multiple suns, Serenity often happens to be so far out that they're only ever within the vicinity of just one star? This seems like a good use of Bellisario's Maxim ...      The Lassiter  In the episode Trash, Inara holds Saffron up with the laser gun (lasiter) they pilfered from that rich guy. In true Firefly manner, the gun fails to work, but the way they present it, it's because the gun is unreliable piece of over-engineered fancy crap, instead of say, not kept loaded because it was a display piece. Actually, Inara's commentary implies that the Lassiter didn't work because it was really old. As she put it, 'I wonder if this still works.' Doesn't change the fact that it shouldn't have been loaded anyways. Just because it shouldn't be loaded doesn't mean it won't be loaded; after all, this is the private gallery of an ex-Alliance officer we're talking about; he doesn't have to follow the rules. Besides, it its an energy weapon, its possible that it could be "loaded" by plugging it into a power generator. How do you 'load' it? It's a laser gun... As far as this troper's aware, those things are basically 'on' or 'off'. I figured it just ran out of energy. I would guess you load it in the same way as the modern one in 'Heart of Gold' : 'Check Battery'. I get the sense Inara just wanted to screw with Saffron. The first rule of firearm safety is "treat every gun as if it's loaded", and that includes ones pointed at you. "Fancy"? How can it be "fancy"? It's valuable because it's the first functioning laser pistol ever made. (Presumably the one they have isn't * the* first pistol ever designed, but a member of the first production run ever made.) Not that looks mean anything, but it doesn't * look* fancy — it looks like a functional piece of high-tech equipment that's incredibly old and dusty. Inara's own pistol is far more stylized and artistically designed. My guess would be "fancy" in this circumstance means something along the lines of "overly complicated". Being the first somewhat effective laser pistol, it probably had a lot of problems functioning and broke down a lot, similarly to the M-16 after it's introduction during the Vietnam War. Something doesn't need to be high tech to work, as River proved with the Reaver sword and axe. They didn't say it was the first laser pistol, just the first modern laser pistol. It could simply be the oldest surviving one from Earth-That-Was, and a degree of Future Imperfect kicked in; it's old, it's a laser, if it ain't the first no-one'll know the difference. (Besides, wasn't it Saffron who told us it was the first? As in, the Saffron who's been married to at least three people under three different names and appears to have Chronic Backstabbing Disorder ?) I would disbelieve Saffron, except that Jayne immediately sat up and took notice at the word 'Lasiter.' Jayne knows guns.      River's Rescue  In the pilot episode, it's heavily implied that all Simon did to break River out was pay "some underground group", who put her in cryo and handed her over. Yet in the movie, we see Simon personally infiltrating the Academy and kicking some ass. Simon is probably somewhat reluctant to confess to capital crimes in front of total strangers. 'I hired some mercenaries to get my sister back, they didn't tell me how' incriminates you a lot less than 'I personally bribed Alliance officials, impersonated a high-ranking Alliance officer, forged top-secret clearance, and broke into a government black ops facility and started punching out the guy in charge and throwing stun grenades around.' I think it's more that nothing about Simon gives you the impression he could pull off that kind of ass-kicking, given in the episode where they broke Mal out of that insane Russian guy's fortress, he says "I've never killed anyone before", and Book quips that he watched him shoot and his record is still intact. What ass kicking? Simon's infiltration of that base is an epic feat of social engineering, in that he pulled off an exceptionally difficult con job to get as far as he did. This plays to one of Simon's strengths... his ability to convincingly act like an upper-class Core citizen (as he is one). His actual physical violence in that sequence is limited to dropping one stun grenade and punching out one unarmed scientist who's even wimpier than he is. Indeed, the entire dichotomy is an illustration for Simon's biggest limitation - his ability to adapt to unfamiliar social environments is virtually nonexistent. But as long as there's a set of rules on how one is 'supposed' to act in a given environment and he already knows what the rules are, then he's a calm, alert borderline genius. Witness his behavior when needed as a doctor, no matter how horrible the situation around him is - Simon is intimately familiar with 'the rules' on 'how a doctor should behave with his patients', and those rules have a subchapter on remaining functional during crisis situations. Or, ask him to try impersonating a member of the highest levels of Alliance society, in a situation where an unconvincing act will get him killed? He can do that, he knows exactly how such a person should act. But ask him to go to a frontier world and just try to talk to ordinary people? Nobody's ever formally taught him how to do that, and so, he can't. Sadly, then, it seems the future has not remedied our own society's regrettable paucity on clear, formally-written-out sets of reliable rules for asking girls out. Simon's probably entirely able to ask girls out — in the context of upper-class Core society formal courting rituals. Of course, such knowledge is beyond useless to him while on Serenity, given that the only other person who'd even recognize any of them is Inara and she's not the woman he likes. He says in 'Jaynestown' that his way of showing respect is the only way he has of showing Kaylee that he likes her. In the pilot, he specifically says he used money and luck to infiltrate the place, and that the underground group would help him smuggle River out of the Academy and get him to Persephone. That's exactly what they did; Simon simply left out the part where he took all the risks, which is in my opinion a mistake on his part; if he'd told Mal and the others the entire story, he probably would have earned some serious respect points from the rest of the crew for being that gutsy. This is actually explicitly a retcon. They thought it would be a better way to introduce the movie to people who hadn't seen the series. Even if its a retcon, it still fits in with what what Simon says in the pilot. He simply left out some details, or was not telling the exact truth. Still, he was established as a Non-Action Guy , so seeing him kick ass like he did seemed so... out of character. Not really; in the pilot we see him leap off a catwalk onto Dobson's back and fight with Dobson for his gun. In "Safe" he fights off half the witch-burning mob, and in "Ariel" he incapacitates one of the police officers holding them prisoner. In "Objects in Space" he attcks Early twice, the second time after he's been shot in the leg. In "Those Left Behind" he beats one of the Blue Hands over the head with one of Jayne's bench weights note For those unfamiliar with weightlifting, the bar alone weighs 45 lbs.. The common thread binding all these together is that he's protecting River, so it shouldn't be much of a shocker that when Simon is rescuing her, he proves much more dangerous than one would expect. In the pilot, Simon actually says that he was never entirely sure that the box even contained River until Mal kicked it open, so this is in fact a retcon that functioned as a superior movie opening. However, Joss has given the simple explanation of 'Simon was lying to the crew in the pilot', which this troper finds totally buyable. To Simon, Serenity's crew is a bunch of hardcore outer-rim smugglers who are not currently looking upon him very favourably, so, letting them know that you had the skills, contacts and sheer balls to infiltrate a top-secret Alliance facility and steal their valuable experimental subject from them would most likely make him appear even more dangerous. Much safer to simply portray yourself as the rich kid who did nothing but pay the underground group. Um, where, exactly, did Simon say he didn't know River was in the box? He didn't. That would have been really, really stupid, to go to all the trouble of smuggling it around when you didn't even know if she was in there? Methinks that troper was sorely mistaken. Seems I was partly mistaken - that line is real, but it's only in the shooting script. I must've been reading that and gotten it mixed up. It originally would have been in Simon's explanation scene, right before Inara saying "Will she be alright"? The exact dialogue was: Mal: "How did you know it wasn't a scam?" Simon: "I didn't. Until you opened that box." In general, Simon isn't a very effective fighter because he's too much of a planner. That makes him brilliantly effective at things like infiltrating a military research facility or stealing medical supplies from a hospital ("Ariel"). But when he gets into a fight, his plan usually breaks down the first time someone hits him or does something unexpected. What makes him a Non-Action Guy isn't that he's incapable of violence. It's that he's only effective at violence if he can plan out his attack in advance. He's an ambusher, not a brawler. Makes sense. Red Oni, Blue Oni and all that. Sure handled himself well in Safe though. Simon actually has a fantastic ability to manipulate people that goes far beyond what he presents outright. He tells the crew his story well enough that no one questions it and he presents exactly the kind of image he wants to present: a charming little rich boy who loves his sister but lacks the skills to protect her himself. Suddenly he has a group of bodyguards for River that already don't like the Alliance. Simon himself is Alliance, and as such has a similar mentality: sacrifices can be made for the greater good (in this case, River). Most of the crew is, relative to River, completely cannon fodder. He does his job with exceptional skill mostly so they'll keep him and River around and keep them out of danger. As time goes on, he becomes more and more part of the "family," while remembering his real goal: River. Which is why he's willing to pretend to buy mud for the sake of the crew, but doesn't display his acting skills, because they'll use him again, and then River might be in danger. In short, Simon is badass only when River is involved. I think there might have been more about this during the series that was cut or whatever. Remember Wash's "What happened to the diabolical master of disguise" or something along those lines in Jaynestown when Simon is posing as a buyer. He almost certainly wasn't talking about his "disguise" in the pilot, but if Simon had filled them in on the details of busing river out (impersonating an Alliance official) it certainly would evoke that kind of response when he can't deal with the people on the mud planet (Jeebus, I almost said "mud people" there.) Wash's line is a sarcastic "Who is this diabolical master of disguise?" He's not referring to any past disguise, he's just mocking Simon for being such a boob. It's like calling someone "genius" when they've just stapled their own tie to their desk. I know as a viewer of the movie that it is pure retcon for movie sake, but as a person that can justify a lot of retcon in movies, I have an explanation based on the lines from the series and the scene from the movie. He says that he hired smugglers or mercs to get her out in cryostasis (please forgive me if I can't quote lines, it has been a while). That can still be completely true. He never went into any details of how the mercs got her, or put her in said cry or even where they got her from specifically. I immediately just assumed he "left out" the part where he personally broke her out of the hospital. Once they were on the ship above the elevator shaft, I assume that they took Simon to one location while the mercs took river to another, got her in the cry box, and then shipped her off planet as just one more piece of cargo. Think about it in the sense of how hard it would be to get off the planet once he broke in. I am sure the stun device (it was not a grenade in any conventional sense) set of some kind of alarms and the scene seems to show them escaping before alarms "catch up" with them so seemingly they would have ways of stopping craft and inspecting them. How exactly Simon got away or River's box was never found is a matter for further debate, but we can assume it all worked out since they made it to the port and boarded Serenity. So the movie AND the film could be correct, just from different points in the timeline of events. Very much WMG territory but someone picked him and River up when they were breaking out the the BDM. Maybe they cryoed her right after they boarded whatever ship picked them up (to keep her and others safe, Simon didn't know how much frakkin' around they did in her mind) and then separated because it was easier to smuggle her out of the Core (I'm assuming the Academy was on a Core planet) as nondescript cargo while he escaped separately before they joined up on Persephone and he was getting her to the next safe place?      Going Back to Mr. Universe's Moon  Why on earth was it necessary for the crew to go back to Mr. Universe's place at all? (Other than dramatic tension.) Why couldn't they have uploaded the contents of the disk from where they were? Where to? The Alliance blew up all their safehouses, remember? And they'd be watching the ports and things. If they just went about transmitting it from place to place, the Alliance would have caught up and killed everyone who had seen it. They should have found an out-of-the-way place to store a copy in case the Mr. Universe thing failed, but there really was no way they could have easily propagated it through the entire system besides Mr. Universe's place. "Why couldn't they just upload the contents of the disc from where they were?" The answer should be pretty obvious: "Its a fair bet the Alliance knows about Mr. Universe." Mal was expecting the Alliance had gotten to Mr. Universe in the first place; why else would he have goaded the Reavers into chasing him if he didn't believe the Alliance had already either copted or killed Universe? He knew he would have to go there and physically upload the data, because if he just transmitted it to Mr. Universe, the Alliance would have never allowed it to be distributed. Mr. Universe was the only person with the technology to broadcast it far and wide simultaneously. The crew could have transmitted it, but the Alliance would have intercepted and shut down their transmissions after a few seconds. Mr. Universe have the equipment to put the message on "every screen for a dozen worlds." Everything from an iPhone to those big TVs in Times Square would be showing the message at the same time, making it impossible to intercept and coverup.      Mr. Universe's Moon in General  More to the point, why would Mr Universe set up his signal-interception station on a planet that blocks electronic signals? (eg. radar informing you that a massive fleet of pissed off Reavers is heading your way) He didn't set up shop on a planet that blocks electronic signals; it seems obvious that it's all his broadcasts that create the ion cloud in the first place, from the sheer volume of signals going out. How would broadcasts create a static ion cloud? Firefly may play a bit with physics, but the idea that transmissions would somehow generate a barrier of charged particles that block radar signals is kind of silly. Is is explicitly stated that the cloud blocks radar signals? I thought from that scene that the Alliance didn't see the Reavers because their radar was off, as they were trying to set an ambush. Yes, Mr. Universe explicitly states that the cloud blocks radar signals, when they're talking about going to his moon to deliver the message. "You're gonna get caught in the ion cloud. It'll play mary-hob with your radar." More likely, Mr. Universe chose that moon because of the ion cloud; he's a secretive hermit, so it would make sense that he'd set up in there. Presumably, his massive array of ground-based transmission equipment would give him the power he'd need to boost a signal straight through the cloud. Honestly, if you're broadcasting that many signals at once, the last place I'd look for you is behind a signal-blocking ion cloud. He's secretive, and probably picked that moon to hide himself. The novel of the movie has a semi-canon description of how and why Mr. Universe acquired his moon. ...which is? The ion cloud around the planet might act as a sort of magnet for signals going all around the verse, making it an ideal relay and listening post. While any other ship beneath the ion cloud would have trouble reading through the multitude of signals shooting around the cloud, the station o the planet might have the infrastructure required to filter through all of it.      Causes for River's Insanity  In the movie, they say that River went insane after finding out about Miranda, and is healed when she learns of it again. But what about the tests- I thought that's what made her go crazy? The experiments she went through drove her insane, due to both the trauma and the direct physical damage to her brain. Mal's comment that the Miranda secret "burned up" her brain is an off-hand comment by a man who doesn't know anything about the human brain or even what was done to her, and is just a guess on his part. The Miranda secret may have exacerbated her madness, but it wasn't the only cause. The Operative does mention her 'deteriorating mental state' at the beginning of the movie, and the shooting script has him saying she got worse after being shown off to Parliament, but I didn't think that ever implied that her issues were caused exclusively by the Miranda secret. They stripped her amygdala, that's bound to mess anyone up. The way I always saw it was that when River said "I'm okay" she didn't mean that her schizophrenia was completely cured, but that the immediate severe psychosis she had been undergoing for much of the film had been resolved, and she was back in the state that she was in during the series. In all likelihood, the use of her trigger, combined with the very recent and very close encounter with Reavers would have brought the memory of Miranda to the forefront of her mind, where it tormented her and drove her into deeper psychosis, and she was unable to repress it (mutilated amygdala and all). She was also not lucid enough to clearly enunciate her problem to the crew (if you listen to her statements, its clear that she was talking about Miranda and the Reavers all along). Once she made them know what she knew, it was no longer the focus of her entire mind, and she was able to return to her previous state (albeit with any mental blocks to her combat abilities removed). Quite possibly, River knows all manner of secrets that would render her incoherent if she were forced to lend all of her attention to them. The experiments conducted on River clearly loosened her grip with reality, but "insane" is not a binary state of being. For most of the show her state of mind was generally a bit nuts, punctuated by some extended lucid periods from time to time, depending on what medications Simon was treating her with, and other internal and external factors. It seems pretty evident that the Operative's trigger (the subliminally-embedded Oaty Bar commercial) was a massive trauma (when she regains consciousness on Serenity, her first conversation involves begging Simon to kill her). That initially drove her even more crazy, but the jarring loose of the memory of Miranda (an unintended side-effect of the trigger) gave her something concrete to focus on to face and eventually resolve the larger trauma (though we don't know how "cured" she is, just that after the battle with the Reavers she experiences an unusually long lucid period). The notion that River can never be cured is a little odd. The series established that most of her mental problems stemmed from what is basically a traumatic brain injury. The 'Verse has fairly advanced nerve regeneration technology (good enough for Mal to still be athletic after a spinal cord injury during the war) which could in theory heal the structural damage to River's brain. Post-Ariel Simon designed a new, unexplained, course of treatment for River that he was surprised didn't work. If he had her on some sort of regenerative therapy, it could be that by the time of the movie it was purely psychological trauma that River was dealing with (which she apparently worked through with lots of violence). Mal didn't have a spinal cord injury that had to be regenerated that I'm aware of. He had a "nerve cluster" that was moved or by passed somehow that made kidney shots ineffective. I think the main problem with this theory is a question of where they can get the means for some kind of regeneration treatment, assuming that exists. There's a rather significant difference between psychiatric meds, which is what she was on based on their comments about the dulled efficacy over time, and regenerative medicine. Even in the future I imagine psychiatric meds would be quite a bit more cost-prohibitive. A) The Operative's signature pressure point killing move wasn't messing with the kidneys. Those are located higher up. What he was poking was probably meant to be the base of the sacral nerves. B) When Mal explained why he was immune to the technique he said that he took a "shrapnel wound to that nerve cluster". Implying that he suffered nerve damage that was repaired. C) The cost of the drugs doesn't really matter since whatever River was on was stolen during the hospital job on Ariel. D) In the lead up to the hospital job Simon explained that whatever drugs he tried on River her body was "breaking down too quickly." Implying that whatever weird super soldier experiments were done on River rendered conventional psych meds ineffective. The Operative's technique appears to work by hitting that nerve cluster to paralyze someone—Mal did not imply that the nerve damage was repaired, since if it was repaired, then the technique would have worked. I believe Mal says that the nerve cluster was removed or otherwise bypassed. The cluster was specifically removed due to the shrapnel damage to it. It was never repaired. Mal line was actually that he had the nerve cluster *moved* not removed. Check the CC on the scene. Either way it is pretty weird as any of the large nerve bundles in the lower back fall under the category of 'things you need to live and/or walk'. Relying on drugs that can only be acquired, as far as we've seen, through an elaborate hospital heist is unreliable at best, and the drugs were only a temporary solution. There's no indication that the drugs were being affected by any supersoldier changes made to River's body. The human body simply reacts differently to different kinds of drugs, and the body develops a tolerance to drugs over time. It's quite clear, going by how the drugs only offer a temporary solution, that they are not actually repairing any damage, but instead simply proving a chemical correction to behavioral problems without actually addressing the underlying cause. River would more likely need actual surgery or extended, long-term care to replace damaged or removed brain tissue, neither of which would be available on the Rim or Border. Unless she gets her name completely cleared and be completely free of Alliance pursuit, she'd never be able to go to a Core hospital long enough for lengthy treatment. Maybe the knowledge of Miranda was learned during a session where everything was suppressed behind a trigger word (i.e. her Waif-fu training). She was horrified by Miranda but, since it was suppressed, she couldn't express it which lead to her fractured mental state. She wanted to tell Mal all about the evil thing the Alliance did (knowing he'd be prompted to action by it) but the fact the session was locked out of her conscious mind meant her inability to do so literally drove her insane. Kind of a combination PTSD/repressed-memory-awakening thing.      Reavers in General  How do the Reavers ever think straight enough to keep a spaceship running? Piloting and maintaining ships seems to require a level of patience and book-knowledge that Reavers simply don't have. Even if they steal and redecorate ships from their victims, they'd have to keep one ship working long enough to find the next one. I'm not even going to ask how Reavers can cooperate and never do their thing on each other - I'm assuming that the Pax gas instills some kind of zombie-esque effect that makes Reavers taste bad to other Reavers. Just because they're violently aggressive doesn't mean that they still don't retain a working knowledge of technology. They just direct that viciousness at other people. Besides, Reaver technology and weapons aren't that advanced, and they don't have overwhelmingly brilliant battle tactics beyond "ram, grapple, and board." That said, they seem more like brutal sadists than mindless berserkers. We don't really get a good look at any of the Reavers outside of a couple of close-quarters fight scenes, so we have no idea what their behavior is when they aren't attacking people. As an aside, it also looks like a lot of the tech in Firefly is designed to be dummy-friendly; as the salvager in "Our Mrs. Reynolds" points out, Firefly-class ships are so well-designed that they can keep flying if the mechanic isn't even half-awake. Though that's obviously an exaggeration, it does look like a lot of civilian ships - which are almost exclusively what the Reavers use - are rugged enough to survive for a while even with all the abuse the Reavers put them through. Also worth pointing out: What's one way to spot a Reaver ship? Aside from the whole "covered in the blood and bodies of their enemies" thing? They're running without radiation containment. The whole point is that Reavers, while capable of running their ship, don't do much of a job of maintaining them. I always just assumed that, like the real-life berserkers, they drove themselves into a frenzy before battle. They're always highly aggressive sorts of people, but when the adrenalin high of combat/invasion/feeding/whatever hits them they completely lose control and become the slavering psychopaths depicted in all of the scenes where we actually see them. You want to know what really bugs me about Reavers? They should be dead. They should all be dead from radiation. Forget "50% increased chance of cancer in 10 years' time" dead, I'm talking about "dose of hard radiation that cooks the body and poisons the brain" dead. And even if you assume ones like the moron from the ship they 'rescued' in Bushwhacked, who's not really a Pax Reaver and has never been exposed to hard rads; people go cutting on themselves like that, they get infected and die. Does the Pax give Reavers some kind of mutant immune systems? Does it miraculously render their bodies immune to the fact that hard rads like that should cook a person? Depends on how much radiation is being released. No one ever said precisely how much radiation is put out by the Reavers' engines, and it could be low enough that they can survive long-term exposure. Wash says its suicide to run without core containment, but he never specifies what he means, so its likely that the radiation released from Reavers' cores is low enough to survive for prolonged periods of time. As a general rule, Firefly avoids Startrekian Force Fields - the gun scanner in the super-rich shindig aside, shielding isn't generally a matter of "100% or 10%". It's either there, or it's not! More to the point, as a general rule, out of any kind of reactor, you don't get more energy by 'reducing shielding', you get it by running the reactor so hot it overcomes it's shielding. Either way; if they remove so much shielding from the core, presumably in the form of removing dampening plates that curb emissions and control the reaction, or if they run the reactor so hot that it's lack of containment can be detected from outside the ship - you know, through the hull, where most sane people like to have a lot of additional radiation shielding so they don't fry in space - they should be putting out enough rads to cook themselves. And even if the doses aren't lethal inside of a few days/weeks' time, they'd almost certainly be debilitating - even a Reaver's total lack of regard for their own pain wouldn't negate the fact that they have an atrophying body whose parts won't work. No. Kaylee was able to modify the engines to release enough radiation to mimic a Reaver ship's engines without cooking the crew; in fact, Mal specifically orders her to do so. Quite clearly, there is some form of countermeasure to protect the rest of the ship from radiation if it gets released from the engines. As for their body modifications, real-life humans have been cutting ourselves for cosmetic purposes longer than we've been writing— such body art includes tattoos, piercing, and scarification. Reavers have access to better medical technology than we have today. On the other hand, practices like that probably aren't sustainable since they're probably breeding up drug-resistant strains of infectious microbes in the process. More likely than not, what we're looking at with Reaver ships is that they're old or damaged or worn out and are leaking radiation. Since the Reavers aren't dying of radiation poisoning, we can safely assume that they've got some countermeasure against it. Maybe they can't maintain the old ship very well but there's enough intervening decks and walls between the crew and the reactor that they don't have to worry about radiation and toss on suits before doing rudimentary maintenance. Don't pull that "but they're dumb berserkers" crap either; they can lay traps and fly starships, so they're smart enough to know to put on a suit before going into the high-radiation sections. And here's another thing that really just bugs me about Reavers; Miranda had a population of thirty million. 30,000,000. 99.9% affected by the pax (which was 100% of everybody on-planet) turned mindless and just... Stopped. The other one-tenth of one percent became Reavers. That is, thirty thousand of the damn things! How do the logistics of that work? Even if we assume that Miranda had ships to bear them all to space, how do they survive? That many flying out from Miranda in a huge wave of cannibalism would be impossible to hide; and they pretty clearly didn't feast on the Pax-paralyzed people, as evidenced by dessicated corpses instead of a charnel house. (And before someone says "big planet, few Reavers," we know there were reavers in the area Serenity touched down when the Pax hit, since one of them ran in and ate the girl who made the recording.) Cleary, Reavers are insane, preferring to eat only prey that fights back, but even still, thirty-thousand psychotic, cannibalistic killing machines is pretty hard to hide. WRT survival: Miranda had enough food supplies to sustain a thirty-million person population. Those kinds of supplies could sustain a thirty-thousand person population for a good long while. Unless you're honestly thinking that the only food source the Reavers have are canniablized colonists, which is just plain idiotic. Food supplies, as a general rule, tend to be perishable things which need refrigeration and the like. Reavers ain't exactly known for their diligent maintenance of equipment, and stuff in the 'verse breaks down as well as everything IRL if you neglect it. Granted, emergency rations may not be very perishable, as would be canned goods, but Miranda was clearly an attempt to recreate a Core-world society on a non-Core planet; I doubt they had much of either on-hand. Since Miranda was a non-Core planet, and a fairly new colony, it's quite possible that they had large amounts of emergency rations or canned goods around in case of agricultural failures. Also, Miranda has wildlife, right? You could probably feed thirty thousand people almost indefinitely by hunting alone, if you had the right technological advantages. Modern canned food supplies can last many months or years without being opened. I have canned soup in my pantry that's good for two gorram years. Ordinary, average soup I can buy in any grocery. And that's not without factoring in five hundred years of food preservation and storage techniques. In the Firefly setting, a single bar of preprocessed solid food about the size of a brick is more than capable of feeding an entire family for a month. Acquiring food supplies to last a population of less than thirty thousand on a world of over thirty million would not be an issue in this setting, and once it becomes an issue, they're pirates and can raid other settlements for food. WRT remaining hidden: who the hell said that the Reavers' existence was exactly hidden? Everyone knows exactly where the Reavers operate from; the Alliance simply covered up the existence of the planet itself. There's a difference between something being an open secret, and being undeniable fact. The Cuban Missile Crisis was a good example of the former; people were getting worried, but until JFK had actually told everyone, there was always doubt. Once it was out of the bag, as a wave of 30,000 Reavers looking for dinner/sport would be... Well, even people in the Core would be pretty damn freaked out and would demand a military campaign be mounted to eradicate the madmen. If they knew about it. The Alliance is deliberately suppressing information about the Reavers to a point where their own ship commanders do not believe they exist. Also, the general population wouldn't be demanding a massive military campaign to eradicate the Reavers. You know why? The Unification War was happening at roughly the same time. Since the Reavers only attack out on the Rim, and the Alliance was fighting the Independents based in the Rim, there would be zero reason for them to target the Reavers. After the war ended, it would be trivially easy for the Alliance to pass off Reaver raids as savage Independents or pirates. Also, according to the official "Map of the Verse," Miranda is the outermost planet of the Blue Sun quadrant of the Verse, which is the outermost region of the entirety of Alliance-controlled territory. Its also the backwater of backwaters - the entire Blue Sun system only holds about eighteen million people. Considering that the farthest the Reavers have ever expanded as of the main series is around Athens - which is in the next-closest system of Georgia, which its itself still pretty far out - the Reavers simply haven't gotten far enough to arouse major public suspicion. Sicne they're only raiding backwaters no-one in the Core cares about, it would be easy for the Alliance to dismiss them as rumors and hysterics. Case in point: didn't Simon think Reavers were a rumor in the Pilot? Exactly. For a more at home example, think of things like mermaids and sea serpents. These were tales told by sailors either because they thought they were real (i.e. they saw something they couldn't identify and their mind exaggerated), were passing along stories heard from other sailors, or were telling tall tales in some local bar to get a free drink. In a more modern sense, any of the numerous conspiracy theories would also seem a fitting example. Thirty thousand? Thirty thousand? You think that's a big number? There's eighteen million people living in the Blue Sun system, which is the very backwater of the 'Verse. If even one in ten of those people were armed that would be 1.8 million individuals, or sixty times the total number of Reavers. The next closest system, Georgia, has six billion people living in it. If one in twenty are armed, then that's three hundred million armed personnel in that system alone. You don't seem to get scale here. The Reavers are a drop in the bucket. Realistically, they aren't a threat except to isolated towns and single ships. Also there�s no reason to believe that all the thirty thousand original Reavers survive. Some could have die for several reasons including the self-inflicted wounds, infections, starvation, ships malfunctioning and many other things, they�re not immortals. And another thing, why the hell do they work together so damn well? Are they zerglings?! Is there some Uberreaver out there, the Overmind, driven mad by the Pax, in psychic command of all the others, compelling them to act with one mind, to slaughter and consume and destroy? Considering that the Reavers are intelligent enough to set traps, actually fly their ships with some degree of competence, and are able and willing to force a man to watch them do their business until his mind snaps in order to convert him, Reavers seem intelligent enough to actually work together. They're sadistic monsters, but quite obviously not self-destructive. They are quite self-destructive, just look at how they cut on one another. My point is, even if they are angry, why don't they attack one another? Why do Reavers cooperate? (Actually, this question applies just as well to 28 Days/Weeks later.) There is no reason that people driven to the very core of unthinking, unfeeling rage should give a crap about the fact that the guy next to you is the same way as you are; you'd attack them all the same, I would think. There is some force holding the Reavers together, and I'd like to know what. You're doing a great job ignoring the evidence that Reavers aren't mindless. They can fly spaceships, they can set traps, they can cover up their presence, they can stalk and hunt and ambush, they can track a vessel to a population center, and they can deliberately expand their numbers via torture and psychological scarring. And most importantly, they aren't killing each other. All of these facts are clear evidence that Reavers are not "mindless" and are quite intelligent. Think of them as a Brainwashed and Crazy cult instead of a bunch of individual psychotic rage-machines and it makes a little more sense. They don't attack each other because they are already members of the cult. They cut on one another as some sort of ritual, not because they're trying to kill each other. We don't know the psychology behind the Reavers, or what they're thinking, or why they do what they do. The only explanation we have is the hasty, horrified words of a scientist who is about to die and knows it, talking in very general terms, talking about a drug that is obviously acting in a manner that she didn't expect it to. She says they've progressed "beyond madness" but all their observed actions point otherwise: they're smart, they're organized, and they're skilled enough to set traps, control spaceships, and generally not act like mindless berserk killing machines. That doesn't require some freaky supernatural force controlling them - all it requires is a strong leader and sense of direction and purpose. They may be savage and brutal in the extreme, but no more so than most ancient and Middle Age armies were. I have what my neurologist calls "Paradox Reaction" to sleeping pills and sedatives. While the second one gives me panic attacks I become wide awake from the first ones. My doctor once prescribed me a very strong sleeping pill. Not only was I awake for 48 hours, I was singing "Yankee Doodle" and "We are the Champions" and other stuff all the time, while jumping around, reading high-speed or talking really fast to the point my boyfriend (who was desperately trying to sleep) thought I was deliberatly agonising him. I seemed crazy and even sadistic. Yet I knew all the lyrics, remembered what I had read quite well, and was, after desperate pleas from my boyfriend able to cooperate. (Imagine the look on his face, when we watched the scene Serenity where the origin of the Reavers is explained) It is of course a weak comparison, all I want to say is: you can act psychotic and reasonable at the same time. You're assuming all 30,000 of them survived, and all 30,000 of them became Reavers. Maybe half of them reacted with such rage that, instead of mutilating others, they mutilated themselves to the point of suicide. Maybe a chunk of them did fight over the available food. There is absolutely no reason to assume so blindly that every single one of the "original" Reavers was completely unified from the start and survived to the "raiders in space" stage. It's likely the Reavers that are still around are the ones who, though still rage obsessed berserkers, realized on some level that in order to survive they had to work together and get off the planet. I would presume that they don't kill/rape/eat each other because it would be no fun. They want fresh meat, not the overworked flesh/orifices of a like-minded space zombie. That could explain WHY they cut on themselves so much. They know the others want fresh, unmutilated flesh, so they cut on themselves to make them unappealing to their brethren. This could also explain how their number shrank from 30,000. Many died in the beginning when they were all figuring out how they thought. The core book of the RPG describes Reavers as being obsessed with pain - both feeling it and spreading it. That's why they stick fish hooks through their flesh and carve their own faces up with knives. Just a little window into Reaver psychology. More on the rpg front, it also suggests a Reaver-PC game, by pointing out that mindless beasts would have a hard time flying and maintaining ships and weapons, so at the very least there must be some intelligent Reavers to handle those jobs to make for some good PC stories. Anyway, since they clearly don't attack each other (as far as we see), they probably have enough intelligence to regonise who is Reaver and not Revear. Or alternatively they are all intelligent as the normal person, they just get overwhelmed with the rage whenever they see something not-reaver, meaning that when alone they could concetrate enough to fly around. If they have more self-control then we seem them demonstrate however, I had the theory that whenever they regonise someone with skills they need (like engineers for example) they simply take them to wherever they need them and force them to work. The people who succumbed to Pax (almost) as intended did so gradually; presumably the Reavers did so too. That could give them time to band together, gather supplies and take to the black when they saw that something terrible was happening on Miranda but weren't yet as crazed as they became, and those bonds could stick. Probably, Reavers establish social order among themselves the same way they do everything else: violently. If you want a crew, you go get the Chain of Command and use it to beat the toughest people you think you can take, and depending on your (and their) judgement, you either kill them, get killed yourself, or force them to submit. Then it's your job to find some poor schmuck to point them at. They don't fight back individually because you can beat them individually, and they don't work together to mutiny because that would put exactly one of them in your position with a slightly smaller crew to get the same amount of work done (or they're pitted against each other by the cutthroat politics of low stakes, much like the stereotypical business or government office). That fleet from the movie was probably assembled in a similar fashion but on a larger scale, possibly with rival fleets elsewhere in orbit or a Reaver King somewhere playing his generals against each other somewhat like the Hitler administration. People tend to see Reavers as Space Zombies, but they might be more like Orcs or Vampires (very sadistic vampires like in From Dusk Till Dawn or 30 Days of Night , not the sparkly ones) that are more than able to interact and cooperate among them, use strategic thought to lie traps and the like, and when left alone with human victims show incredible sadism and cruelty. Or they spare some humans and keep them as slaves to do the hard/dangerous work. I'd like to point out that while a "freaky supernatural force" controlling the Reavers is not necessary, we also shouldn't rule it out completely. Firefly is a fairly hard scifi on the whole, but Joss is on record as saying that he wasn't adverse to including supernatural elements in it. The idea that River had become one with Serenity was supposed to be plausible "Who says there can't be magic in space" or something to the effect was Joss's quote. Likewise, we've never gotten a genuine explanation for River's psychic powers; it could be sci-fi, human evolution psychic powers, or it could be magic. The idea that River is a Slayer is a popuar fan theory that as far as I know has never been officially debunked. So while there may be no direct evidence on point, the idea that the PAX went wrong due to supernatural influence, that the Reavers are controlled by some demonic force, or are themselves a demonic hivemind/infection, or some other explanation along those lines, cannot be categorically dismissed as impossible. Could be that the radiation is a indicator and not the actual problem. Wash stated that them running without containment is suicidal. That could mean that whatever reaction the engines work on is self-contained, and the housing helps to keep that reaction contained and stable. Running without containment may simply run the risk of the engine exploding like Serenity's did in Out of Gas.      The End of "War Stories"  Why did the Big Damn Heroes leave Niska alive? (facepalm) Because the only person in any position to actually kill him was being strangled by a barbed whip at the time. Am I missing something here? He didn't teleport away. They apparently had taken over the entire space station (somewhat implausibly...) and could have hunted him down at their leisure. Uh, no? There was an entire section of the station to the right of the dock that they hadn't secured yet, they had troops attacking the first team from behind ("Get behind us preacher, we need cover!") and it would be idiotic of Niska to not have a bolt-hole. The first team hadn't reached Niska's office by the time Mal was getting strangled by the barbed-wire whip, so Niska had plenty of time to get out of the office and flee. And there's no indication that they'd taken over the space station, as the scene cuts to Mal and Co. back on Serenity right after they save him, with no indication of the follow-up. Remember: The series didn't even finish its first series. Niska, Saffron, and the Hands of Blue were the only 3 major villains set up (I'd say Badger was a minor villain), so he was probably kept alive to return another day. Joss loves recurring villains. Don't forget Early. Yes he was last seen floating in a space suit with limited life support and absolutely nothing for thousand (if not millions) of kilometers in any direction , but I'm sure Joss could have found a way for him to pop up again. Remember, the character he's an Expy of managed to get out of a sarlacc pit, so it's no doubt that Early can get better. That would probably be fairly easy. All he'd need would be to have a recall device somewhere on his person that he could press to summon his ship back - almost like a homing beacon, if you like. Specifically, in the commentary of the series Word of God said that he most assuredly was supposed to be a recurring villain in the series. Along with Safron, The Hands of Blue (who were supposed to be different teams of two each time), and Early. Even the agent that got shot in the eye was supposed to return according to Word of God with either an eye patch or a cyber eye depending on what they thought would fit better. After all, he was only shot in the eye and tossed out of the back. Left for dead is never dead in any story. So Niska getting away was more than likely a plan for potential future stories. Oh, and lest we forget about Patience too. The Serenity crew seems to make it their mission to make long term enemies. <3 Joss.      Mal and Tracy in "The Message"  Another thing that really, really just bugs me; in The Message, why, for the love of gorram, didn't Mal simply tell Tracy that the plan was to lure the Alliance feds into an ambush? Why all the darkness and acting like you're going to sell out your old pal? No wonder Tracy grabbed a gun and went off the deep end! They were all carrying the Idiot Ball there! >_< At the beginning, in the cockpit, Mal and Book did not know Tracy was listening in on their conversation. Once he grabbed the gun, Tracy wasn't letting the crew explain the plan to him - he was ranting and raving and pointing his weapon and throwing out insults and generally not allowing them to talk. Then, he shot Wash and proceeded to take Kaylee hostage as a human shield. And if there's one thing that's going to piss Mal off more than anything, its shooting his crew and holding them hostage. Also, when Mal shot Tracy, he was spinning and pointing his weapon at Jayne. At that point, Tracy had already demonstrated his willingness to shoot Mal's crew and otherwise put them in danger with zero regard for their lives, so Mal has no reason to believe Tracy won't shoot Jayne. Thus, Mal takes the most brutally pragmatic route he has available to them. He's Captain Malcolm "Sarge" Reynolds. He damned well could have shouted "Shut up and put the rutting gun down, gorramit, we're not actually gonna hand you over! Instead, he kept telling Wash to call the feds. The whole scene was designed, frankly, to make it seem as if he was hardhearted and cold enough to actually hand over an old friend, and take the easy way out to save his ship. In fact, it did it so well that a character in the show was fooled, with Idiot Ball results; all it would have taken, frankly, would have been him shouting "Gorramit, I'm not actually going to hand you over! We're gonna get them in the ship by telling them we will, and then we will shoot them!" Instead, he gets all pissy, which frankly makes no sense, since we know that, given the choice between defusing gunplay with words, or shooting someone, he tends to prefer words if at all possible. Instead, in this sequence, he chose to antagonize someone holding a gun and pointing it at various members of his crew - an old friend, in fact, as well as a former subordinate infantryman, who almost certainly would have believed him (even had he been lying, which he wasn't) when he said the plan was to make it look like they were going to hand Tracy over, but only to lure the cops aboard. Prefers to defuse gunplay with words? I'd like to draw everyone's attention to the last time someone shot a member of Mal's crew and then held another one hostage at gunpoint. Mal shot him in the face without a single word as soon as he walked into the ship. Tracy very quickly earned himself Agent Dobson treatment. The infrantryman, who, as previously mentioned, was pointing a gun at the crew? There's more evidence Tracy would've thought he was lying. Also, Mal was reasonably pissed at Tracy putting Kaylee-who's basically Mal's little sister-in danger. You're expecting both of them to be thinking straight, contrary to the scene itself. Another important thing to remember is that when Jayne distracted Tracy, he turned to point his gun at Jayne. Tracy's already demonstrated a willingness to shoot Mal's crew, and he couldn't take the risk that Tracy would shoot Jayne - expendable or not. Mal's perfectly justified in shooting Tracy at this point. And at this point, pretty much any situation that doesn't involve Tracy dropping his weapon is going to end in him getting a bullet. Well, it's not without precedent. Remember that scene in "Bushwacked" when the Alliance is bearing down on them and Mal tells Simon to get River? In front of both of them, Jayne announces that Mal is obviously going to give them to the Alliance. Simon gets upset, and refuses to bring her out. Instead of saying, "Of course I'm not going to turn the two of you over to the Alliance, you moron," Mal yells at Simon for not blindly obeying his orders. Unfortunately, the scene changes about then so we don't see how Mal convinces Simon to obey. It wasn't Mal. Book says "Don't be a fool, son. Do as the man says". Simon seems to accept that. Scene change. I always just assumed that this plothole was why it never made it to air. Firstly, in the original shooting script, Book tells Mal that he's got an angle. Then Tracy shows up and starts waving guns around, which (to me) would provoke an immediate disinclination to be helpful to said person. He then immediately makes it clear that he was using Mal and Zoe. So. Not a plot hole there (shooting script's pretty cool. Give it a read by finding it on Google.). However, those lines didn't make it into the episode, so here's my reasoning. Mal expects his crew to, when the chips are down, do what he says, when he says it. He sends Tracy to hide in a cabin in part because he doesn't entirely trust him, and in part because Tracy's semi-competent, not entirely the brightest and best left out of the way. Tracy wanders up to the bridge and starts waving a gun around, which discinclines Mal toward further conversation. He interrupts attempts at explanation. He makes it clear that he isn't willing to rely on Mal and Zoe - that he doesn't really trust them. Which makes it pretty clear that he's just been using them in the first place. As Mal says "I'll go to hell before I see you turn and bite us for the favor." There is a brief window where Mal might have explained, but Tracy throws that away by waving a gun around and shooting his mouth off, and after that Mal's perfectly willing to push it until Tracy gets shot. There is some commentary on the DVD to the effect of explaining this one. If memory serves, Joss Whedon says that Mal and Book can't just say, "Don't worry, we've got a plan," due to ego. While that explanation isn't terribly clear, I took it to mean either 1) that they couldn't verbally commit to having a plan, so that in case the plan were to fail, they wouldn't look bad, or 2) that not revealing your epic plan to rescue someone helps boost your Big Damn Hero cred, since the most exciting rescues are those that occur unexpected and just in the nick of time, or 3) a combination of the above motives, lumped together with the fact that they couldn't outright say that they had a plan because in fact they didn't really have one per se, but did had every intent of winging it as far as possible. "The Message" plotline unfolding as it did felt like a direct comparison to "Bushwacked" especially since there seemed to be a lot of Simon/Tracey characterisation comparisons going on even though they barely had any scenes together. In both episodes, the captain is about to let the enemies of a fugitive on board and fully expects compliance without detailing his plan up front. Simon's bad at talking pretty, Tracey's good at it. Simon's actions prove him dependable and able to either stay calm, or calm down quickly, in a crisis; Tracey panicks easily and his panic increases. Simon didn't know Mal as well as Tracey did and yet found it easier to obey Mal than Tracey did. When panicking, Simon's first instinct was to run, Tracey's first instinct was to attack. If you view the episode as being more of a Kaylee-perspective episode, then it ends up being about the difference between what you dream for in a man and what you should realistically settle for - a man's ability to talk pretty, or his ability to be by your side no matter what happens? Neither Simon nor Tracey are both - one talks pretty, the other will be there when you need him. Which is the better option if you can't have both? Mal's strongest character trait is the fact that he will defend his crew to the death. This is a man who threatened to throw Simon out of the airlock if Kaylee died, shot Agent Dobson in the face for being in the exact same position as Tracey, nearly DID throw Jayne out of the airlock for turning on Simon and River, declared war on a small backwoods village to rescue Simon and River, and countless other examples. Shooting Tracey for shooting one crew member and threatening another is completely in character for Mal; if you harm his crew, the man has zero mercy for you. As Jayne will testify, it doesn't matter who you are; even his own crew is not exempt from this. As was brought up before, Mal expects his crew to jump at his commands. This isn't arrogance but practicality from his military training. Both times, Mal has made up a plan that has a small window of execution. Simon needs to grab River and get them outside before the Alliance gets on board, and he can't stall them without appearing dishonest. With Tracy, they have a ship that could drop a mountain on them at any moment. On the battle field, questioning an order like that could mean life or death for your entire unit. Look at the times where the crew did leap into action without knowing the full plan but trusting each other. Jayne and Book followed Kaylee's directions to pull off a Crazy Ivan. Zoe adjusted her escape from the reavers in the movie because she knew Wash would catch them. Put simply, they didn't have time to calm Simon or Tracy down and explain the plan and convince them it was the real plan and would work. This occurred to me on last watching, Tracy yells "Why're you hanging out with this bible thumper?". Surely the Mal he knew, pre-serenity valley, was still a religious man? Because Tracy's been going by the reputation Mal's garnered after he left the army, where his dislike of religion is most pronounced, and he's left a trail of bodies wherever he's gone. Tracy knows Mal has drifted away from his previous beliefs and become a more hardened criminal.      Programmed to Defend Against Who?  River was programmed for espionage, assassination, defense purposes, whatever. The question is, against whom? The Alliance is the only recognized government in the system. You could say that she would be useful in the event of a Browncoat Uprising type deal, but that's less defense and more civil unrest. The only politicians left to spy on are regional governments, which would be like the NSA spying on a governor. Which, hell, they probably do. But given that they're already in control and seem to have no issues with squashing rebellion openly, what do they need a spy for? The problem with squashing rebellions openly is that it creates martyrs. This may have been why the Browncoat uprising lasted for years and spread across many planets — the Alliance moves to flatten one group of rebels, only to tick off half a dozen more. They may have decided that assassinating the kind of people who serve as a nucleus for resistance is a better strategy. Or maybe they're just trying to create the next generation of Operatives. Whatever they use Operatives for, it's clear that they do use them on a regular basis. Upgrading their Operatives to "psychic Operatives" would make them more useful, assuming they can get around the craziness problem. The Alliance is consistently portrayed as being paranoid and wanting absolute control, so maybe they don't need a specific enemy to feel that they need spies/assassins. And the idea of using spies and assassins to nip any sort of rebellion in the bud seems fairly plausible. Not to mention the Alliance is clearly headed down an Orwellian thought-control path, what with Miranda and all. River's mind-reading abilities were their real pride and joy. They complemented her psychic abilities with spy/assassin skills so that she could easily act on whatever dirt she dug up in the minds of whatever targets the Alliance was suspicious of. And we're assuming that the Alliance isn't aware of, say, another colony project at the next star along? For that matter, it's never explicitly stated that Earth-that-was has been completely abandoned. Maybe the Alliance is worried about a resurgent Earth trying to take them over, like the UED in Starcraft . This troper always imagined that River was being created for a variety of purposes, one of which was to permanently dispose of all evidence that Miranda had ever happened by getting rid of the Reavers. Because while her intelligence is lauded a great deal she is quite specifically described as excelling at everything. Maybe a petite, ninety pound girl, isn't the ideal cleaner but the Alliance was hardly going to pass up a brilliant psychic who is capable of mastering any form of physical activity without effort. Even the Operative wasn't willing to fight the Reavers, but River was able to kill dozens of them without injury. Every single one of you needs to read more world news. Go ahead, I'll wait while you find me an example of a country that calls its military admin branch the "Department of Attack" or the "Ministry of Fucking People Up". "Defense" is government speak for "military". Occam's Razor, folks. The US government used to have the Department of War , though that was eventually split up into the Departments of the Navy, Army, and Air Force before all three got bundled up again under the Department of Defense. So it happens, it's just out of vogue now. But the point stands, "Defense" is a catch-all term for all affairs military, offensive and true-defensive. In a setting where the government's control of frontier areas (i.e. the Rim) is spotty at best, the line between "defense" and suppression of "civil unrest" tends to blur a bit.      Miranda in General  Everything about Miranda bugs me, starting with the scene on Haven when they're looking at where it is relative to them, and the two planets just happen to be in the parts of their orbits where they're closest to each other. (Miranda could just as easily have been on the other side of the system.) Then they say the space directly between Haven and Miranda is "Reaver territory". Does this mean all the space between their two orbits? That's an awful lot of space for 30,000 people to occupy. Or is it another happy coincidence that the Reavers just happen to be directly between Haven and Miranda at that point? Then when they get there, Wash says there's no power signatures (except the one coming from the rescue ship), but while they're walking through the city, lights and advertising tickers come on. Where did the power for these come from? Also, why is everything in the city in pristine condition? Wouldn't the Reavers have done as much damage as they could before heading out into space? Reavers don't seem to be into vandalism. Remember, the ship in 'Bushwhacked' was in pretty good condition after being visited by Reavers, too. Reavers are sadists. Buildings don't feel. For that matter why don't they just go "under" or "over" the Reavers ? Is it really necessary to fly right through the mass of psychopaths, when you could just as easily go around? That's like driving through a minefield when your car can fly. Trying to avoid the Reavers in such an obvious manner is more or less a flashing sign that says "hey, we're not Reavers!" Well, yes it would be, if the Reavers knew they were trying to avoid them. The whole point of going around is so that they don't know you're there. As was stated above, the given space is a whole lot of sky for the relatively small Reaver population to occupy. If they flew far enough in any direction, they could get around the fleet (for want of a better word) of Reavers without said space zombies ever learning of their presence. Space Does Not Work That Way . There is no Stealth in Space . Flying around the Reavers simply leaves a long thermal wake that you can easily track, and since Miranda is very far out in territory that no one goes to, no one will be out there but the Reavers. The heat trail can be easily spotted and followed, and if someone's projected path shows them circling around your large and obvious fleet, that means they're trying to avoid you. That's a surefire sign that they're not one of you. Right then, I withdraw the question. I probably should have thought of that. I assumed that the Reavers circle around Miranda. Therefore, any path towards Miranda is going to be 'Reaver Territory', and any where ever the planet happens to be in orbit is where the ships will be. Miranda and Haven just happen to be that close because of plot convenience, of course. My bigger concern in that scene was Haven and Reavers existing so close together. Surely the village underwent repeated, devastating attacks if that were the case, and if so you would assume they had some sort of warning system and safe place installed so they could make it through the raids and if not, well, that right there would prove that Shepard isn't just a Preacher, but an actual, miracle working saint. Haven is equipped with an anti-ship cannon powerful enough to kill a well-armored Alliance ship. It's what Book used to shoot down the ship that hit Haven, and on the DVD, one of the extended scenes shows the cannon is regularly manned and was tracking Serenity when it arrived. Presumably, that gun is enough to keep the Reavers away, especially going by the firepower it exhibits in the movie; two shots from it blew a Reaver vessel about Serenity's size to pieces. Reavers are likely smart enough to target relatively undefended areas. Remember that for all their scariness, there's only thirty thousand of them at most (likely far fewer now) and individual raiding parties seem to only have a few hundred per and a small number of ships. They'd have to target small towns that don't have large, powerful anti-air weaponry. If the Reavers attacked Haven they would have been shot down and any survivors would learn not to go back there.      The Pax  The Pax really, really bugs me. I know the Alliance is supposed to be the Evil Empire and all, but are they also the Stupid Empire? Did they not do any testing whatsoever before sticking thirty million people on an extremely well-developed planet and pumping this stuff into their air? If they did any sort of animal or human trials before this, they should've known what would happen; and if they didn't, they'd have absolutely no basis for believing the Pax would do what they expected it, because they hadn't tested it! Laboratory tests doesn't always produce identical results as field tests. Small-scale controlled testing doesn't always produce identical results as widespread everyday use. Off the top of my head, several possible explanations come to mind as to why even if they had tested it in the lab and found that it worked there, the first actual widespread use of it could have gone wrong. For example, the Pax could have had a bad unplanned drug interaction with some innocuous chemical present in Miranda's atmosphere or water supply. There could have been dosage problems caused by an excess concentration of it building up in the atmosphere, while the testing stuck to precisely measured amounts. The tests could simply have run only for X months and it takes X + 1 months of continual exposure before things start to go wrong. (The dying scientist's recording didn't mention how long it took for people to start shutting down mentally, after all.) Etc, etc. This troper was under the impression that Miranda was the test, and if it worked, they'd start pumping it into the atmosphere of other planets. IIRC, the recording referred to Miranda as small and newly terraformed, and dude, they're the Alliance. One tiny planet in the middle of nowhere would be a perfect testing ground. Yes, Miranda was a test. What I was getting at is that before you build up a highly technological planet and get 30 million people to emigrate to it and test a chemical on them, there are certain logical intermediate steps that would most likely have yielded results that prevented them from doing it in the first place. I can think of a very good reason they didn't take the time to test the Pax on a smaller population: Unification War. Wars don't just magically happen, and if the Alliance was building up for a war (which broke a couple years later) they could have attempted to accelerate the development of a drug as potent as the Pax well past its safety margins. Then, when the Miranda project collapsed, they just covered it up and went about the process of Unification the old-fashioned way. Off the top of my head, I thought the hologram woman mentioned that they tested the Pax there due to violence or a civil war or something on the planet, coupled with Miranda's isolation? I'm a little hazy and could be wrong, though. Nope. She only mentions violence or civil war to note that's not what happened to the people on Miranda. The Pax only induced rage in 1% of the population, didn't it? I'd say that, especially with the war, there might have been a push to get it from labs and into real world situations. It would be easy to miss a 1% side effect, and a short testing period would account for the lack of death (the way the scientist made it sound, the people slowly sank into complete complacency to the point of not even caring about surviving). Alternatively, in a lab, you might have doctors making sure that people ate, forcing them to go to bed and back to the tests which I assume would delay the suicide by sloth. There is also the (extremely likely, given what we have seen) possibility that the Alliance didn't create Pax but that it was yet another helpful product by the good people at Blue Sun. Companies in the real world put dangerous substances on the market, and even in our own system drugs sometimes slip through FDA approval only to be recalled when - oops, looks like the tests proved to be inaccurate and the product more dangerous than believed. The difference is that our government rarely dumps the drugs into the air supply, but on the other hand think of how many civilians were exposed to radiation before it's effects became entirely understood. Point of interest (though it's nitpicky), only 0.1% of the population went all rage-y and Reaver-y . Also, since it was Blue Sun rather than the Alliance putting the Pax out there, it makes even more sense. How many times here on Earth have chemicals been released into environments that have had disasterous effects on the population? Answer: a lot. The fact that the Pax was intentionally introduced and meant to affect the people on Miranda makes this arguments all the stronger. Also, drugs today are recalled all the time when unwanted side-effects are discovered, which means that it is possible for dangerous side-effects to get past a testing period. The fact the Alliance didn't do any testing of the Pax (that name, too...), that, might, y'know, catch the...side effects. Possibly handwavable as an interaction with Miranda's atmosphere, that skewed the results from the lab, but that would've needed to be stated. It wasn't. It was stated. The series has already made it clear that when you introduce chemicals into foreign atmospheres, it can have unexpected effects, i.e. the lung diseases mentioned in "The Train Job." Mal also mentions the whole issue of "blackrocks" and terraforming not taking due to unexpected reasons. Miranda was simply another example of that happening. See further up on the page. The Unification War was brewing at the same time. That leads to the rushing of devastatingly effective weapons like the Pax. And hell, for all we know, Miranda was a test - the WMD equivalent of a live-fire test. Gather a large but not significant population on a planet as far from civilization as possible and put your gas to work on a planetary scale to see the effects. And where does it ever say the Pax was intended as a weapon? It was intended to create a world without sin �that is, as the next step up in social control over whatever the Alliance already had�not "to subdue the Independents." There isn't, if I recall correctly, word one about it having a military application. And actually, come to think of it, the Unification War only makes the lack of testing worse: they would have had a fresh supply of expendable Independent POW s to experiment on, à la Imperial Japan's Unit 731, and could've been nice and sure of how Pax would work. And where does it ever say the Pax was intended as a weapon? It's a gas that renders an entire planet non-violent and cooperative, being developed just a couple years prior to a full-scale war. Do the math. And "no military applications"? It renders an entire planet peaceful and non-violent. Dropping Pax-laden bombs on a planet = instant pacification without a single shot fired. The Pax, if it worked as advertised, would have been the ultimate nonlethal weapon. And the Unification War hadn't started yet by the time Miranda occurred. Kinda hard to test your weapon on POWs when you don't have any because there's no war. And there's a difference between testing on POWs in controlled circumstances and testing on an entire planet - which, in Miranda's case, was controlled circumstances, just on a mind-bogglingly huge scale. It's worth noting the Alliance's motivations in the war were to better the Border and Rim. The Pax would have really been useful during the Unification War, as it would have allowed them to pacify entire planetary populations without hurting either people or infrastructure. That kind of capacity would have been insanely valuable to the Alliance. They could defeat entire ground armies in a heartbeat, without killing anyone, which fits perfectly with the Alliance's vision of bettering the entire 'Verse. Do we know how long it took the Pax to subdue/crazify the population of Miranda? Maybe it takes months to really take effect, which wouldn't be very usefull for weaponisation. This might explain why they didn't know it would have an adverse reaction to 0.01% of the sybjects - They tested it for X weeks, it takes X+1 weeks for symptoms to show. Which would be another reason to have to test it on a planetary scale. It could have interacted with an atmosphere in an unexpected manner, and oh, hey, look, it did. Yes, but, nobody in the movie ever alludes to it being a weapon. The recording said the chemical was put in the atmosphere generators. This implies that it needs to be constantly pumped into the atmosphere, and that just dropping "Pax Bombs" isn't going to get the job done. Every implication in the movie is that it was meant as social engineering. So, yes, there are military applications to it, but nobody in the movie ever alludes to or mentions it, so no, you cannot assume it's a weapon. Where exactly do the rules of Fictionland say they need to outright state it was meant to be a weapon? Look at its capabilities. It renders an entire planetary population docile and compliant. Anyone with two brain cells should be able to tell you that such a capability is pretty much tailor-made to be a weapon, and the chemical is being developed literally months to years before the Unification War breaks out. When your butt gets plopped down in the movie theater's chair, that doesn't mean you instantly lose all capacity to read between the lines, does it? I have several objects in my kitchen that have the capabilities of being deadly, horrific weapons, including ones that can cleave right through human flesh effortlessly, and can cause horrific, debilitating burns to anything that touch them. That doesn't mean my steak knife and my stove were meant to be weapons. You're talking about intent, not capabilities. Anything is capable of being a weapon, depending on how you use it. No, but your steak knife and stove are based on principles that can make them useful as weapons, i.e. sharpened objects can kill people (knives, spears, swords, and every single standard-issue infantry weapon before gunpowder. Stove, heat. Flamethrowers and incendiaries.) The Pax can be used as a weapon, too, and the timing is far too coincidental. And again, they explicitly state that the stuff was constantly pumped into the atmosphere. Not that it was dropped as a single package, like a bomb. If it's something that has to be constantly pumped into the atmosphere, that makes it rather impractical as a weapon to take a planet without firing a shot if you have to control the atmosphere processors first. Except that once you control the atmosphere processors, you control the planet. And the Pax would be the perfect tool to contain popular insurgency - something the Alliance would really have to worry about. Plus, if the war was brewing and it was supposed to be a weapon, why not test it on a planet where there was unrest instead of on your own volunteers? If it works, hey, there's one less planet that's gonna revolt, and if it's not, hey, just chalk it up to screwy environmental conditions and cover it up. "Every planet has its quirks," right? Plus, if it was supposed to be a weapon, don't you think a die-hard Browncoat patriot like Mal might've said something like, "They were going to use this on us, turn us into Reavers..."? The horrific thing about the PAX isn't that it's what the Alliance was going to do to its enemies, it's what the Alliance was going to do to its own people. "Plus, if the war was brewing and it was supposed to be a weapon, why not test it on a planet where there was unrest instead of on your own volunteers?" What, and set off everyone's evil-plot-o-meter? You test the Pax on an established world that already has established trade and communication, and word will get out - at the very least, from people who had traveled to that planet or maintained regular communications with those people. With Miranda, they could establish a self-contained planet that they controlled from the ground up, instead of a potentially hostile Border or Rim world - remember, also, that those worlds were independent prior to the Unification War. The Alliance showing up at an independent planet and testing out a new weapon on it would set off a war anyway. So, no, not everything in fiction has to be directly stated, but asserting that PAX was meant to be a weapon is less reading between the lines, and more WMG, given that the implication isn't hinted at in the slightest in the work itself. I agree that it's mostly a WMG, but it's a conclusion drawn based on what I've observed in the series. it isn't said outright, but the evidence is there. There is a False Dichotomy at play here, that either the Pax had to be used on the Alliance's enemies OR on their people. The reason this dichotomy is false is because the Alliance doesn't believe in any such distinction. As far as they're concerned, the border worlds are their people, just the same as the core worlds. The Unification War was about exactly that; it was Firefly's equivalent of the end of the Wild West, with the government bringing "civilization" to what they considered a savage part of their nation, through whatever means necessary. Why do they have to choose whether to use the Pax on the Border or the Core? If it had worked as advertised, they could do both; every world having the Pax everywhere, the Core Worlds living in what they expected to be peaceful utopia, and the Border Worlds never descending back into the savage, violent nature that the Alliance believes it rescued them from. To expand on this point a bit, at the time the Pax was developed (a few years before the Unification War), friction was presumably already starting to boil over, probably with occasional skirmishes, terrorist attacks, and whatnot. Then somebody convinced the Alliance government that the Pax could "cure" such tendencies to misbehave, solving the problem without violence (and without creating martyrs that would inspire further incidents). The real question ought to be, if this was a test of Pax, why wasn't there anyone observing the test? I mean, if you're going to be scientific, you don't just set up the experiment and leave. You at least have a contingent of scientists, either sequestered off from everyone else or otherwise protected from the effects, to observe and record, and send back some sort of message like, "Hey, listen, everyone here is just dropping dead, except for a few others that are going nuts and eating each other," rather than sending an investigation team months after you lose contact and have them all get eaten. The Alliance may have deliberately cut off communications with the planet for security reasons. It's entirely feasible that they had teams on the planet observing operations but that couldn't communicate directly via Subspace Ansible to keep the project secret. (because, y'know, the whole brewing Unification War thing.) The fact that no one knew what happened on Miranda already indicates there was a huge information blackout about the planet anyway - you're not going to keep thirty million people from communicating with their friends and families across the 'Verse without some kind of blanket comms blackout anyway. If they made regular information drops about the progress of the Pax, bu then that information drop started to cease, then they'd likely send an investigation team to find out what was going on, and then.... The scientist in the recording was there to observe the experiment. It was well after the Pax was released, and she was neither asleep nor Reavery, and she knew the details (at least in broad strokes) of the experiment well enough to describe to whoever found her recording. Of course there was. The Alliance bosses had an awfully complete report about the results of experiment. It was complete enough to give River (who read these bosses memories) nightmares. Apparently there were crews that escaped the planet and somebody should have monitored from the orbit. However, their reports were classified and all those people were silenced one way or another. Any surveillance left on Miranda were destroyed by Reapers. What's wrong with "the Pax"? If you mean the name, then I'd actually argue that calling it the Pax was a nice touch. It sounds sinister, means peace, has connections to the Roman Empire idea of the same name, and is overall a very ironic industrial name for the chemical. The chemical name itself just SCREAMS Bad For You, too, Paxilon is an actual name for a herbicide (as in crop dusting). Hydrochloride is a salt used in anti-depressants. Methinks Joss was sneaking in some social commentary and modern day conspiracy theory stuff here. If memory serves, the Train Job mentions that every planet's terraforming project has a little quirk to it due to the makeup of the original atmosphere. Miranda's quirk+ Pax = millions dead and thousands of Reavers. The Pax' effectiveness was not the sole purpose of the test. What was really being observed was the ability to diffuse the said substance in a planetary scale. That meant a ton of logistics, preservation and distribution to be conducted.      Mandarin  So, if everyone speaks bad Mandarin as a pillow langauge, and if China is the source for one of the two surviving cultures, why are there no Asian characters with speaking parts? With such a diverse bunch, you'd expect to see a few. There is a subtle implication that interbreeding at some point in the past became fairly common, especially in the Alliance (Simon and River's last name is Tam, Atherton Wing is another example of an ostensibly Caucasian person with an Asian surname), but more than likely, Joss had ideas for this to happen sooner or later and something got in the way. Also, just because they're one of the two surviving cultures doesn't mean they're necessarily going to be prevalent, unless you want to enforce some sort of equality. But if Chinese culture is not prevalent in the Firefly 'verse, why do the cast pepper their conversation with Mandarin? I mean, it's pretty obvious from how badly they speak it that formal tuition was not involved. Maybe there's another side of the 'Verse our characters don't visit where everyone speaks perfect Mandarin and crappy English, and our characters never go there because their Mandarin is so crappy. So... all the planets settled by the surviving American culture on one side, and all the planets settled by the surviving Chinese culture on the other? That could make some sense if the two survivor cultures had some kind of power sharing agreement in place before they became fully, ah, Allied. Pretty much, that's the case. Londinium and Sihnon were settled by the Americans and the Chinese, respectively, and are the primary Core worlds of the Alliance. As a result, there's a notable mixture yet separation of the two cultures. I imagine the Firefly 'verse as a giant Canada: Founded by two cultures (French and British —> Chinese and American) and officially bicultural with laws requiring both languages on most packaging and labels, but with huge swaths of dirt(e.g. anywhere west of Manitoba) where one of the cultures is barely seen. Yeah, but how much do English-speaking Canadians habitually sprinkle their conversation with French? Not at all in my experience. More like the polar opposite of China, where people speak Mandarin or some dialect thereof, the young people habitually sprinkle their conversation with poorly pronounced English, many signs have both Chinese and English, and yet there are hardly any Western people. Of course, besides Simon and Inara the crew's English ain't so good neither. We're just more familiar with it, so the hypothetical other side of the universe would speak somewhat-less-than-perfect-but-understandable Mandarin and bad English. Also, the DVD Commentary on "Shindig" points out that the writers made an effort to mix in Asian names to characters regardless of how they were actually cast (Atherton Wing, for example, the Tams are also specifically cited in the commentary) in order to imply interbreeding and mixing between them. Yeah, but that was a pretty obvious attempt at an Author's Saving Throw given the casting. None of the actors involved look the slightest bit East Asian. Apparently, the character of Kaylee was originally meant to be Asian, but when the actress auditioned they decided to go with her. For as much as I love the show, however, I have to agree that they could have done a much better job with when dealing with the subject of cultural and racial diversity. As it sits, the whole facet comes off as appropriating the "foreign, mysterious ways of the Orient". In Canada the French speaking population lives in one region, the English speaking in others. However, people in those regions still use words from the other's language. Perhaps the Chinese speaking populace have their own planets, or mostly their own...? One fallacy in this argument is that they are speaking bad Mandarin. That's just non-native speakers failing to parrot a very tonal language. In universe, their Mandarin is perfect. Most likely, there was a lot of interbreeding going on, so there aren't as many distinctively Asian people. Look at people that are only half-Asian. They are an obvious mix of their lineage. Europeans are so intermixed that you can't differentiate geographic origins by features. I am not sure why this bothers people so much, my native language had a lot of intermingling with Arabic, Persian, and French. Most of the words are poorly pronounced, or pronounced in a way that is closer to the underlying language than the language they are taken from. Also, very little of the populace looks Arabic or Persian (or French, for that matter).      Mal's Age  Mal's apparent age. Especially in the pilot, he really comes off as being significantly older than the actor portraying him. I mean, he's a war vet, and the sort of war vet who still digs the principle involved, he's got the whole seasoned experienced respected smuggler vibe going on, and even his speech patterns kinda peg him as something of a grizzled old-timer. Is it just a case of Executive Meddling with the casting or what? Mal is supposed to be significantly older than he looks. He's actually 51 years old. I blame really advanced medical technology. Doesn't even have to be widely available today, either. Maybe back on Earth-that-was, people started monkeying around with genetics a bit? If so, then you'd expect some people to still be carrying the longevity genes their distant ancestors had engineered into their slightly less distant ancestors. In 1900, Life expectancy was 48.One hundred years late, it is double that.I'm not quite sure how much in the future Firefly is set but why can't humanity just have kept moving up the graph,therefore making 51 rather young? Flawed statistic. People do live longer on average nowadays, but life expectancy went up mostly because A LOT of people used to die young. As a general rule, if you lived past sixteen, your chances of dying of old age were almost as good as they are now. Saying that though, medical advancements explanation seems to fit best. You can give better medical treatment and extend the life expectancy, but the problem is that really doesn't affect the RATE at which people age. To change the rate of aging, you'd need telomerase therapy. I dunno if they'd have that out on the Rim on Shadow. Plus, Mal doesn't seem 20 years older than Zoe (her given birthdate in the movie extras), and he also doesn't seem ONLY 8 years younger than Book (2460 is what I recall the movie extras gave, but I'm less certain here). I've always thought maybe Mal's birthyear was juxtaposed, and his birthyear is really 2486 instead of 2468. After all, the Alliance did spell his name wrong. In the case of the rate of aging, I have two words: Time Dilation. When travelling at high speeds, which is always the case in space travel, time seems to slow down. So it could be possible that Mal is 51 but seems younger than Book because his relative time passed slower. Or maybe it's a case of difference of reckoning between planets. He'd still only age by the amount of time that he's spent in his subjective reference frame, so it wouldn't explain him having an "older" personality (though it might explain old-fashioned attitudes and speech patterns.) According to the Lorentz transformation, if Serenity spent its time taking 2 week long trips from one end of the 'verse to the other going about 1/3 of lightspeed, with half of the time spent accelerating or decelerating to that speed, the travel would seem to the crew to take 1.4 times as long. Seven years times 1.4 is 9.8 years. Mal would mentally be only 2.8 years older than he looks. There's a much simpler explanation for this: He was on the losing side of a bitter and bloody civil war tends to induce premature ageing, then spent several years scraping a meagre living hauling freight, doing little better than breaking even except when they resort to outright theft; by the Big Damn Movie they've been reduced to armed robbery. That would leave anyone aged beyond their years. Could be that Mal and Book are similar age. Mal used to be from a wealthy family, while Book was a thug in his youth. If Mal's family had genetic manipulation in the past as one suggested above, his telomarese could be deteriorating at a much slower rate as a genetic trait. The Tams could be similar.      Artificial Gravity in "Out Of Gas"  In "Out of Gas", when the Serenity's life support is failing—no oxygen, freezing temperatures—the ship's artificial gravity still works. I realize it would have been much more difficult and expensive to make it look like there was no gravity, but a handwave at it would have been nice. The ship's atmosphereic processor may be out, but that doesn't mean the power is out. The lights, transmitters, etc. are still working, so why shouldn't the gravity be working too? Besides, in Those Left Behind we can see the exact opposite situation, where a ship has no gravity but the atmospheric processor is still working. Quite clearly, they are redundant systems that don't fail if unrelated systems go offline, which is just good engineering. What bothers me about it is that canon and non-canon sources have shown that the main drive controls the gravity systems. The gravity systems are PART of the Gravitic Pulse Drive. If the grav was workin' then logically, the pulse drive should too so they could've pulsed to an orbit and then been towed in. Maybe, however, it was a matter of power. There was enough to power artificial grav, but not enough to rev up the pulse drive. Perhaps backup power? Again, the ship still had lights and all other systems working except propulsion and atmosphere, so perhaps there was backup power or capacitors or something maintaining the gravity systems. It would make sense, if you consider that the Firefly-class ship is designed to run forever and be extremely durable. It seems strange that they would have backup power for artificial gravity but not for life support. The artificial gravity systems weren't damaged like the life support systems were. The catalyzer thingamabob was what was needed to get the life support systems running again. From what I gathered, each system has a backup system that runs off its own backup power supply. The main systems run off the main reactor. When the main reactor went down, it took the main systems with it, but the backups kicked in - except the backup life support was damaged when the engine blew. The rest of the ship's systems are working on backups, but the life support isn't.      Jayne's Injuries During the Reaver Chase  In in the movie when the Reavers were chasing Mal, Zoe, Jayne and River out of the town and shoot Jayne in the leg, causing him to have to hang onto the craft, how come he didn't get any injury beyond the obvious spike-through-the-leg? Surely he would have at least dislocated one or more of his limbs as it seems that with the whole wieght of the Reaver craft pulling him back they could have torn his leg off. Jayne is just that gorram tough. Made of Iron , etc. Also, the Reavers wouldn't have wanted to tear his leg off; they want him alive when they eat him, remember. Don't forget the raping. The whole weight of the Reaver craft wasn't pulling him back; that would imply that Jayne was literally dragging the entire ship by his leg. The pulley mechanism that launches the spears was what was pulling him back; the craft itself was still speeding forwards, trying to reach the mule. It's like launching a fishing line from the back of a pickup truck into the car next to you; the similar momentum of the two vehicles means that the line doesn't need to be strong enough to pull the entire car, just the item you snagged.      The Other Academy Test Subjects  In the pilot, Simon mentions that River's letter/code boiled down to, "They're hurting us." This and other clues indicate that there were probably multiple teenagers being subjected to the same sort of experiments that River was. Why does the crew never seem to worry or even think about those unfortunate enough to not have a Simon? In the opening of Serenity, the project director that Simon is talking to is boasting about River as if she's the only exhibit he has that's worth showing off to, or even mentioning to, the higher-ups. The simplest presumption is that by the time Simon was able to infiltrate the facility, River is the only one still alive or not a complete vegetable. Because its a big 'Verse and they're small people. It might bother them that the Alliance is experimenting on children like this, but what the hell can they do about it? They have no real proof, and even if they did, who are they going to go to? Also, it's not like they can just walk in to the Academy like Simon did, what with every gorram one of them (with the possible exception of Inara) being wanted fugitives. In the River Tam Session recordings, it was implied that at least one subject died when the surgeon cut too deeply into his brain. But it's also possible that the underground group that Simon got help from was planning on rescuing them as well (either out of the goodness of their hearts or to simply screw up the Alliance's plans), which could explain how they were able to hook him up to get to River. Simon simply would have paid them to move his rescue of River to the top of the list.      Why Was Serenity Valley So Important?  Why would one valley (Serenity Valley) on one planet (Hera) make such a difference in an interplanetary war? I can understand Mal undergoing a Heroic B.S.O.D. from not getting any backup and losing everyone originally under his command except Zoe (The pilot episode, the movie and a deleted DVD scene between Zoe and Simon). But how did it lead to the Browncoats' defeat? We learn in "Bushwacked" that the Independents suffered a "crushing defeat" at Serenity Valley, but how did it end the war and lead to unification of the planet? Even if Hera was strategically important, how would one valley mean the difference of which side controlled the planet? The battlefield of Waterloo is one square mile. Whatever the truth of history, the popular perception is that one day in that little valley determined the entire shape of Europe for the next century. This is on a much smaller scale, of course — but what are the effects of losing a major battle? The Independents would have been severely demoralised by a major defeat. If — as seems apparent — they took incredibly high casualties (Mal's unit would be about 99 per cent), their army would have been destroyed as a fighting force. They probably had multiple armies, but spread over multiple worlds. So having their army so thoroughly annihilated at Serenity could have cost them the planet, and the planet could have been strategically key. Alternately, that could have just been the turning point of the war. The Browncoats' Gettysburg, at which it began to look like their defeat was guaranteed. As said above, a single battle in a single location could turn the tide of an entire war if it is strategically valuable enough. See: Stalingrad. In Hera's case, the planet provided strategic access to the Georgia system, which opened up half of the Rim to the Alliance. Without topographical maps of Hera, we don't know how valuable Serenity Valley is to the overall campaign, though it is worth pointing out that the Independents surrendered before Serenity Valley was lost. For example, let's take a hypothetical invasion of Earth. Assume strong anti-air/anti-orbital defenses, so surface topography is important and combat has to be waged overland, like it apparently was during the battle for Hera. There are at least two points on Earth that would be absolutely critical in any land war: Sanai Peninsula and Panama. Control of those two choke points could deny a land invasion access to entire continents. That's not even taking into account resources, population centers, logistics train, and locations of various forces. Its entirely possible that Serenity Valley could have been entirely useless strategically except that it would have provided Alliance or Browncoat troops access to the enemy's flanks or allowed a breakthrough into an otherwise strategically important location. One thing that seems to hold true in the Firefly 'verse is that people aren't getting smarter (well, except River). History now a days often likes to look at the past and make broad sweeping statements. Almost every war you examine will have a single battle that "turned the tides" or "made defeat inevitable", sometimes years before the war even ends. It seems likely to me that the same is done in the 'verse. Serenity Valley was a devastating lost, and one that - in hindsight - clearly marked the defeat of the Browncoats. I'm willing to bet that if we ever heard of the original settlers who came from Earth-That-Was, they were all noble, brave, sober, and couldn't even cut down a tree without being forced to tell their father. In the aforementioned deleted scene, Zoe mentions that they were dying for (I forget how long) in Serenety Valley while a peace was being negotiated. Wouldn't that tend to indicate that Serenety Valley was the straw that broke the camel's back, the point at which Browncoat "leaders" decided they had lost and finally came to terms? It might not have been important territorially. Many decisive battles have been fought over unimportant ground. Serenity is referenced as being important because of the casualties the Independents took, roughly two thirds of their force. Very few armies can survive as a force in being after taking 67% casualties. Think of it like Gettysburg. The location itself was unimportant, just the place where the two armies happened to collide. It was the loss of so many troops that made it a crushing defeat for the confederates, they lost just over a quarter of their army, and were only able to keep up the fight for a little over a year longer. Imagine two thirds of the army having been destroyed. The Union would have been in Richmond in days. The Independents were already losing the war, its possible that the forces committed to the fight at Serenity represented some of their last combat worthy units, after losing that fight, they simply did not have the military might necessary to win or even force a draw.      "The wind blows northerly...."  Okay, so when Mal says "the wind blows northerly, I go north" — given that a northerly wind is a wind from the north, and would normally drive you south, is he misunderstanding and trying to say he follows the wind, or is he asserting his contrary nature in a surprisingly subtle way? I always assumed the latter, but it's recently been pointed out to me that there's no reason to assume Mal knows anything about meterology. I believe he was saying that if the wind blows to the north, he goes with it. He just picked the wrong order of words to express this in. Right. Mal isn't exactly what you'd consider a pillar of correct usage of the English language. I'd go with the contrary nature cloaked by Cowboy English - let's face it, he deliberately wears a brown coat in Alliance-friendly bars on Unification Day. He could be using "northerly" to mean "toward the north" — it's a perfectly acceptable definition. It's just more commonly used the other way; a northerly is a wind from the north, while a northerly, say, journey could be to or from the north. He said "if the wind blows northerly, I go North" NOT "if it's a Northerly wind, I go North". Firstly, it's more poetical than the more nautically correct "Wind blows Northerly, I go South," which, while it expresses what actually happens in a sailing vessel unless one tacks or wears against the wind, doesn't really express Mal's thoughts at the moment. Second, Mal is from a ranching world, not an ocean world, so I doubt he knows the correct expression in any case; therefore it's arguably in character. Third, how much of the audience knows the correct expression either? Tropers excepted, but we are a nitpickin' lot.      Vera and Oxygen  In Our Mrs Reynolds Jayne mentions that Vera needs oxygen around her to fire. This doesn't make sense. Firearm propellants in use today provide their own oxygen. They can fire quite well in atmosphere or hard vacuum. Why evolve a technology to the point where it loses a capability that would be very useful in a spacefaring culture? This statement becomes more confusing when Jayne fires the gun in burst mode after the spacesuit was breached and Vera was in hard vacuum. One, Vera was specially modded and presumably this turned her into a bit of a diva. Two, it wasn't a hard vacuum yet, a fraction of a second after a bullethole appeared in the helmet. After Jayne shot the net he would have had to shift his point of aim to hit the carrion ship's bridge. The suit would have evacuated virtually instantaneously after Jayne's first shot. Vera would definitely have been in hard vacuum by the time Jayne established his aim on the bridge. Nope, you're using the movie version of decompression, where everyone apparently has their oxygen set to a billion PSI. This comic and the comments below it demonstrate decompression and how dangerous it actually is. Assuming that the suit wasn't puffed up taut like a balloon (it clearly wasn't) and assuming it still had oxygen flowing into it (obviously it would) and assuming that the oxygen was flowing in fairly close to the parts Vera needed oxygen around (because why not), no reason Jayne shouldn't be able to fire two shots. Also, remember that this is futuretech; Vera may use a different method of firing that is dependent on oxygen. Here's an easy answer: Jayne was wrong about it. He got his facts mixed up, and ended up just breaking a suit for no good reason. Simple as that. Joss even admitted he was wrong about this point, so no reason Jayne couldn't be too. I'll buy Joss being wrong, but Jayne being wrong is trickier; the guy eats, breaths, and sleeps weapons. He knows more about firearms than anyone else on the ship. Maybe Jayne never had the opportunity/need to fire Vera in a vacuum, and he didn't think it would work. Remember, he took it off a guy who was trying to kill him, so he probably didn't get the operating manual to go with it. He didn't know if Vera would fire without oxygen, and he didn't want to be out there and have her fail on him. Better to play it safe and definitively say that she absolutely would not fire without oxygen, hoping that the rest of the crew would trust their weapons expert, rather than getting into a debate over firearm mechanics when the entire crew is about to die. Or maybe Vera uses liquid based lubricants and would likely jam without pressure. Having solid chunks of frozen oil inside the mechanism might have stopped Vera dead, but by firing it before pressure is lost, the oil might have been hot enough to vaporize instead. thus jam free. Oxygen might have been slang for pressure. Close, except for one little detail . It's not that the lubrication would freeze, it's that it would flash evaporate. Hard vacuum does strange things to liquids, which is why NASA and other space agencies use specialized lubrication designed to work in hard vacuum for equipment that would be exposed to said vacuum. Alternately, Vera, like many modern-day weapons, is air-cooled, and would risk overheating (possibly catastrophically) in a vacuum. As far as shooting a hole and depressurizing the suit, there may have been enough air stored in the suit's tanks to keep air flowing over Vera long enough to serve whatever purpose the design needed air around the gun for. Ok, some *very* rough back-of-envelope calculations with a asston of assumptions (Vera leave a .50 cal hole, the air in the suit is STP, the volume of the suit is the average volume of a human body, and the space outside the suit is a hard vacuum) it would take a minimum of 3.3 seconds for the air to completely drain (it would really take longer, but I'm not in the mood for calculus right now). The only problem with those assumptions is there must have been some breach in the suit before he fired unless there's some kind of air-tight seal in the ass area of one suit that seals around the arm of another suit (if there is I really don't want to know ). There would have had to have been a constant supply of new oxygen to keep enough in the suit to fire. That would mean a potentially infinite (if the air is being forced in faster than it's draining) time to fire. Anyways, the point was it actually take a fairly long time to decompress. For example, under the same circumstances, a 20'x20' room with a 9' ceiling would take almost a minute and a half to decompress though a .50 hole.      Inara's Shuttle in "Our Mrs. Reynolds"  In Our Mrs Reynolds Saffron disables the ship and flies off in a shuttle, leaving the ship very precisely aimed at a wrecking ring, with the navigation shut off. Why couldn't they just use Inara's shuttle to give a quick burn and change their course? Given that Safron's shuttle had enough fuel to move one shuttle to the nearest planet, Inara's must have had enough fuel to move one shuttle+one firefly a short distance. If Saffron knows enough about shuttles and ships to disable Serenity like she did, it would be reasonable to assume that she was able to override/lockdown any shuttle from the bridge. Also, when a shuttle is locked in place beside the ship, its engines are actually partially locked inside the hull. They couldn't use Inara's shuttle because Saffron flew off in it. Saffron takes the second shuttle, not Inara's. Inara just happens to be leaving that one because her cortex shorted (thanks to Saffron) and went to see if it was working in the second shuttle. They did, in fact, still have one shuttle still docked. My only guess as to why they couldn't power it up to change their trajectory is that the shuttle simply did not have enough power, or is docked/programed in such a way that it has to disconnect before it can fire up it's engines. I'm pretty sure that when we see the shuttle detach, Serenity unlatches before the engines click on. Alternatively, I suppose everyone is too busy fuming, panicking, or trying not to act drugged to think up that solution. Although, now that you bring it up, I wonder why Mal didn't tell everyone else to get on the shuttle and detach. I mean, what if his plan failed? At least then the rest of the crew would have survived, instead of leaving them all to fry. Maybe at the time he panicked a little, so that only occurred to Mal later, after it was already over. Then later on he used the idea in Out of Gas, an example of not making the same mistake twice. Let's look at the situation; Saffron sabotaged Inara's shuttle. Her goal in doing so was to strand the Serenity crew onboard so they couldn't follow her, and so they would all die so that they couldn't come after her/spread the word about her. Presumably she did enough of a number on the shuttle so that there was no way they could use it to escape. Even if they detach it, it will essentially function as a floating coffin, leaving the crew to either drift inside until they starve/suffocate or until Saffron's friends come and shoot out a window to vent it so they can sell it as salvage. "Out of gas" is not a good example because they can use both shuttle's engines to fly away, something which Saffron would have made sure to take care of if she wanted not witnesses. Good point. In the very least Saffron would probably be able to make the shuttles unable to undock from the bridge. According to Inara, she also shut down their Cortex connection so they couldn't call for help, which might also affect ship functionality and start up. In "Out of Gas" its stated that the shuttles only support four people (five if they push it). The life support systems probably couldn't support all nine crew members. Plus Mal ain't about to give up his gorram ship without putting up a fight. The shuttles can't give a burn to turn the ship while they're docked because the shuttles' propulsion systems are mostly underneath them and face towards the ship when docked. Also the Firefly class almost certainly isn't built for that sort of thing and it's entirely likely that if they tried it would probably alter their course, certainly, but in the process destroy at best a major part of the ship's hull and at worst destroy the shuttle and completely scuttle the ship.      Fonts  The most minor of things, but I had a "hey, wait a minute..." moment about this while I was watching "Serenity" last night. They're umpty-hundred years into the future, they have technology that can rebuild planets, all people to be used as living organ carriers, and make space travel about as common as air travel is now...and they still have an ugly-ass late 20th century font like Papyrus around? And use it in things like a ship's nametag? I guess one could say that yes, yes they do and it's just Mal's choice to use it, but it strikes me as being kind of froofy for him. Maybe it's retro-cool? Or Mal just has no taste? Could be worse. Could be Comic Sans.      Sound in Space  In Serenity, when they enter the space around Miranda with all the reavers and the spotlight comes on, you hear the sound of the light switching on. Yes, I know it is a dramatic sound effect, but they were consistent about the no sound in space thing for every other episode in Firefly and even for everything prior to that in the movie. If you watch it again, it is not a sound effect, it is part of the soundtrack. The sound is of drums, not a light switching on.      The Operative's Violent Tendencies  Here's one. Why does someone as clever as The Operative is suppossed to be indulge in such mass slaughter. I thought his philosophy was not to avoid killing but rather not to kill if his mission is not advanced. How does this advance his mission? His mission was to cover up Miranda and surely doing things like this would make people kind of curious. Even the spacers on the ships assigned to destroy all those people would have at least someone who remembered and in any case they didn't kill everyone(I know, people will do a lot of things especially once they've already incriminated themselves; that isn't the point, the point is that every one was at least a potential and unnecessary witness). Wouldn't it have been better to simply hunt the Tams down personally? It's not so much that it seems to evil for him. It's that it seems to sloppy for him and so out of character. Did you not even pay attention during the movie? Mal was protecting River, and Mal was hiding. "If your quarry goes to ground, leave no ground to go to." Mal was hiding among his associates, so the Operative killed his associates so he couldn't hide. And the crews conducting the raids were clearly Alliance special forces, and thus the kind of people who would do this thing routinely. Yes I did pay attention to the movie and it still seems sloppy to me. It's like those contrived hit men like the Jackal that kill a ridiculous number of people even though there can always be one that can get away. It was out of character for the Operative-like killing people for the sin of pride with a crowbar instead of a sword. There was just as much probability of making a more elegant kill with a little patience. You seem to have the Operative confused with a spy. Yes, spies generally work with a scalpel rather than a broadsword (pun not intended), but that's because they have to maintain complete or near complete secrecy. The Operative works almost completely in the open, has complete access to government files, and can take over command of Alliance fleets. While the Captain of the fleet and the lead scientist may not know who he is, they know exactly what he is and how much power he has. When there are no consequences to your actions, you don't have to worry about them. And there's just as much probability that Mal could have used any of those places to hide and escape further. Destroying them gives Mal nowhere to run. Except Miranda, but the Operative didn't know about Miranda. The only way there could be 'nowhere to run' is if the Operative destroys all of humanity. I doubt Parliament would be overenthusiastic, seeing as they at least want someone to rule over. Uh, no? Mal can't run to the Core, and he has lots of enemies in the Rim and Border. Killing his allies gives him less places to hide. He can certainly still try to hide, but without his contacts he's stuck in a sea of strangers, mercenaries, thieves, and people who want to ventilate him. In any case how in the world does the alliance learn all their contacts in the first place? Information control. The Alliance has a lot of information; just look at how quickly they found Inara following learning who Mal is. Remember, they fired off at least six decoy beacons to various points. Following all the beacons could certainly point the Alliance in the right direction. Er...no, the six decoy beacons were just heading in random directions to lead them off. Why would you program a decoy to someplace you might go later? I think he meant that they follow all of the nav-sat trajectories. Because one of them actually is Serenity. Yeah, but he only had one ship there. Presumably, there's a range past which you can't track navsat, and by the time any other ships got there, the navsats would be out of range. Mal knows his ship. I think he just shut down the real beacon. It's a capital crime, but given the amount of crap he is in already... However, if Alliance checked their logs for records of Serenity nav-sat trajectories for past years, they won't have any problems finding Mal's allies. The Two Blue Hands were charged with killing everyone that spoke to River, I suppose it's possible that the Operative had a similar order put out. The people we see dead are people that saw River in action or know her enough to possibly have figured out that something wasn't entirely right about her.      River and the Academy  Why was River accepted into the Academy in the first place? Surely they knew that a family as influential as the Tams might have someone to go Papa Wolf or Mama Bear about it in a dangerous way-they were afraid even of Simon. Besides all that, most ruling classes exclude their own kind from that kind of thing as Even Bad Men Love Their Mamas . While Real Life counterparts to the Academy have existed(like the Jannisaries which were less hard on the patients but not on the families who saw their sons disappear), usually those were composed of people whose families could be ignored. By comparison, how many high-ranking Germans were really sent to a camp unless they were actual enemies of the regime or suspected of such? Didn't most just have their Aryan credentials fixed if necessary? River is implied to already have had Reader powers before she went to the Academy in the R. Tam Sessions. It is also implied that Readers are rare. That's reason enough. Not to mention that while Simon may have gone after her, her parents didn't seem to care (or were in on the whole concept) And Simon had to spend his entire fortune to find River, ruining his life, in what the Academy doctors considered "madness." They clearly didn't believe Simon would go that far to save River. There's also the fact that the Alliance appears to have developed a cultural emphasis on "making things better" whether or not the ones on the receiving end of the "better" want it or not. That's the entire reason the Unification War started, and the R. Tam Sessions indicate that its the belief of the Academy doctors and the Alliance government that what they do there is for the better of mankind as a whole. From that perspective, it might have been considered worth the risk to use the scion of a wealthy family if she has latent psychic powers. One theory I've heard and find very plausible is that the Tams are in a lot deeper than is explicitely shown on the show. When you think about it, it is strange for one couple to have two unusually brilliant children (because let's not forget the fact that Simon is a genius in his own right, even if River's mental skills overshadow his somewhat). It's entirely possible that people like River were 'bred' specifically for this purpose. The Tams' reaction to Simon's attempts to convince them that River is in big trouble, and their efforts to keep Simon far away from the Academy, are a little strange to say the least. To back up your point, the shooting script from "Safe" implies a certain level of knowledge on the part of the father, at the very least. There are hints that he knows he has pretty much sold out his daughter, possibly to protect his son. Couple that with the fact the first scene, and think of how much more interest Father Tam places on Simon's potential. Surely he must have noticed that his daughter was a freaking genius, but never once does he make any mention of possible careers or her future while constantly reinforcing that Simon is/will be a well-off, prominent doctor. Since we only have a few scenes dealing with Simon's parents it's almost impossible to say how involved they were in River's "education", but unless Word Of God says otherwise, I think it's safe to assume they knew something was up, at the very least. The shooting script is pretty open to interpretation, it could also suggest the parent Tams are also worried about River, but too afraid to do anything or they might even have been outright threatened. Also not that rare for the same set of parents to have multiple unusually smart children, it's part nature and part nurture. River volunteered to enter the program. The Alliance probably figured that once they got a hold of her, it wouldn't be too difficult to hide the fact that she was being experimented on. After all, it was implied that they had other supergenius subjects being held there and there weren't many signs of the scientists worrying about their families wanting them back.      River as Evidence of the Alliance's Misdeeds  Okay, here's something in Serenity that just occurred to me the other day: In the last act of film, Mal decides that he's going to get the recording they found on Miranda out to the public no matter what. Okay, I can buy that. He's been pushed pretty far at this point in the film, he's a decent guy overall, he has no reason to do the Alliance any favors. But at the same time, haven't they already been carrying around evidence of the Alliance's callous shenanigans with them the whole time? You know, River? Is it just the scale of what happened on Miranda, or the crap the Operative had been inflicting on them, that made him care so much about this particular thing when he didn't ever previously seem to feel the need to go all Warn the People about the government snatching and breaking children? He's a Big Damn Hero, sure, but it strikes me as a little inconsistent that he would care so much about one horror and not really at all about the other. Well, it may be more of a matter of capability over the outright "value" of the horror involved. Mal simply can't do anything with River. All she is is an insane person with vague, erratic psychic powers with no actual proof to link her to the Alliance beyond Simon's own testimony - which is not going to be enough to implicate a government. Miranda, on the other hand, has proof - millions of bodies, and entire world destroyed, years of cannibal rape pirates rampaging about, etc. Mal can prove that they were behind that. He really can't prove anything regarding River. There's also the issue of information control. The Alliance can control information quite well, so attempting to spread word of River with no demonstrable proof of what happened to her is destined for failure. It isn't until Mal has demonstrable proof that he can openly transmit across the entire 'Verse at once before the Alliance can squelch it that he has a chance to expose their crimes. Wouldn't deliberately exposing River to use as a propaganda tool against the alliance be rather like Schindler taking a Jewish girl, driving around with a bullhorn and yelling through it "Listen up! Nazis ain't nice!" Any chance River or Simon are going to be enthusiastic about the idea? It's worse then using her for a bank robbery. Also, I think that one of the major themes of the movie is that at the start, Mal is still simply self-centered and focused on himself and his crew. "I just want to go my way." It isn't until the Operative outright murders one of his family and destroys settlements filled with his friends that Mal is really galvanized into action. What we're seeing in the movie is a full swing with Mal's character arc - he starts out the Battle of Serenity as an idealistic fighter struggling against the Alliance, he collapses into an angry, tired, selfish thief just trying to avoid getting into trouble, and finally swings back around into the righteous warrior he was years ago. That's fairly realistic Character Development . I think one of the strongest moments in the film is when Mal is giving his Rousing Speech to the crew, and talks about the Alliance making people "better" - and he stops and looks down at River. I always felt that there was a huge amount of unspoken communication in that short look, as if Mal was apologizing to River for never fighting for her, and at the same time saying "this is for you, too." The whole mini-crusade Mal goes on isn't just for the people of Miranda, its also for River. "We had this girl in protective custody before her brother kidnapped her. As you can see from these tapes, she has random outbursts of violence and has on one occasion killed a psychologist during an interview. Her brother also suffers from paranoia and an unhealthy sexual obsession with his sister, being convinced (according to their father, respected physician Doctor Tam) that she was encoding secret messages to him." It probably wouldn't have been too hard for the Alliance to cover up any involvement they had with River. Her parents had pretty much disowned her and Simon so no chance of them verifying anything. They had the brain damage, but it would probably be possible for them to say that someone else did it, even if they weren't able to just hush up any notions of performing a detailed examination of her (without which, she'd just be a crazy girl who couldn't even give a detailed account of what happened to her). In the case of Miranda, they had a lot of bodies and the recording from one of the scientists, openly admitting to exactly what happened. Going from this, it would actually be REMARKABLY easy to explain away the brain damage. All they have to do is throw Simon under the bus. If they repaint him as an obsessed kidnapper who is manipulating his sister out of either jealousy of her potential future or a perverse desire for her that makes him unwilling to be apart from her, then all they need to do is remind people that Simon Tam is a surgeon, and would be fully capable of performing the operation in question. Hell, play their cards right, and they can send Simon to jail forever for everything they did to River, while simultaneously winning custody to bring her back home to the Academy, "where she belongs".      "Earth That Was"?  I've hardly seen more than ten minutes of Firefly at a time, but even so, I have to ask: why, why do they call Earth " Earth That Was ", instead of something more natural like "Old Earth" or just plain "Earth"? I can't see or hear the phrase "Earth That Was" without thinking of Stan talking about "the Before Time" on South Park , or Miri's "the Before Time, in the Long Long Ago" on Star Trek , or the kids in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome talking about the apocalypse. In those cases, it's because they're children with a limited vocabulary, trying to describe things that they only dimly understand. But future humans have plenty of words to work with and they're adults, so why are they using that kind of muppet-babies language? Is it a literal translation of a Chinese term they use for Earth that I just haven't come across yet? Is it Joss Whedon being Joss Whedon? Why, why, I have to know! Because there's countless phrases in the modern lexicon that don't terribly make a lot of sense that are used to refer to old places or times, e.g. The Middle Ages. All it takes is a phrase or word that sticks and people run with. "Earth That Was" doesn't sound terribly out of place to me - to the point that its a trope. The quasi-poetic feel to it may be because it's actually from a poem. Many modern day words and phrases were either invented or popularized by Shakespeare and are still in use, despite the rules of grammar and so forth having changed significantly since the Elizabethan era. All you need is a playwright or a poet or someone describing "Our numbers were many, our graces were few | Our senses dulled by din and buzz | Our verdant home a duller hue | No longer our home, that Earth That Was." Hmm, that's not a bad idea. I think I can save my sanity a little by just assuming "Earth that Was" gained traction through something like that, a poem or popular phrase that present-day viewers just don't know the context for. It definitely feels that way when Saffron says it. She uses "Earth-That-Was" in context of mythology. In fact, I think there are a few mentions of legends regarding the Earth. It could be that it's simply become mythologized, and "Earth-That-Was" has a more mythical feel to it, something originated in stories and fables rather than real life. The-Earth-That-Was pretty much sums up that it's well in the past and something bad happened in any instance of it's use. I mean, what would happen if they explained Earth was ruined in a certain episode someone missed and then they went back to talking about it like it was just plain Earth? Wouldn't have the same easy to access oompf and understanding. I never thought of the poetic reasoning, but it does sound good. Mostly I just assumed that when they eventually found their new home they called one of the planets Earth like their old home and refer to their old home as Earth That Was since they used the same name for the new planet.      River After "Ariel"  Anyone else bugged by everyone's reaction to River after "Ariel"? Yeah, Jayne's not well liked, and she is crazy, but she tried to kill a crewmate in cold blood and suffers no repercussions. Given this is the "You turn on any of my crew, you turn on me" episode, it seems off. Tried to kill a crewman in cold blood? If she'd wanted to kill Jayne, she could have - all she did was slash him across the chest with a relatively shallow cut. She could have done a lot more damage. And no repurcussions? "She's to stay confined to her room at all times. You take her to the infirmary, the kitchen, you come to me first, understand?" This appears to be fully in effect in that episode, as the only times we see her on the ship outside of Mal's presence, she's confined to her room. There's also the fact that she's mentally unstable, so Mal seems willing to forgive quite a bit for that, and its quite clear throughout the series that he has a very soft spot for her. Also, a major part of "Ariel" is that Simon is finally developing a real treatment for River, which comes out in the subsequent episode, and it makes sense that Mal would lessen up on River if she starts mentally improving. There's also the issue that Jayne betrayed them, and Mal developing his suspicions about River's powers, which might give Mal a good idea of why River may have attacked him. Mal being "soft" on River is definitely a consistent part of his character. Note how he treats her in the movie. He brings her back on the ship even after she goes on a psychotic rampage, though he takes steps to confine her, which matches his reaction to her violent outburst in "Ariel" - she's effectively locked in her room and Mal gives Simon a stern reminder of what his responsibilities are. Mal does treat her differently than he does Jayne, but that's because while River's actions aren't really her fault due to her insanity, Jayne's were premeditated acts of betrayal. That's why Mal reacts so violently to Jayne. Once Simon's medications start taking hold, River is released in "War Stories." It's also worth noting that Mal is fairly lenient when it comes to attacks on Jayne in general. He didn't object to Simon drugging Jayne in "The Train Job" nor did he respond to Zoe actually drawing a weapon and threatening to shoot Jayne in the pilot. Both of them had good reason to turn on Jayne at those points in time. River's attack on Jayne was unprovoked, but not really her fault, so Mal had her locked up for the safety of the rest of the crew. As the above troper pointed out, Jayne's betrayal of the Tams was a premeditated act of treachery done solely for his own profit. There's a world of difference. Its the "diminished capacity" defense. Any other crewmember trying to kill a shipmate would be punished severely, but River can't be held responsible for her actions because she's batshit insane. Mal's deal with Simon is that for as long as Simon keeps patching up the crew, Simon and his mentally ill sister get free passage. Since Mal's agreed to keep a crazy person onboard, he's tacitly accepted that that's going to involve a certain amount of inconvenience. So long as Simon is making a good faith effort to keep River under control, the occasional lapse will be tolerated. Plus there is the fact that River is a girl, which sounds horrible but, well, let's face it. If Inara or Kaylee were to hit Jayne, I doubt either of them would face more than a talking to and, in Inara's case, some really underhanded comments. Hell, Mal doesn't even try to appear fair and balanced, and Jayne is definitely downward on his list of favorite people. Do you really think he would have thrown Zoe in the airlock for slashing at Jayne? River wasn't attacking Jayne, she was defacing his Blue Sun shirt. WHOA . That blew my mind right there. I actually went back and watched the scene the moment I read that comment, and you're 100% right. River even says right after, "He looks better in red." You think she's being 'morbid and creepifying,' going on about blood being 'pretty' or sumesuch, but what she means is she doesn't want to see him in Blue! You, sir or madam, are ruttin' brilliant. Still River was frickin' crazy and a potential danger. As Jayne said: What if it was Kaylee next, or Inara? What if Kaylee wore a Blue Sun tshirt? I think Mal was wrong on that one, and I really like River. What exactly is Mal going to do? He knows that she's mentally unstable, but at the same time she and her brother are victims of the Alliance and it is quite clear that despite his hardass and uncaring exterior, Mal is a good guy and simply tossing Simon and River off the ship would not sit well with him. So Mal aims for a compromise between security for his crew and his conscience regarding the two: River can stay in the ship but is confined to quarters up until she demonstrates she is not a danger anymore. And with Simon's development of drugs that improves her lucidity, she's released. If it had been anyone else on the crew who had worn the shirt, River could probably have restrained herself to something less... dramatic. Tearing it up later perhaps. Keep in mind that not only was she defacing the Blue Sun shirt, she was hurting Jayne, a man who had openly disliked and taunted her and her brother since they joined the crew, and was probably already thinking of selling Simon and River off to the feds, even if he hadn't decided on it yet. Also in that scene, at that moment, Simon and Jayne had just had an antagonistic interchange and Jayne was probably thinking some choice things about her big brother. Add to that that due to Mal's soft spot for her, she knew she could get away with it, and... Well, yes and no. She was defacing his Blue Sun shirt, but it's hard to say whether or not she would have done it to, say, Kaylee wearing that shirt, because Kaylee hadn't made a deal that would bring the Blue Suns down on her head. She was attacking "Jayne wearing a Blue Sun shirt", because Jayne had gone to bed with the Blue Suns, whether he knew it or not. "He looks better in red," is River's own incomprehensible admission that she wants to see Jayne stay a part of their crew, and not go down the road he'd started on. I read it as her having her berserk button of having her brother insulted, which Jayne just did.      Mal and the "Special Hell"  Book warns Mal about the 'special hell', and claims he'll end up there if he takes sexual advantage of Saffron. But Saffron is his wife. If there's a special hell for people who have sex with their wives (and people who talk at the theatre), it must be very crowded. Everyone is very much aware that Saffron's story involves her being married off as tribute and as an essential sexual slave to Mal. Book here is clearly meaning that if Mal takes advantage of her by forcing her into having nonconsensual sex by virtue of him being her husband and thus her having to do what he says, he's raping her. Whether or not she's his wife, if she doesn't give consent he is raping her. Note that at the beginning of the scene later on in Mal's bunk, Mal is of the same mind, and is refusing to have sex with Saffron because she seems to be implying she's doing it because it is expected of her. Mal's inhibitions and objections disappear once she gives consent. There's a difference between consensual sex between a husband and a wife, and a wife having sex with her husband because it is expected of her, whether she wants to or not and the husband knowingly taking advantage of that to force it out of her. Think about what you just wrote. Book said Mal would go to the "special hell" for taking sexual advantage of Saffron. Sounds like a hell-worthy trespass to me. "Taking sexual advantage of her" is more or less a cleaner and less crude way of saying "raping her." If she doesn't give knowing consent it's rape, and if she's pressured into having sex simply because she's his wife, that's not really consensual either. His objections and inhibitions don't "disappear" because she gave consent; she was offering herself to him the whole time. She was actively seducing him; she went way beyond simply saying, "Yes, I want to have sex with you." He was resisting up until she actually kissed him. The thing was that Saffron (or so her story goes) was sold against her will to Mal for the purpose of being his own personal sexual slave, a fate that she appeared to accept as only worthy of her. Even though she wanted it, it still would have been taking advantage of her. Since her story turns out to be untrue, we know that this isn't the case, but the point is that Saffron isn't able to give true consent if she's been forced into the marriage and is too ignorant to recognize that she isn't just somebody's sex toy. At this point in the story all the crew knows about Saffron is that she appears to be a very naive, very submissive young woman given to Mal in the place of payment. She's hardly even his wife so much as she is a slave. Pretend that Saffron has not been lying. Then the facts of their relationship would have been this: Saffron is in subservient to Mal, she has been raised to believe she must do what her husband wants, and part of a wife's duty is to please her husband sexually. Can a woman who has been told "you were created for the pleasure of men, are to always be submissive to men, and in the eyes of God are incomplete until you have fulfilled your wifely duty of giving your body to your chosen husband/owner" really ever consent to sex with the person she was given to? The above argument is a bit of a slippery slope- given that it was the culture into which Saffron was supposedly raised. It's close to the implication that all arranged marriages are legalized rape, which is a bit much even for Joss Whedon. Saffron's own (false) explanation about the kind of horrible men she watched other women married off to shows that in "the reality of her lie" she felt herself fortunate enough to have Mal. Even if their culture in general is filled with unpleasant arrangements, she gives ZERO indication that she's not pleased with the pairing. From her (fictional) point of view- Saffron sees Mal as her husband and from her (pretend) point of view there's nothing wrong with them having sex. But, our culture is superior (and the one true culture). Of course. Also, she might happen to believe (some form) of whatever she's saying at the exact moment she's saying it (because sometimes it REALLY seems like she might). She might be planning to knock Mal out, steal his ship, and roll her eyes at all the crew while at the exact same time as she's a vulnerable (and quite crazy) woman who is attracted to Mal. Though I'm not sure the argument about arranged marriages is a slippery slope... It's a generalization, and sometimes right and sometimes wrong. Someone who consents to their own arranged marriage can be said to be in a consenting relationship. But if they don't, well, then that simply isn't a consenting relationship, where consenting is also awareness of what they're getting into and the understanding that they can say "no" to unwanted advances. That's a gross misunderstanding of arranged marriages. The point is that two people have been matched, and, over time, will grow to love each other. It's like any other marriage, except the marriage comes first and not after some time. Arranged marriages, ideally, don't involve non-consensual or contractual sex. Wasn't the driving issue when all this was going on was that Mal had no intention of keeping Saffron as a wife? Point the first: Saffron was on the ship because she had (evidently) been married off to him without his informed consent. Point the second: As his wife, Saffron saw it as her duty to submit to him in every way, in particular in the bedchambers. Point the third: Mal had every intention of having the marriage undone and dropping Saffron off somewhere convenient. Thus, if Mal had sex with her within the bounds of their marriage, only to break it off and dump her the next day, that would be him sexually taking advantage of her, as opposed to keeping her as his wife and caring for her as a husband should. Think about it this way: In a deleted scene for that episode, River tried to get Book to marry her and Simon. If she'd succeeded (possibly by some trick like the one Saffron used), would you say that gave Simon the right to have sex with her?      River's Clothes  Where did River get her clothes? I doubt Simon thought to pack a bag for her in the midst of 'omg River needs me', and they don't look like the ultra-fancy clothes she would have had anyway. I doubt that Simon would have had the time to pause in his Alliance-fleeing to go on a shopping spree, nor do they appear to be borrowed from any other crew members; the style of outfits are unique to her. I wondered about that too, since her clothes are so unique, mostly consisting of waifish dresses and combat boots, not exactly the kind of thing you'd expect of a fugitive or a rich kid. And while we're talking about her clothes, (not sure if this was mentioned above) why did she have to be naked when she was in that box that Simon brought her in? I mean, besides the obvious reasons . Who removed her clothes in the first place? Cryo freezing in the Firefly setting apparently requires you to be naked to go through it. The Applied Phlebotinum may make it painful or uncomfortable to wear clothing after getting out of the box (for example, like it works in Halo ), or it could just simply get in the way of the process. That one may actually be perfectly justified: if the freezing process turns clothes hard, the folds could turn into dangerous sharp edges; it also probably isn't terribly good for fabric (since it can't be injected with whatever anti-freezes humans presumably are). As for who removed them, probably Simon; it's not actually all that weird under the circumstances (plus he's a doctor). River could have simply gotten them on loan from Kaylee, at first - I wouldn't be surprised if Kaylee has some hand-me-downs she's holding onto that River could have worn. After that, it would be a simple issue of Simon asking Kaylee to buy River some clothes the next time they're in port, and Simon paying with his own money from his cut. This troper always figured that River had just taken over some hand-me-downs from Inara and Kaylee (none of her clothes [excluding boots when she wears them] seem particularly Zoe-ish.) But this troper is pretty sure she remembers Inara taking off her gold robe thing in the pilot for the recently awoken River (who wears it for at least the extent of the episode and one of the promotional cast photos. I rather assumed that as well, that River just gathered up what fit and was already on the ship. Being out in the middle of nowhere all the time, and not having a steady income, one of them must know a few sewing tricks to make clothes last as long as possible. Surely that person could take in a few hand me downs so they fit. That only leaves the question of who the hell was wearing tight black shorts before giving them to River? According to an interview with Shawna Trpcic, the costume designer, "River's clothes were supposed to be like Kaylee rejects. As if Simon in his rush did not pack anything, he was just planning his escape with his sister." Those shorts look like something that might be worn under a short skirt, such the pink one in "Safe" that River complained looked like a "gorram doll", suggesting that it's not the kind of clothing she would have picked out for herself. The interview's here , if you're curious. Given the rough nature of life in the outer rims, it's not unreasonable to think that some basic sewing/cloth making would be a skill some members of the deep space crews would have. River's clothes wouldn't necessarily have to be hand me downs from from someone, but could be made from left over or discarded clothing.      The Salvage Pirates in "Out of Gas"  In "Out of Gas", why does the salvage crew back off when Mal pulls a gun on the leader? He's outnumbered, outgunned and injured, so why did they even take his threat seriously? Seriously? Because Mal has a gun on their leader. I'm not sure if you've ever been in a situation where someone is holding a gun on someone else, but it's generally a bad idea to provoke someone who has their finger on a trigger. No matter how fast you move, there's almost no chance you'll be able to move faster than they can pull the trigger. That and Mal is gutshot and they've already made it clear they have intentions to kill him, so he's got no reason to not pull the trigger if they provoke him. If any of them so much as twitches, Mal will put a bullet in their boss and probably will hit one of more of the others. There's a reason why most people back down when a gun is leveled at them. Ah, I see. And I guess it makes Mal even more awesome if he's able to get an entire salvage crew to back off with one gun while gutshot. Well, the fact that they shoot him is one of the important parts. They've already shown intent to kill, so Mal's literally got nothing to lose if they don't take him seriously, and you know he's going to put at least one of the enemy crew down before they kill him if that's the case. In the commentary, Tim Minear said that he wished he had Mal pull out a bigger gun such as a shotgun instead of a pistol, just so Mal seemed a little more intimidating to the salvage crew. Also, it makes sense for them to back off. Mal is gut shot and they probably figured he would die soon enough anyway. Then they could come back, fix the ship, and take it without a fight. Which then leaves the question of where they went. If they simply were just waiting for Mal to bleed out so they could take the ship without risk, which granted wouldn't have been a horrible plan given the situation, where did they go? I doubt they would have been scared off by the returning shuttles. Why wouldn't they be? For all they know, the returning shuttles are laden with a dozen heavily-armed piratical types. Also, being scavengers and salvagers, the other ship's crew is probably headed somewhere to sell their haul for money. They're probably not likely to be willing to chance a gunfight if they can avoid it; note how one man with a pistol put them all on the backfoot. I'm fairly certain that the only reason they shot Mal and tried to take his ship was because he was the only one on board. Even a shoot-out with a couple of people is probably too much of a risk for these guys. There's also the fact that they may not have been prepared for such things. Yes, they were armed, yes, they shot Mal, but they went through great trouble to make sure the ship was empty and he was the only one on it, and then gut shot him by surprise. This is not the act of a person used to killing or fighting, but the act of an opportunist, and a cowardly one at that. So they intended to take a ship easily with one act, a shot that was meant to kill, and the man they tried to kill stood up and held a gun on them. There's both the "crap, gun!" reaction and the "Holy s***, he's standing up with a wound like that!" The captain of the salvage crew expects that other people would react like he did (shown by his line of "You would have done the same"), which shows that he is thrown off because Mal is not reacting the way he is expected.      Serenity's Docking Position  Serenity (the ship) is repeatedly shown docking upside down relative to what they're docking with because of the design of a Firefly. How does the Artificial Gravity changeover work, since Serenity's gravity would be oriented towards the "ceiling" and the other ship or space station would have theirs oriented towards the "floor." Presumably, the passage between the two ships allows for a change in gravity. For example, docking with the Alliance ship or the scavenger ship shows an umbilical collar connecting the two ships. Another possibility is magnetic boots that would allow you to step off of your ship's gravity onto another ship's "floor". They can probably also alter the gravity inside the airlock itself. Step through, adjust the gravity in the airlock gently so you can transition to the other ship, step out. This. Recall that in the pilot when they return to Serenity with the cargo, they are shown in the airlock in zero G, anchored by magnetic boots with the cargo floating next to them until Zoey hits a button and turns the gravity back on, causing the cargo to crash to the floor. Presumably when they transition to other ships, the same happens. Zero G-> move to other ship->other ship's gravity takes hold. The ship they are most often docking with are Alliance battle cruisers and from exterior shots, we can see there are other ships underneath them in a similar docking position (upside down relative to the upper levels of the cruiser). I assume that battle cruisers have two gravity orientations for the docking levels and the rest of the ship. Personnel must go through an elevator where they are reoriented to the gravity of the level they are traveling to.      Artificial Gravity in General  What's the deal with the gravity on the ship? The series seems very well educated on other space issues, among them being sound, but there's still gravity. Now, I'd be perfectly willing to believe that they have some kind of generator. But in Out of Gas, they lose power and yet Mal is still struggling across the floor. And, now that I think about it, what's the advantage of having gravity on the ship anyway? It seems to me that it would make it harder to move around, and also increase the risk of injury by falling. This was already discussed further up on the page. Gravity systems and atmosphere processors are operating on different systems. (The comic Those Left Behind shows the opposite; a derelict ship has no gravity but has working atmosphere) Having the vital two systems operating separately just makes good engineering sense. Also, the ship isn't out of power; if it was, then none of the ship's systems would be on, and everyone would be stumbling about in pitchblackness, they wouldn't have working transmitters, etc. And they use gravity on the ship for the same reason every sci-fi series uses Artificial Gravity : filming in the Vomit Comet is expensive. Additionally, there is a perfectly good reason to use artificial gravity if you've invented it - it prevents bone and muscle decay. It's a very serious problems for present-day astronauts. They spend a few months in space and then proceed to spending a few months rehabilitating from loss of bone density. Without a need for it, your body will not automatically stay equipped for the stresses of gravity. It's also probably a comfort issue. Humans evolved and are built for moving around in an environment that includes gravity. Thus, having gravity would be a priority for people who are going to be spending most of their lives living in space, assuming they have the technology for it. Also, gravity is useful for dealing with sudden movements, accelerations, and decelerations; if you didn't have it, then everytime the ship changed course anyone not secured would be smashed against a wall. Instead, they're consistently rooted to the "floor" and damage is mitigated. The gravity screening also plays a significant role it the mobility of the ship itself by reducing the inertia as they travel. Since they're already messing with gravity, why not create a separate field inside the ship itself for convenience?      Objects in Space in General  A couple things about "Objects in Space" bother me. First being what looks like an error in continuity. When Mal, in the episode, brings up the possibility of River being psychic, Simon seems confused by the idea. Yet, in "Serenity" (The film), when Simon is posing as a Fed to rescue River, he says something along the lines of "What use do we have for a psychic if she's insane", so he obviously was told of her psychic abilities by those at the academy. Incorrect. Watch "Safe" - when River reads everyone's mind, note Simon's reaction; he isn't confused or surprised at all. At best, he's terrified. He knows she's psychic, but he's hiding this from the crew because he's already got enough issues with her mental instability. If the crew learned she was psychic, they'd be even more nervous around her, and worse still, Mal would want to exploit her abilities - which he does pretty quickly once he learns exactly what she can do. Simon was acting confused and skeptical because he was trying to hide her abilities. Aaah, I see. I should have gone back and rewatched "Safe", your answer makes sense. Something similar was on my mind, the question of why Simon seemed so surprised to find that the academy had breached River's skull in "Ariel" when he had seen them stick that big frakkin' needle into her head in the movie. Would there be a similar explanation for this; He didn't want to let on to Jayne that he knew? I don't really see why he wouldn't though, Jayne's knowledge that Simon had been the one to let River out surely would have only increased the man's respect for the doctor. Then again, due to my extremely limited knowledge of this kind of thing, perhaps the needle thing wouldn't actually count as a breach of the skull. That issue was discussed further up the page. There's a difference between the two scenes, as when Simon is rescuing River, he's in the middle of maintaining a cover while trying to rescue River, and his first priorities are going to be making sure she's healthy and then getting her out. There's probably also emotional issues there, too, as Simon is likely terrified and worried about River, and this is also the first time he's seen her in nearly three years. By comparison, when he's in the hospital on Ariel, he actually has time to observe and analyze without worrying about distractions like maintaining his cover and preparing an escape. Thus he can spend time being careful and noting everything they did to her. The second thing that just bugs me is this one line by Early. When he discovers that River has hijacked his Slave 1, he says something like, "You're not in my mind, you're on my ship!" Um, yeah, Early, she is, but there's no way she could have found out all that stuff about you from being in your ship. She's in your mind too buddy. Also, she can kill you with hers. Actually, she very well could have found that by being on his ship. There's a thing people keep called "journals," after all. Early clearly keeps some momentos of his past around the ship, so him having a journal - even if it is something stored on a computer - makes perfect sense. Or, she's just figured some things out based on his behavior, paired it with some facts she found on his ship, and then messed with him. Of course, it's established that she's a reader, which is how she knows Early is coming (she hears a strange voice in the montage of thoughts and goes looking for it in the beginning of the episode) so yes, she is also in his mind. Whether she can kill him with hers might be up for debate. Here, Early is basically angry at himself for taking so long to return to his first conclusion: that she's screwing with him from somewhere with a com system instead of actually possessing the ship. At the start, River is walking around the ship reading everyone's minds. What's up with what Book says? 'I don't give half a hump if you're innocent or not! So where does that leave you?'? I can figure out a context for everyone else, but even knowing that Book was an Operative doesn't help. Book wasn't an Operative. He was a double agent working within the Alliance to aid the Browncoats. He did a bunch of jobs, including murder and interrogation; the line from Book about not caring about innocence comes from that. Book doesn't care if you're innocent. He'll pray for you and care about you regardless. It seemed like Book wasn't talking about River, but about Jayne. Jayne was talking to Book about him not being allowed to have sex, because he's a shepherd. Then Book brings up if Jayne would like to become one (sarcastically). But in his mind he doesn't care at all about Jayne's sexual history (being innocent) and that's what River picks up. The "so where does that put you" line could show his contempt for Jayne being a dumb brute. It was always my impression that aside from the part with Wash and Zoe, all the things River was hearing were inner thoughts of each person alone with their own thoughts. Given Book's clearly sketchy past, maybe he was thinking those thoughts about himself?      "The world"/"The Verse"  Ludicrously trivial, but hey, that's the spirit of this section, right? "Plus, every other girl I know is either married, a professional, or closely related to me, so you're pretty much the only girl in the world." For some reason, my brain briefly went "Dwa?", and I had a thought that "the world" should have been "The 'verse". "World" and "'Verse" are interchangable, i.e. "The turning of the worlds." Plus 'Verse is a more colloquial phrasing used by people farther out, while "world" is likely used more often by "proper" people from the Core. But wouldn't 'Verse be simply slang for 'Universe'? Why then would that be interchangable with 'World'? I apologize, I'm obviously missing something, as I don't quite understand your quote. You're quite right though, those from the Core likely would never use such slang. Because they're not using 'world' to mean 'planet'. They're using 'world' to mean 'everything', as a linguistic holdover from when one planet was everything. Wrong way around. "World" to mean "planet" is a linguistic holdover from when one planet was everything. But aside from that, yes. Could be taken to mean his life. His "world" has gone from being an upper class family and promising career to Serenity and illegal capers.      "Out of Gas" and Spacesuits  Out Of Gas just bugs me. Ok, life support is out. Legit problem, if you didn't have space suits with their own ability to give you air. But you do. So the problem is non-existent, hence OOG is an Idiot Plot . The suits don't create air out of the firmament — they carry an air supply. So if you put on a suit you get a couple more hours to live in your freezing, airless, ship. Those things are sealed, AKA, no freezing (same reason why you can go into space in one) ... and? They'll still run out of oxygen. "Sealing" the suits probably has more to do with not letting what oxygen you have escape than it does with heating the things; I'm not sure what the suits are made of, but I find it hard to believe that they wouldn't dissipate heat fairly quickly in the black. More likely, they contain a heating element, which would eventually run out of power if it couldn't be recharged. Also, at the end of the episode, Jayne mentions he "prepped" a suit for Mal as a backup once he started running low on air. Implications of course being that the suits don't have much air, probably only enough for a couple of hours. So, why was it never used? ... because Mal never needed it. The scavengers showed up before the oxygen supply ran out, which would have resulted in him needing to use the suit. Also, Mal is stubborn. Mal point blank stated he had no intention of using it. I think he was thinking of having a dignified death - going into a suit and dying that way does smack of having panicked at the last. I therefore saw it as an issue of pride. Getting a suit prepared presumably means giving it a fresh tank of air, like with an aqualung. If they get said air from the ship, there'd be no practical difference to using a suit or not. "You're afraid we're going to run out of air. That we'll die gasping. But we won't. That's not going to happen. We'll freeze to death first."      Sexuality in "Shindig"  I'm not really sure this counts as a Headscratchers , but was anyone else bothered by the "What a vision you are in your fine dress � it must have taken a dozen slaves a dozen days to get you into that getup. 'Course, your daddy tells me it takes the space of a schoolboy's wink to get you out of it again" line? I mean, yes, knocking the Alpha Bitch down a peg when she's being mean is cool, but did it have to be through slut-shaming? Issues like that aside, it also doesn't really make sense for a place where Companions are considered a part of upper-class society, though I suppose that could be justified. There's a difference between a Companion and a simple prostitute. Companions don't just provide sex, they provide counseling, advice, and spiritual assistance. There's the difference, and even then, there's some indications Companions aren't as respected by some, judging by how Atherton Wing treats Inara. Also, one needs to consider that the upper-class ball in that episode was partially inspired by Victorian society, where, on the one hand, upper-class courtesans very similar to Companions were common in aristocratic circles and highly respected. At the same time, the society also had some intense social taboos on sexuality, especially for women. To a degree, that episode reflects the exact same social taboos and hypocrisy that existed in Victorian society - a refined, trained, and educated prostitute is respected, whereas a noblewoman who is promiscuous is disrespected. Short version: World of difference between being a high-class, registered companion and being a slut. Slightly longer version: Companions are respected because they are highly trained in many skills, very well educated in numerous fields, and do far more than just sleep with someone. They have a respected job and are generally well-respected people. Banning, on the other hand, is a vapid socialite who does nothing but go to parties and buy things. She's useless and uninteresting, the complete opposite of a Companion or Kaylee, who attracted the attention of eight different guys because of her intelligence. Well, to an extent. There's suggestions that a companion might be treated with respect to his or her face, but might be subject to prejudices and judgments from the noblewomen and men behind their back. In the Serenity RPG handbook, it's mentioned that there's a bit of a double standard, in that companions are looked at as suitable escorts for a party, or even long term arrangements like Atherton proposes, but are not looked at as acceptable marriage partners. Short version: they both get looked down on a little. Hence why even Inara has to endure receiving poor treatment and insults sometimes from her clients, but Inara doesn't conduct herself in public in any way that would have call for anyone to try to shame her whereas The Libby was being particularly rude. I might be alone on this one but it bothers me that the blonde rich girl is seen as the Alpha Bitch . Her introduction, making small talk about Kaylee's dress, seems nice enough and her second comment, saying that Kaylee's dress looks like it was bought in a store, was snobbish but didn't seem particularly mean spirited and in a weird way almost trying to be nice. The other speaking member of the group was the really mean one. It was actually a brilliant piece of showcasing how girls bully each other, tearing apart someone's self-image and self-confidence and making them feel like the dirt beneath your feet, all the while under the pretence of being 'helpful' and 'compassionate' - it's an absolutely vicious form of bullying that's a very common form among females of all age-groups. Whoever wrote those lines was probably very familiar with real-life female bullying. It was well scripted and both the bullies and victim played it very well. Politeness and niceness aren't synonyms. Every well-brought-up Southron, myself included, is unfailingly polite save in the face of outrageous provocation — but that's not at all the same as being nice; it just takes wit and effort to insult someone without violating politesse, is all. The case under discussion is a sterling example: Without being in any way rude, Miss Rich Bitch makes it plain to Kaylee that, as a low-class laborer whose family couldn't even scrape up the wherewithal to secure for her a slave to make her a bespoke dress, she was beneath contempt and certainly had no business being anywhere near such a refined social occasion as that party — and, while the other girl said much the same ("Why, what did they have last year?" "Standards."), the relative crudity with which she did so demonstrates what made Blondie the queen bee. And then, of course, the yeoman who rescues Kaylee demonstrates that he's better at it than either of the girls; the compliment which sets up his insult is a masterpiece of Southern politesse, and serves to sharpen the insult, which is a masterpiece in its own right. "Slut-shaming", someone called it, but given the high premium such a society places on the Eleventh Commandment ("thou shalt not get caught"), what really stings Blondie is not so much the substance of the comment itself, as the knowledge that even a yeoman knows she's free with her favors — which, of course, means everyone knows it, and that she's the stuff of rumors and the butt of nasty jokes. Worse, a truly aristocratic father would never air such dirty family laundry even to a close friend; if he spoke literal truth when he said her daddy'd told him, it puts the lie to her every pretension of aristocracy, and reveals her as nothing more than the spoiled little rich girl she really is. (Anyone's guess as to how much of this subtext Kaylee actually caught and how much went over her head, of course. Regardless, every bit of it is so completely pitch-perfect as to force the conclusion that whoever wrote the scene is either a fellow Southron, or has spent much time in the South and paid a great deal of attention throughout.) In contrast to all that, while Wing is a spoiled dandy whose behavior marks him as a bounder and a cad, he remains within the bounds of politesse, if only barely, even after Mal decks him. That's not to say his behavior, especially his behavior toward Inara, was anything a true lady or gentleman would find acceptable; he gets away with treating Inara the way he does only because, as a hetaira, she is his social inferior, and were he so to mistreat a lady of status equal to his own, her husband, brother, or father would have grounds to call him out and demand satisfaction, which is the polite way of saying "challenge him to a duel". Even if his skill with the blade sufficed to prevent a duel, he'd still be effectively persona non grata within his own social circle, which to a man like Wing might well make merely being killed look good, to say nothing of exchanging his reputation as a fearsome duelist for that of a coward, the way he did when he lost his duel with Mal.      Chain of Command  What's up with the chain of command on the ship? I mean, Mal, then Zoe, that makes sense. But why is JAYNE third? I mean, the only person I'd give the guy higher priority than is River on a bad day. I don't think he actually is. He just tried to take command while Mal and Zoe were away. Pretty much. Jayne asserts that he's in charge, and waves his giant, hard....chain....of command around when Mal and Zoe aren't around, but one look at how everyone else acts and its pretty clear that he's not really in charge. Remember, Mal doesn't even seem bothered that Jayne got doped; in fact, he actually compliments Simon for thinking fast and doping Jayne when he got too big for his boots. Chain of command simply appears to be Mal -> Zoe -> maybe Wash or Inara -> everyone else -> River. And then Jayne. Maybe. I think it's Mal -> Zoe -> Wash -> Kaylee -> Jayne. Book, Simon, River and Inara aren't in the "Chain", so to speak. Since Jayne is almost always with Mal & Zoe, Wash & Kaylee keep things running when the others are away. It's likely situational. If everything's running smoothly there's no need for a chain of command, just follow whatever orders Mal and Zoe left when they headed out and wait till they get back. If there's an emergency, who's in command is probably who's best suited to deal with it. Wash or Kaylee for technical emergencies depending on the nature of them, Simon for medical, and Jayne for any combat related situations. Even then, it's probably less "chain of command" than "everybody shut up and listen to the only person here who knows what they're talking about", and Jayne is a Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass when it comes to combat. Because KAYLEE or INARA is the one you want to take orders from should something happen to Mal or Zoe? If Mal & Zoe are gone there's a pretty good chance they are in a combat setting. And while Book would be the correct next choice, nobody KNOWS that (though they suspect it). Jayne would lead in a crisis— once the crisis was over the crew would likely disband (if they survived). What TV show did you watch? Because in the actual show, when a crisis situation hit, Jayne was not trusted by anyone with command, and was in fact drugged unconscious - an act that Mal approved of. So judging by how everyone acted in the series, yes, they would rather listen to Inara or Kaylee than trust Jayne to be in command. What's more, in Out of Gas, Mal specifically advises Inara to not let Jayne take over, implying he trusts her more with command than he would Jayne, as she's more levelheaded. Of course, she's also probably a much better pilot than Jayne, and they were escaping in the shuttle. But yes, it does appear that Inara is higher in the chain of command than Jayne, and it can be assumed that absent Zoe and Mal the skilled members of the crew (doctors, pilots, mechanics) would also likely be higher in the chain of command in a crisis situation than Jayne, and this seems to bear-out in series. Mal explicitly makes the point that it's still Inara's shuttle and she retains "command" of it as the tenant. There really isn't one. I mean Mal is the Captain and Zoe is is his right hand, but after that it's basically just roles. Jayne is the go-to for PR (which I'm assuming stands for "Physical Resolutions"), Wash is a pilot, Simon is a medic, etc. It's not like it's a formal military ship with clear-cut ranks. Jayne assuming command without Mal or Zoe around seems natural as he has the most combat experience out of the remaining crew and the strongest personality. Suited for command? Probably not, but it's really too small of a crew to really worry about that once the first two are out of the picture. I always assumed that the chain of command on Serenity would go in order of importance to the ship's general functions, with a few additions given character personalities and leadership ability. As in: Mal (captain) Wash (as the pilot, he has a huge say in the ship's affairs already) Inara (good in a crisis, mature, and responsible; Mal trusts her as well) Book (for the same reasons as Inara, but he's not been on the ship as long as she has) Kaylee (who is lower in the totem because she's panicky in stressful situations, unlike Inara or Book) Simon (smart and resourceful, but naive about the world outside of the Core) Jayne (because he's essentially a mercenary and isn't trusted to be a good leader) River (because she's only sane half of the time)      Mal's Character Derailment  The movie has been bugging me a bit, mainly because of what strikes me as Character Derailment . In the series, Mal views the Tams as full-fledged members of Serenity's crew (as is evident by his awesome speech to Jayne in 'Ariel'), yet in the film, as is evident by his talk with Simon at the beginning, he sees them as simple passengers who are paying their way through Simon's doctoring. That, and when they're letting the Tams off the ship, Kaylee criticizes Mal for "keeping him [Simon] from knowing I was there." Uh, what? At no point in the show did Mal ever try to hinder Simon and Kaylee's budding relationship. He didn't necessarily try to strengthen it, but he didn't seem to mind them getting close. For Simon, keep in mind that A) Mal does not like him and B) Simon was outright going against his authority by refusing to let River be taken on the job. Being a member of Mal's crew is a two-way street; he'll cover your ass and keep you safe, but he expects you to follow his orders, or he'll come down on you hard. A good example of this was in "Out of Gas" - Wash refuses to obey Mal's order to go to the bridge and assess the damage to the ship. Mal's response is to slam him against the wall and force him to follow orders. Simon is refusing to let Mal take River with him on the bank job, so Mal is turning hostile toward him. For River, as was just said, being on the crew is a two-way street: You have to contribute something, and that's what he wanted River to do, use her natural abilities to help keep them safe on a job. Mal can be a jerk sometimes, but he probably wouldn't have actually put her in harm's way on purpose; no way he could've foreseen the Reavers, and if it weren't for them, they'd have gotten home without any sort of hassle. Mal has been, in the past, equally hostile toward any of the other crew when they went against him or refused to contribute, like the aforementioned instance with Wash, or Jayne on occasion. Actually, there may be some Fridge Brilliance in that. During the series, Mal never asks River to help because he does see her as a load, or at least not able to contribute because of her mental state. But in "Objects in Space," the episode ends with both Tams being accepted as part of the crew and as part of the family. And since now they're both fully part of the crew, Mal expects both of them to do their part. As for Kaylee, keep in mind she's angry and upset that he left, and may not be perfectly rational; hell, she's probably looking for someone to blame and making up reasons for it - something that, while not terribly nice of her, is perfectly human to do. Another thing to consider: Book's gone. Inara's gone. Who knows how recently these things happened? It's entirely possible that both events were fairly recent and put Mal in a foul mood, and seeing as he isn't exactly fond of Simon found it easiest to take it out on him, and Simon arguing with him is even more frustrating. In fact, the Tams—being the one left Mal's known for the shortest amount of time—could be viewed as potentially the next ones to leave. Mal, by distancing Simon and River in his mind from the rest of the crew, could be trying to make the idea of them leaving less potentially painful. Also Simon was the one who made the move to leave, not Mal kicking them out. So Mal may still have seen him as crew but had to belittle him because he was in a foul mood. Mal said in the show that taking the Tams onboard meant working harder to stay under Alliance radar, meaning that the crew was having a harder time finding work. Add 8 months of the Alliance expanding it's grip, and it's no wonder that Mal might start seeing Simon as the reason that Serenity is running on fumes and the crew is eating leftover scraps. Simon being protective of River before the heist is his natural state, and Mal didn't seem overly worked up about Simon objecting to her participation (he's probably done and said things before that to look out for her that came into conflict with Mal's command). Afterwards, Simon punches Mal (which I could even see Mal letting "slide" after a good tussle) and then specifically "resigns" from the crew. It wasn't until then that Mal started coming up with reasons it's a good thing. Mal saying the things he did afterwards I just chalked up to sour grapes because Mal misses them. The fact that as soon as they were in danger he has their backs again (as well as Jayne, the big softie) shows that he still thinks of them as part of the crew.      Slow-moving Ships  In the pilot episode, Serenity has a close encounter with a reaver ship. I know it's supposed to be a tense, suspenseful experience, but I couldn't get past how slow both ships were moving. The reaver ship is within grappling range for something like twenty seconds. I could maybe accept the wild unlikelihood of two ships passing that closely to one another in the great vastness of space without any course corrections, but there's no way these vessels would be crawling through the black at ten miles an hour. Its for the same reason ships move so slowly in a variety of other science fiction TV shows/films; showing them moving at actual speed and at actual distances would have them moving too fast for the viewer to actually see them moving in relation to each other. No, actually. Space is so huge that things in it seem to move relatively slowly. It also screws with depth perception. Things that are miles apart can look very close together in the vastness of space. No, no. No. The laws of optics and perception work exactly the same in space as they do on Earthnote apart from refractive effects due to the atmosphere, but those are miniscule on the near-human scale of spaceships. Good rule of thumb: if you can see another spaceship, such that it appears bigger than a dot, and you aren't trying to dock with it, something is terribly wrong. It is kind of the same convention we see in Star Trek , where characters describe very long ranges in the hundreds to thousands of kilometers but when we cut to the visuals the ships are very close together. They've got to fit both ships on screen, so speeds and distances are fiddled with to get a good visual. It's also possible Mal had Wash slow down so it didn't look like Serenity was "running away" from the Reaver ship, since they point out that Reavers practically have to chase you if you run. It was the outerspace equivalent of, "Okay, everyone just act natural..." I was a little confused as to which encounter you were talking about, but reading the responses and seeing the overall question made me realize which scene (or scenes) you meant. The simple answer is they WERE going slow. They were going slow on purpose in both their first pass of the reavers and their second pass. The first to not gain attention, the second to do the opposite. So they were moving very slowly in either case. Tho slow is a relative term. I imagine they were still traveling at speeds that are impossible in "atmo".      Other Colonized Systems?  This has been bugging this troper: are any other star systems in the 'verse colonized by humans? Or, when they left Earth-That-Was, did the entire human population just pack up in a bunch of giant ships and all decide to head to the same star system? To this troper, it seems like the show implied that the latter was the case. Probably the latter. It's possible that they had scouted out the 'area' beforehand, and the star system seen in the show was the only one they believed they could reach and could support life, so that's where everyone went. It is actually implied in that opening that they all went to the one system. The reasoning was that finding another planet that could sustain them was extremely difficult and when they found this amazing star system with so many possible worlds to colonize it was a dream come true. Don't look a gift star system in the mouth kind of reasoning. It is plausible that they are still looking for other worlds, but I also got the impression that space travel beyond a single system is very dangerous and time consuming so going to other stars is still a matter of unmanned probes as we send out now. Yet they use terraforming technology to make habitable planets and moons that were unsuitable for human life . So, even if Earth became too damage because of some environmental catastrophe or any other reason, the next logic step is to terraform the Moon, Mars and other places in the Solar System, not to take years, maybe centuries, to reach other star system light years away and then do exactly that. This troper�s personal theory is that there are other extra-Alliance colonized system, including the one were Earth-That-Was is located, but the Alliance for some reason hides its existence. But that�s for another place, not for headscratchers.      Zoe's Last Name  Zoe taking Wash's last name. It just seems so out of character for a strong, independently-willed woman like that to give up her own name. This troper imagines it should have gone more like this: Wash: So, honey, after we're married, how about you taking my last name? Yeah, its not like its commonplace for a wife to take on her husband's last name while keeping her original as a maiden name. Her name is Zoe Alleyne Washburne. So, a real woman can't take her husband's last name? Look at their relationship. Zoe loves him, and Wash loves her. I mean real, "You are my world, I want to spend every moment from here on out with you, I want to be your wife and have your children" love. That is one of the big constants through the whole series is how loving and devoted those two are to each other. Why wouldn't she want to take his name? It's not some show of submission, it's a symbol of how strong their relationship is. Also, yes, she is a very strong woman, but her "independence" is sorely in question to begin with, given her relationship with Mal in the first place; would someone who's so "independent" still be following her old army superior, and taking orders like they were still enlisted? So a woman who doesn't want to take her husband's name doesn't really love him? Good to know . Regardless, she probably changed her name for the same reason most Western women change their name: it's a cultural norm where she grew up, and she didn't care enough to question it. Possibly if she'd grown up on a different planet, she'd have kept her last name. Alternately, Wash could have taken hers. Okay, fair enough, I may have gone a little too far in the other direction. But the point stands that there's no real reason for her not to take the name of the man she loves beyond the OP thinking she's too "strong and independently-willed" for it, which, as I mentioned, is fairly unfounded. Being as he's the captain of her ship and thus still her superior, yeah, she would still be following his orders. As an ex-military, it's probably engrained in Zoe—and Mal too, for that matter—to follow the orders of their superiors. It just so happens that Zoe's superior is the same as during the war, and Mal doesn't really have any superiors anymore. ...maybe because Zoe clearly doesn't share the viewpoint that the wife's taking the husband's last name in any way robs her of her strength or independent will. It's a custom, and it's clearly one she believes in. Some people juggle geese. If anything Zoe's continuing use of "sir" to refer to Mal, combined with a general stubbornness, part of what makes her a strong character is a resolve to follow the culture she's part of and grew up with. This also ties into what the Independants fought for in the first place. Counterquestion: My partner thinks about taking my name, cause he likes mine better. Does that make HIM henpecked, dependent or weak? And my wife and I both took each other's (we both have the hyphenated name - EX: Smith-Jones). So are we both weak? It's not inconceivable that Zoe and Wash wanted to have the same last name, especially if they were planning on having kids at some point, and as Wash goes by his last name—or rather a nickname based on his last name—it would be more practical for Zoe to give up hers. Maybe Zoe's maiden name was stupid and she didn't like it. I'm a strong, independent woman, whatever that means, and I dislike my unpronounceable, ugly last name. I don't want to go to the trouble of changing it, but if I get a socially acceptable, commonplace excuse—like getting married—it's gone. "Some people juggle geese."      Passengers  The fact that Dobson, Simon, and Book were brought aboard in the first place bugs me. No mention is ever made after the pilot episode about bringing in more passengers, not even an offhand mention in the movie about passengers after Book and Inara left. The answer to that is fairly simple — River Tam. A crazy girl is hard to hide on a days- or weeks-long voyage on a small ship, and the kind of people who would choose to take passage on a rim worlds smuggler would probably not be the kind who could be relied upon to keep schtum when offered a reward or threatened with arrest. Looking after the Tams forced Serenity (and her crew) to stay further off the radar than normal; that included not taking passengers. They just happened to have already got seriously lucky in finding first Inara and then Book. Also, Serenity has limited bunk space. Book, Simon, and River each take a bunk. That leaves, at best, a couple of bunks for passengers to sleep in. Keep in mind also that carrying passengers is unusual (they were only taking on passengers on Persephone because they needed the money desperately) and passengers don't pay much ("Our fares don't pay a tenth of what you make on one of your 'jobs'" Book notes.) Short version, unless a passenger is paying a ton of money, then they're not getting on - and a passenger willing to pay that much to move on a civilian freighter like Serenity is likely not up to any good, as they can afford better accommodations. Given that carrying passengers was just about more trouble than it was worth, I tend to imagine that they take on passengers partly (or mainly) because they like to have new faces aboard Serenity on occasion, especially faces which might take their minds off their shadier dealings — in other words, to improve crew morale. Kaylee mentioned that she loves bringing on new passengers, hearing about their lives, and so forth. There was also the fact that the Tams became permanent passengers, with Simon joining the crew. Book had expressed intent to stay on Serenity for a long time, to have a chance to see the border planets and possibly keep an eye on other things. That said, they must have had at least one vacant bunk (Dobson's), and probably once matters calmed somewhat with respect to the fugitives they were harboring, they would have picked up additional passengers in later seasons. And hell, Inara was threatening to leave Serenity, which would have left them with two vacant shuttles to rent out, making it all the more likely that future seasons would have seen new passengers. They might not have had a vacant bunk; Dobson died, but they weren't anticipating River, so they lost a passenger and gained one. Mal also mentioned that passengers will help them cover some of their smuggling operations. Given that their ship characteristics were broadcasted by Alliance cruiser, they desperately needed some coverstory.      Why Didn't Mal Shoot Saffron?  It bugs me that Mal didnt shoot Saffron/Yolanda/Bridget/whatever in the face, at some point. Perhaps he has some kind of fetish about redhead double-crossing women undressing him and dumping him naked in the desert ? Why would he shoot her? Mal doesn't ride the VENGEANCE! train, and he doesn't kill people who don't represent an immediate threat to him. Crow was the exception, because he'd made it explicitly clear that he was going to hunt down Mal and by extension the rest of his crew and then kill them. He's perfectly willing to let people who cause trouble for him go, as long as its not personal. Saffron tried to kill him, but it was mostly just business, nothing personal and she didn't show any inclination to hunt Mal down. Mal isn't some kind of pacifist. Saffron tried to get him killed several times, and he knew damn well she couldn't be trusted. At the very least, he could have tied her up to something in Trash, once they were back in the shuttle, and he'd have avoided the waiting-naked-in-the-desert. It doesn't answer the initial question, but Mal seemed less than irritated at being naked in the desert, if you look closely. At the time they were in the shuttle, she was still more or less on his side. He didn't know for sure she'd rigged his ship, and aside from going a little crazy while they were in the house, they still worked together to escape. He had no more reason to tie her up when they got to the shuttle than he has to tie up, say, Jayne. After that, he wasn't in any position to do anything, and Inara—the only person who saw her after that point—certainly isn't a cold-blooded killer. Don't forget that Mal also has a chivalrous streak and he's very vulnerable to women who are, well, vulnerable. That's a major part of why he allowed River on his ship even after she proved dangerous, and it's why he was so susceptible to Saffron's charms the first time. Saffron affected her vulnerable, emotionally-damaged woman mode, and Mal walks right into it - and Saffron says straight to his face that he walked right into it and he's one of the most gullible saps she's ever seen.      The lockdown in "Objects in Space"  In "Objects In Space", Early locks most of the crew in their quarters when he infiltrates the ship. Two problems: Firstly, he locks everyone in from the corridor. Why does Serenity, being a small cargo ship, even have this holding-cell function? Secondly, why are they all going to bed at the same time, there being no day or night in space? Who's flying this thing?! The problem in having day-night shifts like on the nautical ships of Earth-That-Is is that first, Serenity only has maybe four people who have any responsibility delegated to them in regards to keeping the ship on course and collision free. Two of them are married and wouldn't go for being on different shifts. The second is that they're landing on worlds with different local times compared to ship time and standard time. As they travel they have to adjust their sleeping schedules for the space equivalent of jet lag. Much like modern airline crews, when it's time to sleep, they all go to their hotel rooms, or in this case, their bunks. Just makes it easier if everyone is on the same sleeping schedule when they have to take off, maneuver, land, and etc. Wouldn't do to have the pilot nodding off because he took the night shift. And as for the lockdown, I assume it's an electronic override that's available in case of hull-breech. The lockdown itself probably isn't a regularly used function. Its likely an emergency function for extreme circumstances. As for the day/night cycles, they're in the middle of extremely deep space with nobody anywhere nearby and nothing they can potentially run into. They don't need to have someone awake because there's nothing that the ship could encounter (save bounty hunters hiding in their thermal wake) and even then, they've got proximity alarms, Wash, Mal, Jayne, and Zoe are a ladder and a five-second dash from the cockpit, and Kaylee is still up and about in the engine room and Book is still awake down below. They don't need to have someone in the cockpit, and if something happens, their sensors will pick it up and alert the rest of the crew long before it gets close. I think it was a case of easy logistics. Wash isn't needed to pilot the ship at all times and it helps the plot if everyone is asleep at the same time, even if that's not how you would pilot a ship, considering the in-universe dangers, like poachers and the government officials that are looking for Serenity and her crew, not to mention the dangers of traveling in space. Its probably relatively safe for them to leave the ship on autopilot. Remember that, as Mal himself put it, they're "in the middle of no and where" and there's no Stealth in Space - if anything gets relatively close, the sensors can alert them. Two crewmembers are still awake (Kaylee and Book), and all of the main crew are a short ladder and a half-dozen steps away from the cockpit. This "alerting them" thing worked really well for the incoming spaceship with a bounty hunter. Makes you wonder if this episode would have happened at all if someone had been up on the bridge that time. Sure it would have; early on, Wash mentions that an aft heat sensor is reading oddly, and shrugs it off on the assumption that it must've got turned around and he'd fix it next time they put into port. The sensor was picking up Early's ship, but no one was expecting a psychotic bounty hunter to be trailing Serenity so closely as to be practically inside her exhaust plume, something which requires not only a great deal of astrogation skill, but a nigh-suicidal disregard for one's own safety. Also remember: Mal was in the corridor when Early came in, after he had been down in his bunk. It could be he was going to watch the helm. If you look closely, you can see Mal going into his quarters before the camera pans back to Early coming in through the airlock. Given that Mal was back in the corridor a moment later, it seems likely that he was just grabbing a book/ Game Boy /iPod to help pass the time while he was on watch. With regards to the holding cell functionality, it's important to remember that Serenity is a ship crewed by outlaws and operated more or less continuously in the service of their unlawful purposes. In some cases, these purposes may make it necessary to incarcerate one or more individuals, such as an Alliance officer on board the ship who knows too much (like Agent Dobson), or one of the crew having a psychotic episode (River, multiple times), or etc. In the event of such, being able to put them in a room and lock the door from the outside is a very useful function. We see them use this a couple times throughout the series; it's just that Jubal Early managed to slip onto the ship and turn it around on them. They weren't all in bed at the same time. Mal was roaming around, and Kaylee was in the engine room. If they operate any sort of shift pattern, presumably Zoe and Wash would be the ones to swap with them (due to their own expertise and 'rank'), and they were both in bed.      Leaving Earth  Ok...no FTL space travel in the Firefly Universe...I got that. But even if Earth somehow became uninhabitable in a manner that wouldn't also cause human extinction,why would leaving our own solar system be the first choice? Or even seen as being a "good" choice? One of the reasons that Star Trek and other sci-fi programs w/ FTL "work" for me is that it would take YEARS to get to even the nearest star w/o FTL even for the robotic ships that would have to precede you before you made the voyage. No FTL means that humanity would be confined to our current solar system w/ perhaps smaller expeditions sent out to look for additional worlds. Also,"generational ships?" Really? Humans can make vessels in the future that could survive a trip through space that would last multiples of years and contain enough resources to support anything other than a tiny crew? If they have that level of technology,why wouldn't they simply use it to heal the damage caused to the Earth? Or to terraform Mars? Or to build cities deep INSIDE Earth? For all we know, they did. We never really get the whole story regarding why they left Earth; the only explanation comes from the Alliance, and we have no reason to trust their claims. It is quite possible the Alliance was made up of exiles or people who set out to leave Earth for other reasons, and settled down on new worlds outside of the solar system. We already have the technology necessary to build "generational" colony ships. The reason we don't do so is that it's prohibitively expensive — many billions for a single ship — and we have no place to go. Terraforming Mars would actually require more technological advancement than colony ships, due to the fact that it lacks the magnetic fields that protect Earth from ionizing solar radiation. Underground cities are feasible on both Earth and Mars; but would by necessity limit the population to a mere fraction of what it is currently. And who said Earth was damaged? Perhaps it was simply over-population that was the problem. Perhaps they were fleeing a potential disaster, such as impending catastrophic interaction with a rogue asteroid. Something that could be soon enough to plan their escape; but outside their capability of preventing. Well, the shadow puppet show in Heart of Gold has a script in the companions. I seem to recall something is mentioned about a rain of fire, which to me suggests either war, extreme pollution, and maybe both (especially if it was nuclear war). Saying that it was "used up" might mean that it was not able to support human life anymore. Most of what we know about Earth-That-Was, why they left it, and how they left comes from a school lesson taught to young children—they looked about 10 or so, which would be grade 5 in the real world. The history you learn in grade 5 is pretty simplified. Maybe if River were a 20 year old college student majoring in Earthly History in that flashback, we would have gotten a more detailed, logical answer to these issues. I have to chime in on the terraforming Mars part. Despite what sci-fi has shown and the potential of actually doing it, terraforming Mars, even if successful would not work for one reason. It is colder than a witches... you know. Mars is so far away from our sun that it is extremely cold and not suitable for living on. It seems all the shows that have a breathable atmosphere on Mars seem to forget that fact. Sure, you can breath on Mars... if you want your lungs to turn into lung-cicles. Maybe for Mars but what about the Moon? Truth is unless the catastrophe that forced people living Earth was Sol becoming nova or something like that, many objects in our Solar System would be the logical first choice. Yet, it is fair to say we don't really know if that happened because our only source is the Alliance. There isn't near enough room on the moon for Earth's population. The moon's surface area is around 7% that of Earth. Add in that it's too small to hold an atmosphere and completely barren. There isn't near enought room for Earth's population in any kind of ship or transport, nor even generational ones, for that matter. And about the other stuff, that's why they have terraforming technology and they made other planets and moon in similar situation and similarly barren habitable. Point is, unless whatever cause the destruction of Earth That Was was a solar system level catastrophe like sun going nova, there is no logical reason why humaniy left Earth to colonize other distant solar systems without trying inside Sol's solar system first. as for the subject at hand, we do not know that there is no other stars out there, but as pointed out above in other questions regarding Earth That Was, it seems that this was a last ditch effort on the part of humanity and if it hadn't worked, well, there might not be a humanity anymore. Fortunately it did work .      Alliance Dissent  The Alliance: So nobody from the Alliance...hundreds of years in future...sees that they are wasting valuable resources and fomenting the next series of conflicts by continuing to oppress the people they conquered? There are no diplomats,philosophers,writers,etc that would protest the Alliance's shortsighted policies? Even Stalinist Russia,the worst regime in Earth's history, had protesters and moderating influence. Why are none shown in Firefly? We don't see protests or moderating influences because A) the series focuses on a small band of thieves who operate in the lawless areas around the Border and Rim, where the kind of educated people who you're talking about are in short supply (the only Core world they visit is Ariel, and that is extremely briefly) and B) the series only lasted fourteen episodes. We likely would have gotten a better look at the Alliance's educated elite if the series had continued, but as it was, the series was focused on the little guys working out on the fringes of the system. The Alliance sure is oppressing those folks, considering they did such horrible things as transporting medicine to territories that were facing plague and conducting rescue missions. Those bastards. The Border and Rim were already like they are in the series before the Unification war, and they're still busy rebuilding after the war ended. Post-WWII Europe didn't recover in a few weeks, after all, and they already had infrastructure to rebuild on. The Border and Rim don't have much in the first place. Not to mention that we are seeing things from an anti-Alliance perspective in the series itself. Even then, Alliance personnel run the gamut from corrupt to trustworthy (if opposed to the heroes because they're already enemies). Technically, according to the RPG manual, the Alliance doesn't actually send out medicine or charity aid that often. Lots of members of parliament are still miffed about the Independents rejecting the initial offer to join the Alliance, and despite a number of border and rim worlds actually supporting unification, the outer reaches in general kinda got painted with the stigma of being Independent by the core. This is very similar to the reconstruction era of the South after the civil war, when a number of people in the north actually wanted to punish the south for the perceived betrayal. And if that wasn't enough, there were the corrupt carpetbaggers that flooded in to government positions and started looting money and resources, since former confederates weren't allowed to take office. Rim world resources are FAR from being wasted; arguably the real point of the war was obtaining those resources FOR the core corporations. The one decent thing the north did try to do was uphold law protecting the former slaves, that is to say human rights issues; unfortunately the Alliance doesn't even have that to its credit, as the Alliance military and core corporations (especially terraformers) are the biggest buyers into slave trade of anyone in the Firefly 'verse. Won't hear about THAT in the core, for sure. As noted on the main page, we're dealing with a Protagonist-Centered Morality here. The Alliance comes off as oppressive and corrupt because we're looking at it through the lens of people who've ended up on the wrong side of the Alliance; if the story had been told from the viewpoint of someone from the Core who didn't run afoul of the Alliance, we'd see a much different portrayal. It's kind of how things would look different if you were seeing stories told from different sides of a real life war. For example, a story told from the perspective of a French or British soldier in WWII would have a dramatically different perspective on Germany than a story told from the perspective of a German soldier. Look at the Middle East. Has "Western Policy" of Democracy and Corporatism endeared themselves to people there? How about our other attempts to "help" people by bringing them our wonderful way of life? It is ego and hubris at its best to try and impose a one-size fits all on everyone, not to mention...well, evil. Controlling people, even for their supposedly own good is evil. It is worth noting that there does indeed seem to be some kind of opposition force within the Alliance's Core Worlds. When Simon is looking for River, he was in a "blackout zone" and trying to contact someone who could get him information on River's whereabouts. And he mentions that he did contact an organization that knew enough about the Academy to help him get inside. So there is definitely someone within the Core that is powerful enough and well-informed enough to be aware of both what the Academy was up to and how to help Simon get in. But as noted above, the core of the storyline is focused on the outlaw reaches of the 'Verse and the little guys in the morally gray world of smuggling and other criminality instead of the educated upper-crust of the Alliance. You don't get a look at the upper crust of the Alliance for the same reason that a story set in the American West doesn't focus on the power-politics of Washington DC. Its outside the scope of the story. A historical note: Stalinist Russia did not have protesters or a moderating influence. Stalin deliberately used the Great Terror, purges, political infighting, deportations, and so on and so forth in order to destroy the will to oppose that would otherwise ferment in the population. It's kind of hard to protest when the NKVD snatches you up, tortures you to death in the Lubyanka dungeons, while your family is either shot or sent to gulags as enemies of the people. A good example is Nikolai Bukharin, who could've been a moderating influence on the Stalinist regime - if he wasn't publicly tried and shot for counter-revolutionary crimes. I wager the Alliance, even at its worst, has still a ways to go to come even close to the horror that is Stalinist Russia. Stalinist Russia, however, is not pure Marxism.      Holographic Pool  it's been bugging the hell outta me that pool is played with holograms. i Mean: Why? WHY? Santo used to have a thriving economy based on resorts, but the economy was devastated by the war. Pool balls might be more of a novelty item in the future, and cost more than they do nowadays. If so, there's some casinos on Santo that might be able to afford them (and real dice), but poor operations like the bar in Shindig, maybe not so much. Pool I can understand. Keeps people from knocking them off the table and into someone's beer. My question is why the windows are. I got the impression that there's a low-grade forcefield that keeps air out while letting airborne bar patrons through. Depending on the bar, it might be cheaper than constantly replacing glass windows, and you can use the hologram to display advertisements for extra money. It's a bar in a space western. Of course people are going to start bar brawls and get thrown through the window. Having it a hologram instead of window—which would need to be replaced—is just the bartender being smart. Plus a big open window would help keep the air circulating, especially if they didn't have air conditioning or fans to blow away smoke. Why not? The pool table is difficult to damage, and simple tech that's readily available in the setting. Plus, holographic displays can be easily custom-modified to alternate playing styles. Want to mix up the game? Adjust the balls' relative weights, the direction they move, arrangement, etc. Stops drunks, idiots and/or miscreants nicking the balls. Speaking as a former bartender, this is a bigger problem than you may think. No reason it has to be just a pool table, just a giant iPad type thing with Hard Light projectors, so the same table can easily be used for snooker, bar billiards, air hockey, SimCity ...      Book's Denomination  What denomination is Book? And why does it require that he let his hair grow out of control? Probably one that doesn't exist right now. More likely than not, it developed over the five centuries between now and the time the series is set in. It's almost certainly a fictional sect (this troper is not aware of any Christian order that requires adherents to adopt that particular hair style). And it seems to be some peculiar combination of a mendicant order and a monastic order, since Book mentions spending his previous years both on the road and at a monastery. As for the rules about his hair, plenty of religions have peculiar rules about what hairstyles believers are allowed to wear, but in Book's case it's probably a reference to tonsure . It's also possible that it's based on Nazirites, who weren't allowed to cut their hair, eat certain foods, drink alcohol, or handle dead bodies. I'm pretty sure Book buries and prays for the dead, but it's possible that he wasn't permitted to do the other things. Thank you, Other Wiki ! "Shepherd" is not just what they call pastors and ministers in the 'verse. Book is a member of the Order of Shepherds. From pages 206-207 of the Serenity RPG: One group of Christian missionaries, the Order of Shepherds, still follows the monastic tradition. These men and women take vows of poverty and chastity similar to those of a priest or monk of old. They may live and work in an abbey or travel the Black to find a flock in need of a Shepherd. Their peaceful order is generally respected throughout the system. Shepherds look to Christian scripture as their faith's grounding. They do not claim to have all the answers, but are here to help spread the word to those that need it told to.      Inconsistent Timeline from "The Shepherd's Tale"  Slightly annoyed by the inconsistent timeline in The Shepherd's Tale when compared with the one given in both the series and Serenity. According to the comic, Book was on Serenity for two years, while the movie makes it explicitly clear that he'd only been there for eight months (River and Simon joing at the same time, and Mal stating they'd been on for that long), and Inara stated she was on the ship for a about a year in "Bushwhacked." Its just a minor inconsistency, though, and I'm willing to ignore it. Well, it's that, or there's a much longer space between the movie and the series than speculated. Statements about when the movie was after the series often conflict, I hear two or six months most often, and it could conceivably be longer. Based on how the comic book is set up, Book could leave Serenity after some time, and stay on Haven for the rest of the two years. Technically, though, it's Inara I recall saying "eight months" and that's in The Train Job, it's when she's talking to Book and he says he feels bothered that he can't help the crew, and Inara suggests he pray for them. In Bushwhacked, yes, Inara says she's been on the ship for about a year. In the film, Mal explicitly says to Simon, "Eight months you've had her (River) on my ship." Hmm, okay, and the Operative also says "eight months ago." Maybe it's a turn of phrase and a nod to Chinese culture, in which the number eight is considered auspicious? Most likely it's just an error. Zack Whedon was the one who wrote the comic, not Joss, so he can't know every detail that obsessive/compulsive fans like us about the setting.      Episode Order  The Message should be the last episode, not Objects in Space. If the Message comes before Objects, then Jayne referring to River as a "mind-reading super-genius" (or whatever) in the Message makes his utterly gobsmacked reaction in Objects in Space more than a little incongruous. Plus, the Message segues better into the movie. It is. I mean, it was the last episode shot. Objects in Space was actually shot before The Message and Trash, if I remember correctly. OiS was the last episode to air on Fox (aside from the pilot, which actually aired last...anyway...) and it is Joss's personal favorite episode, so he decided it should be the crown of the box set. But The Message was the last episode shot. Listen to the commentary and they'll talk about how the scene with Mal and Zoe laughing riotously was filmed right after they'd gotten the news of cancellation, and how amazing it was that they could go in and do that when they were so heartbroken. The funeral scene was also the last scene ever shot, so the mourning you see there is real, and the gorgeous sad music for it is for the show itself. Keep in mind River made her famous "Also, I can kill you with my brain" threat to Jayne in "Trash" which is indisputably set prior to both "The Message" and "Objects in Space." So Jayne would have that to consider even with out the events in "Objects in Space". I always took that to be a joke in part because the idea of River being a psychic, at the time, would seem silly to him. He reacts with surprise later when others take it seriously and he presumably started looking at that event (and probably others) in a different light.      Mal's Brutality  It bugs me that Mal shot that guy climbing out of his spaceship on Haven. I know Mal's mad, but IIRC, it's the only time he's killed someone who wasn't an immediate threat to him without giving them a last chance. He let the Operative, Saffron, and the salvage captain in Out of Gas live, he gave Jayne a second chance, but he kills some mook just because he's in a bad mood? Maybe Joss could give the mook a Greedo edit at some point. Said mook had participated in a war crime, and Mal is angry. The entire point behind that scene was to show just how utterly and completely enraged Mal was. It ties in with Mal's warning that if he starts to fight the war again, we're going to see something new. That scene was a significant foreshadowing of just how far Mal is willing to go if he gets truly angry. It's supposed to bother you on at least some level. The intended audience reaction is supposed to be, "Oh fuck, Mal isn't playing around anymore." He wasn't just "in a bad mood." "In a bad mood," would be the understatement of the bloody year. Mal is enraged beyond the point he's ever been enraged before. As the troper above me stated, this was the "something new" he promised to show if he started fighting a war. Also, no, it's not the first time Mal killed someone who wasn't an immediate threat to him. The DVD commentary notes it's the third "Mal shoots an unarmed man" scene in the movie. Yes. Recall that immediately before Mal shot the guy he was ordering his crew to cover the ship with the corpses of their freshly dead friends. And immediately afterward he threatens to shoot them as well if they question his orders. It's an intentional Kick the Dog moment that's supposed to show the gravity of the situation and the depth of Mal's anger at the Alliance. He is not just threatens, but it appears that he is actually going to shoot. Maybe I wasn't clear enough in my definition, but the mercy killing during the payroll job doesn't count, because it was for the guy's own good . Mal also shoots the Operative unarmed, but the Operative is definitely a threat to him — Mal doesn't do it out of spite or revenge, but because it's the safest way to get Inara out of the trap. Remember what Mal told Simon in the pilot: "You don't know me, son, so let me explain this to you once: If I ever kill you, you'll be awake, you'll be facing me, and you'll be armed." Him shooting an unarmed surrendering enemy is meant to show just how far Mal has sunk into his despair and rage over the death of Book and their other allies, along with the desperation he feels at being pinned the way they are by the Operative.      Mandarin Cursing  Okay, so I get that Mandarin is a major language in the Firefly 'verse, which is why everyone speaks at least a little of it. What I don't get is when they speak it. Characters seem to blurt out Mandarin words and phrases during tense moments, especially when profanity is called for, which would make perfect sense if Mandarin was meant to be everyone's first language. But if it's everyone's first language on a small ship full of freedom-loving Independents, why not just speak Mandarin? It happens if you're around a lot of people who curse in a foreign language. I personally spent a lot of time around Spanish speakers at the various jobs I've worked, and while my primary language is English, I picked up and started frequently using Spanish curse words. Its a minor quirk of linguistics; the phrases get lodged into your brain, metaphorically. If the crew is around people who speak Mandarin regularly, and they hear a lot of cursing in Mandarin, they'd naturally pick up some of it. Seconded. My stepmother is from Ukraine, and the first Russian words my sibling and I could understand were not really suitable for polite company. Using this explanation for the Firefly 'Verse also conveniently solves the mangled pronunciation problem; while we could understand each other and ourselves, our stepmother cheerfully informed us that we were all speaking incomprehensible gibberish.

i don't know

What Japanese automaker became the first to open a U.S. plant when they began producing cars in a facility in Marysville, Ohio, in November 1982?

Honda Accord Crosstour to be built at East Liberty, Ohio plant - Autoblog Autoblog Sam Abuelsamid 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour - Click above for image gallery This week, Honda marked the thirtieth anniversary of the start of motorcycle production in the United States with a tree planting ceremony and a new production announcement. Legions of Facebook "fans" of the new Honda Accord Crosstour will surely be thrilled to learn that the company's new lifted hatchback thingy will be built at the East Liberty, OH assembly plant. East Liberty already builds Accord sedans and coupes, making it a natural to build the new bodystyle. As with other American-built Hondas, most of the major components are also locally sourced. Honda's nearby Anna, OH engine plant will ship over the V6 engines while the Russells Point facility will build the transmissions. The Marysville plant that got motorcycle production started three decades ago is now being transformed into a consolidation center to feed parts and systems to the other nearby assembly plants. Honda has decided that it makes more sense for them to focus on building cars in America than bikes. Whether it makes sense to build this particular car anywhere, however, will be determined not on Facebook, but on dealer forecourts. slide-333809 Honda Commemorates 30 Years of Manufacturing in America All-New Accord Crosstour to be produced at East Liberty Auto Plant 09/10/2009 - MARYSVILLE, Ohio - Honda of America Mfg. marked 30 years of manufacturing in America today with a symbolic tree planting ceremony that represents the company's deep roots in America and its longstanding relationships with the communities that have hosted the company's operations. "On behalf of the thousands of Honda associates in Ohio, past and present, I want to thank our local communities and the people of Ohio for their support and friendship during the past 30 years," said Honda of America President and CEO Hidenobu Iwata. "The significant growth we have experienced in Ohio would not have been possible without the trust and support of our community partners." During the tree-planting event, Iwata announced that Honda's auto plant in East Liberty, Ohio, will be the production site* for the new Honda Accord Crosstour crossover utility vehicle (CUV). The East Liberty Auto Plant recently earned the J.D. Power and Associates' 2009 Gold Plant Award for having the highest quality of any auto plant in North America. Going on sale this fall, the Accord Crosstour will be positioned at the top of the Accord lineup. "We have continued to advance our products, and the flexible and efficient manufacturing capabilities that build them, to create new value for Honda and Acura customers," said Iwata, who leads Honda's manufacturing operations in North America. "The addition of the Accord Crosstour not only signifies our commitment to the state, but also our trust in the Ohio associates to build this top-of-the-line new Honda vehicle." *Honda and Acura products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts In addition to the East Liberty Auto Plant, other major Honda operations in Ohio will play significant roles in the Accord Crosstour project. Honda's auto engine plant near Anna, Ohio, will produce its engine and Honda's transmission plant near Russells Point, Ohio, will be the production site for its automatic transmission. "Honda's automotive operations in Ohio continue to grow in importance as they provide support to our manufacturing plants in North America and around the world," said Tom Shoupe, Honda of America senior vice president. "In addition to starting Honda motorcycle and auto production in America, Ohio is where we first began North American engine and transmission manufacturing, and where we have established a major R&D center to develop many of the products we make in North America." Honda ended motorcycle production in Marysville, Ohio, last June and is focusing its local operations on automobile and powertrain production. Construction is under way to transform the former motorcycle plant into a consolidation center to deliver automotive parts and components directly to assembly lines at the Marysville Auto Plant. Locating this consolidation activity adjacent to the plant advances quality and efficiency by significantly reducing parts handling and shipping. The new center also has a pronounced environmental benefit by reducing truck traffic and resulting CO2 emissions. This consolidation center project is one of many other activities involving Honda production and support associates to advance the company's automobile manufacturing in Ohio and North America. Based on Honda's philosophy of creating new value for its customers, Honda associates are focused on further enhancing quality, cost and on-time delivery during the economic downturn. "During these challenging times, the key to a company's survival is to respond quickly to rapid changes," Iwata said. "I am proud of the efforts by Honda associates to strengthen our operations. This puts us in a good position as the market returns to provide our customers with top quality and value in the fuel-efficient products that customers want to buy." Honda became the first Japanese automaker to manufacture products in America when it opened its first U.S. plant in Marysville, Ohio. On Sept. 10, 1979, 64 Honda associates began producing the CR250 Elsinore off-road motorcycle in Marysville. The startup was so successful that Honda quickly announced plans to build an adjacent auto plant. The first Japanese auto plant in America, the Marysville Auto Plant started producing four-door Honda Accords in November 1982. Over the past 30 years, Honda plants in Ohio have produced more than 13 million automobiles, 17 million engines, 1 million motorcycles, 2 million all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and nearly 13 million automatic transmissions. Today, the Marysville Auto Plant produces the Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe models, and the Acura TL Sedan and Acura RDX crossover vehicle. The East Liberty Auto Plant opened 20 years ago in December 1989. In addition to the upcoming Accord Crosstour, the plant is the major production site in North America for the Honda CR-V and exclusively produces the Honda Element. Honda's success at manufacturing quality products in Ohio set Honda's course to add more production in North America to meet increasing customer demand for Honda products. Utilizing its production systems and the skills of its associates to adjust quickly to changing market conditions, Honda's North American plants manufacture more than 80% of the passenger cars and light trucks that the company sells in America. Earlier this year, Honda marked the 50th anniversary of doing business in America, keyed to the June 11, 1959 establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Today, Honda operates nine major manufacturing facilities in America, working with 545 U.S. parts and material suppliers to produce more than 3 million products each year, including Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda all-terrain vehicles, general purpose engines and power equipment products. The company has two additional plants under construction in North Carolina, for the production of the HondaJet advanced light jet and GE Honda turbofan jet engines. Create alerts for any tag below Subscribe

Honda

The Simpsons is the longest running animated series in TV history. What show that aired on Fox is the second longest?

Goodyear History | Goodyear Corporate Annual sales double to $1,035,921. 1901 First advertisement in Saturday Evening Post with Wingfoot trademark. Goodyear develops first straight-side tire, with braided wire bead. George Stadelman joins the company as sales manager for carriage tires. 1902 Grant patent on carriage tires declared invalid, Goodyear's bond money returned. Construction starts on new factory building, four times larger than original plant. 1903 Paul Litchfield granted patent on first tubeless automobile tire. 1904 Seiberling-Stevens patent issued for tire-building machine. First detachable rim developed by Goodyear to replace one-piece clincher rim. 1905 Goodyear becomes the industry leader in the manufacture and sales of carriage tires. 300 employed, 28 in sales department. 1906 Goodyear produces the world's first quick, detachable, straight-side tire. 1907 Goodyear cord tire for electric automobiles introduced. A night shift starts in the plant. Branch office opens in Detroit. Henry Ford buys 1,200 sets of tires for use on Model T automobile. Goodyear begins selling detachable rims directly to auto manufacturers and licensed competitors to produce both detachable rims and tires. 1908 Large addition to the factory built. First All-Weather tread design adopted — a diamond-studded pattern used with only minor modifications for nearly 40 years. Forerunner of research and development departments created. 1909 Goodyear develops first pneumatic rubber airplane tire, which replaces sled runners and bicycle tires aviation pioneers were then using. State-Seiberling tire building machine patented. 1910 Company's first subsidiary and plant outside of U.S. acquired in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. Labor department established in Akron. First testing machine for airplane tires, forerunner of today's dynamometer, built by Goodyear. 1911 Akron plant operates 24 hours a day. Goodyear tires used for first U.S. mail flight. Goodyear tires used on first transcontinental flight from Long Beach, California to Long Beach, New York, (84 days and 63 landings) and on world record flight from St. Louis to New York (11 days). 1912 Goodyear establishes one of the first industrial hospitals in the U.S. First issue of employee newsletter Wingfoot Clan published. Branch office opens in London. Goodyear builds its first blimp. 1913 Expanding non-tire production, mechanical rubber goods department started, first conveyor belt produced. Cotton mill acquired in Killingly, Connecticut. Plans announced to build factory in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Flying Squadron (employee training) originated. Upson and Preston, Goodyear entrants, win International Balloon Race. Ralph de Palma races on Goodyear tires in the Indianapolis 500. 1914 Goodyear builds first "kite" observation balloons. Eight-hour day becomes standard, along with paid vacations for all employees. All of the cars in the Indianapolis 500 use Goodyear tires. 1915 Sales branches open in Australia, Argentina, and South Africa. First clock tower built in factory building erected on Market Street in Akron. Carbon black, a World War I substitute for zinc oxide, introduced in tire compounding. 1916 Goodyear becomes world's largest tire company, initiates slogan "More people ride on Goodyear tires than on any other kind." First pension plan started. Cotton mill acquired in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Increasing rubber prices result in Goodyear research into synthetic rubber. 1925 Dr. Karl Arnstein joins Goodyear as airship designer. 50,000-cubic-foot blimp, the Pilgrim, is the first commercial non-rigid airship to use helium. Rim production by Goodyear begins. 1926 Paul Litchfield named president, replaces George Stadelman after Stadelman's death. Goodyear becomes the world's largest rubber company with sales of $230,161,356. Company's crude rubber requirements are about one-seventh of the world's total production. Cotton mills acquired in Georgia and Quebec. Refinancing completed, control of Goodyear returned to stockholders. 1927 Goodyear becomes first company in rubber industry to establish a hospital association for employees. Company applies for synthetic rubber patents for Chemigum. Airwheel, a low-pressure tire, developed for airplanes — later adapted for passenger car use. Australian and English tire plants in production. 1928 First Double Eagle tire developed. Company awarded contract to build rigid airships Akron and Macon for the U.S. Navy. 2,500 acres acquired for rubber plantation in Philippines. Research on rayon cord for truck tires initiated. 1929 Construction of world's largest airship dock begins in Akron. Spot welding of aluminum alloy developed by Goodyear. Gadsden, Alabama tire plant and two Georgia textile mills begin operation. 1930 President Paul Litchfield named chairman. Pneumatic tire production falls from more than 23 million units in 1929 to less than 18 million units due to Great Depression. Airwheel tires used on Fords, Chevrolets. Additional land acquired for third Sumatra rubber plantation. 1931 Rigid airship Akron launched, construction on sister ship Macon begins. Rubber-tired tractors demonstrated, based on work in a Florida orange grove on low-pressure Airwheel tires. Construction begins on Argentina plant. 1932 Six-hour day inaugurated to spread the work and alleviate unemployment caused by the Depression. First hydraulic disc brakes for airplanes developed by Goodyear. 1933 Sales increase 52 percent over 1940, reflecting Goodyear's participation in U.S. military defense program. Tire production restricted immediately after Pearl Harbor, December 7. 1942 Company awarded contract to build Corsair fighter planes for U.S. military. Considerable production is converted to war production, including guns, shells, tank tracks, gas masks, rafts, and bullet-sealing tanks. Government synthetic rubber plants are built Akron, Houston, and Los Angeles. Goodyear holdings in Sumatra, Philippines, and Java are invaded by Japan. 1943 Goodyear awarded contract for major components of B-29 bomber. Research developed for continuous process for reacting stage of synthetic rubber manufacture, effectively increasing reactor capacity and reducing cost. New Goodyear Research Laboratory dedicated in Akron. 1944 Goodyear starts construction of Topeka, Kansas tire facility for the U.S. government. 1945 V-J Day brings with it cancellation of more than $400 million of government contracts, return of first of more than 26,000 employees in U.S. armed forces. Lincoln, Nebraska and Topeka, Kansas factories purchased from U.S. government. Work starts on tire plant in Peru. 1946 Goodyear continues operation of synthetic rubber plants in Akron, Houston, and Los Angeles for U.S. government. Construction of synthetic rubber pilot plant begins. Construction starts on new plants in Cuba and South Africa. First experimental tires with wire cord produced. 1947 Super-Cushion tire announced, requires only 24 pounds of air pressure. Niagara Falls, New York chemical plant starts production. Crosswind landing gear for aircraft developed. 1948 Super-Cushion tire becomes original equipment on many new car models. Java and Sumatra rubber plantations repossessed. Synthetic rubber plants converted to production of cold rubber. 1949 Plans for Luxembourg plant begin. Vinyl flooring introduced, supplementing Goodyear's line of rubber flooring dating back to 1905. Television first used for advertising with Goodyear sponsorship of The Goodyear Review, hosted by Paul Whiteman. 1950 Korean War imposes government allocation on use of both natural and synthetic rubber. Electrically heated rubber-deicing equipment developed for aircraft. The Greatest Story Ever Told radio program initiated. 1951 First $1 billion sales year for Goodyear and the industry. Research perfects oil-extended synthetic rubber, a technique that effectively increases rubber supply 20–25 percent and improves quality. Korean War spurs return of defense production in many Goodyear facilities. Sales company organized in Tokyo. Goodyear, with Philco, co-sponsors TV Playhouse. 1952 Goodyear selected by Atomic Energy Commission to operate facility in Portsmouth, Ohio. Restrictions and controls on synthetic and natural rubber removed for first time since World War II. N-type airship is delivered to U.S. Navy, largest ever built. Suburbanite winter tire announced. Three-story-high 3-T machine developed and built for tempering nylon tire fabric. Goodyear Aircraft at capacity on defense orders. 1954 Goodyear successful bidder on two government-owned synthetic rubber plants. Complete new line of tubeless tires introduced. World's first commercial passenger conveyor belt built by Goodyear for Hudson and Manhattan Railroad. First rubber railroad crossing installed in Akron. First nationwide strike in company's history lasts 52 days. 3-T nylon cord tires announced. 1955 Research succeeds in producing in laboratory a close duplicate of the natural rubber molecule. LifeGuard Blowout Shield announced for tubeless tires. Work starts on new plant in Colombia. North Chicago, Illinois hose plant acquired. New type of blimp built for U.S. Navy for use in aircraft early-warning system. Tubeless earthmover and grader tires developed. 1956 New tire plants begin operations in Philippines, Venezuela, and Scotland. Edwin Thomas named CEO, replaces Paul Litchfield who held post 30 years. Litchfield remains chairman. The Captive-Air Safety Shield tire ("the tire with the built-in spare") announced. Full line of stock car racing tires marketed. New radiation lab at Goodyear Research in Akron. Electronics and aircraft research buildings open in Litchfield Park, Arizona and Akron. 1957 Tread rubber plant opens in Chablis, Washington. Land acquired in Guatemala for rubber plantation. Goodyear International Corporation replaces The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Export Company. Natsyn, the natural-type synthetic rubber, produced in a pilot plant. Steel cord used in Captive-Air Safety Shield, replacing nylon. Compulsory retirement age reduced to 65 for hourly workers, 68 for salaried employees. Goodyear Aircraft develops projected program for orbital space stations and manned flight to outer space. 1958 Paul Litchfield retires. Edwin Thomas named chairman; Russell DeYoung, president. Goodyear Aircraft awarded research and development contract for SUBROC anti-submarine system. Polyester resin plant construction starts at Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Unisteel truck tire introduced, with radial wire plus three-ply breaker belt. Production of foam-padded instrument panels begin for 1959 model cars. 1959 New plant construction starts at Amiens, France; Medicine Hat, Canada; and plans begin for New Delhi, India. Arrangements made for tire manufacture in Italy, Portugal, and Chile. World's largest Pillow tank of 50,000-gallon capacity produced for off-shore fuel storage. Terra Tire tires introduced for golf carts. Mickey Thompson sets new land speed records on Goodyear tires. Total assets pass the $1 billion mark. Goodyear-shod car wins Daytona 500 race. Petrochemical Center begins construction in Beaumont, Texas for production of Natsyn and Budene synthetic rubbers at cost of $20 million, company's largest single capital investment at the time. Goodyear Aircraft named prime contractor for SUBROC anti-submarine system. Mickey Thompson breaks the 400-mph barrier at Bonneville Salt Flats on Goodyear tires. Cuban facilities expropriated by the Cuban government. 1961 New plants open in Tyler, Texas and Turkey. Fulda (German tire manufacturer) and Metal Wheel Company acquired. Tire production arrangements completed in Southern Rhodesia and Malaysia. Vitafilm (shrinkable packaging film), Super Ortac, and Acala hose, two-ply auto tires, Super Torque farm tires share new-product spotlight. Use of shredded wire undertreads in off-the-road tires expanded. Tufsyn rubber in tire treads announced. 1962 New chemical plant begins operations in Le Havre, France. Vytacord polyester cord announced. Research scientists discover sprayable polyurethane rubber. Goodyear Aircraft awarded U.S. government contract for development of high-resolution radar for world's fastest fighter plane. Super Single tire and rim announced as replacement for duals on trucks. Goodyear racing tires used on more winning stock and sports cars than any other brand. 1963 Goodyear produces its billionth tire. Goodyear Aircraft changes its name to Goodyear Aerospace reflecting its increasing involvement in space programs. A second blimp, the Columbia, joins the Mayflower for displaying promotional and public service messages. Craig Breedlove sets the world's land speed record, 407.45 mph, in his Spirit of America equipped with special Goodyear tires. New Double Eagle with LifeGuard Safety Spare announced. "Go, Go, Goodyear" advertising theme introduced. 1964 1965 Radial-ply tires made available in a full range of sizes to all auto manufacturers. Forty-one linear miles of Goodyear butyl sheeting used to seal the joints of the Houston Astrodome. Prime Wrap, a new packaging material for use by food chains, introduced. Winter tires with Safety Spikes first introduced. Craig Breedlove sets land speed record of 600.601 mph on Goodyear tires. In less than two years after entering international racing competition, Goodyear wins the 24 Hours of Le Mans, France. Work begins on a new tire plant in Guatemala. 1966 Goodyear becomes first company in rubber industry to install a graphics unit that enables technical personnel to communicate directly with a programmed computer and receive the graphic answers almost immediately. Thirty-foot wire grid communications satellite built by Goodyear Aerospace successfully launched. Planned city at Litchfield Park, Arizona continues to progress on a 12,000-acre site. Motor Wheel Corporation subsidiary becomes prime rim and wheel supplier for military vehicles, opens first plant outside U.S. in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. More than 100 new retail outlets opened. Jack Brabham wins World Driving Championship on Goodyear tires. Plants open in Jamaica and Australia. 1967 Despite a two-week strike at 11 U.S. plants, sales and earnings set record. Best year for Goodyear Aerospace since World War II. Metal Products Division integrated into Motor Wheel Corporation. Number of Goodyear plants worldwide pass the 100 mark, work starts on plants in Northern Ireland and Germany. Custom Wide Tread Polyglas tire announced, combining best characteristics of bias-ply tires, radial-ply tires, and the popular "wide footprint." Largest installation to date of memory belt completed at the U.S. Postal Department's new Air Mail Facility at San Francisco's International Airport. A.J. Foyt rides to victory at the Indianapolis 500, and Dennis Hulme wins the 1967 World Driving Championship, both on Goodyear tires. 1968 Polyglas tires become standard or optional equipment on almost all 1969 model cars. Pathfinder Polyglas introduced, a snow tire designed specifically for front-wheel use. Goodyear Aerospace balloons travel on Apollo 7 journey, help right spacecraft after splashdown. Instant-Floor do-it-yourself vinyl tiles with pressure-sensitive backing introduced. Sprayable colored Neothane applied to 170,000 square feet of roof at new civic center in San Rafael, California. Data acquisition system installed at Goodyear Research, making laboratories the most highly computerized in the rubber industry. Bobby Unser adds the company's second consecutive victory in the Indianapolis 500. Construction starts on tire plants in Greece and Thailand. 1969 Goodyear's first $3 billion sales year (just 5 years after reaching $2 billion). Virtually all of Goodyear International's plants are either modernized or expanded. New test equipment for airplane wheels and brakes placed in operation in Akron. Goodyear Tire Center franchise program initiated. Crashworthy fuel cells developed for aircraft. Goodyear Aerospace supplies components for the Boeing 747. 1970 Industrial products plant opens at Lyon, France. Steel-belted Double Eagle Polysteel tire introduced. Wide range of belted Glas-Guard tires introduced for campers, vans, and pickups. First tires on the moon (Apollo 14) supplied by Goodyear. Staran, world's fastest computer, introduced by Goodyear Aerospace for air traffic control. Transport Systems created to accelerate use of Speedwalk/Speedramp passenger conveying systems. Carbon-composite brake disc material, developed by aviation products, expected to improve aircraft brake life by as much as 100 percent. Chemical Division, world's largest producer of synthetic rubber, becomes leading producer of polybutadiene rubber as well. Gary Gabelich sets new land speed record of 622.407 mph in his Blue Flame equipped with Goodyear tires. 1971 World's largest tire (11½ feet high, 7,000 pounds) built at new $23-million super-tire facility at Topeka, Kansas. Polysteel tires now marketed nationally. Jackie Stewart wins World Driving Championship. New Speedwalk/Speedramp installations completed at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport; Standiford Field in Louisville, Kentucky, and Meriden Square in Meriden, Connecticut. Goodyear polyester used in double-knit wearing apparel. New tire plants planned for Brazil, Zaire, Morocco, and Taiwan. 1972 Charles Pilliod Jr. elected 11th president. Goodyear becomes first in the industry to record sales in excess of $4 billion. Custom Steelgard Radial tire introduced — the only steel-belted radial accepted by all U.S. carmakers for their 1973 models. Side-looking radar, pioneered by Goodyear Aerospace, used extensively by U.S. Air Force on F-4 phantom jets. New tire plants begin production in Kinshasa, Zaire, and Casablanca, Morocco. Company's four-year-old franchise program adds its 100th Goodyear Tire Center. Mark Donohue wins the Indianapolis 500 on Goodyear tires, setting a record speed of 162.962 mph. The Goodyear Conservation Awards Program completed 25 years of recognizing resource management by the nation's soil and water conservation districts. 1973 New packaging film plant opens in Merced, California. New industrial brake plant opens in Berea, Kentucky. New tire plant opens in Americana, Brazil. Custom Steelguard remains only steel-belted radial tire approved by all four U.S. carmakers for 1974 models. Board of directors holds its first meeting outside of U.S., in Luxembourg. Goodyear Atomic receives five-year contract extension with Atomic Energy Commission for continued operation of plant in Portsmouth, Ohio. 26 of 33 cars at the Indianapolis 500 ride on Goodyear tires, including winner Gordon Johncock. Keep America Beautiful Inc. selects Goodyear's corporate-wide environmental improvement program as the nation's finest. 1974 Goodyear is first in rubber industry to exceed $5 billion in sales. Charles Pilliod Jr. elected fifth chairman of the board, John Gerstenmaier named president. Custom Polysteel Radial and new top-of-the-line double Eagle Radial, with belts of Flexten cord, announced. A new winter tire designed for use without metal studs, the F32 All Winter Radial, introduced. Goodyear tires are on the winning cars in 151 out of the 226 major racing events throughout the world, including Johnny Rutherford's win at Indianapolis. Largest U.S. Air Force contract of its type awarded to Goodyear Aerospace for aircraft wheels, brakes, and parts. U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare presents outstanding public service award to Goodyear for blimp messages promoting the Social Security program. For the 59th consecutive year it's still true: "More people ride on Goodyear tires than on any other kind." 1975 Chairman Charles Pilliod Jr. named Employer of the Year by National Industrial Recreation Association. Natural rubber processing plant starts production at Benin City, Nigeria. Russell DeYoung, retired chairman, honored by Indonesia for contributions to country's economy. Goodyear and Oil Shale Corporation plan pilot plant at Rocky Flats, Colorado to turn scrap tires into oil, steel, and carbon black. Indianapolis 500 is won by Bobby Unser in all-Goodyear field, marking first time in 13 years one company supplied all tires. Goodyear Motor Sports Club started for auto racing fans. Largest single-tire service contract in history awarded to Goodyear for trans-Alaskan pipeline project. General Dynamics awards Goodyear Aerospace wheel and brake contracts for F-16 fighter jet. Flexten cord incorporated into auto-radial truck and bias-belted earthmover tires. 1976 Sales of $5.8 billion establish a record, despite a 130-day strike at 15 major plants. A hose plant at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, starts production. Company and employees rally to the aid of Guatemala following massive earthquakes. Supplies are airlifted to stricken areas. Company receives largest single conveyor belting order from Duval Sierrita copper mine in Arizona. Topeka, Kansas plant produces super earthmover tire of Nylosteel, 11½ feet high, 5½ feet wide, weighing more than 12,500 pounds for world's largest loader. Chemical Division ships first shatterproof polyester resin bottles. A Holstein bull calf, equipped with an air-driven artificial heart developed jointly by Goodyear and the Cleveland Clinic, lives a record 145½ days. Researchers design a tourniquet of natural rubber for use during surgery on an elephant in Miami, Florida. Company begins drilling for natural gas on its Akron properties. 1977 Goodyear introduces two notable advances in tire design. Tiempo, the first all-season tire and the revolutionary fuel-saving elliptic tire. Ground is broken for a new tire plant in Lawton, Oklahoma, representing an initial investment of $80 million. Goodyear acquires a rubber plantation in Sumatra. To meet the rising demand for shatterproof, polyester drink bottles, the company begins expansion of its polyester resin plant at Point Pleasant, West Virginia A.J. Foyt makes history on Goodyear tires, winning his fourth Indianapolis 500. Sales record of $6.6 billion and earnings record of $205 million are set. 1978 Plans announced to turn an idle Akron tire plant into a new $75-million Technical Center. Goodyear is the first company in the rubber industry to top the $7 billion mark in sales, led by the most successful tire in company history, the Tiempo. The all-season tire sold 3.5 million in its first year. The company marks its 80th anniversary. John Gerstenmaier is elected vice chairman and chief operating officer, with Robert Mercer succeeding him as Goodyear's 13th president. Point Pleasant, West Virginia plant is expanded again to cope with the increasing number and popularity of polyester uses, making a total of $30 million spent on the plant in a three-year period, increasing production by 20 percent. Ashland, Ohio plant increases production to meet the demand for Pliogrip, an adhesive used to bond car components. Latex plant opens in Calhoun, Georgia. Expansions of tire-making facilities made in Malaysia and Luxembourg. Goodyear Aerospace receives contract to develop an Imaging Radar System to map the planet Venus. Scrap tires used as construction material for more than 2,000 artificial reefs and floating breakwaters. Toxicology lab established to determine the safety of chemicals. Mario Andretti wins World Driving Championship, Al Unser the Indianapolis 500, and Kenny Roberts becomes the first American to win the World 500cc Motorcycle Grand Prix — all on Goodyear tires. A new and larger airship Mayflower is launched. The National 4-H Bicycle Program completes its 10th year under Goodyear sponsorship. 1979 1980 Soft drink bottles remain the single-largest market for polyester. Arriva all-season radial tire introduced with a major advertising campaign during Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, New York. For the third time, Johnny Rutherford wins the Indianapolis 500, and Kenny Roberts wins his third-straight World 500cc Motorcycle Road Racing Championship, both on Goodyear tires. Largest Goodyear plant expansion in history slated for Mexico City at $107 million. Goodyear establishes record sales and earnings for 1980. Sales are $8.4 billion and earnings are up 57.8 percent over 1979 to $230.7 million. 1981 John Gerstenmaier, vice chairman and chief operating officer, retires after 42 years of service. The company announces expansion of its Arriva tire line with 11 new sizes for import cars. New family of Eagle high-performance tires introduced. Goodyear's method to chemically dispose of hazardous PCBs is honored by a White House agency, receiving the 1981 Environmental Industry Award in the field of hazardous waste control. 1982 model Datsuns come to the U.S. from Japan equipped with Goodyear radial tires produced in Union City, Tennessee. Goodyear announces the phase-out of its industrial products operations in Akron. Bobby Unser wins the Indianapolis 500 on Goodyear tires. Versigard rubber roofing system is introduced. 1982 Chairman Charles Pilliod Jr. receives the Horatio Alger Award. Goodyear Bank sold to National City Bank. Benny Parsons uses Goodyear tires to become the first stock car driver qualifying for a NASCAR Grand National race at more than 200 mph. Double Eagle radial tires introduced. Gordon Johncock uses Goodyear Eagle Speedway Specials to win the Indianapolis 500. Phase-out of motorcycle tire production announced. Goodyear Highway Hero program established to honor truck drivers for acts of heroism and public service. Keke Rosenberg clinches the 12th World Drivers Championship for Formula 1 racing following a season on Goodyear tires. The first American-built Honda rolls off the assembly line at Marysville, Ohio on Goodyear Corsa GT tires. The Wall Street Transcript names Charles Pilliod Jr. the top-rated CEO for the second year. GM's new Chevrolet Corvette equipped with the Eagle VR50 tire. 1983 Goodyear announces plans to build a wire cord plant in Asheboro, North Carolina. Announcement is made of the merger of Goodyear and Celeron Corporation, a diversified natural gas pipeline company. Robert Mercer is elected chairman and chief executive officer, succeeding Charles Pilliod Jr. Tom Barrett named president and chief operating officer. Goodyear's three-billionth tire is manufactured at the Danville, Virginia truck tire plant. Goodyear announces development of radial tires for aircraft. Tom Sneva wins Indianapolis 500 on Goodyear tires. 1984 Vector, the third-generation all-season radial auto tire, introduced. Goodyear announces plans to invest $250 million to convert Kelly-Springfield plant in Tyler, Texas to radial passenger tire production. Goodyear announces expansion of its Luxembourg radial earthmover tire production facility. Chairman Robert Mercer named the best rubber industry CEO by The Wall Street Transcript. Continuance of the $840-million pipeline project of Celeron Corporation authorized by board of directors. Worldwide sales reach a record $10.24 billion, and earnings are a record $411 million. 1985 Lotus of England features Eagle high-performance tires as original equipment. Goodyear boosts earthmover tire investment in Topeka, Kansas. Bill Elliot wins Daytona 500 on Goodyear tires. Goodyear and Japan's Toyo Tire & Rubber Company enter joint venture. Financial World names Robert Mercer outstanding CEO in the rubber industry. New Tiempo tire line announced. Goodyear begins nationwide emergency road service program. Danny Sullivan wins Indianapolis 500 on Goodyear tires. Company founder Frank Seiberling inducted into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame. 1986 Goodyear purchases Long Mile Rubber Company, the largest full-line tread rubber producer in the U.S., and Min Tire Equipment Inc., a premier supplier of rubber extruder equipment and industrial machinery. Financing is completed for construction of the Celeron West Coast to Texas Gulf Coast pipeline. Sales of Versigard rubber roofing expanded into Europe. Plans announced for a $29-million technical center in Japan. A natural rubber research and quality control lab opens in Singapore. Goodyear Corsa GT tires selected as the exclusive tire for the Hyundai Excel. A China Affairs office opens in Hong Kong. Maxxim, a total gasoline vapor recovery hose, introduced. British financier Sir James Goldsmith, Hanson Trust, and a group of investors purchase 11.5 percent of Goodyear stock in a takeover attempt. Goodyear moves to acquire stock held by the Goldsmith investment group. A restructuring program is announced that includes the sale of Celeron Corporation, Goodyear Aerospace, Motor Wheel Corporation, Goodyear Farms, and The Wigwam resort in Arizona. Windsor, Vermont shoe products plant closes. The Rome, Italy base for the airship Europa is sold and the airship retired. Financial support for Formula 1 Grand Prix racing is discontinued. 1987 In the wake of the unsuccessful takeover attempt by the Goldsmith investment group, Goodyear makes a tender offer for up to 40 million shares of its common stock at $50 each. Goodyear Aerospace is sold to Loral Corporation for $640 million. Motor Wheel Corporation is purchased by its management. The New Toronto, Canada tire plant and the Kelly-Springfield tire plant in Cumberland, Maryland are closed. Arizona holdings, including Goodyear Farms, Litchfield Park, and Westinghouse-Goodyear properties, are sold to SunCor Development Corporation. Following the sale of Goodyear Aerospace, an aviation products department is established; the company continuing the manufacture of aircraft tires and operation of its Air Treads and brake overhaul units. Goodyear and Pacific Dunlop Ltd. form South Pacific Tyres Ltd., with manufacturing and retailing operations in Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea. Goodyear named exclusive supplier of Poly-V serpentine automotive belts for the Chevrolet Corvette. Nippon Giant joint venture begins production of earthmover tires in Japan. Celeron "welds out" the 1,225-mile mainline segment of the All American pipeline from Santa Barbara, California to McCamey, Texas. New Kelly-Springfield headquarters and tire testing facility announced for Cumberland, Maryland The Eagle ZR-S performance street radial tire is introduced — the first with a "Z" speed rating, indicating it was designed to operate at speeds of more than 149 mph. Chairman Robert Mercer receives the Distinguished Service Citation Award from the Automotive Hall of Fame. A new airship is christened The Spirit of Akron in recognition of the community's support for the company. Goodyear subsidiary Hose Coupling Manufacturing Inc. is sold. Goodyear produces the first original equipment, 17-inch, Z-speed-rated performance tire, the Eagle ZR40 Gatorback, for the 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. Plans announced to expand high-performance tire production in Lawton, Oklahoma. The Eagle radial racing tire makes its debut and carries Al Unser Sr. to victory in the Indianapolis 500. 1988 President Tom Barrett is elected to succeed Chairman Robert Mercer as chief executive officer, effective January 1, 1989. Ground is broken for a $320-million tire plant at Napanee, Ontario, Canada. The second phase of a high-performance tire expansion begins at Lawton, Oklahoma plant. Phase one of an expansion at the Danville, Virginia truck tire plant is completed. Project begins to increase production of auto tires and light and medium truck tires in Americana, Brazil An expansion and modernization project begins at Kelly-Springfield's Fayetteville, North Carolina tire plant. Industrial Products Division celebrates its 75th anniversary with the dedication of a joint-venture V-belt plant in Taiwan. Goodyear's fourth-generation all-season tire, the Invicta GL, is introduced. Goodyear airships honored by the Freedoms Foundation for public service night sign messages. 1989 Aviation tire and Air Treads operations consolidated. Tom Barrett succeeds retiring Chairman Robert Mercer. A project to add high-performance auto tire production at Gadsden, Alabama is announced. Expansion and modernization at Danville, Virginia is completed. Project begins to increase medium radial truck tire production at Topeka, Kansas. Auto tire production at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia increased to serve the Japanese auto industry. South Pacific Tyres begins to build a steel radial truck tire plant and modernize facilities in Australia and New Zealand. Project begins to increase synthetic rubber capacity and development at a new specialty polymer facility at Beaumont, Texas. Work begins on a Houston, Texas expansion to boost production of nitrile rubber and latex products. SIBR rubber developed to improve heat resistance of high-performance and racing tires. Goodyear produces customized tires for the U.S. Navy's A-12 attack bomber, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 jet, and develops the first asymmetrical aircraft tire tread for the U.S. Air Force's F-15 fighter. 1990 New tire plant in Napanee, Ontario, Canada begins production. Expansion approved for Point Pleasant, West Virginia polyester plant. Two exclusive custom-brand tires — the Concorde Calibre and All-American Decathlon — are unveiled for price-conscious consumers. The Daytona 500 kicks off a new major advertising campaign with the theme, "The best tires in the world have Goodyear written all over them." Modernization approved for polyester plant in Scottsboro, Alabama. Goodyear provides race tires for sun-powered vehicles driven by college students in a 1,600-mile competition. Roofing systems plant closes in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Medium and heavy-duty radial truck tire production phased out at the Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada plant. South Pacific Tyres opens a $62.5 million radial truck tire plant in Melbourne, Australia. Shoe Products Division relocated to Hudson, New Hampshire. 1991 Goodyear airships visit 12 major markets in the United States as Blimp Tour '91, increasing retail traffic and tire sales. Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President Tom Barrett retires. Stanley Gault is elected chairman and chief executive officer; Hoyt Wells is elected Goodyear president and chief operating officer. Goodyear sells 12 million new shares of its common stock. Air Treads forms a joint venture with Mitsui & Company Ltd. of Japan to serve the expanding aviation tire business in Asia. Air Treads forms a joint venture with Mitsui & Company Ltd. of Japan to serve the expanding aviation tire business in Asia. Project approved to nearly double capacity of Bangkok, Thailand tire plant. Dutch chemical firm Akzo agrees to buy the Scottsboro, Alabama polyester tire cord and fabric plant for $105 million. Goodyear's support of the Persian Gulf War is recognized with several awards. Goodyear sells nearly all of its food and industrial films business to Huntsman Holdings Corporation. 1992 Goodyear sells nearly all of its food and industrial films business to Huntsman Holdings Corporation. Goodyear begins selling tires through mass-merchandiser Sears. Goodyear completes the sale of its polyester businesses to Shell Oil Company. Goodyear completes the sale of its polyester businesses to Shell Oil Company. The rubber plantation in Indonesia observes 75 years of operation. Consumers Digest magazine names the Goodyear Eagle GA tire a Best Buy. Expansion at steel tire cord plant in Asheboro, North Carolina approved Goodyear introduces the first extended mobility, or run-flat, tire for the Chevrolet Corvette. The Workhorse Extra Grip radial light truck tire makes its debut. Trackman, an endless rubber track for retrofitting on skid-steer farm, business, and construction vehicles, is introduced. Gadsden, Alabama plant begins an expansion to keep up with demand for light truck tires. 1993 The All American pipeline enters into long-term crude oil transportation agreements with several major California offshore oil producers. A joint venture is announced with India's CEAT Ltd. to build tires. The company opens a representative's office and its first tire store in Beijing, China. Distribution is expanded through adding approximately 1,000 new dealers and mass-merchandising outlets for Goodyear tires in the United States. Goodyear introduces the 300 Series Unisteel commercial truck tire system, several new light truck tires, a broad market touring tire, automotive and industrial hose products with environmental benefits, and quieter, more efficient V-belts. Sales of the Aquatred tire, winner of more than a dozen awards, including Japan's prestigious Good Product Design Award, reaches two million units in the United States. 1994 The market for the highly popular Aquatred tire expands with introduction of the Wrangler Aquatred for light trucks and SUVs. Ford chooses the Eagle GS-C for its Mustang Cobra Just Tires stores expand into Philadelphia and Los Angeles, with a total of 70 outlets in all markets. Goodyear opens an "electronic store" on CompuServe, an online subscription service — Goodyear is the first and only major tire manufacturer with a CompuServe store. The company introduces its innovative Customer Trust program, which allows customers to specify the desired level of diagnosis and service for auto service outlets. Goodyear celebrates its 300th Grand Prix victory in Barcelona, Spain. Manufacturing capacity at the Topeka, Kansas plant is increased. Kelly-Springfield subsidiary marks its 100th anniversary. The Chinese government grants applications for the Goodyear-Dalian joint venture to manufacture tires in China. Construction begins on expansions in Malaysia and Indonesia. Goodyear acquires a 60 percent interest in a joint venture with Qingdao Gold Lion Hose Company, the largest producer of auto hose in China. The company acquires its partner's one-half interest in Techbelt Pacific. All American Pipeline System shows a full year of operating profit. All-time record sales for 1994 are $12.3 billion, with record income of $567 million. 1995 With Hoyt Wells' retirement, Samir Gibara becomes Goodyear's president and chief operating officer. Goodyear acquires majority control of TC Debica, the leading Polish passenger tire manufacturer. New tire production comes on stream at Goodyear Dalian in China. Goodyear acquires an air springs operation in Brazil. In the U.S., Goodyear's distribution channels expand with the addition of both Montgomery Ward and Penske Automotive Centers. New tire introductions include the Aquatred II, Ultra Grip HP, and Eagle #1. Goodyear introduces the Gatorback Poly-V automotive belt, providing unsurpassed performance for high-horsepower applications. Goodyear marks its 1,000th NASCAR Winston Cup victory. Efforts to find alternative uses for scrap tires advance as 72 percent of all U.S.-generated scrap tires are consumed in environmentally sound energy recovery and recycling programs. Sales of $13.2 billion and earnings of $611 million are the highest in Goodyear's 97-year history. 1996 Goodyear completes several international acquisitions, expanding its global scope. Goodyear acquires a 50-percent stake in Sweden's Dackia, a tire retailer. Goodyear purchases tire assets of Sime Darby Pilipinas in the Philippines. Goodyear purchases a 60-percent interest in South African tire company Contred. Goodyear buys the assets of Belt Concepts of America, a lightweight conveyor belt maker, in Spring Hope, North Carolina. Goodyear forms Goodyear Polska subsidiary to sell products in Poland. Tire plant in Thessaloniki, Greece closes. Infinitred, the industry's first auto tire to carry lifetime treadwear warranty, is introduced in North America. 1997 Goodyear signs an off-take agreement with Sumitomo Rubber and begins a market test to sell each other's tires. Goodyear signs an off-take agreement with Sumitomo Rubber and begins a market test to sell each other's tires. Goodyear increases ownership in India's South Asia Tyres from 60 percent to 74 percent. Goodyear buys the assets of Venezuelan hose manufacturer Indomax and three affiliated companies. Goodyear announces plans to build a power-transmission products plant in Mexico. "Serious Freedom" advertising campaign is introduced in North America. Deal signed with NASCAR, making Goodyear the "exclusive tire supplier" of NASCAR's top three race divisions. Blimp fleet doubles with two airships added in Europe and one in Latin America. Eagle PD synchronous belt and sprocket assembly for power transmissions introduced. Construction begins for a conveyor belt technical center in Marysville, Ohio. Morant Bay, Jamaica tire plant closes. Goodyear announces withdrawal from Formula 1 racing after 1998 season. Eagle HP and Eagle HP Ultra high-performance tires are introduced. A six-year, $600-million expansion plan for Goodyear Chemicals announced. Includes two new plants, expansions, and implementation of new technologies. 1998 Goodyear celebrates its first 100 years in business. Goodyear purchases the remaining 40 percent interest in Contred tire and engineered products subsidiary in South Africa. Goodyear purchases the remaining shares of India's South Asia Tyres. The All American Pipeline, Celeron Gathering, and Celeron Trading and Transportation are sold. A latex plant in Calhoun, Georgia is sold to GenCorp. Extruded rubber business is sold to Longwood Elastomers. Goodyear announces the development of an advanced tire manufacturing process called IMPAC. Goodyear introduces a new steel passenger car tire technology known as Ultra-Tensile Steel Wire, using it in the Eagle Aquasteel EMT run-flat tire and Eagle F1 Steel tires. Plans to close Kelly-Springfield's Cumberland, Maryland offices announced. Expansion of Luxembourg Technical Center is completed. Goodyear develops the industry's first non-directional radial farm tractor tire. Expansion projects for plants in Union City, Tennessee and Decatur, Georgia announced. Expansion of the Beaumont, Texas chemical plant completed. 1999 All tire-manufacturing plants in North America are certified to ISO 14001 for environmental management systems. Wrangler MT/R wins an Automotive News PACE Award, product innovation category. Marikina, Philippines tire plant closes. Low-rolling-resistant E-metric concept tires featured on General Motors's Autonomy fuel cell car. Gatorback Poly-V belt makes racing debut in Daytona 500. Goodyear announces plans to build new airship Spirit of America in honor of the patriotic spirit of Goodyear's home country. New look introduced for www.goodyear.com website. Goodyear acquires an additional 20 percent stake in Slovenian joint venture, Sava Tires, increasing ownership to 80 percent. Kelly Safari Signature tire introduced for North American SUV market. Plans announced to double production of seamless tread material at the Social Circle, Georgia retread plant. Goodyear Dunlop UK opens new headquarters and national distribution center, TyreFort, in Birmingham, England. For the first time in almost 40 years, four Goodyear blimps grace the skies in formation to mark the christening of the new Spirit of America. Goodyear acquires an additional 15.2 percent ownership stake in Turkey's Goodyear Lastikleri, now owns 74.6 percent. Mold plant in Stow, Ohio closes. President Robert Keegan appointed chief executive officer, replacing Samir Gibara, who remains chairman of the board. Ford selects Eagle F1 SuperCar tires for its high-performance Ford GT sports car. 2003 Board of directors approves the elimination of quarterly dividend to shareholders. Ohio Historical Society honors company founder Frank Seiberling with historical marker outside corporate headquarters. CEO Robert Keegan outlines seven turnaround strategies. Goodyear completes comprehensive refinancing and restructuring of bank loan agreements. Eagle F1 GS-D3 wins NorTech Innovation Award. Engineered Products adds production of air conditioning hose to Kranj, Slovenia factory. Robert Keegan elected chairman upon Samir Gibara's retirement. New three-year master labor contract ratified in North America, cost savings, productivity improvements are focus. Six-month blimp tour of Japan completed, airship Spirit of Japan makes appearances in every major city and 42 of the nation's 47 prefectures. Goodyear captures CIO-100 award for information technology operations. Eagle F1 GS named Best Buy by Consumers Digest magazine. Huntsville, Alabama Dunlop tire plant closes. Engineered Products adds hydraulic hose offerings through deal with Italy's Alfa Gomma. Goodyear tires chosen as standard equipment on Volvo and Freightliner trucks. 2004 Assurance tires featuring TripleTred and ComforTred technology introduced in North America. Goodyear converts branding on race tires used in NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series to Wrangler. Eagles continue to be used in Busch and Nextel Cup series. Pilot Travel Centers begin sales of Goodyear truck tires. OPTITRAC farm radial tires introduced. New synthetic rubber polymers increase ability to reduce natural rubber dependency by as much as 15 percent. Sava Tires becomes a wholly owned subsidiary. Expansion made at Fayetteville, North Carolina tire plant. Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 EMT run-flat tires named exclusive option for 400-horsepower Maserati Quattroporte. Two-piece assembly for OTR tires wins NorTech Innovation Award. First steel-belted radial passenger car tires built in Lima, Peru factory. Ferrari selected Eagle F1 GS-D3 EMT run-flat tires for F430. Radial medium truck tire expansion begins in Cali, Colombia. Specially designed Toyota Prius sets hybrid land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats on Goodyear Eagle race tires. 2005 Duraseal commercial tire technology that repairs punctures when they occur is introduced. Fortera featuring SilentArmor Technology introduced for SUVs in North America; tire utilizes Kevlar. Debica introduces second-generation Navigator passenger car tire in Poland. Headquarters of Asia region moved to Shanghai, China. Toyota's hybrid Prius vehicle equipped with low-rolling-resistance Goodyear Integrity tires. Jeep selects Eagle RS-A run-flat tires for Grand Cherokee SRT8. Engineered Products opens plant in Brazil to produce offshore oil hose. General Motors names Goodyear "Supplier of the Year" for tires. Goodyear teams with Walt Disney Pictures to supply tires for Herbie Fully Loaded movie. Premio retail tire and service operation debuts in Russian market. Assurance featuring TripleTred Technology wins Silver IDEA Award. Indonesian natural rubber plantation sold to Bridgestone Corporation. Goodyear Fortera featuring TripleTred Technology introduced for SUVs in North America. Wingtack adhesive resins business sold to Sartomer Company. North American farm tire operations sold to Titan Tire. 2006 South Pacific Tyres becomes wholly owned subsidiary, after Goodyear buys 50 percent from Ansell for $40 million. Assurance featuring TripleTred Technology, Eagle GT-HR, and Fortera featuring SilentArmor Technology named Best Buys by Consumers Digest magazine. Goodyear blimp makes maiden voyage in China. Eagle featuring ResponsEdge Technology introduced in North America, first use of carbon fiber in consumer tires. Expansion begins in India to increase radial passenger tire production. Fierce tire brand introduced to target auto enthusiast market. Goodyear Dunlop UK's Washington tire plant closes. Bicycle-tire production discontinued at Debica in Poland. Nationwide campaign kicks off to select a name for new Goodyear blimp. Ford selects Eagle F1 SuperCar tires for Shelby Mustang GT500. Spirit of Goodyear airship receives Lightyear logo as part of promotion for Disney-Pixar movie Cars. Goodyear announces plans to exit certain segments of North American private label tire business Ohio teacher submits Spirit of Innovation as winning name for new blimp, decided by the American public. Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems signs deal to develop and operate truck service centers for Pilot Travel Centers. Upper Hutt, New Zealand tire plant closes. Volkswagen selects Eagle LS-2 tires for Eos. Captain Martina Wegscheider becomes first female Goodyear blimp pilot, flies Spirit of America. Dodge Nitro midsize SUV launches exclusively on Goodyear tires. Fuel Max Technology introduced on new line of steer, drive, and trailer commercial truck tires. Jeep selects Wrangler SR-A tires for new Compass compact SUV. First medium radial truck tire produced at Cali, Colombia plant. Automated warehouse facility opens at Fayetteville, North Carolina tire plant. Steelworkers union shuts down 12 master contract factories in U.S. during three-month strike. 2007 Goodyear extends exclusive tire supply agreement with NASCAR through 2012, 50-year relationship with race series. Global tire fabric operations sold to Hyosung Corporation. Four-year project begins to expand high-performance tire production at Debica, Poland. Fortera SUV tire introduced in Latin America region. Road safety highlighted in Chinese blimp tour over 12 cities in nine months. Medium radial truck tire expansion begins in Debica, Poland. Goodyear Excellence chosen as OE for Toyota Auris and Mercedes C-Class in Europe. Eagle F1 All-Season tire launched in North America. Public offering of 26 million shares of stock. Eagle with ResponsEdge Technology launched in Latin America. Boeing awards Goodyear six-year contract for original equipment tires on 737 family of aircraft. Engineered Products business sold to Carlyle Group, renamed Veyance Technologies. Luxembourg Technical Center celebrates 50th anniversary. Wrangler HP All Weather and Wrangler AT SilentArmor tires launched in Asia/Pacific region. Expansion begins in Maipú, Chile. Tire production ends at Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada plant. 600 Series commercial truck tires introduced in Latin America. Government funding granted for Goodyear/NASA project to develop tires for moon, Mars exploration. Customers in Australia offered first-ever climate-neutral tires. Dunlop introduces ultra-high performance Direzza Sport Z1 and SP Sport Maxx GT tires in North America. Volkswagen selects Excellence and Eagle F1 tires for new Tiguan SUV. Agreement reached to build new headquarters buildings in Akron. 2008 Goodyear named one of 100 Best Corporate Citizens by Corporate Responsibility Magazine. Goodyear named exclusive tire supplier for Brazil's Copa Nextel Stock Car racing series. Tire plant in Tyler, Texas closes. Ownership stake in Poland's TC Debica tire company increases to 65.99 percent. Plan to triple commercial tire production in Poland announced. Eighth annual Engineering Career Day for Young Women held at Akron headquarters. Goodyear named world's most admired company in motor vehicle parts industry by Fortune magazine. Dunlop Sport Maxx TT ultra high-performance tire launched in Europe. Goodyear recognized as one of America's most trustworthy companies by Audit Integrity and Forbes magazine. Lincoln MKS introduced with Assurance ComforTred and Eagle RS-A tires as original equipment. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric receives Editor's Choice Award for New Products by Popular Mechanics magazine. Goodyear sponsors Philadelphia Marathon. Goodyear Assurance tire launched in China, Indonesia. Heavy Duty Trucking magazine selects Fuel Max Technology as one of the best new products for commercial trucks. Goodyear joins U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport Partnership. Eagle RS-A and Eagle F1 SuperCar tires selected as original equipment on Dodge Challenger SRT8. Toyota selects Eagle LS-2, Eagle RS-A, and Eagle F1 All-Season tires as standard equipment on 2009 Corolla and Matrix. Dunlop Signature CS tire introduced for crossover vehicles in North America. Goodyear Eagle GT high-performance tire introduced in North America. Goodyear OptiGrip tire with SmartWear Technology introduced in Europe. $500-million expansion and relocation of Dalian, China tire plant begins. Goodyear recognized as one of America's most respected companies by the Reputation Institute and Forbes magazine. Goodyear signs five-year agreement to continue as the exclusive tire provider for the Star Mazda Championship racing series. Cali, Colombia tire plant is first in Latin America to eliminate solvent-based cleaners from its operations. Dunlop Sport Direzza Z1 awarded Select Gear distinction by European Car magazine. Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association trust approved, funded with $1 billion. Goodyear Autocare retail franchise launches in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia. Goodyear and Genenco announce collaboration to develop breakthrough bio-based process for producing isoprene using renewable raw materials. Union City, Tennessee plant produces 450 millionth tire. Goodyear awarded seven-year contract to supply tires and business solutions to New York City Transit, largest transit bus fleet in U.S. Tire plant in Somerton, Australia closes. General Motors announces that Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid will be equipped with Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires. Chairman Robert Keegan inducted into Northeast Ohio Business Hall of Fame. Goodyear Vector 4Seasons tire named best all-weather tire by Germany's Auto Bild magazine. Truck Force service center network launches in Russia. Goodyear Assurance tire receives Product of the Year Award from China's Auto Magazine. Goodyear Brazil recognized as the country's most admired company in the tire and automotive segment by Época magazine. Goodyear OptiGrip tire with SmartWear Technology receives the 2008 Innovation Award from the Luxembourg Business Federation. 2009 Company announces plans for an unprecedented number of new product launches in 2009, with more than 50 new tires being introduced globally. Goodyear Assurance TripleTred and Fortera TripleTred, Dunlop SP Sport Signature and SP 60 tires named Best Buys by Consumers Digest magazine. Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tire introduced in North America. Spain's Neumàticos y Mécanica Ràpida magazine names Dunlop Grandtrek AT3 Tire of The Year in the saloon car category. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac and Wrangler AT/SA featuring SilentArmor Technology tires launched in North America and Europe. China's Xcar.com names Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric tire its "High Performance Tire of the Year." Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tire selected as original equipment for Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion S, and Chevrolet Volt. Goodyear EfficientGrip tire approved as original equipment for the new Audi A3. Goodyear recognized by Reader's Digest as the "Most Trusted Tire Brand" in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. Dunlop Signature CS tire introduced for crossover vehicles. Goodyear recognized as America's most respected automotive company by Forbes magazine. Goodyear G289 WHA, G661 HSA, and G662 RSA with Fuel Max Technology commercial truck tires launched. Akron properties sold to Industrial Realty Group as a first step toward finalizing plans for developing a new company headquarters in Akron. Richard Kramer elected chief operating officer. Tire plant in Las Pinas, Philippines closes. Goodyear's Premio auto service network expands in Bulgaria and Romania. Kelly Charger GT tire launched. Goodyear and NASA develop an airless "spring tire" for use on Mars and the moon. Wingfoot Lake Park near Akron sold, becomes Ohio State Park. Fierce Attitude M/T, Instinct ZR, and Instinct VR tires launched in North America. New four-year labor contract with United Steelworkers union ratified in United States. Goodyear DuraPlus tire launched in Asia. Goodyear Eagle RS-A, Assurance ComforTred, and Eagle F1 SuperCar tires selected as original equipment on 2010 Ford Taurus. Goodyear Thailand opens the country's first Goodyear Autocare service center. Supplier Innovation Initiative launched. World of Rubber museum in Akron's Goodyear Hall closes. Goodyear recognized as one of the "Greenest Big Companies in America by Newsweek magazine. Goodyear announces plans to begin production of 63-inch OTR tires in 2010. Spartanburg, South Carolina retread plant closes. Goodyear Eagle GT performance tire launched in Brazil. Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tire named one of the "100 Most Innovative Products of the Year" by Popular Science magazine. Taiwan's CARNEWS magazine names Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric tire its "Best Tire Choice for High Performance Drivers." 2010 Toyota selects Goodyear Eagle RS-A and Dunlop SP Sport 7000 tires as original equipment on 2011 Sienna minivan. Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring tire introduced in North America. Goodyear Blimp page launched on Facebook. Richard Kramer elected president and chief executive officer, replacing Robert Keegan, who remains as chairman of the board. Goodyear named one of America's most reputable companies by Forbes magazine. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G:2 introduced with original equipment fitments on 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT winter tire for SUVs and light trucks introduced in North America. Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tire awarded the Good Housekeeping Seal. Goodyear and NASA receive "R&D 100" award for airless spring tire for use on Mars and the moon. Goodyear Fortera HL tires selected as standard equipment on 2011 Ford Explorer SE. Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires selected as original equipment on 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco. Goodyear Concept EfficientGrip tire with RunOnFlat Technology for future electric vehicles displayed at Geneva Motor Show. Goodyear Eagle EfficientGrip tire launched in China. Goodyear selected to develop fuel-efficient tires for U.S. Army program. Richard Kramer elected chairman of the board, replacing the retiring Robert Keegan. Goodyear named one of the top 50 U.S. companies for social responsibility by Reputation Institute. Plans announced to double radial aviation tire capacity. Assurance Fuel Max tires launched in Australia and Indonesia. 51st Premio automotive service outlet opens in Turkey. 2011 Goodyear named the 2011 Business Superbrand in India. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 launched in Europe. Goodyear wins the Tire Technology of the Year award from the publishers of Tire Technology International for the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice+ tire. Two Goodyear blimps return to Europe for a tour of 20 countries. New plant in Pulandian, China produces its first tire. Goodyear named a Supplier of the Year by Wal-Mart Stores. Tilden Curl named Goodyear North America Highway Hero. Tire plant in Americana, Brazil wins the Shingo Prize for manufacturers. Latin American farm tire business sold to Titan International. Ground broken on new global headquarters in Akron. Assurance Fuel Max tires launched in India. Goodyear named one of America's most reputable companies by Forbes magazine. Plan to build three new Goodyear NT airships to replace current U.S. blimp fleet announced. Chairman Richard Kramer introduces Goodyear Mission. Wire business sold to Hyosung Corporation. Slovenia's Sava Tires name changed to Goodyear Dunlop Sava Tires. Union City, Tennessee tire plant closes. Spirit of America blimp re-branded Lightyear in support of movie Cars 2. Uni-Maxx Truck Care service network launched in North America. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 and Eagle F1 Directional 5 tires launched in Asia. Assurance TripleTred All-Season tire launched in North America. Development of Goodyear's Air Maintenance Technology announced. Goodyear recognized for success in developing fuel-efficient innovations by Pew Project on National Security, Energy, and Climate. FuelMax technology introduced in Latin America. Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 tires selected as original equipment for 2013 Lexus GS 350. Goodyear Venezuela honored for environmental commitment. Assurance Fuel Max tires selected as original equipment for 2012 Scion iQ. Goodyear's Hi-Q named "Most Iconic Tire Retail Brand" in South Africa. Goodyear Eagle F1 Directional 5 tire introduced in Asia. Goodyear Dunlop Germany named "Top Automotive Employer." Goodyear signs five-year agreement with NASCAR to continue as the exclusive tire used in top three racing series. Goodyear ranked in Reuter's "Top 100 Global Innovators" list. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT winter tires introduced in North America. Goodyear blimp gondola donated to Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tire named "Best Car Tire" by China Auto News magazine. Topping ceremony held for new headquarters building in Akron. Spring tire concept selected for display by American Museum of Natural History in New York. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar and Eagle RS-A 2 tires selected as original equipment for 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee. Air Maintenance Technology named a "Most Promising Future Technology" by Car & Driver magazine. Goodyear Regional RHT II RFID tire introduced in North America, the company's first commercial use of microchips in truck tires. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tire named "Best Product of the Year" by China's Auto magazine. Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV tire introduced in Europe. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tires selected as original equipment for the Porsche 911 Carrera 2. Spring tire displayed at Tokyo Motor Show. 2012 Goodyear develops Supplier Code of Conduct. Goodyear's Assurance TripleTred All-Season and Assurance ComforTred Touring tires recognized as Best Buys by Consumers Digest magazine. Goodyear China earns second straight "Top Employer" award. Goodyear wins Tire Manufacturing Innovation of the Year award from Tire Technology International magazine. General Motors selects Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G:2 tires for 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Mike Schiotis of Spring Hill, Tennessee named Goodyear Highway Hero Award winner in North America. Goodyear awarded two "Tire of the Year" prizes in Spain for its Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 and EfficientGrip SUV by Neumàticos y Mécanica Ràpida magazine. Nissan selects Dunlop tires for 2013 GT-R. Goodyear wins fitment on New Embraer military airlifter and tanker jet. Goodyear Fast Aid roadside and medical assistance program launches in India. Goodyear receives Manny Award for Zero Waste to Landfill Program. Goodyear announces soybean oil can reduce use of petroleum in tires. Goodyear announces plan to hire 1,000 U.S. military veterans in two-year period. Goodyear Dunlop Tires North America leadership team moves to Akron headquarters. Goodyear receives CIO 100 award. EfficientGrip SUV tire launched in China, Australia, and Malaysia. Goodyear named one of "America's Greenest Companies" by Newsweek. Goodyear's Air Maintenance Technology named one of "2012's Best Inventions" by Time magazine. Goodyear named a Thomson Reuters Top 100 Global Innovator. Eagle GT tire launched in Mexico. Goodyear transfers stock listing to NASDAQ. 2013 Subaru presents Goodyear with Top Supplier Award in North America. Construction begins for newest Goodyear airship. More than 1,200 students attend Goodyear's Engineering Career Day. Boeing names Goodyear a Supplier of the Year. Dunlop Sport Maxx RT tires selected to fit the new Maserati Quattroporte. Goodyear opens new global headquarters in Akron. General Motors chooses Goodyear tires for 2014 Silverado and Sierra trucks. Goodyear, USW contract agreement. Goodyear unveils UniCircle retreads for wide-base truck tires. Dunlop Sportmax Q3 tire named "Best Motorcycle Product" by Motorcycle.com. Goodyear's Latin America business wins Trade Americas Award. Goodyear South Africa honored as Supplier of the Year by General Motors. Goodyear joins "It Can Wait" campaign to combat texting and driving. Assurance TripleMax tire launched in the Philippines. Goodyear reinstates dividend on common stock. Goodyear named a Thomson Reuters Top 100 Global Innovator for third-straight year. U.S. Department of Defense honors Goodyear with an "Above and Beyond" award in recognition of extraordinary support of associates who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Goodyear launches National Car Care Clinics in North America. Goodyear announces sponsorship of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association. Goodyear launches G572 IAD truck tire in North America. Goodyear named a Top 100 Military Friendly Employer in United States. 2014 2014 Goodyear tires gain original equipment fitments on 2014 Ram 1500, 2014 Ram Power Wagon, 2015 Ford Mustang, 2015 Chrysler 200 and 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT. Assurance All-Season tire launched in North America. Dunlop Direzza DZ102 ultra high performance tire introduced. Goodyear celebrates 60th anniversary of supplying race tires to NASCAR. After 14 years in the skies, Spirit of Goodyear airship is retired. 90th anniversary of Goodyear's original tire and automotive service store. Goodyear launches Mobility of the Future Campaign in Europe, looking at key challenges and solutions for the transport industry. Goodyear recognized as the world's most admired motor vehicle parts company by Fortune magazine. Ivan Vasovic of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., named 31st Goodyear North America Highway Hero. Newest Goodyear airship, Wingfoot One, christened by TV's Robin Roberts. Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance named "Tire of the Year" in Spain. Goodyear celebrates a decade of supplying tires to the FIA European Truck Racing Championship. New consumer tire plant to be built in the Americas. Goodyear surpasses goal of hiring 1,000 U.S. military veterans. Goodyear ranked as top tire brand in New Zealand by Canstar Blue. Innovative use of rice husk ash in tires announced. Goodyear's new global headquarters earns LEED Gold Rating. Goodyear recognized with Aon Hewitt Top Companies for Leaders award. Goodyear UltraGrip 9 winter tire launched in Europe. Fleet testing of tires utilizing Air Maintenance Technology begins. IntelliMax Groove Technology for truck tires awarded innovation award by the Luxembourg Business Federation. Goodyear Autocare chain expands in Vietnam with new store in Ho Chi Minh City. Goodyear named a Top 100 Military Friendly Employer for third straight year. Winter tire testing facility opens in Ivalo, Finland. Goodyear named as title sponsor of college football's Cotton Bowl. Sascha Högemann named 2014 Goodyear Highway Hero in Germany. 2015

i don't know

What drink consists of 7 parts tequila, 4 parts cointreau or triple sec, and 3 parts lemon or lime juice?

The Classic 3-2-1 Margarita Recipe - Chowhound 1 1/2 ounces silver (blanco), 100 percent agave tequila 1 ounce triple sec orange liqueur, preferably Luxardo Triplum or Cointreau 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 1 lime) 1 very thin lime slice, for garnish Summary An easy way to remember how to mix a classic margarita is to memorize the ratio 3-2-1: three parts tequila, two parts good triple sec (like Luxardo Triplum, Cointreau, or Combier), and one part lime juice. Serve it on the rocks with salt, as pictured, or serve it up in a chilled glass. If you like your margaritas on the sour side, try our Perfect Margarita . Mixing for a party? Check out our Pitcher-Perfect Margarita for how to please a crowd. And for those times when you crave a good old frozen margarita, mix up a batch of Strawberry Margaritas . What to buy: Make sure to use a good-tasting triple sec (we like Luxardo Triplum—for a primer, see Jordan Mackay’s “Something Orange” ). Instructions 1Pour enough salt on a small plate to cover it. 2Rub the lime wedge on the outside rim of a 4-ounce cocktail glass. Holding the glass at a 45-degree angle, dip the outside rim in the salt, rotating as you do, so the entire rim is coated with salt. (Avoid getting any salt inside the glass.) Fill the glass with ice and place it in the freezer to chill. 3Add the tequila, triple sec, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker and fill the shaker halfway with ice. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker turns frosty. Strain the margarita into the chilled glass and garnish with a lime slice.

Margarita

Springform, tube, and roasting are all types of what?

Gastronomy Culture: 7 of the Most Quintessential Cocktails of All Time Gastronomy Culture: 7 of the Most Quintessential Cocktails of All Time EHL Faculty | 24 Jun, 2016 Cocktails might be one of the most widely accepted forms of hospitality in the world. Used to welcome guests, mark special occasions and mile stones, and bring friends closer together. To set the mood for your next cocktail party, Christophe Laurent , Senior Lecturer Practical Arts &  EHL Values Ambassador, have compiled some of the most quintessential cocktails that every bartender (or host) should know how to make, and their histories. BLOODY MARY This daytime cocktail pays homage to Queen Mary I, or Mary Tudor, nicknamed Bloody Mary due to her turbulent history fighting to hold onto the throne of England while unsuccessfully trying to bear children. Since then, the drink has become a popular brunch staple and was made famous in the 1958 musical South Pacific by a song with the same title. Ingredients: 3 parts vodka, 6 parts tomato juice, 1 part lemon juice, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, salt and pepper to taste. Preparation: If possible, season the tomato juice with lemon and any desired spices for at least an hour prior to serving. When ready, mix ingredients well and serve in a tall glass over ice. Garnish with celery, olives, pickled vegetables, bacon, or shrimp. MARGARITA This beloved Mexican drink originated in Tijuana Mexico at a small, local restaurant called Rancho La Gloria in 1938 to make tequila more palatable. The cocktail become wildly popular and the central part of many Jose Cuervo tequila marketing campaigns, singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville empire , and a bar-staple across the globe. Ingredients: 7 parts tequila, 4 parts Cointreau or Triple Sec, 3 parts lime juice. Preparation: Margaritas are usually served with a salt, chili, or sugar rim and can be made on the rocks or blended with ice.Simple shake or blend the ingredients together and enjoy. COSMOPOLITAN Although this cocktail has gained tremendous popularity in recent years from the smash hit American television show Sex and the City , the cosmopolitan has been around since the 1970's and did, in fact, hail from New York. Award winning New York mixologist Toby Cecchini is often credited with creating this light, flavorful cocktail for some of his most elegant clients. Ingredients: 3 parts vodka, 1 part Cointreau, 2 parts cranberry juice, 1 part lime juice. Preparation: Shake ingredients well over ice until they are very cold, strain, and serve in a martini glass. Cosmopolitans should be served straight up without ice and rarely include a garnish. MANHATTAN The Manhattan cocktail was first shaken up at the Manhattan Club in - you guessed it - Manhattan in 1870's. Ian Marshall is often cited as the bartender who dreamed up this rich, elegant cocktail for Winston Churchill's mother. Today, it's one of the most frequently requested cocktails at bars. Ingredients: 2 parts whiskey, 1 part sweet vermouth, A dash of bitters, Orange peel garnish Preparation: Shake whiskey, vermouth and bitters over ice and strain into a low cocktail glass without ice. Before garnishing, rub the orange peel around the rim of the glass for an added subtle flavor. Serve cold. MARTINI The history of the martini is somewhat unclear. Some believe it was invented in San Francisco, others say it was born in New York City. Still others claim that Italian vermouth maker Martini and Rossi dreamed up the drink to sell their product. No matter how the martini got to us, it's one of the most popular, iconic, and well known cocktails in history. Ingredients: 6 parts gin or vodka, 1 part dry vermouth. Preparation: Shake the ingredients over ice and served straight up in a martini glass or on the rocks in a low cocktail glass with your desired garnishes. Many patrons also enjoy a dirty martini, which adds a splash of olive juice to the drink before shaking. Garnish with a lemon twist or olives. WISKEY SOUR Often thought to be created by Peruvian mixologists in the late 1800's, whiskey sours have been around for several centuries. They build from the popular South American pisco sour cocktail , and have become a popular take on an old favorite. Ingredients: 3 parts bourbon, 1 part lemon juice,1 part lime juice, 1 part simple syrup, Optional dash of egg whites Preparation: Shake all ingredients over ice, strain and serve with ice. DAIQUIRI Named after Daiquiri Beach in Cuba , this fruity, tropical drink is a summer staple. The drink traveled from Cuba to Navy bases near Washington, DC and became popularized by U.S. President John F. Kennedy during his presidency. The drink spread during the 1940's because rum was so easily imported from Cuba, making it an inexpensive - but delicious - option. Ingredients: 3 parts white rum, 2 parts lime juice (or mango or strawberry juice), 1 part simple syrup Preparation: Daiquiris are most commonly blended with ice and served frozen, but they can also be served straight up without ice. Simple mix the ingredients, blend and serve, or shake and strain into a chilled glass. This article does not advocate or encourage the abuse of alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly and with moderation.

i don't know

What frozen food item is Mama Celeste associated with?

Celeste Hawaiian Pizzas Add Some Pineapple, Still Have Sparse Toppings – Consumerist By Laura Northrup @lnorthrup December 27, 2012 Still disappointing. Anh shares my inexplicable love of that cheap freezer case staple, the Celeste pizza-for-one. The just-spicy-enough sauce! The crunchy crust that the likely-carcinogenic microwaving disc provides! The $1 price point! It’s not wood-fired oven pizza, but it’s one of the most edible things that comes out of a box and gets cooked in the microwave. The current line of “limited edition” pizzas tempted Anh, and he opened up a Hawaiian pizza only to find that the toppings were sparse. And it made him sad. Mama Celeste had finally steered him wrong. Except…wait a minute. Sparse toppings on a Celeste pizza? Ham and pineapple? That sounds familiar, maybe because we posted about it four months ago . Back then, it was a pizza with a sprinkling of ham and only one piece of pineapple. Anh’s pizza has more pineapple, but is still subpar. He writes: Let me first say that Mama Celeste Pizzas are bomb. I have a love of Mama Celeste Pizzas that go way way way back and I think they are the best frozen pizzas ever! Shoot, I’m known to trade a hand tossed delivery pizza for a Mama Celeste. Recently, a walk through the grocery aisle brought me to a Limited Edition pizza by my Mama, which I of course bought a bunch to try. Hawaiian style pizza is one of my favorites. You can imagine my disappointment when the product was a far cry from the promise of the photo on the box (see attached photos). I love Mama Celeste enough to forgive, but I do not forget! No more limited editions for me because apparently it meant the toppings were limited. Tell a friend:

Pizza

What St. Louis, MO based cereal company produces Fruity Pebbles, Grape Nuts, Honey Bunches of Oats, and Raisin Bran, among many, many others?

Celeste® Thick Crust Pepperoni Frozen Pizza 8.5 oz. Box Reviews | Find the Best Frozen Pizza | Influenster Dec. 15, 2015, 10:29 a.m. Love these mini pizzas. My fiance and I purchase them when they were on sale at Stop N Shop in MA for only $1. They are perfect personal pizzas for those days when you come home and just don't want to cook. They crisp up without burning and have just the right amount of sauce. But I always add extra cheese. Report Abuse

i don't know

Nov 20, 1945 saw the start of the trials in what German city in which 24 high ranking Nazis were indicted for participation in a common plan or conspiracy for the accomplishment of a crime against peace, planning, initiating and waging wars of aggression and other crimes against peace , war crimes, and crimes against humanity?

Nuremberg trials Nuremberg trials Memorials and museums The Nuremberg trials (German: die Nürnberger Prozesse) were a series of military tribunals , held by the Allied forces after World War II , which were most notable for the prosecution of prominent members of the political, military, judicial and economic leadership of Nazi Germany who planned, carried out, or otherwise participated in the Holocaust and other war crimes . The trials were held in the city of Nuremberg , Germany. The first, and best known of these trials, described as “the greatest trial in history” by Norman Birkett , one of the British judges who presided over it, [1] was the trial of the major war criminals before the International Military Tribunal (IMT). Held between 20 November 1945 and 1 October 1946, [2] the Tribunal was given the task of trying 24 of the most important political and military leaders of the Third Reich – though the proceedings of Martin Bormann was tried in absentia , while another, Robert Ley , committed suicide within a week of the trial’s commencement. Not included were Adolf Hitler , Heinrich Himmler , and Joseph Goebbels , all of whom had committed suicide in the spring of 1945, well before the indictment was signed. [3] Reinhard Heydrich was not included, as he had been assassinated in 1942 . The second set of trials of lesser war criminals was conducted under Control Council Law No. 10 at the U.S. Nuremberg Military Tribunals (NMT), which included the Doctors’ Trial and the Judges’ Trial . This article primarily deals with the IMT; see Subsequent Nuremberg Trials for details on the NMT (the second set of trials). Contents 12 External links Origin There were, I suppose, three possible courses: to let the atrocities which had been committed go unpunished; to put the perpetrators to death or punish them by executive action; or to try them. Which was it to be? Was it possible to let such atrocities go unpunished? Could France, could Russia, could Holland, Belgium, Norway, Czechoslovakia, Poland or Yugoslavia be expected to consent to such a course? … It will be remembered that after the first world war alleged criminals were handed over to be tried by Germany, and what a farce that was! The majority got off and such sentences as were inflicted were derisory and were soon remitted. [4] — Geoffrey Lawrence 5 December 1946 A precedent for trying those accused of war crimes had been set at the end of World War I in the Leipzig War Crimes Trials held in May to July 1921 before the Reichsgericht (German Supreme Court) in Leipzig , although these had been on a very limited scale and largely regarded as ineffectual. At the beginning of 1940, the Polish government-in-exile asked the British and French governments to condemn the German invasion of their country. The British initially declined to do so; however, in April 1940, a joint declaration was issued by the British, French and Polish. Relatively bland because of Anglo-French reservations, it proclaimed the trio’s “desire to make a formal and public protest to the conscience of the world against the action of the German government whom they must hold responsible for these crimes which cannot remain unpunished.” [5] Three-and-a-half years later, the stated intention to punish the Germans was much more trenchant. On 1 November 1943, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States published their “Declaration on German Atrocities in Occupied Europe” , which gave a “full warning” that, when the Nazis were defeated, the Allies would “pursue them to the uttermost ends of the earth … in order that justice may be done. … The above declaration is without prejudice to the case of the major war criminals whose offences have no particular geographical location and who will be punished by a joint decision of the Government of the Allies.” [6] This intention by the Allies to dispense justice was reiterated at the Yalta Conference and at Berlin in 1945. [7] British War Cabinet documents, released on 2 January 2006, showed that as early as December 1944 the Cabinet had discussed their policy for the punishment of the leading Nazis if captured. The British Prime Minister , Winston Churchill , had then advocated a policy of summary execution in some circumstances, with the use of an Act of Attainder to circumvent legal obstacles, being dissuaded from this only by talks with US and Soviet leaders later in the war. [8] Defendants in the dock at the Nuremberg trials. The main target of the prosecution was Hermann Göring (at the left edge on the first row of benches), considered to be the most important surviving official in the Third Reich after Hitler’s death. In late 1943, during the Tripartite Dinner Meeting at the Tehran Conference , the Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin , proposed executing 50,000–100,000 German staff officers. US President Franklin D. Roosevelt joked that perhaps 49,000 would do. Churchill, believing them to be serious, denounced the idea of “the cold blooded execution of soldiers who fought for their country” and that he would rather be “taken out in the courtyard and shot” himself than partake in any such action. [9] However, he also stated that war criminals must pay for their crimes and that, in accordance with the Moscow Document which he himself had written, they should be tried at the places where the crimes were committed. Churchill was vigorously opposed to executions “for political purposes.” [10] [11] According to the minutes of a meeting between Roosevelt and Stalin at Yalta, on 4 February 1945, at the Livadia Palace , President Roosevelt “said that he had been very much struck by the extent of German destruction in the Crimea and therefore he was more bloodthirsty in regard to the Germans than he had been a year ago, and he hoped that Marshal Stalin would again propose a toast to the execution of 50,000 officers of the German Army .” [12] Henry Morgenthau, Jr. , US Secretary of the Treasury , suggested a plan for the total denazification of Germany; [13] this was known as the Morgenthau Plan . The plan advocated the forced de-industrialisation of Germany and the summary execution of so-called “arch-criminals”, i.e. the major war criminals. [14] Roosevelt initially supported this plan, and managed to convince Churchill to support it in a less drastic form. Later, details were leaked generating widespread condemnation by the nation’s newspapers. Roosevelt, aware of strong public disapproval, abandoned the plan, but did not adopt an alternative position on the matter. The demise of the Morgenthau Plan created the need for an alternative method of dealing with the Nazi leadership. The plan for the “Trial of European War Criminals” was drafted by Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson and the War Department . Following Roosevelt’s death in April 1945, the new president, Harry S. Truman , gave strong approval for a judicial process. After a series of negotiations between Britain, the US, Soviet Union and France, details of the trial were worked out. The trials were to commence on 20 November 1945, in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg. Creation of the courts On 20 April 1942, representatives from the nine countries occupied by Germany met in London to draft the “Inter-Allied Resolution on German War Crimes”. At the meetings in Tehran (1943), Yalta (1945) and Potsdam (1945), the three major wartime powers, the United Kingdom, United States, and the Soviet Union, agreed on the format of punishment for those responsible for war crimes during World War II. France was also awarded a place on the tribunal. The legal basis for the trial was established by the London Charter , which was agreed upon by the four so-called Great Powers on 8 August 1945, [15] and which restricted the trial to “punishment of the major war criminals of the European Axis countries” Some 200 German war crimes defendants were tried at Nuremberg, and 1,600 others were tried under the traditional channels of military justice. The legal basis for the jurisdiction of the court was that defined by the Instrument of Surrender of Germany . Political authority for Germany had been transferred to the Allied Control Council which, having sovereign power over Germany, could choose to punish violations of international law and the laws of war . Because the court was limited to violations of the laws of war, it did not have jurisdiction over crimes that took place before the outbreak of war on 1 September 1939. Location The courthouse in Nuremberg, where the trials took place Leipzig and Luxembourg were briefly considered as the location for the trial. [16] The Soviet Union had wanted the trials to take place in Berlin, as the capital city of the ‘fascist conspirators’, [16] but Nuremberg was chosen as the site for two reasons, with the first one having been the decisive factor: [17] The Palace of Justice was spacious and largely undamaged (one of the few buildings that had remained largely intact through extensive Allied bombing of Germany), and a large prison was also part of the complex. Nuremberg was considered the ceremonial birthplace of the Nazi Party . It had hosted the Party’s annual propaganda rallies [16] and the Reichstag session that passed the Nuremberg Laws . [17] Thus it was considered a fitting place to mark the Party’s symbolic demise. As a compromise with the Soviets, it was agreed that while the location of the trial would be Nuremberg, Berlin would be the official home of the Tribunal authorities. [18] [19] [20] It was also agreed that France would become the permanent seat of the IMT [21] and that the first trial (several were planned) would take place in Nuremberg. [18] [20] Most of the accused had previously been detained at Camp Ashcan , a processing station and interrogation center in Luxembourg, and were moved to Nuremberg for the trial. Participants Each of the four countries provided one judge and an alternative, as well as a prosecutor. Judges François de Menthon , later replaced by Auguste Champetier de Ribes (France) Assisting Jackson were the lawyers Telford Taylor , William S. Kaplan [22] and Thomas J. Dodd , and Richard Sonnenfeldt , a US Army interpreter . Assisting Shawcross were Major Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe and Sir John Wheeler-Bennett . Mervyn Griffith-Jones , who was later to become famous as the chief prosecutor in the Lady Chatterley’s Lover obscenity trial, was also on Shawcross’s team. Shawcross also recruited a young barrister , Anthony Marreco , who was the son of a friend of his, to help the British team with the heavy workload. Defense counsel The vast majority of the defense attorneys were German lawyers. [23] These included Georg Fröschmann, Heinz Fritz (Hans Fritzsche), Otto Kranzbühler (Karl Dönitz), Otto Pannenbecker (Wilhelm Frick), Alfred Thoma (Alfred Rosenberg), Kurt Kauffmann (Ernst Kaltenbrunner), Hans Laternser (general staff and high command), Franz Exner (Alfred Jodl), Alfred Seidl (Hans Frank), Otto Stahmer (Hermann Göring), Walter Ballas (Gustav Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach), Hans Flächsner (Albert Speer), Günther von Rohrscheidt (Rudolf Heß), Egon Kubuschok (Franz von Papen), Robert Servatius (Fritz Sauckel), Fritz Sauter (Joachim von Ribbentrop), Walther Funk (Baldur von Schirach), Hanns Marx (Julius Streicher), Otto Nelte (Wilhelm Keitel), and Herbert Kraus / Rudolph Dix (both working for Hjalmar Schacht). The main counsels were supported by a total of 70 assistants, clerks and lawyers. [24] The defense counsel witnesses included several men who took part in the war crimes during World War II, such as Rudolf Höss . The men testifying for the defense hoped to receive more lenient sentences. All of the men testifying on behalf of the defense were found guilty on several counts. [25] Trial Rare color photo of the trial at Nuremberg, depicting the defendants, guarded by American Military Police The International Military Tribunal was opened on 19 November 1945 in the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg. [26] [27] The first session was presided over by the Soviet judge, Nikitchenko. The prosecution entered indictments against 24 major war criminals and seven organizations – the leadership of the Nazi party, the Reich Cabinet, the Schutzstaffel (SS), Sicherheitsdienst (SD), the Gestapo , the Sturmabteilung (SA) and the “General Staff and High Command”, comprising several categories of senior military officers. [avalon 1] These organizations were to be declared “criminal” if found guilty. The indictments were for: Oct 17, 1946 U.S. Newsreel of Nuremberg Trials Sentencing 20 November 1945: Start of the trials. 21 November 1945: Judge Robert H. Jackson opens for the prosecution with a speech lasting several hours, leaving a deep impression on both the court and the public. 26 November 1945: The Hossbach Memorandum (of a conference in which Hitler explained his war plans) is presented. 29 November 1945: The film “ Nazi concentration camps ” is screened. 30 November 1945: Witness Erwin von Lahousen testifies that Keitel and von Ribbentrop gave orders for the murder of Poles, Jews, and Russian prisoners of war . 11 December 1945: The film The Nazi Plan is screened, showing long-term planning and preparations for war by the Nazis. 3 January 1946: Witness Otto Ohlendorf , former head of Einsatzgruppe D, detachedly admits to the murder of around 90,000 Jews. 3 January 1946: Witness Dieter Wisliceny describes the organisation of RSHA Department IV-B-4, in charge of the Final Solution . 7 January 1946: Witness and former SS-Obergruppenführer Erich von dem Bach-Zelewski admits to the organized mass murder of Jews and other groups in the Soviet Union. 28 January 1946: Witness Marie-Claude Vaillant-Couturier , member of the French Resistance and concentration camp survivor, testifies on the Holocaust, becoming the first Holocaust survivor to do so. 11–12 February 1946: Witness and former Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus , who had been secretly brought to Nuremberg, testifies on the question of waging a war of aggression. 14 February 1946: The Soviet prosecutors try to blame the Katyn massacre on the Germans. 19 February 1946: The film Cruelties of the German-Fascist Intruders, detailing the atrocities which took place in the extermination camps , is screened. 27 February 1946: Witness Abraham Sutzkever testifies on the murder of almost 80,000 Jews in Vilnius by the Germans occupying the city. 8 March 1946: The first witness for the defense testifies – former General Karl Bodenschatz . 13–22 March 1946: Hermann Göring takes the stand. 15 April 1946: Witness Rudolf Höss , former commandant of Auschwitz, confirms that Kaltenbrunner had never been there, but admits to having carried out mass murder. 21 May 1946: Witness Ernst von Weizsäcker explains the German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact of 1939, including its secret protocol detailing the division of Eastern Europe between Germany and the Soviet Union. 20 June 1946: Albert Speer takes the stand. He is the only defendant to take personal responsibility for his actions. 29 June 1946: The defense for Martin Bormann testifies. 1–2 July 1946: The court hears six witnesses testifying on the Katyn massacre; the Soviets fail to pin the blame for the event on Germany. 2 July 1946: Admiral Chester W. Nimitz provides written testimony regarding attacks on merchant vessels without warning, admitting that Germany was not alone in these attacks, as the US did the same. 4 July 1946: Final statements for the defense. 26 July 1946: Final statements for the prosecution. 30 July 1946: Start of the trial of the “criminal organizations”. 31 August 1946: Last statements by the defendants. 1 September 1946: The court adjourns. 30 September–1 October 1946: The sentencing occurs, taking two days, with the individual sentences read out on the afternoon of 1 October. [43] The accusers were successful in unveiling the background of developments leading to the outbreak of World War II, which cost at least 40 million lives in Europe alone, [44] as well as the extent of the atrocities committed in the name of the Hitler regime. Twelve of the accused were sentenced to death, seven received prison sentences (ranging from 10 years to life in prison), three were acquitted, and two were not charged. [45] Executions The death sentences were carried out on 16 October 1946 by hanging using the standard drop method instead of long drop . The U.S. army denied claims that the drop length was too short which caused the condemned to die slowly from strangulation instead of quickly from a broken neck, [46] but evidence remains that some of the condemned men died agonizingly slowly, struggling for 14 to 28 minutes before finally choking to death. [47] [48] The executioner was John C. Woods . Woods had hanged 34 U.S. soldiers during the war, botching several of them. [49] The executions took place in the gymnasium of the court building (demolished in 1983). [50] Although the rumor has long persisted that the bodies were taken to Dachau and burned there, they were actually incinerated in a crematorium in Munich, and the ashes scattered over the river Isar . [51] The French judges suggested that the military condemned (Göring, Keitel and Jodl) be shot by a firing squad , as is standard for military courts-martial, but this was opposed by Biddle and the Soviet judges, who argued that the military officers had violated their military ethos and were not worthy of death by being shot, which was considered to be more dignified. The prisoners sentenced to incarceration were transferred to Spandau Prison in 1947. Of the 12 defendants sentenced to death by hanging, two were not hanged: Martin Bormann was convicted in absentia (he had, unknown to the Allies, died while trying to escape from Berlin in May 1945), and Hermann Göring committed suicide the night before the execution. The remaining 10 defendants sentenced to death were hanged. Nuremberg principles The definition of what constitutes a war crime is described by the Nuremberg principles , a set of guidelines document which was created as a result of the trial. The medical experiments conducted by German doctors and prosecuted in the so-called Doctors’ Trial led to the creation of the Nuremberg Code to control future trials involving human subjects, a set of research ethics principles for human experimentation. Of the indicted organizations the following were found not to be criminal: Treblinka trials in Düsseldorf, Germany American role in the trial Chief American prosecutor Robert H. Jackson addresses the Nuremberg court. 20 November 1945. While Sir Geoffrey Lawrence of Britain was the judge chosen as president of the court, the most prominent of the judges at trial arguably was his American counterpart, Francis Biddle. [52] Prior to the trial, Biddle had been Attorney General of the United States but had been asked to resign by Truman earlier in 1945. [53] Some accounts argue that Truman had appointed Biddle as the main American judge for the trial as an apology for asking for his resignation. [53] Ironically, Biddle was known during his time as Attorney General for opposing the idea of prosecuting Nazi leaders for crimes committed before the beginning of the war, even sending out a memorandum on 5 January 1945 on the subject. [54] The note also expressed Biddle’s opinion that instead of proceeding with the original plan for prosecuting entire organizations, there should simply be more trials that would prosecute specific offenders. [54] Biddle soon changed his mind, as he approved a modified version of the plan on 21 January 1945, likely due to time constraints, since the trial would be one of the main issues discussed at Yalta. [55] At trial, the Nuremberg tribunal ruled that any member of an organization convicted of war crimes, such as the SS or Gestapo, who had joined after 1939 would be considered a war criminal. [56] Biddle managed to convince the other judges to make an exemption for any member who was drafted or had no knowledge of the crimes being committed by these organizations. [53] Justice Robert H. Jackson played an important role in not only the trial itself, but also in the creation of the International Military Tribunal, as he led the American delegation to London that, in the summer of 1945, argued in favour of prosecuting the Nazi leadership as a criminal conspiracy. [57] According to Airey Neave , Jackson was also the one behind the prosecution’s decision to include membership in any of the six criminal organizations in the indictments at the trial, though the IMT rejected this on the grounds that it was wholly without precedent in either international law or the domestic laws of any of the Allies. [58] Jackson also attempted to have Alfried Krupp be tried in place of his father, Gustav, and even suggested that Alfried volunteer to be tried in his father’s place. [59] Both proposals were rejected by the IMT, particularly by Lawrence and Biddle, and some sources indicate that this resulted in Jackson being viewed unfavourably by the latter. [59] Thomas Dodd was a prosecutor for the United States. There was an immense amount of evidence backing the prosecutors’ case, especially since meticulous records of the Nazis’ actions had been kept. There were records taken in by the prosecutors that had signatures from specific Nazis signing for everything from stationery supplies to Zyklon B gas , which was used to kill the inmates of the deathcamps. Thomas Dodd showed a series of pictures to the courtroom after reading through the documents of crimes committed by the defendants. The showing consisted of pictures displaying the atrocities performed by the defendants. The pictures had been gathered when the inmates were liberated from the concentration camps. [60] Henry Gerecke, a Lutheran pastor, was sent to minister to the Nazi defendants. [61] Legacy The Tribunal is celebrated for establishing that “[c]rimes against international law are committed by men, not by abstract entities, and only by punishing individuals who commit such crimes can the provisions of international law be enforced.” [62] The creation of the IMT was followed by trials of lesser Nazi officials and the trials of Nazi doctors, who performed experiments on people in prison camps. It served as the model for the International Military Tribunal for the Far East which tried Japanese officials for crimes against peace and against humanity. It also served as the model for the Eichmann trial and for present-day courts at The Hague, for trying crimes committed during the Balkan wars of the early 1990s, and at Arusha, for trying the people responsible for the genocide in Rwanda. The Nuremberg trials had a great influence on the development of international criminal law . The Conclusions of the Nuremberg trials served as models for: The Convention on the Abolition of the Statute of Limitations on War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity , 1968. The Geneva Convention on the Laws and Customs of War, 1949; its supplementary protocols, 1977. The International Law Commission , acting on the request of the United Nations General Assembly , produced in 1950 the report Principles of International Law Recognized in the Charter of the Nürnberg Tribunal and in the Judgement of the Tribunal (Yearbook of the International Law Commission, 1950, vol. II [63] ). See Nuremberg Principles . The influence of the tribunal can also be seen in the proposals for a permanent international criminal court, and the drafting of international criminal codes, later prepared by the International Law Commission. Tourists can visit courtroom 600 on days when no trial is on. A permanent exhibition has been dedicated to the trials. [64] Establishment of a permanent International Criminal Court The Nuremberg trials initiated a movement for the prompt establishment of a permanent international criminal court, eventually leading over fifty years later to the adoption of the Statute of the International Criminal Court . This movement was brought about because during the trials, there were conflicting court methods between the German court system and the U.S. court system. The crime of conspiracy was unheard of in the civil law systems of the Continent. Therefore, the German defense found it unfair to charge the defendants with conspiracy to commit crimes, while the judges from common-law countries were used to doing so. [65] “It [IMT] was the first successful international criminal court, and has since played a pivotal role in the development of international criminal law and international institutions” (Fichtelberg 5). Criticism You’ll see. A few years from now the lawyers of the world will condemn this trial. You can’t have a trial without law. [66]  — Joachim von Ribbentrop 20 November 1945 Critics of the Nuremberg trials argued that the charges against the defendants were only defined as “crimes” after they were committed and that therefore the trial was invalid as a form of “ victors’ justice “. [67] [68] The alleged double standards associated with putative victor’s justice are also evident from the indictment of German defendants for conspiracy to commit aggression against Poland in 1939, while no one from the Soviet Union was charged for being part of the same conspiracy. As Biddiss observed, “the Nuremberg Trial continues to haunt us. … It is a question also of the weaknesses and strengths of the proceedings themselves.” [69] [70] [71] Quincy Wright , writing eighteen months after the conclusion of the IMT, explained the opposition to the Tribunal thus: The assumptions underlying the Charter of the United Nations, the Statute of the International Court of Justice, and the Charter of the Nuremberg Tribunal are far removed from the positivistic assumptions which greatly influenced the thought of international jurists in the nineteenth century. Consequently, the activities of those institutions have frequently been vigorously criticized by positivistic jurists … [who] have asked: How can principles enunciated by the Nuremberg Tribunal, to take it as an example, be of legal value until most of the states have agreed to a tribunal with jurisdiction to enforce those principles? How could the Nuremberg Tribunal have obtained jurisdiction to find Germany guilty of aggression, when Germany had not consented to the Tribunal? How could the law, first explicitly accepted in the Nuremberg Charter of 1945, have bound the defendants in the trial when they committed the acts for which they were indicted years earlier? [72] Art.19 “The Tribunal shall not be bound by technical rules of evidence.” Charter of the International Military Tribunal Art.21 “The Tribunal shall not require proof of facts of common knowledge but shall take judicial notice thereof.” Charter of the International Military Tribunal Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court Harlan Fiske Stone called the Nuremberg trials a fraud. “(Chief U.S. prosecutor) Jackson is away conducting his high-grade lynching party in Nuremberg,” he wrote. “I don’t mind what he does to the Nazis, but I hate to see the pretense that he is running a court and proceeding according to common law. This is a little too sanctimonious a fraud to meet my old-fashioned ideas.” [73] Jackson, in a letter discussing the weaknesses of the trial, in October 1945 told U.S. President Harry S. Truman that the Allies themselves “have done or are doing some of the very things we are prosecuting the Germans for. The French are so violating the Geneva Convention in the treatment of prisoners of war that our command is taking back prisoners sent to them. We are prosecuting plunder and our Allies are practising it. We say aggressive war is a crime and one of our allies asserts sovereignty over the Baltic States based on no title except conquest.” [74] [75] Associate Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas charged that the Allies were guilty of “substituting power for principle” at Nuremberg. “I thought at the time and still think that the Nuremberg trials were unprincipled,” he wrote. “Law was created ex post facto to suit the passion and clamor of the time.” [76] U.S. Deputy Chief Counsel Abraham Pomerantz resigned in protest at the low caliber of the judges assigned to try the industrial war criminals such as those at I.G. Farben . [77] Many Germans who agreed with the idea of punishment for war crimes admitted trepidation concerning the trials. A contemporary German jurist said: That the defendants at Nuremberg were held responsible, condemned and punished, will seem to most of us initially as a kind of historical justice. However, no one who takes the question of guilt seriously, above all no responsibly thoughtful jurist, will be content with this sensibility nor should they be allowed to be. Justice is not served when the guilty parties are punished in any old way, even if this seems appropriate with regard to their measure of guilt. Justice is only served when the guilty are punished in a way that carefully and conscientiously considers their criminal errors according to the provisions of valid law under the jurisdiction of a legally appointed judge. [78] The validity of the court has been questioned on a number of grounds: The defendants were not allowed to appeal or affect the selection of judges. A. L. Goodhart , Professor at Oxford , opposed the view that, because the judges were appointed by the victors, the Tribunal was not impartial and could not be regarded as a court in the true sense. He wrote: Attractive as this argument may sound in theory, it ignores the fact that it runs counter to the administration of law in every country. If it were true then no spy could be given a legal trial, because his case is always heard by judges representing the enemy country. Yet no one has ever argued that in such cases it was necessary to call on neutral judges. The prisoner has the right to demand that his judges shall be fair, but not that they shall be neutral. As Lord Writ has pointed out, the same principle is applicable to ordinary criminal law because ‘a burglar cannot complain that he is being tried by a jury of honest citizens. [79] One of the charges, brought against Keitel, Jodl, and Ribbentrop included conspiracy to commit aggression against Poland in 1939. The Secret Protocols of the German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact of 23 August 1939, proposed the partition of Poland between the Germans and the Soviets (which was subsequently executed in September 1939); however, Soviet leaders were not tried for being part of the same conspiracy. [80] Instead, the Tribunal proclaimed the Secret Protocols of the Non-Aggression Pact to be a forgery. Moreover, Allied Powers Britain and Soviet Union were not tried for preparing and conducting the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran and the Winter War , respectively. In 1915, the Allied Powers, Britain, France, and Russia, jointly issued a statement explicitly charging, for the first time, another government (the Sublime Porte ) of committing “a crime against humanity “. However it was not until the phrase was further developed in the London Charter that it had a specific meaning. As the London Charter definition of what constituted a crime against humanity was unknown when many of the crimes were committed, it could be argued to be a retroactive law, in violation of the principles of prohibition of ex post facto laws and the general principle of penal law nullum crimen, nulla poena sine praevia lege poenali . [avalon 24] The court agreed to relieve the Soviet leadership from attending these trials as war criminals in order to hide their crimes against war civilians , war crimes that were committed by their army that included “carving up Poland in 1939 and attacking Finland three months later.” This “exclusion request” was initiated by the Soviets and subsequently approved by the court’s administration. [81] The trials were conducted under their own rules of evidence . The Charter of the International Military Tribunal permitted the use of normally inadmissible “evidence”. Article 19 specified that “The Tribunal shall not be bound by technical rules of evidence … and shall admit any evidence which it deems to have probative value”. Article 21 of the Nuremberg International Military Tribunal (IMT) Charter stipulated: The Tribunal shall not require proof of facts of common knowledge but shall take judicial notice thereof. It shall also take judicial notice of official governmental documents and reports of the United [Allied] Nations, including acts and documents of the committees set up in the various allied countries for the investigation of war crimes, and the records and findings of military and other Tribunals of any of the United [Allied] Nations. Though the ICTY later held it to be flawed in principle”, [82] the tu quoque argument, adduced by German defendants, was admitted as a valid defense during the trials, and the admirals Dönitz and Raeder were not punished for waging unrestricted submarine warfare. [82] The chief Soviet prosecutor submitted false documentation in an attempt to indict defendants for the murder of thousands of Polish officers in the Katyn forest near Smolensk. However, the other Allied prosecutors refused to support the indictment and German lawyers promised to mount an embarrassing defense. No one was charged or found guilty at Nuremberg for the Katyn Forest massacre . [83] In 1990, the Soviet government acknowledged that the Katyn massacre was carried out, not by the Germans, but by the Soviet secret police. [84] Freda Utley , in her 1949 book “The High Cost of Vengeance” [85] charged the court with amongst other things double standards. She pointed to the Allied use of civilian forced labor , and deliberate starvation of civilians [86] [87] in the occupied territories. She also noted that General Rudenko, the chief Soviet prosecutor, after the trials became commandant of the Sachsenhausen concentration camp . (After the fall of East Germany the bodies of 12,500 Soviet era victims were uncovered at the camp, mainly “children, adolescents and elderly people.” [88] ) Luise, the wife of Alfred Jodl , attached herself to her husband’s defense team. Subsequently, interviewed by Gitta Sereny , researching her biography of Albert Speer , Luise alleged that in many instances the Allied prosecution made charges against Jodl based on documents that they refused to share with the defense. Jodl nevertheless proved some of the charges made against him were untrue, such as the charge that he helped Hitler gain control of Germany in 1933. He was in one instance aided by a GI clerk who chose to give Luise a document showing that the execution of a group of British commandos in Norway had been legitimate. The GI warned Luise that if she didn’t copy it immediately she would never see it again. [89] The main Soviet judge, Iona Nikitchenko , presided over some of the most notorious of Joseph Stalin ‘s show trials during the Great Purges of 1936 to 1938, where he among other things sentenced Kamenev and Zinoviev . [90] According to the declassified Soviet archives, 681,692 people arrested for “counter-revolutionary and state crimes” were shot in 1937 and 1938 alone–an average of over 900 executions a day. [91] The Soviet prosecutor, Roman Rudenko , later became commandant of NKVD special camp Nr. 7 . [92] By the time the camp closed in the spring of 1950, at least 12,000 prisoners had died due to the catastrophic prison conditions, hunger and psychological or physical exhaustion. [93] The Tribunal itself strongly disputed that the London Charter was ex post facto law, pointing to existing international agreements signed by Germany that made aggressive war and certain wartime actions unlawful, such as the Kellogg-Briand Pact , the Covenant of the League of Nations , and the Hague Conventions . [avalon 25] In an editorial at the time The Economist , a British weekly newspaper, criticised the hypocrisy of both Britain and France for supporting the expulsion of the Soviet Union from the League of Nations over its unprovoked attack against Finland in 1939 and for six years later cooperating with the USSR as a respected equal at Nuremberg. It also criticised the allies for their own double-standard at the Nuremberg Trials: “nor should the Western world console itself that the Russians alone stand condemned at the bar of the Allies’ own justice. … Among crimes against humanity stands the offence of the indiscriminate bombing of civilian populations. Can the Americans who dropped the atom bomb and the British who destroyed the cities of western Germany plead ‘not guilty’ on this count? Crimes against humanity also include the mass expulsion of populations. Can the Anglo-Saxon leaders who at Potsdam condoned the expulsion of millions of Germans from their homes hold themselves completely innocent? … The nations sitting in judgement have so clearly proclaimed themselves exempt from the law which they have administered.” [94] Legitimacy Sir David Maxwell Fyfe (at lectern, left) and an unknown prosecutor One criticism that was made of the IMT was that some treaties were not binding on the Axis powers because they were not signatories. This was addressed in the judgment relating to war crimes and crimes against humanity, [avalon 26] which contains an expansion of customary law: “the [Hague] Convention expressly stated that it was an attempt ‘to revise the general laws and customs of war,’ which it thus recognised to be then existing, but by 1939 these rules laid down in the Convention were recognised by all civilised nations, and were regarded as being declaratory of the laws and customs of war which are referred to in Article 6 (b) of the [London] Charter.” Introduction of extempore simultaneous interpretation The Nuremberg Trials employed four official languages : English , German , French , and Russian . In order to address the complex linguistic issues that clouded over the proceedings, interpretation and translation departments had to be established. However, it was feared that consecutive interpretation would slow down the proceedings significantly. What is therefore unique in both the Nuremberg tribunals and history of the interpretation profession was the introduction of an entirely new technique, extempore simultaneous interpretation. This technique of interpretation requires the interpreter to listen to a speaker in a source (or passive) language and orally translate that speech into another language in real time, that is, simultaneously, through headsets and microphones. Interpreters were split into four sections, one for each official language, with three interpreters per section working from the other three languages into the fourth (their mother tongue). For instance, the English booth consisted of three interpreters, one working from German into English, one working from French, and one from Russian, etc. Defendants who did not speak any of the four official languages were provided with consecutive court interpreters. Some of the languages heard over the course of the proceedings included Yiddish , Hungarian , Czech , Ukrainian , and Polish . The equipment used to establish this system was provided by IBM , and included an elaborate setup of cables which were hooked up to headsets and single earphones directly from the four interpreting booths (often referred to as “the aquarium”). Four channels existed for each working language, as well as a root channel for the proceedings without interpretation. Switching of channels was controlled by a setup at each table in which the listener merely had to turn a dial in order to switch between languages. People tripping over the floor-laid cables often led to the headsets getting disconnected, with several hours at a time sometimes being taken in order to repair the problem and continue on with the trials. Interpreters were recruited and examined by the respective countries in which the official languages were spoken: US, UK, France, the Soviet Union, Germany, Switzerland , and Austria , as well as in special cases Belgium and the Netherlands . Many were former translators , army personnel, and linguists , some were experienced consecutive interpreters, others were ordinary individuals and even recent secondary school-graduates who led international lives in multilingual environments. It was, and still is believed, that the qualities that made the best interpreters were not just a perfect understanding of two or more languages, but more importantly a broad sense of culture, encyclopædic knowledge, inquisitiveness, as well as a naturally calm disposition. With the simultaneous technique being extremely new, interpreters practically trained themselves, but many could not handle the pressure or the psychological strain. Many often had to be replaced, many returned to the translation department, and many left. Serious doubts were given as to whether interpretation provided a fair trial for the defendants, particularly because of fears of mistranslation and errors made on transcripts. The translation department had to also deal with the overwhelming problem of being understaffed and overburdened with an influx of documents that could not be kept up with. More often than not, interpreters were stuck in a session without having proper documents in front of them and were relied upon to do sight translation or double translation of texts, causing further problems and extensive criticism. Other problems that arose included complaints from lawyers and other legal professionals with regard to questioning and cross-examination . Legal professionals were most often appalled at the slower speed at which they had to conduct their task because of the extended time required for interpreters to do an interpretation properly. Also, a number of interpreters were noted for protesting the idea of using vulgar language reflected in the proceeds, especially if it referenced Jews or the conditions of the Nazi concentration camps . Bilingual/trilingual members who attended the trials picked up quickly on this aspect of character and were equally quick to file complaints. Yet, despite the extensive trial and error, without the interpretation system the trials would not have been possible and in turn revolutionized the way multilingual issues were addressed in tribunals and conferences. A number of the interpreters following the trials were immediately recruited into the newly formed United Nations, while others returned to their ordinary lives, pursued other careers, or worked freelance. Outside the boundaries of the trials, many interpreters continued their positions on weekends interpreting for dinners, private meetings between judges, and excursions between delegates. Others worked as investigators or editors, or aided the translation department when they could, often using it as an opportunity to sharpen their skills and to correct poor interpretations on transcripts before they were available for public record. For further reference, a book titled The Origins of Simultaneous Interpretation: The Nuremberg Trial, written by interpreter Francesca Gaiba, was published by the University of Ottawa Press in 1998. Today, all major international organizations, as well as any conference or government that uses more than one official language , uses extempore simultaneous interpretation. Notable bodies include the Parliament of Kosovo with three official languages, the Parliament of Canada with two official languages, the Parliament of South Africa with eleven official languages, the European Union with twenty-four official languages, and the United Nations with six official working languages. See also

Nuremberg

Sunday marked the birthday of what noted French/American mathmetician, who was known as the father of fractal geometry?

DENYING THE HOLOCAUST (Lipstadt) - Part 01 - Google Groups DENYING THE HOLOCAUST (Lipstadt) - Part 01 Showing 1-67 of 67 messages The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory With a new Preface by the Author Deborah E. Lipstadt Table of Contents PREFACE TO THE PAPERBACK EDITION PREFACE CHAPTER ONE Canaries in the Mine CHAPTER TWO The Antecedents CHAPTER THREE In the Shadow of World War II CHAPTER FOUR The First Stirrings of Denial in America CHAPTER FIVE Austin J. App CHAPTER SIX Denial: A Tool of the Radical Right CHAPTER SEVEN Entering the Mainstream CHAPTER EIGHT The Institute for Historical Review CHAPTER NINE The Gas Chamber Controversy CHAPTER TEN The Battle for the Campus CHAPTER ELEVEN Watching on the Rhine APPENDIX Twisting the Truth To the victims and the survivors of the Holocaust and to those who preserve and tell their story. "Remember the days of yore, Learn the lessons of the generation that came before you." -Deuteronomy 32:7 PREFACE TO THE PAPERBACK EDITION In April 1993, in conjunction with the opening of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Roper Organization conducted a poll to determine the extent of Americans' knowledge of the Holocaust. Neither the Roper Organization nor the American Jewish Committee, which sponsored the poll, expected any startling results. But they were surprised by the response to one of the questions. When asked "Do you think it possible or impossible that the Holocaust did not happen?" 22% of American adults and 20% of American high school students answered, yes, it was possible. [Ironically, those who conceived of the poll originally considered omitting this question because they assumed that the affirmative responses would be negligible.] The response shocked many people who had long dismissed Holocaust denial as a wacky phenomenon of no more validity than the claim that the earth is regularly visited by alien beings. The poll's results, coupled with the deniers' recent forays onto college campuses in order to publish ads in campus newspapers denying the Holocaust, convinced many people that Holocaust denial constituted a clear and present danger. When Denying the Holocaust appeared but a few weeks after the Roper poll, many of these former skeptics hailed me for having realized long before virtually anyone else that this was a serious threat. Some reviews of the book made particular note of the fact that when I began investigating the Holocaust denial phenomenon in 1987 I had been subjected by colleagues and friends to some friendly and not-so-friendly skepticism for "taking these kooks seriously." Among the most contrite were those who had been most vigorous in their assaults on me for believing the deniers worthy of serious scholarship. In a public mea maxima culpa, one reviewer identified himself as one who had taken me to task for wasting my time on this topic. Admitting his mistake, he declared the book a work of "stunning relevance." Ironically, I counseled and continue to counsel a more cautious, certainly not benign, reaction to the Roper statistic. It is true that when a similar question was asked in Britain and France, doubters numbered less than 7%. But the 22% response must be considered within the American social context. A significant number of Americans, when asked if the most outlandish situation is possible or impossible, are prone to answer yes. [According to certain surveys the number who believe Elvis Presley is alive is in the double digits.] Second, the question was awkwardly constructed, with a double negative embedded within it. Even the Roper organization acknowledged that it could have been worded more clearly. (The same double negative did not, however, appear to confuse those who were polled in other countries.) There is also the possibility that respondents interpreted the question in a more colloquial sense and that it was simply hard for them to believe that the Holocaust might have happened. My suspicions about the Roper poll were confirmed recently by a Gallup poll which posed the same question but without the double negative. The results were markedly different: 83% said the Holocaust definitely happened, 13% said it probably happened and 4% said it did not or had no opinion. These results indicate that the deniers have not made great inroads into public opinion. When this particular question is analyzed together with the responses to the sixteen other questions on the poll there is cause for alarm, but not about the deniers. The other responses indicate an appalling American ignorance of the most basic facts of the Holocaust. 38% of adults and 53% of high school students either "don't know" or incorrectly explain what is meant by "the Holocaust." 22% of adults and 24% of students do not know that it occurred after the Nazis came to power in Germany. The poll demonstrates what will be possible in years to come if the deniers' methodology and agenda are not exposed now and, more important, if basic education about the Holocaust is not improved. It was this fear and not prescience that prompted me to address this subject years ago. And it is this fear about the potential impact of the deniers that prompts my continued interest in this topic. The deniers' window of opportunity will be enhanced in years to come. The public, particularly the uneducated public, will be increasingly susceptible to Holocaust denial as survivors die. The dramatic difference between hearing a story directly from one who has experienced it and hearing it second- or third-hand has long been illustrated for me by my cousins' experience. Approximately fifteen years older than I, they grew up in Cincinnati. Their father employed an elderly African American gentleman, Charlie Washington, who had been born a slave on a plantation. My cousins heard stories of slavery from him and some of his friends who had also been slaves. For my cousins the Civil War and slavery are not events of the distant American past. They occupy primary places in the storehouse of their childhood memories. In contrast, though I recognize them as exceptionally important aspects of our nation's history, they are for me part of nineteenth-century America. So too with the Holocaust. Future generations will not hear the story from people who can say "this is what happened to me. This is my story." For them it will be part of the distant past and, consequently, more susceptible to revision and denial. The results of the Roper poll have also elicited challenges to my steadfast refusal to debate deniers. Since the book's appearance I have received numerous invitations to appear on television talk shows aired nationally in the United States. Whenever the plans include inviting a denier I categorically decline to appear. As I make clear in these pages the deniers want to be thought of as the "other side." Simply appearing with them on the same stage accords them that status. Those who have challenged me to reconsider this policy fear that when I refuse, the deniers are left free to posit their claims with no one to challenge them. In fact, whenever I refused an invitation to appear on such a show, the producers abandoned the idea for the show shortly thereafter. Refusal to debate the deniers thwarts their desire to enter the conversation as a legitimate point of view. The deniers have painted my refusal to debate them and my resistance to the publication of Holocaust denial ads in campus newspapers as a reflection of my lack of tolerance for the First Amendment and my opposition to free intellectual inquiry. In an ad they began to circulate in the fall of 1993, they have labeled me an "intellectual fascist." However, their claim that the Holocaust is treated as a sacrosanct subject that is not open to debate is ludicrous. There is little about the Holocaust that is not debated and discussed. Among the questions continually being debated in any conference or class on the Holocaust are: Was the Final Solution a product of Hitler's evil machinations alone, or was it devised and proposed by lower-level officials in response to war-related developments? Is the Holocaust the same as a variety of other acts of persecution and genocide, e. g., the massacre of Native Americans or the "ethnic cleansing" in Bosnia? Could Jews have resisted the Nazis more forcefully? Were the actions of the non-Jewish rescuers heroic or the minimum one might have expected from any person who professed to be God-fearing and decent? Were the Judenrat, the Jewish councils installed by the Nazis in every ghetto in order to supervise ghetto life, too compliant with Nazi demands? Was a Judenrat's refusal to alert the ghetto population to the fate awaiting it an act of collaboration or an attempt to ease the victims' mental anguish during their final days? Could American Jewish organization have had a significant impact on the course of the Holocaust if they had been more organized and less engaged in internecine warfare? There is a categorical difference between debating these types of questions and debating the very fact of the Holocaust. This is not to suggest that students who ask how we evaluate the veracity of certain testimony should be shunted aside. It is crucial that they be shown how we know what we know, e.g., how oral testimony is correlated with written documentation; how testimony is evaluated for its historical accuracy; and how artifacts are determined to be genuine. Some conclusions we once thought to be true we now know are not. The intellectual process is rooted in the constant re-evaluation of previous findings based on new information. So too with the Holocaust. We will debate much about it but not whether it happened. That would be the equivalent of the scholar of ancient Rome debating whether the Roman Empire ever existed or the French historian proving that there really was a French Revolution. In the academic arena there have been those who have interpreted this stance as inconsistent with the free pursuit of ideas for which the academy stands. This reflects a failure to understand both the ludicrousness of Holocaust denial and the nature of the academy. It reflects the moral relativism prevalent on many campuses and in society at large. The misguided notion that everyone's view is of equal stature has created an atmosphere that allows Holocaust denial to flourish. This kind of confusion surfaced on a number of college campuses in the fall of 1993 in response to an advertisement attacking me and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The ad, which makes the wild accusation that the museum contains no proof of homicidal gassing chambers, also claims that "the Deborah Lipstadts - and there is a clique of them on every campus - work to suppress revisionist research and demand that students and faculty ape their fascist behavior." The New York State University College at Buffalo ran the ad. In a column explaining his decision, the editor dismissed Holocaust denial as lacking all validity. There is enough undeniable proof for the existence of the Nazi atrocity for the educated to understand why it shouldn't happen again. The real question is not whether it happened, but how many people don't know that it happened? Despite this he ran the ad because, he claimed, "there are two sides to every issue and both have a place on the pages of any open-minded paper's editorial page." The Georgetown Record offered the same justification. According to its editor-in-chief "the issue of freedom of expression outweighed the issue of the offensive nature of the advertisement." The editors discussed running a disclaimer next to the ad but rejected it because it "didn't seem like the true spirit of freedom of expression." Given this position one should logically expect to find op-ed columns, letters to the editor, and advertisements claiming that women should be kept barefoot and pregnant, that individuals of African descent should be physically separated from America's "European" population, that the moon landing was staged in Nevada, and a variety of other nonsensical positions that are held by some portion of the population. Those who take this position fail to understand that which Hannah Arendt observed in an essay called "Truth and Politics." Opinion must be grounded in fact. Facts inform opinions and opinions, inspired by different interests and passions, can differ widely and still be legitimate as long as they respect factual truth. Freedom of opinion is a farce unless factual information is guaranteed and the facts themselves are not in dispute. One can believe that Elvis Presley is alive and well and living in Moscow. However sincere one's conviction, that does not make it a legitimate opinion or "other side" of a debate. In the name of free inquiry we must not succumb to the silly view, as these editors did, that every idea is of equal validity and worth. Although the academy must remain a place where ideas can be freely and vigorously explored it must first be a place that differentiates between ideas with lasting quality and those with none. [The University of Michigan editors displayed the same confused thinking that typified their colleagues' behavior two years earlier. While explicitly rejecting the notion that the Holocaust was a hoax, the editors ran the ad as an op-ed piece in the paper's Viewpoint section. They claimed that because the first time they ran the ad there had been such a strong reaction on campus, this new ad was "relevant" to the community. (One could argue that if there had been a homophobic incident on the campus, everything homophobes wrote would be relevant to the university community.) The editors' primary reason for running the ad was that if it was "suppress[ed]" the notions it expounded "would fester and grow." The editors contended that it was their responsibility to make sure that such claims received the "scrutiny they deserve." While they did not fall prey to a mistaken notion that this was a First Amendment issue, the wisdom of their tactic is open to question. They could have published an analytical article that used segments of the ad to explain Holocaust denial's tactics and nonsensical nature. Rather they gave this nonsense the status of a viewpoint," something the deniers are quick to exploit. (Michigan Daily, October 6, 1993) The editors of Brandeis University's Justice took a similar approach and proclaimed that they ran the ad so readers would "know that such thinking existed." When they were castigated by other students on campus for their actions, the editors condemned the students for their lack of "empathy." (The Justice, December 7, 1993; New York Times, December 12, 1993) The editor of the Stanford Daily published an eloquent and impassioned editorial attacking Holocaust deniers and ran the ad, with the address for additional information obscured, as a sidebar to the editorial. Students and faculty protested that he could have accomplished the same ends with the editorial but without the ad. (Stanford Daily, October 26, 1993) When the Notre Dame Observer ran the ad as a result of an oversight," it received a long letter from a student who compared the deniers' claims to other historical assumptions that have been altered as a result of scholarly inquiry including the Ptolemaic view that the earth is the center of the solar system. This student granted the deniers exactly what they wished: they became a legitimate other side that would eventually be vindicated by the evidence. (The Observer, November 18, 19, 23, 1993)] Finally, in the wake of the publication of my book, I have been asked whether I believe that the threat posed by the deniers has been mitigated. Given the attention accorded the Holocaust deniers and their methodology, I would like to believe that it has been. I would like to imagine that my study of people and material with "no redeeming social value" had denied the deniers future success. But ultimately I recognize that though Holocaust denial is totally irrational, in some strange fashion it appeals to the quixotic side in us. We would prefer the deniers to be right. Moreover, there is a part in everyone - including survivors - that simply finds the Holocaust beyond belief. This may explain why some of the 22% who answered Roper in the affirmative did so. They found it hard to believe the Holocaust happened. Given that the Holocaust itself beggars the imagination, it is predictable that the deniers will find good-hearted but uneducated people who will succumb to these mental gyrations. More important, we must remember that we are dealing with an irrational phenomenon that is rooted in one of the oldest hatreds, anti-semitism. Anti-semitism, like every other form of prejudice, is not responsive to logic. We may battle against contemporary manifestations of it and hope that we are successful, but none of us should be deluded into thinking that any particular battle will be the last. Deniers may have been dealt a blow by major developments such as the opening of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the film Schindler's List. But a museum and film alone will not vanquish them. Either the deniers or the next genre of anti-semites will eventually surface in some other form. As Albert Camus reminds us in the final paragraphs of The Plague: He knew that the tale he had to tell could not be one of a final victory. It could be only the record of what had had to be done and what assuredly would have to be done again in the never-ending fight against terror and its relentless onslaughts.. And indeed, as he listened to the cries of joy rising from the town Rieux remembered that such joy is always imperiled. He knew what those jubilant crowds did not know but could have learned from books: that the plague bacillus never dies or disappears for good; that it can lie dormant for years and years in furniture and linen-chests; that it bides its time in bedrooms, cellars, trunks and bookshelves; and that perhaps the day would come when .. it roused up its rats again and sent them forth to die in a happy city. In the 1930s Nazi rats spread a virulent form of anti-semitism that resulted in the destruction of millions. Today the bacillus carried by these rats threatens to "kill" those who already died at the hands of the Nazis for a second time by destroying the world's memory of them. One can only speculate about the form of the bacillus' next mutation. All those who value truth, particularly truths that are subject to attack by the plague of hatred, must remain ever vigilant. The bacillus of prejudice is exceedingly tenacious and truth and memory exceedingly fragile. Deborah E. Lipstadt When I first began studying Holocaust denial, people would stare at me strangely. Incredulous, they would ask, "You take those guys seriously?" Invariably I would be challenged with the query, "Why are you wasting your time on those kooks?" My intention to write a book on this topic would have evoked no stronger a reaction if I were to write about flat-earth theorists. That situation has changed dramatically. Regrettably, I no longer have to convince others of the relevance of this work. In fact, those who once questioned my choice of a topic now ask when the book will be available. The deniers' recent activity has fostered enhanced interest that gives my work unanticipated relevance. But rather than be delighted at no longer having to convince people that this is a legitimate topic, I wish we could still afford the luxury of wondering whether we should take these people seriously. Given the terrible harm they can cause, I would have much preferred to pursue something obscure than an issue that is now so relevant. This has been a difficult project because at times I have felt compelled to prove something I knew to be true. I had constantly to avoid being inadvertently sucked into a debate that is no debate and an argument that is no argument. It has been a disconcerting and, at times, painful task that would have been impossible without the aid and support of a variety of people. Without them I would have never emerged from this morass. A number of friends and colleagues carefully read and commented on portions of this manuscript. Their observations and criticisms enhanced my work immeasurably. My profound thanks to Arnold Band, Yisrael Gutman, Manuel Prutschi, Michael Nutkiewicz, Regina Morantz-Sanchez, David Ellenson, Michael Berenbaum, David Blumenthal, and Grace Grossman. In addition, I received important assistance from Gail Gans and the research department of the Anti-Defamation League. Adaire Klein, chief librarian of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, graciously made the Center's resources available to me, as did Elizabeth Koenig of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Tony Lehrman of the Institute for Jewish Affairs in London generously helped with research. Manuel Prutschi of the Canadian Jewish Congress provided me with important background information on the activities of Ernst Zuendel. Michael Maroko and Jeff Mausner shared important aspects of the Mel Mermelstein case with me. Shelly Z. Shapiro was particularly generous with her time and energy. I would like to thank Yehuda Bauer, the chairman of the Vidal Sassoon Center for the Study of Anti-Semitism, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who was a patient and valuable colleague throughout. Elliot Dorff, Peter Hayes, Elinor Langer, Laurie Levenson, Doug Mirell, Larry Powell, Claudia Koonz, Jason Berry, Alex Heard, Terry Pristin, Paul Kessler, Joyce Appleby, Riki Heilik, Rutty Gross, Mark Saperstein, Glenda B. Minkin, and Sherry Woocher all gave their time and insights. Kenneth Stern of the American Jewish Committee provided important data on the deniers' recent activities. At The Free Press, Erwin Glikes recognized the importance of this work from the outset. At a time when others were looking at me strangely and wondering why I was bothering with this project, he urged me to move forward with it. Adam Bellow was a precise and demanding editor, exactly what I needed and wanted. His support of this project and his sensitivity to the broader dangers of Holocaust denial were crucial in helping me reach this stage. Susan Llewellyn copy edited with careful attention. Edith Lewis helped ensure speedy production of the final manuscript. I complete this book as one chapter of my life has closed and a new one is opening. Finishing the book would have been impossible if not for the support of a close circle of friends. They were like family: loving, dependable - particularly at times of crisis - and supportive of me even when it was difficult to be so. Though I am now physically distant from most of them, they remain quite near, having taught me that God's presence can be found in many different places and made manifest in a variety of ways (Genesis 28:16). CHAPTER ONE Canaries in the Mine Holocaust Denial and the Limited Power of Reason "We are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it." -Thomas Jefferson (1) "You are mistaken if you believe that anything at all can be achieved by reason. In years past I thought so myself and kept protesting against the monstrous infamy that is anti-semitism. But it is useless, completely useless." -Theodor Mommsen (2) The producer was incredulous. She found it hard to believe that I was turning down an opportunity to appear on her nationally televised show: "But you are writing a book on this topic. It will be great publicity." I explained repeatedly that I would not participate in a debate with a Holocaust denier. The existence of the Holocaust was not a matter of debate. I would analyze and illustrate who they were and what they tried to do, but I would not appear with them. (To do so would give them a legitimacy and a stature they in no way deserve. It would elevate their anti-Semitic ideology - which is what Holocaust denial is - to the level of responsible historiography - which it is not.) Unwilling to accept my no as final, she vigorously condemned Holocaust denial and all it represented. Then, in one last attempt to get me to change my mind, she asked me a question: "I certainly don't agree with them, but don't you think our viewers should hear the other side?" I soon discovered that this was not to be an isolated incident. Indeed, in the months before I completed this manuscript, I had one form or another of this conversation too many times. A plethora of television and radio shows have discovered Holocaust denial. Recently the producer of a nationally syndicated television talk show was astounded when I turned down the opportunity to appear because it would entail "discussing" the issue with two deniers. She was even more taken aback when she learned that hers was not the first invitation I had rejected. Ironically - or perhaps frighteningly - she had turned to me because she read my work while taking a course on the Holocaust. When the show aired, in April 1992 deniers were given the bulk of the time to speak their piece. Then Holocaust survivors were brought on to try to "refute" their comments. Before the commercial break the host, Montel Williams, urged viewers to stay tuned so that they could learn whether the Holocaust is a "myth or is it truth." My refusal to appear on such shows with deniers is inevitably met by producers with some variation on the following challenge: Shouldn't we hear their ideas, opinions, or point of view? Their willingness to ascribe to the deniers and their myths the legitimacy of a point of view is of as great, if not greater, concern than are the activities of the deniers themselves. What is wrong, I am repeatedly asked, with people hearing a "different perspective"? Unable to make the distinction between genuine historiography and the deniers' purely ideological exercise, those who see the issue in this light are important assets in the deniers' attempts to spread their claims. This is precisely the deniers' goal: They aim to confuse the matter by making it appear as if they are engaged in a genuine scholarly effort when, of course, they are not. The attempt to deny the Holocaust enlists a basic strategy of distortion. Truth is mixed with absolute lies, confusing readers who are unfamiliar with the tactics of the deniers. Half-truths and story segments, which conveniently avoid critical information, leave the listener with a distorted impression of what really happened. The abundance of documents and testimonies that confirm the Holocaust are dismissed as contrived, coerced, or forgeries and falsehoods. (3) This book is an effort to illuminate and demonstrate how the deniers use this methodology to shroud their true objectives. My previous book on the Holocaust dealt with the American press's coverage - or lack thereof - of the persecution of the Jews from 1933 to 1945. Much of the story that I told justly deserved the title Beyond Belief. For most editors and reporters this story was literally beyond belief, and the press either missed or dismissed this news story, burying specific news of gas chambers, death camps, and mass killings in tiny articles deep inside the papers. When I turned to the topic of Holocaust denial, I knew that I was dealing with extremist anti-semites who have increasingly managed, under the guise of scholarship, to camouflage their hateful ideology. However, I did not then fully grasp the degree to which I would be dealing with a phenomenon far more unbelievable than was my previous topic. On some level it is as unbelievable as the Holocaust itself and, though no one is being killed as a result of the deniers' lies, it constitutes abuse of the survivors. It is intimately connected to a neo-fascist political agenda. Denial of the Holocaust is not the only thing I find beyond belief. What has also shocked me is the success deniers have in convincing good-hearted people that Holocaust denial is an "other side" of history - ugly, reprehensible, and extremist - but an other side nonetheless. As time passes and fewer people can personally challenge these assertions, their campaign will only grow in intensity. The impact of Holocaust denial on high school and college students cannot be precisely assessed. At the moment it is probably quite limited. Revisionist incidents have occurred on a number of college campuses, including at a Midwestern university when a history instructor used a class on the Napoleonic Wars to argue that the Holocaust was a propaganda hoax designed to vilify the Germans, that the "worst thing about Hitler is that without him there would not be an Israel," and that the whole Holocaust story was a ploy to allow Jews to accumulate vast amounts of wealth. The instructor defended himself by arguing that he was just trying to present "two sides" of the issue because the students' books only presented the "orthodox view." (4) When the school dismissed him for teaching material that was neither relevant to the course nor of any "scholarly substance," some students complained that he had been unfairly treated. (5) During my visit to that campus in the aftermath of the incident, a number of his students argued that the instructor had brought articles to class that "proved his point." Others asserted, "He let us think." (6) Few of the students seemed to have been genuinely convinced by him, but even among those who were not, there was a feeling that somehow firing him violated the basic American ideal of fairness - that is, everyone has a right to speak his or her piece. These students seemed not to grasp that a teacher has a responsibility to maintain some fidelity to the notion of truth. High school teachers have complained to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council that when they teach the Holocaust in their classes, they increasingly find students who have heard about Holocaust denial and assume it must have some legitimacy. I have encountered high school and college students who feel that the deniers' view should at least be mentioned as a "controversial" but somewhat valid view of the Holocaust. Colleagues have related that their students' questions are increasingly informed by Holocaust denial: "How do we know that there really were gas chambers?" "What proof do we have that the survivors are telling the truth?" "Are we going to hear the German side?" This unconscious incorporation of the deniers' argument into the students' thinking is particularly troublesome. It is an indication of the deniers' success in shaping the way coming generations will approach study of the Holocaust. One of the tactics deniers use to achieve their ends is to camouflage their goals. In an attempt to hide the fact that they are fascists and anti-semites with a specific ideological and political agenda - they state that their objective is to uncover historical falsehoods, all historical falsehoods. Thus they have been able to sow confusion among even the products of the highest echelons of the American educational establishment. A history major at Yale University submitted his senior essay on the Luftwaffe in the Spanish Civil War to the Journal of Historical Review, the leading Holocaust denial journal, which in format and tone mimics serious, legitimate social science journals. The student acknowledged that he had not closely examined the Journal before submitting his essay. He selected it from an annotated bibliography where it was listed along with respected historical and social science journals. Based on its description, title, and, most significantly, its proximity to familiar journals, he assumed it was a legitimate enterprise dedicated to the re-evaluation of historical events. Deniers have found a ready acceptance among increasingly radical elements, including neo-Nazis and skinheads, in both North America and Europe. Holocaust denial has become part of a melange of extremist, racist, and nativist sentiments. Neo-Nazis who once argued that the Holocaust, however horrible, was justified now contend that it was a hoax. As long as extremists espouse Holocaust denial, the danger is a limited one. But that danger increases when the proponents of these views clean up their act and gain entry into legitimate circles. Though they may look and act like "your uncle from Peoria," they do so without having abandoned any of their radical ideas. (7) David Duke's political achievements are evidence of this. The neo-Nazi Duke, a former Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan and a Holocaust denier, was elected to the Louisiana state legislature in the late 1980s. Two years later he won 40% of the vote in the race for the U.S. Senate. In his November 1991 race for governor, he received close to 700,000 votes. He subsequently entered the 1992 presidential campaign. Despite the fact that his efforts were soon eclipsed, he managed to attract a significant number of followers. Duke, who celebrated Adolf Hitler's birthday until late in the 1980s, has been quite candid about his views on the Holocaust. (8) In a letter accompanying the Crusader, the publication of the National Association for the Advancement of White People (NAAWP) - an organization Duke created - he not only described the Holocaust as a "historical hoax" but wrote that the "greatest" Holocaust was "perpetrated on Christians by Jews." (9) Jews fostered the myth of the Holocaust, he claimed, because it generates "tremendous financial aid" for Israel and renders organized Jewry" almost immune from criticism." (10) In 1986 Duke declared that Jews "deserve to go into the ashbin of history" and denied that the gas chambers were erected to murder Jews but rather were intended to kill the vermin infesting them. (11) Under Duke the NAAWP advocated the segregation of all racial minorities in different sections of the United States. (Jews were to be confined to "West Israel," which would be composed of Manhattan and Long Island.) In order most effectively to spread their lies, deniers such as Duke must rewrite not only the history of World War II but also their own past lives. In order to forge his way in the political arena, David Duke had to reformulate his personal history. His efforts to distance himself from his more extremist past are reflective of deniers' tactics. They increasingly avoid being linked with identifiable bigots. When Duke was identified as a Klansman his access to the public arena was limited. When he decided to run for office he shed his sheet and donned a three-piece suit, winning him, if not adherents, at least a respectable audience. He gained political respectability despite the fact that but a short time earlier he had sold racist, anti-semitic, and denial literature including The Hitler We Loved and Why and The Holy Book of Adolf Hitler, from his legislative offices. (12) But it is not only former members of extremist groups who serve as vehicles for disseminating Holocaust denial. More mainstream individuals have assisted in this effort as well. Patrick Buchanan, one of the foremost right-wing conservative columnists in the country, used his widely syndicated column to express views that come straight from the scripts of Holocaust deniers. He argued that it was physically impossible for the gas chamber at Treblinka to have functioned as a killing apparatus because the diesel engines that powered it could not produce enough carbon monoxide to be lethal. Buchanan's "proof" was a 1988 incident in which ninety-seven passengers on a train in Washington, D.C., were stuck in a tunnel as the train emitted carbon monoxide fumes. Because the passengers were not harmed, Buchanan extrapolated that the victims in a gas chamber using carbon monoxide from diesel engines would also not have been harmed. (13) He ignored the fact that the gassings at Treblinka took as long as half an hour and that the conditions created when people are jammed by the hundreds into small enclosures, as they were at Treblinka, are dramatically different from those experienced by a group of people sitting on a train. Asked where he obtained this information, Buchanan responded, "Somebody sent it to me." (14) Buchanan has also referred to the "so-called Holocaust Survivor Syndrome." According to him, this involves "group fantasies of martyrdom and heroics." (15) [Buchanan's statements were made as part of his defense of John Demjanjuk, a retired Cleveland auto worker accused of being Ivan the Terrible, a notorious camp guard and a mass murderer at Treblinka. It is not Buchanan's defense of Demjanjuk with which I take issue - it is his use of denial arguments to do so. Buchanan has consistently opposed any prosecution of Nazi war criminals.] I am not suggesting that Patrick Buchanan is a Holocaust denier. He has never publicly claimed that the Holocaust is a hoax. However, his attacks on the credibility of survivors' testimony are standard elements of Holocaust denial. Buchanan's ready acceptance of this information and reliance on it to make his argument are disturbing, [It is ironic that Duke's efforts to win the Republican presidential nomination were overshadowed by Buchanan, who had earlier advocated that the Republicans stop feeling guilty about their "exploitation" of the Willie Horton issue and instead take a "hard look at Duke's portfolio of winning issues" (New Republic, October 15, 1990, p. 19).] for this is how elements of Holocaust denial find their way into the general culture. During the 1992 presidential campaign, when Buchanan was seeking the Republican nomination, he refused to retract these contentions. Nonetheless few of his fellow journalists were willing to challenge him on the matter. As troubling as Buchanan's easy acceptance of these charges was the latitude given him by his colleagues. (16) Denial arguments have been voiced not only by politicians in the United States but by those in other countries as well. Extremist nationalist groups in those Central and Eastern Europe countries with a tradition of populist anti-semitism have a particular attraction to Holocaust denial. Many of the precursors of these movements collaborated with the Nazis. Holocaust denial offers them a means of both wiping out that historical black mark - if there was no Holocaust then cooperating with the Nazis becomes less inexcusable - and rehabilitating those who were punished by Communists for collaborating. Since the fall of communism, deniers in North America and Western Europe have worked with like-minded groups in Eastern European countries to establish "mini" Institutes for Historical Review (referring to the California based pseudo-academic institution that is the bastion of denial activities and publications). Their objective is to attract people, particularly intellectuals, who are seeking an extremist nationalism cleansed of taints of Nazism. (17) Former Communist bloc countries are particularly susceptible to this strain of pseudo-history because postwar generations have learned virtually nothing about the specifically Jewish nature of Nazi atrocities. The Communists, engaging in their own form of revisionism, taught that it was the fascists (not Germans) who killed Communists (not Jews). The specifically Jewish facet of the tragedy was excised. While no politician has based his or her entire campaign on Holocaust denial, a number have used it when it was in their interest to do so. Croatian president Franjo Tudjman wrote of the "biased testimonies and exaggerated data" used to estimate the number of Holocaust victims. And in his book Wastelands - Historical Truth, he always places the word Holocaust in quotation marks. (18) Tudjman has good historical reasons for doing so: Croatia was an ardent Nazi ally, and the vast majority of Croatian Jews and non-Jews were murdered by their fellow Croatians, not by Germans. (19) Tudjman obviously believes that one of the ways for his country to win public sympathy is to diminish the importance of the Holocaust. It is likely that as Eastern Europe is increasingly beset by nationalist and internal rivalries, ethnic and political groups that collaborated in the annihilation of the Jews will fall back on Tudjman's strategy of minimization. In Slovakia crowds of protesters at political gatherings have chanted anti-semitic and anti-Czech slogans and waved portraits of Nazi war criminal Josef Tiso, who was directly involved in the deportation of Slovakian Jews to Auschwitz. In an effort to whitewash Tiso's anti-semitism during World War II and to resurrect him as a national hero, his speeches have been broadcast at these rallies. For Slovakian separatists Tiso's regime constitutes the legal and moral precedent for a sovereign Slovakia. Neither Tudjman nor the Tiso protesters are engaged in overt denial. However, their efforts to diminish the magnitude of the deeds and roles of the central players are critically important aspects of Holocaust denial. (20) There is a psychological dimension to the deniers' and minimizers' objectives: The general public tends to accord victims of genocide a certain moral authority. If you devictimize a people you strip them of their moral authority, and if you can in turn claim to be a victim, as the Poles and the Austrians often try to do, that moral authority is conferred on or restored to you. Holocaust denial, which has well-established roots in Western and Central Europe, has in recent years manifested itself throughout the world. The following brief survey demonstrates the breadth of the deniers' activities, many of which shall be explored in greater depth in the chapters that follow. In 1992 a Belgian publisher of neo-Nazi material distributed thousands of pamphlets purporting to offer scientific proof that the gas chambers were a hoax. In 1988 in Britain over 30,000 copies of Holocaust News, a newsletter which maintains that the Holocaust was a myth, were sent to Jewish communities in London, Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham, Cardiff, Norwich, and Leicester as well as to lawyers, schools, and members of Parliament throughout the country. (According to the Sunday Times, Holocaust News is published by the overtly racist British National party - which is composed of those who find the extremist National Front too mild. It campaigns for the repatriation of Jews and non-whites.) (21) In recent years Holocaust denial in England has undergone a disturbing new development. David Irving, the writer of popular historical works attempting to show that Britain made a tactical error in going to war against Germany and that the Allies and the Nazis were equally at fault for the war and its atrocities, has joined the ranks of the deniers, arguing that the gas chambers were a "propaganda exercise." (22) Irving, long considered a guru by the far right, does not limit his activities to England. He has been particularly active in Germany, where he has regularly participated in the annual meetings of the extremist German political party Deutsche Volks Union. (23) In addition, he has frequently appeared at extremist-sponsored rallies, meetings, and beer hall gatherings. Irving's self-described mission in Germany is to point "promising young men" throughout the country in the "right direction." (Irving believes women were built for a "certain task, which is producing us [men]," and that they should be "subservient to men." (24) Apparently, therefore, he has no interest in pointing young women in the right direction. [His solution to unemployment would be to declare the employment of a female a "criminal offense."] Ironically, young Germans who are dedicated German nationalists find Irving and other non-German deniers particularly credible because they are not themselves Germans. (25) In France, Holocaust denial activities have centered around Robert Faurisson, a former professor of literature at the University of Lyons-2 whose work is often reprinted verbatim, both with and without attribution, by deniers worldwide. According to Faurisson the "so-called gassings" of Jews were a "gigantic politicofinancial swindle whose beneficiaries are the state of Israel and international Zionism." Its chief victims were the German people and the Palestinians. (26) Though Faurisson and most of his admirers are on the political right, they and their activities have been abetted by an extreme left-wing revolutionary group, La Vieille Taupe (The Old Mole). (32) Originally a bookstore, it has become a publishing house that shelters an informal coterie of revolutionary types. Under the direction of its proprietor, Pierre Guillaume, it has distributed periodicals, cassettes, comic books, journals, and broadsheets all attesting to the Holocaust hoax. Guillaume is France's leading publisher of neo-Nazi material. Twenty-four hours after the Klaus Barbie trial began in France, the first issue of Annals of Historical Revisionism, a journal edited by Guillaume and containing articles by Faurisson, was distributed for sale to Paris bookstores and kiosks. (33) Suggestions of Holocaust denial have come from French political figures as well. The leader of the far right National Front, Jean Marie Le Pen, declared in 1987 that the gas chambers were a mere "detail" of World War II. In a radio interview he asserted that he had never seen any gas chambers and that historians had doubts about their existence. "Are you trying to tell me [the existence of gas chambers] is a revealed truth that everyone has to believe?" Le Pen asked rhetorically. "There are historians who are debating such questions." (34) Le Pen, who has complained that there are too many Jews in the French media, is considered the leader of Europe's extreme right. A charismatic speaker, he has exploited French fears about the immigration of Arabs from North Africa and has espoused the kind of right-wing anti-semitism associated with the Dreyfus affair. Popular support for Le Pen in France has been as high as 17%. In the 1988 presidential election he received 14.4% of the popular vote, coming in fourth overall. (35) Shades of Holocaust denial were evident at the Klaus Barbie trial when defense attorneys, attempting to diminish the significance of the Holocaust, argued that forcing people into gas chambers was no different from killing people in a war, and that it was no more of a crime to murder millions of Jews because they were Jews than it was to fight against Algerians, Vietnamese, Africans, or Palestinians who were attempting to free themselves from foreign rule. (36) These slight-of-hand attempts at moral equivalence constitute a basic tactic of those who hover on the periphery of Holocaust denial. (See chapter 11 for an analysis of Holocaust relativism in Germany.) In 1978 Louis Darquier de Pellepoix, Vichy France's commissioner of Jewish affairs and the person responsible for coordinating the deportation of Vichy Jews to death camps, told the French weekly L'Express that the Nazi genocide was a typical Jewish hoax. "There was no genocide you must get that out of your head." Expressing the standard denier's explanation for this hoax, he charged that the Jews' aim was to "make Jerusalem the capital of the world." The rather ambiguous headline of the article, which ran without any editorial comments, was "Only Lice Were Gassed in Auschwitz." (37) Leon Degrelle, the leader of the World War II fascist movement in Belgium and a Nazi collaborator, called on the European right to accept neo-Nazis as honorable allies. He also wrote an "Open Letter to the Pope about Auschwitz," informing the Polish-born cleric, who had witnessed the war at close range, that there were no gas chambers or mass annihilation in Hitler's Third Reich and that Jews who had been killed were actually murdered by American and British bombings. (38) But one does not have to be a committed neo-Nazi to be receptive to deniers' arguments. In Paris, in an interview with the leftist monthly Le Globe, Claude Autant-Lara, one of France's most acclaimed film directors and at the time a member of the European parliament, described the Holocaust as a legend "stuffed" with lies and claimed that France was in the hands of a left-wing cabal dominated by Jewish internationalists and cosmopolitans. (39) In Austria, where the Kurt Waldheim affair uncovered hidden anti-semitism, Holocaust denial has been centered around a number of neo-Nazi publications including the newspaper Sieg, which states that the number of Jews who died under Nazi rule was less than 200,000. (40) The publisher, Walter Ochensberger, has been repeatedly convicted by Austrian courts for the crime of "incitement." During lecture tours in various countries including the United States, he has preached the doctrine of denial. (41) The publisher of another neo-Nazi denial magazine, Halt, was indicted for Holocaust denial activities. (42) In addition to Sieg and Halt, denial publications targeted at schoolchildren have appeared in Austria. (43) Since the late 1980s the American Ku Klux Klan has established groups in both Germany and Austria. These groups have added Holocaust denial to their traditional racist extremism. (44) In certain parts of Europe, Holocaust denial has found its way into the general population. In the fall of 1992 a public opinion poll in Italy, where a wide array of denial publications have appeared, revealed that close to 10% of the Italian population believe the Holocaust never happened. (45) Denial arguments have permeated the work of those who would not describe themselves as deniers. An English play entitled Perdition charged that Zionist leaders both during and after the war were a separate class of rich capitalists who betrayed the Jewish masses to the Nazis. The playwright described the Holocaust as a "cozy set of family secrets, skeletons in closets." In a key passage, the leading character charges that Jews who died in Auschwitz "were murdered, not just by the force of German arms but by calculated treachery of their own Jewish leaders." (46) Though the play did not deny the Holocaust, the result was the same: The perpetrators were absolved and the victims held responsible. But it has not only been Europe that has witnessed this phenomenon. Since 1965, Holocaust denial material has been available throughout Latin America. In Brazil, much of it has been released by a publishing house specializing in Portuguese language anti-semitic materials. This publisher recently claimed that within four years of publication, one of its denial books had appeared in twenty-eight editions and was read by 200,000 people. (Though the figures may be highly inflated, the publisher did boost sales by offering bookstore owners extremely generous terms, allowing them to keep half the cover price as opposed to the usual 30%, and giving them 120 days to pay, a major benefit in a country with a 40% monthly inflation rate. Obviously, profit was not the publisher's primary motive.) (47) Holocaust deniers have also been active in Argentina, Mexico, Chile, and Peru. In Australia and New Zealand, Holocaust denial has adopted a particularly deceptive guise. The Australian Civil Liberties Union, camouflaging its intentions behind a facade of defending civil liberties, is in fact an ardently anti-semitic organization. Its bookstore sells an array of traditional anti-semitic works, including denial tracts and its leader, John Bennett, has called the Holocaust a "gigantic lie" designed to foster support for Israel. Under him the Union has distributed denial and neo-Nazi material and arranged for radio interviews by Fred Leuchter, the self-described "engineer" and gas chamber expert who claims to have conducted scientific tests at Auschwitz and Majdanek proving that the gas chambers there could not have functioned as homicidal killing units. (For an analysis of Leuchter's report see chapter 9 and the Appendix).The league's meetings have been addressed by an assortment of Holocaust deniers, including hard core Nazis and representatives of the California-based Institute for Historical Review. When Leuchter was in Australia, he was interviewed on the radio and given other significant media coverage. The league, which uses conspiracy theories to attract economically vulnerable members of the working class, informed unemployed timber workers that their jobs had been lost because Jewish bankers had taken over their forests and lands. (48) The Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission describes the league as the most "influential and effective as well as the best-organized and most substantially financed racist organization in Australia." (49) New Zealand has its own League of Rights whose activities approximate those of its Australian counterpart. Because these leagues do not have the same offensive public image that some of the more blatantly anti-semitic and neo-Nazi groups do, they have been more successful at winning popular support. By projecting an image of being committed to the defense of free speech, these pseudo-human rights organizations have attracted followers who would normally shun neo-Nazi and overtly anti-semitic organizations and activities. The manner in which they obfuscate and camouflage their agenda is the tactic Holocaust deniers will increasingly adopt in the future. It is part of the movement's strategy to infiltrate the mainstream. In Japan, an array of anti-semitic books have reached the best-seller list in recent years. Masami Uno, the author of some of the most popular of these books, asserts that Jews form a "behind-the-scenes nation" controlling American corporations. His books link Jews to Japan's deepest economic fears, declaring America a "Jewish nation" and proclaiming Jews responsible for Japan bashing. Uno, whose books have sold millions of copies, has told Japanese audiences that the Holocaust is a hoax and the Diary of Anne Frank full of "lies." (50) Holocaust denial in Japan must be seen as part of the country's revisionist attitude toward World War II in general. Japan has ignored those aspects of the war that focus on its own wrongdoings. Japanese textbooks distort the historical reality of the Japanese "rape of Nanking," calling it the "Nanking Incident." No mention either is made of the medical experiments conducted by the Japanese on prisoners of war, or the army's exploitation of Korean "comfort women." Even the attack on Pearl Harbor is presented as a defense tactic which the Japanese were compelled to take because of America's refusal to acquiesce to reasonable Japanese demands. The use of Koreans as slave labor is also left unmentioned in official war histories. (51) Since the Holocaust deniers try to prove that it was the Allies, not the Axis, who committed atrocities during World War II, Holocaust denial may find an increasingly receptive audience in Japan, particularly if the economic situation there worsens and a scapegoat is needed. Not surprisingly, given deniers' objective of delegitimizing Israel, Arab countries have proven particularly receptive. During the 1970s, when Holocaust denial was first trying to present itself as a credible academic enterprise, Saudi Arabia financed the publication of a number of books accusing Jews of creating the Holocaust hoax in order to win support for Israel. These books were distributed worldwide. (52) Articles denying the genocide against the Jews have appeared in publications of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, an affiliate of the International Red Cross. The latter published an article charging that "the lie concerning the existence of gas chambers enabled the Jews to establish the State of Israel." (53) Another article in a Palestinian journal chided Jews for complaining about Gestapo treatment when they were really "served healthy food" by the Germans. (54) Arabs have long argued that Israel was created by the United Nations because the world felt guilty over Jewish suffering during the Holocaust. The deniers' claims add fuel to these charges. Not only did the world, as Robert Faurisson said to me, displace one people "from its land so another could acquire it," but Holocaust denial proves that it was deceived into doing so. (55) The confluence between anti-Israel, anti-semitic, and Holocaust denial forces was exemplified by a world anti-Zionist conference scheduled for Sweden in November 1992. Though canceled at the last minute by the Swedish government, scheduled speakers included Black Muslim leader Louis Farrakhan, Faurisson, Irving, and Leuchter. Also scheduled to participate were representatives of a variety of anti-semitic and anti-Israel organizations, including the Russian group Pamyat, the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, and the fundamentalist Islamic organization Hamas. (56) Echoes of Holocaust denial have also been heard from individuals who are not associated with extremist or overtly anti-semitic groups. In an interview with Esquire magazine in February 1983, Robert Mitchum, who played a leading role in the television production of Herman Wouk's World War II saga, Winds of War and War and Remembrance, suggested that there was doubt about the Holocaust. Asked about the slaughter of 6,000,000 Jews, he replied, "so the Jews say." The interviewer, incredulous, repeated Mitchum's comment verbatim, "So the Jews say?" and Mitchum responded, "I don't know. People dispute that." (57) The editor of The Progressive, a socialist monthly, recently observed that while he is used to receiving a significant amount of "crackpot mail," the material he receives from Holocaust deniers is a "more subtly packed, slicker" form of hate propaganda. Despite its restrained and objective tone, he wondered who if anyone might be convinced by such "pernicious rot." His question was answered when he received a letter from a high school senior who described himself as eager for articles that grappled with difficult ideas. He complimented the editor for the wide variety of topics covered in the magazine but urged that he also address "controversial ideas about the Holocaust" such as the existence of gas chambers. The editor, himself a survivor of the Holocaust, wrote the young student assuring him that if he meant to suggest that there were no gas chambers he was wrong. The student sent back a strongly worded challenge asking the editor to reveal precisely how many gas chambers he had actually seen and how he had managed to survive. (58) In Illinois, two parents have conducted an extremely focused letter campaign against the state law that mandates teaching of the Holocaust in all schools in the state. Though many of their arguments are the standard charges repeated ad infinitum in denial publications, these parents have added a new element, threatening to withdraw their children from classes that taught the history of the Holocaust to protect them from "this highly questionable and vulgar hate material." (59) Their letter, sent to thousands of people including elected officials, educators, academicians, and parents, asked recipients to ponder how it was that a small minority was able to use the school systems and to "manipulate our children for their political and national purposes." (60) The inroads deniers have been able to make into the American educational establishment are most disconcerting. Defenders - Noam Chomsky probably the best known among them - have turned up in a variety of quarters. The MIT professor of linguistics wrote the introduction to a book by Faurisson. Faurisson, whom the New York Times described as having "no particular prominence on the French intellectual or academic scene," has argued that one of the reasons he does not believe that homicidal gas chambers existed is that no death-camp victim has given eyewitness testimony of actual gassings. (61) This argument contradicts accepted standards of evidence. It is as if a jury refused to convict a serial killer until one of his victims came back to say, "Yes, he is the one who killed me." Such reasoning is so soft that it makes one wonder who could possibly take him seriously. Moreover, it ignores the extensive testimony of the Sonderkommandos who dragged the bodies from the gas chambers. Chomsky contended that, based on what he had read of Faurisson's work, he saw "no proof" that would lead him to conclude that the Frenchman was an anti-semite. (62) According to Chomsky, not even Faurisson's claims that the Holocaust is a "Zionist lie" are proof of his anti-semitism. "Is it anti-semitic to speak of Zionist lies? Is Zionism the first nationalist movement in history not to have concocted lies in its own interest?" (63) That students editing a college newspaper or television producers interested in winning viewers should prove unable to make such distinctions is disturbing. That someone of Chomsky's stature should confuse the issue is appalling. Indeed, it was this kind of reasoning that led Alfred Kazin to describe Chomsky as a "dupe of intellectual pride so overweening that he is incapable of making distinctions between totalitarian and democratic societies, between oppressors and victims." (64) Though Chomsky is his own unique case, his spirited defense of the deniers shocked many people including those who thought they were inured to his antics. In his essay Chomsky argued that scholars' ideas cannot be censored irrespective of how distasteful they may be. [It is ironic that this internationally known professor should have become such a defender of Faurisson's right to speak when he would have denied those same rights to proponents of America's involvement in Vietnam. In American Power and the New Mandarins he wrote, "By accepting the presumption of legitimacy of debate on certain issues, one has already lost one's humanity." Though written long before the Faurisson affair, his comments constitute the most accurate assessment of his own behavior.] Throughout this imbroglio Chomsky claimed that his interest was Faurisson's civil rights and freedom to make his views known. (65) During the past few years, as deniers have intensified their efforts to insinuate themselves into the university world by placing ads denying the Holocaust in campus newspapers, echoes of Chomsky's arguments have been voiced by students, professors, and even university presidents. (See chapter 10 for additional information about denial on campus.) In response to student and faculty protests about the decision of the Duke Chronicle to run an ad denying the Holocaust, the president of Duke University, Keith Brodie, said that to have done otherwise would have "violated our commitment to free speech and contradicted Duke's long tradition of supporting First Amendment rights." (66) Brodie failed to note that the paper had recently rejected an ad it deemed offensive to women. No one had complained about possible violations of the First Amendment. Finally I abjure the term revisionist because on some level revisionism is what all legitimate historians engage in. Historians are not just chroniclers - they do not simply retell the tale. Each one tries to glean some new insight or understanding from a story already known, seeking some new way of interpreting the past to help us better understand the present. That interpretation always involves some constant "revisioning" of the past. By its very nature the business of interpretation cannot be purely objective. But it is built on a certain body of irrefutable evidence: Slavery happened; so did the Black Plague and the Holocaust. In order to maintain their facade as a group whose only objective is the pursuit of truth, the deniers have filled their publications with articles that ostensibly have nothing to do with World War II but are designed to demonstrate that theirs is a global effort to attack and revise historical falsehoods. Articles on the Civil War, World War I, and Pearl Harbor are included in their journals as a means of illustrating how establishment historians, with ulterior political motives, have repeatedly put forward distorted views of history. The deniers aim to undermine readers' faith in "orthodox" historians' commitment to transmitting the truth. They argue that this tactic of distortion by "court historians" for political means reached its zenith in the Holocaust "myth." What claims do the deniers make? The Holocaust - the attempt to annihilate the Jewish people - never happened. Typical of the deniers' attempt to obfuscate is their claim that they do not deny that there was a Holocaust, only that there was a plan or an attempt to annihilate the Jewish people. (75) They have distorted and deconstructed the definition of the term Holocaust. But this and all the ancillary claims that accompany it are embedded in a series of other arguments. They begin with a relatively innocuous supposition: War is evil. Assigning blame to one side is ultimately a meaningless enterprise. Since the central crime of which the Nazis are accused never happened, there really is no difference in this war, as in any other, between victor and vanquished. (76) Still, they assert, if guilt is to be assigned, it is not the Germans who were guilty of aggression and atrocities during the war. The real crimes against civilization were committed by the Americans, Russians, Britons, and French against the Germans. The atrocities inflicted on the Germans by the Allies were - in the words of Harry Elmer Barnes, a once-prominent historian and one of the seminal figures in the history of North American Holocaust denial - "more brutal and painful than the alleged exterminations in the gas chambers." (77) Once we recognize that the Allies were the aggressors, we must turn to the Germans and, in the words of Austin App, a professor of English literature who became one of the major "theoreticians" of Holocaust denial, implore them "to forgive us the awful atrocities our policy caused to be inflicted upon them." (78) For some deniers Hitler was a man of peace, pushed into war by the aggressive Allies. (79) According to them, the Germans suffered the bombing of Dresden, wartime starvation, invasions, postwar population transfers from areas of Germany incorporated into post-war Poland, victor's vengeance at Nuremberg, and brutal mistreatment by Soviet and Allied occupiers. Portrayed as a criminal nation that had committed outrageous atrocities, Germany became and remains a victim of the world's emotional and scholarly aggression. But it is showing the Holocaust to have been a myth that is the deniers' real agenda. They contend that the ultimate injustice is the false accusation that Germans committed the most heinous crime in human history. The postwar venom toward Germany has been so extreme that Germans have found it impossible to defend themselves. Consequently, rather than fight this ignominious accusation, they decided to acknowledge their complicity. This seeming contradiction - namely that the perpetrators admit they committed a crime while those who were not present exonerate them - presents a potential problem for the deniers. How can a group that did not witness what happened claim that the perpetrators are innocent while the perpetrators acknowledge their guilt? The deniers explain this problem away by arguing that in the aftermath of World War II the Germans faced a strategic conflict. In order to be readmitted to the "family of nations," they had to confess their wrongdoing, even though they knew that these charges were false. They were in the same situation as a defendant who has been falsely convicted of committing horrendous crimes. He knows he will be more likely to receive a lenient sentence if he admits his guilt, shows contrition, and makes amends. So too the innocent Germans admitted their guilt and made (and continue to make) financial amends. The defendants at the war crimes trials adopted a similar strategy. They admitted that the Holocaust happened but tried to vindicate themselves by claiming they were not personally guilty. Arthur Butz, a professor of electrical engineering at Northwestern University, is the denier who has most fully developed this theory of what I call incrimination to avoid self-incrimination. (For a fuller treatment of this see chapter 7.) Deniers acknowledge that some Jews were incarcerated in places such as Auschwitz, but, they maintain, as they did at the trial of a Holocaust denier in Canada, it was equipped with "all the luxuries of a country club," including a swimming pool, dance hall, and recreational facilities. (80) Some Jews may have died, they said, but this was the natural consequence of wartime deprivations. [In an apparent emulation of the deniers, a small group of Americans, led by a woman in California, Lillian Baker, has made the same claims about the World War II Japanese concentration camps in the United States. Manzanar, the infamous concentration camp for Japanese Americans, contained only "voluntary visitors." They were treated royally, given every amenity, and had "all they could eat at our government's expense." Like the Jews, Baker and her group claim, the contemporary Japanese Americans who foster this hoax have a rationale for doing so - to divert attention from their community's complicity with Japan during the war (Los Angeles Times, August 28 and December 6, 1991).] The central assertion for the deniers is that Jews are not victims but victimizers. They "stole" billions in reparations, destroyed Germany's good name by spreading the "myth" of the Holocaust, and won international sympathy because of what they claimed had been done to them. In the paramount miscarriage of injustice, they used the world's sympathy to "displace" another people so that the state of Israel could be established. (81) This contention relating to the establishment of Israel is a linchpin of their argument. It constitutes a motive for the creation of the Holocaust "legend" by the Jews. Once the deniers add this to the equation, the essential elements of their argument are in place. Some have a distinct political objective: If there was no Holocaust, what is so wrong with national socialism? It is the Holocaust that gives fascism a bad name. Extremist groups know that every time they extol the virtues of national socialism they must contend with the question: If it was so benign, how was the Holocaust possible? Before fascism can be resurrected, this blot must be removed. At first they attempted to justify it; now they deny it. This is the means by which those who still advocate the principles of fascism attempt to reintroduce it as a viable political system (see chapter 6). For many falsifiers this, not anti-semitism, is their primary agenda. It is certainly a central theme for the European deniers on the emerging far right. When one first encounters them it is easy to wonder who could or would take them seriously. Given the preponderance of evidence from victims, bystanders, and perpetrators, and given the fact that the deniers are so illogical, it appears to be ludicrous to devote much, if any, mental energy to them. They are a group motivated by a strange conglomeration of conspiracy theories, delusions, and neo-Nazi tendencies. The natural inclination of many rational people, including historians and social scientists, is to dismiss them as an irrelevant fringe group. Some have equated them with the flat-earth theorists, worthy at best of bemused attention but not of serious analysis or concern. They regard Holocaust denial as quirky and malicious but do not believe it poses a clear and present danger. There are a number of compelling reasons not to dismiss the deniers and their beliefs so lightly. First, their methodology has changed in the past decade. Initially Holocaust denial was an enterprise engaged in by a small group of political extremists. Their arguments tended to appear in poorly printed pamphlets and in right-wing newspapers such as the Spotlight, Thunderbolt, or the Ku Klux Klan's Crusader. In recent years, however, their productivity has increased, their style has changed, and, consequently, their impact has been enhanced. They disguise their political and ideological agendas. (82) Their subterfuge enhances the danger they pose. Their publications, including the Journal of Historical Review - the leading denial journal - mimic legitimate scholarly works, generating confusion among those who (like the Yale history student) do not immediately recognize the Journal's intention. Their books and journals have been given an academic format, and they have worked hard to find ways to insinuate themselves into the arena of historical deliberation. One of the primary loci of their activities is the college campus, where they have tried to stimulate a debate on the existence of the Holocaust. It is here that they may find their most fertile field, as is evident from the success they have had in placing advertisements that deny the Holocaust in college newspapers (see chapter 10). They have also begun to make active use of computer bulletin boards, where they post their familiar arguments. Certain computer networks have been flooded with their materials. Their objective is to plant seeds of doubt that will bear fruit in coming years, when there are no more survivors or eyewitnesses alive to attest to the truth. There is an obvious danger in assuming that because Holocaust denial is so outlandish it can be ignored. The deniers' worldview is no more bizarre than that enshrined in the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a report purporting to be the text of a secret plan to establish Jewish world supremacy. (83) The deniers draw inspiration from the Protocols, which has enjoyed a sustained and vibrant life despite the fact it has long been proved a forgery. Many years ago the prominent German historian Theodor Mommsen warned that it would be a mistake to believe that reason alone was enough to keep people from believing such falsehoods. If this were the case, he said, then racism, anti-semitism, and other forms of prejudice would find no home. To expect rational dialogue to constitute the sole barriers against the attempts to deny the Nazi annihilation of European Jewry would be to ignore one of the ultimate lessons of the event itself: Reasoned dialogue has a limited ability to withstand an assault by the mythic power of falsehood, especially when that falsehood is rooted in an age-old social and cultural phenomenon. There was no rational basis to the Nazi atrocities. There was, however, the mythic appeal of anti-semitism. Hitler and the Nazis understood this. Mythical thinking and the force of the irrational have a strange and compelling allure for the educated and uneducated alike. Intellectuals in Nazi Germany were not immune from irrational, mystical thinking. So, too, among the deniers. I've been saying for awhile that the alleged popularity of many public figures today is more of a chimera than anything else, just today another glaring example presented itself. Hard core Zionist and liar extraordinaire Deborah Lipstadt wrote an article entitled Jimmy Carter's Jewish Problem that was given prominent space in the Washington Post on Saturday, January 20, 2007. In reality, Deborah Lipstadt is something of a nonentity, well-known only among Zionist Supremacists in academia and the media and a few holocaust Revisionists, but every now and again the mainstream Zionist media drags her out of well deserved obscurity to write an article about what else, anti-Semitism. On January 20th she set her delusional sights on Jimmy Carter who recently wrote an honest book entitled "Palestine Peace Not Apartheid." Which focused on the influence Zionists enjoy in the American government and media and how that plays directly into the terrorist and apartheid politics embraced by the state of Israel. I won't dwell on Carter's book in this piece as it really only emphasizes truths that have been written about by thousands of others long before Carter ever put pen to paper. In fact, Carter could only be said to have arrived at these ideas as a result of "standing on the shoulders of giants" that preceded him. In any case, Lipstadt's entire thesis in "Jimmy Carter's Jewish Problem," rests on the idea that anything Israel does is justified because, you guessed it, Jews suffered during the holocaust. I'm dead serious. Lipstadt states clearly that Carter's concise narrative documenting the many crimes against humanity committed by the Israelis against the Palestinians is "unfair," because Carter doesn't emphasize the holocaust and how it allegedly affected world Jewry. She writes: "Carter's book "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid," while exceptionally sensitive to Palestinian suffering, ignores a legacy of mistreatment, expulsion and murder committed against Jews. It trivializes the murder of Israelis. Now, facing a storm of criticism, he has relied on anti-Semitic stereotypes in defense. One cannot ignore the Holocaust's impact on Jewish identity and the history of the Middle East conflict. When an Ahmadinejad or Hamas threatens to destroy Israel, Jews have historical precedent to believe them. Jimmy Carter either does not understand this or considers it irrelevant." She then continues by adding that Carter was insensitive because his book only made "two fleeting references to the holocaust." Well reader, believe it or not, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Winston Churchill, and Charles de Gaulle are all guilty of insensitivity too, as not one of them bothered to leave a single reference whatsoever to the holocaust in their extensive memoirs, but don't expect Lipstadt to mention this fact, it might knock some of the outrage out of her sails or worse, alert her readers to the fact that the aforementioned never even bothered to mentioned this allegedly "well documented" event, in their own war time diaries. The funniest thing about the Post dragging Deborah Lipstadt out of the bowels of Emory University to write this article about Carter is that nobody has heard of her, she only becomes a "somebody" when the Zionists need her to excoriate someone for holocaust skepticism or accurately and honestly exposing the subversive behavior of some Zionist liar that screwed up badly enough to get caught doing whatever it was he or she was doing. How do I know nobody pays attention to Deborah Lipstadt in the real world, despite her prominent position as a holocaust expert in the fantasy world created by our media? Well, allow me to explain. Deborah Lipstadt has had a blogsite for quite sometime now, she uses it to post her missives, and has done so for more than two years. The funny things is, I seem to be it's only visitor, no matter how often I go there, no matter what time of day, I literally have never seen anyone comment on her articles. Don't believe me? See for yourself. Believe what you like, but from my humble point of view there are really only two reasons why Lipstadt's own blog hasn't attracted enough interest for anyone to comment on any of the essays within. Number one, nobody is visiting her blog, which by the way is supported by Alexa.com a website ranking instrument which has ranked her site as the 2,712,744th most popular site on the Internet, making it even less popular than a Seattle based website devoted to chicken manure which actually ranked in several hundred thousand places in front of Lipstadt's blog. My point of course is that nobody knows who Deborah Lipstadt is, and what's more, nobody cares. Lipstadt only becomes a somebody for those few moments a moron stupid enough to still be reading newspapers scans the article's headline, although I am anything but well known, and am not a tenured professor, I'm certain that more people will actually read this essay than will read Lipstadt's latest piece in the Post. The only reason I came across it is that I happen to have google working for me, google sends me anything with the name Deborah Lipstadt attached to it that appears in the news. Trust me, I rarely get anything on her, maybe something every couple of weeks at the most. The other possibility as to why I never find any comments on Deborah Lipstadt's blog may be because so few visitors have anything positive to say about her or her essays. I generally send her a few negative comments every couple of weeks, but as yet, she hasn't posted a single one of my critiques. Thus, I am left with one or two conclusions at most, she either has no readers, or the readers that do visit her blogsite don't leave positive

i don't know

Known as the Equality State, what was the 44th state to join the Union on Jul 10, 1890?

Wyoming - U.S. States - HISTORY.com Bird: Meadowlark Interesting Facts On September 2, 1885, a group of white coal miners attacked and killed 28 of their Chinese coworkers, wounded 15 others, and torched 79 of their homes in Rock Springs. None of the perpetrators—who had been angered by the refusal of Chinese miners to join in a strike for better wages, and by the Union Pacific Coal Company’s decision to allow the Chinese to work a lucrative part of the mine—were ever convicted for the brutal massacre. Henry Longabaugh received the nickname “Sundance Kid” after serving time in prison between 1887 and 1889 for stealing a horse in Sundance, Wyoming. He later met Butch Cassidy and joined the notorious Wild Bunch. President Theodore Roosevelt designated Devils Tower—a natural rock formation resulting from a volcanic intrusion and a sacred site for many Plains Indians—the first national monument in the U.S. on September 24, 1906. In 1949, a massive blizzard blanketed Wyoming, killing 17 people, 55,000 cattle and 105,000 sheep. Wyoming is the leading producer of coal in the United States; in 2010, the state produced 40 percent of the nation’s total. Tags

Wyoming

Nov 22, 1995 saw the theatrical release of one of the top grossing films of that year, the first feature film to be made entirely with CGI?

Wyoming Secretary of State Wyoming Secretary of State Big Wyoming, Equality State, Cowboy State Motto July 10, 1890, 44th State Size 97,914 square miles, 9th largest state Highest Point 3,100 feet, Belle Fourche River Average Annual Precipitation 563,626 State of Wyoming Wyoming is in the western United States. It is bordered by Montana on the north, South Dakota and Nebraska on the east, Colorado and Utah on the south, and Utah, Idaho and Montana on the west. The land within these borders was first called Wyoming in 1865, when a member of the U.S. Congress from Ohio suggested that a new territory be carved from Dakota, Utah, and Idaho territories. The name Wyoming is a contraction of the Native American word mecheweamiing ("at the big plains"), and was first used by the Delaware people as a name for the Wyoming Valley in northeastern Pennsylvania. Wyoming is known as the Cowboy State and the Equality State. The latter recognizes Wyoming as the first state to specifically give women the right to vote, which it did as a territory in 1869 and retained upon entering the Union. Wyoming became a territory in 1868 and entered the Union on July 10, 1890, as the 44th state. It has a wealth of mineral and agricultural resources, and mining and agriculture still play major roles in the state's economy. During the same period the state ranked 50th among the 50 states in population and 50th in manufacturing. "Wyoming," © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. State Flag The Wyoming State Flag, designed by Mrs. A.C. Keyes of Casper (formerly Miss Verna Keays of Buffalo), was adopted by the fourteenth legislature on January 31, 1917. The Great Seal of Wyoming is the heart of the flag. On the bison, once the monarch of the plains, is the seal representing the custom of branding. The colors of the State Flag are the same as those of the National Flag. The red border represents the Indian and the blood of the pioneers who gave their lives reclaiming the soil. White is the emblem of purity and uprightness. Blue, the color of the sky and mountains, is symbolic of fidelity, justice and virility. State of Wyoming, http://wyoming.gov/general/general.asp State Flower: Indian Paintbrush The Indian paintbrush, common name for any of a genus of annual, biennial, and perennial herbs, was adopted as the State Flower on January 31, 1917. The genus, which contains about 200 species, is native to the cooler portions of North and Central America and Asia, and to the Andes. Because Indian paintbrushes, also called painted cups, are parasitic on the roots of other plants, they have not been naturalized and have rarely been cultivated away from their native habitat. The plants have long, hairy, unbranched stems with alternate leaves. The uppermost leaves, or bracts, are brilliantly colored and much showier than the inconspicuous interspersed flowers. The flowers, which are borne in spikes, have a two-lobed calyx, a two-lobed corolla, four stamens, and a solitary pistil. The corolla, which is usually yellow, is encased within the calyx, and is usually indiscernible. The fruit is a two-celled capsule. The common painted cup is the State Flower of Wyoming. The calyx of this plant is greenish white, but the bracts are intense vermilion. The scarlet paintbrush is a common wild plant of the eastern United States. The common Indian paintbrush is a hardy herb found in Canada and in the mountainous regions of the northern United States from New England to the Rocky Mountains. Its calyx is greenish white tinted with purplish red. Scientific classification: Indian paintbrushes make up the genus Castilleja, of the family Scrophulariaceae. The common painted cup is classified as Castilleja linariaefolia, the scarlet paintbrush as Castilleja coccinea, and the common Indian paintbrush as Castilleja septentrionalis. "Indian Paintbrush," Microsoft ® Encarta ® Online Encyclopedia 2008 http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. State Bird: Meadowlark Meadowlark is the common name for any of seven American bird species of a genus of the blackbird subfamily. The two North American species, the eastern and western meadowlarks, look very much alike but have different voices. Both are about 23 cm (about 9 in) long. They are brown streaked with black and buff above and bright yellow below, with a black crescent on the chest. They inhabit meadows and fields across the United States, their ranges overlapping in the middle west. They build domed nests hidden in the grass, where the females lay four to six white eggs, speckled with reddish brown. The range of the eastern meadowlark extends south to northern South America, where it meets the northernmost of five South American species, all characterized by having red rather than yellow breasts. Wyoming adopted the meadowlark as its State Bird on February 5, 1927. Scientific classification: Meadowlarks make up the genus Sturnella of the subfamily Teterinae, family Emberizidae, order Passeriformes. The subfamily is sometimes considered a separate family, Icteridae. The eastern meadowlark is classified as Sturnella magna and the western meadowlark as Sturnella neglecta. "Meadowlark," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2008, http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. State Tree: Cottonwood Cottonwood is the common name for several species of fast-growing, short-lived trees, members of the willow family. Cottonwoods are named for the cottonlike mass of hairs surrounding their seeds. They are related to poplars and aspens. Cottonwood trees may reach a height of 30 m (100 ft) or more and may have a trunk diameter up to 2.4 m (8 ft). The bark is rough, with deep fissures. Cottonwoods are fast growing but short-lived trees. They are easily propagated, and some are planted as ornamentals. The wood of cottonwoods is moderately soft and rather lightweight. It is used chiefly for boxes, crates, and the interior parts of furniture. The plains cottonwood is a large tree of the Great Plains and eastern border of the Rocky Mountains, and its range extends north into Canada. It grows to 27 m (90 ft). This tree is a subspecies of the eastern cottonwood, but it has hairy buds and lighter yellow branchlets. Its coarsely toothed leaves are often broader than they are long and have glands at the base of the leaf blade. The cottonwood became Wyoming's State Tree on February 1, 1947. The statute declaring the cottonwood as our State Tree was then amended in 1961 to change the scientific name. Scientific classification: Cottonwoods are members of the family Salicaceae. The cottonwood is classified as Populus deltoides variety monilifera. "Cottonwood," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2008, http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. State Gemstone: Jade Jade is a compact, opaque gemstone ranging in color from dark green to almost white. The term is applied to specimens cut from the minerals jadeite and nephrite. Wyoming's State Gemstone is of the nephrite variety and was adopted on January 25, 1967. Nephrite, a member of the amphibole group of minerals, is a silicate of calcium and magnesium, with a small amount of iron replacing part of the magnesium. It is a tough, compact variety of the mineral tremolite with a hardness of 6 to 6.5 and specific gravity 2.96 to 3.1. Polished nephrite has an oily luster. "Jade," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2008, http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. State Mammal: Bison The bison, adopted Wyoming's State Mammal on February 23, 1985, is the largest terrestrial animal in North America, where it is commonly called buffalo. The bison is characterized by a hump over the front shoulders; short, sharply pointed horns (in both sexes) curving outward and up from the sides of the massive head; and slimmer hindquarters. A mature bull of the North American bison is about 2 m (about 6.5 ft) high at the hump and 2.7 to 3.7 m (9 to 12 ft) long and weighs 850 to 1100 kg (1800 to 2400 lb); the female is smaller. The head, neck, forelegs, and front parts of the body have a thick coat of long, dark hair. The rear part of the body is covered with much shorter hair. The adult bull usually has a black beard about 30 cm (about 12 in) long. k beard about 30 cm (about 12 in) long. Scientific classification: Bison belong to the family Bovidae. The plains bison is classified as Bison bison bison, the wood bison as Bison bison athabascae, and the European bison as Bison bonasus. "Bison," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2008, http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. State Fish: Cutthroat Trout Cutthroat trout is a type of trout named for an orange mark behind the lower jaw. Cutthroat trout are adaptable fish with several subspecies, or stocks, that vary greatly in appearance and live in a variety of habitats. Inland cutthroat are freshwater fish, living in cool streams or lakes; coastal cutthroat migrate to sea after two to five years in freshwater. All cutthroat return to their native streams to lay their eggs, or spawn. Cutthroat are native to the western part of North America. Coastal cutthroat historically ranged from mid-Alaska to northern California. Inland cutthroat ranged from southern British Columbia and Alberta, Canada to New Mexico, and from eastern California to Colorado. Cutthroat have been transplanted widely and can now be found throughout North America. The cutthroat trout became Wyoming's State Fish on February 18, 1987. Scientific classification: The cutthroat trout is a member of the family Salmonidae in the Salmoniformes order. It is classified as Oncorhynchus clarki. "Cutthroat Trout," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2008, http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. State Fossil: Knightia Knightia is an extinct genus of fish well-known from abundant fossils found in the Green River Formation of Wyoming. They rarely exceeded 25 cm in length and are found throughout the formation. Knightia became Wyoming's State Fossil on February 18, 1987. Knightia was a slender fish and seems to have been a secondary consumer, feeding mainly on ostracods, algal forms and diatoms, as well as some smaller fish. They were schooling fish, and because of this they are frequently found together in mass mortality layers. The tendency for individual fishes to cluster in groups was probably quite common. Modern forms of small fish are noted for schooling, and it is highly probable that the ancient types associated similarly. "Knightia," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia 2008, http://en.wikipedia.org All Rights Reserved. State Reptile: Horned Toad The horned toad is a common name for a genus of short-tailed, short-legged lizards in the iguana family. They are called “horned” for the hornlike spines on the back of the head and sides of the body, and “toad” for their rounded, toadlike shape. Found mostly in dry regions of the western United States and Mexico, they are diurnal and can often be seen sitting motionless near ant mounds. Most species feed heavily on ants, but they will also eat other types of small insects and spiders. Their wide, flat bodies are about 8 to 13 cm (about 3 to 5 in) long. For defense, many species, including the coast horned lizard, can spray an intruder with blood from the corners of their eyes. The horned toad was adopted as the State Reptile on February 18, 1993. Scientific classification: Horned lizards make up the genus Phrynosoma of the family Iguanidae. The coast horned lizard is classified as Phrynosoma coronatum and the Texas horned lizard as Phrynosoma cornutum. "Horned Lizard," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2008, http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. State Dinosaur: Triceratops Wyoming's State Dinosaur, the triceratops is of the genus of four-legged, plant-eating dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous Period, more than 65 million years ago. Triceratops had three horns on its skull - one on its snout and one above each eye. The name is derived from the Greek words treis, "three"; kerat, "horn"; and ops, "face." Triceratops was one of the largest horned dinosaurs. The animal's other defining features include a beak and a neck shield, or frill. Triceratops belonged to a diverse group of ornithischian ("bird-hipped") dinosaurs called ceratopsians ("horn-face"), which populated North America and Asia toward the end of the age of dinosaurs. Many skulls have been recovered from sediments that floods deposited 67 million to 65 million years ago on low, coastal plains near a seaway that covered the interior of the United States and Canada. The triceratops was adopted as the State Dinosaur on March 18, 1994. "Triceratops," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2008, http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. State Sport: Rodeo Rodeo is a competitive sport in which riders display their skill in activities related directly or indirectly to livestock raising, such as riding and roping cattle and horses. The term "rodeo" comes from the Spanish word rodear (to surround) and originally meant "roundup." A rodeo usually comprises five standard events and may also include up to three nonstandard events, as well as a number of informal contests. Cash prizes are awarded. The sport is especially popular in the United States and Canada, and about 2,000 rodeos are held annually in those countries. Most major rodeos are under the jurisdiction of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The leading rodeos include Frontier Days, in Cheyenne, Wyoming; National Finals Rodeo, in Las Vegas, Nevada; National Western, in Denver, Colorado; Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, in Houston, Texas; and Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, in Calgary, Alberta. Wyoming adopted the rodeo as its State Sport during its legislative session in 2003. "Rodeo," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2008, http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. State Coin: Sacagawea Golden Dollar Coin Sacagawea was the Shoshone Indian who assisted the historic Lewis and Clark expedition. Between 1804 and1806, while still a teenager, she guided the adventurers from the Northern Great Plains to the Pacific Ocean and back. Her husband, Toussaint Charbonneau, and their son who was born during the trip, Jean Baptiste, also accompanied the group. Sacagawea knew several Indian languages, and being Shoshone, could help Lewis and Clark make contact with her people and acquire horses that were crucial to the success of the mission. Her contribution far exceeded anything Lewis and Clark had expected. She provided crucial knowledge of the topography of some of the most rugged country of North America and taught the explorers how to find edible roots and plants previously unknown to European-Americans. Most crucially, Sacagawea and her infant served as a "white flag" of peace for the expedition, which was as much a military expedition as a scientific one. They entered potentially hostile territory well armed but undermanned compared to the Native American tribes they met. Because no war party was ever accompanied by a woman and infant, the response of the Native Americans was curiosity, not aggression. Sacagawea died at the age of 25. Her grave is located in Lander, Wyoming. In 2000, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R - Wyoming), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, nominated Sacagawea for the dollar coin. Wyoming named the Sacagawea Golden Coin its State Coin on March 2, 2004. "Coins and Medals: Sacagawea Golden Coin," © 1998-2008. The United States Mint. All Rights Reserved. State Grass: Western Wheatgrass Western wheatgrass is a perennial and sod-forming grass, native to most parts of the United States except the humid southeast. It is a dominant species in the Central and Northern Great Plains. Plant growth is vigorous, reaching 2 to 3 feet in height. Leaves are up to 12 inches long, 0.25 inch wide, rather stiff and erect. The whole plant is covered with a grayish bloom. It thrives best on rather heavy soil, but is adapted to a wide range of soil types, including alkaline soil. Both as pasturage and when cut for hay while still succulent, it is relished by all classes of livestock. The plants are usually grown from seed, but spread from underground rhizomes to form dense sods. This is a very valuable grass, both for feed and for erosion control. Scientific classification: Western wheatgrass is classified as Pascopyrum smithii. Wyoming adopted the western wheatgrass as its State Grass on February 28, 2007. "Western Wheatgrass," Purdue University, Magness, J.R., G.M. Markle, C.C. Compton. 1971. Food and feed crops of the United States. Interregional Research Project IR-4, IR Bul. 1 (Bul. 828 New Jersey Agr. Expt. Sta.), http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/crops/western_wheatgrass.html State Butterfly: Sheridan's Green Hairstreak Sheridan's green hairstreak occurs widely across Wyoming in mountains and foothills, wherever its food-plant (sulphur flower) is found. The butterflies visit various wildflowers to feed on nectar. This butterfly flies from March to early June and is the earliest butterfly to emerge from a chrysalis in Wyoming. Like the robin in Wyoming and other states, this green butterfly is a symbol of the arrival of spring in Wyoming. Adults may be seen flying during the earliest warm days of spring, while snow is still melting nearby. It is a small butterfly, with wing spans averaging 2.2-2.9 cm (less than one inch). However, the bright green color of the underside of the wings is very distinctive, making the butterfly quite easy to identify. There is a line of white dots across the underside of the hind wing, which may join to form a nearly solid white line. The upper surface of the wings is dark gray, but when at rest the wings are folded over the back, exposing the green lower surfaces. Scientific classification: Sheridan's green hairstreak is classified as Callophrys sheridanii, one of four species of the genus Callophrys. It is a member of the family Lycaenidae. The name is derived from the Greek words kallos (beauty) and phryktos (beacon). Sheridan's green hairstreak is assigned to the subfamily Theclinae, commonly known as hairstreaks because many species have tiny hair-like tails off the tips of the hind wings. However, species of Callophrys have rounded hind wing margins without tails, so these are sometimes called tail-less hairstreaks. Dr. Scott Shaw, Professor of Entomology and Insect Museum Curator, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY. State Code The code of the west, as derived from the book, Cowboy Ethics by James P. Owen, and summarized as follows, is the official state code of Wyoming. The code was adopted as Wyoming's State Code on March 3, 2010. The code includes:

i don't know

The brother of which U.S. president was the commercial spokesman for Billy Beer?

Billy Carter Is Dead of Cancer at 51 : Ex-President's Brother Capitalized on Country-Boy Image - latimes Billy Carter Is Dead of Cancer at 51 : Ex-President's Brother Capitalized on Country-Boy Image September 26, 1988 |DAVID TREADWELL | Times Staff Writer ATLANTA — Billy Carter--the Georgia businessman and "good ol' boy" who became a national folk hero as President Jimmy Carter's irreverent, wisecracking, beer-guzzling brother--died Sunday of pancreatic cancer. He was 51. Carter's homespun wit and buffoonish antics instantly made him a star during his brother's presidential campaign in 1976 and, long after, kept him in demand for product endorsements and appearances at state fairs, peanut Olympics, swamp-buggy races and belly-flop contests. Although his popularity eventually waned--especially after his widely publicized treatment for alcoholism and revelations of his dealings as an agent for the Libyan government--he remains perhaps the best-known "first brother" in U.S. history. William Alton Carter, the fourth and youngest child of James Earl and Lillian Carter, "died quietly and peacefully in his sleep about 7 a.m. with his family at his bedside," the family said in a statement from the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta. "He had struggled courageously with his illness, never losing his sense of humor and always concerned more about those who loved him than himself." Funeral in Plains A spokesman for the family said he died at home in Plains, Ga., where funeral services were scheduled for 4 p.m. today at Lebanon Cemetery. His illness was first diagnosed as inoperable cancer Sept. 11, 1987, at Emory University in Atlanta. His sister, Jean Carter Stapleton, an evangelist and faith healer, died of pancreatic cancer in 1983 at age 54. Their mother died of pancreatic, bone and breast cancer in the same year, at age 85. Their father died of cancer in 1953, at age 58. Billy Carter is survived by his wife, Sybil, and their six children: Kim, Jana Kae, William Alton IV (Buddy), Marle, Mandy and Earl. Carter, a short, stocky man with reddish hair and a wide-angle grin like his brother's, invariably was sought out by reporters looking for an offbeat slant or a funny line during the 1976 presidential race. His most-often quoted remark of the campaign: "I've got a mother who joined the Peace Corps and went to India when she was 68. I've got a sister who races motorcycles and another sister who's a Holy Roller preacher. I've got a brother who says he wants to be President of the United States. I'm the only sane one in the family." Shrewd Business Sense Behind the image of a loose-talking, beer-swilling, chain-smoking rube, however, was a shrewd, hard-working businessman. He took over as managing partner of the Carter family's peanut business in 1970, after Jimmy Carter was elected governor of Georgia. By 1976, Billy had turned the business into a $5-million-a-year operation. "I made more money for the business than Jimmy ever did," Carter, who owned 15% of the operation, was fond of boasting. He put in long hours at the Carter peanut warehouse in Plains, unlocking the doors at 6 a.m. each day, but at closing time he would head across the street to the Amoco service station he owned, where he would chug beer and chew the fat in the back room with his drinking buddies. "I'm a real Southern boy," he used to say. "I got a red neck, white socks and Blue Ribbon beer." Concern for Hometown After the presidential election he grew disturbed over the changes in Plains as hordes of reporters, tourists and souvenir hunters descended on the tiny town in rural southwestern Georgia. Plains, he lamented, is "going straight to hell." He soon moved with his family to a secluded home in Buena Vista, about 20 miles away. During the same period, he became embittered at maneuvering over the family's peanut warehouse. When his brother moved into the White House, the business was placed in a blind trust managed by Charles Kirbo, an Atlanta attorney and confidant of Jimmy Carter. Billy offered to buy his brother's 60% share of the business, but Kirbo turned him down, reportedly with Jimmy's concurrence. Billy abruptly resigned from the business and went on the celebrity circuit full time, pulling down $5,000 for each appearance and earning a reported $500,000 in his first year on the road. Perhaps his most famous effort at self-promotion was the introduction in October, 1977, of the short-lived "Billy Beer" brewed by the Fall River Brewing Co. of Louisville, Ky. Pop-Top Fashion Plate As part of the promotional campaign, Carter was photographed in an unforgettable costume that featured a dunce cap and a short vest made of Billy Beer pop tops. At length, however, Carter began to feel uncomfortable with the redneck image. As he said in a television interview then: "I think I may have created a monster with my--I won't say act--but with my redneck pose." He was increasingly beset with notoriety and the personal problems brought on by excessive drinking. At one point, his brother was compelled to say publicly: "I hope the people of the United States will realize that I have no control over Billy."

Jimmy Carter

With examples such as tulip, South Sea company, and .com, what is the name for the economic condition characterized by "trade in high volumes at prices that are considerably at variance with intrinsic values"?

The ghosts of brewing past, present and future The ghosts of brewing past, present and future Local brewers bring latest wave of craft dating back to 1859 in Central Minnesota Comment Christmas came early. At least that's what it felt like to the owners of St. Cloud's newest brewery when their DCI stainless steel tanks were delivered on Dec. 12. "It's like when you were a kid and got to open a Christmas present on Dec. 23," joked Beaver Island Brewing Co. co-owner Nick Barth, who is growing his beard out for the Jan. 22 brewery opening. "We unwrapped them like a kid on Christmas morning," On the other side of town that same week, the Lupine Brewing Co. became the first full-scale St. Cloud brewery since 1939. Across the Mississippi River in Sauk Rapids, the Urban Moose Brewing Co. is planning to start construction on a riverfront brewpub this spring. And a St. Joseph development project is planning a yet-to-be-named family-friendly brewery. "In today's market, no matter where you are, if you are brewing good beer you can't keep up (with demand)," said Lupine Brewing vice president of operations Eric Sargent. "It's all about flavor. Nobody wants their dad's beer anymore." While St. Cloud went 75 years without a full-scale brewery, Central Minnesota's brewing history is rich. It includes a New Deal project, Billy Beer (commissioned by president Jimmy Carter's brother), the exclusive rights to Hollywood horror character Elvira's personal brand and the origins of a national brewpub chain. A brewmaster testing beer at the Cold Spring Brewing Co.  (Photo: Tom Johnson) Breweries previously stood near Lake George and where the current Cathedral High School practice field is. New Munich, a Stearns County city with a current population under 400, once housed Minnesota's third-largest brewery. Sauk Rapids, St. Joseph, Melrose, Little Falls, Richmond and Sauk Centre also had breweries. While those establishments have come and gone, there's been one constant in Central Minnesota brewing: the Cold Spring Brewing Co., which in its 140th year of operation is one of two Minnesota breweries — along with August Schell in New Ulm — that's operated for more than 100 years. "The beer business is one tough business," said former Cold Spring Brewing Co. owner Tom Johnson "If you would've told anybody 30 to 40 years ago that Cold Spring and Schells would be the only ones left, we would've laughed in your face. Schlitz was No. 1, but now they are out of business. Hamm's was No. 1 and they are out of business. Grain Belt was No. 1 and they are out of business. It goes on and on." The Cold Spring Brewing Co. — which now brews beer under the Third Street Brewhouse label — has operated continuously since 1874, relying on non-alcoholic beverages during Prohibition and lean years. And the establishment that battled critics for a new $14 million brewhouse two years ago plans on being a leader in the expanding craft brew industry. "Wherever the trends are going, we are positioned to follow it," said Third Street Brewhouse general manager Doug DeGeest. "And now with some of the things we are doing, we are ready to set some of those trends." Up in flames Chapter 2 German immigrant Peter Kraemer is regarded as Central Minnesota's first brewer. The first tax records for Kraemer's brewery indicate a 500-barrel production (one barrel = 31 gallons) in 1859. The brewery was on a ravine that fed into the south shore of Lake George , which at the time was considered the outskirts of town. Kraemer's business partner was a fellow German immigrant named Peter Seberger. His son, Peter Jr., would become the first mayor of a reorganized St. Cloud and has a town park named after him. The Kraemer Brewery, which brewed a lager beer requiring lengthy fermentation, burned on Nov. 24, 1864. Kraemer became a hotel proprietor. Fires were common in early breweries. (Photo: Stearns History Museum) Doug Hoverson, the author of "Land of Amber Waters: The History of Brewing in Minnesota," said fires were common because of "a perfect storm of combinations." Many of the breweries were built of wood and used wooden equipment as well as using fire to run equipment, for lanterns and for heat. Hoverson also noted that there were many accusations claiming fires were started by Prohibitionists. A St. Joseph brewery on the Sauk River burned down in 1881. A Little Falls brewery that previously stood at 508 Seventh St. NE burned down in 1884 and was rebuilt shortly after. The Sauk Rapids Brewing Co., which was located near the current Coborn's Superstore at the intersection of Benton Drive and Third Street South and also suffered damage during an 1886 tornado, burned down in 1895. A Sauk Centre brewery, which had a taproom social club called the Wooden Shoe Association and was located where the current Sinclair Lewis Park is on the Sauk Lake , burned down in 1870, was rebuilt before burning down again in 1891. The Melrose Brewing Co., near present day East River Heights Drive , burned down in 1914. Frank Funk became St. Cloud's second brewer with a seven-barrel batch in 1864. The brewery was located at 519 Eighth Ave. N and operated under multiple ownerships until 1897. Swiss immigrant Lorenz Enderle also opened a St. Cloud brewery in 1864 at 409 Sixth Ave. S — now the Cathedral High School practice field. The brewery, later renamed Empire Brewing, closed in 1916. The practice field was built in 1921. A fourth St. Cloud brewery was opened by Fritz Herberger in 1867 at 600 Ninth Ave. N . It was later run by German immigrant and veteran brewer Andrew Preiss and former St. Cloud City Council member John Wimmer. The Preiss & Wimmer Brewing Co. held a 1909 beer naming contest. Joseph Martini had the winning submission of 3,029 entries with "Old Heidelberger," a reference to a German castle that won him a $25 reward. The number of breweries in Minnesota peaked in 1880 at 132 locations. That year St. Cloud was fourth in state beer production, trailing only St. Paul, Minneapolis and Stillwater. Tax records indicate Central Minnesota collectively produced more than 6,000 barrels. (Photo: Stearns History Museum) "A lot of German-Catholic towns here had breweries," said Stearns History Museum archivist John Decker. "If they had good water available, they had the opportunity to tap into that and brew beer." Added Hoverson: "Where you get Germans, you get breweries." Hungarian immigrant Mathew Pitzl bought a New Munich Brewery in 1900 at the current intersection of Main Street and Seventh Avenue. for $5,500. Thanks to Pitzl's renovations and branding of Weiner Lager Beer, the Pitzl Brewing Co. became Minnesota third-largest beer producer by 1910. The Cold Spring Brewing Co. started in 1874 when Michael Sargl brewed "Bright Beer in an outdoor kettle at the current site of the brewing operation, 277 Red River Ave. N. Sargl sold the operation after about a decade. John Oster became an owner in 1890, converting a steam engine threshing machine to grind grains. Grinding was previously completed by horses pulling a mill. The Cold Spring Brewery was incorporated in 1900. When Prohibition was enforced in 1919, federal agents came to dump the remaining Cold Spring Brewery products in a local creek. And the brewery would be one of few in Central Minnesota to survive Prohibition and the after-effects of the temperance movement. (Photo: Stearns History Museum) Making amendments Chapter 3 During Prohibition, Central Minnesota would become known for producing a moonshine whiskey that double-distilled a corn variety. It was called Minnesota 13. St. Cloud State University professor Elaine Davis chronicled this era in her book "Minnesota 13: Stearns County's Wet Wild Prohibition Days." Davis' research found nearly 100 percent of residents in certain areas were involved in the illegal liquor trade. "There wasn't much illegal beer production because beer was bulky and the moonshine was more compact," explains Davis, who is in the process of filming a Minnesota 13 documentary. "To go illegal, they went with the more concentrated product that would make more money." During Prohibition, Cold Spring Brewing Co. and St. Cloud Brewing Co. brewed "near beer" that had less than a half-percent of alcohol. Also during Prohibition the Cold Spring Brewing Co. relied on income from a mineral water, the St. Cloud Brewing Co. on soft drinks, and the Kiewel Brewery of Little Falls became a creamery. The Pitzl Brewery of New Munich was charged with illegally selling beer in 1924. The remaining products were destroyed but during one of the raids federal prohibition agent Albert Whitney suffered a fractured skull. Owner Mathew Pitzl moved the brewery equipment to Estevan, Saskatchewan in Canada via a 14-car Soo Line train. Pitzl died in Canada in 1931. His remains were returned to New Munich for a funeral. An attempt to resurrect the brewery in 1933 failed. (Photo: Submitted photo) And in February 2008, an old cistern well from the brewery —"The most dangerous cistern well I've ever seen," said inspector Keith Donabauer in a press release — was sealed in a Minnesota Department of Health project that cost more than $6,000. The brewery has since been torn down. After Congress passed legislation to repeal Prohibition in February 1933, local breweries resumed beer production in preparation for the 36th state ratification that amended the constitution. And a brewery construction project billed as part of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal started in Melrose. An October celebration was held for the concrete pouring of the Schatz Brau (Sweetheart Beer) Brewery at the Sauk River Dam . Melrose Beacon newspaper archives reveal the event included a free movie and had more than 1,500 attendees. There was also a German band, a boxing bout, an evening dance with a 10-cent cover charge and speeches from politicians including Congressman Harold Knutson — a former majority House whip of Roosevelt's rival Republican Party who urged citizens to follow the president's vision. The building, however, never ended up brewing beer. It was eventually converted into a cheese factory. The St. Cloud Brewing Co. resumed production of Old Heidelberger Beer in April 1933. But the brewery struggled and went into receivership in 1937, was closed in 1939 and the building became the Purity Milk Co. At midnight on April 7, 1933, a federal agent unlocked a padlock at the Cold Spring Brewing Co. Guns were fired in the air, truck horns and sirens went off and church bells rang as a 34-truck convoy carrying post-Prohibition beer was delivered. By 12:35 a.m., St. Cloud bars were back to serving beer. "It was like Christmas, New Year's Eve and everybody's birthday all rolled into one," recalled longtime Cold Spring Brewery employee Roman DeWenter for a past Stearns History Museum exhibit. And the Cold Spring Brewery, which used some form of horse-drawn beer delivery until 1938, would require renovation to survive in the post-Prohibition world. (Photo: Stearns History Museum) A renovated approach Chapter 4 Days after the Pearl Harbor attack on Dec. 7, 1941, Minneapolis Coca-Cola employee Myron Johnson was asked to run the Cold Spring Brewing Co. The previous brewmaster Ferdinand Peters Jr., who grew up across the street from the brewery, was headed to fight in World War II. "The first thing he did was close it to clean it up," said Myron's son Tom Johnson. "It was not Coca-Cola clean, and that's where he was from and that's how it was going to be." Myron Johnson frequently traveled to Washington, D.C., to lobby the World War II ration board. In 1944, he bought an ownership stake in the brewery. "It was his cup of tea and it was profitable," Tom Johnson said. Myron constantly renovated the facility, often buying used equipment from other breweries. By 1966, production surpassed 35,000 barrels a year. By 1971, production surpassed 52,000 barrels a year. By 1976, the brewery was one of only four left in the state along with August Schell in New Ulm, and Schmidt Brewing and Stroh Brewing Co. of St. Paul. Beer production in Cold Spring peaked in 1978 at about 145,000 barrels. "In this industry you either get larger or you die," said Tom Johnson. "It's the quick and the dead. If you're static, you are losing ground." (Photo: Stearns History Museum) In 1977 Cold Spring Brewing Co. was contracted to brew president Jimmy Carter's brother's personal brand, called "Billy Beer." Cold Spring was one of four Billy Beer production sites. The production of Billy Beer was unsuccessfully fought by Republican state Rep. Gary Laidig, who argued against celebrity endorsements of alcohol. The first delivery of Billy Beer was marked by a 52-truck convoy. Tom Johnson said the brewery initially sold 100,000 Billy Beer cases. A six-pack cost $2. "It was planned to be a flash in the pan kind of thing and it was," said Tom Johnson. "In Billy Carter's defense, because he was an odd guy, Billy did have a discerning palate when it came to beer. Practice makes perfect because he liked to drink." On July 11, 1978, Cold Spring Brewing Co. workers started a 10-day strike. It was resolved when workers were given a $1.10 raise, accounting for a 27-30 percent increase for the full-time staff of 30 employees. "A strike is never pleasant," Johnson said. "You have outside factions coming in and stirring people up who you would like to think are your friends. It can be pretty tough." Also in 1978, Cold Spring Export was introduced and modeled after Heineken and Beck malt beers. Mineral water was also reintroduced and marketed as having less sodium than the established Perrier brand. During the 1980s, Myron Johnson lobbied for small brewery tax credits as large commercial breweries dominated the industry. Cold Spring stopped making wort from 1984 to 1990, only fermenting beer on site. "Years ago you weren't competing on flavor," Tom Johnson said. "Price was the biggest factor. If you didn't have money for television advertising you were relegated to a small regional brewery that couldn't jump into the same tennis court as a Budweiser or Miller." Myron Johnson stayed involved in the Cold Spring Brewing Co. until he died on March 25, 1993. The Johnson family sold the business to California-based Beverage International in 1995 after sales plummeted 51 percent over the previous five years. The business continued to struggle and 45 workers were laid off on Dec. 12 1996. (Photo: Courtesy of Elvira) A new approach in 1997 saw the company packaging Gluek beer, a product that dated back to 1857 in Minneapolis and was acquired by Cold Spring in 1971. The brewery also partnered with Cassandra Peterson, the actress who plays Elvira. Peterson had previously portrayed Elvira in national Coors television ads. But after being dropped as a spokesperson, Cold Spring Brewery was commissioned to make "Elvira's Night Brew." "It was a magnificent beer," recalls Third Street Brewhouse general manager Doug DeGeest, who compares it to Surly Darkness. "It was this big, wonderful malty beer. It was on the cutting edge on that time. If it existed now, it would probably be something popular." Peterson remembers coming to Cold Spring in Elvira character to promote the beer. "Cold Spring was fantastic," Peterson said. "I remember coming when it was warm in the summer months. It was such a cool old brewery. I was really impressed with it. It had this old spooky vibe, which I love." The beer grabbed national headlines at the 1997 Great American Beer Festival in Denver when Peterson wasn't allowed into the event. "I remember standing at the door in the Elvira costume but the police barred me from coming in because they claimed it was too revealing," Peterson said. "Let alone it was an alcohol convention and there was Miller volleyball girls in bikinis. "I heard later it was Peter Coors who had ordered them to keep me from entering. I was furious. I called every news station in Denver from my car." The publicity wasn't enough to fix the Cold Spring Brewing Co.'s financial issues. Assets were liquidated in 1997 after the brewery defaulted on a $300,000 loan. First National Bank of Cold Spring seized ownership. And with the craft beer movement beginning to form, a new approach needed to be formulated. (Photo: Jason Wachter, Jason Wachter, jwachter@stcloudt) Crafting a brand Chapter 5 When Third Street Brewhouse employees debuted products at trade shows, they purposely didn't acknowledge that they were brewed by the Cold Spring Brewing Co. "We were really concerned about that stigma associated with the Cold Spring Brewing Co.," said Third Street Brewhouse general manager Doug DeGeest. "The reputation for so long had been cheap, bad beers." The brewery had unsuccessfully debuted four craft brews under the Cold Spring Brewing Co. label in 2008. "The craft beers were actually decent beers because they were bigger, maltier and hoppier. But the the marketing wasn't there." That experience inspired DeGeest to rebrand the brewing operation as Third Street Brewhouse. John Lenore, who bought the brewery in 2000, used profits from energy drink production to invest in a new $14 million brewhouse on Third Street North. But getting the new brewhouse built wasn't easy. Critics delayed the project by about six months after raising concerns over added noise and odors. "We ended up going through a process of proving we met every federal and state requirement when it comes to noise and it delayed receiving our permit from the city by several months," DeGeest said. "I think the few naysayers that still exist, you don't hear about them anymore because we did what we promised to do. We're not louder and we're not smellier." (Photo: Kimm Anderson, kanderson@stcloudtimes.com) Third Street Brewhouse, which opened in 2012, jokingly commemorates the building struggle in the name of its black IPA beer "Bitter Neighbor." Third Street Brewhouse products are on tap in more than 400 bars, increased from the five taps that featured Cold Spring Brewing Co. products. "Before we had to ask people to carry our products; now people are asking us for our beer," DeGeest said. "It's a whole different shoe we are walking in than we were three years ago. And it's a lot nicer pair of shoes. "Our promise is we are never going to be mediocre again." Craft beer booms The craft beer movement initially gained traction in the 1990s. The Cloudy Town Brewers, a local organization of home brewers, formed in 1995. The group meets monthly and currently has about 40 members. Home brewing was deregulated during the Carter administration and has significantly increased in popularity recently. "We wanted to get together with other brewers, network with each other and improve our own work," said Bruce LeBlanc, a Cloudy Town Brewers founding member. "We take notes on different techniques and try to learn how to make better beer." A pair of microbreweries also emerged around the same time as the group's formation. O'Hara's Brewpub and Restaurant opened in 1996 at 3320 Third St. N , the current site of Lupine Brewing Co. "I think it helped put craft brewing in the area on the radar," said former O'Hara's brewmaster Chris Laumb, now brewmaster at Beaver Island Brewing Co. "It was even a little ahead of its time. I'm not sure the town was quite ready for yet." O'Hara's closed in 2007. It was bought that same year by Little Falls resident Nick McCann and Sartell resident Wendel Clark, and renamed McCann's Food & Brew after a $600,000 renovation. McCann's closed in 2012. A national chain (Photo: Adam Masloski, Copyright 2001 2002 St. Cloud Ti) Another brewpub — Granite City Food & Brewery — opened in 1999 at 3945 Second St. S . The project was the brainchild of former Champps restaurant executive Steve Wagenheim and brewmaster Bill Burdick, who initially intended to create a microbrewery at the old Lahr building on St. Germain Street and resurrect the St. Cloud Brewing Co.'s old name. Instead, they chose St. Cloud's "Granite City" nickname and turned the business into 13-state corporate chain. Granite City Food & Brewery vice president of operations Jeff Dean said the corporation plans to have 35 restaurants by the end of 2015. While today only the fermentation is done at each Granite City location — the wort of each beer is mashed at a regional brewery off Interstate Highway 35 in Ellsworth, Iowa — St. Cloud's location has the equipment for the full brewing process. The brewpub offers a different monthly seasonal beer. Next month's specialty beer features cocoa nibs and is called "John's Mom's Cookies." "We are getting into some unique recipes we haven't used in the past," said Denise Lenaghan, the current general manager of the St. Cloud Granite City Food & Brewery. "We used to do bigger batches every couple months, now we are doing smaller batches more frequently." Lenaghan is constantly training her staff on the brews and shares the same story to all the trainees about how a Bud Light-drinking couple fell in love with a stout after it was mispoured and given to them for free. "They said that had they tried it before they ordered the Bud Light, they would've ordered the stout," Lengahan said. "It was a huge eye-opener for me. You just need to get people to taste it." And it's that same belief that breweries are banking on in the future. (Photo: Jason Wachter, jwachter@stcloudtimes.com) New brewers Minnesota Department of Public Safety In 2011 wine educator Nick Barth was called to testify in front of Minnesota's Legislature for the Surly bill. While most of the bill's laws pertained to deregulating the brewing industry, the longtime sommelier argued for a smaller portion of the bill that impacted the wine industry. "I had no idea at the time that two years later I would be opening a brewery," Barth said. "The Surly law made it so much easier for us." According to Scott Wasserman of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, there were 13 breweries before the bill. There are now 67 breweries, including 25 that opened in 2014. Before the Surly bill passed, breweries were allowed to offer only samples on site. Breweries can now sell their products on site. "It basically allows breweries to have a taproom," explains Beaver Island Brewing Co. co-owner Matt Studer. "It benefits any small brewery starting up. The biggest thing for any new business is to have operating capital to stay afloat. This way you can make money selling beer in your own taproom." And the places selling beer are popping up. (Photo: Lupine Brewing Co.) Beaver Island Brewing Co. The Beaver Island Brewing Co., which opens on Jan. 22, will have a 78-seat tap room at the old downtown Bo Diddley's Deli and Mr. Nice Guy stores at 216 Sixth Ave. S . The tap room's bar top was made out of old bowling lanes from Granite Bowl South. They'll have an additional 24-seat patio. The brewing operation is set up in the old Pickard Motor Co. auto shop. And the building they're located at was built in 1939, the same year the the St. Cloud Brewing Co. shut down. The brewery is run by Barth, Studer and head brewmaster Chris Laumb, who previously brewed at O'Hara's Brewpub and Restaurant, McCann's Food & Brew and Third Street Brewhouse. All three grew up in St. Cloud. They initially considered resurrecting the St. Cloud Brewing Co. name but chose Beaver Island Brewing Co. instead because it was a local name that had broader marketing appeal. Laumb also grew up near the Beaver Island Trail. "I take a culinary approach to brewing," Laumb said. "I like to blend flavors. I try to think of how flavors are going to combine." Lupine Brewing Co. Meanwhile, a trio of brewers from Hanover is using equipment at the old O'Hara's and McCann's to open Lupine Brewing Co. Their IPA debuted on tap earlier this month at Boulder Tap House in St. Cloud. President James Anderle opened Lupine with his childhood next-door neighbor Eric Sargent and his current neighbor Mike Dumas. They were originally going to name the brewery the Fish Bone Brewing Co., but an Australian brewery owns the U.S. trademark. They then decided on Lupine, a Latin phrase meaning "resembling the wolf." Lupine's logo features a paw print. "We love the community aspect of craft brewing," Anderle said. "We love being around people. It's fascinating talking to people and having that interaction." The group explored a number of different brewery locations, including Hanover, northeast Minneapolis and Twin Cities suburbs, settling on the building with a ready-to-use brewery operation. They took ownership of the building in August. Since the bar and restaurant area has been gutted from its McCann's days, Lupine doesn't currently have a tap room but the owners plan to eventually open one. "I really think the next tier of breweries is going to be out (of the Twin Cities) a little bit," Anderle said. "Our immediate goal is to get a few more kegs out." Lupine's next batch will be a brown ale. Urban Moose Brewing Co. Across the Mississippi River in Sauk Rapids, Flying Pig Pizza Co. owner Roy Dodds is planning on opening a riverfront brewpub called the Urban Moose Brewing Co. near the intersection of River Avenue and First Street South . Dodds said construction is slated to begin this spring. When Dodds opened the downtown Sauk Rapids pizza shop, he sent an email ballot of potential names to family and friends. Flying Pig took first by one vote over Urban Moose. Dodds said Urban Moose Brewing Co. will also serve pizza. "But it will be a different type of pizza than Flying Pig," said Dodds, who previously helped run a Sedona, Arizona, brewpub. "It will be wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. But pizza will be only 60 percent of the menu. "We're aiming to create a broad appeal so people can come multiple days of the week and never have the same experience." That includes the microbrew selection. Dodds said he's in the process of hiring a brewmaster. "People are experiencing the world of craft beer and how creative and how unique it can be," Dodds said. "I really believe people today are more interested in the experience they have more than anything." St. Joseph taproom A downtown St. Joseph development is planning to create a family-friendly taproom run by Aaron Rieland. The project at 24 College Ave. N has been approved by the St. Joseph City Council. Colleen Hollinger Petters of Collegeville Companies said construction of the complex, which will include rental units, is awaiting a restaurant to get involved with the project. "I don't want a bar scene but I want it to be a family-friendly place that people can come relax and hang out at for awhile," said Rieland, who started as a homebrewer. Rieland said he's close to finalizing a brewery name. And like the other new breweries, he's hoping to become a part of Central Minnesota's storied brewing history. (Photo: Times photo) About the author Jake Laxen is the Food, Dining and Beer reporter at the St. Cloud Times. In addition to the multiple interviews conducted for this story, the St. Cloud State University graduate consulted files at the Stearns History Museum, the Benton County Historical Society, the Morrison County Historical Society and the 2007 book "Land of Amber Waters' by Doug Hoverson that chronicles Minnesota's brewing history. You can follow Laxen and his daily #Beer fact of the day on Twitter @jacoblaxen. Find him on Facebook too: https://www.facebook.com/jacob.laxen By the numbers

i don't know

What can be a tool used in gold mining, a Greek god, and a prefix meaning all?

Gold Mining Equipment Gold Mining Equipment enter email: Home  > Gold Mining Equipment Have a question about our gold mining equipment? Call Gold Fever TOLL FREE 1-888-985-MINE (6463) Find your recreational gold mining equipment and panning supplies here. Gold pans, sluice boxes, metal detectors, digging tools, gold vials, snuffer bottles, and a bunch of other must have small equipment for placer gold mining are offered here. You can even view and list your used mining equipment here as well. See our gold mining books section for plans on building your own prospecting equipment.

Pan

Saturday marks the 104 gridiron meeting between UW and WSU, when this years Apple Cup takes place at what stadium?

Mine, Mining - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway Resources » Encyclopedia of The Bible » M » Mine, Mining Mine, Mining MINE, MINING. Excavation for minerals began long before historic times, when Neolithic miners obtained flint (q.v.) for use in weapons and implements and gathered salt which played an important part in determining the course of trade in the ancient world. Initially both minerals would have been scraped from the surface, or, in the case of flint, removed from a bank of chalk (chalkstone, q.v.). Subsequently the quarrying and underground extraction of flint would have been stimulated by the discovery that freshly extracted flint was more easily chipped than surface stones as it contained some ground water. Also mined by Neolithic man was red and yellow ochre (iron, q.v.) for use as pigments. The mining methods used by Neolithic man were little improved upon in many of the metal mines, worked by slaves, that supplied mineral wealth to the empires of Egypt, Assyria, Greece and Rome. However, the range of materials mined increased. The metals of the pre-Christian era—copper, gold, iron, lead, silver, tin (q.v.) and to a lesser extent, mercury and zinc—were all mined, in their native state in the case of copper, gold and silver, or as other ores, except in the case of gold. Early mining of other minerals took place in the ancient Near E, particularly for gems and ornamental material. The ancient Egyptians sank hundreds of shafts in the search for emeralds on the coast of the Red Sea, but turquoise was prob. the first material used in jewelry to be mined extensively. This was carried out on the Sinai Peninsula, an operation that meant people living in places that otherwise would be uninhabited and building roads or tracks that otherwise would not have been made. However, these mining tracks were of considerable use during the Exodus from Egypt of the children of Israel (cf. Exod 15:22-16:1 ). See Metals and Metallurgy . The wealth and exploits of the various empires and states of the ancient Near E were closely linked to the exploitation of metallic ore deposits by mining. Gold (q.v.), which is widely distributed and found in the relics of man in many countries, was abundant and mined to a considerable extent in Egypt, and formed the basis of this nation’s wealth during the height of its powers. The rise of Israel to a nation was related to the annexing of Edom, with its copper and iron deposits, by David ( 2 Sam 8:14 ), and their exploitation both during his reign and the subsequent reign of Solomon ( 1 Kings 4-10 ). The history and power of the city-state of Athens is closely linked with the silver mines of Laurion and of their exploitation. In the 4th cent. b.c. the wealth and exploits of Philip of Macedon, and then of his son Alexander the Great, were linked with the gold mining of the Mount Pangeus district near Philippi, where the output was so high that the Greeks believed that the gold regenerated itself as it was gathered. The mining of copper in Cyprus made the island a prized possession successively of the Egyptians, Assyrians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Persians and Romans. Even the mining of tin in Cornwall, England, had a considerable bearing on the history of the ancient Near E because of the trade by the Phoenicians in this metal needed for making bronze. The iron of Anatolia and Armenia was closely linked with the successive power of the Hitties (c. 1400-1200 b.c.) and then the Philistines (q.v. iron). The methods and conditions of mining in the pre-Christian era are illustrated by mining for gold in ancient Egypt, for turquoise and copper in the Sinai Peninsula and for silver in Greece. (Fig. 1.) Gold in ancient Egypt. Alluvial mining by washing river sands and gravels produced the earliest gold before 4000 b.c. This placer gold then was traced back to the source veins which were mined, particularly in the Northern Sudan (the ancient Nubia, a name thought to have been derived from the Egyp. nub, meaning gold). There were several producing districts in the desert between the 18th and 23rd latitudes and between the Nile and the Red Sea. Gold also came from the Coptos region to the N, also between the Nile and the Red Sea. Underground mining was carried out on a series of adit levels and using slave labor. The harder rock was cracked by making wood fires against the rock face and then throwing water on the hot rocks. Hammers were used to reduce the size of the pieces before being carried out of the mines to be further reduced in size in stone mortars and then in stone hand mills. The rock dust was then washed on a sloping board, the sand being washed off and the heavy gold flakes remaining. Turquoise and copper on the Sinai Peninsula. Turquoise (q.v.) of a period earlier than 3400 b.c. is known from Egypt. Whether it was mined by Egyptians on the Sinai Peninsula, or obtained by barter from the Bedouins of that region is not known. However, references to mining at the northeastern end of the Red Sea are among the earliest inscrs. in Egypt and pictorial records of mining covering the period 3200 to 1150 b.c. were found on sandstone cliffs in the Wadi Maghara, on the Sinai Peninsula. Here turquoise and malachite (q.v.), both minerals of copper, were mined, initially for decorative purposes and jewelry and, in the case of malachite, as a green face paint and as a paint for the eyes to lessen the glare of sunlight. The early workings were mainly for turquoise, and this was extracted with the aid of flint tools, the nodules of turquoise being separated from the encasing friable sandstone by hammering. When it was discovered, prob. by accident, that malachite would smelt to copper in a charcoal (camp) fire, this mineral was mined and copper wedges and chisels made for use in the mining of turquoise. Later malachite was mined to obtain copper to send back to the main part of Egypt. A room-and-pillar method of mining was used with individual chambers up to twenty-four ft. long and six ft. across. These copper deposits are not of the type associated with ores of tin, and this may explain why Egypt lagged behind other countries in the use of bronze (q.v.), the coppertin alloy. Silver in Greece. The silver mines of Laurion, about twenty-five m. S of Athens, prob. were being worked by 1000 b.c. and they provided much of the wealth of the city-state of Athens some five hundred years later. The ore mined was mainly lead sulphide (galena) which contained 30 to 300 ounces of silver per ton of lead, the silver being extracted by metallurgical processes (metals and metallurgy q.v.). There are associated minerals of iron and zinc. Most of the ore occurs in a limestone near its contact with a schist, a foliated rock of metamorphic origin. The earliest mining was done where the ore body cropped out at the surface and was oxidized. Here there was native silver as well as carbonates of lead, zinc (brass q.v.) and iron. Cuts or passages were made in the hillside and these were the laurai (lanes) which gave Laurion its name. Ore at deeper levels was of sulphide minerals, mainly the argentiferous galena, and occurring mainly as tabular masses, up to thirty-five ft. thick, at the limestone-schist contact. More than two thousand shafts were sunk, the deepest being to 386 ft. below the surface. The main shafts were six ft. by four ft., with footholds to assist climbing, but the underground passages were generally only two to three ft. high and across. The mining was carried out by slaves in chains, using the pillar-and-stall type of stope, with patches of poor ore being left as pillars. In smaller stopes dry stone constructions supported overhanging rock. Timber was not commonly used. Because the passages were small, ventilation was poor and mining by fire-setting followed by quenching with water could not have been used. However, fires were used to assist the movement of air in the shafts. Each slave, who had a lamp made of baked clay containing enough oil to burn ten hours, broke about twenty-five tons of rock a month using a hammer, chisel, pick, and shovel the metallic parts of which were of hammered and tempered iron. The broken ore and waste were passed from man to man in panniers of hide or grass, then taken to the surface. Here it was crushed in stone mortars and iron pestles, then sieved on to large (seventy ft. by forty ft.) washing tables constructed of masonry faced with mortar. The flow of water carried away the lighter gangue and left behind the ore which was then gathered, smelted and treated using various other metallurgical processes (metals and metallurgy q.v.). Bibliography T. A. Rickard, Man and Metals. A History of Mining in Relation to the Development of Civilization. Vols. I and II (1932). Bible Gateway

i don't know

What long running TV sci-fi series had it's debut on Nov 23, 1963 and ran until 1989, and then returned in 2006?

Long Runners | All The Tropes Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia All The Tropes Wiki "The world may end in 2012, but this show won't." —Bart Simpson (on blackboard), The Simpsons , "Once Upon a Time in Springfield" Shows which have somehow passed the test of time. There is a clue in here for what people want to watch and listen to. Some of these shows began with bad ratings or went through creative slumps, but got here thanks to Network to the Rescue (and avoiding Screwed by the Network ). Some of these shows are even Older Than Television . Edit Felix the Cat is the longest lasting cartoon character in history, making his debut in 1919 (and if we count an even earlier prototype short, it may even be 1917) having appeared in over 150 theatrical cartoons, decades worth of comics, hundreds of TV cartoons, two movies, and the two TV revivals The Twisted Tales of Felix the Cat and Baby Felix, and he is still appearing in merchandise to this day. And he even has a new cartoon series on the way for 2013. In fact, one of the very first TV broadcasts featured Felix way back in 1928. Meow! The Grand Ole Opry: Airing weekly on Nashville radio station WSM-AM since 1925, with an edited version of the program being carried on national radio and television outlets since the 1940s. Radioavisen: Daily news broadcast on Danmarks Radio (DR) starting August 1, 1926. At first with two daily programs, gradually with more. Now there is a Radioavis every hour. Aired nationwide since 1927. Hamburger Hafenkonzert (Hamburg harbor concert): Broadcast weekly on NDR in Germany since June 1929 — even through WWII. Music and the Spoken Word: Weekly broadcast of music by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (and a short sermon), which started in 1929. Pause Signal Danmarks Radio (DR). This little tune first aired on August 28, 1931 and has since been used to fill up short spaces between programs. The tune is a melody from the 1300s, the oldest known Danish folk melody. Irregular scheduling, yet frequently heard for decades. Nowadays used as regular broadcast only on one channel (P5), the tune has become waiting music on DR's telephone system, and since early 2009 the signal that calls the audience to the second half of concerts in the broadcaster's new concert hall. Hockey Night in Canada began airing on radio in November 1931 and moved to television in November 1952 (the first year of regular television broadcasts in Canada), and is the world's longest-running sports show. The Metropolitan Opera airs a radio broadcast season each year. Although going since Christmas of 1931 (and broadcast in January 1910 over experimental radio broadcasts), unlike The Guiding Light it only airs episodes during a season and is not continuous. At least 70 years Edit Guiding Light : 72 years, 7 months, 26 days (57 of those on television), from January 25, 1937 to September 19, 2009. It was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest continuously-running program on any medium, in any genre, until the CBS World News Roundup broke its record in November of 2010. It would take a listener over eighteen months, 24 hours a day, to listen to it from beginning to end (although the large number of Missing Episodes from the first 40 years would make such an archive binge impossible). It may be the largest single work of fiction in human history. CBS World News Roundup made its first broadcast on March 13, 1938 as a special report on the Anschluss; still runs every day at 8:00 AM EST. It surpassed Guiding Light's record on November 8, 2010, and is now listed as the longest continuously-running program in any medium. The National Research Council Time Signal, heard at 1:00 PM EST every day since November 5, 1939 on the CBC radio network. Desert Island Discs has been airing on BBC Radio since 29 January 1942, making it the longest-running program in the history of British broadcasting. It still uses the original theme tune, Eric Coates' "By the Sleepy Lagoon" (with overdubbed seagull noises), and has only had four regular presenters (Roy Plomley, Michael Parkinson, Sue Lawley, Kirsty Young). At least 60 years Eurovision Song Contest (since 1956) The Sky at Night (airing once a lunar cycle since April 1957, longest-running show still with its original presenter — Patrick Moore has missed the sum total of one episode, and then only due to food poisoning. Moore is now wheelchair-bound, so the show comes from his home and has a number of co-presenters) Telediario is a Spanish daily news program which started running in September 1957. Nowadays, its title has become synonymous with "TV news" in Spain. Today (AKA The Today Programme), a British news daily on BBC Radio running since October 1957. There is a (probably apocryphal) story that if a British nuclear submarine commander failed to receive the Today program three days in a row, they were to assume Britain had been nuked and open their sealed orders. Blue Peter (4,000+ episodes since 1958, the longest-running children's show ever) Dutch sports program Studio Sport celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009. The Nature of Things (science documentary series on CBC since November 1960; hosted continuously by zoologist and environmentalist David Suzuki since 1979) Coronation Street (~7,500 episodes since December 1960) It's Academic: Washington, D.C. televised academic game show, continually produced since 1961; listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest running quiz show in television history. Four Corners (Australian current-affairs show, running since August 1961) At least 40 years Sesame Street (4,000+ episodes since 1969) Tatort (also known as Scene of the Crime in the USA) is a German-language detective series which began airing in November 1970 on Das Erste in West Germany , in 1972 on ORF 2 in Austria, and from 1990-2001 and again starting in 2011 on SF1 in Switzerland. Over 800 episodes have been produced, although the regional ARD broadcasters, ORF, and SF all contribute locally-produced episodes to the series, so that rather than having one central cast and location, different episodes will feature different casts and settings. Its East German counterpart Polizeiruf 110 has aired over 320 episodes since June 1971, on Fernsehen der DDR until 1990 and on Das Erste following the re-unification. Both shows share a timeslot in The Berlin Republic . Top of the Pops (started in 1964; weekly show stopped in 2006, but lives on in special editions) University Challenge (on ITV from 1962-87 with Bamber Gascoigne, and on BBC2 since 1994 with Jeremy Paxman; British television's longest-running quiz show) Ultra Series , a Japanese Tokusatsu series that began in 1966. So far, over 1,200+ episodes and 30 movies. Vecernicek is a Czech bedtime story program that has been running every evening since 1965, even with the opening unchanged for all these years. W-Five (airing since 1966, longest-running newsmagazine program in North America) The World at Six (flagship dinner-hour newscast on CBC Radio One since 1966) At least 30 years Dungeons and Dragons has been around since 1974. Emmerdale (formerly Emmerdale Farm), British soap opera (began in 1972) Entertainment Tonight started in 1981 and is still in production. Evening at Pops (PBS Boston Pops concert program, aired 1970-2005) The Fifth Estate (CBC-TV newsmagazine program since 1975) Fresh Air (interview show, locally on WHYY Philadelphia since 1975, nationally on NPR since 1987) Front Page Challenge (Canadian celebrity panel quiz show that ran from 1957-95) From Eroica with Love was first published in 1976 and recently celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2012. Glass Mask (the manga has been running since 1976. Has had several anime adaptations, the oldest ran during 1984 and the newest in 2005. And we're not counting the dorama, the Noh play, etc.) Good Morning America (ABC weekday morning show, airing since 1975) Grange Hill (BBC children's drama, ran from 1978-2008) Great Performances (PBS performing arts series, airing since 1972) Gundam : 16 TV and OAV series', 11+ movies, more manga and video games (separate and original stories mind you, not just adaptations) than we dare to count, and good Lord, the model kits! Worth noting that if one were to watch every Gundam animated work continuously, not counting eating, sleeping, or bathroom breaks, the total runtime would last more than one week. There are literally over a thousand hours' worth of Gundam animated work. Here's Humphrey (Australian children's show, 1966-2003) The House (CBC Radio parliamentary affairs show, year-round since October 1977) The Howard Stern Show (some incarnation of the show has existed since the late 1970s) I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue has been running on BBC Radio 4 since 1972. Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden have been regular panelists since the very beginning (except for occasional breaks due to medical problems or other commitments), and Barry Cryer has been a regular panelist since the second series after alternating with Humphrey Lyttelton in the moderator's chair for the first series. Inside The NFL (1977-2008 on HBO, Showtime 2008-present) The Jack Benny Program (33 years on radio and television, 1932-65) Jackanory (1965-1996, brief relaunch in 2007) Jeopardy! (12 years with Art Fleming {1964-75 and 1978-79}, 26+ years with Alex Trebek {1984-Present}) Jubilee!, the sole remaining traditional showgirl revue in Las Vegas, has been running at Bally's Hotel and Casino since 1981. Look and Read (produced irregularly from 1967-2004) The original theatrical Looney Tunes series ran from 1930-69. In that period it went through various directors, animators, producers, and not to mention characters. And that's not counting the various spinoffs, revivals, and movies. Marketplace (consumer advocacy program on CBC-TV since October 1972) Mastermind (British quiz show airing since September 1972; from 1972-97 on BBC1 with Magnús Magnússon, 1998-2000 on BBC Radio 4 with Peter Snow, 2001-02 on Discovery with Clive Anderson, and 2003-present on BBC2 with John Humphrys) Mister Rogers Neighborhood (1968-2001, although reruns still air) Morning Edition (airing on NPR since 1979) Mr. Squiggle (Australian children's show, 1959-95) Newsnight , broadcast on the same channel since 1980 if you don't count its predecessor. The News Quiz (satirical Panel Game running on BBC Radio Four since 1977) Nightline (ABC prime time news program, airing since 1980) NOVA (PBS science program, airing since 1974) Oke no Monshou : Shoujo manga by Chieko Hosokawa, has been running ever since 1976 just like Glass Mask . Had a short video drama as well. Panel Quiz Attack 25: Japanese quiz show, has been on the air since 1975. Pobol y Cwm (Welsh-language Soap Opera , The BBC 's longest-running television soap began in October 1974 and is still going.) A Prairie Home Companion (radio variety show, running since 1974 with two very similar shows running during the breaks from 1987-89 and 1989-92. Garrison Keillor has been hosting this show, but not the very similar ones that ran during its breaks) Question Time (British current affairs debate show, running since 1979) Quirks and Quarks (general-interest science program on CBC Radio since 1975) Quote Unquote, that innocuous literary quiz that appears at lunchtimes, has been on BBC Radio 4 with the same host (Nigel Rees) since 1976. Royal Canadian Air Farce (since 1973 on radio, since 1993 on TV; ended with a New Year's Eve special on December 31, 2008) Saturday Night Live (premiered October 11, 1975 and is still going with roughly 700+ episodes {{[[[Archive Panic]] and that's not even counting the clip shows and anniversary episodes}}], 36 completed seasons, and is currently in its 37th. Survived cast changes, writer changes, executive producer changes (with Lorne Michaels , who was executive producer from 1975 to 1980, left for five years, then returned in 1985, as the most prominent), four directors (Don Roy King is the current director), three announcers [with Don Pardo as their most-used], Seasonal Rot leading to threats of cancellation in its 6th, 11th, and 20th seasons, several rival sketch shows that aired alongside it, fickle fans, cynical critics, seven cast member deaths (John Belushi [2] , Gilda Radner [3] , Danitra Vance [4] , Michael O'Donoghue [5] , Chris Farley [6] , Phil Hartman [7] , and Charles Rocket [8] ), four writers' strikes (with the 2007-08 one being the most recent), seven Presidential administrations (starting with Gerald Ford ), controversial events behind the scenes (Nora Dunn's boycotting the Andrew "Dice" Clay episode, Chevy Chase's fight with Bill Murray backstage, Garrett Morris' cocaine-induced nervous breakdown after being forced to play a monkey in a Canadian The Wizard of Oz parody, etc), and a boatload of modern historical events and pop culture trends that have changed society for better and worse (some of which were mocked by SNL). Scooby Doo (multiple series; at least one series was in first-run almost every year from 1969-91 and since 2002, plus one or more direct-to-video movies each year since 1998.) Soul Train (1971-2006) Sports Center (celebrated its 30th anniversary September 7, 2009; runs for at least two hours every day {the latter of which is repeated throughout the following morning}, and quite a bit more as of August 2008. According to The Other Wiki , it currently stands at 31,000+ episodes, usually 60 or 90 minutes each.) Super Sentai (1975-1977, 1979-Present [9] ) Whether it counts depends on the definition of a "show", since each year the program in the time slot is set in a different world with a different team of superheroes (or "rangers") in color-coded uniforms who ride giant transforming and combining robots. It does have a series of crossover films between different teams set outside the television continuity (the Super Sentai Versus Series) and the 35th series , Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger , was a year-long crossover involving all the previous teams. If you count it, it's the longest running sci-fi program in the world just by number of years, and the fact that it airs an episode a week with no Summer break (nearly 1,800 episodes and counting) means it vastly exceeds most rivals' lengths in total airtime, including Doctor Who . This Old House (PBS home improvement show, airing since 1980. Its spinoff program The New Yankee Workshop had a 20-year run in its own right, 1989-09.) This Week in Baseball (in syndication 1977-1998, on FOX 2000-present) Top Gear (1977-2001, 2002-Present; if you include Wheelbase, Top Gear has been running in one form or another since 1964.) The Victory Garden (PBS gardening program, airing since 1975) The Walt Disney anthology series, which aired continuously under various titles from 1954-83 and has been revived several times since. Wetten, dass...? (German language show, broadcast in Germany, Austria and Switzerland since 1981) What? Where? When? (the original Russian version of Million Dollar Mind Game , 1975-present) Wheel of Fortune (since January 6, 1975 on NBC, CBS, and in syndication) Wonderama (1955-1986), a weekly children's show that ran on New York's WNEW and other stations owned by the Metromedia syndicate. The Woodwright's Shop (1979-), an American woodworking show on PBS. Woody Woodpecker made his first appearance in 1940 (although he wouldn't get his own series until the next year) and his theatrical cartoons lasted all the way up to 1972 (and are still being re-run on television in some parts of South America). He also had a brief revival in the late 1990s. Yeralash (1975-), a Soviet/Russian comedy show for kids. The Young and The Restless (36 years, 9,000+ episodes) At least 20 years Edit Ah! My Goddess (the manga has been running since 1988) Americas Funniest Home Videos (original pilot aired in November 1989, launched January 1990. From 1999-2000, it ran only as occasional specials, but the Tom Bergeron-hosted revamp returned it to series status) Americas Most Wanted (began in 1987; longest-running show on FOX. It was actually canceled in Fall 1996 but fans, law enforcement, and the governments of 32 states rallied together to successfully persuade FOX to uncancel the show a month and a half later. Upon returning, it resumed its regular Saturday-night timeslot and paired with Cops . This combination itself is a long runner as one of the longest unchanged primetime schedules in American television history, currently in its 15th year.) At the Movies (Siskel & Ebert): From 1986-99 with Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, 1999-2000 with Ebert and guests, 2000-06 with Ebert and Richard Roeper, 2006-08 with Roeper and guests, 2008-09 with Ben Lyons and Ben Mankiewicz, and 2009-10 with A.O. Scott and Michael Phillips, for a total of 24 years. Revived on PBS in 2011 as Roger Ebert Presents "At the Movies". If one counts their 1975-82 tenure on Opening Soon at a Theater Near You/Sneak Previews (which ran for another 14 years after they left for a total run of 21 years) and their 1982-86 stint on the original At the Movies, Siskel and Ebert were co-presenting film review programs for 24 years. Australia's Funniest Home Videos (the Australian version of America's Funniest Home Videos has been running since 1990) Barney and Friends : The first videos came out in 1987. The show premiered in 1992 and has been running for 20 years. Bastard!! : First volume published in 1988 (with a one-shot pilot in 1987 titled Wizard!!). It was serialized irregularly by Weekly Jump before switching to Ultra Jump in 2000 (with a seven-year hiatus between 2001 and 2008) and as a result, only a relatively small set of 26 volumes have been published. BattleTech (this futuristic wargame just celebrated its 25th Anniversary) Berserk : First volume published in 1990 (with a one-shot pilot in 1989), and has been serialized in Young Animal since 1992. However, it's only published bimonthly, so it has the comparatively-small 33 volumes. However, the anime was only 25 episodes and only lasted half a year; the fact that it went through 13 volumes of story in that time is telling as to why. The Bill (pilot in 1983, full series in 1984, weekly since 1987. Ended in September 2010.) The Bold and the Beautiful (1987-) Brookside, (Channel 4 UK soap opera and one of the channel's first shows, 1982-2003) Casualty (20 years, first broadcast 1986) Its spinoff Holby City has already had a 10+ year run in its own right (since 1999) Concentration (24 years on NBC and in syndication {1958-78, 1987-91}, minus a five-month hiatus in 1973) Cops (currently in Season 22; second longest-running show on Fox and the longest-running Reality Show ) Countdown (Britain; the first program on Channel 4, started in '82, 5000+ episodes) Crossroads, British soap opera (26 years, 1964-88 and 2001-03). The Darkon Wargaming Club has been around since 1985. Donahue (1967-70 as a local series, then nationally until 1996) The Friendly Giant (Canadian children's show, 1958-85) Frontline (PBS public-affairs program, airing since 1983) Les Guignols De L Info (French satirical Puppet Shows , 1988-) Gunnm (the manga has been around since 1990) Gunsmoke (1955-75) Famously the longest running drama series in primetime television, a title it now officially shares with Law & Order. Technically, Gunsmoke still ran longer; due to changes in the way the year was divided into television seasons, Gunsmoke ran from September 1955 to September of 1975, with 635 episodes; Law & Order ran from September of 1990 to May of 2010 (falling short of 20 years by three months), with 456 episodes. Hajime no Ippo (manga serialization started in 1989 and is still running) Have I Got News for You (British satirical panel show, started 1990 and still going despite several libel cases and not having a permanent presenter since sacking Angus Deayton in 2002) Hey Hey It's Saturday (Australian variety show, 1971-99) The Hollywood Squares (1966-81, 1986-89, 1998-2004; total of 24 years, or 25 if you count The Match Game Hollywood Squares Hour {1983-84}) Issues and Answers (1960-81) that, along with Meet the Press and Face the Nation, represented the height of Sunday- morning political television in the US. The Jerry Springer Show (running in syndication since 1991, started as a public-affairs talk show based at WLWT in Cincinnati; its parent company syndicated it nationally as it slowly evolved into its current "freakshow" format. It switched distributors from Multimedia to Universal when Multimedia was bought out by a newspaper company in 1995, along with Sally Jessy Raphael's show) Jo Jos Bizarre Adventure (started in 1987 on Weekly Jump; it switched to Ultra Jump (a monthly publication) in 2004, and is currently at 100 volumes spanning seven major story arcs) Kamen Rider : The TV series has undergone four different eras ( 1971 - 1975 , 1979 - 1981 , 1987 - 1989 , 2000 -present, for a total of over twenty years' worth of episodes) and there have also been several films and a few specials. The 1,000th episode aired on April 3, 2011 . Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kôen Mae Hashutsujo (called Kochikame for short, and for good reason -- it's the longest continuously-running manga series in terms of number of volumes, though Golgo 13 beats it in years. Started in 1976, with 1,400+ chapters in 162+ tankoban volumes, it's still running. It also has a 367-episode anime adaptation and two movies.) Late Night with... (1982- on NBC; hosted by David Letterman {1982-93}, Conan O'Brien {1993-2009}, and Jimmy Fallon {2009-}) Law and Order : September 13, 1990 - May 24, 2010. Fell just short of beating Gunsmoke's record, though at least they're now tied. Was the longest-running first-run drama series in primetime for all of The Noughties . Legends in Concert, a celebrity impersonator revue, opened at the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV in 1983 and ran there until 2009 -- when it moved next door to Harrah's Hotel and Casino and picked up where it left off. Sister productions in Atlantic City, NJ, Branson, MO, and Myrtle Beach, SC have all had decade-plus runs; the latter two are still performing. The Letter People : First broadcast in 1976, it ran clear into the 1990s. Love of Life (7,315 episodes from 1951-80) Media Watch (Australian media analysis program; first aired in May 1989, isn't going anywhere any time soon) Monitor (NBC Radio weekend show, 1955-75) Morningside (CBC Radio morning show, 1976-97) The Movie Show (running since 1986 in Australia; the original hosts switched networks in 2004 and now present At The Movies, which is the same show in all but name). The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986-2011) The London production of The Phantom of the Opera has been running since 1986; the Broadway staging since 1988. The Phil Donahue Show (1967-96 on national TV, 3 years on Dayton, Ohio local TV) The show that inspired most Talk Shows after it, including Oprah and Sally Jessy Raphael. Play School (BBC children's show, 1964-88) Poirot (first episode shown in 1989, an occasional break in the 1990s and 2000s and a final series scheduled for 2011) The Polka Dot Door (Canadian children's show, 1971-93) Queen for a Day ( Game Show , 1945-64 and 1969-70; 20 years) Rage (Music Video show, on Australian TV since 1987) Rainbow (British children's series on Thames TV, 1972-92) Reading Rainbow (16 seasons over 26 years, appears to have been Killed Off for Real in 2009, the third longest-running kids show on PBS behind Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and Sesame Street ) The Red Skelton Show (1951-71) Regional Contact (CTV Ottawa local newsmagazine, Sunday evenings since 1988) Saint Seiya (since 1986) Saltimbanco , a Cirque du Soleil show, hits the 20-year mark in Spring 2012. It originally closed in February 1997, but was brought back in October 1998; as a tent-based tour it ran until 2006, and relaunched as an arena tour in 2007 to visit cities that cannot support the tent tours. The Secret Storm (squeaks in at 20 years and 7 days, 1954-74) Shadowrun (FASA's premier RPG survived the downfall of its parent company and just celebrated its 20th Anniversary) The Simpsons (Currently in its 23rd season, and has been renewed for seasons 24 and 25 [10] . Has been on the air as a series since December 1989 [11] , though the title characters originated in animated shorts on The Tracy Ullman Show back in 1987.) Slayers : Began in 1989 in a serialized magazine as a novel series; had an anime run (1995-97); had two OVAs and five movies (1995-2001); anime was Un Cancelled in 2008 and released two more seasons. The bulk of the long run was through the novels, which kept running through the new millennium and are still being made. Star Trek (22 years in all its TV incarnations, 1966-69; 1973-74; 1987-2005, plus 24+ on film {not counting the seven-year hiatus between Nemesis and Star Trek 2009 }) Taggart (20+ years, longest running cop show on UK TV at the moment) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ( A comic book that started in 1984 has spawned two animated series (with a third in the works), a film series , two other comicbook universes and several video games). Thomas the Tank Engine , a TV show based on an old series of books, has been going since 1984. Time Shock (Japanese quiz show, aired weekly 1969-1986, 1989-1990, and Time Shock 21 in 2000-2002, plus periodic specials 2002-present) To Tell the Truth (1956-68, 1969-78, 1980-81, 1990-91, 2000-01; total of 24 seasons) Transformers has been present in some form, either TV or comics, more or less continuously since 1984. Truth or Consequences (1950-51, 1954-75, 1977-78, 1987-88; total of 24 seasons, although it is best known for the 19 years {1956-75} hosted by Bob Barker) The comic Urbanus , since 1982. Waratte Iitomo!, a live-broadcast Japanese variety show, has been on the air since October, 1982. There has only been one host throughout its entire run, who holds a Guinness world record for longest continued hosting of a live television program. Warhammer 40000 , the first game Rogue Trader, was released in 1986. Warhammer , the game of fantasy battles, actually appeared first, in 1983. WCW Saturday Night managed 27 years, with a couple of name changes along the way. What's My Line (24 years; 1950-67, then 1968-75) X Japan , albeit with a long pause due to disbandment from 1997-2007. The band first formed in 1982 and lasted in some form until 1997, which made it over a decade Long Runner without qualification. You've Been Framed, British home video series, first broadcast in 1989. At least 10 years Dallas (1978-91) Darkbolt (1999-2011) Long manga-style web comic Definitely Not the Opera (CBC Radio variety show since 1994, named Brand X 1994-97; hosted by Sook-Yin Lee since 2002) Definition . Lasted from 1974 to 1989, 15 years. Detective Conan (in publication since 1994 and on the air since 1996 with 600+ episodes, 15 movies, and 70+ volumes. It's still going in both anime and manga form) Degrassi : The Next Generation (running since 2001, now known as Degrassi 261 episodes in 10 1/2 seasons so far; the very first incarnation of it was actually in 1979 with Kids of Degrassi Street) The Doctors (19 years, 1963-82; 5,280 episodes) Fifteen to One (British quiz show, 1988-2003) Finkleman's 45s (CBC radio retro music show; October 5, 1985 -o June 25, 2005) Fred Penner's Place (CBC children's show, ran from 1985-97) Frasier ran for 11 seasons between September 16, 1993 and May 13, 2004 for a total of 264 episodes. Friends ran for 10 seasons and consisted of 236 episodes which were first broadcast between September 22, 1994 and May 6, 2004. Funday Pawpet Show (November 1999-; 466 4-hour episodes as of July 18, 2010) Good Eats (debuted July 7, 1999; Food Network 's longest-running consecutive original program, with 14 seasons and 249 episodes). Ended in 2011. Gute Zeiten Schlechte Zeiten (German soap with 4,000+ episodes, running since 1992; based on a Dutch soap called Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden, which has run for 3,500 episodes since 1990) Hana Yori Dango (the manga ran for 11 years, and dramas based on it are still in development) King of the Hill (13 seasons and survivor of FOX's Sunday Sports Pre-emption Slot , 1997-2009) Knots Landing (14 seasons, Spin-Off of Dallas that outlasted its already long running parent show, 1979-1993) Landline (Australian rural issues program, 1992-) Lassie (1954-73) The Late Late Show (since 1995 on CBS; hosted by Tom Snyder {1995-99}, Craig Kilborn {1999-2005}, Craig Ferguson {2005-}) The Late Show with David Letterman (1993-; adding the Late Night years at NBC, 27 years) Law and Order Special Victims Unit (1999-; 12 years as of 2010, when it also became the longest-running first-run drama series in primetime, carrying on the mantle of its parent series) My Family (2000-11) Naruto (first published in 1999 and aired in 2002. Now has 50 volumes, 350 episodes, 5 OVA, 1 novel, numerous games, and 7 movies. With more to come, of course.) Never Mind the Buzzcocks (first broadcast in 1996. As of latest broadcast season, they now have 227 episodes.) The Now Show (first broadcast in 1998 and still airing) Nick News with Linda Ellerbee (1992-present, albeit only bi-monthly now) Fullmetal Alchemist : Original manga began in 2001, has had two anime series the first one of which is approaching its tenth anniversary, 5 OVA's, and 2 movies, one for each respective anime series. One Piece (started publication in 1997. Over 600 manga chapters in 60+ volumes, more than 500 episodes, eleven movies, and counting.) In 2010, the creator announced that the story had reached its halfway point; if this is true, then the series will run for a total of 26 years. Incredibly ironic given that when Eiichiro Oda initially started the series he planned to end it after 5 years. He scrapped the idea when the story just started writing itself. Only Fools and Horses initially ran from 1981-1991 (10 years), and continued for another 7 years with annual Christmas specials. Police Camera Action (cop documentary, first broadcast in 1994) Power Rangers (began in 1993 with only a one-year hiatus so far (which Saban is counting to the official season count), hit 700 episodes as of the Season 17 finale) The Pyramid Game Show series: 18 years (26 years worth of episodes due to the overlapping syndicated versions): 1973-74, CBS (The $10,000 Pyramid) 1974-80, ABC (The $10,000/$20,000 Pyramid) 1974-79, syndicated (The $25,000 Pyramid) 1981, syndicated (The $50,000 Pyramid) 1982-88, CBS (The $25,000 Pyramid; called The New $25,000 Pyramid from November 8, 1982 - January 28, 1985) 1985-88, syndicated (The $100,000 Pyramid) 1991, syndicated (The $100,000 Pyramid) 2002-04, syndicated (Pyramid) The Real World (1992-, over 400 episodes, one of the first successful Reality TV shows and MTV's longest running show.) The Red Green Show (1990-2005, 300 episodes and a movie. Could go for almost thirty years if you count the length of time Steve Smith has been playing the Red Green character, having first done it on Smith and Smith in the late 1970s.) Rugrats (12 years, disregarding its brief cancellation period and lackluster spin-offs. 177 aired episodes; however, each episode has two (or three in later seasons) stories. When you add them all together, include the pilot, the two "Tales From the Crib" movies, and the three feature films, the approximate number of episodes becomes roughly 351.) Ryans Hope (13 years, 1975-89) Sally Jessy Raphael (ran from 1983-2002; canceled by distributor Studios USA due to the fading popularity of talk shows. And yet Jerry's been on for going on 18 years now...) Says You has been running since 1997, and as of 2012 is in its 15th season. Saber y Ganar, a Spanish daily quiz show, started on 17th February, 1997. Since October 2011, it runs all seven days a week. It has consistently been the most viewed show in its channel since 2004. Samson en Gert , has been running since 1990. Schlock Mercenary (published daily since June 12, 2000...and not missing a single day) Shortland Street is Television New Zealand's longest-running soap opera, first aired on May 25, 1992 and still going strong (as of early 2010). Strike It Rich ( Game Show , June 29, 1947 – January 3, 1958) Survivor has been on the air since 2000 and is currently in its 23rd season. Talk Soup ran from 1991-2002. It's successor, plainly titled The Soup has been airing since 2004, putting total air time near the twenty-year mark. Tech Infantry , which started as a fan-made Tabletop RPG expansion pack in the mid-1990s, still has a couple of people writing short stories set in that universe today. This American Life has aired nationally since 1996 (beginning locally one year earlier as Your Radio Playhouse), as well as a Showtime TV series from 2007-09. Thuis (Belgian soap opera, since 1995) Tic-Tac-Dough (originally ran from 1956-59 on NBC, then in syndication from 1978-86 and 1990-91; total of 12 seasons) Wait Wait Don't Tell Me has been running since 1998. The Weakest Link (first broadcast in 2000, around 1,500 episodes in a decade, not including international versions) Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (27 series over 12 years in its home country; has versions in lots of countries, some of which are Long Runners themselves). Whose Line Is It Anyway started out on Radio 4 in 1988, then moved onto Channel 4 the same year, where it lasted for 10 seasons; the show moved to Hollywood in 1998, when it got picked up by ABC . The show was cancelled in 2003 — and by cancelled, it stopped filming new episodes; new episodes continued to air on ABC Family until November 2006. WWE RAW (airing since 1993, has aired over 900 episodes, the most of any weekly primetime entertainment show in US history) And if one is inclined to say Raw is a Retool of Prime Time Wrestling, this one's a two-and-a-half decade show. Due to the unique properties of "Sports Entertainment" (an umbrella Vince popularized), the "primetime entertainment show" designation is debatable. Smack Down , which has been airing regularly since late 1999. X-Play has been on the air since 1998, starting as Game Spot TV on ZDTV. The following Cirque du Soleil troupes: Mystere (opened in 1993 at Las Vegas' Treasure Island Hotel and Casino; longest nonstop run. Current contract expires in 2016.) Alegria (1994-98, then as a resident show at a casino in Biloxi, MS from 1999-2000, then resumed touring in 2001; relaunched as an arena show in mid-2009) Quidam (1996-2010 as a tent show, 2010- in arenas) "O" and La Nouba (both 1998-) Dralion (1999-2010 as a tent show; 2010- in arenas)

Doctor Who

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds" is often, and erronously, thought to be the motto of what US government agency?

Long Runners - All The Tropes Long Runners "The world may end in 2012, but this show won't." —Bart Simpson (on blackboard), The Simpsons , "Once Upon a Time in Springfield" Shows which have somehow passed the test of time. There is a clue in here for what people want to watch and listen to. Some of these shows began with bad ratings or went through creative slumps, but got here thanks to Network to the Rescue (and avoiding Screwed by the Network ). Some of these shows are even Older Than Television . Examples of Long Runners include: Contents Literally Older Than Television[ edit | hide | hide all ] Felix the Cat is the longest lasting cartoon character in history, making his debut in 1919 (and if we count an even earlier prototype short, it may even be 1917) having appeared in over 150 theatrical cartoons, decades worth of comics, hundreds of TV cartoons, two movies, and the two TV revivals The Twisted Tales of Felix the Cat and Baby Felix, and he is still appearing in merchandise to this day. And he even has a new cartoon series on the way for 2013. In fact, one of the very first TV broadcasts featured Felix way back in 1928. Meow! The Grand Ole Opry: Airing weekly on Nashville radio station WSM-AM since 1925, with an edited version of the program being carried on national radio and television outlets since the 1940s. Radioavisen: Daily news broadcast on Danmarks Radio (DR) starting August 1, 1926. At first with two daily programs, gradually with more. Now there is a Radioavis every hour. Aired nationwide since 1927. Hamburger Hafenkonzert (Hamburg harbor concert): Broadcast weekly on NDR in Germany since June 1929 — even through WWII. Music and the Spoken Word: Weekly broadcast of music by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (and a short sermon), which started in 1929. Pause Signal Danmarks Radio (DR). This little tune first aired on August 28, 1931 and has since been used to fill up short spaces between programs. The tune is a melody from the 1300s, the oldest known Danish folk melody. Irregular scheduling, yet frequently heard for decades. Nowadays used as regular broadcast only on one channel (P5), the tune has become waiting music on DR's telephone system, and since early 2009 the signal that calls the audience to the second half of concerts in the broadcaster's new concert hall. Hockey Night in Canada began airing on radio in November 1931 and moved to television in November 1952 (the first year of regular television broadcasts in Canada), and is the world's longest-running sports show. The Metropolitan Opera airs a radio broadcast season each year. Although going since Christmas of 1931 (and broadcast in January 1910 over experimental radio broadcasts), unlike The Guiding Light it only airs episodes during a season and is not continuous. At least 70 years[ edit | hide ] Guiding Light : 72 years, 7 months, 26 days (57 of those on television), from January 25, 1937 to September 19, 2009. It was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest continuously-running program on any medium, in any genre, until the CBS World News Roundup broke its record in November 2010. It would take a listener over eighteen months, 24 hours a day, to listen to it from beginning to end (although the large number of Missing Episodes from the first 40 years would make such an archive binge impossible). It may be the largest single work of fiction in human history. CBS World News Roundup made its first broadcast on March 13, 1938 as a special report on the Anschluss; still runs every day at 8:00 AM EST. It surpassed Guiding Light's record on November 8, 2010, and is now listed as the longest continuously-running program in any medium. Superman first appeared in Action in 1938. Many years, radio, TV and film spinoffs later he's still one of the most popular fictional characters ever. The National Research Council Time Signal, heard at 1:00 PM EST every day since November 5, 1939 on the CBC radio network. Desert Island Discs has been airing on BBC Radio since 29 January 1942, making it the longest-running program in the history of British broadcasting. It still uses the original theme tune, Eric Coates' "By the Sleepy Lagoon" (with overdubbed seagull noises), and has only had four regular presenters (Roy Plomley, Michael Parkinson, Sue Lawley, Kirsty Young). At least 60 years[ edit | hide ] Arbeidsvitaminen (Work vitamins), a music programme on AVRO in the Netherlands, is the longest running daily radio show in the world, having started in February 1946. Meet the Press (weekly on television since November 6, 1947; debuted on radio in 1945 as American Mercury Presents: Meet the Press) Sports Report has been running on BBC Radio since 1948, and still uses its original Ear Worm of a theme tune. Giro 413 has aired weekly on Danmarks Radio (DR) since January 8, 1950. This is a family program to which people donate money collected at celebrations such as wedding anniversaries and 50th birthdays. Listeners also request songs. DR in turn donates the money collected to a variety of charities. Danmarks Radio is also responsible for Julehilsen til Grønland (Christmas greetings to Greenland), which first aired in 1932 as a way for people in Denmark to send greetings to friends and family in Greenland and vice versa. The Archers has run since 1951 on BBC radio , and is now the world's longest-running extant Soap Opera in any medium (since the cancellation of Guiding Light ). Hallmark Hall of Fame (airing on various networks since December 1951) Today (American morning news show, running daily since January 1952) At least 50 years[ edit | hide ] Letter From America ran on BBC Radio from 1946-2004, ending when Alastair Cooke retired less than a month before his death. Come Dancing, the BBC televised ballroom dancing competition, originally ran from 1949–95, with intermittent specials in 1996 and 1998. Its revival with celebrity contestants as Strictly Come Dancing has aired since 2004. A theater example is Agatha Christie 's play The Mousetrap , which has been running on the West End since November 1952. British children's TV favorite The Sooty Show ran roughly from 1952-2004 under slightly different title changes and presenters. There are currently plans for a revived new series. The news programme Tagesschau was first aired on NWDR in Germany on Boxing Day 1952 and went to being broadcast seven days a week in 1961. The programme now serves as ARD's flagship news brand and still occupies the same 20:00 time slot as it did in 1952. Current affairs show Panorama has been airing on the BBC since 1953 and is presently the longest-running program in the history of British television. Across the Channel, the German version of the program, produced by NDR and also called Panorama, has aired on Das Erste since 1961. The Major League Baseball Game of the Week (ran on various networks from 1953–93; has aired on FOX since 1996) Brain of Britain, Britain's longest-running quiz program in any medium, began as a segment of What Do You Know? on BBC Radio in 1953, and has been a standalone program on Radio 4 since 1967. It has only had three regular presenters: Franklin Engelmann from 1953–72, Robert Robinson from 1973-2008, and Russell Davies since 2009. Face the Nation (airing weekly on CBS since 1954) As the World Turns (54 years, 1956-2010; 13,858 episodes) Matysiakowie (Polish radio drama airing weekly since 1956) Eurovision Song Contest (since 1956) The Sky at Night (airing once a lunar cycle since April 1957, longest-running show still with its original presenter — Patrick Moore has missed the sum total of one episode, and then only due to food poisoning. Moore is now wheelchair-bound, so the show comes from his home and has a number of co-presenters) Telediario is a Spanish daily news program which started running in September 1957. Nowadays, its title has become synonymous with "TV news" in Spain. Today (AKA The Today Programme), a British news daily on BBC Radio running since October 1957. There is a (probably apocryphal) story that if a British nuclear submarine commander failed to receive the Today program three days in a row, they were to assume Britain had been nuked and open their sealed orders. Blue Peter (4,000+ episodes since 1958, the longest-running children's show ever) Dutch sports program Studio Sport celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009. Supergirl was created in May 1959, and has been an important part of the DC universe since. The character has starred in solo books and anthologies, and shows up in movies, TV shows, and cartoons. The Nature of Things (science documentary series on CBC since November 1960; hosted continuously by zoologist and environmentalist David Suzuki since 1979) Coronation Street (~7,500 episodes since December 1960) It's Academic: Washington, D.C. televised academic game show, continually produced since 1961; listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest running quiz show in television history. Four Corners (Australian current-affairs show, running since August 1961) Chick Tracts were all written over 56 years by Jack Chick until his death in 2016. At least 40 years[ edit | hide ] 60 Minutes (continuously on CBS since 1968) The 700 Club: Religious program airing since 1966 on WYAH, in national syndication since 1974, and on CBN since 1977; well-known as one of two CBN / Family Channel shows remaining on FOX Family / ABC Family (it, Living the Life, the annual day-long CBN telethon, and the channel's "Family" title were all stipulations when Pat Robertson sold the network in 1998). Has been hosted by Robertson since its inception. All My Children (10,712 episodes from 1970-2011) All Things Considered (news magazine program airing on NPR since 1971, airing its first installment just months after NPR itself began broadcasting.) Anpanman . Made in part of a magazine in 1969, went to picture books in 1973, then became big on an anime called Soreike! Anpanman, plus being the leader in the largest number of characters in any animated program. Creator Takashi Yanase still works on the series as well. As It Happens (current events and interviews program on CBC Radio since 1968) Days of Our Lives has been running since 1965. Encyclopedia Brown : The books began appearing in 1963. New ones were being published as late as 2011. The Fantasticks ran off-Broadway from 1960-2002. Folies Bergere, one of the original Las Vegas showgirl extravaganzas, opened in 1959 at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino and closed a few months shy of what would have been its 50th anniversary in 2009. General Hospital (over 10,000 episodes since 1963) Golgo 13 : 142 volumes spread across 40 years; started in 1969. The BBC pop-science programme Horizon has been running since 1964. Ideas (anthology series on CBC Radio since 1965) Just a Minute : Running on BBC Radio 4 since 1967. Still presented by the original chairman, Nicholas Parsons, although the original regular panelists have all passed away (Kenneth Williams in 1988, Derek Nimmo in 1999, Peter Jones in 2000, and Clement Freud in 2009). The Swedish version of the program, På Minuten, has aired since 1969 (with a hiatus from 1988-94). Ireland's The Late Late Show (since July 1962, has only had three regular presenters (Gay Byrne (1962–99), Pat Kenny (1999-2009), Ryan Tubridy (since 2009)). Not to be confused with the American The Late Late Show , which has "only" been running since 1995.) Lupin III (Manga came around in 1967, three TV shows aired on 1971-1972, 1977-1980 and 1984-1985 respectively, six movies were made (A live-action one in 1974, five animated ones in 1978, 1979, 1985, 1995 and 1996) along with three OAVs (in 1987, 2002, and 2008) and, to top it all off, TMS Entertainment is still producing annual TV-specials since 1989.) The Magic Roundabout : The original French version has been running since 1964. Masterpiece Theatre (has aired on PBS since 1971, although it's just called Masterpiece now; its sister program, Mystery! {now known as Masterpiece Mystery}, has aired since 1980) Match of the Day (started in 1964, survived in various forms and now has a spin-off and magazine). Mazinger Z : Manga came around in 1972. An anime show and a second, manga series parallel to the original one were made in that same year, two sequels and several movies in that same decade, a related anime show ( God Mazinger ) in the eighties, an OVA series and movie in 2001 and a reboot in 2009. And then you have to count several alternate manga versions and one-shots produced throughout four decades. And this year the creator has stated he intends to make more Mazinger manga and anime. Monday Night Football (running continuously since September 21, 1970, until 2005 on ABC , currently on ESPN ) One Life to Live (11,096 episodes from 1968-2012) Play School (Australian children's show, running since 1966 and isn't going anywhere any time soon) The Price Is Right (1956–65, then since 1972; originally hosted by Bill Cullen {1956-65}, then Bob Barker {1972-2007}, then Drew Carey {2007-}) A Question of Sport kicked off in 1968, making it the oldest Panel Game in existence and arguably the longest continually running Game Show (while The Price Is Right has run for five more years overall and started twelve years earlier, it also spent seven years off the air). It has only had four regular presenters (Stuart Hall (1968–69), David Vine (1970–78), David Coleman (1979–97), and Sue Barker (1997-present)). Romper Room (41 years, 1953–94) Sabado Gigante (started in June 1962 (as Gran Show Dominical before moving from Sunday to Saturday in 1966), Channel Hopped from Chile's Canal 13 to Univision in 1986; longest-running variety show in the world, still presented by its original presenter, "Don Francisco" (Mario Kreutzberger)) Sazae-san (began in October 1969, and is the Guinness World Record certified longest-running animated series ever) Sesame Street (4,000+ episodes since 1969) Tatort (also known as Scene of the Crime in the USA) is a German-language detective series which began airing in November 1970 on Das Erste in West Germany , in 1972 on ORF 2 in Austria, and from 1990-2001 and again starting in 2011 on SF1 in Switzerland. Over 800 episodes have been produced, although the regional ARD broadcasters, ORF, and SF all contribute locally-produced episodes to the series, so that rather than having one central cast and location, different episodes will feature different casts and settings. Its East German counterpart Polizeiruf 110 has aired over 320 episodes since June 1971, on Fernsehen der DDR until 1990 and on Das Erste following the re-unification. Both shows share a timeslot in The Berlin Republic . Top of the Pops (started in 1964; weekly show stopped in 2006, but lives on in special editions) University Challenge (on ITV from 1962-87 with Bamber Gascoigne, and on BBC2 since 1994 with Jeremy Paxman; British television's longest-running quiz show) Ultra Series , a Japanese Tokusatsu series that began in 1966. So far, over 1,200+ episodes and seven movies. Vecernicek is a Czech bedtime story program that has been running every evening since 1965, even with the opening unchanged for all these years. W-Five (airing since 1966, longest-running newsmagazine program in North America) The World at Six (flagship dinner-hour newscast on CBC Radio One since 1966) At least 30 years[ edit | hide ] Twenty Twenty (airing on ABC since 1978) American Bandstand (30 years on ABC , five years locally in Philadelphia , one year in syndication, one year on USA Network ; 37 total) Another World (35 years, 1964–99; 8,891 episodes) Antiques Roadshow . The first specials appeared in 1977. The proper series started in 1977 and is still ongoing. Captain Kangaroo (30 years, 1954–84) Car Talk (locally on WBUR Boston since 1977, nationally on NPR since 1987) The first Dark Tower book was released in 1982. An Interquel taking place between books four and five is scheduled for release in 2012. The Degrassi franchise... sort of. It hasn't been on continuously for 30 years, but it has been going off on and on since 1979, with the order like this: The Kids of Degrassi Street 1979-1986; Degrassi Junior High 1987-1989; Degrassi High 1989-1992 (counting the Made-for-TV-Movie ), and Degrassi: The Next Generation [1] 2001–Present. Depeche Mode, since 1980. Doctor Who ran from 1963 to 1989, and again from 2005 to present, for a total of 32 years. Don McNeill's Breakfast Club aired on NBC Blue (later ABC Radio) from 1933-68. Doraemon (second longest-running anime ever, until recently with the same principal voice cast. Aired one season in 1973, then continuously on a different network since 1979. They tried canning it in 2005, an idea which lasted all of a month before it was Uncancelled .) Dungeons and Dragons has been around since 1974. Emmerdale (formerly Emmerdale Farm), British soap opera (began in 1972) Entertainment Tonight started in 1981 and is still in production. Evening at Pops (PBS Boston Pops concert program, aired 1970-2005) The Fifth Estate (CBC-TV newsmagazine program since 1975) Fresh Air (interview show, locally on WHYY Philadelphia since 1975, nationally on NPR since 1987) Front Page Challenge (Canadian celebrity panel quiz show that ran from 1957–95) From Eroica with Love was first published in 1976 and recently celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2012. Glass Mask (the manga has been running since 1976. Has had several anime adaptations, the oldest ran during 1984 and the newest in 2005. And we're not counting the dorama, the Noh play, etc.) Good Morning America (ABC weekday morning show, airing since 1975) Grange Hill (BBC children's drama, ran from 1978-2008) Great Performances (PBS performing arts series, airing since 1972) Gundam : 16 TV and OAV series', 11+ movies, more manga and video games (separate and original stories mind you, not just adaptations) than we dare to count, and good Lord, the model kits! Worth noting that if one were to watch every Gundam animated work continuously, not counting eating, sleeping, or bathroom breaks, the total runtime would last more than one week. There are literally over a thousand hours' worth of Gundam animated work. Here's Humphrey (Australian children's show, 1966-2003) The House (CBC Radio parliamentary affairs show, year-round since October 1977) The Howard Stern Show (some incarnation of the show has existed since the late 1970s) I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue has been running on BBC Radio 4 since 1972. Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden have been regular panelists since the very beginning (except for occasional breaks due to medical problems or other commitments), and Barry Cryer has been a regular panelist since the second series after alternating with Humphrey Lyttelton in the moderator's chair for the first series. Inside The NFL (1977-2008 on HBO, Showtime 2008-present) The Jack Benny Program (33 years on radio and television, 1932–65) Jackanory (1965-1996, brief relaunch in 2007) Jeopardy! (12 years with Art Fleming {1964-75 and 1978-79}, 26+ years with Alex Trebek {1984–Present}) Jubilee!, the sole remaining traditional showgirl revue in Las Vegas, has been running at Bally's Hotel and Casino since 1981. Look and Read (produced irregularly from 1967-2004) The original theatrical Looney Tunes series ran from 1930-69. In that period it went through various directors, animators, producers, and not to mention characters. And that's not counting the various spinoffs, revivals, and movies. Marketplace (consumer advocacy program on CBC-TV since October 1972) Mastermind (British quiz show airing since September 1972; from 1972-97 on BBC1 with Magnús Magnússon, 1998-2000 on BBC Radio 4 with Peter Snow, 2001-02 on Discovery with Clive Anderson, and 2003–present on BBC2 with John Humphrys) Mister Rogers Neighborhood (1968-2001, although reruns still air) Morning Edition (airing on NPR since 1979) Mr. Squiggle (Australian children's show, 1959–95) Newsnight , broadcast on the same channel since 1980 if you don't count its predecessor. The News Quiz (satirical Panel Game running on BBC Radio Four since 1977) Nightline (ABC prime time news program, airing since 1980) NOVA (PBS science program, airing since 1974) Oke no Monshou : Shoujo manga by Chieko Hosokawa, has been running ever since 1976 just like Glass Mask . Had a short video drama as well. Panel Quiz Attack 25: Japanese quiz show, has been on the air since 1975. Pobol y Cwm (Welsh-language Soap Opera , The BBC 's longest-running television soap began in October 1974 and is still going.) A Prairie Home Companion (radio variety show, running since 1974 with two very similar shows running during the breaks from 1987–89 and 1989-92. Garrison Keillor has been hosting this show, but not the very similar ones that ran during its breaks) Question Time (British current affairs debate show, running since 1979) Quirks and Quarks (general-interest science program on CBC Radio since 1975) Quote Unquote, that innocuous literary quiz that appears at lunchtimes, has been on BBC Radio 4 with the same host (Nigel Rees) since 1976. Royal Canadian Air Farce (since 1973 on radio, since 1993 on TV; ended with a New Year's Eve special on December 31, 2008) Saturday Night Live (premiered October 11, 1975 and is still going with roughly 700+ episodes {{[[[Archive Panic]] and that's not even counting the clip shows and anniversary episodes}}], 36 completed seasons, and is currently in its 37th. Survived cast changes, writer changes, executive producer changes (with Lorne Michaels , who was executive producer from 1975 to 1980, left for five years, then returned in 1985, as the most prominent), four directors (Don Roy King is the current director), three announcers [with Don Pardo as their most-used], Seasonal Rot leading to threats of cancellation in its 6th, 11th, and 20th seasons, several rival sketch shows that aired alongside it, fickle fans, cynical critics, seven cast member deaths (John Belushi, [2] Gilda Radner, [3] Danitra Vance, [4] Michael O'Donoghue, [5] Chris Farley, [6] Phil Hartman, [7] and Charles Rocket [8] ), four writers' strikes (with the 2007-08 one being the most recent), seven Presidential administrations (starting with Gerald Ford ), controversial events behind the scenes (Nora Dunn's boycotting the Andrew "Dice" Clay episode, Chevy Chase's fight with Bill Murray backstage, Garrett Morris' cocaine-induced nervous breakdown after being forced to play a monkey in a Canadian The Wizard of Oz parody, etc), and a boatload of modern historical events and pop culture trends that have changed society for better and worse (some of which were mocked by SNL). Scooby Doo (multiple series; at least one series was in first-run almost every year from 1969–91 and since 2002, plus one or more direct-to-video movies each year since 1998.) Search for Tomorrow (35 years and 9,130 episodes, 1951–86) Soul Train (1971-2006) Sports Center (celebrated its 30th anniversary September 7, 2009; runs for at least two hours every day {the latter of which is repeated throughout the following morning}, and quite a bit more as of August 2008. According to The Other Wiki , it currently stands at 31,000+ episodes, usually 60 or 90 minutes each.) Super Sentai (1975-1977, 1979–Present [9] ) Whether it counts depends on the definition of a "show", since each year the program in the time slot is set in a different world with a different team of superheroes (or "rangers") in color-coded uniforms who ride giant transforming and combining robots. It does have a series of crossover films between different teams set outside the television continuity (the Super Sentai Versus Series) and the 35th series , Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger , was a year-long crossover involving all the previous teams. If you count it, it's the longest running sci-fi program in the world just by number of years, and the fact that it airs an episode a week with no Summer break (nearly 1,800 episodes and counting) means it vastly exceeds most rivals' lengths in total airtime, including Doctor Who . This Old House (PBS home improvement show, airing since 1980. Its spinoff program The New Yankee Workshop had a 20-year run in its own right, 1989-09.) This Week in Baseball (in syndication 1977-1998, on FOX 2000-present) Top Gear (1977-2001, 2002–Present; if you include Wheelbase, Top Gear has been running in one form or another since 1964.) The Victory Garden (PBS gardening program, airing since 1975) The Walt Disney anthology series, which aired continuously under various titles from 1954–83 and has been revived several times since. Wetten, dass...? (German language show, broadcast in Germany, Austria and Switzerland since 1981) What? Where? When? (the original Russian version of Million Dollar Mind Game , 1975–present) Wheel of Fortune (since January 6, 1975 on NBC, CBS, and in syndication) Wonderama (1955-1986), a weekly children's show that ran on New York's WNEW and other stations owned by the Metromedia syndicate. The Woodwright's Shop (1979-), an American woodworking show on PBS. Woody Woodpecker made his first appearance in 1940 (although he wouldn't get his own series until the next year) and his theatrical cartoons lasted all the way up to 1972 (and are still being re-run on television in some parts of South America). He also had a brief revival in the late 1990s. Yeralash (1975-), a Soviet/Russian comedy show for kids. The Ed Sullivan Show (1948–71) Family Feud (airing since 1976 on ABC {1976-85}, CBS {1988-94}, NBC {2008 specials}, and syndication {1977-85, 1988–95, 1999-) The Friendly Giant (Canadian children's show, 1958–85) Frontline (PBS public-affairs program, airing since 1983) Les Guignols De L Info (French satirical Puppet Shows , 1988-) Gunnm (the manga has been around since 1990) Gunsmoke (1955–75) Famously the longest running drama series in primetime television, a title it now officially shares with Law & Order. Technically, Gunsmoke still ran longer; due to changes in the way the year was divided into television seasons, Gunsmoke ran from September 1955 to September of 1975, with 635 episodes; Law & Order ran from September 1990 to May 2010 (falling short of 20 years by three months), with 456 episodes. Hajime no Ippo (manga serialization started in 1989 and is still running) Have I Got News for You (British satirical panel show, started 1990 and still going despite several libel cases and not having a permanent presenter since sacking Angus Deayton in 2002) Hey Hey It's Saturday (Australian variety show, 1971–99) The Hollywood Squares (1966–81, 1986–89, 1998-2004; total of 24 years, or 25 if you count The Match Game Hollywood Squares Hour {1983-84}) Issues and Answers (1960–81) that, along with Meet the Press and Face the Nation, represented the height of Sunday- morning political television in the US. The Jerry Springer Show (running in syndication since 1991, started as a public-affairs talk show based at WLWT in Cincinnati; its parent company syndicated it nationally as it slowly evolved into its current "freakshow" format. It switched distributors from Multimedia to Universal when Multimedia was bought out by a newspaper company in 1995, along with Sally Jessy Raphael's show) JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (started in 1987 on Weekly Jump; it switched to Ultra Jump (a monthly publication) in 2004, and is currently at 100 volumes spanning seven major story arcs) Kamen Rider : The TV series has undergone four different eras ( 1971 - 1975 , 1979 - 1981 , 1987 - 1989 , 2000 -present, for a total of over twenty years' worth of episodes) and there have also been several films and a few specials. The 1,000th episode aired on April 3, 2011 . Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kôen Mae Hashutsujo (called Kochikame for short, and for good reason—it's the longest continuously-running manga series in terms of number of volumes, though Golgo 13 beats it in years. Started in 1976, with 1,400+ chapters in 162+ tankoban volumes, it's still running. It also has a 367-episode anime adaptation and two movies.) Late Night with... (1982- on NBC; hosted by David Letterman {1982-93}, Conan O'Brien {1993-2009}, and Jimmy Fallon {2009-}) Law and Order : September 13, 1990 - May 24, 2010. Fell just short of beating Gunsmoke's record, though at least they're now tied. Was the longest-running first-run drama series in primetime for all of The Noughties . Legends in Concert, a celebrity impersonator revue, opened at the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV in 1983 and ran there until 2009—when it moved next door to Harrah's Hotel and Casino and picked up where it left off. Sister productions in Atlantic City, NJ, Branson, MO, and Myrtle Beach, SC have all had decade-plus runs; the latter two are still performing. The Letter People : First broadcast in 1976, it ran clear into the 1990s. Love of Life (7,315 episodes from 1951–80) Media Watch (Australian media analysis program; first aired in May 1989, isn't going anywhere any time soon) Monitor (NBC Radio weekend show, 1955–75) Morningside (CBC Radio morning show, 1976–97) The Movie Show (running since 1986 in Australia; the original hosts switched networks in 2004 and now present At The Movies, which is the same show in all but name). Mr. Dressup (Canadian children's show, 1967–96) Neighbours (since 1985, with 5,000+ episodes) The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986-2011) The London production of The Phantom of the Opera has been running since 1986; the Broadway staging since 1988. The Phil Donahue Show (1967-96 on national TV, 3 years on Dayton, Ohio local TV) The show that inspired most Talk Shows after it, including Oprah and Sally Jessy Raphael. Play School (BBC children's show, 1964–88) Poirot (first episode shown in 1989, an occasional break in the 1990s and 2000s and a final series scheduled for 2011) The Polka Dot Door (Canadian children's show, 1971–93) Queen for a Day ( Game Show , 1945–64 and 1969–70; 20 years) Rage (Music Video show, on Australian TV since 1987) Rainbow (British children's series on Thames TV, 1972–92) Reading Rainbow (16 seasons over 26 years, appears to have been Killed Off for Real in 2009, the third longest-running kids show on PBS behind Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and Sesame Street ) The Red Skelton Show (1951–71) Regional Contact (CTV Ottawa local newsmagazine, Sunday evenings since 1988) Saint Seiya (since 1986) Saltimbanco , a Cirque du Soleil show, hits the 20-year mark in Spring 2012. It originally closed in February 1997, but was brought back in October 1998; as a tent-based tour it ran until 2006, and relaunched as an arena tour in 2007 to visit cities that cannot support the tent tours. The Secret Storm (squeaks in at 20 years and 7 days, 1954–74) Shadowrun (FASA's premier RPG survived the downfall of its parent company and just celebrated its 20th Anniversary) The Simpsons (Currently in its 23rd season, and has been renewed for seasons 24 and 25. [10] Has been on the air as a series since December 1989, [11] though the title characters originated in animated shorts on The Tracy Ullman Show back in 1987.) Slayers : Began in 1989 in a serialized magazine as a novel series; had an anime run (1995–97); had two OVAs and five movies (1995-2001); anime was Uncancelled in 2008 and released two more seasons. The bulk of the long run was through the novels, which kept running through the new millennium and are still being made. Star Trek (22 years in all its TV incarnations, 1966–69; 1973–74; 1987-2005, plus 24+ on film {not counting the seven-year hiatus between Nemesis and Star Trek 2009 }) Taggart (20+ years, longest running cop show on UK TV at the moment) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ( A comic book that started in 1984 has spawned two animated series (with a third in the works), a film series , two other comicbook universes and several video games). Thomas the Tank Engine , a TV show based on an old series of books, has been going since 1984. Time Shock (Japanese quiz show, aired weekly 1969-1986, 1989-1990, and Time Shock 21 in 2000-2002, plus periodic specials 2002–present) To Tell the Truth (1956–68, 1969–78, 1980–81, 1990–91, 2000–01; total of 24 seasons) Transformers has been present in some form, either TV or comics, more or less continuously since 1984. Truth or Consequences (1950–51, 1954–75, 1977–78, 1987-88; total of 24 seasons, although it is best known for the 19 years {1956-75} hosted by Bob Barker) The comic Urbanus , since 1982. Waratte Iitomo!, a live-broadcast Japanese variety show, has been on the air since October, 1982. There has only been one host throughout its entire run, who holds a Guinness world record for longest continued hosting of a live television program. Warhammer 40000 , the first game Rogue Trader, was released in 1986. Warhammer Fantasy Battle , the game of fantasy battles, actually appeared first, in 1983. WCW Saturday Night managed 27 years, with a couple of name changes along the way. What's My Line (24 years; 1950–67, then 1968-75) X Japan , albeit with a long pause due to disbandment from 1997-2007. The band first formed in 1982 and lasted in some form until 1997, which made it over a decade Long Runner without qualification. You've Been Framed, British home video series, first broadcast in 1989. Dallas (1978–91) Darkbolt (1999-2011) Long manga-style web comic Definitely Not the Opera (CBC Radio variety show since 1994, named Brand X 1994-97; hosted by Sook-Yin Lee since 2002) Definition . Lasted from 1974 to 1989, 15 years. Detective Conan (in publication since 1994 and on the air since 1996 with 600+ episodes, 15 movies, and 70+ volumes. It's still going in both anime and manga form) Degrassi : The Next Generation (running since 2001, now known as Degrassi 261 episodes in 10 1/2 seasons so far; the very first incarnation of it was actually in 1979 with Kids of Degrassi Street) The Doctors (19 years, 1963–82; 5,280 episodes) Fifteen to One (British quiz show, 1988-2003) Finkleman's 45s (CBC radio retro music show; October 5, 1985 -o June 25, 2005) Fred Penner's Place (CBC children's show, ran from 1985–97) Frasier ran for 11 seasons between September 16, 1993 and May 13, 2004 for a total of 264 episodes. Friends ran for 10 seasons and consisted of 236 episodes which were first broadcast between September 22, 1994 and May 6, 2004. Funday Pawpet Show (November 1999-; 466 4-hour episodes as of July 18, 2010) Good Eats (debuted July 7, 1999; Food Network 's longest-running consecutive original program, with 14 seasons and 249 episodes). Ended in 2011. Gute Zeiten Schlechte Zeiten (German soap with 4,000+ episodes, running since 1992; based on a Dutch soap called Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden, which has run for 3,500 episodes since 1990) Hana Yori Dango (the manga ran for 11 years, and dramas based on it are still in development) King of the Hill (13 seasons and survivor of FOX's Sunday Sports Pre-emption Slot , 1997-2009) Knots Landing (14 seasons, Spin-Off of Dallas that outlasted its already long running parent show, 1979-1993) Landline (Australian rural issues program, 1992-) Lassie (1954–73) The Late Late Show (since 1995 on CBS; hosted by Tom Snyder {1995-99}, Craig Kilborn {1999-2005}, Craig Ferguson {2005-}) The Late Show with David Letterman (1993-; adding the Late Night years at NBC, 27 years) Law and Order Special Victims Unit (1999-; 12 years as of 2010, when it also became the longest-running first-run drama series in primetime, carrying on the mantle of its parent series) My Family (2000–11) Naruto (manga first published in 1999 and ended in 2014 with an spin-off mini-series started in 2015. and aired in 2002. Now has 700 chapters in 72 volumes, 600+ episodes, 5 OVA, 1 novel, numerous games, and 10 movies. With more to come, of course.) Never Mind the Buzzcocks (first broadcast in 1996. As of latest broadcast season, they now have 227 episodes.) The Now Show (first broadcast in 1998 and still airing) Nick News with Linda Ellerbee (1992–present, albeit only bi-monthly now) One Piece (started publication in 1997. Over 700 manga chapters in 70+ volumes, more than 600 episodes, twelve movies, and counting.) In 2010, the creator announced that the story had reached its halfway point; if this is true, then the series will run for a total of 26 years. Incredibly ironic given that when Eiichiro Oda initially started the series he planned to end it after 5 years. He scrapped the idea when the story just started writing itself. Bleach : (started publication in 2001. Over 600 manga chapters in 60+ volumes. It is in its final arc right now (since 2012). Still going.) Gintama : (started publication in 2003. Over 500 manga chapters in 50+ volumes. Hit the 10th mark in 2013.) Only Fools and Horses initially ran from 1981-1991 (10 years), and continued for another 7 years with annual Christmas specials. Police Camera Action (cop documentary, first broadcast in 1994) Power Rangers (began in 1993 with only a one-year hiatus so far (which Saban is counting to the official season count), hit 700 episodes as of the Season 17 finale) The Pyramid Game Show series: 18 years (26 years worth of episodes due to the overlapping syndicated versions): 1973-74, CBS (The $10,000 Pyramid) 1974-80, ABC (The $10,000/$20,000 Pyramid) 1974-79, syndicated (The $25,000 Pyramid) 1981, syndicated (The $50,000 Pyramid) 1982-88, CBS (The $25,000 Pyramid; called The New $25,000 Pyramid from November 8, 1982 - January 28, 1985) 1985-88, syndicated (The $100,000 Pyramid) 1991, syndicated (The $100,000 Pyramid) 2002-04, syndicated (Pyramid) The Real World (1992-, over 400 episodes, one of the first successful Reality TV shows and MTV's longest running show.) The Red Green Show (1990-2005, 300 episodes and a movie. Could go for almost thirty years if you count the length of time Steve Smith has been playing the Red Green character, having first done it on Smith and Smith in the late 1970s.) Rugrats (12 years, disregarding its brief cancellation period and lackluster spin-offs. 177 aired episodes; however, each episode has two (or three in later seasons) stories. When you add them all together, include the pilot, the two "Tales From the Crib" movies, and the three feature films, the approximate number of episodes becomes roughly 351.) Ryans Hope (13 years, 1975–89) Sally Jessy Raphael (ran from 1983-2002; canceled by distributor Studios USA due to the fading popularity of talk shows. And yet Jerry's been on for going on 18 years now...) Says You has been running since 1997, and as of 2012 is in its 15th season. Saber y Ganar, a Spanish daily quiz show, started on 17 February 1997. Since October 2011, it runs all seven days a week. It has consistently been the most viewed show in its channel since 2004. Samson en Gert , has been running since 1990. Schlock Mercenary (published daily since June 12, 2000...and not missing a single day) Shortland Street is Television New Zealand's longest-running soap opera, first aired on May 25, 1992 and still going strong (as of early 2010). Strike It Rich ( Game Show , June 29, 1947 – January 3, 1958) Survivor has been on the air since 2000 and is currently in its 23rd season. Talk Soup ran from 1991-2002. It's successor, plainly titled The Soup has been airing since 2004, putting total air time near the twenty-year mark. Tech Infantry , which started as a fan-made Tabletop RPG expansion pack in the mid-1990s, still has a couple of people writing short stories set in that universe today. This American Life has aired nationally since 1996 (beginning locally one year earlier as Your Radio Playhouse), as well as a Showtime TV series from 2007-09. Thuis (Belgian soap opera, since 1995) Tic-Tac-Dough (originally ran from 1956-59 on NBC, then in syndication from 1978–86 and 1990–91; total of 12 seasons) Wait Wait Don't Tell Me has been running since 1998. The Weakest Link (first broadcast in 2000, around 1,500 episodes in a decade, not including international versions) Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (27 series over 12 years in its home country; has versions in lots of countries, some of which are Long Runners themselves). Whose Line Is It Anyway started out on Radio 4 in 1988, then moved onto Channel 4 the same year, where it lasted for 10 seasons; the show moved to Hollywood in 1998, when it got picked up by ABC . The show was cancelled in 2003 — and by cancelled, it stopped filming new episodes; new episodes continued to air on ABC Family until November 2006. WWE RAW (airing since 1993, has aired over 900 episodes, the most of any weekly primetime entertainment show in US history) And if one is inclined to say Raw is a Retool of Prime Time Wrestling, this one's a two-and-a-half decade show. Due to the unique properties of "Sports Entertainment" (an umbrella Vince popularized), the "primetime entertainment show" designation is debatable. Smack Down , which has been airing regularly since late 1999. X-Play has been on the air since 1998, starting as Game Spot TV on ZDTV. The following Cirque du Soleil troupes: Mystere (opened in 1993 at Las Vegas' Treasure Island Hotel and Casino; longest nonstop run. Current contract expires in 2016.) Alegria (1994–98, then as a resident show at a casino in Biloxi, MS from 1999-2000, then resumed touring in 2001; relaunched as an arena show in mid-2009) Quidam (1996-2010 as a tent show, 2010- in arenas) "O" and La Nouba (both 1998-) Dralion (1999-2010 as a tent show; 2010- in arenas)

i don't know

Nov 21, 1980 answered the question "Who shot J.R.?", when the season premiere of what long running TV drama was shown?

National TV Reviews Jeff Zucker at a summer 2010 NBC Universal party. Photo: Ed Bark By ED BARK @unclebarkycom Jeff Zucker pledged allegiance to non-partisanship while promising to "broaden the definition of what news is" during his first hour on the job as president of CNN Worldwide. The former architect of the Today show's morning dominance and the prime-time Jay Leno fiasco won't officially step in at CNN until sometime in January. But the granddaddy of cable news networks officially welcomed him aboard Thursday via a teleconference with TV writers. Zucker, 47, spent an up-and-down quarter-century with NBC before new owner Comcast bounced him in 2010 as head of the NBC Universal Television Group. He lately has been executive producer of Katie Couric's new syndicated talk show Katie, but will leave that position in mid-January, Zucker said. Phil Kent, chairman and CEO of CNN's parent company, Turner Broadcasting System, emphasized that the NBC broadcast network's ratings free-fall during Zucker's tenure are beside the point in terms of what he brings to CNN. "I did a lot of diligence, and I was looking for a very specific talent here, which is someone who would be a great leader of a news organization," Kent said during the teleconference. "Asking Jeff today about things that might have gone differently in his background as an entertainment executive is just not relevant." Zucker will replace Jim Walton, who announced in July that he would resign at the end of this year. CNN needed "new thinking" at the top, Walton said. Zucker said his "most rewarding years" at NBC were as a news producer. Besides Today (which he began producing at the age of 26), he also helmed the NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw and coverage of the Persian Gulf War and 2000 presidential election. "In some ways this is a return to a daily form in which I felt most comfortable," he said. "There's no doubt I made mistakes in the entertainment world, and I own those." NBC's broadcast failings were somewhat offset during the Zucker years by his success stories with the network's cable properties, which included USA, Syfy and Bravo. "If we didn't have a broadcast network, we'd probably be the strongest media company out there," Zucker told unclebarky.com at a summer 2010 NBC Universal party. "The cable networks are doing great, but until NBC is stronger we're not going to get enough credit for that." During Thursday's teleconference, Zucker was understandably non-committal on any specific changes he has in mind for CNN. But he won't make the network a political soapbox in league with cable rivals Fox News Channel and MSNBC. "I think the important thing is that CNN continue to remain editorially independent," he said, noting that it would be a mistake to let either FNC or MSNBC dictate CNN's future direction. Instead he plans to "continue to broaden the definition of what news is, and understand that our competition is not just Fox and MSNBC." "The key is that CNN remain true to its standards of great journalism, but at the same time be vibrant and exciting," he added. "Just because you're not partisan doesn't mean that you can't be exciting . . . We need more passion and more fans, and that shouldn't be mistaken for partisanship." Zucker twice made it a point to say that "news is more than just politics and war." It indicated a possibly softer future for CNN, with more "lifestyles" and entertainment coverage. He declined to offer any remedies for CNN's struggling morning show, but Kent made it clear that this is a priority for the network. "It's not lost on any of us that occasionally HLN's (CNN's Headline News channel) morning show beats CNN's morning show," Kent said before lauding Zucker as "one of the great innovators in that daypart." Zucker will continue to be based in New York, where his triumphs and tribulations have long been under a microscope. "If you don't learn, especially from your failures, then you haven't learned anything," he said. @unclebarkycom The death of J.R. Ewing -- er, Larry Hagman -- leaves us with another vivid reminder of television's power to imprint an actor or actress with a single, signature role. It doesn't much matter what else they've accomplished. Hagman also had a nice run as astronaut Tony Nelson on I Dream of Jeannie. But he'll always be diabolical J.R. in the public's mind while all of Barbara Eden's obits someday will be topped by her ties to a sexy genie named Jeannie. Movies generally don't work this way, at least when you're a long distance runner. What was Robert De Niro's signature role, for instance? Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull? Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver? The young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II? Successful television roles go on and on and on. But on the big screen, a sequel or two will pretty much do it. Even then, will Clint Eastwood be best remembered as "Dirty Harry" or a bearded loner in a cowboy hat? Some enduring TV stars have two or more long-running series in their arsenals. But very few can provoke a debate as to which starring role is their everlasting calling card. Michael Landon is one of those, though. Do most people know him as "Little Joe" Cartwright from Bonanza? Or Charles Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie? Or maybe even Jonathan Smith from Highway to Heaven? Dick Clark also is a player. American Bandstand vs. New Year's Rockin' Eve. A fairly tough call, although Bandstand probably deserves the nod over those countless Times Square countdowns. Here's another one: Robert Young as Jim Anderson in Father Knows Best or as the title character of Marcus Welby, M.D.? And there also might be a strong division of opinion over whether James Garner's signature TV role is Jim Rockford or Bret Maverick. It's almost always pretty clear cut, though. So let's keep playing, and see if you agree. LUCILLE BALL -- She had several incarnations as a title character named Lucy. But "Lucy Ricardo" is the only one that matters. CARROLL O'CONNOR -- We'll always think of him first and foremost as Archie Bunker, although he also had a long run as Southern-fried Sheriff Bill Gillespie in the TV series version of In the Heat of the Night. MARY TYLER MOORE -- She came to stardom as Laura Petrie in The Dick Van Dyke Show, but TV newswoman Mary Richards is her signature role. ANDY GRIFFITH -- This one's a bit closer call. But Sheriff Andy Taylor still ends up winning every time opposite Ben Matlock. RAYMOND BURR -- His portrayal of Perry Mason will always stand taller in competition with Burr's wheelchair-bound Robert Ironside. BEA ARTHUR -- Maude Finley still wins hands-down against Dorothy Zbornak of The Golden Girls. WILLIAM SHATNER -- Capt. James T. Kirk continues to fly high over either T.J. Hooker or Denny Crane. SHERMAN HEMSLEY -- His ever-cantankerous George Jefferson wins in a walk over Deacon Ernest Frye of Amen. TED DANSON -- Bartender Sam Malone on Cheers will alway out-pace his title role on Becker or his lead character on the latter day version of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. BUDDY EBSEN -- Jed Clampett is an easy call over Barnaby Jones or Davy Crockett's wingman, Georgie Russell, in those timeless Walt Disney adventure yarns. TOM SELLECK -- It doesn't matter how long Blue Bloods lasts. He'll always be private investigator Thomas Magnum. BOB DENVER -- Maynard G. Krebs got him started, but call him Gilligan. CAROL BURNETT and JOHNNY CARSON -- As themselves, although very nice work on all of those supporting characters they created for their respective variety and talk shows. Others are slam-dunk indelibles, with no other TV role remotely close. To name just a few: James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane Roseanne Barr as Roseanne Connor Alan Alda as Hawkeye Pierce James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden Bill Cosby as Cliff Huxtable. Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw. Peter Falk as Columbo Ed Asner as Lou Grant Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock Henry Winkler as "The Fonz" Richard Thomas as "John Boy" Walton And their beats go on. Larry Hagman lived to see his reincarnation of J.R. Ewing TNT photo By ED BARK @unclebarkycom Few TV characters could match the on-screen wattage or off-screen eccentricities of Fort Worth-born, Weatherford-raised Larry Martin Hagman. His black-hearted J.R. Ewing oft wore an off-white cowboy hat during his long reign as the world's most famous fictional evil-doer. In private life, Hagman regularly wore funny hats and flowing robes, observed Silent Sundays for a quarter-century and used a miniature fan to blow cigarette smoke back into the faces of anyone who dared to puff in his presence. His death on the day after Thanksgiving, at the age of 81, put a shroud over Black Friday. He had survived for 17 years with a new liver before finally succumbing to complications from throat cancer. The end came in a Dallas hospital after Hagman spent his last fall filming Season 2 of TNT's Dallas reboot. So he died with his boots on, figuratively if not literally. And what a life he had after being born to fame as the son of Broadway legend Mary Martin. My experiences with Hagman spanned more than 30 years, starting with the "Who Shot J.R.?" summer of 1980 and ending with the May 31st world premiere of the new Dallas at the Winspear Opera House in downtown Big D. Hagman and his wife of 59 years, the former Maj Axelsson, threw a party for TV critics in their Malibu home during the height of "Who Shot J.R.?" frenzy. He was constantly surrounded by a gaggle of 20 or more writers striving to hear his every utterance amid the constant din. At one point, the Hagmans' beachfront Texas flag got a little too close to a bonfire and nearly went up in flames before someone pulled it out of harm's way. "Wow, can you imagine what shit I'd be in if I burned the Texas flag?" Hagman cracked. Later that night, the toilets overflowed, prompting next door neighbor Burgess Meredith to graciously offer assistance. "Who shot J.R.'s septic tank?" became the lead sentence in my subsequent dispatch. A generation and a half later, in January of 2012, Hagman and old Dallas stalwarts Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy joined the TNT version's new cast members at the reboot's first national media event in Pasadena, Calif. Josh Henderson, who plays J.R.'s suitably villainous son, John Ross, was asked what it was like to be slapped by "the iconic J.R." in an early episode. "It was an honor, actually," he said. "And I asked for more takes. I told him, 'Just go ahead and hit me.' It's amazing to see them and their characters come back to life, and to be a part of it." With Barbara Eden in Jeannie and original cast of Dallas Hagman didn't lack for fame. I Dream of Jeannie put him on the map in 1965 as Capt. Tony Nelson. And then Dallas put him over the moon after premiering on April 2, 1978 and running all the way until May 3, 1991 on CBS. But before both of those roles came the classic 1964 film Fail-Safe, in which Hagman had a significant part as a Russian interpreter. Most of his scenes were opposite Henry Fonda's president of the United States. Hagman was excellent in the role. But a year later, he succumbed to Jeannie rather than attempt to further his reputation as a "serious" actor. "I took whatever came along. I was glad to work. I had a family to support," Hagman said in a 2001 interview tied to his autobiography, Hello Darlin': Tall (and Absolutely True) Tales About My Life. "I wasn't managing my career and nobody else was either. But I've done pretty well. I'm probably the most famous actor in the world. I mean, really. And I've made a ton of money." What he never received was an acting award of any real import. Two Emmy nominations as J.R. Ewing and another four Golden Globe nods added up to zero wins. And almost criminally, Hagman still hasn't been inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame. He always sloughed it all off, even if it really hurt at least a little -- or a lot. "Was I?" he asked in that 2001 interview after being reminded of his two Emmy nominations for Dallas. "I don't watch awards shows. I'm so embarrassed to see the people sitting there waiting to win, picking their noses. And then they don't. That always makes me uncomfortable. To be nominated is one thing. That's an honor. But then you have to sit around waiting to be rejected while they make millions of dollars off of you. I don't like that . . . I don't like accolades. I can't handle 'em. I like the money in the bank. That's fine for me. That and the fun of makin' 'em." The original "Big Three" with newcomer Brenda Strong. TNT photo A lot of actors owe a lot of their money to Hagman's salary holdout between the time J.R. got shot to when the world learned who plugged him on the night of Nov. 21, 1980. Hagman felt he had the ultimate leverage. Others didn't, including then MTM Productions head Grant Tinker. "He was shot. Maybe he shouldn't recover," Tinker told TV critics in a 1980 interview. "Whatever CBS is paying Larry Hagman, you could kill a disease with it. When somebody goes bananas on an MTM-produced show, we tend to excuse them . . . I think it would have been a celebrated opportunity to show that the inmates don't run the asylum." But Hagman got what he wanted -- and in fact deserved. His salary jumped to a then unheard of $50,00 per episode of Dallas. It rose to $200,000 by the end of the road, which seems quaint in light of the $1 million per episode hauled in by each of the six cast members of Friends in Seasons 9 and 10. Hagman put that money truck in motion with his unwavering demands. And in his autobiography, he figures there at least should be an award for that. "Nowadays I look at the salaries that are being paid to top TV actors . . . and I think, 'Good for them.' " Hagman wrote. "I also think they should give me a little nod for blazing the trail for episodic television." The end of the original Dallas, after 13 seasons (seven of them in prime-time's Top 10), found Hagman ready to move on and be someone other than the broadly drawn J.R. Ewing. "Once you're doing it, you don't think about being canceled," he said in a 1991 telephone interview. "CBS had an option to do another year and they just opted not to take it. There are a lot of shows on the air that have ratings even lower than we do. But Dallas got too expensive to make." He didn't envision himself starring in another TV series, but in 1993 succumbed to NBC's short-lived Staying Afloat. Hagman also said he'd be game for "an Airplane! style of Dallas, because Patrick (Duffy) and I are very good at comedy. I kind of doubt we'd be able to work with each other again otherwise. After playing brothers for 14 years, that'd be kind of difficult." But by 1996, Hagman, Duffy and fellow Dallas stalwarts Gray and Ken Kercheval were re-teaming for the two-hour CBS movie Dallas: J.R. Returns. During an interview on the set, Hagman noted that he'd soon be celebrating the six-month anniversary of his new liver. "See those little white capsules?" he asked of the handful of pills he had to take for the rest of his life. "A hundred bucks apiece!" The new J.R. emerged ruthless but newly sober. "Everyone who watches this show is going to be vividly aware of Larry's personal history and his liver transplant," Duffy said. "So it's the appropriate thing to do, for Larry to say as J.R., ' Well, the doctor took me off the booze. He said it was killing me.' But Bobby still pours himself a bourbon. So it's not like we're going to all of a sudden beat the Prohibition drum." Hagman, in the interview tied to his autobiographical book, said that drinking came natural to both his father, Ben Hagman ("a two-fisted, drinking, good old Texas boy") and his stepfather, Richard Halliday, whom he came to loathe. "The anecdotes were not hard to come up with," Hagman said over diet sodas at a Dallas hotel. "But I found I was spending too much time on my stepfather. So I edited a lot of that stuff out. I didn't realize I resented him as much as I did. We both had alcohol problems but I was never obstreperous or cruel in any way. He was. That was his modus operandi. But everyone follows their own star, and his was not in sync with mine. So I forgive him now." Hagman continued to drink on the set during filming of the original Dallas series. During what turned out to be its last day of on-location filming in Dallas -- in November 1988 -- he downed screwdrivers and white wine during a rather seamy scene at the Million Dollar Saloon. Near the end of the day's filming, a stripper named Nicole danced topless within close distance of an approving J.R.. Somehow five takes were required. "Nurse!" Hagman yelped. The heavy drinking nearly killed him. But Hagman later credited LSD and marijuana as stabilizing forces. His first acid trip was courtesy of David Crosby. "Your lose your ego," Hagman said in the 2001 interview. "It led me into having no fear of death, because you've been there, done that on LSD, and it ain't so bad. Matter of fact, it's wonderful." As for pot, "why that stuff should be illegal is beyond me," he said. "It's so benign compared to alcohol. When you come right down to it, alcohol destroys your body and makes you do violent things. With grass you sit back and enjoy life. I don't smoke dope anymore. I'm in the 12-step program so I can't do any of that. Anyhow, that's my take on it. People say, 'Well, you shouldn't talk like that. They'll nail ya.' What do I care? I'm not carrying. I don't use. What're they gonna nail me for -- talking too much?" A face in the crowd at TNT's world premiere of Dallas. Photo: Ed Bark A clean and sober Hagman made two Dallas TV movies and also participated in a 2004 cast reunion special. Recurring guest star roles in Nip/Tuck and Desperate Housewives likewise kept him busy, as did another shot at series stardom in the quickly canceled 1997 series Orleans, in which he played flamboyant Judge Luther Charbonnet. During a 2004 appearance at Southfork Ranch to plug the Season 1 DVD release of Dallas, Hagman showed anew that he'd speak his mind whenever he pleased. During an interview deep in the heart of George W. Bush country, Hagman said the president had become a manifestation of J.R. Ewing's basic incompetence. So John Kerry was his man. "You know, J.R. never made any money for his company," Hagman reasoned. "He was a bankrupt guy. And finally his wife ended up running what little was left." For that reason, Hagman said he regularly wore a T-shirt with "J.R. for President" on the front and "Oops, he already is" on the back. "Bush is ruining the country," Hagman said. "He's ruining the world, is what he's doing. I know a lot of people don't agree with me, but they have to look around and see what's happening. It's frightening." Two years later, Hagman exuded buttery charm during a 2006 one-man show at Fort Worth's Casa Manana theater. Titled Laugh With a Texas Legend, it seemed to firmly plant Dallas in his past. While showing off a picture of his mother with Bing Crosby, Hagman noted that the late crooner's daughter, Mary Crosby, went on to plug him while playing the role of Kristin Shepard. "Shot heard 'round the world -- and it all went in my pocket," Hagman said to applause. His wife, Maj, later joined him onstage for a question-and-answer session. "The things that poor woman has had to put up with all these years," he said affectionately. No one, including Hagman, envisioned any final bows as J.R. Ewing. But then along came that January 14, 2012 press conference, with Duffy particularly happy to be there. The end of Dallas as a weekly series "was the heartbreak of my career because these are my two closest friends," he said of Hagman and Gray. "And I knew somewhere in my heart that we would never work together again because the three of us couldn't come into a scene without everybody saying, 'Oh, there's J.R., Sue Ellen and Bobby.' And that hurt me. I really wanted to work with them again. So this is the best thing that could happen in my career life." "I got a tear in my eye," Hagman said. And he seemed to actually mean it. The second season of TNT's Dallas is scheduled to begin on Jan. 28th. Fifteen episodes have been ordered, and Hagman reportedly worked in about six of them before his passing. So at some point next year, Dallas will have to hold a funeral for Larry Hagman's indelible, show-stealing J.R. Ewing. And in truth, no one will have to act. Those tears will be all too real. Elementary looms larger; Last Resort is doomed. CBS/ABC photos By ED BARK @unclebarkycom It's been a topsy turvy season so far for the Big Four broadcast networks. Long-dormant NBC is still No. 1 among advertiser-prized 18-to-49-year-olds. It also won the November "sweeps" in this key demographic. CBS is in its usual spot atop the total viewer Nielsens but has a higher percentage of official cancellations far than its rivals. And Fox is fourth across the board, ahead of only the little CW network. As the November "sweeps" ratings period ends and holiday season repeats kick in, let's look at the fates of the new fall series on ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and The CW. ABC Last Resort -- canceled but will be allowed to play out the string of original 13-episode order. Way too serious for Thursday lead-off slot. 666 Park Avenue -- also being dropped after 13 episodes air. Nashville -- given a full-season order, but ratings remain problematic. The Neighbors -- still hanging on despite drubbing from TV critics. Malibu Country -- probably the best bet to return next season after late start. Reba McEntire still a gamer with compatible old-timey sitcom lead-in from Tim Allen's Last Man Standing. CBS Made In Jersey -- won coveted trophy awarded to season's first cancellation. Partners -- newly axed after failing to hold its own as part of network's longstanding Monday sitcom quartet. Elementary -- received full-season order as well as prime post-Super Bowl slot in February. Vegas -- also basking in full-season pickup but needs to do a bit better following potent NCIS: Los Angeles on Tuesdays. Fox The Mob Doctor -- still on the schedule but will give way to new Kevin Bacon drama, The Following, on Mon., Jan. 21st. No one expects it to return. Ben and Kate -- muddling along as part of new Tuesday sitcom lineup. Longshot for sophomore season. The Mindy Project -- pretty much the same outlook as B and K. NBC Animal Practice -- canceled after NBC screwed up closing ceremonies of Olympics with special preview episode. Revolution -- cushy Monday slot following The Voice has made it a hit. But Peacock puzzlingly doing its best to kill momentum by benching until March 25th following last November episode. Go On -- very likely to be back next fall. Third time's a charm for Friends alum Matt Perry after previous flops with Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and Mr. Sunshine. The New Normal -- likewise has gotten a full-season pickup but ratings flagging. Only 50-50 shot for Season 2. Guys with Kids -- still on the schedule but won't see another September. Chicago Fire -- doing well enough opposite Nashville to merit full-season order. Sleeper pick to return for sophomore year. The CW Arrow -- it's the network's first buzz show since Gossip Girl. Virtual lock for second season. Beauty and the Beast -- No way it comes back. Emily Owens, M.D. -- has a better chance to survive than B and B, but still an unlikely returnee. Cocksure Dick and layabout Liz on set of Cleopatra. Lifetime photos By ED BARK @unclebarkycom Lifetime's Liz & Dick is another hallmark of our times. Not that it should have been made at all. But because it exists for the sole exploitive purpose of baiting the masses with another heavy-duty show biz basket case. There's a lot of that going around. FX gainfully took the plunge with Charlie Sheen in Anger Management. Fox is deploying Britney Spears as an X Factor judge after recycling loopy Paula Abdul in the show's first season. Chris Brown got more prime-time exposure at Sunday night's American Music Awards on ABC, where the heavily tatted woman beater performed shirtless. Super-dysfunctionals Ryan and Tatum O'Neal starred in a reality series on Oprah Winfrey's OWN network. Dr. Drew Pinsky only recently kicked his addiction to Celebrity Rehab, which ran for five seasons on VH1. And the Kardashians remain omnipresent. Lindsay Lohan effortlessly rises to the top of the above list. And now here she is as Elizabeth Taylor in a thoroughly ridiculous movie that at least finds her perfectly at home with a drink and cigarette constantly at the ready. Then again, she's had a little practice. Liz & Dick premieres Sunday, Nov. 25th at 8 p.m. (central) on Lifetime, which is getting lots of attendant publicity as expected. Lohan recently "disapponted" Barbara Walters (to hear Babs tell it on The View) by stiffing her for a scheduled interview and instead segueing to the cozier confines of Jay Leno's Tonight Show. And the movie's executive producer, old-line veteran Larry A. Thompson, has been happily promoting Liz & Dick by regaling interviewers with stories about having to get "incarceration insurance" for Lohan in case she got hauled away. The finished product, with New Zealand actor Grant Bowler (True Blood, Ugly Betty) along for the ride as Richard Burton, is basically a collection of spliced-together snippets in which the two boozy principals live lavishly, insult one another, make up, rinse and repeat. Charitably put, Lohan just doesn't have the looks to play Liz. Nor anywhere near the acting chops. She's so unsexy in the role that her "Elizabeth wants to play" come-on, delivered in a negligee while sucking on a cigarette, is more an invitation to flee in horror than to give in. Lohan amazingly is still only 26. But all that hard-living already makes her more fit for The Ethel Merman Story. Liz & Dick begins in Celigny, Switzerland on "The Last Day of Richard Burton's Life," viewers are informed in print. He's writing a death bed letter to her while Dean Martin's "Just In Time" livens things up. Sample passage: "I fell for you the moment I saw you. All those years ago at a party in Hollywood. You were everything I wanted. Even when you looked at me with utter disdain, I thought you were just luscious." They didn't connect until the notoriously expensive film Cleopatra. But before Liz & Dick gives that epic a bargain basement look, we get Liz and Dick in black against a black backdrop. They're talking to the camera and to each other, remembering the way they were via a recurring save-on-production-costs device that never achieves liftoff. Both were married during Cleopatra, Dick to Sybil Burton (Tanya Franks) and Liz working on husband No. 4, singer Eddie Fisher (Andy Hirsch). As the movie depicts it, Taylor had no interest in the infatuated Burton until he climbed aboard during a love scene and lengthily kissed her into submission. Liz & Dick then makes sport of aides' efforts to hide their affair from the two jilted spouses, resorting to jaunty Muzak while Sybil and Eddie are diverted from the two stars' trailers. "I don't need a pool. I've got a while ocean in you," Dick eventually gets around to telling her after they emerge from a bubble bath and onto a hotel bed. When he amuses her, Lohan's Liz often responds with a Nicotine laugh. Liz & Dick also makes a little room for her mom, Sara (Theresa Russell), and his brother, Ifor (David Hunt). Both are thinly drawn, around mainly to fret or become exasperated by the excesses and bad behavior on display. At one point, Lohan's Liz cries out, "I'm bored! I'm so bored!" And at another, "I need a ring. A big ring." Through it all, Dick affectionately calls Liz "Dumpy" in times when he's not angering her with a "Miss Pudgy Digits" putdown. She's fond of throwing things -- at him or against a wall -- while he drinks deeply straight from the bottle on those occasions when he's miffed, depressed or happy. The film's second half rockets them through time and space, faking it to New York, Montreal, Puerto Vallarta, Portofino, Sardinia, Switzerland and Budapest. Bowler somehow manages to summon a few halfway decent moments as Burton while Taylor is reduced to a spoiled, weepy, moody attention-seeker. She was far more than the sum of those parts, but Lohan perhaps just opted to play herself. Those looking for depth will find none. Liz & Dick triumphs, however, as an amusement park for fans of the deeply dreadful. That's probably what they were going for anyway. GRADE: D-minus Masking the problem during Dust Bowl decade. PBS photos By ED BARK Four hours worth of Ken Burns' The Dust Bowl might seem like too much to bear for even his most ardent fans. But naw, they'll come around. Even while working up a powerful thirst. The drought-stricken, spirit-sapping Great Plains of the 1930s get the lyrical and learned Burns treatment in a two-parter premiering on Sunday, Nov. 18th and concluding the following night (at 7 p.m. central on KERA13 in D-FW). "It was a decade-long natural catastrophe of biblical proportions," says narrator Peter Coyote. And Dust Bowl has the striking stills and film to prove it -- over and over again. Unlike the History network's oft-frenetic, slam-bang Mankind: The Story of All of Us , this is story-telling at a measured, meaningful pace. It might induce yawns in some younger viewers. But Burns has never been particularly concerned with audience demographics. His formula -- dating to The Civil War epic that put him on the map -- is to meld words and images to maximum effect without resorting to artificial abracadabra. And although Mankind has its share of awesome CGI-generated moments, Burns' beets overall are much better for you than the other guy's cotton candy. Dust Bowl has the added advantage of eyewitnesses, all of whom were kids when their parents and grandparents found themselves battling the unrelenting elements in the heart of The Great Depression. "Well, it was pretty bad," says Imogene Glover, who vividly remembers wearing dresses made out of flour sacks. "We ate so poorly that the hobos wouldn't come to our house," says Clarence Beck. The writings of Oklahoman Caroline Henderson, dubbed "The Homestead Lady," likewise resonate throughout the four-hour film. She and her husband, Will, stuck it out on their small farm. And many of her first-hand accounts made it to the pages of The Atlantic magazine. The Dust Bowl's apex, where the strongest storms always seemed to hit, was the so-called "No Man's Land" in and around Boise City. Located in Oklahoma's thin western tip, it's bordered by Texas, Colorado, Kansas and New Mexico. You didn't want to be there a lot of the time in the "dirty thirties." But on "Black Sunday" -- April 14, 1935 -- the most horrific dust storm of them all finally sent some 25 percent of the area population packing off to California and other locales. It spawned the enduring Woody Guthrie song "So Long, It's Been Good to Know Ya," which is used to close out Sunday night's Part 1. Virtually every Burns film has a moral. And in this case, nature struck back with unprecedented fury only after the soil had been despoiled by a wave of incoming, mostly dirt poor farmers seeking prosperity. They specialized in growing wheat during boom times for the crop. And a new method of tractor ploughing pounded the previously abundant grassland into submission. The winds then had their way, turning the defenseless dirt into massive black blizzards. Livestock were defenseless and humans, particularly children, became susceptible to "dust pneumonia." Still, many stuck it out. They were resilient, stubborn, foolish and often without the wherewithal to simply pack up and leave. This was their home, after all, with its occasional blue skies or precipitation holding the promise of a new day and an end to the abundant misery. Pictures tell these stories better than many of Dust Bowl's spoken words. A little boy traces traces the outlines of a house through dirt on the family's dining table. Gargantuan dust clouds loom in the background before turning day into pitch black. Rampaging, starving, crop-destroying jackrabbits are clubbed to death by the thousands. In one incredible piece of film, they're stacked into a huge pile of corpses in a manner similar to the mass Nazi atrocities during the Holocaust. Dust Bowl also underscores the inescapable fact that federal government assistance helped to save the day for many. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt did not turn his back on the Plains, as some of his advisors said he should. Instead his Works Progress Administration created jobs for many of the up-against-it breadwinners. Farmers also were taught a deeper, better but slower form of "contour" plowing that greatly helped to curb erosion. "To us he was a saviour," says Virginia Frantz. "He gave us hope where there was none." For many proudly independent farmers, asking for any form of federal aid was an absolute last resort. But ask they eventually did. And they received. Monday's Part 2 includes a near-magical picture of FDR, whose triumphant visit to Amarillo near the end of the 1930s drew a crowd of more than 200,000 in addition to a "World's Largest Marching Band" assembled for the occasion. A downpour erupted during the president's speech, with a front page picture the next day showing him beaming with approval in a rain hat. This is what Burns has always done best. Find a story worth re-telling. Illustrate it with images that keep speaking to us. And perhaps proselytize a little along the way. In this particular case, Dust Bowl sings the praises of government intervention in times when doing nothing would have been inhumane. In one ravaged county, 80 percent of the population ended up receiving some form of federal assistance. "When your back is against the wall, all ideology goes out the window," says historian Donald Worster. That currently holds true with Hurricane Sandy, which took just a day to devastate the Jersey Shore. The Dust Bowl, in contrast, was a decade in the making -- and is now three quarters of a century behind us. That's where Ken Burns steps in. And his films continue to leave lasting footprints. GRADE: A Vintage Stones, with the late Brian Jones on far right. By ED BARK @unclebarkycom Younger generations -- and even older heads who grew up with the Rolling Stones -- might find their jaws dropping over the manic chaos gripping the group's early performances. "You stayed there for as long as you could until you got besieged," Keith Richards recalls in HBO's Crossfire Hurricane. He doesn't seem to be exaggerating. Premiering on Thursday, Nov. 15th (8 p.m. central) and being repeated throughout this month, the one hour, 50 minute film has footage showing the Stones under constant attack from rabid fans. They stormed the stage, jumped band members and sometimes pelted cops in their zeal to be an oft-brutal part of shows that eventually couldn't go on. "There are whole armies of parents who become almost homicidal at the sight of them," said a bespectacled British commentator from the 1960s. A newspaper headline from those days is also typical as well as laughable. " 'Too-scruffy' Stones are refused lunch," it says. This was pretty much by design. The band's first full-time manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, positioned and merchandised the Stones as Lucifers to the Beatles' archangels. Or as Richards puts it in a new interview, "The Beatles have got the white hat. What's left? The black hat." Richards, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood and former Stones Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor contribute new interviews for Crossfire Hurricane, which is tied to the band's 50th anniversary and upcoming tour. But no cameras were allowed for this, making it sometimes difficult to decipher just who's talking during the otherwise brilliantly edited archival footage assembled by filmmaker Brett Morgen (The Kid Stays in the Picture). Richards solves some of this problem. A number of his off-camera comments are punctuated by that unmistakable death rattle laugh. So thanks for that. Crossfire Hurricane, which draws its title from a lyric in "Jumping Jack Flash," is also in some ways a reunion among the surviving Stones and charter member Brian Jones, whose life ended at the bottom of a swimming pool on July 3,1969. "Keith and I took drugs," Jagger recalls. "But Brian took too many drugs of the wrong kind." Jones, a superb instrumentalist, was around for most of the full-blown mayhem -- both onstage and off-. in one of his pithier comments in Crossfire Hurricane, he says matter-of-factly, "Georgia is full of idiots." He gradually disengaged, telling an interviewer, "Let's face it. The future as a Rolling Stone is very uncertain." Increasingly unsure about whether he'd show up and what shape he'd be in, Jagger, Richards, Watts and Wyman reluctantly dismissed Jones in June of 1969 and replaced him with Mick Taylor. Less than a month later he was dead. And Jagger still wonders if the band could have done more to keep him on track. The music unleashed in that period remains thrilling to hear and behold. Crossfire Hurricane shows the Stones' rehearsing "Tell Me," the first original song written by Jagger. There's also the early raw power of "I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," with Jagger telling an interviewer at the time, "I can't express myself in the right way when I feel satisfied with the world." A great early version of "It's All Over Now" is performed within the relatively intimate confines of a TV studio before a group of delirious fans. Crossfire also brings home the sheer enormity of the Stones' Hyde Park concert (which became a requiem for Jones) and the foreboding free performance at Altamont, where the Hells Angels provided security during the course of stabbing a rowdy concert-goer to death. "Festival of Horror Contrasts with Woodstock peace," said a newspaper headline. In its aftermath, Richards nearly followed Jones to the grave. "I was definitely on another planet at this point," he recalls. "I took to the stuff." Heroin he means. And during the stark "Exile on Main Street" recording sessions in the south of France, it's easy to see the tracks on Richards' arms. All these years later, Taylor says the principal reason he abruptly left the Stones in 1974 was to keep from becoming Keith. "I slowly became addicted to heroin," he reveals. So he dropped out to survive. Wood agreed "in a New York minute" to replace him. "Fitting into their mold was easy for me," he says. Richards kicked his addiction after being busted in Canada for heroin possession. At age 33, he was fortunate to receive one year's probation in lieu of a lengthy prison term. "That's when I stopped," Richards says. "I was quite relieved when he cleaned up some," Jagger adds. He's now 69. And the 68-year-old continues to cheat all predictions of his imminent death. So there are still a few more bucks to be made and stages to conquer as the Stones hit the half-century mark. Crossfire Hurricane serves as a marketing launch pad in that respect while more importantly giving viewers the Stones in all their primitive glory. They survived the near-Satanic image laid out for them while the comparatively angelic Beatles disbanded and now are half the men they used to be. Take it from Keith Richards, who says near film's end: You just don't (f...) with the Stones. This is a simple rule. It don't pay." For good measure, he then lays down another death rattle cackle. GRADE: A-minus 11/12/12 01:18 PM A very rare quiet moment in Mankind. History photo Premiering: Tuesday, Nov. 13th from 8 to 10 p.m. (central) on History and continuing on the same nights and times for the next five weeks Narrated by: Josh Brolin Produced by: Jane Root, Ben Goold By ED BARK @unclebarkycom Slam. Bang. Zoom. Stuck on hyper-drive and stuffed with hyperbole, Mankind: The Story of All of Us is history a-go-go from a programmer that used to obey a few speed limits. Not so with History network's "epic" 12-hour successor to America: The Story of Us. It's another breakneck trip aimed at a drive-through, short attention span nation. The special effects again are impressive and even jaw-dropping when it comes to the super-speed constructions of a modern day bridge and The Great Wall of China. So this is a production that will look great in HD while also assaulting your senses with a drum-pounding/ heavy metal whoosh through the first chapters on "Inventors" and "Iron Men." History network sent only these two opening hours for review, with 10 more to come on successive Tuesdays. It seemed like more than enough to get the drift, though. Josh Brolin narrates this time-shifting panorama of re-enactments, many of them featuring costumed extras in various forms of warfare. The talking head experts include NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams, who as usual is impeccably starched and pressed. He's also relatively calm compared to the likes of former Navy SEAL Richard "Mack" Machowicz, who acts and looks as though he'd be more than happy to re-arm himself and join the Spartans in their battle to repel the rampaging Persians. "They're the baddest human beings on Planet Earth," he says with relish. "And they wanna stay that way." Military historian Mike Loades also fits right in as a semi-crazed hand-talker with a particular fondness for crossbows. Brolin, who has a lot of verbiage to unload in these first two hours, thankfully is a lower-keyed tour guide in comparison to these two. Still, the overall over-the-top approach at times overwhelms him. The title could just as easily have been Humankind in the interest of the many women who also made history. But Mankind it is, and these first two hours indeed are notably short on both female experts and characters. In truth, though, it was a highly chauvinistic man's world during the mostly B.C. centuries depicted on opening night. Brief attention is paid, though, to the world's first farmer, who is said to be a woman. Dr. Mehmet Oz and tart chef/world traveler Anthony Bourdain join Williams among the experts popping in. But only Williams gets much air time, and really not all that much. "We are a restless bunch, we humans," he says for openers. "We are always looking 'over there' . . . This is our hard-wiring. Our DNA." Tuesday's second hour ends with an image of Jesus Christ bleeding under a crown of thorns. Next week's third hour initially will spotlight His crucifixion, but perhaps not to the heavy metal soundtrack that accompanies most of the battle scenes. One gets the feeling, though, that Christ's tortuous march to Golgotha might well be whooshed through before -- whoosh -- there He is on the cross. And -- whoosh -- then came the resurrection. Forever and ever, amen. Mankind is a visual banquet, though. And even grade schoolers surely won't be bored by its cavalcade of battle scenes, some of which almost seem like video games. In other words, it's classroom ready. During its formative years, History network could be counted on for grainy black-and-white newsreel footage and a seeming fixation with World War II battleships. Lately it's been home to the Emmy-laden miniseries Hatfields & McCoys and those "jaw-dropping CGI" effects touted in publicity materials for Mankind. Sober, scholarly substance can get short-changed in these cases. But more viewers than ever before are watching this venerable network, whose 18-to-49 viewership likewise is on the rise. No television executive wants to be known for letting a channel go extinct. So History network continues to rock the past -- and make itself more contemporary as well. GRADE: B-minus Trinity's finest: Chief Steven Jones and "Big Sexy." CMT photos Premiering: Saturday, Nov. 10th at 9:30 p.m. (central) on CMT Starring: The plus-sized protectors of Trinity, TX, population 2,697 Produced by: Chris Gillen @unclebarkycom Although just a dot on the East Texas map, Trinity (pop. 2,697) remains spacious enough to encase the super-corpulent cops of CMT's Big Texas Heat. They eat a lotta donuts and do a lotta nuthin' in this latest stupefying "reality" series. Texas has been home to a lot of 'em over the years, but Big Texas Heat takes the cake. Which Chief Steven Jones and Officer Donald "Big Sexy" Givens would gladly devour in one sitting. This is a series that doesn't mind flaunting its principal stars' obesity. In fact it was renamed -- from Trinity 9-1-1 -- to revel in it. Chief Jones and the preening "Big Sexy" in particular are intended to be ongoing sight gags. The other members of Trinity's finest are also overweight, even though pudgy young officer Justin Sikes is nicknamed "Little Man" because he's not quite a full-blown porker yet. Chief Jones regularly totes a dozen donuts to the workplace, prompting portly Sgt. Randy Wheeler to declare, "Chief brings in a box, I'm probably gonna eat one." Just one? In Episode 2, Wheeler contentedly resumes munching a donut while driving his squad car. He's relieved after a dispatcher tells him that a donkey blocking traffic on Main Street has "moved on." We don't see the donkey, and it's doubtful there ever was one. In Saturday's lifeless premiere, it's supposed to be high drama when the Chief's wife, Melanie, gets a little mad at him for attending a rival beauty salon's ribbon-cutting. Not only that, the proprietor is a former lady friend of his. Meanwhile the buffoonish officer in training, Felix Morales, tells "Little Man" that one of his hobbies is "ghost hunting." It probably really isn't. But the producers of this half-hour dawdler seem desperate to inject something -- anything -- into these proceedings. "Little Man" then sniffs, "I think it's all jibber jabber. And I'm not gonna believe any of that mess." The officers otherwise seem to take pride in their "real nasty" cells, where inmates have been known to crap and pee, says the loquacious "Little Man." So the officer bringing in the least number of offenders on "Warrant Roundup" day will have to clean the cells out -- or at least pretend to for a few seconds while the cameras roll. Next week's half-hour also includes something that's not amusing on any level. The Chief and eager beaver Morales spot a black man riding a bicycle who makes an inconsequential improper turn or something on the largely barren streets of Trinity. They chase him down as though he's just robbed a bank, with Morales earning his spurs by handcuffing the guy after putting him face down on the ground. Did anyone consider for even a second how this would look on national television? Big Texas Heat is the caboose of CMT's big Saturday night of IQ-impairing "reality" series premieres. The Season 2 launch of Redneck Island kicks things off at 8 p.m. (central) before the debut of Chainsaw Gang leads into dumbo circus. Trinity might be all revved up about this thing, and perhaps it'll pump a few nickels into the local economy. In return, though, don't expect your city or your police force to be taken seriously. Aw, who cares. We get to be on the teevee! GRADE: D Give it up for Mother of the Bride in Wedding Band. TBS photo Premiering: Saturday, Nov. 10th at 9 p.m. (central) Starring: Brian Austin Green, Peter Cambor, Harold Perrineau, Derek Miller, Melora Hardin, Jenny Wade, Kathryn Fiore Produced by: Mike Tollin, Josh Lobis, Darin Moiselle, Bryan Gordon, Ben Spector, Matt Pyken By ED BARK @unclebarkycom The self-anointed "Very Funny" network at last rises to a modicum of merriment in Wedding Band. It's an aberration in other ways, too. This is a one-hour comedy series without a laugh track. And it's the first original scripted TBS production to get a prime-time Saturday slot. That's usually code for "throwaway," but Wedding Band might be worth a fling. Brian Austin Green, the venerable former heartthrob of Beverly Hills 90210, stars as aging bachelor Tommy. Heavily armed with tats -- including a giant python on his arm -- he's the lead singer/Lothario of Mother of the Bride. Tommy and his three mates will play just about any gig, with weddings their specialty but bar mitzvahs, reunions and anniversaries always welcome. Tommy's married best friend, Eddie (Peter Cambor), is on lead guitar while his Jack Black lookalike brother Barry (Derek Miller) pounds the skins. New to the band is Stevie (Lost's Harold Perrineau), a veteran session musician yearning to be an official member of something. "Nothing against us, but why would you want to play with us?" Tommy wonders. Not a bad line. File under "Modicum of Merriment." Three episodes were sent for review. And the most surprising aspect is the music. It goes down pretty well, whether the boys are doing a country version of "I Will Survive" (a wedding reception must) or one of their enthusiastically received originals. In the Saturday, Nov. 17th episode, a rockin' bachelor party tune played at a strip club includes the lyrics, "You and me, baby, ain't nothin' but mammals. Let's do it like they do on The Discovery Channel." Not exactly Lennon and McCartney, but kinda goo goo g'joob . Tommy does it like he does it with a variety of women while Eddie juggles the responsibilities of two pre-teen kids and his police detective wife, Ingrid (Kathryn Fiore). Their disparate lifestyles clash, crash and sometimes burn. Wedding Band is basically supposed to be a comedy of errors, which also makes it hit 'n' miss. Badly missing is a sequence in which Tommy's ex-girlfriend still pines for him on her wedding day after hiring Mother of the Bride to play the tunes. He talks her down and then pops a celebratory bottle of champagne backstage. But the errant cork deflates one of the bride's breast implants, which doesn't go well with her wedding dress. Low comedy has its place, but not in this case. Wedding Band also enlists primo event booker Roxie Rutherford (Melora Hardin) and her rookie assistant, Rachel (Jenny Wade rebounding from The Good Guys). Roxie is a prototypically bullying boss, informing Tommy, "You screw up this wedding and I will cut off your balls and wear them as earrings." That said, she's soon in bed with one of the boys. Episode 2 is on better footing during Tommy's attempts to baby-sit Eddie's six-year-old daughter. Green has some amusing scenes with her. And the hour also includes a genuinely nifty cello & xylophone version of "West End Girls" by Barry and Stevie. But Episode 3 is mostly lame, with the band coming to the aid of two sex-starved nerds by throwing a party for them. Wedding Band all in all is more of a reach than a grasp. It's not an embarrassment, though. The music has its moments and the comedy occasionally rattles home. Not nearly often enough to make it "Very Funny." But worth a few grins and maybe even a shimmy shake. GRADE: C+ ABC News made do with a loopy Diane Sawyer. Photos: Ed Bark By ED BARK Diane Sawyer. Karl Rove. Donald Trump. And in other news, voters re-elected President Obama to a second term Tuesday. Every election night has its moments, but this one was notable for the oddities contributed by ABC, Fox News Channel and NBC anchor Brian Williams with a searing critique of his network's billionaire embarrassment. Let's begin with Sawyer, whose overall discombobulation lit up the Twitter-verse with jokes and speculation about whether she was liquored up, off her meds, on some meds or just plain dead on her feet. Her speech patterns were sometimes slurry, making Sawyer sound a little like Tom Brokaw does all the time. She also giggled at odd moments, mispronounced words on occasion and generally seemed "off her game" throughout the night. The 66-year-old Sawyer's mushy, halting closing valedictory, just after Obama finished his victory speech shortly before 1 a.m. (central), had the feel of a badly dehydrated marathoner staggering to the tape. She seemed to have a hard time getting the words out, let alone stringing them together. "It is a reminder," Sawyer said in part, "what an extraordinary, exceptional and inspiring country this is on a night like this when we have all come together to vote." Positively Paula Abdul-ish. Sawyer also "scored" by indecorously telling Republican strategist Nicolle Wallace, "You've been there for losing candidates so many times." Sawyer and her colleagues weren't helped by a nearly 20-minute power failure that hit ABC studios just before 10 p.m central. Most affiliate stations throughout the country were cutting away to their local late night newscasts, giving the network time to vamp and troubleshoot while its election coverage was off the air in the majority of markets. Later Tuesday night, political analyst Matt Dowd seemed to contract Sawyer-itis when he twice declared, "This may be the last presidential election in which two white men run for president." It sent the entire ABC News team into a prolonged giggle fit before correspondent Jake Tapper, stationed at the Obama celebration in Chicago, reminded one and all that the president isn't a white guy. On Wednesday morning, the ABC News publicity department sent out two of Sawyer's tweets, including, "During 25 minute power outage. Read your tweets the good, bad, and the funny." ABC also attached an election night media story by Brian Stelter of The New York Times. It had further details on the power outage while also noting the Twitter chatter about Sawyer, who "repeatedly slurred her words." "Some people at ABC had an explanation," Stelter wrote. "Ms. Sawyer was simply exhausted. The network had no official comment about the Twitter chatter, except to say that her successful anchoring during a prolonged blackout of her studio spoke for itself." FNC anchor Megyn Kelly interviews members of "Decision Desk." And then there was Karl Rove, best known as the orchestrator of President George W. Bush's two winning campaigns. Rove's final electoral map projections had Romney winning by a 285 to 253 margin, with Ohio's 18 electoral votes the keys to the kingdom. He went into a severe state of denial when Fox News Channel projected Ohio for Obama and then almost immediately declared him the election winner at 10:17 p.m. Rove first argued with Chris Wallace, saying that Ohio remained way too close to call with many votes left to be counted. He was insistent to the point of absurdity, prompting co-anchor Megyn Kelly to leave her desk for a rather long and winding trip to the network's "Decision Desk," from where the Ohio call originated. (NBC earlier had given both Ohio and the election to Obama with the first game-over call of the night at 10:12 p.m.) Cameras followed Kelly on her route. "They're w-a-a-y down the hall," she told viewers. ""So we'll do a little interrogation and see if they stand by their call, notwithstanding the doubts that Karl Rove has attempted to place." At last reaching her final destination, Kelly was told that "there just aren't enough Republican votes for Mitt Romney to get there" in the Ohio areas remaining to be counted. "Percentage of certainty?" Kelly asked. "95.95 percent," she was told. Rove still wasn't buying it, stealing the night's comedy achievement award trophy from Sawyer when she seemed to have a lock on it. Veteran FNC politico Brit Hume meanwhile praised Obama for pulling off a victory in the face of a still very troubled economy. "I think it is a major political achievement," he said, "because it wasn't easy." Dan Rather toiled in relative obscurity on Mark Cuban's AXS channel. Before turning to the sorry spectacle of Donald Trump, let the record show that Dan Rather was still in there anchoring on election night. The 81-year-old warhorse did his level best for Mark Cuban's AXS TV, which until recently was HDNet until the Dallas Mavericks' owner threw in with a group of new partners that includes American Idol host Ryan Seacrest. The above picture documents Rather's presence for the millions of viewers who had no idea how or where to find him on election night. Trump, the braying, bellicose host of NBC's The Celebrity Apprentice, took the news of Obama's re-election with his usual grace. He began bombarding his followers with base level tweets. They included: "We can't let this happen. We should march on Washington and stop this travesty. Our nation is totally divided!" "This election is a total sham and a travesty. We are not a democracy!" "Let's fight like hell and stop this great and disgusting injustice! the world is laughing at us." "Phoney (sic) electoral college made a laughing stock out of our nation. The loser one!" "Votes equals a loss...revolution!" Trump subsequently deleted the last two tweets. But NBC anchor Brian Williams had both seen and heard enough. He told viewers that Trump has "driven well past the last exit to relevance and veered into something closer to irresponsible." An "All-Star" edition of Trump's Celebrity Apprentice is set to premiere March 3rd on NBC, occupying two hours of the network's prime-time Sunday real estate for four weeks before downsizing to one-hour episodes on March 31st. Isn't it about time that NBC stepped up and fired Trump rather than keeping him on its payroll? When Hank Williams Jr. equated Obama to Hitler, ESPN stepped up and discontinued his longstanding opening serenade to Monday Night Football. Trump would be tougher to dump because Celebrity Apprentice helps to keep the Sunday night lights on after football goes away in January. Still, it's the right thing to do at this point. And Williams for one wouldn't mind in the least. A few other observations on election night coverage. ***CNN's John King and his "Magic Wall" are easily ridiculed. But he does a terrific job of zeroing in on where votes are left to be counted in closely contested states. Viewers benefit from his knowledge of which candidate might hold the upper hand. King's breakdowns of the Florida and Ohio contests were particularly instructive. *** CBS' election night coverage looked like a stripped down economy car compared to the looks and gadgets of principal broadcast network rivals ABC and NBC. And the onetime network of Rather and Walter Cronkite pretty much got lost in the shuffle, running a distant third in the national prime-time Nielsens with an average of 8.42 million viewers to NBC's 12.56 million and ABC's 11.15 million. ***MSNBC's partisanship is far more overt than Fox News Channel's, although Rove almost singlehandedly made it seem otherwise Tuesday night. Principal anchor Rachel Maddow is tolerable, but prolonged exposure to desk mates Chris Matthews, Al Sharpton and Ed Schultz is toxic at best. We'll close with a picture of NBC's "Democracy Plaza," which again stole the election night show with its sheer visual grandeur. @unclebarkycom Here we go. Barack Obama vs. Mitt Romney is now in the hands of me and you and a boy named Sue. We'll be tweeting throughout the day and likely deep into the night on how television is handling judgment day. MSNBC will be the official Obama network while Fox News Channel plays up Romney's chances. That leaves a lot of networks somewhere in the middle -- at least compared to these two. The above electoral projection maps give you something to mull. One is based on an amalgamation of polls . The other is from Karl Rove's website, with the former George W. Bush orchestrator not surprisingly picking Romney to pull it out. The biggest difference in these two polls? It's Ohio. Rove gives the Buckeye state to Romney while the consensus favors Obama. The only other disparity is Iowa. Give Romney those two states and he moves from a losing 261 electoral votes to a winning 285. So place your bets. Will any of the other handful of "battleground states" -- Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Florida, etc., -- have different outcomes than both of these maps project? And will any of the networks make a projection they're later forced to take back? Gotta love democracy. Now if only they'd scrap the long-antiquated electoral college and make everyone's vote weigh the same. 11/01/12 03:34 PM Anson Mount from Hell On Wheels heads the cast of SEAL Team Six. National Geographic Channel photo By ED BARK @unclebarkycom Some supporters of Mitt Romney have questioned the timing of National Geographic Channel's SEAL Team Six: The Raid on Osama bin Laden. After all, it's premiering just two days before the presidential election (Sunday, Nov. 4th at 7 p.m. central) and supposedly was belatedly re-cut in order to ramp up the role of President Obama via archival news footage. I've got another question, though. Where's Carrie Mathison? The Claire Danes-played bipolar heroine of Showtime's Homeland would fit right in here as a counter-terrorist CIA agent obsessed with bringing down bin Laden. Instead we get something of a stand-in. A fictional counter-terrorist agent named Vivian Hollins (Kathleen Robertson from Starz's Boss) is the most empathetic character in SEAL Team Six. She cajoles, she persists and in the end she gets her man despite resistance from the top until almost the very last drop. The 90-minute film, intercut with a half-hour's worth of commercials, carries the usual "docudrama" disclaimers. "This story is inspired by real events," viewers are informed. "Some characters, dialogue and action have been dramatized." Originally planned as a feature film titled Code Name: Geronimo (the moniker give bin Laden by those out to kill him), SEAL Team Six comes from The Weinstein Company and its Obama-backing chieftain, Harvey Weinstein. According to an Oct. 23rd report in The New York Times , he strongly suggested to director John Stockwell that more footage of Obama be included in the finished product. Stockwell complied, explaining that Weinstein's suggested revisions "gave the movie context and helped root it in reality." On the other side of the coin, National Geographic Channel president John T. Owens told the Times that the network insisted on removing footage in which Romney appeared to oppose the raid on bin Laden's compound. Whatever you believe, SEAL Team Six in reality is highly unlikely to influence any votes. It's airing on a relatively obscure network on a night that's loaded with big-ticket competing attractions ranging from Homeland to NBC's Sunday Night Football to CBS' The Good Wife. Beyond that, it's a decently made but hardly exceptional movie without any high wattage star power but with a few familiar faces. William Fichtner and Robert Knepper, former co-stars of Fox's Prison Break, respectively play a CIA major domo and a SEAL commander. Anson Mount, star of AMC's ratings-challenged Hell on Wheels western series, and Freddy Rodriguez (Six Feet Under), are fictional SEALs known as "Cherry" and "Trench." Cherry is sometimes at odds with team leader "Stunner" (Cam Gigandet). So much so that they doff their armor and weapons at one point to duke it out before Knepper's character breaks it up. Who knows whether that really happened? In one of his frequent talk-to-the-camera interludes, Cherry later says, "He thinks I'm a hot-headed redneck, which I am. I think he's a surfer boy. Which he is. And uh, it takes all types." The real-life Bin Laden is seen fleetingly in old news footage. But on the May 2, 2011 night of his death, an actor standing in for him is never shown full-faced before or after taking a bullet to the forehead from Cherry. Obama is something of a central player, exclusively via archival video. Early in the film, he laughs it up at the White House Correspondents dinner when comedian Seth Myers tells a bin Laden joke. We now know what the President fully knew then -- that a make or break raid on bin Laden's Pakistan compound was imminent. The President almost gets to close the film with the words, "Justice has been done." Mount's character then adds a kicker -- "It was a good day to be an American" -- as the SEALs return to their own compound for a secret celebration of a job very well done. SEAL Team Six often has a documentary feel, even when actors are involved. But it's not entirely bloodless and includes some affecting scenes in which team members talk via Skype to their loved ones before heading off to hopefully take out "Geronimo." Knepper, the head weasel of Prison Break, is effective in an entirely different guise as the team's rock-jawed commander. And the aforementioned Robertson nicely plays the dogged Vivian Hollins. Mount's cowboy-ish Cherry also breaks through on occasion, even if his long hair and beard make him look as though he's still very much in character for Hell on Wheels. One half-expects him to ride in on a horse for at least a scene or two. Another depiction of these SEALs and their mission is coming to the big screen this December. And Zero Dark Thirty will be directed and produced by Kathryn Bigelow, an Oscar-winner for The Hurt Locker. SEAL Team Six at least can say it got there first and created a little controversy in the process. But it's otherwise likely to be comparatively little-seen -- as well as quickly forgotten. GRADE: B-minus Reba McEntire & Lily Tomlin drawl 'n' squabble in Malibu Country. ABC photo Premiering: Friday, Nov. 2nd at 7:30 p.m. (central) on ABC Starring: Reba McEntire, Lily Tomlin, Sara Rue, Justin Prentice, Juliette Angelo, Jai Rodriguez Produced by: Kevin Abbott, Michael Hanel, Mindy Schultheis, Narvel Blackstock, Dave Stewart, Pamela Oas Williams, Reba McEntire By ED BARK @unclebarkycom Outlandish and thoroughly TV Land-ish, Malibu Country belongs on the network of Hot In Cleveland, Happily Divorced and other broad, blast-from-the-past sitcoms. Instead it's on ABC, paired with Tim Allen's Last Man Standing in an effort to at least partially rebuild the network's old laff track-spiked TGIF comedy franchise. Reba McEntire, who long has felt entitled to be called just "Reba," plays a jilted former country singer named Reba after starring in the now defunct WB network's Reba from 2001-'07. Her co-star is the great Lily Tomlin, now reduced to the role of a cantankerous granny who at one point says, "But you jarred loose my bunion pad." These are the times we live in. The set-up for Malibu Country is same-old, same-old. Reba's philandering husband, country music star Bobby Gallagher (guest star Jeffrey Nordling), is caught having an affair while on his "These Vows Are Sacred Tour." A Nashville news conference is supposed to end with Reba playing his docile, stand-by-your man spouse. Instead she gets fed up and spouts, "He's a moron. And I'm leavin' his lyin', cheatin' butt. Was that the kind of support you were lookin' for?" So she loads up the truck and they move to Beverly -- Malibu that is. In tow with Reba are Lillie Mae (Tomlin) and her two grandchildren, Cash (Justin Prentice) and June (Juliette Angelo). Get it? Cash and June. Hee hawwwwwww! Anyhoo, philandering Bobby just happens to have a nicely appointed, ocean-front Malibu party pad that Reba knew nothing about. So they all settle in and immediately are invaded by next door neighbor Kim (Sara Rue), a ditzy, touch-feely Malibu-ian. Lillie Mae is soon pouring shots -- and throwin' hers back. Transplanted Reba and company aren't exactly the Beverly Hillbillies, but it's OK if you see them that way. When Kim's stepson, Sage (Hudson Thames) proclaims himself gay, Reba begins on a country wrong note: "I'm sorry, you just thew me. I mean, you don't seem gay. You seem normal. I'm not sayin' that gay isn't normal. I was just . . . stammer, stammer . . . I'm gonna go put my head in the freezer." High-larious. Meanwhile, Lillie Mae gets high on medical marijuana in the form of a "happy lolly" prescribed by a nearby doctor. "I just saw a pelican poop," she tells her daughter after a distraught Reba returns from a no-go meeting at a record producer's office. Maybe they're just not cut out for Malibu. But then there'd be no series -- which would be a good thing. Wait, though. Reba's not gonna give up just yet. If they want a hit song, then she'll darned well give 'em one. Goes by the name of "Say Hi to the New Me." Time for Kim to pop back in and declare, "I think I heard a hoe down!" She's wearing a cowboy hat and lifting a glass of wine to enhance the mood. ABC's old TGIF comedy lineups from the 1990s weren't exactly heavy-lifting either. Family Matters, Boy Meets World, Step By Step, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, etc. But those shows -- with the exception of Mr. Cooper -- primarily were driven by their kid stars and watched by droves of kiddoes, tweens, teens and their accommodating parents. Reba McEntire, Lily Tomlin and Tim Allen are the primary drive shafts of Malibu Country and Last Man Standing. None are on the radar of your basic Justin Bieber worshipper. And adults in the mood to unwind have better Friday night options in CBS' competing Undercover Boss or Fox's Kitchen Nightmares. Saucy Reba and a tart-tongued Tomlin -- "She said you're a horn dog just like your daddy" -- are for the most part a sad turn of events in Malibu Country. No one's yet said "That dog won't hunt." But this dog won't. GRADE: C-minus

Dallas

For a point each, name the country surrounding the Republic of The Gambia.

Dallas-Fort Worth TV Dallas-Fort Worth TV By ED BARK So just what is Rentrak? It's not a bullet train alternative to DART. Nor is it a new website dedicated to finding affordable housing for apartment hunters. Rentrak looms large, however, on at least one D-FW television station's radar screen. ABC affiliate WFAA-TV, distrustful of the audience numbers it's receiving from longtime titan Nielsen Media Research, is making a concerted push behind Portland, Oregon-based Rentrak's new ways of measuring eyeballs. "Stability is what we're looking for," WFAA8 president and general Mike Devlin says in a telephone interview. "When I look at Nielsen, some days we're very smart and some days we're the village idiots." He's talking about the ebb and flow of audience ratings based on Nielsen's sample of just 600 TV households in a North Texas market of 2.6 million households. "It's a Mad Man technology," the equivalent of a "two martini lunch" from the expense account-fueled early 1960s, adds a WFAA8 executive who asked not to be identified. Rentrak, to which WFAA8 has been D-FW's sole subscriber for the past 10 months, measures TV viewing via set top boxes in homes subscribing to the DISH satellite network or AT&T Uverse. In this market, that's a total of 900,000 boxes in 350,000 homes, according to Rentrak. And it should be noted that WFAA8 does very well in the Rentrak numbers, with percentage ratings increases that far exceed those of its three major competitors -- Fox4, NBC5 and CBS11. More on this later, with the proviso that larger audiences go hand in hand with higher rates for advertisers. Unlike Nielsen, no pro-active "People Meter" button-pushing is required. The boxes, already provided by DISH and Uverse, automatically measure whatever program is being watched. But over-the-air viewing by people without cable or satellite -- about 15 percent of the D-FW market -- is not included in the Rentrak ratings. (It's factored in by "weighting" the numbers, says Devlin). Rentrak also does not have contracts with some of North Texas' major subscription TV companies, including Time Warner, Verizon Fios, Charter and DirecTV. And Rentrak's data still arrives via pony express compared to Nielsen, which provides its daily numbers the following morning to subscribing stations. Devlin concedes that measuring TV audiences accurately is "unbelievably complicated," no matter who's doing it. But Nielsen's local People Meters, which were introduced to D-FW in 2006, "have failed the original promise to provide this market with a stable, accurate and superior tool to measure television usage," Devlin told a group of local media buyers during a June 21st gathering at WFAA8's Victory Park studios in which Rentrak executives also were present. "I do not reach this conclusion lightly or with animosity towards Nielsen." Rentrak has "approximately 75" local station subscribers across the country, according to its website. WFAA8 is the only Belo-owned TV station on board, Devlin says. "We initially just did it as an experiment. There is no other alternative to Nielsen out there." WFAA8 increasingly is becoming a believer, though. And what's not to like? Rentrak data (the company currently provides total homes numbers and only recently added the key 25-to-54 newscast demographic) showed WFAA8 with major across-the-board audience increases. So much so that the station crushed its rivals at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. in both ratings measurements during the May "sweeps." And at 6 a.m., WFAA8's Daybreak vaulted from a distant No. 3 to a virtual second place tie with NBC5 behind frontrunner Fox4. In the Nielsen numbers for roughly that same period, WFAA8 and CBS11 basically tied for first place at 10 p.m. in both total homes and 25-to-54-year-olds. WFAA8 won in total homes at both 5 and 6 p.m., but finished in second place behind Fox4 among 25-to-54-year-olds. All four stations fared better with Rentrak than with Nielsen in the key 25-to-54 demographic, in which Rentrak is still perfecting its system. CBS11 was alone in losing ground in total homes, though, with smaller hauls in Rentrak than Nielsen at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. The three other stations showed gains, with WFAA8's upswings almost off the charts in some instances. At 10 p.m in May, WFAA8 jumped from 145,298 total homes to 199,784 while CBS11 dropped from 137,514 to 124,541. And with 25-to-54-year-olds (which Rentrak currently takes a full month to measure), WFAA8's 10 p.m. viewership zoomed from 80,774 to 220,576; CBS11 showed a far more modest increase in this demographic, improving from 80,774 viewers to 118,055. Rentrak's household ratings from July 4-11 were a blast for WFAA8. WFAA8's Devlin insists that he's "not touting Rentrak simply because we look better. I want something that's stable, predictable and has a large enough (audience) sample . . . If the entire market were to convert to Rentrak and we dropped to No. 3, I would have more confidence that there's something wrong with the newscast than I would under the Nielsen sample." The 10 p.m. Rentrak numbers for May make WFAA8 a dominant force while pushing CBS11 from a very close second to a distant third in total homes. Even worse for CBS11, it free-falls from a first place tie with 25-to-54-year-olds to an out-of-the-money fourth. "At 10 o'clock, we're the dominant station (in Rentrak). And we believe we are," says Devlin, discounting Nielsen number that have shown the ABC station in a prolonged battle for first place with arch rival CBS11. But why would CBS11 be the only station to show total homes decreases in Rentrak? "They may have been the unfair beneficiary, just by chance, in the Nielsen sample," Devlin says. CBS11 declined to comment for this story. "We don't subscribe to the Rentrak service, so with all due respect, Gary (station president and GM Gary Schneider) will pass," director of communications Lori Conrad said via email. Fox4 also declined to comment, via a corporate spokeswoman based in New York City. NBC5 president and general manager Thomas Ehlmann was willing to talk on the record, though. In a telephone interview, he agreed with Devlin that Nielsen's sample size "is just not big enough. That's the biggest problem. The loss of three homes can cost you half a rating point. That just doesn't seem right . . . Those are the kinds of things that are frustrating, for us and for advertisers, too. You would think there would be a much better way to judge ratings than we currently have." Although his station isn't yet a subscriber, Ehlmann said it's "kind of nice to see another company get into the ratings measurement business. They (Rentrak) seem to be getting a little bit of traction and making some progress. That's kind of the position I'm taking right now, just waiting to see what happens." Nielsen has been down this road before, and has always been able to stare down its competitors and at least quiet its critics. In the late 1980s, a disenchanted CBS became the only network to subscribe nationally to AGB Television Research, a Great Britain-based company that went head-to-head with Nielsen. But AGB folded in 1988 after failing to land another network as a subscriber. At the time, all of the broadcast networks were reeling from sizable declines in their prime-time audiences in the face of more aggressive programming by cable networks. AGB generally showed less audience erosion for the broadcasters, and particularly for CBS. Nielsen also has been criticized in the past by Spanish language networks who contended that Hispanics were under-represented in Nielsen's national samples. The company steadfastly stands by its numbers and methodology while also acknowledging that it's always looking for ways to improve. "People want to stick to a standard they can trust," a Nielsen spokesperson told Ad Week in response to the new competition the company is facing from Rentrak. Ironically, Nielsen and Rentrak are partners as well as competitors. They have a long-term licensing agreement to share information on movie box office sales after Rentrak bought Nielsen's EDI business in early 2010 for $15 million. But the two companies remain rivals for now in the very big game of measuring television audiences. WFAA8's Devlin agrees that Rentrak is still a tough sell to advertising agencies. "Is the buying community going to accept this? That's an open question," he says. "We have all become so used to Nielsen. That's the language that we use. The game is still Nielsen, and we have to deal with it." But Devlin adds that "our jobs and livelihood are dependent on accurate ratings. And millions of dollars are spent in this market based on just 600 homes with People Meters." WFAA8 is betting that more local stations and ad agencies -- both in D-FW and around the country -- will begin buying into Rentrak. And if that happens, Nielsen will either be pressured to make major changes, buy out Rentrak or perhaps even join forces with its latest rival. The actual audience pull of WFAA8 and its D-FW competitors may be somewhere in between the current disparities in play with Nielsen and Rentrak. But Devlin says something has to give. "I would sum up everything by saying, 'Someone's wrong, he says. 'Someone's very wrong.' " 07/25/11 02:13 PM By ED BARK The Texas Rangers remained in first place by taking two of three from the visiting Blue Jays while CBS put a Texas twang in the premiere of its new Sunday night "reality" series, Same Name. In the latter attraction, Hollywood's David Hasselhoff traded places with David Hasselhoff of Lake Jackson, TX during Sunday's 8 p.m. hour. It drew 138,514 viewers, a smallish return that still was good enough to win its time slot opposite repeats on rival broadcast networks. But Fox's reprises of Family Guy and American Dad turned Same Name into mud among advertiser-craved 18-to-49-year-olds. And the Rangers' 3-0 loss to Toronto was the overall champ in both ratings measurements, drawing 270,101 viewers on Fox Sports Southwest during the 8 to 9 p.m. portion of the game. Friday's Rangers win on TXA21 averaged 186,994 viewers, falling short in its closing 9 to 10 p.m. hour to Tom Selleck's Blue Bloods rerun on sister station CBS11 (the night's top draw with 221,622 total viewers). But the Rangers homered with 18-to-49-year-olds, sweeping prime-time in this measurement. The Saturday night game, a walk-off 5-4 win for Texas, drew 207,771 total viewers to beat everything else in sight. Spoils were spread among three of the four major D-FW providers in Friday's news derby competitions. But Fox4 had by far the biggest slice. CBS11 won in total viewers at 10 p.m., ending a three-weekday streak of no wins anywhere. NBC5 had the 10 p.m. win with 25-to-54-year-olds, the main advertiser target audience for news programming. Fox4 otherwise ran the table at 6 a.m. and at 5 and 6 p.m., leaving a winless WFAA8 in Nielsen's ratings outhouse. Talking points in D-FW television 07/25/11 01:10 PM Everything but the kitsch-en sink would make Uncle Barky's backyard a perfect all-weather locale for TNT's new Dallas. By ED BARK The producers of TNT's new Dallas series are looking for a few good locales before shooting begins this fall. Dallas Film Commissioner Janis Burklund put out the word in a news release Monday. "Maybe your home showcases how some of us live in this diverse and fourth largest metropolitan region in the nation," she said. "Or maybe you'd like to draw tourists to your property, or grow your business." If so, just email dallastv@dallascityhall.com with "Dallas TV Series Locations" in the subject line. You'll also have to include a phone number, email and street address in addition to a photo(s) of your property, a brief description of it and why you'd like to participate. "We'll pass the information along, and residents may soon find themselves talking to a representative of the show about how their property can play a part in shaping the world's future view of Dallas," Burklund says. For more information, go here . The new Dallas is scheduled to premiere next summer, with Larry Hagman, Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy all returning to the cast along with a younger generation of connivers. ***The Alliance for Women in Media is throwing its annual fall TV premiere party on Thursday, July 28th from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Dallas' Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Ave. For $35, you'll get sneak peeks, assessments of which networks are taking the biggest risks, etc., etc. Drinks and appetizers are included, with a portion of the proceeds going to the tornado victims of Joplin, Missouri. For more information and to purchase tickets, go here . ***WFAA8 sports anchor Dale Hansen's extended vacation goes on. Which it does every summer. He took off after the Dallas Mavericks' June 16th victory parade, with some readers now wondering what's happened to him. The station's vice president of product development, Dave Muscari, says he answers inquiries this way: "Good to hear from you, and thank you for the concern. Dale's taking vacation time, as he does most years around now. When Cowboys Camp starts, he starts 'the season,' so to speak, and doesn't wind down until after the BCS Championship, Super Bowl and so forth. He'll return soon." So there. (Update: Hansen returned to WFAA8 on Monday, July 25th, just in time for the end of the NFL lockout. Now he'll be heading to Cowboys training camp in San Antonio.) ***Reader Don Kotria passes along the news that a behind-the-scenes D-FW television pioneer, Homer Venso , died on July 12th at the age of 87. Venso worked at WBAP/KXAS-TV for 40 years and "pretty much hand-built the first generation of ENG (Electronic News Gathering) trucks, including the very first 'Live On Five,' " Kotria says. "He trained me on this truck, and we went out and did some of the very first live shots in the D-FW market." Kotria notes that Venso also was the camera operator in the basement of the Dallas Police Department whose pictures were being shown live nationally when Jack Ruby shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald. "This guy was a TV legend," Kotria writes. "Just not one of the guys you saw on the screen every night." Matt Grubs in official Fox4 photo and at ease on Facebook page. By ED BARK Matt Grubs , a low-key, oft-stylistic general assignment reporter for Dallas-based Fox4, has decided to leave the station later this summer after a three-year stay. He joined Fox4 in September 2008 from Albuquerque, New Mexico's KOAT-TV, and will be returning to the state with his wife to be closer to family, Grubs said in an email to Fox4 staffers Thursday. He also has a job producing public affairs programming for a PBS station in New Mexico, Grubs said in the email. "Personally, it's a good move for us. Professionally it will be a bit tougher because I will be leaving daily television news behind. I will miss telling stories about people who are a lot closer to us than we sometimes realize." Grubs' on-air television career began at KJCT-TV in Grand Junction, Colorado. From there he went to Fox's WOFL-TV in Orlando, FL before moving to KOAT in 2002. He could not immediately be reached for further comment, but voice and email messages have been left for him. Grubs has been a major on-air player for the station. He's a regular presence on the featured 9 p.m. newscasts and often is called on for big picture explanations of breaking news stories. 07/18/11 09:59 AM By ED BARK D-FW viewers flocked to Sunday's final minutes of the U.S. women's crushing loss to Japan in the World Cup soccer final while the Texas Rangers drew smaller but nice-sized weekend crowds for their 9th, 10th and 11th consecutive wins. The Rangers' 10th win in the streak and Japan's overtime victory on penalty kicks over-lapped during mid-to-late afternoon Sunday. The soccer game, which ended at 4:21 p.m. on ESPN, drew an XX Large-sized 720,273 viewers for the 4:15 to 4:30 p.m. increment measured by Nielsen. That portion of the Rangers game on Fox Sports Southwest had 242,400 viewers, by no means shabby. The entire World Cup final averaged 519,428 viewers, easily the weekend's biggest audience haul. The entire Rangers-Mariners game, which ended at 5:43 p.m., built from a slow start to average 214,697 viewers. Saturday night's late-starting Rangers win on FSS drew 186,994 viewers. The Friday night game on TXA21, which ended relatively early at 1129 p.m., clocked in at 207,771 viewers to easily win its time slot throughout the night against all competing programming. Friday's extended series finale of the Austin-made Friday Night Lights drew 96,960 viewers. It tied for second from 7 to 8 p.m. with ABC's Shark Tank repeat, with both series running well behind a new episode of the summertime CBS crime series Flashpoint (200,845 viewers). From 8 to 8:30 p.m., FNL took the silver behind the first half-hour of CBS' CSI: NY rerun. Among advertiser-craved 18-to-49-year-olds, FNL edged Shark Tank for second place from 7 to 8 p.m. while tying CSI: NY for first in the 8 to 8:30 p.m. competition. The series will rise for a final time during the September 18th primetime Emmy ceremony on Fox , where FNL has a best drama series nomination for the first time in its five seasons. In Friday's local news derby competitions, CBS11 and NBC5 divided the spoils at 10 p.m. The Peacock had a dominating win among 25-to-54-year-olds -- main advertiser target audience for news programming -- while CBS11 enjoyed a narrow edge in total viewers. Another split decision gave NBC5 the total viewers victory at 6 a.m., with Fox4 atop the 25-to-54 heap. Fox4 ran the table at 5 p.m. and also scored a 6 p.m. win with 25-to-54-year-olds. CBS11 ran first at 6 p.m. in total viewers. Gary Reaves in a signature picture from his Facebook page. By ED BARK Reporter Gary Reaves, a stalwart at WFAA8 in two tenures totaling 24 years, is retiring from the Dallas-based station. His last day will be on August 1st. Reaves rejoined WFAA8 in 1991 after working five years for CBS News. His first shift at WFAA8 was from 1982 to 1986. Later Saturday, he forwarded the note he sent to his station colleagues Friday. "It is with mixed emotions that I have come to the decision to make a change in my career," Reaves said. "After 35 years of going to work every day in a newsroom, I have decided it is time for me to move on. It is difficult to decide to leave WFAA. I have had most of the best moments of my work life here. I have been blessed to work with many of the best people in the business. I have been privileged to travel the world, from East Texas to East Jerusalem, from South Africa to South Dallas. However, after some 10,000 days on deadline, I have decided it is time to take a break." In an interview with this writer when he was still with CBS, Reaves sent signals that he wasn't entirely happy at the network news level. In fact he seemed pretty miserable back in 1989. " 'Humbling' doesn't even begin to cover it," he said. "It's funny, because you would think it would be this incredible boost to your ego, having been picked. But they sort of re-train you, and so that's pretty humbling." During his first go-around at WFAA8, "I knew I was pleasing the people I worked for every day," Reaves said. "Here, there's a half-dozen people in New York who go over every word you write and sort of by committee decide whether it's good enough. It seems like when you do get a story on, the stress that you go through is so much greater that it almost takes away the satisfaction . . . There have been many times when I have turned to my wife and asked, 'Why am I doing this?' " Reaves, a native Oklahoman, could be counted on to bring a light touch to feature stories and a hard nose to the breaking news of the day. He has been a quintessential general assignment reporter, one of the best this market has ever had. In a Q&A segment attached to his WFAA8 bio, Reaves says that for him, being a success in TV news means "doing my job every day with consistency. Whether it's a fun feature story or a tragedy, I am successful when I make the most of the time I have to produce, and the time I have on the air to tell it." Whatever the story, he says, "you need a reason in your heart that makes you feel strongly that what we do is important." "We laid waste to everything in our path, J.R. And for what?" 07/12/11 07:13 AM Up-close with more invective -- and squirrelier eyebrows. Larry Hagman got back to being J.R. in TNT's Monday night Dallas tease. Photo: Ed Bark By ED BARK Larry Hagman took more nasty spills as J.R. Ewing Monday night, informing viewers that younger brother Bobby "was always a fool" before vowing to take another turn as Texas' oiliest oil baron. "I'm the one who belongs on Southfork. It's mine. And only mine," he said at the close of TNT's one-minute promos for its new Dallas series, scheduled to premiere next summer. The 10-episode first season will be shot in North Texas, with production tentatively set to begin in mid-October. The spots, which included the still resonant Dallas theme song, aired during the season premieres of TNT's most popular dramas, The Closer and Rizzoli & Isles. At first glances, Patrick Duffy looked to be the most vigorous of the three returnees from the original Dallas. Hagman and Linda Gray also are being mixed and matched with a new set of spiteful, willful, much younger Ewing offshoots. Take a look. And if you want more, go to dallastnt.com . 07/11/11 12:08 PM Adrian Arambulo anchors Fox4's new Sunday morning news show. Photos: Ed Bark Fronted by Fox4's cutest male news personality but hijacked by a quartet of opinion-spewing "4 Minutes" segments, the Dallas-based station's new Sunday morning Good Day edition is off to a rather odd start. Adrian Arambulo, who joined Fox4 in June 2007, got his first permanent anchor spot as a sweetener in his new contract. He capably helmed the traditional hard news portions of the 6 to 8 a.m. show, with much of the second hour's content a replication of the first. The Fox network's Fox News Sunday immediately followed, moving up an hour from its longstanding 9 a.m. slot. The oddities during Sunday's premiere were four taped "4 Minutes" features in which anchor Heather Hays solicited viewpoints from shirt-sleeved reporters Shaun Rabb, Richard Ray and Matt Grubs. They weren't kidding about the time limit. Floor director Larry Walker barked out time alerts -- "Two minutes! Two minutes remaining! Two minutes!" -- before climactically stepping into the camera shot like a referee counting out a boxer in reverse. "5-4-3-2-1," he said at the end of the last "4 Minutes," which was devoted to Thursday's tragic death of a Brownwood firefighter at Rangers Ballpark. "Time's up! Stop!" Um, whose idea was this? Not the segments themselves, but the ham-fisted notion of yelling out how much time is left rather than simply showing a silent countdown clock in a screen corner. Even better, why not just let these things play out? One segment might last 3 minutes, 45 seconds and another 4 minutes, 15 seconds. Instead floor director Larry just barged into the picture and cut off Hays in mid-sentence during a bat-around on Gov. Rick Perry's decision to let the state execute a Mexican national for raping and murdering a 16-year-old-girl. At issue: had Texas violated international law? Anchors and reporters offering up their opinions is hardly a novelty anymore. In fact it's becoming more and more the norm. On this website, your friendly content provider both reports on TV news of the day and reviews a wide variety of network/local news or entertainment programs. Fox4, owned and operated by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, is under the same orders as other local news properties. In short, the mandate of the moment is to get anchors and reporters "more involved" in the stories they cover. This sometimes even includes admitting errors, as when Ray said that he shared the blame for showing the firefighter's fall to his death "too many times" Thursday night before the footage was re-edited. In the execution segment, Rabb said that Perry's boldness makes him "the kind of man that many people would like to see . . ." His voice then trailed off, apparently halted by an internal caution light that stopped Rabb short of his finishing touch. Namely, adding the words "run for president." The four of them also jabbered, in two other segments, about Casey Anthony's acquittal on charges she murdered her two-year-old daughter and Roy Williams' rejected mail-in wedding proposal, in which he included a $76,000 engagement ring. Floor director Larry Walker tells all to shut their opinion holes. One topic of course proved to be too hot for "4 Minutes." Arambulo dutifully reported Sunday's shutdown of the United Kingdom's News of the World after the newspaper became immersed in a far-flung wiretapping scandal. Arambulo also responsibly noted that the tabloid was "owned by News Corporation, the parent company of Fox4." But that's as far as it went. Hays, Rabb, Ray and Grubs weren't about to stick their noses in that stinker. Had that by some miracle happened, floor director Larry might have immediately jumped in to shout, "Your 2 seconds are up! We ain't gonna have none of that stuff!" Ratings from Nielsen Media Research were pretty good news for the second hour of Good Day Sunday. The 6 to 7 a.m. portion had a measly 13,851 D-FW viewers. But the audience swelled to 69,257 for the 7 to 8 a.m. hour, good enough to tie NBC's competing Sunday Today. And Fox4 won both hours outright among advertiser-craved 18-to-49-year-olds. Arambulo, who regularly shared his anchor desk with weathercaster Ron Jackson, probably would like to become a bigger presence on Good Day Sunday. He could easily accomplish that by becoming the ringmaster of those "4 Minutes" segments. As for floor director Larry, well, Fox4 would be wise to declare an end to his 5-4-3-2-1 seconds of fame. Go with a silent clock. And if you must, perhaps sound a buzzer to end these things. NEWS NOTE: Former CBS11 anchor/reporter Nerissa Knight, dropped by the station in December of last year, reported Saturday night on Dallas-based CW33's 9 p.m. newscast. Her topic was the fire that disrupted Rihanna's Friday night concert at the American Airlines Concert. "I'm just freelancing," Knight said in an email response to unclebarky.com. It was her first appearance on a CW33 newscast. Her in-market non-compete clause expired in June, enabling Knight to look for new TV news opportunities in D-FW. Dallas remix, with old gushers and new blood. TNT photos By ED BARK Dallas will ride again -- and in these parts, too. TNT announced late Friday morning that it's going ahead with a 10-episode first season of its Dallas remix. And although a network publicity release makes no mention of this, TNT spokeswoman Jennifer Greene confirmed in an email that "Yes, we will be shooting in Dallas." A Dallas pilot was filmed in North Texas earlier this year, with a new generation cast joining three original Ewings -- Larry Hagman (J.R.), Linda Gray (Sue Ellen) and Patrick Duffy (Bobby). TNT said the Dallas series will premiere sometime in summer 2012. Sources say that on-location shooting in North Texas tentatively will resume in mid-October. The original Dallas, portions of which were filmed in North Texas during hot weather months, ran on CBS from April 1, 1978 to May 3, 1991. It ranked among prime-time's Top 10 most popular series for seven consecutive TV seasons, from 1979-80 through 1985-86. In the 1980-81 "Who Shot J.R.?" season, Dallas ranked No. 1 with a bullet, averaging a national 34.7 Nielsen rating to beat No. 2 The Dukes of Hazzard by a whopping 7.2 ratings points. The Nov. 21, 1980 revelation episode still ranks as the second most-watched scripted program of all time, behind only the Feb. 28, 1983 finale of M*A*S*H. Dallas Film Commission head Janis Burklund was out of the office Friday and could not immediately be reached for comment. But TNT's decision obviously is a big boon to the area TV production community, particularly after three network series filmed last season in North Texas -- NBC's Chase and Fox's The Good Guys and Lone Star -- all were canceled either during or after their first seasons. Burklund has estimated in previous interviews with unclebarky.com that each episode of a network TV series shot in Dallas pumps roughly $1 million into the local economy. The city of Dallas recently offered a deal sweetener with a $235,000 economic development grant that would provide air-conditioning for a warehouse at 2901 St. Lamar St. in downtown Dallas. Also included in the agreement is six months of free rent for a TV or film project using the facility. A website for the upcoming Dallas re-do already has been set up at www.dallastnt.com . And "sneak peeks" of footage from the pilot episode will be included in the Monday, July 11th season premieres of TNT's The Closer and Rizzoli & Isles, which air at 8 and 9 p.m. (central). TNT executive vice president of programming Michael Wright said in the publicity release that his network had "explored the possibility of an updated version of Dallas for several years," but didn't bite until reading executive producer Cynthia Cidre's (The Mambo Kings and the failed CBS serial Cane) outstanding pilot script. "It is incredibly exciting to see both new and familiar characters in the hands of a dream cast . . . We couldn't be more pleased at how Dallas has come together." The new Dallas also will star Jesse Metcalfe as Bobby and Pam Ewing's adopted son, Christopher; Josh Henderson as J.R. and Sue Ellen's son, John Ross III; Julie Gonzalo as Christopher's fiancee, Rebecca Sutter; and Jordana Brewster as Elena Ramos, whose "love triangle" includes both John Ross and Christopher. Plus, Brenda Strong from Desperate Housewives will be playing Bobby's new wife, Ann. Here's a closer look at the younger cast members: Left to right: Joining the old hands are Jesse Metcalfe as Christopher Ewing; Julia Gonzalo as Rebecca Sutter; Josh Henderson as John Ross Ewing III and Jordana Brewster as Elena Ramos. Three D-FW news personalities shake 'em for charity 07/07/11 11:54 AM Fox4's Fiona Gorostiza and dance partner Ian Kelley beam while ubiquitous former NBC5 sports anchor Scott Murray (left) approvingly basks in their victory at the recent Top Hat & Tails charity benefit. Photos are from the contestants' Facebook pages. By ED BARK NBC5 "Gridlock Buster" Tammy Dombeck gamely sought to stop traffic in a bared midriff, bright red dress previously worn by Dancing with the Stars pro Cheryl Burke. CW33 meteorologist Rebecca Miller tried to get temperatures rising in a fetching purple ensemble with plenty of spangles. But Fox4 weathercaster/roving reporter Fiona Gorostiza ended up the night's big winner with her skimpy outfit and sizzling rumba/samba at the recent Top Hat & Tails charity benefit. They were the three local TV personalities among the eight celebrity dancers. With a surname like mine -- and with all proceeds benefiting the very worthy Paws In the City -- I'm simply going to roll over and pant my approval. For an extended account of these proceedings, go to Jeanne Prejean's "My Sweet Charity" blog . Before clicking, though, here's a picture of Dombeck (and partner Justin Brown) in a dance costume suitable for r-r-r-rush hour. Kids blaze away on Fourth of July/cops called/kids scatter (updated) 07/06/11 02:01 PM A WFAA8 photographer shot this action-packed, 39 seconds of visceral, ground-level Fourth of July fireworks video. It speaks for itself as both a cautionary tale and one helluva chilling show. Hope no one got hurt. I've never seen anything quite like this. (Note: The photographer, not identified in a youtube posting of this clip, is veteran WFAA8 staffer Robert Flagg. A story on wfaa.com by reporter Gary Reaves says the incident occurred at the Creekside Villa apartments in southeast Dallas. Flagg, who described the scene as "basically a war zone," says he suffered a small burn to his neck when hit by one of the fireworks shot at him. Flagg's vehicle also was reportedly damaged by rocks, bottles and fireworks. Police did not catch any of the perpetrators but promise to investigate further.) Ed Bark 07/06/11 10:46 AM By ED BARK Post-Fourth of July fireworks came from an Orlando, FL courtroom Tuesday, with TV pontificators all shocked at the "Not Guilty" verdict in Casey Anthony's murder trial. The jury's rejection of the prosecution's charge that she had murdered her two-year-old daughter became a nationally televised combination of reality series/soap opera during its nearly six-week running time. Many potential viewers were at work or on vacation when the verdict came down between 1:15 and 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. The in-home Nielsen ratings show that 69,257 D-FW viewers chose Fox News Channel while 41,542 watched CNN and 6,926 went to MSNBC. Those were all daytime ratings "spikes," but not big ones considering the national notoriety of the trial. In prime-time, CBS quickly slapped together a 9 p.m. 48 Hours Mystery special -- "Casey Anthony: Judgment Day" -- while ABC's Nightline offered an extended one-hour Anthony edition. 48 Hours Mystery had 145,440 viewers in trailing both the last hour of NBC's America's Got Talent (332,434 viewers) and Fox4's competing local newscast (166,217 viewers). The Anthony recap edged ABC's 9 p.m. third episode of Combat Hospital (138,514), which nonetheless ranked as its network's No. 1 attraction of the night after a limp lead-in from 101 Ways to Leave a Game Show (69,257 viewers). Among advertiser-craved 18-to-49-year-olds, 48 Hours Mystery tied Fox4's news for second place, with both finishing just a hair ahead of Combat Hospital. Nightline's Anthony special matched the CBS hour with 145,440 viewers while outdrawing all late night competitors. On Fourth of July night, three fireworks special squared off at 9 p.m. CBS' Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular got ooh ahs from 186,994 total viewers while NBC's Macy's Fireworks Spectacular had 110,811 viewers in its 9 p.m. hour but 200,845 for its 8 to 9 p.m. preliminaries. PBS' annual A Capitol Fourth managed 62,331 viewers. It was the same order of finish with 18-to-49-year-olds. All of the four major local TV news providers took holiday knees on the Fourth, meaning that the ratings don't count. On back-to-business Tuesday, NBC5 and WFAA8 tied for first place at 10 p.m. with 221,622 total viewers apiece. But the Peacock thumped all comers among 25-to-54-year-olds, the main advertiser target audience for news programming. NBC5 also scored a total viewers win at 6 a.m. while tying Fox4 for the top spot with 25-to-54-year-olds. Fox4 ran the table at 5 p.m. and added another gold at 6 p.m. in the 25-to-54 demographic. WFAA8 won at 6 p.m. in total viewers. Mark Cuban also was at a loss for words during AAC celebration. Photo: Ed Bark By ED BARK A lot of people talked about Mark Cuban's vow of silence during the Dallas Mavericks' run to their first NBA championship. He stifled himself all the way from April 16th -- the Mavericks' first postseason game against Portland -- until June 12th, when Dallas punched out the Miami Heat on their home court to win the NBA Finals. Cuban has a longer drought still in progress, though. His blogmaverick.com website hasn't had any activity since way back on April 12th, when Cuban posted his thoughts on "How Netflix is Hurting Youtube." He generally has something to say -- usually at length -- every two weeks or so. So what's up? Has Cuban become bored with blogging, perhaps determining that it's as old-school as NBA championship rings? Is he looking for new forums? Has he decided to limit himself to tweeting , where on July 2nd he urged his more than half-million followers to check out a video of him celebrating in San Francisco? Unclebarky.com asked the man himself, via horse-and-buggy email. "Just taking a break," Cuban replied. Well, all righty then. ***An open casting call for CBS' The Amazing Race is being hosted by CBS11 on Friday, July 15th from 2 to 7 p.m. The venue is the Irving Arts Center, 3333 North MacArthr Blvd. in Irving. For more information on what you need to do, go here . ***Also on CBS11, 12-year-old Neil Patel of Plano will be a Jeopardy! contestant on the Thursday, July 7th edition. Air time is 11 a.m. It's all part of the show's summertime "Kids Week," starring 15 of the nation's brightest 10-to-12-year-olds.

i don't know

Named for the Greek word for stone, what element, with an atomic number of 3, uses the symbol Li?

Chemical Elements.com - Lithium (Li) Bentor, Yinon. Chemical Element.com - Lithium. <http://www.chemicalelements.com/elements/li.html>. For more information about citing online sources, please visit the MLA's Website . This page was created by Yinon Bentor. Use of this web site is restricted by this site's license agreement . Copyright © 1996-2012 Yinon Bentor. All Rights Reserved.

Lithium

“I yam what I yam, and that’s all what I yam” was the motto of what popular cartoon character?

#3 - Lithium - Li Lithium .53 grams per cubic centimeter Normal Phase From the Greek word lithos, meaning stone Date and Place of Discovery In 1817 in Sweden It accounts for only .0007% of the earth's crust. It is the lightest of all metals. It is a soft metal that can be cut with a common knife. It is flammable and can be explosive. It has a high heat capacity. Common Uses Glass, ceramic and porcelain products Dry cell batteries Pharmaceuticals, mostly to treat manic depressives Hydrogenating agents

i don't know

Which Hangover star did People magazine recently name their Sexiest Man of the Year for 2011?

Bradley Cooper named People's Sexiest Man Alive Bradley Cooper named People's Sexiest Man Alive (BANG) - Bradley Cooper has been named the Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine. The 'Hangover' star has been awarded the annual title by the publication and although he is honoured to win he admits he is shocked because he doesn't think he always looks great. He told the magazine: "I think it's really cool that a guy who doesn't look like a model can have this [title]. I think I'm a decent-looking guy. Sometimes I can look great, and other times I look horrifying." Although he is delighted to be named the Sexiest Man Alive, the 36-year-old actor insists his mother Gloria will be more proud of his win than him. Bradley - whose father Charles died in January - added: "The first thing I thought was, 'My mother is going to be so happy.' " The Hollywood heartthrob also revealed he is currently single and is not the "player" he is made out to be. Bradley - who was previously in a long-term relationship with Renee Zellweger - said: "I'm a single 36-year-old male ... If you're a single man and you happen to be in this business you're deemed a player. But I don't see myself as a ladies' man." Other famous hunks to make the top ten of People's poll include Liam Hemsworth - who is dating Miley Cyrus - 'The Wire' star Idris Elba, actor Chris Evans, Jennifer Aniston's man Justin Theroux and Ryan Gosling. Bradley took the title from last year's winner Ryan Reynolds, who did not make the top ten this year. People magazine will publish its full list of the 100 Sexiest Men Alive in their next issue which hits newsstands on Friday (18.11.11). (C) BANG Media International

Bradley Cooper

What is the name of the product, sold in a pink canister similar to a chewing tobacco tin, was advertised with the slogan “it’s six feet of bubble gum for you, not them”?

Bradley Cooper Named 2011's Sexiest Man Alive Bradley Cooper Named 2011's Sexiest Man Alive Share Hollywood has a new hunk hotter than the rest! Bradley Cooper has been named 2011's Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine for his baby blue eyes and a smile that lights up the big screen delighting millions of fans. But according to the mag, the 36-year-old is far more than just his good looks! He's known for his skills in the kitchen, love of motorcycles and being fluent in French. After learning about his Sexiest Man Alive title, she instantly came to mind. "[The] first thing I thought was, 'My mother is going to be so happy,'" the actor recalled. VIEW THE PHOTOS: Hollywood’s Hottest Beach Bods After a split with Renee Zellweger in March, rumors have swirled about Bradley's love life, including reports that he's dating Jennifer Lopez, something he denies. "[I'm a] single 36-year-old male," he told the mag. "If you're a single man and you happen to be in this business, you're deemed a player. But I don't see myself as a ladies' man." Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Reblog

i don't know

What product is advertised with the slogan "Life, liberty, and the Pursuit"?

Cadillac Introduces New "Life. Liberty. And The Pursuit." Marketing Campaign | WebWire Cadillac Introduces New "Life. Liberty. And The Pursuit." Marketing Campaign WEBWIRE – Thursday, July 27, 2006 Detroit - Following one of the most talked-about marketing campaigns in automotive history and four consecutive years of sales growth, Cadillac is introducing a new marketing campaign that aims to reignite America�s love affair with the brand. The new campaign carries the theme �Life. Liberty. And The Pursuit.� It showcases Cadillac�s relevancy to today�s luxury consumers and supports the next generation of Cadillac�s ongoing product renaissance. The new advertising will launch in early August and continue to roll-out throughout the rest of the year. �Our Break Through campaign focused primarily on our all-new portfolio of dramatically styled, high-performance, luxury Cadillac vehicles,� said Cadillac General Manager, Jim Taylor. �Our new products and marketing strategies successfully conveyed to consumers that there�s a new Cadillac to consider that replaces their earlier perceptions of the brand.� �We have raised awareness and achieved good momentum with the Cadillac brand,� said Cadillac Global Marketing Director, Liz Vanzura. �But now it�s time to put a face on the brand and invite more consumers to experience what Cadillac has to offer.� This new campaign, the first for Cadillac from Modernista! in Boston, is based on extensive consumer research that concluded that �Life. Liberty. And The Pursuit.� best communicates to consumers that Cadillac embodies the best of America, embraces the brand�s rich heritage, yet is forward looking and modern. �Cadillac was, is, and will always be the American luxury automobile icon and symbol of success,� said Vanzura. �Our new advertising will showcase the brand�s rich heritage in an approach that is fresh and aspirational.� �What�s great about the brand is that everyone has a Cadillac story to tell. The brand is ingrained within our culture. We�re looking to capture that optimistic, can-do American spirit in our work� said Gary Koepke, Creative Director & Co-founder of Modernista! Unlike the Break Through campaign that relied solely on Led Zeppelin music and Gary Sinise voice-overs, Cadillac�s new �Life. Liberty. And The Pursuit.� themed campaign will utilize different voices and music for every execution to directly connect with each target consumer group. The fully-integrated campaign will include creative executions on national broadcast and cable networks (NFL weekend games, Monday Night Football, ABC & CBS College Football, Ryder Cup), premium positions in several core luxury and lifestyle print outlets (Architectural Digest, Conde Nast Traveler, GQ, Vanity Fair, Food & Wine and more) and an array of non-traditional, out-of-home, interactive and nationwide promotional activities. About Cadillac Cadillac is a division of General Motors ( NYSE: GM ). General Motors, the world�s largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. Cadillac products include the CTS sport sedan, SRX luxury utility, STS performance luxury sedan, DTS large luxury sedan, XLR luxury roadster, Escalade full-size SUVs (Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT) and the high-performance V-Series (CTS-V, STS-V, XLR-V) three cars that go 0-60 in under 5 seconds. About Modernista! Modernista! was founded in Boston, MA, USA in September 2000 by creatives Gary Koepke and Lance Jensen. Today the Boston agency counts 125 employees from more than 15 different countries. M!�s client roster includes HUMMER, Cadillac, Animal Planet, Napster, TIAA-Cref, Stop Handgun Violence and Rockport. Modernista! is fiercely independent. Related Links

Cadillac

What is the longest mountain chain in North America?

Brands slogans | Automotive News Automotive News Ad slogans: The True Definition of Luxury. Yours. Acura. Precision Crafted Performance Slogans: Alfa Romeo. Beauty is not enough Power for your control Marketing slogans: Keeping ahead through technology. Everyone dreams of an Audi. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Marketing slogans: BMW. The Ultimate Driving Machine. BMW. Sheer Driving Pleasure. Buick. It’s All Good. Isn’t it time for a real car? Buick. The spirit of American style. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Advertising slogans: Cadillac. Break Through. Creating a Higher Standard. Slogans: Chevrolet. An American Revolution See the USA in your Chevrolet The Heartbeat of America The road isn’t built that can make it breathe hard! Eye it – try it – buy it! …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Slogan: Just imagine what Citroen can do for you. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Slogans: Dodge. Grab Life by the Horns. Dodge. Different. Advertising slogan: Driven by passion. FIAT. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Advertising slogans: Ford. Feel the difference. Ford. Bold moves. (USA) Built for life in Canada. (Canada) Built for the road ahead. Ford. Designed for living. Engineered to last. Have you driven a Ford lately? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Slogans: The Power of Dreams It must be love Honda. First man, then machine Technology you can enjoy Advertising slogan: Hummer. Like Nothing Else. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Slogans: Hyundai. Drive your way Always There for You Marketing slogan: Infiniti. Accelerating the Future. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Ad slogans: Born to perform. Unleash a Jaguar. Don’t dream it. Drive it! Jaguar. The art of performance. Grace…. space… pace. Motto: Jeep. There’s Only One. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Advertising slogans: Kia. The Power to Surprise Make every mile count (USA campaign) The Car that Cares Advertising slogan: Land Rover. Go beyond. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Advertising slogans: The Passionate Pursuit of Perfection The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… What a Luxury Car Should Be. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Mercedes-Benz. The Future of the Automobile Engineered to move the human spirit …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Imagine Yourself in a Mercury now. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… You can with a Nissan. Just wait you drive it. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… This is not your father’s Oldsmobile. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Marketing slogans: Peugeot. Live the pleasure. The drive of your life. The lion goes from strength to strength. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Advertising slogan: We are driving excitement. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Ad slogan: Porsche, There is No Substitute …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Advertising slogan: Rover. A Class Of Its Own. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Slogans: Welcome to the State of Independence (USA campaign) Saab. Move your mind (European campaign) Find Your Own Road. Motto: Saturn. Like always. Like never before. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Marketing slogan: Seat. Auto emocion. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Advertising slogans: Skoda. Simply Clever It’s a Skoda. Honest. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Advertising slogan: Smart. Open your mind. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Taglines: Subaru. Think. Feel. Drive. Driven By What’s Inside When You Get It, You Get It The Beauty of All-Wheel Drive …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Taglines: Today Tomorrow Toyota. (Europe) Toyota. Moving Forward. The best built cars in the world. Get the Feeling. Toyota. The car in front is a Toyota. I love what you do for me – Toyota! Your new experience of motoring. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Slogans: Volkswagen. Drivers wanted. (US marketing campaign) For the love of the car. Relieves gas pains. Surprisingly ordinary prices (UK campaign for VW Passat, Golf, Polo) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Advertising slogan: Volvo. For life ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

i don't know

Name the artist and the song title: We’re leaving together But still it’s farewell And maybe we’ll come back To earth, who can tell? I guess there is no one to blame We’re leaving ground Will things ever be the same again?

EUROPE - THE FINAL COUNTDOWN LYRICS The Final Countdown Lyrics And maybe we'll come back To earth, who can tell? I guess there is no one to blame We're leaving ground Will things ever be the same again? It's the final countdown We're heading for Venus and still we stand tall 'Cause maybe they've seen us and welcome us all, yea With so many light years to go and things to be found (To be found) I'm sure that we'll all miss her so It's the final countdown The final countdown, oh ho It's the final countdown We'll all miss her so It's the final countdown Ohh, it's the final countdown Yea Thhats all? Is this is the full v. Reaz Hasan Anonymous this song is about the challenger shuttle disaster in the 80s the words are great and so is the music itself it makes a great warmup song for basically any sport The Final Countdown Tracklist Embed Get the embed code <table class="songlyrics" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed;"><col width="40" /><col /><tbody><tr><th colspan="2">Europe - The Final Countdown Album Lyrics</th></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">1.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/carrie-lyrics/" title="Carrie Lyrics Europe">Carrie</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">2.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/cherokee-lyrics/" title="Cherokee Lyrics Europe">Cherokee</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">3.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/danger-on-the-track-lyrics/" title="Danger On The Track Lyrics Europe">Danger On The Track</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">4.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/heart-of-stone-lyrics/" title="Heart Of Stone Lyrics Europe">Heart Of Stone</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">5.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/love-chaser-lyrics/" title="Love Chaser Lyrics Europe">Love Chaser</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">6.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/ninja-lyrics/" title="Ninja Lyrics Europe">Ninja</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">7.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/on-the-loose-lyrics/" title="On The Loose Lyrics Europe">On The Loose</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">8.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/rock-the-night-lyrics/" title="Rock the Night Lyrics Europe">Rock the Night</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">9.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/the-final-countdown-lyrics/" title="The Final Countdown Lyrics Europe">The Final Countdown</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">10.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/time-has-come-lyrics/" title="Time Has Come Lyrics Europe">Time Has Come</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">11.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/danger-on-the-track-live-lyrics/" title="Danger On The Track (Live) Lyrics Europe">Danger On The Track (Live)</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">12.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/carrie-live-lyrics/" title="Carrie (Live) Lyrics Europe">Carrie (Live)</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">13.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/the-final-countdown-live-version-lyrics/" title="The Final Countdown (Live Version) Lyrics Europe">The Final Countdown (Live Version)</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">14.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/danger-on-the-track-live-version-lyrics/" title="Danger On the Track (Live Version) Lyrics Europe">Danger On the Track (Live Version)</a></td></tr><tr><td class="sl-td-left">15.</td><td class="sl-td-right"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe/carrie-live-version-lyrics/" title="Carrie (Live Version) Lyrics Europe">Carrie (Live Version)</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="sl-credit"><a href="http://www.songlyrics.com/europe-lyrics/" title="Europe Lyrics">Europe Lyrics</a> provided by <a href="/" title="Lyrics">SongLyrics.com</a></p> Note: When you embed the widget in your site, it will match your site's styles (CSS). This is just a preview! Preview the embedded widget

europe final countdown

Who's missing: Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop

Europe - The Final Countdown (Official Video) - YouTube Europe - The Final Countdown (Official Video) Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Oct 25, 2009 Europe's official music video for 'The Final Countdown'. Click to listen to Europe on Spotify: http://smarturl.it/EuropeSpot?IQid=Eu... As featured on 1982-1992. Click to buy the track or album via iTunes: http://smarturl.it/Europe1982iTunes?I...

i don't know

Nov 24, 1963 saw the death of reputed JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald at the hands of which Dallas night club owner?

JFK: November 22nd Then and Now Picture | JFK in Texas: Then and Now - ABC News ABC News JFK in Texas: Then and Now + − JFK: November 22nd Then and Now This Nov. 5, 2013 photo shows an image taken by Dallas Morning News photographer Tom Dillard on Nov. 22, 1963, of spectators lying on the ground in Dealey Plaza as a motorcycle police officer drives by immediately after the shooting of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, juxtaposed outside of the current day Elm Street, in Dallas. Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle/AP Photo JFK: November 22nd Then and Now This Sept. 10, 2013 photo shows an image taken by Dallas Times Herald photographer William Allen on Nov. 22, 1963, of police and detectives guarding the front entrance to the Texas School Book Depository building less than an hour after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, juxtaposed against the current scene in Dallas. Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle/AP Photo JFK: November 22nd Then and Now This Oct. 22, 2013 photo shows an image taken by Alexander Arroyos on Nov. 21, 1963, of U.S. President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy in the Grand Ballroom at the Rice Hotel, juxtaposed against the current parking garage at the Rice Hotel, in Houston. The Grand Ballroom no longer exists after the hotel was remodeled making it into a parking garage. Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle/AP Photo JFK: November 22nd Then and Now This Oct. 30, 2013 photo shows an image taken Nov. 21, 1963, of President John F. Kennedy shaking hands with 22 prominent Houstonians after he and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy arrived at Houston International Airport, juxtaposed against the current William P. Hobby Airport in Houston. Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle/AP Photo JFK: November 22nd Then and Now This Nov. 7, 2013 photo shows an image taken Nov. 21, 1963, of people lining Travis Street near Rusk Street to see President John F. Kennedy's motorcade during a visit to Houston, juxtaposed against the current scene in Houston. Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle/AP Photo JFK: November 22nd Then and Now This Nov. 7, 2013 photo shows an image taken on Nov. 21, 1963, of people lining Travis Street near Texas Avenue to see President John F. Kennedy's motorcade during a visit to the city, juxtaposed against the current scene in Houston. Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle/AP Photo JFK: November 22nd Then and Now This Oct. 23, 2013 photo shows an image taken Nov. 21, 1963, of Houston Chronicle employees leaning out the window waiting on President John. F. Kennedy's motorcade, juxtaposed against the current scene in Houston. Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle/AP Photo JFK: November 22nd Then and Now This Nov. 5, 2013 photo shows an image taken by Dallas Morning News photographer Tom Dillard on Nov. 22, 1963, of spectators lying on the ground in Dealey Plaza as a motorcycle police officer drives by immediately after the shooting of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, juxtaposed outside of the current day Elm Street, in Dallas. Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle/AP Photo JFK: November 22nd Then and Now This Sept. 10, 2013 photo shows an Associated Press image taken Nov. 22, 1963, of Jackie Kennedy and Secret Service agent Clint Hill climbing on the back of the limousine after President John F. Kennedy was shot, juxtaposed with the current scene in Dallas. Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle/AP Photo JFK: November 22nd Then and Now This Sept. 10, 2013 photo shows an image taken by Darryl Heikes of the Dallas Times Herald on Nov. 22, 2013, of the scene where Lee Harvey Oswald shot Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippit, juxtaposed against the current scene in Dallas. The decorated, 11-year veteran police officer was, according to two federal government investigations, shot and killed by Oswald. Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle/AP Photo JFK: November 22nd Then and Now This Sept. 10, 2013 photo shows an image taken by Stuart Reed on Nov. 22, 1963, of Lee Harvey Oswald's arrest, juxtaposed against the modern day Texas Theatre, in Dallas. Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle/AP Photo JFK: November 22nd Then and Now This Sept. 9, 2013 photo shows an image provided by the City of Dallas Archive taken Nov. 22, 1963, of a Dallas police officer pointing to the seat at the Texas Theatre where Lee Harvey Oswald was sitting when police entered to arrest him, juxtaposed against the current scene in Dallas. Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle/AP Photo JFK: November 22nd Then and Now This Sept. 10, 2013 photo shows an image taken by Bob Jackson of the Dallas Times Herald on Nov. 24, 1963, of Lee Harvey Oswald, assassin of President John F. Kennedy, reacting as Dallas night club owner Jack Ruby, foreground, shoots at him from point blank range in a corridor of Dallas Police Headquarters, juxtaposed with the current scene at the Dallas Police Headquarters, in Dallas. Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle/AP Photo

Jack Ruby

How old was Michael Jackson when he died?

Interview: Gerald Posner | Who Was Lee Harvey Oswald? | FRONTLINE | PBS Who Was Lee Harvey Oswald? by Bill Rockwood A former litigator, Posner is a fulltime investigative writer. Among his nine books is the bestseller, Case Closed (1993), which concludes that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. In this interview, Posner talks about the forensic evidence over the years that points to Oswald as the lone assassin and the lack of credible evidence to support the various conspiracy theories. Posner also discusses the actions, motivations and mob connections of Jack Ruby, who murdered Oswald. This interview was conducted in 1993 in conjunction with the original broadcast of FRONTLINE’s Who Was Lee Harvey Oswald? The only section of it which has been updated is Mr. Posner’s response to the question concerning possible ties between Lee Harvey Oswald and David Ferrie. This part of the interview was conducted in conjunction with the November 2003 updated rebroadcast of the film. [question]Who was Lee Harvey Oswald?[/question] He was an extremely disturbed sociopath — a man whose life was careening out of control, who had never had any success at almost anything that he had done, who felt at the end of his life that he had no option but to break out of it with a dramatic act. The only thing he was successful at in the 24 years he was here was, unfortunately, the assassination of President Kennedy. [question]Did Oswald hate Kennedy? How can we explain the assassination?[/question] Lee Harvey Oswald did not hate President Kennedy. What he did hate was the system and what Kennedy stood for. He despised America. He despised capitalism. When he eventually had the opportunity to strike against Kennedy, it was that symbol of the system that he was going after. [question]Let’s get right to the bottom line on this. How many shots were fired, how many hit the motorcade, and is there any evidence of another rifle?[/question] Three shots were fired, all from Oswald’s Mannlicher-Carcano rifle. The first missed. The second hit its target, both Kennedy and Connally. The third hit just Kennedy in a fatal shot. There is no physical evidence at Dealey Plaza of another bullet or another gun ever being used that day. … All four government investigations came to the same conclusion — that there were only two shots that struck President Kennedy, both from the rear — the Warren Commission in the 1960s; in 1968, the Clark Panel set by Attorney General Ramsey Clark; in the 1970s, the Rockefeller Commission; and finally in the late 1970s, the House Select Committee, with the largest forensics panel re-examining the evidence. [question]With all the years of writings and movies about the possibility of conspiracy in the assassination, what’s happened to our understanding of Lee Harvey Oswald?[/question] Increasingly, in the last 30 years, Oswald has become a footnote to the story. He is lost under a deluge of details about trajectory angles and ballistics and forensics and possible plotters. But we have no understanding of his real character and what motivates him in these small sterile presentations of him. [question]In your book, you use a moment when the Dallas police confront him, after the assassination, about his two identification cards as a metaphor for where we still are in this case. Can you describe that incident when Gus Rose walks in there and what meaning you derive from that?[/question] Lee Harvey Oswald had just been taken to the Dallas police jail after being arrested for having killed Officer Tippit. Gus Rose, a Dallas detective, walks in with his billfold and two pieces of identification and says, “One says Alek Hidell, one says Lee Harvey Oswald. Which one are you?” Oswald looks at him with a smirk that crosses his face and says, “You figure it out.” In a broader sense, that’s the challenge Oswald has posed to all of us, to unmask the enigma and to find out who he really was. [question]Will you explain what your instincts are concerning the moment when Lee supposedly discovers the presidential motorcade route in Dallas?[/question] I think it’s hard to overestimate the impact for Oswald of reading in a newspaper that the president’s motorcade would pass directly in front of his place of employment. Here is a man whose contribution to his revolutionary politics was going to be the death of an American army general, Edwin Walker, and suddenly he’s faced with a whole different possibility. He hates Russia. He hates the United States. He’s unsatisfied in both lives. He has a terrible marriage with Marina. The FBI is hounding him. He’s just been rejected by the Cubans. He’s been pushed down by all those people that know him over his life. He’s always thought he was better and smarter than the rest, and finally on a silver platter, history presents itself. He has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand up and to say to all those who had rejected him in the past and had abused him that he was somebody special. And he took advantage of it. [question]Describe Lee Harvey Oswald’s shooting ability.[/question] Just three weeks after joining the Marines, he’s trained in the use of an M-l rifle. He shoots on a rifle range [a score of] 212, which means he qualified for the second-highest position in the Marine Corps, that of a sharpshooter. Near the end of his stay in the Marines in 1959, after being court-martialed twice and his morale was low, he went back to re-qualify himself in the range — still shot a 191, and still qualified as a marksman. That meant that he could hit a 10-inch target eight times out of ten from 200 yards away. [question]As time goes by with him in the Marines, a kind of deterioration takes place. Can you describe that?[/question] Oswald entered the Marines with such high hopes, but it quickly unravels for him. Just a year after entering, he wounds himself with a pistol that he’s not suppose to have, and as a result, he’s court-martialed. Then he’s put on KP duty for a very long stint. He’s very dissatisfied with it. Eventually, he attacks the sergeant that be believes is responsible for his long KP service in a bar and challenges him to a fight. Then he’s court-martialed a second time. This time, he’s put into the brig, and this has an effect on him. The brig is very hard, and when he comes out, he’s now an embittered person. He has failed at yet another thing in life. He’s failed at the Marines. Now he hates the Corps and he hates the government behind it. [question]What do we know about Oswald’s planning for his defection to Russia?[/question] There is evidence of Oswald planning to defect to Russia for quite a considerable time before he leaves the Marines. He’s saving up his money. He makes an application for a passport near the end of his service. He applies to travel to a university in Finland, because it gives him an excuse to go up to Helsinki, where he will apply for a Soviet visa. He’s been in contact with Japanese communists. … He’s talking to fellow Marines about doing something famous. He applies for a passport. He fills in applications for his travel and early exit from the Marines. Eventually he heads over to Helsinki, where he obtains a visa to the Soviet Union. I believe that much of his travel plans were actually aided by Japanese communists, who he was in discussions with, and who gave him the best advice on how to get to Russia as smoothly as possible. [question]Did Oswald have enough money to go to the Soviet Union? How did he attempt to leave in December?[/question] Oswald had more than enough money to travel to the Soviet Union. His fellow colleagues in the Marines remember him as extremely frugal. He told a reporter in Moscow that he had saved some $1,500, nearly 75 percent of his Marine salary over a two-year period. [question]What about the question of the visa and how quickly he got one to travel to Russia?[/question] The KGB agent responsible for issuing tourist visas told me that, in a station like Helsinki, where there was very little tourist traffic, the average for issuing visas to the Soviet Union would be about two days — exactly the period that Oswald had to wait. [question]Oswald’s planning for the Walker shooting in 1963 — could you describe what we know about his plans and political statements?[/question] Oswald had an entire book of operations for his Walker action, including photographs of Walker’s house, photographs of an area that he intended to stash the rifle, maps that he had drawn very carefully, statements of political purpose. In the end, he wanted this to be an important historical feat, and this was to be the documentation left behind. He viewed General Walker as an up-and-coming Adolf Hitler, and that he would be the hero who stopped him on his rise to power. [question]There was someone who testified about seeing two cars parked right after the Walker shooting. Do records indicate Oswald had co-conspirators that night?[/question] Walker Kirk Coleman was a 14-year-old youngster who thought he saw two cars leaving the scene immediately after the Walker shooting. A friend who was with him didn’t see the cars at all. Others in the neighborhood don’t recall seeing cars. Coleman said he just saw a car drive away at normal speed — not at high speed — leaving the scene of the crime. It turns out that there was a church in the area whose services ended right around the time that Coleman saw the cars. People left the church, and they were leaving the scene at that very time. Oswald had intended to mix with that crowd after the shooting of Walker. [question]Turning to the assassination, President Kennedy’s throat wound — what’s the bottom-line evidence of where the throat wound came from?[/question] The evidence that the shot came from the rear is both in Kennedy’s clothes — the threads are pushed inward on the back of the jacket and on the shirt, indicating the direction of the bullet — as well as in the residues of copper. That showed the bullet still had its jacket on it when it was going into him. The skin shows an abrasion around the wound, which is typical of that type of entrance wound. You can see also the skin part pushed in. Both Kennedy’s body and the clothes confirmed the direction of the bullet. [question]Why does the president seem to be grabbing for his throat?[/question] Most people think the president is grabbing for his throat. His hands come up like this. But actually it’s an instinctive response called Thorburn’s Position, and his hands come up in front of his chin. They’re much higher than the throat. The elbows are flexed out. They’re locked in that position. He is not reaching for his throat. [question]The head wound. Everyone looks at the backward motion of the president’s head and says, “That’s got to mean the shot came from the front and shoved the head back.”[/question] When I first saw the Zapruder film, I thought that it was evidence of a shot from the front. … I asked the experts, “What does that mean, that backwards head movement?” What they told me is, several things are happening. First, as the cortex of the brain is destroyed, a neuromuscular response shoots down the spine, sending a seizure through the body. The body’s muscles twitch, with the large muscles in the back predominating. Remember, Kennedy’s wrapped into a back brace. It’s wrapped right underneath his breast all the way down and wrapped around his legs. You can’t tell from that seizure where he’s going to move in the car. But then something happens. Out the right side of his head, an explosion takes place. On the enhanced Zapruder film, you can see a cloud, a red mist of brain and blood tissue moving forward. It’s almost a jet effect. As that propels out his head, it has much more force than the force of the bullet moving in, and it shoots him in the opposite direction. It shoots out to the right front and left, violently. Two things. As the president’s brain is destroyed, he goes into a neuromuscular seizure. His body starts to stiffen up. At the same time that the wound explodes out the right front side of his head and as that blood and brain tissue moves out, it forces him in the opposite direction, the jet effect, back and to the left, violently. … [question]In terms of photographs, X-rays, is it absolutely clear where the shots came from?[/question] No question. The X-rays and the autopsy photographs are conclusive. Kennedy is only hit by two shots, fired from the rear. [question]What does computer analysis show about the alignment of the two men?[/question] The computer analysis shows Kennedy and Connally in their exact positions in the Zapruder frame, in three-dimensional space. It lines up the seven wounds and shows that a single bullet went on a straight-line trajectory, right through both of them. [question]And their trajectory analysis, as they went backward from the wounds to where they discovered those shots came from?[/question] The computer technicians used reverse projection to go from the wounds on Kennedy and Connally and determined where the assassin had to be located to inflict those wounds. A cone is splayed out from the wound, and shows that the only area almost centers on the southeast corner, sixth floor, Texas School Book Depository. [question]Can you give me the conventional conspiratorial descriptions of the “magic bullet’s” movement, and what the four commissions which investigated the assassination concluded?[/question] Critics claim that the bullet came through President Kennedy, hesitated for a second and a half in mid-air, deciding where to go, then made a right turn, went over and hit Governor Connally in the right shoulder, came out of his right nipple, made another right turn to move over and hit Governor Connally’s wrist. Then when it came out of here, decided “Where should I go?” and made a left turn, a 90-degree turn, and went into his thigh. Four government commissions all concluded that’s absolutely false, that, in fact, it was a straight line right through the two men. [question]Could the magic bullet have created all those wounds and emerge pristine? What’s your analysis on how that could have happened?[/question] The bullet on the stretcher at Parkland Hospital isn’t pristine. It’s slightly damaged. There’s no question that a single bullet could inflict all seven wounds on both the president and the governor and emerge in very good condition as it slowed, as it moved through the two men. It moved fast enough to break bone, but not fast enough to deform the bullet. … There are two pieces of evidence that show when the governor is hit by one bullet. One, the right front of his jacket of his suit, his lapel, flies up as the bullet passes through him right at frame 224. Within a sixth of a second, by frame 226, his hat is flipping up in front of his face as he holds on to it, the bullet having passed through his wrist, and the wrist instinctively reacting to the bullet. [question]What did the neutron activation analysis show about the fragments in Governor Connally and the magic bullet?[/question] The neutron activation settled the question of whether the fragments removed from Governor Connally’s wrist, on the day of the assassination attempt, came from the bullet found on the stretcher at Parkland Hospital. It concluded it absolutely came from the same bullet. [question]Can you explain to me what you see in the Zapruder film that indicates to you that Connally and Kennedy were actually reacting and hit at the same time?[/question] Two conclusive pieces of evidence. One is that the governor’s right front of his jacket, his whole lapel, flaps up at the moment the bullet passes through him. The second is that, within a sixth of a second, three frames, the governor’s hat is flying up in front of his face as the wrist, which has been injured by a bullet, reacts to that injury, and then flips right down in front of him. [question]Can you explain what the House Select Committee on Assassinations (1978-79) found out in the acoustic evidence, and what happened afterward concerning the issue of the reliability of the evidence?[/question] The House Select Committee on Assassinations used sound experts to listen to a Dallas police Dictabelt. They concluded with a 95 percent certainty that there was a fourth shot fired at Dealey Plaza, and it came from the grassy knoll. The National Academy of Sciences reviewed their work and found a multitude of errors and omissions. The most serious of which was that at the time that the Select Committee experts thought the shots were, [it] actually, [was] one minute after the assassination had actually taken place. Dealey Plaza is a veritable echo chamber, and it makes it very difficult sometimes to analyze the acoustic testimony. However, by looking at the statements of a witness who gave an opinion as to the source of the shots, we can see certain trends. Eighty-eight percent of the 179 witnesses who expressed an opinion said there were three shots and three shots only. The largest group that identified a location, 28 percent, said they came from the book depository. Only four witnesses, 2 percent of all the witnesses at Dealey, heard shots coming from more than one location. [question]Were there any eyewitnesses who might have seen Oswald?[/question] The man with the best perspective in Dealey Plaza and the best vantage point turned out to be a construction worker, Howard Brennan, who was 93 feet away from the sixth floor of the depository, right across the street, leaning against a concrete divider. He watched a young man who he later described as Oswald do the shooting. Shots one, two, and three; in horror, Brennan hit the ground after the third shot, still looking up. He saw the shooter with a smirk on his face slowly draw the rifle back into the window of the depository, and disappear from his line of sight. [question]But people have criticized Brennan’s failure to identify Oswald in a line-up, and there’s been a lot of criticism that he had lousy eyesight.[/question] Brennan has been criticized for having lousy eyesight. As a matter of fact, some say that he was nearsighted, and couldn’t have seen Oswald. Absolutely false. His eyesight at the time was excellent, although he did use glasses afterwards and he was far-sighted — just the opposite. But he was able to see Oswald very clearly in the sixth floor. He did not pick Oswald out of a line-up that night, Friday night, with the Dallas police, saying, “It looks like the same man, but I’m not sure.” We later found out the reason why: He told the Warren Commission, “I could have picked out Oswald without any question. That was the man I saw in the sixth-floor window. But I was afraid for my own life, because I thought there might be others involved in a plot to kill the president. I was the only one that could finger the shooter, and that they might come after me as a result.” And he stayed quiet that evening. [question]Then we go to the grassy knoll.[/question] Regarding a purported shooter from the grassy knoll, there is not a single contemporaneous statement made by any witness identifying a gun, a flash of light or the sighting of another shooter on that knoll on the day of the assassination. The witnesses who now described a second shooter have come forward years after the event to give this dramatic testimony. The only evidence given on the day of the assassination that looks suspicious was that four men described a puff of smoke from the knoll, which some critics say must have been gun smoke. However, when you go back to those witness statements, they didn’t describe it as gun smoke at all. They called it either exhaust fumes from a police motorcycle or smoke from a steam pipe that was nearby. [question]Some witnesses believe there was someone else on the sixth floor of the book depository.[/question] In the minutes before the assassination, there were a number of witnesses in Dealey Plaza who later claimed to have seen more than one gunman, or another person on the same floor where Lee Harvey Oswald was supposed to be. Carolyn Walther said that she saw somebody hanging out of the building of the Texas School Book Depository with a submachine gun. Arnold Rowland said that he looked up and saw an elderly black man together on the same floor with Oswald. Johnny Powell said that he was an inmate in the sixth floor of the jail right across the street from the depository, and looked over and saw two men fiddling with the gun. But all these stories have significant problems. Powell, in the jail, couldn’t even see out, the mesh was so dirty, and there’s questions as to whether he was even there. Rowland couldn’t even see up into the window from the angle that he was standing at in the street. In addition, he probably confused one of the black men who was on the fifth floor underneath Oswald. As for Carolyn Walther, her astounding story of somebody hanging out of the depository with a machine gun, which no one else saw — she returned to work within minutes of the assassination, and said she simply forgot about it, and told her story years later for the first time. [question]Nov. 22, Ruby shows up at Dallas Police Headquarters. Can you describe that scene? How do we know he’s there? What’s he doing?[/question] Late at night, District Attorney Henry Wade and Dallas Police Chief Curry decide to make Lee Harvey Oswald available to the international press. They take him downstairs to an auditorium where they make him available at midnight. After a couple of minutes, he leaves. The press is crowding up toward the front. Wade stays to answer questions and, in response to one question, says that Oswald had been associated with the Free Play for Cuba Committee, Immediately several reporters pop up, including one in the back row, who says, “No, it’s the ‘Fair’ Play for Cuba Committee.” Film now shows that reporter not to be a reporter at all, but a nightclub owner, Jack Ruby, who had snuck into the press conference. [question]Can you describe where Ruby was during the assassination, and then what happened at Parkland Hospital soon after that?[/question] Ruby was at the Dallas Morning News building, filing an ad for his strip clubs that morning when the assassination took place. He was actually on the second floor at a desk. Then he became very distraught when the news came in, as did most of the newsroom at that point. Between 1:30 and 2 in the afternoon — about an hour after Kennedy was killed — he was spotted at Parkland Hospital by a reporter, Seth Kantor. He was upset. He was talking about closing his clubs. He asked Kantor if he should do that. He was there for only a few minutes, and then he left Parkland on the way back to his club. [question]That evening at police headquarters — I think it’s between six and nine on Nov. 22 — can you describe Ruby’s activities before the press conference, including his attempt to get into the interrogation room?[/question] The activities … to me, are typical of Jack Ruby. It’s a bit of putting himself at the center of attention. He’s passing out some business cards. But he’s also answering questions for the press. He’s telling them about Dallas, who the different policemen are, where the chief’s office is. At one point, he’s about to open up the door to the interrogation room where Lee Harvey Oswald is, and a couple of police say, “Hey, Jack, you can’t go in there.” He stops, and then he backs off from there and walks away. … [question]On the night of Nov. 22, where is Ruby emotionally?[/question] I view Ruby as very agitated from the night of the assassination, Friday. It continues to build through Saturday. A number of events take place that sort of seem to propel him at even a faster rate into what I view as this emotional deterioration. One of them is the belief that the Jewish community in Dallas is going to be blamed for the assassination, based upon an ad that had run the day the president arrived, signed by a Jewish name. Another is when he comes across a billboard that says, “Impeach Earl Warren.” [He believes] that it may be part of a right-wing plot connecting the billboard to the anti-Jewish campaign, furthering his excitability. The third is that he runs into a stripper and a policeman together in a car on Saturday night. They talk to him for about an hour, and they carry on that Oswald should be taken and quartered; that if it was England, he would be carried through the streets, and he would be dead. Ruby gets very worked up into this very anti-Oswald feeling. He is really at the edge of this emotional stability by the time Saturday rolls into Sunday. [question]What was Jack Ruby’s real relationship to the Mafia? Can you describe it?[/question] Jack Ruby knew people who were members of the Mafia. He had acquaintances from his Chicago days, people that had long prison records. There’s no question that he knew as many people in organized crime, or who had criminal records, as he knew police on the other side. [question]Was Ruby connected to Santo Trafficante?[/question] I see no credible evidence that Ruby was connected to Santo Trafficante. There are reports that he owned a sixth share of a club with Santo Trafficante in Florida — reports that have never been verified. There are reports also that he had taken Trafficante out of jail or that they had met when Trafficante was in jail in Cuba — all on the unverified word of a reporter. Never, I do believe, has it been established on the record that the two knew each other. [question]The other important connection is his connection to the Campisis, who have connections back to Marcello. Doesn’t the Campisi connection indicate a connection to Marcello?[/question] Jack Ruby used to eat at a restaurant in Dallas called the Egyptian Lounge, owned by the Campisi brothers. He was friends with the Campisis, and they have an association with Carlos Marcello in New Orleans, the crime boss of that city. But all we have here is guilt by association. There’s no evidence to show that Marcello is part of an effort to eliminate Lee Harvey Oswald the weekend of the assassination. That has no credible evidence. I think the mob theory is the most credible of the group. … But there’s no doubt in my mind that the basis for all this is speculation … because of [Ruby’s] associations. [question]What did your investigation show about a possible link between David Ferrie and Oswald?[/question] I used to believe it was unlikely that Oswald and Ferrie ever had any contact at all. But when FRONTLINE discovered a photo of the two in the same group at a Civil Air Patrol gathering in 1955, the evidence shows the two were briefly acquainted with each other. The key question then becomes whether they revived any relationship when, in the summer of 1963, Oswald returned to New Orleans. This is the critical period, because it is only months before JFK’s assassination. But there is no credible evidence that the two encountered each other again during that 1963 summer. [question]Now people have given a lot of weight to this evidence and this association. If there were associations, is it something we ought to be concerned about?[/question] I would think that if there’s an association, it doesn’t mean that there is conspiracy. Most importantly, that is, because when Lee Harvey Oswald returns to Dallas in October and November 1963 — two months before the assassination — he certainly has no contact with either Ferrie or Bannister in terms of letters, telephone records or anything else. So if he did know them, it had been in New Orleans, and he had no contact with them when Kennedy was coming to Dallas. I think what many conspiracy critics do is try to take the chain of connections too far back. They say Oswald knew Ferrie, and Ferrie did some investigative work for Marcello, and Bannister did some investigative work for Marcello. Marcello hated Kennedy, and therefore it must have been Marcello deciding to kill Kennedy, down to Ferrie and Bannister, who then gave the order to Oswald, who went off and did it. It’s wonderful speculation. There is just no evidence to back it up. [question]Jack Ruby shows an interest in Oswald’s transfer. Could you describe it?[/question] Dallas police had originally announced that Oswald would be transferred on Saturday. Ruby was excited about that transfer and called up a local radio station, KLIF, and said, “Oswald’s going to be transferred. Do you want me to cover it for you?” They were rather surprised, but they talked to each other, and they said, “Go ahead, Jack, and do it.” So he went down. He was present at the police station. A crowd had formed, and then the police didn’t transfer Oswald. The announcement was made Saturday night, “We will transfer Oswald at 10 o’clock tomorrow morning.” It looked like Ruby had missed that by an hour and a half, when he had gone to Western Union. [question]Now, to Sunday morning. Can you give me a good description of how Ruby goes to Western Union? …[/question] On Sunday, when Jack Ruby wakes up and takes over an hour and a half to leave his apartment, he very leisurely goes to downtown Dallas to send a moneygram to a stripper in Fort Worth. He goes to the Western Union office in the downtown area. He waits patiently in line behind another customer. He never uses a telephone that’s inside the Western Union office. He doesn’t appear to be rushed, says the clerk behind the counter, and he sends his $25 moneygram. He takes his change. It’s time-stamped at 11:17. Four minutes later, Oswald is shot by Ruby, at 11:21. Oswald should have been transferred an hour and twenty minutes earlier, but was delayed because the interrogation ran long. Oswald himself had asked for a change of clothes near the end, which delayed him for another five minutes. Ruby walks down the ramp into police headquarters. A policeman is distracted as a car pulls out. Witnesses recall [Ruby] arriving at the back of the crowd, from where he breaks through only 15 to 20 seconds before he shoots Oswald. [question]Ruby’s very provocative statement suggests that there’s more to this.[/question] In Ruby’s televised statement and in other statements, he did believe there was more to the case than just his simple shooting of Oswald. He thought there was a massive conspiracy by the district attorney and by right-wing elements to frame him, and to further embarrass the Jewish community in Dallas. That is what Jack Ruby is talking about time and time again when he talks about what he should know and could reveal in this case. [question]In general terms — not just that weekend — how would you describe Jack Ruby emotionally?[/question] Ruby was somebody always on the edge; a very volatile temper. He chased his former partner in his business with a gun down an alley, beat up customers constantly in his own club. He was arrested more than 10 times while he was in Dallas. But then could turn around in a split second and, all of a sudden, be very nice to somebody. Those who knew him describe him as a real low-level loser, somebody who wanted to break out of this mold, be beyond strip clubs and be accepted into Dallas. He was a gladhander — would hang out at police stations and hang out at press offices, hoping to move up in life, but never did. [question]Bottom line — what’s your assessment of his motive to kill Oswald?[/question] There’s the odor of a Mafia hit all around Ruby’s murder of Lee Harvey Oswald until you examine both Ruby and his actions over that weekend. There is no credible evidence to show that Jack Ruby acted at the behest of anyone in organized crime. It was personally motivated from day one. [question]Isn’t there just too much coincidence? Two lone nuts, in this case?[/question] What we have constantly is the interpretation in this assassination — especially because we do have two sociopathic personalities that crossed paths in Dallas on that fateful weekend — we have the interpretation of coincidence as conspiracy. But in the end, his sister, who knew him best, said, “Jack really doesn’t know why he killed Oswald, but he’s trying to come up with a reason.” In part, I view it very much as a spur-of-the-moment action by a man who had that type of violent streak and thought he might even be a hero for having killed Oswald, and removing the stain from Dallas. When word spread onto the street that Oswald had been shot, the several hundred people who had gathered for his transfer broke spontaneously into cheers and applause. The reaction from the crowd that day in Dallas is that Ruby might have gambled right. [question]What about the story of Oswald in the car dealership prior to the assassination?[/question] [Albert] Bogard, a car salesman at a Mercury dealership in downtown Dallas, said that on Nov. 9, a Saturday, a fellow walked in and said, “I want to buy a car. I’m coming into money soon,” and test drove a car at very high speeds along the roadways, scaring Bogard a great deal. Bogard wrote his name down on a business card. The name, he said, was Oswald. After the assassination, he looked at the television, and saw the very same man that had been in the car dealership. The problem is that it’s impossible that it was Lee Harvey Oswald. He was with his wife Marina and her friend Ruth Paine the entire weekend on Nov. 9 and Nov. 10. He was nowhere near a dealership in downtown Dallas. After the assassination, Bogard’s story quickly fell apart. He said his manager had seen Oswald. He said he never remembered it. One other person recalled it at the dealership and said Oswald was about five feet tall. Bogard was fired soon after he first told the story. [question]There are several sightings of Oswald at firing ranges. Could you summarize the problems with those sightings?[/question] The problem with the sightings of Lee Harvey Oswald at firing ranges in Dallas is that the number of witnesses who came forward are clearly confused when you go back and look at their statements. They describe a gun being used that is nothing like Oswald’s, a bright and newly polished gun. They describe a different sight, different types of ammunition, people that look nothing like Oswald. They describe him as arriving and leaving in everything from a 1941 Ford pickup to a Chevrolet to a hardtop car. Oswald didn’t even drive at the time. There is no sign-up ever in any of the sheets at the practice range with the name Lee Harvey Oswald — certainly something the conspirators would have done to have effectuated the frame. These stories are just mistaken identity, at the very best. [question]But don’t all these sightings really add up to the possibility that someone is impersonating Oswald?[/question] There is no credible evidence that there is any impersonation of Lee Harvey Oswald at any of the locations in which witnesses later pop up and say, “I saw him.” “I saw him bowling.” “He was here with Jack Ruby.” “He was over at a firing range, shooting a weapon.” As a matter of fact, as an attorney, I’m surprised there aren’t almost more of these sightings. After the type of saturation press coverage that you had on this case, people pop up constantly and confuse individuals they see on TV, day in and day out and read about, as somebody they saw a month or a week or two months earlier. So I think that these are quite normal for this type of case. [question]On the day of the assassination, Oswald gets a ride to work from Frazier. What indications are there that he was carrying the rifle?[/question] When Lee Harvey Oswald went to get a ride to work that morning with Wesley Frazier from Irving, Texas, he had a package with him. He put it in the back seat of Frazier’s car. He told him it was curtain rods. The disassembled Carcano rifle is 36 inches long. The package itself, Wesley Frazier said, was only two feet long, which has made critics say it couldn’t have contained the rifle. He also said that, when Oswald walked into the depository, it was held underneath Oswald’s armpit and extended down to his hand. Of course he could hold a package three feet long that way. But since that date, Frazier has admitted he only glanced at it. He didn’t really pay much attention, and it could have been longer than the two feet and even extended past Oswald’s armpit and he would not have seen that. [question]What about Carolyn Arnold?[/question] Carolyn Arnold, a 20-year-old secretary in 1963 at the School Book Depository, told an astonishing story for the first time in 1978 — that she had seen Lee Harvey Oswald in the second-floor lunchroom as late as 12:25, only five minutes before the assassination — making it virtual impossible for him to have gotten upstairs, prepared the sniper’s nest, and assassinate the president. But the problem is, not only did a number of co-workers — more than six of them — not see Oswald in any of the lunchrooms at the Book Depository, but in her original two statements to the FBI, she never saw him there, either. [question]Your take on the Delphine Roberts’ credibility in her statements that she saw Oswald in Bannister’s office?[/question] Based on my own conversations with Delphine Roberts, I do not find her credible on the story that she saw Lee Harvey Oswald repeatedly in Guy Bannister’s office. This is also a woman who thinks that there was a communist plot involved in the death of Bobby Kennedy and John Kennedy, who thinks that she is the last person alive who saw the sacred scrolls from the Ark of the Covenant, that she is related to the king and queen of Scotland, she says — although there is no such thing. There’re a lot of unusual facets to Mrs. Roberts’ testimonies, only one of them being her testimony about Oswald and Bannister. [question]Did you find a pattern of inconsistency in her testimony over the years?[/question] I find Delphine Roberts very inconsistent. On one hand, she will tell a group of reporters that Oswald was with Bannister all the time. She told me that she had made the story up because she decided to at that moment. Now I understand she is back to telling the story that Oswald was with Bannister again. She seems to flip-flop a little bit, depending upon who’s talking to her. That type of inconsistency always worries me about somebody telling the truth and being credible. [question]Oscar Contreras — what’s your judgment about the reliability of his story?[/question] Oscar Contreras is not a reliable source of information about Lee Harvey Oswald. He describes an Oswald much shorter than the real one, one who he supposedly communicated to him in Spanish, although Oswald spoke only a few words in Spanish and understood virtually nothing. In addition, he said the Oswald he saw came from California — Lee Harvey Oswald did not — and that he saw him in 1959, when [Oswald] was actually in Russia. [question]What’s the potential significance of Sylvia Odio’s story, if the story is true?[/question] If the story is true, it has great significance, because it means that Lee Harvey Oswald is in the company of anti-Castro Cubans. We never have picked up any word of it, any sign of it, any evidence of it any other time in his life — meaning, to me, he had a secret life that evaded all the investigators over the years. [question]In terms of the discussion with Leopoldo about his marksmanship, about him saying they should have killed Kennedy — I mean, this is very sinister sounding, isn’t it? [/question] The telephone conversation from Leopoldo the following day, described by Miss Odio, is one of the most sinister conversations from a witness in the case. Yet it is this key conversation that has no corroboration. Nobody heard it except Miss Odio, who later tells the story after the assassination takes place. [question]Can you describe the problems with the dating on that visit to Miss Odio?[/question] Lee Harvey Oswald had left New Orleans on Sept. 25, and according to Sylvia Odio, she was preparing to move to a new apartment. She already had boxes in her living room. She was preparing with her sister to make the move. She said to the Warren Commission that “almost for sure,” in her words, Oswald visited on Sept. 26 or Sept. 27, Thursday or Friday night, when she had finished work. The problem is that Oswald was on a bus on the way to Mexico City on Sept. 26. There is no way he physically could have been at the Odio residence. … Maybe at the very earliest Wednesday, Sept. 25. But on Sept. 25, he was in Houston, as we know from his contact with the national committeeman of the Socialist Labor Party. On Sept. 26, he was on a bus on the way to Mexico City to try to go to Cuba. He physically was not at the Odio residence. [So] …there are problems of no corroboration with key parts of Sylvia Odio’s statements. [question]How do you reconcile your judgment about Odio against the House Committee’s judgment?[/question] I think that the House Committee, the investigators who worked on Sylvia Odio’s story, were believers in a conspiracy. They wanted to believe her testimony, and it’s one of many mistakes the committee made that I criticized them for. Related Stories

i don't know

What NFL team calls Reliant Stadium home?

hanging hardware included choice of 3 wood frames (see Frame Details tab below) This panorama is printed on pH neutral, heavy art paper and officially licensed. The Houston Texans playing to their home crowd at Reliant Stadium was photographed by James Blakeway. Reliant Stadium opened for business in 2002, and the Texans made their regular season debut against the Dallas Cowboys. On that day, they unveiled a gameday atmosphere that would become a staple of Texans football games. The first NFL stadium with a retractable roof, Reliant Stadium has earned a reputation as one of the premier big-event venues in American sports, hosting Big 12 Championship games, NCAA Men's Basketball tournaments, the annual Texas Bowl and Super Bowl XXXVIII. Previously the Houston Astrodome, Reliant Stadium features the largest HD video/scoreboard in pro sports in 2013. Two 52 feet high and 277 feet wide video boards replaced the existing one during this offseason. One of the most notable aspects of the design is the unique operable fabric roof. Posters are not available unframed. The print images on our website don't do justice to the actual finished piece that you will receive. Why? Because though the print images shown on our website are taken from the actual print or photo, the mat and frame shown around the image is an illustration created in Photoshop meant to represent the actual mat and frame. TICKET FRAMING Send us your game tickets or photos to frame with this panoramic print! see samples Note: The matted option must be selected to include ticket framing.

Houston Texans

Nov 24, 1859 saw the first edition of On The Origin of Species, under the authorship of who?

NRG Stadium, Houston Texans football stadium - Stadiums of Pro Football NRG STADIUM Houston, TX Opening in 2002, the Houston Texans stadium became the first retractable roof facility in the NFL. Football in the City of Houston had been a staple since 1960 when the Houston Oilers were founded. For over 25 years the Oilers played at the Houston Astrodome , the first multipurpose dome stadium in the country. By the mid 1980s the Oilers, owned by Bud Adams, became dissatisfied with the Astrodome because it was one of the smallest stadiums in the NFL. When Adams threatened to move the Oilers to Jacksonville in 1987, Houston officials renovated the Astrodome, adding 10,000 seats and additional luxury suites. However, it was not long before Adams became unsatisfied with the refurbished Astrodome. By the 1990s he began to lobby for a new dome stadium to be built in downtown Houston. In 1993 Adams was willing to contribute $85 million to a stadium but Houston officials and residents were not willing to fund a new stadium. Frustrated by the lack of support for a new stadium, Adams moved the Oilers to Nashville, TN after the 1996 season where they became the Tennessee Titans. Spearheaded by Bob McNair in 1997, the Houston NFL Holdings Group was formed in order to bring a NFL franchise back to Houston. The group commissioned HOK Sport to develop a retractable roof stadium. In 1998, after expanding to 31 teams, the NFL announced it would further expand to 32 teams in 1999. Two cities competed for the 32nd team: Los Angeles and Houston. It appeared that Houston would never land another NFL team in March 1999, when the league announced that it had selected Los Angeles as the home of its 32nd franchise. However, this was contingent on the city and investors working together to develop a stadium deal. They were unsuccessful and in October 1999 the NFL rescinded the Los Angeles expansion franchise, awarding it to Houston. Named the Houston Texans, the new team partnered with the Livestock Show and Rodeo to build a stadium. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new stadium, built adjacent to the Astrodome, began in early 2000. In October 2000, Reliant Energy purchased the naming rights, thus the facility was named Reliant Stadium. It was renamed NRG Stadium in March 2014 after NRG Energy purchased Reliant Energy. The Houston Texans played their first regular season game at Reliant Stadium on September 8, 2002 against the Dallas Cowboys. NRG Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, consisting of three main tiers that enclose the field. A retractable roof was chosen for the stadium, mainly because of the late summer heat and the stadium hosts rodeos, that attract two million people annually. The roof opens or closes in seven minutes, consists of two sections that meet over the 50 yard line when it is closed. When the roof is open, each section is above the seats in the endzone. NRG Stadium has many amenities including over 8,200 club seats, 187 luxury suites, club lounges and bars, and a Texans team store. The newest addition to the stadium are two 50 feet high by 277 feet wide HD video/scoreboards, each above the endzone, installed before the 2013 season. Before the second home game of the 2015 season, the Texans announced the grass playing field would be replaced with Astroturf due to issues with the tray system that is used to transport grass into and out of the stadium. NRG Stadium is host to many events annually and was the site of Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 and will host Super Bowl LI in 2017.  

i don't know

The Caruncle, Snood, and Wattle can all be found where?

Caruncles, Breast Beards, and Snoods, Oh My! The MF Guide to Turkey Anatomy - Modern Farmer Caruncles, Breast Beards, and Snoods, Oh My! The MF Guide to Turkey Anatomy By Brian Barth on November 21, 2016 Share ‘Handsome’ is not the first word that comes to mind when describing the facial features of a turkey. More like, ‘Wow, interesting’! Yet the rest of the bird is often stunning—especially the males when they poof their chest feathers and fan their tail feathers out to impress a mate. One of the most interesting parts of writing about turkeys for our winter cover story  was learning about their anatomy. It was when a farmer gave me a quick tutorial on all those dangly head appendages and the many physical differences than differentiate hens (females) from toms (males) that I really started to grasp the world of turkeys—especially their social life. Here’s a few cliff notes on the topic to pull out at your next dinner party (maybe just not at the Thanksgiving table). Snood This is the fleshy appendage that extends over the beak. While it looks like a pint-sized version of an elephant’s trunk, the purpose of the snood is not to grab food, it’s to grab the attention of a mate. While mature female turkeys develop a short snood of their own (evolutionary purpose unknown), on males it eventually grows up to 5 inches; when a male is trying to impress a female, the snood turns bright red and elongates even further. The males with the longest, brightest snoods tend to attract the most mates. For reasons that remain unclear, snood length appears to be an indicator of robust genes in turkeys. For example, one study found that male turkeys with longer snoods have higher testosterone levels and are more resistant to coccidiosis, a common digestive ailment in poultry. Wattles In the most general sense, wattles refer to fleshy appendages hanging from the neck or chin of many types of animals. Pigs, goats, chickens, and turkeys are all capable of growing wattles. With pigs and goats, the wattle is covered in hair and has no known biological function. With poultry, wattles are bare flesh, and are considered a sign of male vitality—dominant roosters and toms typically have the largest wattles in the flock. Just like the snood, wattles become engorged with blood and turn bright red during courtship, as well as to intimidate other males. Chickens have a pair of wattles dangling from their neck, while turkeys have a single, much larger wattle, which is also known as a dewlap. Caruncles The warty protuberances on the head of a turkey are called caruncles. Technically, wattles and snoods are types of caruncles, but on turkeys the term usually refers to all the flesh that is not a wattle or a snood. If you look closely at the caruncles around the skull, you’ll see a pea-sized orifice behind each eye, which are the turkey’s ears. The bulbous hunks of tissue behind the dewlap are called the major caruncles. These look like brains or intestines, depending on your preferred adjective. Although if you thought they were testicle-like, you wouldn’t be far off, as the larger the caruncles, the more testosterone a tom has. When male turkeys are aroused, the caruncles around the head and neck turn bright red, while those on the face turn a brilliant aquamarine blue. Female turkeys also have caruncles, but all three are smaller and remain a less noticeable fleshy pink color. Leg Spurs If the facial features aren’t enough for you to tell a hen from a tom, look at the legs. They’re not pretty to look at either in either sex (very scaly and reptilian), but male turkeys have a special claw, known as a spur, part way down the back of the leg, just a couple inches above the feet. On young males, called jakes in turkey parlance (less than one year of age), the spur is no bigger than a rose thorn. It grows a little bit more each year, and becomes more curved, eventually reaching up to 2 inches or more. The spurs are used for sparring with other males in an attempt to assert dominance. Breast Beards Now for the feathered body parts. As male turkeys mature, they developed a clump of slender, fibrous feathers in the center of their breast, which is referred to as a beard or a tassel. A turkey’s beard resembles a horse’s tail, except it’s shorter and on the front of the body. Like the fleshy head appendages, turkey beards are believed to be an aesthetic feature intended to attract mates; beards become more erect when a tom is aroused. The longer the beard, the older the turkey—they can eventually grow to about 12 inches in length. Rarely, toms have multiple beards, which are aligned vertically along the breast, with the longest beards on the bottom and getting smaller as they go up.  Some, but not all, female turkeys also grow beards, though they top out at about 6 or 7 inches. Feathers and Their Functions Feathers on male and female turkeys are essentially the same, at least when it comes to practical matters. They have short, downy feathers on their breasts and back for warmth. Their several layers of wing feathers, which provide loft for flight (though wild and heritage breed turkeys can only fly short distances, and modern breeds can’t fly at all): the outer layer is made up of “covert” feathers; then comes a layer of slightly longer “secondary” feathers; the longer “primary” feathers are closest to the body and hang down almost to the ground. There are two layers of tail feathers: the short “coverts” in front, and the much longer “rectrices” behind (up to 18 inches long), of which there are typically 18. Female turkey feathers are usually white, black, or gray, perhaps with a few mottled markings here and there. On males, however, markings are much more pronounced and colorful, and include the characteristic striated patterns on the tailfeathers. Males weigh between 1.5 to 2 times as much as females, but they appear even larger because of their ability to poof out every feather on their body—which is known as strutting. Strutting is common behavior throughout the year, but is almost constant during the spring mating season. When strutting, the males flap their wings, fan out their tailfeathers in full display, and make a “gobbling” noise—making it very easy to tell who is pursuing who. Share What's Trending Subscribe Today Modern Farmer is a quarterly magazine devoted to the people, policy, issues, animals, plants, and technology of farming and food.

head of turkey

Originally started in 1956 by Pauline Phillips, what advice column is now written by her daughter, Jeanne Phillips?

Caruncles, Breast Beards, and Snoods, Oh My! The MF Guide to Turkey Anatomy - Modern Farmer Caruncles, Breast Beards, and Snoods, Oh My! The MF Guide to Turkey Anatomy By Brian Barth on November 21, 2016 Share ‘Handsome’ is not the first word that comes to mind when describing the facial features of a turkey. More like, ‘Wow, interesting’! Yet the rest of the bird is often stunning—especially the males when they poof their chest feathers and fan their tail feathers out to impress a mate. One of the most interesting parts of writing about turkeys for our winter cover story  was learning about their anatomy. It was when a farmer gave me a quick tutorial on all those dangly head appendages and the many physical differences than differentiate hens (females) from toms (males) that I really started to grasp the world of turkeys—especially their social life. Here’s a few cliff notes on the topic to pull out at your next dinner party (maybe just not at the Thanksgiving table). Snood This is the fleshy appendage that extends over the beak. While it looks like a pint-sized version of an elephant’s trunk, the purpose of the snood is not to grab food, it’s to grab the attention of a mate. While mature female turkeys develop a short snood of their own (evolutionary purpose unknown), on males it eventually grows up to 5 inches; when a male is trying to impress a female, the snood turns bright red and elongates even further. The males with the longest, brightest snoods tend to attract the most mates. For reasons that remain unclear, snood length appears to be an indicator of robust genes in turkeys. For example, one study found that male turkeys with longer snoods have higher testosterone levels and are more resistant to coccidiosis, a common digestive ailment in poultry. Wattles In the most general sense, wattles refer to fleshy appendages hanging from the neck or chin of many types of animals. Pigs, goats, chickens, and turkeys are all capable of growing wattles. With pigs and goats, the wattle is covered in hair and has no known biological function. With poultry, wattles are bare flesh, and are considered a sign of male vitality—dominant roosters and toms typically have the largest wattles in the flock. Just like the snood, wattles become engorged with blood and turn bright red during courtship, as well as to intimidate other males. Chickens have a pair of wattles dangling from their neck, while turkeys have a single, much larger wattle, which is also known as a dewlap. Caruncles The warty protuberances on the head of a turkey are called caruncles. Technically, wattles and snoods are types of caruncles, but on turkeys the term usually refers to all the flesh that is not a wattle or a snood. If you look closely at the caruncles around the skull, you’ll see a pea-sized orifice behind each eye, which are the turkey’s ears. The bulbous hunks of tissue behind the dewlap are called the major caruncles. These look like brains or intestines, depending on your preferred adjective. Although if you thought they were testicle-like, you wouldn’t be far off, as the larger the caruncles, the more testosterone a tom has. When male turkeys are aroused, the caruncles around the head and neck turn bright red, while those on the face turn a brilliant aquamarine blue. Female turkeys also have caruncles, but all three are smaller and remain a less noticeable fleshy pink color. Leg Spurs If the facial features aren’t enough for you to tell a hen from a tom, look at the legs. They’re not pretty to look at either in either sex (very scaly and reptilian), but male turkeys have a special claw, known as a spur, part way down the back of the leg, just a couple inches above the feet. On young males, called jakes in turkey parlance (less than one year of age), the spur is no bigger than a rose thorn. It grows a little bit more each year, and becomes more curved, eventually reaching up to 2 inches or more. The spurs are used for sparring with other males in an attempt to assert dominance. Breast Beards Now for the feathered body parts. As male turkeys mature, they developed a clump of slender, fibrous feathers in the center of their breast, which is referred to as a beard or a tassel. A turkey’s beard resembles a horse’s tail, except it’s shorter and on the front of the body. Like the fleshy head appendages, turkey beards are believed to be an aesthetic feature intended to attract mates; beards become more erect when a tom is aroused. The longer the beard, the older the turkey—they can eventually grow to about 12 inches in length. Rarely, toms have multiple beards, which are aligned vertically along the breast, with the longest beards on the bottom and getting smaller as they go up.  Some, but not all, female turkeys also grow beards, though they top out at about 6 or 7 inches. Feathers and Their Functions Feathers on male and female turkeys are essentially the same, at least when it comes to practical matters. They have short, downy feathers on their breasts and back for warmth. Their several layers of wing feathers, which provide loft for flight (though wild and heritage breed turkeys can only fly short distances, and modern breeds can’t fly at all): the outer layer is made up of “covert” feathers; then comes a layer of slightly longer “secondary” feathers; the longer “primary” feathers are closest to the body and hang down almost to the ground. There are two layers of tail feathers: the short “coverts” in front, and the much longer “rectrices” behind (up to 18 inches long), of which there are typically 18. Female turkey feathers are usually white, black, or gray, perhaps with a few mottled markings here and there. On males, however, markings are much more pronounced and colorful, and include the characteristic striated patterns on the tailfeathers. Males weigh between 1.5 to 2 times as much as females, but they appear even larger because of their ability to poof out every feather on their body—which is known as strutting. Strutting is common behavior throughout the year, but is almost constant during the spring mating season. When strutting, the males flap their wings, fan out their tailfeathers in full display, and make a “gobbling” noise—making it very easy to tell who is pursuing who. Share What's Trending Subscribe Today Modern Farmer is a quarterly magazine devoted to the people, policy, issues, animals, plants, and technology of farming and food.

i don't know

Featuring William Hartnell in the title role, Nov 23, 1963 saw the debut of what BBC sci-fi series, the world's longest running series in that genre?

Doctor Who | Wiki | Everipedia You can edit something on the page right now! Register today, it's fast and free. Doctor Who (as of 2015, Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin) Camera setup 25 minutes (1963–84, 1986–89) 45 minutes (1985, 2005–present) Specials: 23 November 1963 (1963-11-23) – 6 December 1989 (1989-12-06) Television film: 26 March 2005 (2005-03-26) – present Chronology Doctor Who at the BBC Doctor Who is a British science-fiction television programme produced by the BBC since 1963. The programme depicts the adventures of the Doctor , a Time Lord —a space and time-travelling humanoid alien . He explores the universe in his TARDIS , a sentient time-travelling space ship. Its exterior appears as a blue British police box , which was a common sight in Britain in 1963 when the series first aired. Accompanied by companions , the Doctor combats a variety of foes , while working to save civilisations and help people in need. The show is a significant part of British popular culture , [2] and elsewhere it has become a cult television favourite . The show has influenced generations of British television professionals, many of whom grew up watching the series. [3] The programme originally ran from 1963 to 1989. There was an unsuccessful attempt to revive regular production in 1996 with a backdoor pilot , in the form of a television film . The programme was relaunched in 2005 by Russell T Davies , who was showrunner and head writer for the first five years of its revival, produced in-house by BBC Wales in Cardiff . The first series of the 21st century featured Christopher Eccleston in the title role and was produced by the BBC. Doctor Who also spawned spin-offs in multiple media, including Torchwood (2006–2011) and The Sarah Jane Adventures (2007–2011), both created by Russell T Davies; K-9 (2009–2010); and a single pilot episode of K-9 and Company (1981). There also have been many spoofs and cultural references to the character in other media. Twelve actors have headlined the series as the Doctor. The transition from one actor to another is written into the plot of the show, as well as the differing approach to the role that each brings, under the concept of regeneration into a new incarnation . The show's premise is that this is a life process of Time Lords through which the character of the Doctor takes on a new body and, to some extent, new personality, which occurs after sustaining an injury which would be fatal to most other species. Each actor's portrayal differs, but they are all intended to be aspects of the same character and form part of the same storyline . The time-travelling nature of the plot means that, on occasion, different Doctors have met each other. Peter Capaldi took on the role after Matt Smith's exit in the 2013 Christmas special " The Time of the Doctor ". [4] Premise Doctor Who follows the adventures of the primary character, a rogue Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey , who simply goes by the name " The Doctor ". He fled from Gallifrey in a stolen Mark I Type 40 TARDIS  – "Time and Relative Dimension in Space" – time machine which allows him to travel across time and space. The TARDIS has a "chameleon circuit" which normally allows the machine to take on the appearance of local objects as a disguise. However, the Doctor's TARDIS remains fixed as a blue British Police box due to a malfunction in the chameleon circuit. The Doctor rarely travels alone and often brings one or more companions to share these adventures. His companions are usually humans, as he has found a fascination with planet Earth. He often finds events that pique his curiosity as he tries to prevent evil forces from harming innocent people or changing history, using only his ingenuity and minimal resources, such as his versatile sonic screwdriver . As a Time Lord, the Doctor has the ability to regenerate when his body is mortally damaged, taking on a new appearance and personality. The Doctor has gained numerous reoccurring enemies during his travels, including the Daleks , the Cybermen , and the Master , another renegade Time Lord. History Doctor Who first appeared on BBC TV at 17:16:20 GMT , eighty seconds after the scheduled programme time, 5:15 pm, on Saturday, 23 November 1963 . It was to be a regular weekly programme, each episode 25 minutes of transmission length. Discussions and plans for the programme had been in progress for a year. The head of drama , Canadian Sydney Newman , was mainly responsible for developing the programme, with the first format document for the series being written by Newman along with the head of the script department (later head of serials) Donald Wilson and staff writer C. E. Webber . Writer Anthony Coburn , story editor David Whitaker and initial producer Verity Lambert also heavily contributed to the development of the series. The programme was originally intended to appeal to a family audience, as an educational programme using time travel as a means to explore scientific ideas and famous moments in history. On 31 July 1963 Whitaker commissioned Terry Nation to write a story under the title The Mutants. As originally written, the Daleks and Thals were the victims of an alien neutron bomb attack but Nation later dropped the aliens and made the Daleks the aggressors. When the script was presented to Newman and Wilson it was immediately rejected as the programme was not permitted to contain any " bug-eyed monsters ". The first serial had been completed and the BBC believed it was crucial that the next one be a success, but The Mutants was the only script ready to go, so the show had little choice but to use it. According to producer Verity Lambert; "We didn't have a lot of choice — we only had the Dalek serial to go ... We had a bit of a crisis of confidence because Donald [Wilson] was so adamant that we shouldn't make it. Had we had anything else ready we would have made that." Nation's script became the second Doctor Who serial  – The Daleks (a.k.a. The Mutants). The serial introduced the eponymous aliens that would become the series' most popular monsters, and was responsible for the BBC's first merchandising boom. The BBC drama department's serials division produced the programme for 26 seasons, broadcast on BBC 1 . Falling viewing numbers, a decline in the public perception of the show and a less-prominent transmission slot saw production suspended in 1989 by Jonathan Powell , controller of BBC 1. [5] Although (as series co-star Sophie Aldred reported in the documentary Doctor Who: More Than 30 Years in the TARDIS) it was effectively, if not formally, cancelled with the decision not to commission a planned 27th series of the show for transmission in 1990, the BBC repeatedly affirmed that the series would return. While in-house production had ceased, the BBC hoped to find an independent production company to relaunch the show. Philip Segal , a British expatriate who worked for Columbia Pictures ' television arm in the United States, had approached the BBC about such a venture as early as July 1989, while the 26th series was still in production. Segal's negotiations eventually led to a Doctor Who television film , broadcast on the Fox Network in 1996 as a co-production between Fox, Universal Pictures , the BBC and BBC Worldwide . Although the film was successful in the UK (with 9.1 million viewers), it was less so in the United States and did not lead to a series. Licensed media such as novels and audio plays provided new stories , but as a television programme Doctor Who remained dormant until 2003. In September of that year, [6] BBC Television announced the in-house production of a new series after several years of attempts by BBC Worldwide to find backing for a feature film version. The executive producers of the new incarnation of the series were writer Russell T Davies and BBC Cymru Wales head of drama Julie Gardner . Doctor Who finally returned with the episode "Rose" on BBC One on 26 March 2005. [7] There have since been nine further series in 2006–2008 and 2010–2015, and Christmas Day specials every year since 2005. No full series was filmed in 2009, although four additional specials starring David Tennant were made. In 2010, Steven Moffat replaced Davies as head writer and executive producer. [8] In January 2016, Moffat announced that he would step down after the 2017 finale, to be replaced by Chris Chibnall in 2018. [9] In addition, Series 10 will debut in Spring 2017, with a Christmas special broadcast in 2016. [10] The 2005 version of Doctor Who is a direct plot continuation of the original 1963–1989 series and the 1996 telefilm. This is similar to the 1988 continuation of Mission Impossible , [11] but differs from most other series relaunches which have either been reboots (for example, Battlestar Galactica [13] and Bionic Woman ) or set in the same universe as the original but in a different time period and with different characters (for example, Star Trek: The Next Generation and spin-offs). The programme has been sold to many other countries worldwide (see ). Public consciousness It has been claimed that the transmission of the first episode was delayed by ten minutes due to extended news coverage of the assassination of US President John F. Kennedy the previous day; whereas in fact it went out after a delay of eighty seconds. [14] The BBC believed that many viewers had missed this introduction to a new series due to the coverage of the assassination, as well as a series of power blackouts across the country, and they broadcast it again on 30 November 1963, just before episode two. [15] [17] The programme soon became a national institution in the United Kingdom, with a large following among the general viewing audience. [18] [20] Many renowned actors asked for or were offered guest-starring roles in various stories. [21] [22] [23] [24] With popularity came controversy over the show's suitability for children. Morality campaigner Mary Whitehouse repeatedly complained to the BBC in the 1970s over what she saw as the show's frightening and gory content. [25] John Nathan-Turner produced the series during the 1980s and was heard to say that he looked forward to Whitehouse's comments, as the show's ratings would increase soon after she had made them. [26] The phrase " Hiding behind (or 'watching from behind') the sofa " entered British pop culture , signifying in humour the stereotypical early-series behaviour of children who wanted to avoid seeing frightening parts of a television programme while remaining in the room to watch the remainder of it. [27] The phrase retains this association with Doctor Who, to the point that in 1991 the Museum of the Moving Image in London named their exhibition celebrating the programme "Behind the Sofa". The electronic theme music too was perceived as eerie, novel, and frightening, at the time. A 2012 article placed this childhood juxtaposition of fear and thrill "at the center of many people's relationship with the show", [28] and a 2011 online vote at Digital Spy deemed the series the "scariest TV show of all time". [29] During Jon Pertwee 's second series as the Doctor, in the serial Terror of the Autons (1971), images of murderous plastic dolls, daffodils killing unsuspecting victims, and blank-featured policemen marked the apex of the show's ability to frighten children. [30] Other notable moments in that decade include a disembodied brain falling to the floor in The Brain of Morbius [31] and the Doctor apparently being drowned by Chancellor Goth in The Deadly Assassin (both 1976). [3] A BBC audience research survey conducted in 1972 found that, by their own definition of violence ("any act[s] which may cause physical and/or psychological injury, hurt or death to persons, animals or property, whether intentional or accidental") Doctor Who was the most violent of the drama programmes the corporation produced at the time. The same report found that 3% of the surveyed audience regarded the show as "very unsuitable" for family viewing. Responding to the findings of the survey in The Times newspaper, journalist Philip Howard maintained that, "to compare the violence of Dr Who, sired by a horse-laugh out of a nightmare, with the more realistic violence of other television series, where actors who look like human beings bleed paint that looks like blood, is like comparing Monopoly with the property market in London: both are fantasies, but one is meant to be taken seriously." The image of the TARDIS has become firmly linked to the show in the public's consciousness; BBC scriptwriter Anthony Coburn , who lived in the resort of Herne Bay, Kent , was one of the people who conceived the idea of a police box as a time machine. [3] In 1996, the BBC applied for a trade mark to use the TARDIS' blue police box design in merchandising associated with Doctor Who. [3] In 1998, the Metropolitan Police Authority filed an objection to the trade mark claim; but in 2002, the Patent Office ruled in favour of the BBC. [3] The programme's broad appeal attracts audiences of children and families as well as science fiction fans . [3] The 21st century revival of the programme has become the centrepiece of BBC One's Saturday schedule, and has, "defined the channel". [3] Since its return, Doctor Who has consistently received high ratings, both in number of viewers and as measured by the Appreciation Index . [3] In 2007, Caitlin Moran , television reviewer for The Times , wrote that Doctor Who is, "quintessential to being British". [2] Director Steven Spielberg has commented that, "the world would be a poorer place without Doctor Who". [3] On 4 August 2013, a live programme titled Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor was broadcast on BBC One, during which the actor who was going to play the Twelfth Doctor was revealed. [43] The show was simultaneously broadcast in the US and Australia. [44] Episodes Doctor Who originally ran for 26 seasons on BBC One, from 23 November 1963 until 6 December 1989. During the original run, each weekly episode formed part of a story (or "serial") — usually of four to six parts in earlier years and three to four in later years. Notable exceptions were: The Daleks' Master Plan , which aired in 12 episodes (plus an earlier one-episode teaser, " Mission to the Unknown ", featuring none of the regular cast); almost an entire season of seven-episode serials (season 7); the 10-episode serial The War Games ; and The Trial of a Time Lord , which ran for 14 episodes (albeit divided into three production codes and four narrative segments) during season 23 . Occasionally serials were loosely connected by a storyline, such as season 8 being devoted to the Doctor battling a rogue Time Lord called The Master , [45] [46] season 16 's quest for The Key to Time , [47] season 18 's journey through E-Space and the theme of entropy, [48] and season 20 's Black Guardian Trilogy. [49] The programme was intended to be educational and for family viewing on the early Saturday evening schedule. [51] Initially, it alternated stories set in the past, which were intended to teach younger audience members about history, with stories set either in the future or in outer space to teach them about science. [51] This was also reflected in the Doctor's original companions, one of whom was a science teacher and another a history teacher. [51] However, science fiction stories came to dominate the programme and the "historicals", which were not popular with the production team, [51] were dropped after The Highlanders (1967). While the show continued to use historical settings, they were generally used as a backdrop for science fiction tales, with one exception: Black Orchid set in 1920s England. The early stories were serial-like in nature, with the narrative of one story flowing into the next, and each episode having its own title, although produced as distinct stories with their own production codes. [52] Following The Gunfighters (1966), however, each serial was given its own title, with the individual parts simply being assigned episode numbers. [52] Of the programme's many writers , Robert Holmes was the most prolific, [53] while Douglas Adams became the most well-known outside Doctor Who itself, due to the popularity of his Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy works. [54] [55] The serial format changed for the 2005 revival , with each series usually consisting of 13 45-minute, self-contained episodes (60 minutes with adverts, on overseas commercial channels), and an extended episode broadcast on Christmas Day. Each series includes several standalone and multi-part stories, linked with a loose story arc that resolves in the series finale. As in the early "classic" era, each episode, whether standalone or part of a larger story, has its own title. Occasionally, regular-series episodes will exceed the 45-minute run time; notably, the episodes " Journey's End " from 2008 and " The Eleventh Hour " from 2010 exceeded an hour in length. 826 Doctor Who instalments have been televised since 1963, ranging between 25-minute episodes (the most common format), 45-minute episodes (for Resurrection of the Daleks in the 1984 series, a single season in 1985, and the revival), two feature-length productions (1983's The Five Doctors and the 1996 television film ), eleven Christmas specials (most of 60 minutes' duration, one of 72 minutes), and four additional specials ranging from 60 to 75 minutes in 2009, 2010 and 2013. Four mini-episodes, running about eight minutes each, were also produced for the 1993, 2005 and 2007 Children in Need charity appeals, while another mini-episode was produced in 2008 for a Doctor Who-themed edition of The Proms . The 1993 2-part story, entitled Dimensions in Time , was made in collaboration with the cast of the BBC soap-opera EastEnders and was filmed partly on the EastEnders set. A two-part mini-episode was also produced for the 2011 edition of Comic Relief . Starting with the 2009 special " Planet of the Dead ", the series was filmed in 1080i for HDTV , [57] and broadcast simultaneously on BBC One and BBC HD . To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the show, a special 3D episode, " The Day of the Doctor ", was broadcast in 2013. [58] In March 2013, it was announced that Tennant and Piper would be returning, [59] and that the episode would have a limited cinematic release worldwide. [60] In April 2015, Steven Moffat confirmed that Doctor Who would run for at least another five years, extending the show until 2020. [61] Missing episodes Between about 1964 and 1973, large amounts of older material stored in the BBC's various video tape and film libraries were either destroyed, wiped , or suffered from poor storage which led to severe deterioration from broadcast quality . This included many old episodes of Doctor Who, mostly stories featuring the first two Doctors: William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton . In all, 97 of 253 episodes produced during the first six years of the programme are not held in the BBC's archives (most notably seasons 3, 4, & 5, from which 79 episodes are missing). In 1972, almost all episodes then made were known to exist at the BBC, [62] while by 1978 the practice of wiping tapes and destroying "spare" film copies had been brought to a stop. No 1960s episodes exist on their original videotapes (all surviving prints being film transfers), though some were transferred to film for editing before transmission, and exist in their broadcast form. [63] Some episodes have been returned to the BBC from the archives of other countries who bought prints for broadcast, or by private individuals who acquired them by various means. Early colour videotape recordings made off-air by fans have also been retrieved, as well as excerpts filmed from the television screen onto 8 mm cine film and clips that were shown on other programmes. Audio versions of all of the lost episodes exist from home viewers who made tape recordings of the show. Short clips from every story with the exception of Marco Polo , " Mission to the Unknown " and The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve also exist. In addition to these, there are off-screen photographs made by photographer John Cura , who was hired by various production personnel to document many of their programmes during the 1950s and 1960s, including Doctor Who. These have been used in fan reconstructions of the serials. These amateur reconstructions have been tolerated by the BBC, provided they are not sold for profit and are distributed as low-quality VHS copies. [64] One of the most sought-after lost episodes is part four of the last William Hartnell serial, The Tenth Planet (1966), which ends with the First Doctor transforming into the Second . The only portion of this in existence, barring a few poor-quality silent 8 mm clips, is the few seconds of the regeneration scene, as it was shown on the children's magazine show Blue Peter . [65] With the approval of the BBC, efforts are now under way to restore as many of the episodes as possible from the extant material. "Official" reconstructions have also been released by the BBC on VHS, on MP3 CD-ROM , and as special features on DVD. The BBC, in conjunction with animation studio Cosgrove Hall , reconstructed the missing episodes 1 and 4 of The Invasion (1968), using remastered audio tracks and the comprehensive stage notes for the original filming, for the serial's DVD release in November 2006. The missing episodes of The Reign of Terror were animated by animation company Theta-Sigma, in collaboration with Big Finish , and became available for purchase in May 2013 through Amazon.com. [66] Subsequent animations made in 2013 include The Tenth Planet , The Ice Warriors and The Moonbase . In April 2006, Blue Peter launched a challenge to find missing Doctor Who episodes with the promise of a full-scale Dalek model as a reward. [68] In December 2011, it was announced that part 3 of Galaxy 4 and part 2 of The Underwater Menace had been returned to the BBC by a fan who had purchased them in the mid-1980s without realising that the BBC did not hold copies of them. [69] On 10 October 2013, the BBC announced that films of eleven episodes, including nine missing episodes, had been found in a Nigerian television relay station in Jos . [70] Six of the eleven films discovered were the six-part serial The Enemy of the World , from which all but the third episode had been missing. [71] The remaining films were from another six-part serial, The Web of Fear , and included the previously missing episodes 2, 4, 5, and 6. Episode 3 of The Web of Fear is still missing. [72] Characters The Doctor The character of the Doctor was initially shrouded in mystery. All that was known about him in the programme's early days was that he was an eccentric alien traveller of great intelligence who battled injustice while exploring time and space in an unreliable time machine , the " TARDIS " (an acronym for time and relative dimension(s) in space), which notably appears much larger on the inside than on the outside (a quality referred to as "dimensional transcendentality"). [73] The initially irascible and slightly sinister Doctor quickly mellowed into a more compassionate figure. It was eventually revealed that he had been on the run from his own people, the Time Lords of the planet Gallifrey . Changes of appearance Producers introduced the concept of regeneration to permit the recasting of the main character. This was first prompted by original star William Hartnell 's poor health. The actual term "regeneration" was not initially conceived of until the Doctor's third on-screen regeneration however; Hartnell's Doctor had merely described undergoing a "renewal," and the Second Doctor underwent a "change of appearance". The device has allowed for the recasting of the actor various times in the show's history, as well as the depiction of alternative Doctors either from the Doctor's relative past or future. The serials The Deadly Assassin and Mawdryn Undead and the 1996 TV film would later establish that a Time Lord can only regenerate 12 times, for a total of 13 incarnations. This line became stuck in the public consciousness despite not often being repeated, and was recognised by producers of the show as a plot obstacle for when the show finally had to regenerate the Doctor a thirteenth time. [74] [75] The episode " The Time of the Doctor " depicted the Doctor acquiring a new cycle of regenerations, starting from the Twelfth Doctor , due to the Eleventh Doctor being the product of the Doctor's twelfth regeneration from his original set. [43] [77] Series lead Twelfth Doctor 2014– In addition to those actors who have headlined the series, others have portrayed versions of the Doctor in guest roles. Notably, in 2013, John Hurt guest-starred as a hitherto unknown incarnation of the Doctor known as the War Doctor in the run-up to the show's 50th anniversary special " The Day of the Doctor ". [81] He is shown in mini-episode " The Night of the Doctor " to have been retroactively inserted into the show's fictional chronology between McGann and Eccleston's Doctors, although his introduction was written so as not to disturb the established numerical naming of the Doctors. [82] Another example is from the 1986 serial The Trial of a Time Lord , where Michael Jayston portrayed the Valeyard , who is described as an amalgamation of the darker sides of the Doctor's nature, somewhere between his twelfth and final incarnation. On rare occasions, other actors have stood in for the lead. In The Five Doctors , Richard Hurndall played the First Doctor due to William Hartnell's death in 1975. In Time and the Rani , Sylvester McCoy briefly played the Sixth Doctor during the regeneration sequence, carrying on as the Seventh. For more information, see the list of actors who have played the Doctor . In other media, the Doctor has been played by various other actors, including Peter Cushing in two films . The casting of a new Doctor has often inspired debate and speculation: in particular, the desirability or possibility of a new Doctor being played by a woman. [83] [84] In October 2010, The Sunday Telegraph revealed that the series' co-creator, Sydney Newman, had urged the BBC to recast the role of the Doctor as a female "Time Lady" during the ratings crisis of the late 1980s. [85] Meetings of different incarnations There have been instances of actors returning at later dates to reprise the role of their specific Doctor. In 1973's The Three Doctors , William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton returned alongside Jon Pertwee. For 1983's The Five Doctors , Troughton and Pertwee returned to star with Peter Davison, and Tom Baker appeared in previously unseen footage from the uncompleted Shada episode. For this episode, Richard Hurndall replaced William Hartnell. Patrick Troughton again returned in 1985's The Two Doctors with Colin Baker. In 2007, Peter Davison returned in the Children in Need short " Time Crash " alongside David Tennant, and most recently in 2013's 50th anniversary special episode, " The Day of the Doctor ", David Tennant 's Tenth Doctor appeared alongside Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor and John Hurt as the War Doctor , as well as brief footage from all of the previous actors. In addition, the Doctor has occasionally encountered himself in the form of his own incarnation, from the near future or past. The First Doctor encounters himself in the story The Space Museum (albeit frozen and as an exhibit), the Third Doctor encounters and interacts with himself in the story Day of the Daleks , the Fourth Doctor encounters and interacts with the future incarnation of himself (the 'Watcher') in the story Logopolis , the Ninth Doctor observes a former version of his current incarnation in " Father's Day ", and the Eleventh Doctor briefly comes face to face with himself in " The Big Bang ". In " The Almost People " the Doctor comes face-to-face with himself although it is found out that this incarnation is in fact just a flesh replica. In " The Name of the Doctor ", the Eleventh Doctor meets an unknown incarnation of himself, whom he refers to as "his secret" and who is subsequently revealed to be the War Doctor . [81] Additionally, multiple Doctors have returned in new adventures together in audio dramas based on the series. Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy appeared together in the 1999 audio adventure The Sirens of Time . To celebrate the 40th anniversary in 2003, an audio drama titled Zagreus featuring Paul McGann, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Peter Davison was released with additional archive recordings of Jon Pertwee. [86] Again in 2003, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy appeared together in the audio adventure Project: Lazarus . [87] In 2010, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann came together again to star in the audio drama The Four Doctors . Revelations about the Doctor Throughout the programme's long history, there have been revelations about the Doctor that have raised additional questions. In The Brain of Morbius (1976), it was hinted that the First Doctor may not have been the first incarnation (although the other faces depicted may have been incarnations of the Time Lord Morbius). In subsequent stories the First Doctor was depicted as the earliest incarnation of the Doctor. In Mawdryn Undead (1983), the Fifth Doctor explicitly confirmed that he was then currently in his fifth incarnation. Later that same year, during 1983's 20th Anniversary special The Five Doctors , the First Doctor enquires as to the Fifth Doctor's regeneration; when the Fifth Doctor confirms "Fourth", the First Doctor excitedly replies "Goodness me. So there are five of me now." In 2010, the Eleventh Doctor similarly calls himself "the Eleventh" in " The Lodger ". In the 2013 episode "The Time of the Doctor," the Eleventh Doctor clarified he was the product of the twelfth regeneration, due to a previous incarnation which he chose not to count and one other aborted regeneration. The name Eleventh is still used for this incarnation; the same episode depicts the prophesied "Fall of the Eleventh" which had been trailed throughout the series. During the Seventh Doctor's era, it was hinted that the Doctor was more than just an ordinary Time Lord. In the 1996 television film , the Eighth Doctor describes himself as being "half human". [88] The BBC's FAQ for the programme notes that "purists tend to disregard this", [89] instead focusing on his Gallifreyan heritage. The programme's first serial, An Unearthly Child , shows that the Doctor has a granddaughter, Susan Foreman . In the 1967 serial, Tomb of the Cybermen , when Victoria Waterfield doubts the Doctor can remember his family because of, "being so ancient", the Doctor says that he can when he really wants to—"The rest of the time they sleep in my mind". The 2005 series reveals that the Ninth Doctor thought he was the last surviving Time Lord, and that his home planet had been destroyed; in " The Empty Child " (2005), Dr. Constantine states that, "Before the war even began, I was a father and a grandfather. Now I am neither." The Doctor remarks in response, "Yeah, I know the feeling." In " Smith and Jones " (2007), when asked if he had a brother, he replied, "No, not any more." In both " Fear Her " (2006) and " The Doctor's Daughter " (2008), he states that he had, in the past, been a father. In " The Wedding of River Song " (2011), it is implied that the Doctor's true name is a secret that must never be revealed; this is explored further in "The Name of the Doctor" (2013), when River Song speaking his name allows the Great Intelligence to enter his tomb, and in "The Time of the Doctor" (2013) where speaking his true name becomes the signal by which the Time Lords would know they can safely return to the universe, an event opposed by many species. Companions The companion figure – generally a human – has been a constant feature in Doctor Who since the programme's inception in 1963. One of the roles of the companion is to remind the Doctor of his "moral duty". [90] The Doctor's first companions seen on screen were his granddaughter Susan Foreman ( Carole Ann Ford ) and her teachers Barbara Wright ( Jacqueline Hill ) and Ian Chesterton ( William Russell ). These characters were intended to act as audience surrogates , through which the audience would discover information about the Doctor who was to act as a mysterious father figure. [90] The only story from the original series in which the Doctor travels alone is The Deadly Assassin . Notable companions from the earlier series included Romana ( Mary Tamm and Lalla Ward ), a Time Lady ; Sarah Jane Smith ( Elisabeth Sladen ); and Jo Grant ( Katy Manning ). Dramatically, these characters provide a figure with whom the audience can identify, and serve to further the story by requesting exposition from the Doctor and manufacturing peril for the Doctor to resolve. The Doctor regularly gains new companions and loses old ones; sometimes they return home or find new causes — or loves — on worlds they have visited. Some have died during the course of the series. Companions are usually human, or humanoid aliens. Since the 2005 revival, the Doctor generally travels with a primary female companion, who occupies a larger narrative role. Steven Moffat described the companion as the main character of the show, as the story begins anew with each companion and she undergoes more change than the Doctor. [91] [92] The primary companions of the Ninth and Tenth Doctors were Rose Tyler ( Billie Piper ), Martha Jones ( Freema Agyeman ), and Donna Noble ( Catherine Tate ) with Mickey Smith ( Noel Clarke ) and Jack Harkness ( John Barrowman ) recurring as secondary companion figures. [94] The Eleventh Doctor became the first to travel with a married couple, Amy Pond ( Karen Gillan ) and Rory Williams ( Arthur Darvill ), whilst out-of-sync meetings with River Song ( Alex Kingston ) and Clara Oswald ( Jenna Coleman ) provided ongoing story arcs. The tenth series will introduce Pearl Mackie as Bill, the Doctor's newest traveling companion. [95] Some companions have gone on to re-appear, either in the main series or in spin-offs. Sarah Jane Smith became the central character in The Sarah Jane Adventures (2007–11) following a return to Doctor Who in 2006. Guest stars in the series included former companions Jo Grant, K9 , and Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart ( Nicholas Courtney ). The character of Jack Harkness also served to launch a spin-off, Torchwood , (2006–2011) in which Martha Jones also appeared. Adversaries When Sydney Newman commissioned the series, he specifically did not want to perpetuate the cliché of the " bug-eyed monster " of science fiction. [96] However, monsters were popular with audiences and so became a staple of Doctor Who almost from the beginning. With the show's 2005 revival, executive producer Russell T Davies stated [97] his intention to reintroduce classic icons of Doctor Who one step at a time: the Autons with the Nestene Consciousness and Daleks in series 1, Cybermen in series 2, the Macra and the Master in series 3, the Sontarans and Davros in series 4, and the Time Lords ( Rassilon ) in the 2009–10 Specials. Davies' successor, Steven Moffat, has continued the trend by reviving the Silurians in series 5, Cybermats in series 6, the Great Intelligence and the Ice Warriors in Series 7, and Zygons in the 50th Anniversary Special. Since its 2005 return, the series has also introduced new recurring aliens: Slitheen (Raxacoricofallapatorian), Ood , Judoon , Weeping Angels and the Silence . Besides infrequent appearances by the Ice Warriors, Ogrons , the Rani , and Black Guardian , three adversaries have become particularly iconic: the Daleks, the Cybermen, and the Master. Daleks The Dalek race, which first appeared in the show's second serial in 1963, [98] are Doctor Who's oldest villains. The Daleks are Kaleds from the planet Skaro , mutated by the scientist Davros and housed in mechanical armour shells for mobility. The actual creatures resemble octopi with large, pronounced brains. Their armour shells have a single eye-stalk, a sink-plunger-like device that serves the purpose of a hand, and a directed-energy weapon . Their main weakness is their eyestalk; attacks upon them using various weapons can blind a Dalek, making it go mad. Their chief role in the series plot, as they frequently remark in their instantly recognisable metallic voices, is to "exterminate" all non-Dalek beings. They even attack the Time Lords in the Time War , as shown during the 50th Anniversary of the show. They continue to be a recurring 'monster' within the Doctor Who franchise, their most recent appearances being in the 2015 episodes " The Witch's Familiar " and " Hell Bent ". Davros has also been a recurring figure since his debut in Genesis of the Daleks , although played by several different actors. The Daleks were created by writer Terry Nation (who intended them to be an allegory of the Nazis ) [99] and BBC designer Raymond Cusick . [100] The Daleks' début in the programme's second serial, The Daleks (1963–64), made both the Daleks and Doctor Who very popular. A Dalek appeared on a postage stamp celebrating British popular culture in 1999, photographed by Lord Snowdon . In the new series, Daleks come in a range of colours; the colour denoting its role within the species. In the 2012 episode " Asylum of the Daleks ", many of the Dalek variants seen throughout the programme's history made an appearance. [102] Cybermen Cybermen were originally a wholly organic species of humanoids originating on Earth's twin planet Mondas that began to implant more and more artificial parts into their bodies. This led to the race becoming coldly logical and calculating cyborgs , with emotions usually only shown when naked aggression was called for. With the demise of Mondas, they acquired Telos as their new home planet. They continue to be a recurring 'monster' within the Doctor Who franchise. The 2006 series introduced a totally new variation of Cybermen. These Cybus Cybermen were created in a parallel universe by the mad inventor John Lumic; he was attempting to preserve the humans by transplanting their brains into powerful metal bodies, sending them orders using a mobile phone network and inhibiting their emotions with an electronic chip. The Master The Master is the Doctor's archenemy , a renegade Time Lord who desires to rule the universe. Conceived as " Professor Moriarty to the Doctor's Sherlock Holmes ", the character first appeared in 1971. As with the Doctor, the role has been portrayed by several actors, since the Master is a Time Lord as well and able to regenerate; the first of these actors was Roger Delgado , who continued in the role until his death in 1973. The Master was briefly played by Peter Pratt and Geoffrey Beevers until Anthony Ainley took over and continued to play the character until Doctor Who's hiatus in 1989. The Master returned in the 1996 television movie of Doctor Who , and was played by American actor Eric Roberts . Following the series revival in 2005, Derek Jacobi provided the character's re-introduction in the 2007 episode " Utopia ". During that story the role was then assumed by John Simm who returned to the role multiple times through the Tenth Doctor 's tenure. [103] As of the 2014 episode " Dark Water ," it was revealed that the Master had become a female incarnation or "Time Lady," going by the name of "Missy" (short for Mistress, the feminine equivalent of "Master"). This incarnation is played by Michelle Gomez . Music Theme music The Doctor Who theme music was one of the first electronic music signature tunes for television, and after five decades remains one of the most easily recognised. It has been often called both memorable and frightening, priming the viewer for what was to follow. During the 1970s, the Radio Times , the BBC's own listings magazine , announced that a child's mother said the theme music terrified her son. The Radio Times was apologetic, but the theme music remained. The original theme was composed by Ron Grainer and realised by Delia Derbyshire of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop , with assistance from Dick Mills and was released as a single on Decca F 11837 in 1964. The various parts were built up using musique concrète techniques, by creating tape loops of an individually struck piano string and individual test oscillators and filters. The Derbyshire arrangement served, with minor edits, as the theme tune up to the end of season 17 (1979–80). It is regarded as a significant and innovative piece of electronic music, recorded well before the availability of commercial synthesisers or multitrack mixers. Each note was individually created by cutting, splicing, speeding up and slowing down segments of analogue tape containing recordings of a single plucked string, white noise , and the simple harmonic waveforms of test-tone oscillators , intended for calibrating equipment and rooms, not creating music. New techniques were invented to allow mixing of the music, as this was before the era of multitrack tape machines. On hearing the finished result, Grainer asked, "Did I write that?" A different arrangement was recorded by Peter Howell for season 18 (1980), which was in turn replaced by Dominic Glynn 's arrangement for the season-long serial The Trial of a Time Lord in season 23 (1986). Keff McCulloch provided the new arrangement for the Seventh Doctor 's era which lasted from season 24 (1987) until the series' suspension in 1989. American composer John Debney created a new arrangement of Ron Grainer 's original theme for Doctor Who in 1996. For the return of the series in 2005, Murray Gold provided a new arrangement which featured samples from the 1963 original with further elements added; in the 2005 Christmas episode " The Christmas Invasion ", Gold introduced a modified closing credits arrangement that was used up until the conclusion of the 2007 series. A new arrangement of the theme, once again by Gold, was introduced in the 2007 Christmas special episode, " Voyage of the Damned "; Gold returned as composer for the 2010 series. [104] He was responsible for a new version of the theme which was reported to have had a hostile reception from some viewers. [105] In 2011, the theme tune charted at number 228 of radio station Classic FM's Hall of Fame, a survey of classical music tastes. A revised version of Gold's 2010 arrangement had its debut over the opening titles of the 2012 Christmas special " The Snowmen ", and a further revision of the arrangement was made for the 50th Anniversary special " The Day of the Doctor " in November 2013. Versions of the "Doctor Who Theme" have also been released as pop music over the years. In the early 1970s, Jon Pertwee, who had played the Third Doctor, recorded a version of the Doctor Who theme with spoken lyrics, titled, "Who Is the Doctor". In 1978 a disco version of the theme was released in the UK, Denmark and Australia by the group Mankind, which reached number 24 in the UK charts. In 1988 the band The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu (later known as The KLF ) released the single " Doctorin' the Tardis " under the name The Timelords, which reached No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 in Australia; this version incorporated several other songs, including "Rock and Roll Part 2" by Gary Glitter (who recorded vocals for some of the CD-single remix versions of "Doctorin' the Tardis"). [106] Others who have covered or reinterpreted the theme include Orbital , [106] Pink Floyd , [106] the Australian string ensemble Fourplay , New Zealand punk band Blam Blam Blam , The Pogues , Thin Lizzy , Dub Syndicate , and the comedians Bill Bailey and Mitch Benn . Both the theme and obsessive fans were satirised on The Chaser's War on Everything . The theme tune has also appeared on many compilation CDs, and has made its way into mobile-phone ringtones. Fans have also produced and distributed their own remixes of the theme. In January 2011 the Mankind version was released as a digital download on the album Gallifrey And Beyond. Incidental music Most of the innovative incidental music for Doctor Who has been specially commissioned from freelance composers, although in the early years some episodes also used stock music , as well as occasional excerpts from original recordings or cover versions of songs by popular music acts such as The Beatles and The Beach Boys . Since its 2005 return, the series has featured occasional use of excerpts of pop music from the 1970s to the 2000s. The incidental music for the first Doctor Who adventure, An Unearthly Child, was written by Norman Kay . Many of the stories of the William Hartnell period were scored by electronic music pioneer Tristram Cary , whose Doctor Who credits include The Daleks, Marco Polo , The Daleks' Master Plan, The Gunfighters and The Mutants . Other composers in this early period included Richard Rodney Bennett , Carey Blyton and Geoffrey Burgon . The most frequent musical contributor during the first 15 years was Dudley Simpson , who is also well known for his theme and incidental music for Blake's 7 , and for his haunting theme music and score for the original 1970s version of The Tomorrow People . Simpson's first Doctor Who score was Planet of Giants (1964) and he went on to write music for many adventures of the 1960s and 1970s, including most of the stories of the Jon Pertwee/Tom Baker periods, ending with The Horns of Nimon (1979). He also made a cameo appearance in The Talons of Weng-Chiang (as a Music hall conductor). In 1980 starting with the serial The Leisure Hive the task of creating incidental music was assigned to the Radiophonic Workshop. Paddy Kingsland and Peter Howell contributed many scores in this period and other contributors included Roger Limb , Malcolm Clarke and Jonathan Gibbs . The Radiophonic Workshop was dropped after 1986's The Trial of a Time Lord series, and Keff McCulloch took over as the series' main composer until the end of its run, with Dominic Glynn and Mark Ayres also contributing scores. All the incidental music for the 2005 revived series has been composed by Murray Gold and Ben Foster and has been performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales from the 2005 Christmas episode " The Christmas Invasion " onwards. A concert featuring the orchestra performing music from the first two series took place on 19 November 2006 to raise money for Children in Need. David Tennant hosted the event, introducing the different sections of the concert. Murray Gold and Russell T Davies answered questions during the interval and Daleks and Cybermen appeared whilst music from their stories was played. The concert aired on BBCi on Christmas Day 2006. A Doctor Who Prom was celebrated on 27 July 2008 in the Royal Albert Hall as part of the annual BBC Proms . The BBC Philharmonic and the London Philharmonic Choir performed Murray Gold's compositions for the series, conducted by Ben Foster, as well as a selection of classics based on the theme of space and time. The event was presented by Freema Agyeman and guest-presented by various other stars of the show with numerous monsters participating in the proceedings. It also featured the specially filmed mini-episode " Music of the Spheres ", written by Russell T Davies and starring David Tennant. [107] Six soundtrack releases have been released since 2005. The first featured tracks from the first two series, [111] the second and third featured music from the third and fourth series respectively. The fourth was released on 4 October 2010 as a two disc special edition and contained music from the 2008–2010 specials ( The Next Doctor to End of Time Part 2 ). [112] [113] The soundtrack for Series 5 was released on 8 November 2010. [114] In February 2011, a soundtrack was released for the 2010 Christmas special: "A Christmas Carol", [115] and in December 2011 the soundtrack for Series 6 was released, both by Silva Screen Records. [116] In 2013, a 50th-anniversary boxed set of audio CDs was released featuring music and sound effects from Doctor Who’s 50-year history. The celebration continued in 2016 with the release of Doctor Who: The 50th Anniversary Collection Four LP Box Set by New York City-based Spacelab9. The company pressed 1,000 copies of the set on “Metallic Silver” vinyl, dubbed the “Cyberman Edition”. [117] Logo history Below is a collection of current and past Doctor Who logos from the classic and current series. The different doctors have been named below the logos that have appeared during their tenure. The original logo used for the First Doctor (and briefly for the Second Doctor) was reused in a slightly modified format for the 50th anniversary special " The Day of the Doctor " during the Eleventh Doctor's run. The logo used in the television movie featuring the Eighth Doctor was an updated version of the logo used for the Third Doctor. The logo from 1973–80 was used for the Third Doctor's final season and for the majority of the Fourth Doctor's tenure. The following logo, while most associated with the Fifth Doctor, was also used for the Fourth Doctor's final season. The logo used for the Ninth Doctor was slightly edited for the Tenth Doctor, but it retained the same general appearance. The logo used for the Eleventh Doctor had the "DW" TARDIS insignia placed to the right in 2012, but the same font remained, albeit with a slight edit to the texture every episode, with the texture relating to some aspect of the story. The logo for the Twelfth Doctor had the "DW" TARDIS insignia removed and the font was subtly altered, as well as made slightly larger. As of 2014, the logo used for the Third and Eighth Doctors is the primary logo used on all media and merchandise relating to past Doctors, and the current Doctor Who logo is used for all merchandise relating to the current Doctor. Viewership United Kingdom Premiering the day after the assassination of John F. Kennedy , the first episode of Doctor Who was repeated with the second episode the following week. Doctor Who has always appeared initially on the BBC's mainstream BBC One channel, where it is regarded as a family show, drawing audiences of many millions of viewers; episodes are now repeated on BBC Three . The programme's popularity has waxed and waned over the decades, with three notable periods of high ratings. [121] The first of these was the " Dalekmania " period (circa 1964–1965), when the popularity of the Daleks regularly brought Doctor Who ratings of between 9 and 14 million, even for stories which did not feature them. [121] [123] The second was the late 1970s, when Tom Baker occasionally drew audiences of over 12 million. [121] During the ITV network strike of 1979, viewership peaked at 16 million. Figures remained respectable into the 1980s, but fell noticeably after the programme's 23rd series was postponed in 1985 and the show was off the air for 18 months. Its late 1980s performance of three to five million viewers was seen as poor at the time and was, according to the BBC Board of Control, a leading cause of the programme's 1989 suspension. Some fans considered this disingenuous, since the programme was scheduled against the soap opera Coronation Street , the most popular show at the time. After the series' revival in 2005 (the third notable period of high ratings), it has consistently had high viewership levels for the evening on which the episode is broadcast. [121] The BBC One broadcast of " Rose ", the first episode of the 2005 revival, drew an average audience of 10.81 million, third highest for BBC One that week and seventh across all channels. [121] [125] [127] The current revival also garners the highest audience Appreciation Index of any drama on television. [129] International Doctor Who has been broadcast internationally outside of the United Kingdom since 1964, a year after the show first aired. As of 1 January 2013, the modern series has been or is currently broadcast weekly in more than 50 countries. Doctor Who is one of the five top grossing titles for BBC Worldwide , the BBC's commercial arm. [130] BBC Worldwide CEO John Smith has said that Doctor Who is one of a small number of "Superbrands" which Worldwide will promote heavily. [132] Only four episodes have ever had their premiere showings on channels other than BBC One. The 1983 20th anniversary special The Five Doctors had its début on 23 November (the actual date of the anniversary) on a number of PBS stations two days prior to its BBC One broadcast. The 1988 story Silver Nemesis was broadcast with all three episodes airing back to back on TVNZ in New Zealand in November, after the first episode had been shown in the UK but before the final two instalments had aired there. Finally, the 1996 television film premièred on 12 May 1996 on CITV in Edmonton, Canada, 15 days before the BBC One showing, and two days before it aired on Fox in the United States. Oceania New Zealand was the first country outside the United Kingdom to screen Doctor Who, beginning in September 1964, and continued to screen the series for many years, including the new series from 2005. In Australia , the show has had a strong fan base since its inception, having been exclusively first run by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) since January 1965. The ABC has periodically repeated episodes; of note were the weekly screenings of all available classic episodes starting in 2003, for the show's 40th anniversary, and the weekdaily screenings of all available revived episodes in 2013 for the show's 50th anniversary. The ABC broadcasts the modern series first run on ABC1 , with repeats on ABC2 . The ABC also provided partial funding for the 20th anniversary special The Five Doctors in 1983. Repeats of both the classic and modern series have also been shown on subscription television channels BBC UKTV , SF and later on SyFy upon SF's closure. Americas The series also has a fan base in the United States, where it was shown in syndication from the 1970s to the 1990s, particularly on PBS stations. TVOntario picked up the show in 1976 beginning with The Three Doctors and aired each series (several years late) through to series 24 in 1991. From 1979 to 1981, TVO airings were bookended by science-fiction writer Judith Merril who would introduce the episode and then, after the episode concluded, try to place it in an educational context in keeping with TVO's status as an educational channel. Its airing of The Talons of Weng-Chiang was cancelled as a result of accusations that the story was racist ; the story was later broadcast in the 1990s on cable station YTV. CBC began showing the series again in 2005. The series moved to the Canadian cable channel Space in 2009. For the Canadian broadcast, Christopher Eccleston recorded special video introductions for each episode (including a trivia question as part of a viewer contest) and excerpts from the Doctor Who Confidential documentary were played over the closing credits; for the broadcast of " The Christmas Invasion " on 26 December 2005, Billie Piper recorded a special video introduction. CBC began airing series two on 9 October 2006 at 20:00 E/P (20:30 in Newfoundland and Labrador), shortly after that day's CFL double header on Thanksgiving in most of the country. Series three began broadcasting on CBC on 18 June 2007 followed by the second Christmas special, " The Runaway Bride " at midnight, [134] and the Sci Fi Channel began on 6 July 2007 starting with the second Christmas special at 8:00 pm E/P followed by the first episode. [136] Series four aired in the United States on the Sci Fi Channel (now known as Syfy ), beginning in April 2008. [138] It aired on CBC beginning 19 September 2008, although the CBC did not air the Voyage of the Damned special. [140] The Canadian cable network Space broadcast "The Next Doctor" (in March 2009) and all subsequent series and specials. [142] DVD and video A wide selection of serials are available from BBC Video on DVD, on sale in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and the United States. Every fully extant serial has been released on VHS, and BBC Worldwide continues to regularly release serials on DVD . The 2005 series is also available in its entirety on UMD for the PlayStation Portable . Eight original series serials have been released on Laserdisc [143] and many have also been released on Betamax tape and Video 2000 . One episode of Doctor Who ( The Infinite Quest ) was released on VCD . Only the series from 2009 onwards are available on Blu-ray , except for the 1970 story Spearhead from Space , released in July 2013. Many early releases have been re-released as special editions, with more bonus features. Adaptations and other appearances Doctor Who films There are two Doctor Who feature films: Dr. Who and the Daleks , released in 1965 and Daleks – Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. in 1966. Both are retellings of existing television stories (specifically, the first two Dalek serials, The Daleks and The Dalek Invasion of Earth respectively) with a larger budget and alterations to the series concept. In these films, Peter Cushing plays a human scientist [144] named "Dr. Who", who travels with his granddaughter and niece and other companions in a time machine he has invented. The Cushing version of the character reappears in both comic strips and a short story, the latter attempting to reconcile the film continuity with that of the series. In addition, several planned films were proposed, including a sequel, The Chase, loosely based on the original series story , for the Cushing Doctor, plus many attempted television movie and big screen productions to revive the original Doctor Who, after the original series was cancelled. Paul McGann starred in the only television film as the eighth incarnation of the Doctor. After the film, he continued the role in audio books and was confirmed as the eighth incarnation through flashback footage and a mini episode in the 2005 revival, effectively linking the two series and the television movie. In 2011, David Yates announced that he had started work with the BBC on a Doctor Who film, a project that would take three or more years to complete. Yates indicated that the film would take a different approach to Doctor Who, [145] although the current Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat stated later that any such film would not be a reboot of the series and a film should be made by the BBC team and star the current TV Doctor. [146] [147] Spin-offs Doctor Who has appeared on stage numerous times. In the early 1970s, Trevor Martin played the role in Doctor Who and the Daleks in the Seven Keys to Doomsday . In the late 1980s, Jon Pertwee and Colin Baker both played the Doctor at different times during the run of a play titled Doctor Who – The Ultimate Adventure . For two performances, while Pertwee was ill, David Banks (better known for playing Cybermen ) played the Doctor. Other original plays have been staged as amateur productions, with other actors playing the Doctor, while Terry Nation wrote The Curse of the Daleks , a stage play mounted in the late 1960s, but without the Doctor. A pilot episode (" A Girl's Best Friend ") for a potential spinoff series, K-9 and Company , was aired in 1981 with Elisabeth Sladen reprising her role as companion Sarah Jane Smith and John Leeson as the voice of K9 , but was not picked up as a regular series. Concept art for an animated Doctor Who series was produced by animation company Nelvana in the 1980s, but the series was not produced. [151] Following the success of the 2005 series produced by Russell T Davies, the BBC commissioned Davies to produce a 13-part spin-off series titled Torchwood (an anagram of "Doctor Who"), set in modern-day Cardiff and investigating alien activities and crime. The series debuted on BBC Three on 22 October 2006. John Barrowman reprised his role of Jack Harkness from the 2005 series of Doctor Who. [152] Two other actresses who appeared in Doctor Who also star in the series; Eve Myles as Gwen Cooper , who also played the similarly named servant girl Gwyneth in the 2005 Doctor Who episode " The Unquiet Dead ", [6] and Naoko Mori who reprised her role as Toshiko Sato first seen in " Aliens of London ". A second series of Torchwood aired in 2008; for three episodes, the cast was joined by Freema Agyeman reprising her Doctor Who role of Martha Jones . A third series was broadcast from 6 to 10 July 2009, and consisted of a single five-part story called Children of Earth which was set largely in London. A fourth series, Torchwood: Miracle Day jointly produced by BBC Wales, BBC Worldwide and the American entertainment company Starz debuted in 2011. The series was predominantly set in the United States, though Wales remained part of the show's setting. The Sarah Jane Adventures , starring Elisabeth Sladen who reprised her role as investigative journalist Sarah Jane Smith , was developed by CBBC ; a special aired on New Year's Day 2007 and a full series began on 24 September 2007. [6] A second series followed in 2008, notable for (as noted above) featuring the return of Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. A third in 2009 featured a crossover appearance from the main show by David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor. In 2010, a further such appearance featured Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor alongside former companion actress Katy Manning reprising her role as Jo Grant . A final, three-story fifth series was transmitted in autumn 2011 – uncompleted due to the death of Elisabeth Sladen in early 2011. An animated serial, The Infinite Quest , aired alongside the 2007 series of Doctor Who as part of the children's television series Totally Doctor Who . The serial featured the voices of series regulars David Tennant and Freema Agyeman but is not considered part of the 2007 series. [157] A second animated serial, Dreamland , aired in six parts on the BBC Red Button service, and the official Doctor Who website in 2009. [6] On 1 October 2015, it was announced that a spinoff series titled Class will begin filming in April 2016, be broadcast later that year on BBC Three , and will run for eight 45 minute episodes. It will be written by Patrick Ness . [6] [160] On 8 January 2016 the series was picked up by BBC America . [6] Numerous other spin-off series have been created not by the BBC but by the respective owners of the characters and concepts. Such spin-offs include the novel and audio drama series Faction Paradox , Iris Wildthyme and Bernice Summerfield ; as well as the made-for-video series P.R.O.B.E. ; the Australian-produced television series K-9 , which aired a 26-episode first season on Disney XD ; [6] and the audio spin-off Counter-Measures. [6] Charity episodes In 1983, coinciding with the series' 20th anniversary, a charity special titled The Five Doctors was produced in aid of Children in Need, featuring three of the first five Doctors, a new actor to replace the deceased William Hartnell, and unused footage to represent Tom Baker. [6] This was a full-length, 90-minute film, the longest single episode of Doctor Who produced to date (the television movie ran slightly longer on broadcast where it included commercial breaks). [7] [7] In 1993, for the franchise's 30th anniversary, another charity special, titled Dimensions in Time was produced for Children in Need, featuring all of the surviving actors who played the Doctor and a number of previous companions. It also featured a crossover with the soap opera EastEnders , the action taking place in the latter's Albert Square location and around Greenwich . The special was one of several special 3D programmes the BBC produced at the time, using a 3D system that made use of the Pulfrich effect requiring glasses with one darkened lens; the picture would look normal to those viewers who watched without the glasses. In 1999, another special, Doctor Who and the Curse of Fatal Death , was made for Comic Relief and later released on VHS. An affectionate parody of the television series, it was split into four segments, mimicking the traditional serial format, complete with cliffhangers , and running down the same corridor several times when being chased (the version released on video was split into only two episodes). In the story, the Doctor ( Rowan Atkinson ) encounters both the Master ( Jonathan Pryce ) and the Daleks . During the special the Doctor is forced to regenerate several times, with his subsequent incarnations played by, in order, Richard E. Grant , Jim Broadbent , Hugh Grant and Joanna Lumley . The script was written by Steven Moffat , later to be head writer and executive producer to the revived series. [8] Since the return of Doctor Who in 2005, the franchise has produced two original "mini-episodes" to support Children in Need. The first, aired in November 2005, was an untitled seven-minute scene which introduced David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor . It was followed in November 2007 by " Time Crash ", a 7-minute scene which featured the Tenth Doctor meeting the Fifth Doctor (played once again by Peter Davison ). A set of two mini-episodes, titled "Space" and "Time" respectively, were produced to support Comic Relief . They were aired during the Comic Relief 2011 event . [169] During 2011 Children in Need , an exclusively-filmed segment showed the Doctor addressing the viewer, attempting to persuade them to purchase items of his clothing, which were going up for auction for Children in Need. The 2012 edition of CiN featured the mini-episode The Great Detective. Spoofs and cultural references Doctor Who has been satirised and spoofed on many occasions by comedians including Spike Milligan (a Dalek invades his bathroom — Milligan, naked, hurls a soap sponge at it) and Lenny Henry . Jon Culshaw frequently impersonates the Fourth Doctor in the BBC Dead Ringers series. [170] Doctor Who fandom has also been lampooned on programs such as Saturday Night Live , The Chaser's War on Everything , Mystery Science Theater 3000 , Family Guy , American Dad! , Futurama , South Park , Community as Inspector Spacetime, The Simpsons and The Big Bang Theory . The Doctor in his fourth incarnation has been represented on several episodes of The Simpsons and Matt Groening 's other animated series Futurama . There have also been many references to Doctor Who in popular culture and other science fiction, including Star Trek: The Next Generation (" The Neutral Zone ") [7] and Leverage . In the Channel 4 series Queer as Folk (created by later Doctor Who executive producer Russell T. Davies), the character of Vince was portrayed as an avid Doctor Who fan, with references appearing many times throughout in the form of clips from the programme. In a similar manner, the character of Oliver on Coupling (created and written by current show runner Steven Moffat ) is portrayed as a Doctor Who collector and enthusiast. References to Doctor Who have also appeared in the young adult fantasy novels Brisingr [7] and High Wizardry , [7] the video game Rock Band , [173] the soap opera EastEnders , [174] the Adult Swim comedy show Robot Chicken , the Family Guy episodes " Blue Harvest " and " 420 ", and the game RuneScape . It has also be referenced in Destroy All Humans! 2 , by civilians in the game's variation of England , [175] and in Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney . [176] Doctor Who has been a reference in several political cartoons, from a 1964 cartoon in the Daily Mail depicting Charles de Gaulle as a Dalek [177] to a 2008 edition of This Modern World by Tom Tomorrow in which the Tenth Doctor informs an incredulous character from 2003 that the Democratic Party will nominate an African-American as its presidential candidate. [178] The word "TARDIS" is an entry in the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary [179] and the iOS dictionary. As part of the 50th anniversary programmes, former Fifth Doctor Peter Davison created, wrote and co-starred in a parody The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot featuring cameos from several other former Doctors, companions and people involved in the programme. Museums and exhibitions There have been various exhibitions of Doctor Who in the United Kingdom, including the now closed exhibitions at: Melbourne , Australia (only international DW concert to be performed) Kensington Olympia Two, London Longleat , which ran for 30 years. [180] There is an exhibition open currently in Cardiff (the city where the series is filmed) [181] Merchandise Since its beginnings, Doctor Who has generated hundreds of products related to the show, from toys and games to collectible picture cards and postage stamps. These include board games, card games, gamebooks, computer games, roleplaying games, action figures and a pinball game. Many games have been released that feature the Daleks, including Dalek computer games . Audios The earliest Doctor Who-related audio release was a 21-minute narrated abridgement of the First Doctor television story The Chase released in 1966. Ten years later, the first original Doctor Who audio was released on LP record ; Doctor Who and the Pescatons featuring the Fourth Doctor. The first commercially available audiobook was an abridged reading of the Fourth Doctor story State of Decay in 1981. In 1988, during a hiatus in the television show, Slipback , the first radio drama, was transmitted. Since 1999, Big Finish Productions has released several different series of Doctor Who audios on CD. The earliest of these featured the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Doctors, with Paul McGann's Eight Doctor joining the line in 2001. Tom Baker's Fourth Doctor began appearing for Big Finish in 2012. Along with the main range, adventures of the First, Second and Third Doctors have been produced in both limited cast and full cast formats, as well as audiobooks. The 2013 series Destiny of the Doctor , produced as part of the series' 50th Anniversary celebrations, marked the first time Big Finish created stories (in this case audiobooks) featuring the Doctors from the revived show. In addition to these main lines, both the BBC and Big Finish have produced original audio dramas and audiobooks based on spin-off material, such as Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures series. Books Doctor Who books have been published from the mid-sixties through to the present day. From 1965 to 1991 the books published were primarily novelised adaptations of broadcast episodes; beginning in 1991 an extensive line of original fiction was launched, the Virgin New Adventures and Virgin Missing Adventures . Since the relaunch of the programme in 2005, a new range of novels have been published by BBC Books . Numerous non-fiction books about the series, including guidebooks and critical studies, have also been published, and a dedicated Doctor Who Magazine with newsstand circulation has been published regularly since 1979. This is published by Panini, as is the Doctor Who Adventures magazine for younger fans. See also: New Series Adventures Video games Numerous Doctor Who video games have been created from the mid-80s through to the present day. One of the recent ones is a match-3 game released in November 2013 for iOS , Android , Amazon App Store and Facebook called Doctor Who: Legacy . It has been constantly updated since its release and features all of the Doctors as playable characters as well as over 100 companions. [182] Another video game instalment is LEGO Dimensions – in which Doctor Who is one of the many "Level Packs" in the game. At the moment, the pack contains the Twelfth Doctor (who can reincarnate into the others), K9, the TARDIS and a Victorian London adventure level area. The game and pack released in November 2015. Chronology and canonicity Since the creation of the Doctor Who character by BBC Television in the early 1960s, a myriad of stories have been published about Doctor Who, in different media: apart from the actual television episodes that continue to be produced by the BBC, there have also been novels, comics, short stories, audio books, radio plays, interactive video games, game books, webcasts, DVD extras, and even stage performances. In this respect it is noteworthy that the BBC takes no position on the canonicity of any of such stories, and producers of the show have expressed distaste for the idea. Awards The show has received recognition as one of Britain's finest television programmes, winning the 2006 British Academy Television Award for Best Drama Series and five consecutive (2005–2010) awards at the National Television Awards during Russell T Davies ' tenure as executive producer. [183] [184] In 2011, Matt Smith became the first Doctor to be nominated for a BAFTA Television Award for Best Actor and in 2016, Michelle Gomez became the first female to receive a BAFTA nomination for the series, getting a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her work as Missy . In 2013, the Peabody Awards honoured Doctor Who with an Institutional Peabody "for evolving with technology and the times like nothing else in the known television universe." [185] The programme is listed in Guinness World Records as the longest-running science fiction television show in the world, [186] the "most successful" science fiction series of all time—based on its over-all broadcast ratings, DVD and book sales, and iTunes traffic— [187] and for the largest ever simulcast of a TV drama with its 50th anniversary special . [188] During its original run, it was recognised for its imaginative stories, creative low-budget special effects , and pioneering use of electronic music (originally produced by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop ). In 1975, Season 11 of the series won a Writers' Guild of Great Britain award for Best Writing in a Children's Serial. In 1996, BBC television held the "Auntie Awards" as the culmination of their "TV60" series, celebrating 60 years of BBC television broadcasting, where Doctor Who was voted as the "Best Popular Drama" the corporation had ever produced, ahead of such ratings heavyweights as EastEnders and Casualty . In 2000, Doctor Who was ranked third in a list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes of the 20th century, produced by the British Film Institute and voted on by industry professionals. [189] In 2005, the series came first in a survey by SFX magazine of "The Greatest UK Science Fiction and Fantasy Television Series Ever". Also, in the 100 Greatest Kids' TV shows (a Channel 4 countdown in 2001), the 1963–1989 run was placed at number eight. The revived series has received recognition from critics and the public, across various awards ceremonies. It won five BAFTA TV Awards , including Best Drama Series , the highest-profile and most prestigious British television award for which the series has ever been nominated. [9] It was very popular at the BAFTA Cymru Awards , with 25 wins overall including Best Drama Series (twice), Best Screenplay/Screenwriter (thrice) and Best Actor. [9] It was also nominated for 7 Saturn Awards , winning the only Best International Series in the ceremony's history. In 2009, Doctor Who was voted the 3rd greatest show of the 2000s by Channel 4, behind Top Gear and The Apprentice . [192] The episode " Vincent and the Doctor " was shortlisted for a Mind Award at the 2010 Mind Mental Health Media Awards for its "touching" portrayal of Vincent van Gogh . [9] It has won the Short Form of the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation , the oldest science fiction/fantasy award for films and series, six times (every year since 2006, except for 2009, 2013 and 2014). The winning episodes were " The Empty Child "/" The Doctor Dances " (2006), " The Girl in the Fireplace " (2007), " Blink " (2008), " The Waters of Mars " (2010), " The Pandorica Opens "/" The Big Bang " (2011), and " The Doctor's Wife " (2012). [9] [9] [9] [9] Doctor Who star Matt Smith won Best Actor in the 2012 National Television awards alongside Karen Gillan who won Best Actress. Doctor Who has been nominated for over 200 awards and has won over a hundred of them. As a British series, the majority of its nominations and awards have been for national competitions such as the BAFTAs, but it has occasionally received nominations in mainstream American awards, most notably a nomination for "Favorite Sci-Fi Show" in the 2008 People's Choice Awards and the series has been nominated multiple times in the Spike Scream Awards , with Smith winning Best Science Fiction Actor in 2011. The Canadian Constellation Awards have also recognised the series.

Doctor Who

What fictional boxer, nicknamed The Italian Stallion, ended with a career record of 57-23-1?

Science Fiction at Lyratek.com Science Fiction at LYRATEK.COM - Space Adventures Music Releases TRON "Tron" is a very unique landmark in the history of cinema, when the concept of computer generated imagery made the leap from cameo appearances in film to the major role of portraying a startling new world in which most of a feature film is set. The world of "Tron" was particularly well-suited for what computer imagery could produce at the time, and the film was a modest hit spawning a cult following. The story itself is successfully moulded from hero myths in the vein that "Star Wars" had just made popular, and the film played with the politics of then-current computer science, as well as quasi-religious metaphors that elevated everyday computer programmers to gods in the eyes of their electronic creations. These were some nice deep layers underneath an otherwise simple and fun action movie. Tron (1981, 96 min.) - directed and co-written by Steven Lisberger U.S. 2-disc DVD Classic Special Edition includes: "The TRON Phenomenon" featurette Region 1 audio in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese plus, all bonus features from the "20th Anniversary" 2-disc set below: Blu-ray Classic Special Edition includes: "The TRON Phenomenon" featurette Photo Tronology - director Steven Lisberger and son Carl discuss the photos in Disney's archives Region 1 audio in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese plus, all bonus features from the "20th Anniversary" 2-disc set below: U.S. 2-disc 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition DVD set includes: Audio commentary by director/co-writer Steven Lisberger, producer Donald Kushner, and visual effects supervisors Harrison Ellenshaw and Richard Taylor. "The Making of Tron" documentary (88 min.) adding Jeff Bridges (Kevin Flynn / Clu), Bruce Boxleitner (Alan Bradley / Tron), Cindy Morgan (Lora / Yori), Dan Shor (Ram), Barnard Hughes (Dr. Walter Gibbs / Dumont), director of photography Bruce Logan, storyboard artist / animator Bill Kroyer, Lisberger Studios conceptual artist Roger Allers, storyboard artist Andy Gaskill, Disney chairman Dick Cook, background painter Tia Kratter, and the director of "Toy Story" and "A Bug's Life" John Lasseter. "Beyond Tron" excerpt (4 min.) with MAGI founder Dr. Phillip Mittelman and Lisberger Designer Syd Mead Discusses Lightcycle Design (2 min.) Backlight Animation featurette (2 min.) with effects technical supervisor John Scheele. Early Development featurette (3 min.) with Steven Lisberger and Donald Kushner Segment from 1982 documentary "Computers Are People Too" (5 min.) with Lisberger and Richard Taylor. Digital Imagery featurette (4 min.) with Taylor, and CGI choreographer Bill Kroyer Role of Triple I (30 sec.) with Taylor Triple I Demo (2 min.) The Storyboarding Process featurette (4 min.) with Bill Kroyer Story to Film Comparison Intro (1 min.) with Kroyer Multi-angle Lightcycle sequence storyboard to film comparison (2 min.) Design Introduction (1 min.) with Lisberger Deleted scenes Introduction (2 min.) with Lisberger, Harrison Ellenshaw, and Bruce Boxleitner Tron and Yori's Love Scene (2 min.) Tron and Yori's Love Scene #2 (1 min., silent) Alternate Opening Prologue (1 min.) Lisberger Logo (30 sec.), footage tests (30 sec.) Photo Galleries Dillinger's Office and Flynn's Arcade Production Photos Publicity and Merchandising Light Cycle Sequence (3 min.) and End Credits (5 min.) with Alternate Music Cues by Wendy Carlos Theater Association trailer (5 min.) Work in Progress trailer (1 min.) 4 trailers (6 min. total) Region 1 release has English audio only French and Spanish subtitles (released in 2010) - directed by Joseph Kosinski 126 minutes It was nearly 30 years before the sequel "Tron: Legacy" finally came to our screens. This sequel remains a fun treat for the senses, both visually and auditorially, and contains the germ of yet another neat new sci-fi idea, but in this case, the idea doesn't really get to breathe correctly. On-screen plot was bizarrely locked down to give us pretty much all the exact same action set-pieces at all the exact same points in the film, and just at the point where the story might have the potential to show us something truly new and fascinating, the film ends. Bummer. If only they'd had the courage to mix the structure up a little better, letting it conform to whatever the newer idea needed most, a far smarter and more worthy story might have emerged. "Legacy" is still a highly enjoyable film, but the original classic "Tron" is the better story by far. U.S. "Visualizing Tron" production featurette (12 min.) with Jeff Bridges (Kevin Flynn / Clu), Garrett Hedlund (Sam Flynn), Olivia Wilde (Quorra), Beau Garrett (Gem), director Joseph Kosinski, producers Steven Lisberger and Sean Bailey, production designer Darren Gilford, and many more.... "Installing the Cast" featurette (12 min.) with Bridges, Hedlund, Wilde, Kosinski, Lisberger, Bailey, Bruce Boxleitner (Alan Bradley / Tron), and Michael Sheen (Castor). First look at "Tron: Uprising" - the Disney XD Animated Series (1 min.) Region 1 audio in English, French, Spanish Blu-ray extras add: The Next Day: Flynn Lives Revealed Launching the Legacy Disc Roars - ComicCon crowd recording session "Derezzed" music video by Daft Punk New for December 5, 2016: More New TNG Reviews: Quite a number of these go against the grain of common fan opinion to present perspectives that many may not have thought of.... 2001 / 2010: The Space Odysseys "2001: A Space Odyssey" is one of those classics that every sci-fi buff should become familiar with. In it, director Stanley Kubrick crafted a highly experimental film, which celebrated spectacle, enigma, visual techniques, and architecture. I actually prefer the sequel, "2010". Director Peter Hyams shows a greater interest in character, and succeeds better at pacing and staying on story. There are good reasons why most filmmakers shoot their films more like Hyams, and less like Kubrick. Indeed, when we line up "2010" against most other sci-fi films made around the same time, "2010" stands up as an excellent and fascinating entry, one with a level of scientific accuracy and credibility that most of the others cannot truly approach. It truly deserved far more kudos than it ever got, unfairly glossed over in the shadow of its earlier counterpart. 2001: A Space Odyssey - (1969 feature film) directed by Stanley Kubrick U.S. Blu-ray and 2-disc Region 1 DVD set extras include: Audio commentary by Keir Dullea (Dave Bowman) and Gary Lockwood (Frank Poole) TV documentary "2001: The Making of a Myth" Featurette - "Standing on the Shoulders of Kubrick: The Legacy of 2001" Featurette - "Vision of a Future Passed: The Prophecy of 2001" Featurette - "2001: A Space Odyssey - A Look Behind the Future" Featurette - "What is Out There?" "2001: FX and Early Conceptual Artwork" Look: Stanley Kubrick! Audio-only interview with Stanley Kubrick Theatrical Trailer 2010: The Year We Make Contact - (1984 feature film) directed by Peter Hyams starring Roy Scheider, John Lithgow, Helen Mirren, Bob Balaban, Keir Dullea, Douglas Rain. U.S. Vintage featurette - "2010: The Odyssey Continues" Theatrical trailer Jumper "Jumper" is one of those good sci-fi films that slips through the cracks and escapes most of the attention that it deserves. At its heart is a very potent idea... what if an everyday young man discovered he had the ability to teleport at will to any place he could accurately picture? Hayden Christensen and Samuel L. Jackson echo their previous dynamics in the Star Wars prequels, as Christensen revels in his new powers while Jackson this time goes to quite vengeful extremes to try to rein him in. Unfortunately, director Doug Liman and the screenwriters don't really craft a film that can properly take advantage of all the archetypal potentials up for grabs with the main ideas. Early scenes set up a sweet love interest potential for two of the main characters, but their interaction throughout the rest of the film is a dismal disappointment. Millie is constantly pressing to learn what's going on from David, who appears quite icky and wimpy in his constant avoidance of confiding in her. Though this dynamic may seem a logical beat for their relationship, it stretches out to consume about 80% of their screen time together, until it defines the relationship and makes it uncompelling viewing. Many of the action and effects sequences are impressive, and pulled off with a bit of finesse and style. But for me, many of the non-effects, non-action bits seemed to feature too much sloppy camera movement and drab cinematography. I'm not sure the director's concept of trying to make this feel like a non-effects movie was a worthy goal. Shots that look and feel more carefully and beautifully crafted would've enhanced my enjoyment of the film. Ultimately there is enough here to get me hooked into the world of the film and what lies beyond the horizon. There is indeed set-up here for a continuing story - very likely a trilogy at least. So my question is, where are the sequels? Still in the works? Not yet produced? Hmmm. I don't know if enough interest was generated in this film to warrant sequels. There's certainly enough here regarding the main concepts, casting, and characters' backstory and continuing story. But this may be a case where the main concepts are far more potent than the actual film that was produced. If you like sci-fi and haven't checked this film out, you should. And what do you think, does it deserve its sequels, or is it best left as is? 88 min. feature film starring Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Rooker. (2008) single-disc version: Full screen and widescreen versions, both with: Audio commentary by director Doug Liman, co-writer/producer Simon Kinberg, and producer Lucas Foster. Jumping from Novel to Film featurette (8 min.) adding author Steven Gould, and actors Hayden Christensen (David Rice) and Jamie Bell (Griffin). "Making an Actor Jump" effects featurette (8 min.) with Liman, Foster, Christensen, Bell, visual effects supervisors Joel Hynek, Dan Lemmon, and Eric Rehnquist, and 2nd unit director Simon Crane. Previz reel: Future Concepts (4 min.) Blu-ray and 2-disc Special Edition extras add: "Jumping Around the World" featurette (11 min.) Deleted Scenes (11 min.) "Doug Liman's Jumper: Uncensored" documentary (35 min.) "Jumpstart: David's Story - Animated Graphic Novel" (8 min.) (Region 2 single-disc DVD's contain all special features except the Previz Reel.) (For Blu-ray, "Jumping Around the World" is updated to a picture-in-picture format.) Blu-ray and 2-disc special edition DVD versions: U.S. Canada The Stargate Page Close Encounters of the Third Kind The new standard for this classic on disc is to include all three different edits of the film, plus bonus documentaries. On DVD, this was done with 3 discs, each having its own version, plus a piece of the main "making of" documentary. On Blu-ray, all 3 versions are on one disc, while the bonus materials are on a second disc. These presentations are known as the "Ultimate Edition", which debuted on the film's 30th anniversary. Feature film written and directed by Steven Spielberg. Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon, François Truffaut, and Bob Balaban. U.S. 3 versions of the film: Original theatrical version (1977, 2 hours, 14 min.) Special edition (1980, 2 hours, 12 min.) Director's cut (1998, 2 hours, 17 min.) "The Making of Close Encounters of the Third Kind" documentary (1 hour, 42 min. total): Part 1 - We Are Not Alone (39 min.) Part 2 - Production Stories (48 min.) Part 3 - Putting It Together (15 min.) Interview with Steven Spielberg - 30 Years of Close Encounters (21 min.) 1977 Featurette: Watch the Skies (6 min.) Previews & trailers (10 min. total) Region 1 version has English, French, and Spanish audio tracks on all 3 version of the film. "A View From Above" as a poster contrasting the differences between the 3 versions 30th anniversary collector's book, with photos, biographies, behind-the-scenes info, and famous quotes. 2-disc Blu-ray sets add: "A View From Above" as an on-disc branching guide Deleted scenes Photo gallery On this site you will find informative episode guides and detailed reviews for a number of science fiction giants. The big three (Doctor Who, Star Trek, Sliders) all have their own separate home pages here, however, this is perhaps the best place to enter the world of the Matrix. Do people read too much into the philosophy of the Matrix saga? Too little? Does the trilogy really live up to the lofty ideals it is often associated with? Let's look closely at the entire saga and the wealth of philosophical thought that surrounds it for a unique new angle that you won't quite find on any of the commentaries or featurettes often packaged in with the movies.... Our reviews also link to each other in chronological order, making it easy to continue on at your own pace, or to skip ahead to any section of interest. Our coverage includes: Bonus Documentary: Philosophy and the Matrix Settle back and read in-depth Reviews for each Doctor Who story: Doctor Who is the largest, most extensively covered show on this site, with our 34-season-long episode guide split up into many separate pages, one for each of the lead actors who have played the title role. Remember, EVERY Doctor Who story from William Hartnell's original pilot "An Unearthly Child" (story no. 1) to Peter Capaldi's debut "Deep Breath" (story no. 247) has an extensive, detailed review here on this site, and usually one that aims to highlight the positive philosophical qualities written into the adventure as well as its artistic merits. Browse the entire line sequentially with our episode guide catalogues , to find the exact review you want to see, or to find deals on whichever DVD's you still need for your collection.... "Sliders" is also a big brand on this site. The time/space/choice continuum wouldn't be properly represented here without discussing this excellent sci-fi series exploring parallel dimensions on a regular basis. We've reviewed all 86 stories of this 5-year series. You'll find the episode guide / product catalogue, with links to each story's review on our Sliders page . Our coverage of Star Trek at this time is limited to those episodes for which we felt we really had something worthwhile to say. Nevertheless, we have reviewed many episodes from each and every year of each Star Trek television series, as well as most of the movies, and we think there's a bit more to come in the not-too-distant future. It all kicks off from our Star Trek catalogue . Our interest doesn't stop at videos and reviews. Catalogues for the music of Doctor Who and Star Trek, extending to sound effects, are also kept up to date here, with occasional reviews and track listings comparing older CD's with newer expanded versions... New for February 26, 2015: Our new Astronomy section at Lyratek.com launches with an Episode Guide Catalogue for an outstanding documentary series: "The Universe" This lively, informative, documentary series featuring scientist interviews and very cool CGI graphics has quickly become a favourite for astronomy enthusiasts. Common topics include new discoveries of exoplanets, features and conditions on planets and moons within our solar system, and various principles of physics and biology with cosmic significance. Data capsule summaries for individual episodes begin with: "Alien Planets" New for March 13, 2015: The new Astronomy section at Lyratek.com expands with eight new documentary data capsule reviews, beginning with: "Alien Moons" , plus: This much-loved classic documentary series from Carl Sagan continues to woo over new fans and satisfy on repeat viewing those lucky enough to discover it long ago. Now a new set of episodes with Neil deGrasse Tyson continues the tradition.... Farscape Present-day astronaut John Crichton suddenly finds himself in an unknown region of space, surrounded by creatures, customs, and politics that he can barely make sense of. Actor Ben Browder creates a continually compelling fish-out-of-water performance as the main character struggling to find his way and contribute to a truly alien series of worlds, brought to life by the animatronic creature magic of the Jim Henson company and lavish, prolific CGI eye-candy. Based on the tested formula of a group of characters traveling in a single ship, Farscape may be the best of such shows to resist anthropomorphism, keeping each alien species alien and true to its own culture, and with a unique and visually exciting look to match. Find out for yourself why this series remains one of the most loved in the annals of science fiction television, now in full season box sets with plentiful bonus features.... Season One: (1999-2000) .... 22 episodes @ 45 min. each U.S. Region 1 DVD Box Set Extras include: 14 audio commentaries Documentary: "Making of a Space Opera" (22 min.) Documentary: "In the Beginning: A Look Back with Brian Henson" (contains spoilers for the entire series) Director's cut scenes Region 1 Blu-ray Bonus features include: behind-the-scenes interviews with Jonathan Hardy (voice of Rygel XVI), and Lani John Tupu (Crais / voice of Pilot) plus all extras from the standard DVD version Season Two: (2000-2001) .... 22 episodes @ 45 min. each U.S. Canada Region 1 DVD Box Set Extras include: 5 audio commentaries Alternate version of "Re-Union" when it was to be the opening season 2 episode Deleted scenes Region 1 Blu-ray Bonus features include: "Listening In" featurettes with composer Guy Gross for 4 episodes Behind-the-scenes interviews with Wayne Pygram and David Franklin the rare "Farscape Undressed" special (44 min.) plus all extras from the standard DVD version Season Three: (2001-2002) .... 22 episodes @ 45 min. each U.S. Canada Region 1 DVD Box Set Extras include: 9 audio commentaries Documentary: "Season Three: A Look Back with Exec. Prod. David Kemper" Behind-the-scenes interviews with Claudia Black (Aeryn), Anthony Simcoe (Dargo), Gigi Edgley, and Wayne Pygram. Composer Guy Gross discusses the season 3 theme Deleted scenes original TV promos for all episodes Region 1 Blu-ray Bonus features include: "Zhaan Forever" in-depth interview interviews with Rebecca Riggs and Paul Goddard "Listening In" featurettes with composer Guy Gross for 4 episodes plus all extras from the standard DVD version Season Four: (2002-2003) .... 22 episodes @ 45 min. each U.S. Canada Region 1 DVD Box Set Extras include: 3 audio commentaries Inside Farscape featurette "Visual Effects" Inside Farscape featurette "Save Farscape" "The story so far..." clip reel Deleted scenes "On the Last Day" wrap speech from David Kemper Region 1 Blu-ray Bonus features include: "Memories of Moya" HD retrospective documentary. Listening in with composer Guy Gross featurettes for 4 episodes video profiles of executive producers/writers Rockne S. O'Bannon and David Kemper. plus all extras from the standard DVD version Seasons 1-4 Mega-Set: plus 15 hours of bonus features U.S. Looking for the U.K. Region 2 standard DVD PAL version of seasons 1-4? Things get even better for you... Read further on down the page.... Blu-ray U.S. Blu-ray Canada Region 1 DVD Box Set Extras include: 31 audio commentaries Documentary: "Making of a Space Opera" (22 min.) Documentary: "In the Beginning: A Look Back with Brian Henson" (~39 min.) Documentary: "Season Three: A Look Back with Exec. Prod. David Kemper" Inside Farscape featurette "Villains" Inside Farscape featurette "Visual Effects" Inside Farscape featurette "Save Farscape" Behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew Deleted scenes, director's cut scenes Alternate version of "Re-Union" as the season 2 premiere Listening in with composer Guy Gross featurettes for 12 episodes rare "Farscape Undressed" special (44 min. pseudo-ad) original TV promos Region 1 Blu-ray Bonus features include: "Memories of Moya" HD retrospective documentary. video profiles of executive producers/writers Rockne S. O'Bannon and David Kemper. plus all extras from the standard DVD version Epilogue: The Peacekeeper Wars (2004 mini-series) totaling 3 hours, 2 min. This mini-series somewhat makes up for the cancelled fifth season and provides some resolution by tying up the loose ends of the series. U.S. Canada This mini-series has yet to debut on Blu-ray.... DVD Extras include: Seasons 1-4 plus The Peacekeeper Wars (1999-2004) Only the U.K. Region 2 PAL standard DVD version of this show has accomplished the obvious, which is to bundle all four seasons plus the resolution mini-series in the same box set. This is probably the only set that truly deserves to call itself complete. ? Blu-ray U.K. ? Beware: There is a blu-ray set out there that LOOKS the same on the surface, but does NOT include "The Peacekeeper Wars". The Twilight Zone Rod Serling's masterpiece series from 1959-1964 almost single-handedly elevated the genre of sci-fi television at the time, and remains a classic today. As Serling himself once said to a reporter, "There have been science fiction and fantasy shows before, but most of them were involved with gadgets or leprechauns. 'The Twilight Zone' is about people." This is an anthology series, where there are no regular characters. Instead, each episode is its own self-contained short story.... which also means you can watch the episodes in any order you please. This series is a hit with sci-fi fans and critics alike, taking the number 2 spot in the 1987 sci-fi TV poll in John Javna's "The Best of Science-Fiction TV" book. Season One: Blu-ray Canada Blu-ray U.K. In total, these season one box sets contain 36 episodes averaging 26 minutes each, plus an extra unaired version of the pilot: "Where Is Everybody?" preceded by a filmed network sales pitch by Rod Serling. The regular episodes include the memorable fan favourite "Time Enough At Last" in which Burgess Meredith desires to read long past doomsday. The vast majority of bonus features are audio only, and are presented as alternate audio tracks on the episodes themselves. On the standard DVD "Definitive Edition" set, these include 21 isolated music scores by Jerry Goldsmith, Bernard Herrmann, Van Cleave, and various library tracks including one by Les Structures Sonores. In addition to 6 proper audio commentaries, we also get audio recordings of Rod Serling's university film class lectures and vintage interviews of cast and crew by Marc Scott Zicree as he researched his Twilight Zone book - these lectures and interviews are presented as pseudo-audio-commentaries on related episodes. Finally, there are the Radio dramas - alternate versions of several episodes designed for audio only, typically between 35-40 minutes each and played over a still picture. As an example, here's a detailed breakdown of the extras for each episode on the STANDARD DVD version of season one - "The Definitive Edition": No. Serling's Pitch plus Unaired Pilot: "Where Is Everybody?" (35 min.) -Proper Audio Commentary by executive William Self -Rod Serling audio lecture Proper Audio Commentary by star Earl Holliman 2. Radio version starring Ed Begley Jr. 3. Proper Audio Commentary by co-star Martin Landau 4. Radio version starring Mike Starr (found as a separate feature on the last disc) 8. -Zicree interview of star Burgess Meredith. -Video of Drew Carey's parody of the episode (1 min.) 9. "And When the Sky Was Opened" Leonard Rosenman -Proper Audio Commentary by star Rod Taylor -Rod Serling Lecture -Zicree interview with director Douglas Heyes 12. "The Four of Us Are Dying" Jerry Goldsmith Zicree interview with director Richard L. Bare 15. "I Shot an Arrow into the Air" Radio version starring Chelsie Ross 16. Proper Audio Commentary by co-star Martin Milner 22. Radio version starring Frank John Hughes 23. Proper Audio Commentary by star Kevin McCarthy 25. "People Are Alike All Over" 26. Radio version starring Blair Underwood 28. "A Nice Place to Visit" Library cues Zicree interview with producer Buck Houghton 31. Zicree interview with director Douglas Heyes 32. -Zicree interviews with star Anne Francis and director Douglas Heyes -Radio version starring Kim Fields 35. -montage of rare photos (23 seconds) 36. "A World of His Own" Zicree interview with writer Richard Matheson Also on the "extras" disc is: Rod Serling's filmed Netherlands Sales Pitch (4 min.) A segment of Rod Serling hosting the 1970's game show "Liar's Club" (21 min., colour) Rod Serling Blooper (12 seconds) Rod Serling accepts Emmy Awards for Twilight Zone (3 min.) Twilight Zone sponsor commercials (2 min.) Main Photo Gallery (2 min.) DVD-ROM .pdf file of a 1963 issue of Twilight Zone comic book. Blu-ray gives you all of that, plus much more of the same, and then some... There are 19 new proper audio commentaries, though you can expect a lot of those to be from modern writers inspired by and in appreciation of "The Twilight Zone" rather than people who actually worked on the show. We also get part one of a "vintage" audio interview of Director of Photography George T. Clemens - with further installments on sets for later seasons. Plus, on film, we get the rare unofficial Twilight Zone pilot "The Time Element" written by Rod Serling, and an early "Tales of Tomorrow" version of the episode "What You Need". Plus, interviews with actors Dana Dillaway, Suzanne Lloyd, and Beverly Garland. To compare the two: DVD Bonus features include: - 6 proper audio commentaries Blu-ray U.K. DVD Bonus features include: -proper audio commentaries with Martin Landau, Billy Mumy, Mickey Rooney, Mariette Hartley, June Foray, Alan Sues, and Marc Scott Zicree. -isolated music scores from Van Cleave, B. Herrmann, etc. -Rod Serling Lecture -video interviews with writers Richard Matheson, George Clayton Johnson & Earl Hamner, plus Billy Mumy, June Foray, Terry Becker, Nancy Malone, Carolyn Kearney, & Michael Forest. -"Submitted for Your Approval" 90 minute documentary on the life of Rod Serling. -"Conversation with Rod Serling" (Part Two) Blu-ray Bonus features include: -the DVD commentaries, plus 20 new commentaries adding George Takei -video interviews -22 Radio Dramas Most of the extras from the DVD version are here, but the 90-minute documentary "Submitted for Your Approval" is NOT INCLUDED in the Blu-ray version!) The Complete Collection: Blu-ray Canada Battlestar Galactica (1978-1980) The original Battlestar Galactica presented a fantastical operatic space saga of human drama and sci-fi action spiced with exploration of myths and legend, with visual effects to rival that of the then-recent 1977 Star Wars film and give audiences the second-helping that they couldn't find elsewhere at the time. Though critics were quick to jump on its flaws and assume it would hit the reset button on character and plot development each week, audiences loved it and were rewarded with significant developments as the show moved through its brief time on air. The evolution of Lorne Greene's character of Adama might even symbolize a healthier message if presented to the audience in reverse - as indeed it was when I saw season two first in 1980, then later most of season one, and then finally the 3-part pilot movie. Adama is a pseudo-God-like figure at the end, descending to Earth from the heavens, the wise old man with a white beard, with his angels Troy and Dillon preceding him and preparing the way. Back up to season one, and learn that he is just a man like any other, stemming from a more technologically advanced society than our own and doing his best to lead his people through a difficult time. Back up to the pilot, and you get to see and feel some of the things that may be influencing his decisions, and see why they are not always the wisest ones possible. This deconstruction of a popular image has stuck with me and influenced me to this day, helping me to dig deeper than most for theological and philosophical meaning. Though the presentation of things here may not be the most ideal when taken at face value, the images are memorable and evocative, and a good trigger for initiating debate. All this from a series that remains a lot of fun even today, and had me absolutely giddy with anticipation for each new episode when it first aired. Season One: (1978-1979) starring Lorne Greene, Richard Hatch, Dirk Benedict, Herbert Jefferson Jr. U.S. Canada U.K. Those who consider this to be a separate show from the original Battlestar Galactica may want to take a closer look at (and listen to) the opening credits. The first two parts of the three-part opener call themselves "Galactica 1980", after which the show's title reverts to "Battlestar Galactica". Additionally, we hear an announcer proclaiming that part three of the opener is "the conclusion of Galactica 1980." "Galactica 1980" is therefore just one three-part story. Afterwards we get five more "Battlestar Galactica" stories, with proper on-screen titles. Yes, there's been a hefty cast change, and the main plot has had a major advancement, but for all viewing purposes these are important further chapters of the original show. Then in 2003, I eagerly tuned into the backdoor pilot TV movie for the new Battlestar Galactica, and was completely disappointed. Part of it was stylistic - the show now looked and felt too much like any other modern Earth-based one, without actually taking place on Earth at all as the ad campaign had led me to assume, and had lost its fun, escapist, other-worldly cultural aspects. Exciting visuals that used to be center-stage were now tossed off into the background. The enemy Cylons spent most of their screen time also looking like everyday people. What seemed to take center-stage instead was something I had already grown tired of seeing from head-writer Ronald D. Moore during his days on Star Trek The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, and that was the indulgence of his fetish for making characters suffer losses and deaths, generally wallowing in high levels of dysfunction for long periods of time. For those of us well-educated in self-help material, the protagonists were falling too far behind the audience, lessening our ability to engage emotionally and invest in their struggles. I think I might even have found all of that forgivable, if not for the biggest disappointment of all. We didn't get a continuation of the saga in 2003, even if the evolution of the Cylons seemed to be continuing from where they had been in the 1980 episode "The Night the Cylons Landed". Instead, Ron Moore decided to remake the original pilot, and give the impression that with this new style he intended to tell the same story all over again. I lost interest. And perhaps this is the biggest reason why so many people love one version of this show but not the other - they compete with each other more than they complement. The final insult was that my favourite character, previously played by the A-Team's Dirk Benedict, was now a woman. If it had been the original character's daughter or granddaughter or niece or something, fine. But to pretend to be the original character, played as the opposite gender, was just wrong. I watched and taped the 2003 miniseries, but have not been able to bring myself to re-watch more than 20 minutes of it since, and I have not tuned in to any of the continuing stories that came after. Maybe I'm missing something, but that's my choice. There's still so much other sci-fi out there that I'd prefer to explore. I do retain my affection for the original series though, and will gladly promote my vote for it as the better of the two versions. Forbidden Planet Of course these days Leslie Nielsen is best known for his trademark over-the-top deadpan comedy. But back when "Forbidden Planet" was made, he was trying to play it seriously. His familiar deadpan charm shines through anyway, and I find myself constantly wanting to giggle at the joke that is always just about to happen, but never actually materializes. In short, Nielsen is a real hoot in this classic flick, and totally without trying to be. That said, this is a great sci-fi movie, with some powerful ideas and philosophical territory to explore, lots of eye-catching effects that pushed the boundaries at the time, and featuring the debut of an iconic robot prop/costume that would go on to appear in countless other movies and television shows for the next decade or more. If fact, it's uncanny how similar many of these ideas are to the Montauk phase of the Philadelphia Experiment . 98 min. feature film starring Leslie Nielsen, Anne Francis, Walter Pidgeon, Warren Stevens, Earl Holliman, and introducing Robby the Robot. U.S. DVD and Blu-ray extras include: "Exploring the Far Reaches of Forbidden Planet" featurette "Robby the Robot: Engineering a Sci-Fi Icon" featurette Deleted Scenes and Lost Footage TCM original documentary "Watch the Skies!: Science Fiction, the 1950s and Us" Bonus 1958 MGM feature film "The Invisible Boy" (also featuring Robby the Robot) Bonus The Thin Man TV Series Episode "Robot Client" (featuring Robby the Robot) Excerpts from The MGM Parade TV Series with Walter Pidgeon Trailer Gallery The Greatest American Hero As a non-American, I was never fond of the title for this series, particularly as it had little relevance to anything this show was about. But the show itself is one of my all-time favourites. There's little science in it - instead it is very strong on comedy (nominated several times for Emmy Awards in the comedy category, and deservedly so), while also delivering satisfying action-adventure storylines. This shouldn't be too surprising, considering it comes from writer/producer Stephen J. Cannell (co-creator of "The A-Team"). It takes a while for the regulars to get together and start delivering their charm during the pilot, especially as the opening scene depicting the crime they will investigate is so bizarre and cultish, but by episode two, things are rolling ahead nicely. Specifically, I don't think there's a better example out there of a "superhero" struggling to fit his new abilities and responsibilities into a normal lifestyle, which this show truly milks for all the humour and drama possible. Plus, it's got enigmatic extra-terrestrials. If you've never seen it, it's well-worth a try, and makes for a fun, family-friendly, feel-good viewing experience. Okay, there are two separate versions of this series on DVD, a 2005 version from Anchor Bay, and a 2010 version from Mill Creek Entertainment, and no signs that either one extended to a Region 2 PAL version for the European market. Strangely, Mill Creek's newer ones have fewer bonus features and squeeze the episodes onto fewer discs to make them cheaper. Reviews of sound and picture quality are mixed for both versions, making it hard to pick a winner on those grounds. Plus, Mill Creek doesn't seem to want to provide season three on its own. So, I'm going to recommend the older Anchor Bay season sets unless your budget is tight and the extras are not a big draw for you. Sadly, Amazon has not been careful at keeping customer reviews displayed on only the original product that the customer was talking about. When reading their reviews, always double-check to see which product the customer was ACTUALLY talking about. Hopefully the guide I have prepared below will help you select the right product for you: Season One: (a 95-minute pilot, plus 7 episodes @ 49 min. each) Starz / Anchor Bay 2005 release Mill Creek Entertainment 2010 release U.S. U.S. Canada This is a 3-disc set, with all eight episodes of the first season. The bonus features are the most lavish of any Greatest American Hero package yet: You get the unaired spinoff pilot "The Greatest American Heroine", plus about 75 minutes worth of interviews from writer/producer Stephen J. Cannell, and stars William Katt, Connie Selleca, Robert Culp, and Michael Paré. This is likely the ONLY package that gives you those bonuses, despite the fact that the excited review from one happy customer now displays itself on all Amazon's pages for other Greatest American Hero products. This is the 2-disc version from Mill Creek that I have. You get the 95-minute pilot, and the remaining 7 episodes from season one which are all ~49 minutes in length. There's basically one bonus feature, an enlightening 20-minute interview with writer/creator Stephen J. Cannell. Season Two: (22 episodes @ 47-49 min. each) Starz / Anchor Bay 2005 release Mill Creek Entertainment 2010 release U.S. Canada U.S. Canada This is a 6-disc set, with all 22 episodes of the second season. The bonus features continue to be decent, with career-retrospective interviews of writer/creator Stephen J. Cannell and music composer Mike Post. This is the 4-disc version from Mill Creek, which I also have. I can vouch that you get the 22 episodes from season two which are mostly ~49 minutes in length (two of them only manage about 47 minutes) ...and that's it. Most strange is that the only time Don Cervantes' credit is accompanied by a picture of his face, it's on an episode in which he doesn't actually participate in (It's All Downhill From Here). Season Three: U.S. Canada This is a 4-disc set, with the 13 episodes from the truncated third season. Mill Creek has not yet seen fit to release the third season outside of their massive package for the entire show (see below). The Complete Series: (1981-1983) Starz / Anchor Bay 2005 release Mill Creek Entertainment 2010 release U.S. Canada U.S. Canada This is a 13-disc set, but for bonus features, it advertises all kinds of things that are not on the discs themselves: A cape, a battery-powered guide book, a decal, and a tin box. You'll be all set for Hallowe'en, but it's unclear if the spinoff episode or interviews are included as well. This contains the double-length pilot story and all regular episodes of the series. There is a 20-minute bonus interview with writer/creator Stephen J. Cannell. It's a 9-disc set. Firefly (2003, 2005) All evidence points to this series being far, far better than the Fox network ever gave it credit for. You'd think Fox would have learned its lesson after interfering with "Sliders" eight years previously. But no, after only airing some of the episodes of "Firefly" on TV, and horribly out-of-order at that, this series only just gets its due on DVD, where ALL episodes are presented in the correct order. Justice is served. Nice! Now if only it hadn't been prematurely cancelled.... well, in the sci-fi genre, being misunderstood is all too common.... In a unique move for a series this short, the cast and crew quickly reassembled to produce a feature film called "Serenity". This film ties up the loose ends of the series, but works as a movie in its own right even if you've seen nothing of the series. Many would rank it better than the Star Wars film that came out the same year. The short-lived series: (2003) starring Nathan Fillion & Gina Torres. created by Joss Whedon. U.S. Region B/2 Of course, our top three TV picks all have their own pages at Lyratek.com already, with loads of reviews and buying options on products. They are: Find out more about the enigmatic traveling Timelord in his long-running classic BBC sci-fi series, complete with episode guide catalogues of available DVD's, videos, story & music soundtracks, extensive story reviews, and more on our Doctor Who page . Read reviews of select Star Trek episodes in our extensive articles on Time Travel and the Prime Directive as portrayed in this famous sci-fi franchise, plus find out all about the latest products on our Star Trek page . The time/space/choice continuum wouldn't be properly represented here without discussing this excellent sci-fi series exploring parallel dimensions on a regular basis. You'll find episode guides, products, and links to reviews for EVERY story on our Sliders page . New for December 18-29, 2014:

i don't know

What cartoonist drew Calvin and Hobbes from 1985 to 1995?

About Bill Watterson - The Complete Calvin and Hobbes About Bill Watterson Trivia I've loved comic strips as long as I can remember. As a kid, I knew I wanted to be either a cartoonist or an astronaut. The latter was never much of a possibility, as I don't even like riding in elevators. I kept my options open until seventh grade, but when I stopped understanding math and science, my choice was made. —Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin and Hobbes Bill Watterson is the creator of Calvin and Hobbes, one of the most popular and well-regarded cartoon strips of the 20th century. Watterson drew the strip from its debut run on November 18, 1985, to December 31, 1995. In 1986, Watterson became the youngest person to win the prestigious Reuben Award for "Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year" from the National Cartoonists Society. He won the award again in 1988, and was also nominated for the honor in 1992. The first Calvin and Hobbes strip: Novemeber 18, 1985 The last Calvin and Hobbes strip: December 31, 1995

Bill Watterson

What Disney Channel star, and favorite of everyone here tonight, was born on Nov 23, 1992 with the first names Destiny Hope?

Calvin and Hobbs | SBC Today Calvin and Hobbs Dr. Rick Patrick | Senior Pastor First Baptist Church, Sylacauga, AL From 1985 to 1995, award-winning cartoonist Bill Watterson drew a comic strip entitled Calvin and Hobbes, depicting a six-year-old boy and his stuffed tiger, characters named after sixteenth century French theologian John Calvin and seventeenth century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes. Perhaps, in our current theological climate, a more relevant (if less humorous) comparison can be made between the afore-mentioned Calvin and the twentieth century Southern Baptist pastor, statesman and scholar Herschel Hobbs. Juxtaposed below are eight direct quotes from these two men offering readers the opportunity to contrast their views with relative ease to determine which view most accurately reflects one’s own understanding of the Bible and of God’s plan of salvation. The Calvin quotes are from his Institutes of the Christian Religion, with the exception of the final quote, which is from his Commentary on John. The Hobbs quotes are from an essay published in The Alabama Baptist in 1995. DIVINE DETERMINISM IN SALVATION Calvin: By predestination we mean the eternal decree of God, by which he determined with himself whatever he wished to happen with regard to every man. All are not created on equal terms, but some are preordained to eternal life, others to eternal damnation; and, accordingly, as each has been created for one or other of these ends, we say that he has been predestinated to life or to death. Hobbs: Those who follow Calvin say that only the elect believe in Jesus as Savior. As I understand it, the opposite is true. Believers are the elect. I agree with Frank Stagg that election is not “a rigged television show.” GOD’S DECREE OF REPROBATION Calvin: The decree is dreadful indeed, I confess. Hobbs: Calvin held that before the foundation of the world God elected certain individuals to be saved to the neglect of all others. This is contrary to the very nature of God! THE NATURE OF ELECTION Calvin: Although it is now sufficiently plain that God by his secret counsel chooses whom he will while he rejects others, his gratuitous election has only been partially explained until we come to the case of single individuals, to whom God not only offers salvation, but so assigns it, that the certainty of the result remains not dubious or suspended. Hobbs: In essence, Paul says that God elected a plan of salvation (Eph. 1-2) and a people to propagate the plan (Eph. 3.1-6.20). But man is free to accept or reject either or both of them. MAN’S FREE WILL Calvin: This movement of the will is not of that description which was for many ages taught and believed—viz. a movement which thereafter leaves us the choice to obey or resist it, but one which affects us efficaciously. Hobbs: The Bible also teaches the free will of man as a person made in God’s image. To violate man’s free will would make him less than a person, only a puppet dangled on the string of fate. The Bible never teaches that. GOD OVERPOWERING MAN’S WILL Calvin: Whenever God is pleased to make way for his providence, he even in external matters so turns and bends the wills of men, that whatever the freedom of their choice may be, it is still subject to the disposal of God. Hobbs: Man is free to choose but is responsible to God for his choices. Otherwise God Himself is responsible for man’s sin, which is unthinkable! EVANGELISTIC APPEALS TO THE NON-ELECT Calvin: It is, indeed, an easy matter to indulge in declamatory complaint on this subject, to say that we are cruelly mocked by the Lord, when he declares that his kindness depends on our wills if we are not masters of our wills—that it would be a strange liberality on the part of God to set his blessings before us, while we have no power of enjoying them—a strange certainty of promises, which, to prevent their ever being fulfilled, are made to depend on an impossibility. Hobbs: To say that only those chosen by God can believe is to ignore the plain teachings of the New Testament. If this be true, then Jesus’ commission to evangelize the world and the many pleas for lost people to believe in Him for salvation are meaningless. GOD’S LOVE FOR THE LOST Calvin: Those, therefore, whom he has created for dishonor during life and destruction at death, that they may be vessels of wrath and examples of severity, in bringing to their doom, he at one time deprives of the means of hearing his word, at another by the preaching of it blinds and stupefies them the more. Hobbs: God in Christ has done all that even God can do to provide redemption for a lost humanity. But each person through faith in His redeeming Son must receive it for himself. Refusal to do so means such a person is lost without hope. THE BIBLE VERSE JOHN 3:16 Calvin: Let us remember, on the other hand, that while life is promised universally to all who believe in Christ, still faith is not common to all. For Christ is made known and held out to the view of all, but the elect alone are they whose eyes God opens, that they may seek him by faith. Hobbs: If all of the Bible was lost except John 3:16, in this gospel within the gospel is the ability to save a lost humanity. And what does it say to us?  “For God so loved the world [not certain ones in it], that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever [anyone, anywhere, anytime] believeth [an act of man’s free will] in him should not perish [be lost, destroyed, or go to hell], but have everlasting life.” This is not hyper-Calvinism but the gospel in a nutshell. Leave a Comment:

i don't know

First awarded on Feb 22, 1932, what military decoration is awarded to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military?

Top 10 for Thursday: 10 Things You Should Know About the Purple Heart and Its Recipients Top 10 for Thursday: 10 Things You Should Know About the Purple Heart and Its Recipients By Mary Ann Fiebert Special to the Times Today’s Top 10: The 10 Things To Know About the Purple Heart and Its Recipients: 1. The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed, while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military. It is the most recognized and respected medals awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces. 2. The Purple Heart is the oldest military award still given to U.S. military members. George Washington originated the “Badge of Merit,” which the Purple Heart is patterned after. 3. In military terms, the award had “broken service,” as it was ignored for nearly 150 years. It was not until October 1927, after World War I, that Gen. Charles Summerall proposed that a bill be submitted to Congress to revive the “Badge of Military Merit.” In January 1931, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Summerall’s successor as Army Chief of Staff, resurrected the idea for the medal. Advertisement 4. Elizabeth Will, an Army heraldic specialist in the Office of the Quartermaster General, was named to redesign the newly revived medal, which became known as the Purple Heart. The Commission of Fine Arts solicited plaster models from three leading sculptors for the medal, selecting that of John R. Sinnock of the Philadelphia Mint in May 1931. Sinnock was the designer of the Roosevelt dime and Franklin half dollar, among other U.S. coins. His initials “JS” can be found on the dime at the base of the Roosevelt bust. 5. By executive order of the president of the United States, the Purple Heart was revived on the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, out of respect to his memory and military achievements, by War Department General Orders No. 3, dated Feb. 22, 1932. The criteria were announced in a War Department circular dated Feb. 22, 1932, and authorized award to soldiers, upon their request, who had been awarded the Meritorious Service Citation Certificate, Army Wound Ribbon, or were authorized to wear Wound Chevrons subsequent to April 5, 1917, the day before the United States entered World War I. 6. The first Purple Heart was awarded to MacArthur. During the early period of American involvement in World War II (December 7, 1941 – September 22, 1943), the Purple Heart was awarded both for wounds received in action against the enemy and for meritorious performance of duty. By Executive Order 9277, dated December 3, 1942, the decoration was applied to all services. This executive order also authorized the award only for wounds received. For both military and civilian personnel during the World War II era, to meet eligibility for the Purple Heart, AR 600-45, dated September 22, 1943, and May 3, 1944, required identification of circumstances. 7. During World War II, nearly 500,000 Purple Heart medals were manufactured in anticipation of the estimated casualties resulting from the planned Allied invasion of Japan. To the present date, total combined American military casualties of the sixty-five years following the end of World War II including the Korean and Vietnam Wars have not exceeded that number. In 2003, there remained 120,000 Purple Heart medals in stock. The existing surplus allowed combat units in Iraq and Afghanistan to keep Purple Hearts on-hand for immediate award to soldiers wounded in the field.[6] 8. Subject to approval of the Secretary of Defense, Executive Order 10409, dated February 12, 1952, revised authorizations to include the Service Secretaries. Dated April 25, 1962, Executive Order 11016, included provisions for posthumous award of the Purple Heart. Dated February 23, 1984, Executive Order 12464, authorized award of the Purple Heart as a result of terrorist attacks, or while serving as part of a peacekeeping force, subsequent to March 28, 1973. 9. On June 13, 1985, the Senate approved an amendment to the 1985 Defense Authorization Bill, which changed the precedence of the Purple Heart award, from immediately above the Good Conduct Medal to immediately above the Meritorious Service Medals. Public Law 99-145 authorized the award for wounds received as a result of friendly fire. Public Law 104-106 expanded the eligibility date, authorizing award of the Purple Heart to a former prisoner of war who was wounded after April 25, 1962. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (Public Law 105-85) changed the criteria to delete authorization for award of the Purple Heart to any civilian national of the United States, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with the Armed Forces. Today, the Purple Heart is reserved for men and women in uniform. Civilian employees of the U.S. Department of Defense who are killed or wounded as a result of hostile action may receive the new Defense of Freedom Medal. This award was created shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. 10. National Geographic in its November 2009 edition , history section, estimated the number of purple hearts given. Above the estimates, the text reads, “Any tally of Purple Hearts is an estimate. Awards are often given during conflict; records aren’t always exact” (page 33).[1] The estimates are as follows: World War I: 320,518 Afghanistan War: 7,027 (as of 5 June 2010) Iraq War: 35,321 (as of 5 June 2010) Notable Purple Heart recipients: Oliver Stone film maker, Lee Marvin actor, James Arness, Charles Bronson, James Garner, John Kerry, John F. Kennedy, and I’d like to add William Tuck to this list. I knew the Medal was “prestigious” but I did not know the details. I hope these descriptions I found at wikipedia help someone else realize just how big a deal “all military personnel” are and the importance they portray to our freedom from the home of the brave. I think they all deserve medals. Here is a link to a complete list of all U.S. Military Medals by Order of Precedence.http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/purple-heart.pdf The reason I chose to write about the Purple Heart today is because I actually saw one for the first time at a funeral for a fallen former sailor last Friday. He served his country in Vietnam and he died many years later from cancer. It seems so unfair. When I saw that medal I said, wow, he walks among the giants. God Bless Him and Thank You For Your Service. Most information was obtained from wikipedia but I did verify it from other websites. You can also search the PurpleHeart.com database and the AmericanWarLibrary.com website and va.gov.com. I also highly recommend taking Veterans Day off next year and attending the parade to honor our veterans in Media. I think this year was my fourth year. It is a privilege to go out and honor these men and women. • Mary Ann Fiebert is married and has two kids, and is also a member of our Community Media Lab. She is not a perfect person but is female so it’s as close as you can get. lol. Look for her Top 10 List every day on delcotimes.com.

Purple Heart

The 2009 Major League Soccer title game, pitting Real Salt Lake against the Los Angeles Galaxy, was hosted in what US city this year?

Fort Drum - The Mountaineer Online The Mountaineer Online Purple Heart organization assists Soldiers, veterans, families Jason B. Cutshaw Staff Writer An organization at Fort Drum can help active-duty Soldiers as well as veterans who may feel they have no place else to turn for assistance. The organization now known as the Military Order of the Purple Heart was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Originally composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, the Military Order of the Purple Heart is the only organization chartered by Congress to represent veterans who have been awarded the decoration. Through the years, however, MOPH has come to represent all veterans, their widows and widowers and children. There is no membership or combat wound requirement to receive the organization’s assistance. “The mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to foster an environment of goodwill and camaraderie among combat wounded veterans, promote patriotism, support necessary legislative initiatives and, most importantly, provide service to all veterans and their families,” said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Lopez, Military Order of the Purple Heart national service officer at Fort Drum. “Our purpose is to provide free assistance to active-duty Soldiers, veterans and their dependents with regard to veterans benefits, which include but are not limited to completing and filing applications,” Lopez added. “We review VA decisions for completeness and accuracy to ensure maximum benefits have been awarded, and we follow this up by explaining this process as well as what the next step might be by the claimant after their rating decision is rendered by the VA. “Additionally, we explain the appeals process just in case the claimant isn’t happy with the decision that is rendered by the VA, and we go so far as to provide free representation in front of the court of appeals by a certified attorney should the need ever arise,” he said. “We also explain medical and other benefits available to eligible veterans and claimants.” There is no process for joining unless a service member received a Purple Heart, in which case, he or she would be eligible for free enrollment into the Fort Drum Charter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Active-duty Soldiers may receive free assistance simply by attending the claims portion of the MOPH briefing, which is given in conjunction with the VA claims brief at 9:30 a.m. every Thursday in Clark Hall. “The reason a Soldier should seek us out is because the process of filing a claim for service-connected disabilities can sometimes be very complicated,” Lopez said. “And although the VA does an excellent job of instructing how to fill out this very important form, we simplify it even further because I fill out the (Form) 526 for an individual who comes in to see me. I then ensure everything is accurate and complete before it is input into the VA system.” There are more than 100 members of the local MOPH charter, according to Lopez, but the organization establishing assistance for Soldiers and veterans in close proximity to a military post is fairly new. MOPH is growing, in large part due to the nation’s role in the war on terrorism. There are now MOPH chapters established at Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Hood, Texas; and Fort Campbell, Ky. Lopez can relate to Soldiers who have been wounded in battle, because he is a member of the fraternity of those who have sacrificed for their nation. “I became involved with the MOPH once I learned that my military career was over,” Lopez said. “I sustained permanent vision loss to my left eye as a result of a roadside bomb attack while I was deployed to Iraq. Since my goal to further serve in the military was over, I looked for employment with an organization that would allow me to stay close to Soldiers. “The MOPH has given me a new purpose, and that is to help Soldiers and veterans successfully transition to civilian life,” he added. “For the last couple of months, I helped veterans from the Syracuse and Rome offices, many of whom are veterans from the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and I was frustrated to discover that many of these veterans failed to properly document service-connected issues because programs didn’t exist in their day to help them transition to civilian life.” The Fort Drum Chapter of MOPH is temporarily located on South Post in Bldg. 318, but Lopez hopes to have permanent space approved soon. He can be reached at 772-9065 or 772-9056. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. “I also work on Fridays at the Carthage VA Medical Clinic, and I’m available there on a walk-in basis,” Lopez added. “And for our disabled veterans who can’t come to me, I’m willing to make house calls at their convenience and on their time schedule.” Wives, mothers, daughters, stepdaughters and adopted daughters of Purple Heart recipients are eligible to belong to the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, which also does important work nationally and locally in VA hospitals. Gen. George Washington established America’s first military medal, the Badge of Military Merit. It was made of cloth or silk, purple in color and bordered with a white lace, but the award fell into disuse shortly thereafter. On Feb. 22, 1932, the 200th anniversary of Washington's birth, and in honor of the “Father of his Country” and the man who established our military's first medal, the Purple Heart was born and would bear Washington’s profile on its face. The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the president of the United States to any member of an armed force who, while serving with the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917, has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may thereafter die after being wounded. A wound for which the award is made must have required treatment by a medical officer.

i don't know

Saturday is the annual football game between UW and WSU. For what do they compete?

2014 Apple Cup schedule: UW vs. WSU rivalry moves back to Saturday - CougCenter CougCenter Rec William Mancebo The Apple Cup will be moving back to Saturday in 2014,  according to Bud Withers of the Seattle Times . The annual game between UW and WSU is scheduled for Nov. 29 in Pullman, two days after Thanksgiving. The time will come later when TV schedules are set. The previous two editions of the Apple Cup had been played on Black Friday, much to the chagrin of fans on both sides. Mike Leach's first season, 2012, also brought with it the Pac-12 Networks and the promise of television broadcasts for every conference football game. That promise requires some creative scheduling, with more league games played on Thursday nights and rivalry games moving to Black Friday, including the Apple Cup. There was much concern over the Black Friday gameday, but the paid attendance still reached 30,554 for that 2012  edition, which will be more remembered for WSU's 18-point fourth-quarter comeback than the date on which it was played. But the Apple Cup moving back to Saturday is better. The students will be more likely to come back early for the game, and the Alumni won't have to make the decision between waking up early and driving across the state or spending the night in Pullman for Thanksgiving. Colorado Buffaloes @ Washington State Cougars 1:00 PM - Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum - Pullman, WA Wed Feb 1 UCLA Bruins @ Washington State Cougars 6:00 PM - Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum - Pullman, WA

Apple Cup

What movie, a staple of the midnight circuit, is the longest running theatrical release in film history, having first been released on September 26, 1975?

Only a few more hours to Apple Cup | The Spokesman-Review Only a few more hours to Apple Cup FRIDAY, NOV. 27, 2009, 8:45 P.M. Only a few more hours to Apple Cup Reddit COUGARS As I wait for the box score from WSU's 78-69 win over Nicholls State in the Great Alaska Shootout, I guess I can pass along the unedited versions of my Apple Cup game advance and the game-day items. To think, these are the final ones for the year. Read on. •••••••••• • Here's our advance ... SEATTLE – The 102nd version of the Apple Cup – for the uninitiated, the annual rivalry football game between Washington State University and the University of Washington – will take place this afternoon in Seattle. And for the second consecutive year it will match two of the nation's poorest teams, if record and statistics mean anything. In the challenger corner is WSU, 1-10 overall and winless after eight Pac-10 games. Out of 120 Football Bowl Subdivision schools, the top echelon of college football, the Cougars are in the bottom 10 in 11 of he 17 major statistical categories the NCAA keeps. The home Huskies, which were winless last season including a 16-13 double-overtime Apple Cup defeat in Pullman, are better at 3-7 overall and 2-5 in the Pac-10. Washington is in the bottom 10 of the NCAA statistics in just one category – kickoff returns – but is in the bottom 20 in three more, including total defense. But UW has one weapon the Cougars have a tough time matching: quarterback Jake Locker. "Jake Locker obviously spearheads all of (their offense)," said WSU coach Paul Wulff this week. "It starts with him in the run and pass game." A broken thumb kept Locker out of last year's Apple Cup, but the redshirt junior did some damage the year before. That's when WSU invaded Husky Stadium and came away with a 42-35 victory before 72,888. Locker was overshadowed that day by Alex Brink, who threw for 399 yards and five touchdowns, including the game-winner to Brandon Gibson with less than a minute left. But the Husky freshman still ran for 103 yards and threw for another 223, though he struggled with his accuracy, hitting just 12 of 35 throws. Maybe that's why he'd downplaying the significance of today's game. "To the players, to all of us, it's just another game," Locker said. "It is the Apple Cup and it has that added excitement to it. "But once you put the pads on and step on the field, it's you against them, just like every other game on the schedule." Locker should do better in this one, even if he doesn’t think it's that big a deal. He's improved his accuracy, completing 56.9 percent of his passes, and the Cougar defense gives up 282.8 yards a game through the air. "He concerns everybody they face," Wulff said. "I know for them, it hurt a ton for him to not be able to play last year after he got hurt. It really affected their team overall. "Whenever he's on the field, he always gives that team, whoever he's playing for, a chance to win. He's that kind of player and impact guy." Unless WSU can contain Locker, any chance for securing a third consecutive win in this rivalry – something WSU has never done – would seem to be poor at best. ••• • And here are the game-day items ... WSU game day Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. (PST), Husky Stadium TV: FSN Record: 0-8 Pac-10, 1-10 Overall Coach: Paul Wulff, second season Washington Huskies Record: 2-5 Pac-10, 3-7 Overall Coach: Steve Sarkisian, first season • Trends WSU 16, UW 13 (2 OT) Last week: WSU lost to Oregon State, 42-10 Washington had a bye; lost to Oregon State 48-21, Nov. 14 Series: Washington leads 64-31-6 • Matchups When the Cougars run: This is a case of the resistible force meeting a moveable object. The UW run defense is the Pac-10's second worst, only better than the Cougars. But the WSU running game is the conference's worst by far. The Cougars will try to run like they did last year, which was highlighted by Logwone Mitz's 57-yard touchdown. This will mark the final game for WSU's Dwight Tardy, who will become the first Cougar to lead them in rushing for four consecutive years. EDGE: UW When the Cougars pass: The WSU passing game has moved the ball in fits and starts all season. Using three quarterbacks has something to do with it, young receivers have something to do with it and 10 different starting combinations on the line have something to do with it. But it has come together recently, and the Huskies are giving up more than 250 yards a game. If there is a chance for the Cougars to move the ball today, this should be it. EDGE: WSU When the Huskies run: Expect Chris Polk and Jake Locker to find at least some open lanes today. Polk is on the verge of becoming the first UW freshman to rush for 1,000 yards and Locker is one of the most physical running quarterbacks in the nation. The WSU front, which played a 3-4 all last week due to injuries, has to fly around and try to limit the Huskies to at least their season average of 3.9 yards a carry. There could be at tackle returning, Bernard Wolfgramm, for WSU this week. EDGE: UW When the Huskies pass: They shouldn't have too much trouble moving the ball. Not only is Locker throwing the ball much more accurately this season, completing 56.9 percent of his throws, UW's pass offense is more sophisticated and efficient. The Huskies are third in the conference in passing yardage. They will be facing the Pac-10's most porous pass defense, one that has been clear-cut by injuries. Two offensive players, Easton Johnson and Colin Huemmer, have been moved to defense. Starting safety Chima Nwachukwu (ankle) should be back in a reserve role. EDGE: UW Coaching/intangibles: This is the Apple Cup. Emotions should run high on both sides, unlike last season when the Huskies seemed to be a bit sluggish. But the home-field advantage should also be huge today on what is predicted to be a cool, wet day. The Huskies have not won a home Apple Cup since 2002, and that took three overtimes. A loss to 1-10 WSU this year would have numerous negative effects, including stunting whatever momentum has been built in Steve Saskisian's first season. EDGE: UW Recent history: This is a series historically dominated by the Huskies. There was a stretch in the late 1950s and early '60s in which UW won eight consecutive games. It matched that streak during the '70s and early '80s. And the Huskies won six straight from 1998 to 2003. But the Cougars are on their best-ever roll in the rivalry, having won four of the last five. That's a first for WSU, which has never won three consecutive games in this series. EDGE: WSU • 3 things to watch Keys to today's Washington State-Washington matchup 1. The emotions: There's nothing wrong with playing with emotion. But sometimes, especially for inexperienced teams, it can be hard to master them and turn them into a positive. Keep an eye out for false starts on offense, offsides on defense and illegal blocks on special teams. All are signs of overactive emotions. Whichever team first harnesses the power of their passions and uses it to explode around the field will have a decided edge. 2. The first quarter: Patrick Rooney's field goal last week doubled the number of points WSU has scored in the first quarter this season. After 11 games, the tally stands at 173-6. The Cougars also ground out three first downs, giving them 17 in the opening quarter this season. Really, WSU hasn't had a decent start since the opener with Stanford. The Huskies, on the other hand, have been outscored by just 16 points in the opening quarter of their 10 games. If UW jumps out early and WSU has to play from behind once again, it could turn into a long day. 3. Jake Locker's feet: The Huskies' quarterback doesn't run nearly as often or as effectively as he did his first year. But he hasn't gotten hurt as he did his sophomore season. And that was part of the plan for first-year coach Steve Sarkisian. Turn Locker into a pro-style quarterback in a pro-style offense and keep him under center all season. But with just a home game with Cal left after Saturday, Locker should feel free to take off when it's needed, to run with abandon. That's been tough for WSU's defense to control, and the group has yet to face a quarterback with Locker's size and speed. • 3 names to know JERMAINE KEARSE WASHINGTON RECEIVER The sophomore had just one catch for 5 yards in this game last year, but expect him to pass that total in Washington's first possession. He's become Jake Locker's go-to receiver, with six touchdowns among his 39 catches for 625 yards. Included in that total are two receptions on the game-winning drive against USC. And the 6-foot-2, 198-pounder has been on a roll of late, with two touchdown catches in back-to-back games vs. UCLA and Oregon State. ANDY MATTINGLY WSU LINEBACKER It's hard to believe – especially for Mattingly – but this will be the final game in a Washington State uniform for the Mead High graduate. Mattingly, who came out of high school as a safety, played linebacker for his first two years in Pullman and defensive end last year before returning to linebacker this one, will have played in 46 games, starting 22 of them. The 6-4, 249-pound Mattingly has 211 career tackles, including 66 this year. Playing the strongside, Mattingly has yet to record a sack this season after posting a career high eight as a sophomore. MASON FOSTER WASHINGTON LINEBACKER Foster might be the most hated guy in Tucson, after his 37-yard interception return against Arizona turned the game in the Huskies' favor as time was running out. But the 6-2, 244-pound outside linebacker has been tough all season. Has been in double figures in tackles twice, including that game with the Wildcats (11). The other came two weeks ago against Oregon State (10), in which he had 2.5 for loss and forced a fumble. He's second on the team with 72 tackles and two sacks. • This and that from today's game … Xavier Hicks and Andy Mattingly have an interesting battle going on. The two seniors each have more than 200 career tackles (Hicks, 216; Mattingly, 211) going into their final game. ... Dwight Tardy leads WSU in rushing with 380 yards. Though that is the lowest total of his career – he's gained 667, 676 and 481, respectively, coming into the season – it still leads the Cougars. He will become the first WSU player to lead the team in rushing four consecutive seasons, though the school's records don't cover some of the early teams. ... UW redshirt freshman Chris Polk needs 111 rushing yards to be the first of his class to go over 1,000 yards in UW history. ... The Huskies have started nine true or redshirt freshmen this year. WSU has started 13. ... Four Cougars are out today due to concussions: tight end Tony Thompson, guards B.J. Guerra and Brian Danaher, receiver Johnny Forzani and defensive lineman Dan Spitz. Due to injuries or suspensions, WSU coach Paul Wulff expects to suit up less than 50 non-redshirting players. ••••• • That's it for now. We'll be back soon with the basketball game story. Until then … Posted Nov. 27, 2009, 8:45 p.m.

i don't know

Nov 25, 1867 saw Alfred Nobel patent what famous invention that led to the immense fortune that allowed him to endow the various prizes that bear his name?

Space 1889 Timeline Observations of the eclipses of Jupiter's moons show that light transmission is not instantaneous. 1700s Newton's particle interpretation of light is disproven. The theory that light is a wave moving through the ether gains ground. 1762 Land tenure reform leads to the Highland Clearances and massive emigration for several decades. The Highland Clearances (Scottish Gaelic: Fuadach nan Gàidheal, the expulsion of the Gael) were forced displacements of the population of the Scottish Highlands during the 18th and 19th centuries. They led to mass emigration to the sea coast, the Scottish Lowlands, and the North American colonies. The clearances were part of a process of agricultural change throughout the United Kingdom (called enclosure elsewhere), but were particularly notorious as a result of the late timing, the lack of legal protection for year-by-year tenants under Scots law, the abruptness of the change from the traditional clan system, and the brutality of many evictions. 1783   June 4, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier launched an unmanned hot-air balloon, the first public demonstration of the discovery that hot air in a large lightweight bag rises. 1788 May 28, The Federalist papers—a series of 85 essays on the proposed new U.S. Constitution and on the nature of republican government, written in 1787–88 by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay—were published in book form. 1796 Struck by a milkmaid's observation that she would never develop smallpox as she had once had cowpox, Jenner inoculates a healthy 8-year-old boy with material from a cowpox sore on the hand of the milkmaid. When exposed to smallpox, the boy fails to develop the disease. Jenner begins a series of experiments in transferring cowpox (vaccinia virus) arm to arm. Each vaccinated individual is later proven resistant to smallpox. 1804 The first self-propelling steam engine or steam locomotive made its outing on 13 February 1804 at the Pen-y-Darren ironworks. The machine was designed by Richard Trevithick. The engine was able to pull a load of 15 tons at a speed of about 5 mph. However, adhesion was a problem (iron wheels on iron rails = slipping). This was partially solved by Blenkinsop who in 1811 designed an engine for the Middleton Colliery, using cogged wheels engaging in racks on the railway. Side and front views of Puffing Billy. Deutches Museum, Munich. Photo by G. P. Landow, June 2000. The problem of adhesion was finally solved by William Hedley with a design which applied power to the rails through two sets of Driving wheels. The locomotive was called Puffing Billy and operated at the Wylam Colliery near Newcastle. George Stephenson, who lived near this colliery designed his first locomotive -- Blucher in 1814 again, for a colliery. May, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark begin the first U.S. overland expedition to the Pacific coast. May 28, Napoleon proclaimed the establishment of the French Empire. 1806 March 23, Lewis and Clark's return trip begun. Having completed the first U.S. overland expedition to the Pacific coast, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark this day in 1806 began their return to St. Louis, Missouri, where their journey had begun in May 1804. 1807 The Abolition of the Slave Trade Act was passed by the British Parliament on March 25, 1807. The act imposed a fine of £100 for every slave found aboard a British ship. The intention was to entirely outlaw the slave trade within the British Empire, but the trade continued and captains in danger of being caught by the Royal Navy would often throw slaves into the sea to reduce the fine. After the 1807 act, slaves were still held, though not sold, within the British Empire. In the 1820s, the abolitionist movement again became active, this time campaigning against the institution of slavery itself. This French poster (click on picture for larger version) depicting the horrific conditions on slave ships was influential in mobilizing public opinion against slavery. March 29, German astronomer Wilhelm Olbers discovered the minor planet Vesta, the brightest asteroid in the sky. 1810 May 25, having severed ties with Spain and the viceregal government, the municipal council of Buenos Aires, Argentina, established an autonomous government. 1811 The Commissioners' Plan of 1811 was a proposal by the New York State Legislature adopted in 1811 for the orderly development and sale of the land of Manhattan between 14th Street and Washington Heights. 1812 June 18, TheWar of 1812 beguns. U.S. President James Madison signed a declaration of war against Great Britain, initiating the War of 1812, which arose chiefly from U.S. grievances over oppressive maritime practices during the Napoleonic Wars. June 24, French Emperor Napoleon—who had massed his troops in Poland in the spring to intimidate Russian Tsar Alexander I—and 600,000 troops of his Grand Army launched an ill-fated invasion of Russia. 1814 March 27, at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend (Tohopeka, Alabama) in the Creek War, Andrew Jackson and his 3,000 troops defeated the Creek Indians, slaughtering more than 800 warriors and imprisoning 500 women and children. April 11, on this day, during the French revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, Napoleon was facing an invasion of France by forces bent on his overthrow and, pressed by his own officers, abdicated unconditionally at Fontainebleau. Louis XVIII Crowned King of France Louis XVIII was crowned king of France on the abdication of Napoleon I in 1814 and returned to France in 1814 after years of exile in Europe. When Napoleon seized power in 1815, Louis returned to exile in Belgium. He was restored to the throne following Napoleon’s exile to Elba, and reigned until 1824. May 30, the first of the Treaties of Paris was signed, ending the Napoleonic Wars. September 1814 - June 1815 The Congress of Vienna which convened at the Austrian capital from September 1814 to June 1815, was a major event in the history of international relations. It was a high-powered conference that took place after the downfall of Napoleon I. Its ambition was to reorganize Europe after the disruptions created by the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Among the notable participants were Metternich (seventh from the left, standing) and Talleyrand (sitting, on his right, his arm resting on the table). It succeeded in re-establishing the balance of power in Europe, politically and territorially, for almost half a century. Its territorial decisions affected almost all European countries: France, the German and Italian states, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Russia, and Scandinavia. 1815 March 20, The Hundred Days—during which Napoleon, having ended his exile by escaping the island of Elba, would try to recapture his empire in France—began with Napoleon's arrival in Paris. April 11, The eruption of Mount Tambora, a volcano on the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia, killed about 10,000 people. June 18, Napoleon was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo, ending 23 years of recurrent warfare between France and the other powers of Europe. November 20, 1815 The Treaty of Paris was signed following the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo and his exile to Elba. Its terms were more severe than those of the 1814 agreement: France was forced to accept the boundaries of 1790, pay a war indemnity, and finance an allied occupation force. Humphry Davy Invents the Miner's Safety Lamp. Sir Humphry Davy, a British chemist, is best known for his invention of the miner’s safety lamp in 1815. Davy also conducted fundamental research in the field of electrochemistry and constructed a large battery with which to pass electric current through solutions of compounds to investigate their composition. He used this method to isolate sodium, potassium, and calcium and went on to discover boron and demonstrate that diamonds are composed of carbon. 1817 Cholera broke out in Calcutta in 1817 with grand - scale results. India's traditional, great Kumbh festival at Hardwar in the Upper Ganges triggered the outbreak. The festival lasts three months, drawing pilgrims from all over the country. Those from the Lower Bengal brought the disease with them as they shared the polluted water of the Ganges and the open, crowded camps on its banks. Cholera was a rare disease, as far as we know, confined to the Ganges delta in India before the 1800s, when it became the world's first truly global disease in a series of epidemics. When the festival was over, they carried cholera back to their homes in other parts of India. There is no reliable evidence of how many Indians perished during that epidemic, but the British army counted 10,000 fatalities among its imperial troops. Based on those numbers, it's almost certain that at least hundreds of thousands of natives must have fallen victim across that vast land. When the festival ended, cholera raged along the trade routes to Iran, Baku and Astrakhan and up the Volga into Russia, where merchants gathered for the great autumn fair in Nijni-Novgorod. When the merchants went back to their homes in inner Russia and eastern Europe, the disease went along with them. Cholera sailed from port to port, the bacteria making headway in contaminated kegs of water or in the excrement of infected victims, and transmitted by travelers. The exceptioinally cold winter of 1823-24 is credited for preventing the spread of the disease to western Europe. For the moment, the western world had been spared, but by 1827 cholera had become the most feared disease of the century. 1819 29th January, British East India Company administrator Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles founded modern Singapore and first mooted the idea which led to the establishment of the Raffles Museum on the island. Thomas Stamford Raffles was born at sea on board a ship Ann on the 6th of July, 1781 off the coast of Jamaica. In 1795, the young man accepted his first job in the East India Company as a clerk. But he studied hard in his spare time and in 1804, was posted to Penang (then Prince of Wales Island) and promoted to Assistant Secretary to the Presidency of that Malaysian island. His mastery over the Malay language made him indispensable to the British Government, and he was later appointed Malay translator to the Government of India. In 1811, he returned as the Lieutenant Governor of Java, and was soon promoted to Governor of Bencoolen (now Sumatra). Stamford Raffles was deeply fascinated by the immense diversity of strange animals and plants of the East Indies during his tenure there. He soon employed zoologists and botanists to discover all they can about the animals and plants of the region and would pay his assistants out of his own pockets to collect specimens. He also revived and became the president of the Batavian Society which was actively engaged in the study of natural history of Java and adjacent areas. May 24 The future Queen Victoria born. Victoria was the daughter of Edward, the Duke of Kent and Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg. She was born in Kensington Palace in London on May 24th, 1819. Oersted Discovers Magnetic Effect of Electric Current. Hans Christian Oersted, a Danish physicist and chemist, is best known for his fundamental research in electromagnetism. In 1819 he observed the deflection of a magnetic needle at right angles to a wire carrying an electric current revealing the connection between magnetism and electricity. This discovery laid the foundations for the study of electromagnetism. In 1844 he summarized the results of his research work in the book, Manual of Mechanical Physics. Albert (Prince Consort) (1819-1861), second son of Ernest, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and husband of Victoria was born at Rosenau, near the town of Coburg. When Albert married Victoria, his first cousin, in 1839—they were both 20—he moved from Europe’s princely periphery, a small German duchy, to what was to become during the 19th century the heart of Europe’s royal network, the Court of London. It was not until 1857, however, that the Privy Council gave him the title of Prince Consort. Albert, who was educated privately and read law for a year at the University of Bonn before visiting Italy, remained intensely interested in German politics, particularly the politics of constitutionalism and of unification. After his marriage, which from the start was a marriage of love, however, his main commitments and obligations were in Britain. His role was an important, sometimes controversial one. One of his critics complained in 1854 that it was “too much that one man, and he not an Englishman by birth, should be at once Foreign Secretary, Commander-in-Chief, and Prime Minister under all administrations”. Of course, Albert held none of these titles, and the complaint was grossly exaggerated. He was a hard worker and was to die young in December 1861, from typhoid. The Queen, in an “agony of grief”, was “inconsolable”: she did not know what she would do without him. His life and work was commemorated in central London in the Albert Memorial and the Royal Albert Hall, both characteristic monuments of their age, an age of which he was not only an accomplished and distinguished representative; but a guide through what he called “a period of the most wonderful transition”. August 16th, "Peterloo Massacre". A mass meeting was arranged by the Manchester radicals to hear Richard Carlile and Henry 'Orator' Hunt, a speaker who advocated annual parliaments, universal suffrage, and the ballot. It was a glorious summer's day, and contingents from all those satellite towns poured into Manchester gathering in St. Peter's Fields, Trouble arose between the crowd and the Lancashire militia who were present on the plea of preserving order. The troops charged and killed several persons, to the intense indignation of radical sympathizers in every part of Great Britain. The incident quickly became known as the Peterloo Massacre - an allusion to the Battle of Waterloo four years earlier. Even some of the mill masters were horrified. Rochdale millowner Thomas Chadwick, who was at the scene, described the massacre as: "An inhuman outrage committed on an unarmed, peaceful assembly." To add insult to injury, Hunt, Sam Bamford (who had led the Middleton contingent but had taken no part in the speeches), and several others were arrested. Hunt, Bamford and two others were convicted of "being persons of a wicked and turbulent disposition" they had "conspired together to create a disturbance of the peace ...in a formidable and menacing manner, with sticks, clubs and other offensive weapons." Hunt got two and a half years' gaol, the others a year each. Manchester Yeomanry charge at Peterloo SABRES aloft, Manchester Yeomanry charge into the crowd at Peterloo William Parry explores the Northwest Passage South Shetland Islands discovered by British explorer William Smith 1820 April 1-8, The Radical War, also known as the Scottish Insurrection of 1820, was a week of strikes and unrest, a culmination of Radical demands for reform in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland which had become prominent in the early years of the French Revolution, but had then been repressed during the long Napoleonic Wars. An economic downturn after the wars ended brought increasing unrest. Artisan workers, particularly weavers in Scotland, sought action to reform an uncaring government, gentry fearing revolutionary horrors recruited militia and the government deployed an apparatus of spies, informers and agents provocateurs to stamp out the movement. A Committee of Organisation for Forming a Provisional Government put placards around the streets of Glasgow late on Saturday 1 April, calling for an immediate national strike. On Monday 3 April work stopped in a wide area of central Scotland and in a swirl of disorderly events a small group marched towards the Carron Company ironworks to seize weapons, but while stopped at Bonnymuir they were attacked by Hussars. Another small group from Strathaven marched to meet a rumoured larger force, but were warned of an ambush and dispersed. Militia taking prisoners to Greenock jail were attacked by local people and the prisoners released. James Wilson of Strathaven was singled out as a leader of the march there, and at Glasgow was executed by hanging, then decapitated. Of those seized by the British army at Bonnymuir, John Baird and Andrew Hardie were similarly executed at Stirling after making short defiant speeches. Twenty other Radicals were sentenced to penal transportation. It became evident that government agents had actively fomented the unrest to bring radicals into the open. The insurrection was largely forgotten as attention focussed on better publicised Radical events in England. Two years later, enthusiasm for the visit of King George IV to Scotland successfully boosted loyalist sentiment, ushering in a new-found Scottish national identity. Charles Babbage begins work on his Difference Engine British mathematician and inventor Charles Babbage is famed for his pioneering development of calculating machines. In the 1820s he began work on the Difference Engine, a mechanical device capable of carrying out simple mathematical operations. The Difference Engine was designed to produce logarithm tables that could be printed out with great clarity. In the 1830s he designed the Analytical Engine for more complicated calculations. 1821 June 24, South American patriots under Simón Bolívar defeated Spanish royalists on the plains near Caracas, Venezuela, in the Battle of Carabobo. 1822 May 24, part of the Latin American wars of independence from Spanish rule, the Battle of Pichincha took place on the lower slopes of Cerro Pichincha and ended in victory for South American rebels. Charles Babbage (1792-1871) designed his first mechanical computer, the first prototype for the difference engine. Babbage invented 2 machines the Analytical Engine (a general purpose mathematical device, see 1834) and the Difference Engine (a re-invention of Mueller's 1786 machine for solving polynomials), both machines were too complicated to be built (although attempt was made in 1832) - but the theories worked. The analytical engine (outlined in 1833) involved many processes similar to the early electronic computers - notably the use of punched cards for input. Georges Cuvier established new standards and methods in stratigraphy and palaeontology Phillips and Conybeare identify the Carboniferous Period d'Halloy identifies the Cretaceous Period (creta, chalk). He also proposed the Jurassic System Liberia established as a country for freed slaves. Friedrich Mohs introduces his system of classifying minerals and his scale of mineral hardness. Mary Ann Mantell discovers the first fossil to be recognised as a dinosaur, named iguanodon by her husband Gideon Algernon Mantell Rene-Just Hauy published Treaty of crystallography, and is regarded as the father of crystallography thanks to his law of rational truncations and with the rigorous writing of the rules of symmetry, which allow the distinction between the 7 crystal systems including some secondary outer shapes 1823 The first public railway was the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which opened in 1823 with Stephenson designed locos, the first of which was called Locomotion. Mammoth and human bones unearthed together on the Gower Peninsula, Wales, indicating that the two species co-existed. The Anti-Slavery Society was founded in 1823. Many of the campaigners were those who had previously campaigned against the slave trade. December 2, The Monroe Doctrine was expressed during President Monroe's seventh annual message to Congress. While the U.S.A. was not yet a world power, the European powers, according to Monroe, were obligated to respect the Western Hemisphere as the United States' sphere of interest. Transcript of Monroe Doctrine (1823) At the proposal of the Russian Imperial Government, made through the minister of the Emperor residing here, a full power and instructions have been transmitted to the minister of the United States at St. Petersburg to arrange by amicable negotiation the respective rights and interests of the two nations on the northwest coast of this continent. A similar proposal has been made by His Imperial Majesty to the Government of Great Britain, which has likewise been acceded to. The Government of the United States has been desirous by this friendly proceeding of manifesting the great value which they have invariably attached to the friendship of the Emperor and their solicitude to cultivate the best understanding with his Government. In the discussions to which this interest has given rise and in the arrangements by which they may terminate the occasion has been judged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and interests of the United States are involved, that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers. . . It was stated at the commencement of the last session that a great effort was then making in Spain and Portugal to improve the condition of the people of those countries, and that it appeared to be conducted with extraordinary moderation. It need scarcely be remarked that the results have been so far very different from what was then anticipated. Of events in that quarter of the globe, with which we have so much intercourse and from which we derive our origin, we have always been anxious and interested spectators. The citizens of the United States cherish sentiments the most friendly in favor of the liberty and happiness of their fellow-men on that side of the Atlantic. In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy to do so. It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for our defense. With the movements in this hemisphere we are of necessity more immediately connected, and by causes which must be obvious to all enlightened and impartial observers. The political system of the allied powers is essentially different in this respect from that of America. This difference proceeds from that which exists in their respective Governments; and to the defense of our own, which has been achieved by the loss of so much blood and treasure, and matured by the wisdom of their most enlightened citizens, and under which we have enjoyed unexampled felicity, this whole nation is devoted. We owe it, therefore, to candor and to the amicable relations existing between the United States and those powers to declare that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety. With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere. But with the Governments who have declared their independence and maintain it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States. In the war between those new Governments and Spain we declared our neutrality at the time of their recognition, and to this we have adhered, and shall continue to adhere, provided no change shall occur which, in the judgement of the competent authorities of this Government, shall make a corresponding change on the part of the United States indispensable to their security. The late events in Spain and Portugal show that Europe is still unsettled. Of this important fact no stronger proof can be adduced than that the allied powers should have thought it proper, on any principle satisfactory to themselves, to have interposed by force in the internal concerns of Spain. To what extent such interposition may be carried, on the same principle, is a question in which all independent powers whose governments differ from theirs are interested, even those most remote, and surely none of them more so than the United States. Our policy in regard to Europe, which was adopted at an early stage of the wars which have so long agitated that quarter of the globe, nevertheless remains the same, which is, not to interfere in the internal concerns of any of its powers; to consider the government de facto as the legitimate government for us; to cultivate friendly relations with it, and to preserve those relations by a frank, firm, and manly policy, meeting in all instances the just claims of every power, submitting to injuries from none. But in regard to those continents circumstances are eminently and conspicuously different. It is impossible that the allied powers should extend their political system to any portion of either continent without endangering our peace and happiness; nor can anyone believe that our southern brethren, if left to themselves, would adopt it of their own accord. It is equally impossible, therefore, that we should behold such interposition in any form with indifference. If we look to the comparative strength and resources of Spain and those new Governments, and their distance from each other, it must be obvious that she can never subdue them. It is still the true policy of the United States to leave the parties to themselves, in hope that other powers will pursue the same course. . . . Transcription courtesy of the Avalon Project at Yale Law School. 1825 Georges Cuvier announces his catastrophe theory. September 27, Stockton-Darlington Railway Opened. English engineer George Stephenson is best known as the pioneer of the steam locomotive. On September 27, 1825, the Locomotion, a steam locomotive designed by Stephenson, pulled the first train on the Stockton to Darlington Railway. In 1830, the Liverpool to Manchester Railway was opened, for which he had designed his famous Rocket steam locomotive. Stephenson had thus demonstrated the potential for railway transport. The railways became very popular with passengers. Stephenson was involved in the development of the London to Birmingham, Manchester to Leeds, and other railways. World population reached 1 billion. Completion of the Erie Canal, a 360 mile waterway linking Lake Erie to the Atlantic coast and dramatically reducing the cost of bringing goods to the New York area. Miramichi Fire in New Brunswick burned three million acres and left 160 people dead. 1826 Pierre Dupin produces a cartogram of France, the first chloropleth map (also dated to 1819). The Zoological Society of London (sometimes known by the abbreviation ZSL) is a learned society founded in April 1826 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, Lord Auckland, Sir Humphry Davy, Joseph Sabine, Nicholas Aylward Vigors and other eminent naturalists. Raffles was also the first President, but died shortly after assuming this office in July 1826. He was succeeded by the Marquess of Lansdowne, who obtained a parcel of land in Regent's Park from the Crown at a nominal rent, and who supervised the building of the first animal houses. It received a Royal Charter from George IV on 27 March 1829. July 5, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles passed away a day before his 45th birthday in 1826. A few years earlier, in 1821 and 1822, he contributed two papers in the Transactions of the Zoological Society, London, with descriptions of some 34 species of birds and 13 species of mammals, chiefly from Sumatra. Most of the new species he named are valid today, and these animals will continue to remind us of the contributions he has made. Animals named by Raffles himself include: 1827 March 26, Ludwig van Beethoven died of cirrhosis of the liver in Vienna. October 20 The Battle of Navarino which is a decisive naval engagement during the Greek War of Independence. The combined fleets of Britain, France, and Russia sailed into Navarino Bay in the south-west of modern-day Greece to stop the Ottoman fleet under Ibrahim Pasha. The Turko-Egyptian fleet was annihilated, which led to the Turkish evacuation of Greece. Jean-Baptiste Fourier proposed the existence of an atmospheric effect which keeps the Earth warmer than expected (ozone layer). Niepce takes first picture of nature from a window view of the French countryside using a camera obscura. In 1827, Britain declared that participation in the slave trade was piracy and punishable by death. 1828 Paul Erman measures the magnetic field of the Earth; his measurements become the basis for Gauss's theory of Earth's magnetic field. December 24, Trial of the Edinburgh body-snatchers (Resurrection Men) Burke and Hare. The trial opened on the morning of Christmas Eve 1828 and the following morning it took the jury just 50 minutes to find Burke guilty. He was sentenced to hang. Before the execution was carried out, on January 29 1829, he made a full confession of all the 16 crimes but denied that the pair ever robbed a grave. 1829 January 28, William Burke was hanged. The Rocket's claim to fame was that it competed in and won a competition now known as the Rainhill Trials. This was 1829. The directors of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway invited designers to submit their locomotives to a test for a 500 pounds prize. Besides the Rocket, two other machines competed - Sanspareil and Novelty. Rocket won for its all round competence. French tailor Barthélemy Thimonnier developed the first practical sewing machine. Thimonnier’s machine utilized a needle with a hooked-tip that moved up and down by means of a foot treadle and a return spring. The machine produced a chain stitch. Thimonnier did not benefit from his invention: when he tried to install 80 machines into a clothing factory in Paris, they were sabotaged by tailors worried that they would lose their livelihood. 1830 April 6, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formed by American prophet Joseph Smith at Fayette, New York. May 24, the first line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad opened with the maiden trip of Peter Cooper's locomotive Tom Thumb. May 28, the Indian Removal Act was passed, allowing U.S. President Andrew Jackson to grant American Indian tribes unsettled western prairie land in exchange for their settlements within the borders of extant U.S. states, thereby clearing the way for further white settlement. Foundation of the Royal Geographical Society. Charles Lyell published "The principles of geology". He suggests a subdivision of the Tertiary, (Pliocene, Miocene, Eocene) Period based on the relative number of fossils similar to living forms. His subdivision is still largely accepted. His studies show that the Earth must be several million years old. Colonel Sir George Everest becomes the Surveyor General of India 1831 Faraday Discovers Electromagnetic Induction. British physicist and chemist Michael Faraday is renowned for his discovery of electromagnetic induction and for his formulation of the laws of electrolysis. In 1831 he discovered the phenomenon of magnetic induction, and went on to demonstrate the induction of one electric current by another. In his research into electrolysis, he coined the terms “anode”, “cathode”, “anion”, and “cation”, and formulated two fundamental laws. He demonstrated the existence of diamagnetism, and the effect of a magnetic field on polarized light. Charles Darwin begins his historic Beagle voyages. James Ross explores the Northwest Passage in both directions. 1832 Omani Busaidi Dynasty relocates its head of government to the island of Zanzibar. Charles Babbage and Joseph Clement produce a prototype segment of his difference engine, which operates on 6-digit numbers and 2nd-order differences (i.e. can tabulate quadratic polynomials). The complete engine, which would be room-sized, is planned to be able to operate both on 6th-order differences with numbers of about 20 digits, and on 3rd-order differences with numbers of 30 digits. Each addition would be done in two phases, the second one taking care of any carries generated in the first. The output digits would be punched into a soft metal plate, from which a plate for a printing press could be made. But there are various difficulties, and no more than this prototype piece is ever assembled. 1833 August 23, Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act. This act gave all slaves in the British Empire their freedom. The British government paid compensation to the slave owners. The amount that the plantation owners received depended on the number of slaves that they had. For example, the Bishop of Exeter's 665 slaves resulted in him receiving £12,700. 1834 August 1, all slaves in the British Empire were emancipated, but still indentured to their former owners in an apprenticeship system which was finally abolished in 1838. George Scheutz, of Stockholm, produces a small difference engine in wood, after reading a brief description of Babbage's project. Babbage conceives, and begins to design, his "Analytical Engine". The program was stored on read-only memory, specifically in the form of punch cards. Babbage continues to work on the design for years, though after about 1840 the changes are minor. The machine would operate on 40-digit numbers; the "mill" (CPU) would have 2 main accumulators and some auxiliary ones for specific purposes, while the "store" (memory) would hold perhaps 100 more numbers. There would be several punch card readers, for both programs and data; the cards would be chained and the motion of each chain could be reversed. The machine would be able to perform conditional jumps. There would also be a form of microcoding: the meaning of instructions would depend on the positioning of metal studs in a slotted barrel, called the "control barrel". The machine would do an addition in 3 seconds and a multiplication or division in 2-4 minutes. 1835 November 7, The first Texas provisional government was formed at San Felipe de Austin. This council passed a declaration of support for the 1824 Mexican constitution, and appointed a governor and other officials. This council stopped short of declaring Texas independence. December 20, The first declaration of independence for modern Texas, by both Anglo-Texian settlers and local Tejanos, was signed in Goliad . 1836 March 2, The Convention of 1836 was convened at Washington-on-the-Brazos with Richard Ellis presiding, and the Texas Declaration of Independence was enacted effectively creating the independent, white-ruled Republic of Texas. Ten years of independence brought the Texas republic epidemics, financial crises and continued clashes with Mexico. But enduring Texas imagery was born in this period: the American cowboy; Texas Rangers with their Colt six-shooters; the rugged individualism of Sam Houston. On December 29, 1845, Texas joined the United States. March 6, The thirteen day Siege of the Alamo ended as Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna's forces defeated the 183 Texans defending the small mission (which would eventually become the center of the city of San Antonio). Remember the Alamo! became the battle cry of the Texas Revolution. April 21, Sam Houston defeated the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto, near the present-day city of Houston. General Santa Anna's entire force of 1,600 men were killed or captured by Texas General Sam Houston's army of 800 Texans; only nine Texans died. May 1836, Texas claimed the Rio Grande as its southern and western limit, according to the Treaties of Velasco. Mexico rejected the treaty as invalid and refused to recognize the existence of the Republic of Texas, although it was recognized by every other major power. Mexico insisted that Texas remained its province. Texas tried to gain recognition from Mexico as an independent state, putting the Nueces as the territorial limit in the negotiation table, to no avail. The British tried to mediate but the Mexican government refused to accept mediation. The Republic of Texas SURVEYS RECORDED IN THE LAND OFFICE OF TEXAS John Arrowsmith LONDON The master criminal and genius, Professor James Moriarty is born. He was the son of Dr. James Noel, and Morcar Moriarty. 1837 February 10, Russian author Aleksandr Pushkin was killed in a duel defending his wife's honour. June 20 1837 Queen Victoria ascended to the throne after the death of her uncle William IV. Due to her secluded childhood, she displayed a personality marked by strong prejudices and a willful stubbornness. Barely eighteen, she refused any further influence from her domineering mother and ruled in her own stead. When Victoria ascended the throne the monarchy had fallen into disrepute and Popular respect for the Crown was at a low point at her coronation. Victoria was just over 18 years old when she became Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, an unknown figure but with the help of her chief adviser, Lord Melbourne, and of her husband, Albert, Prince of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, whom she married in 1840, Victoria set out to restore the monarchy's respectability. The modest and straightforward young Queen won the hearts of her subjects. She wished to be informed of political matters, although she had no direct input in policy decisions. The Reform Act of 1832 had set the standard of legislative authority residing in the House of Lords, with executive authority resting within a cabinet formed of members of the House of Commons; the monarch was essentially removed from the loop. She respected and worked well with Lord Melbourne (Prime Minister in the early years of her reign) and England grew both socially and economically. Omani Muzrui Dynasty wrestles control of Mombasa from the Busaidi. 1838 April 8, The Great Western, the earliest regular transatlantic steamer, embarked on its maiden voyage from Bristol, England, to New York City. Regular steamship service begins across the Atlantic Ocean. 1839 Former slave-owning sugar planters riot in Jamaica, forcing a showdown between Prime Minister Robert Peel and Queen Victoria. The Queen triumphs and order is soon restored. 1840 February 6, Maori tribes of New Zealand signed the Treaty of Waitangi with Great Britain, a historic agreement purported to protect Maori rights that was the immediate basis of the British annexation of New Zealand. February 10, only three years after taking the throne, Victoria took her first vow and married her cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Their relationship was one of great love and admiration. Together they bore nine children - four sons and five daughters: Victoria, Bertie, Alice, Alfred, Helena, Louise, Arthur, Leopold, and Beatrice. Prince Albert replaced Melbourne as the dominant male influence in Victoria's life. She was thoroughly devoted to him, and completely submitted to his will. Victoria did nothing without her husband's approval. Albert assisted in her royal duties. He introduced a strict decorum in court and made a point of straitlaced behavior. Albert also gave a more conservative tinge to Victoria’s politics. If Victoria was to insistently interject her opinions and make her views felt in the cabinet, it was only because of Albert’s teachings of hard work. Birth of Fu Manchu, son of Sir William Clayton and Ling Ju Hai. Destined to become a master criminal, Fu Manchu's murderous plots are marked by the extensive use of arcane methods; he disdains guns or explosives, preferring dacoits, Thuggee, and members of other secret societies as his agents armed with knives, or using "pythons and hamadryads... fungi and my tiny allies, the bacilli... my black spiders" and other peculiar animals or natural chemical weapons. According to some authorities on Chinese customs "Fu Manchu" is a title of honor, which means "the Warlike Manchu." In the early years of his career, Fu Manchu is an assassin sent on missions by the Si-Fan, but he quickly rises to become head of that dreaded secret society. At first, the Si-Fan's goal is to throw the Europeans out of Asia; later, the group attempts to intervene more generally in world politics, while funding itself by more ordinary crime. Dr. Fu Manchu is believed to be working to extend his considerable lifespan by use of the elixir vitae, a formula he has already spent decades trying to perfect. March 30, The English dandy Beau Brummell died, destitute and mad, in Caen, France. 1 May 1840, The first official adhesive postage stamp is introduced by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland for use from 6 May. It depicts Queen Victoria and is called the "Penny Black". Although all London post offices received official issues of the new stamps, other offices throughout the United Kingdom did not, and continued to accept postage payments in cash only for some time. Post offices in some other localities, such as those in the city of Bath, began offering the stamp unofficially after 2 May. June, China bans the lucrative British practice of opium trading. The Opium Wars between Britain and China begin. 23 July, in an effort to prevent American expansion into British territory, Canada is granted partial independence from Britain. 14 October, Dr. Gottlieb Wilhelm Leitner (1840–1899) was born. He was the builder of the Shah Jehan Mosque, and founder of the Oriental Institute, at Woking, Surrey, England. As a child he showed an extraordinary ability in languages. At the age of eight he went to Constantinople to learn Arabic and Turkish, and by the age of ten he was fluent in Turkish, Arabic and most European languages. At fifteen, he was appointed Interpreter (First Class) to the British Commissariat in the Crimea, with the rank of colonel. When the Crimean War ended, he wanted to become a priest and went to London to study at King’s College. He returned to Europe in the late 1870s to pursue studies at Heidelberg University (Holland), and he also undertook work for the Austrian, Prussian and British Governments. His ambition now was to found a centre for the study in Europe of Oriental languages, culture and history. On his return to England in 1881, he sought a suitable site for his proposed institution, and in 1883 came upon the vacant Royal Dramatic College in Woking, a building admirably suited for the purpose. 1842 The Opium Wars between Great Britain and China end. China cedes Hong Kong back to the British, who reopen the city's ports for trade. Babbage's difference engine project is officially cancelled. (The cost overruns have been considerable, and Babbage is spending too much time on redesigning the Analytical Engine.) 1843 Opening of the Thames Tunnel, constructed by Sir Marc Brunel and his son Isambard in London. Geologist Thomas Chrowder Chamberlin is one of the first people to realize that there were several ice ages. The Disruption of 1843 was a schism within the established Church of Scotland, in which 450 ministers of the Church broke away, over the issue of the Church's relationship with the State, to form the Free Church of Scotland, being commonly known as the 'Wee Free'. It came at the end of a bitter conflict within the established Church, and had huge effects not only within the Church, but also upon Scottish civic life. The evangelical element had been demanding the purification of the Church, and attacked the patronage system that allowed rich landowners to select the local ministers. It became a political battle between evangelicals on one side and the "Moderates" and gentry on the other. 1844 24 May, Inventor Samuel Finley Breese Morse (April 27, 1791 – April 2, 1872), an American, painter of portraits and historic scenes, and co-inventor (with Alfred Vail) of the Morse Code, sends his famous first telegraph message, "What hath God wrought" to officially open the first telegraph line which ran along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad between the US Capitol and Baltimore. 6 June, George Williams originated the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in London. Johann Ludwig Krapf establishes a mission on the outskirts of Mombasa. 1845 February 28, The U.S. Congress passed a bill that would authorize the United States to annex the Republic of Texas over Mexican and British objections. Two companies, the East Indian Railway Company operating from Calcutta, and the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR) operating from Bombay, are formed. March 1, U.S. President John Tyler signed the bill that would authorize the United States to annex the Republic of Texas. The legislation set the date for annexation for December 29 of the same year. October 13, a majority of voters in the Republic of Texas approved a proposed constitution that was later accepted by the US Congress, making Texas a U.S. state on the same day annexation took effect (therefore bypassing a territorial phase). One of the primary motivations for annexation was that the Texas government had incurred huge debts which the United States agreed to assume upon annexation. The red, white and blue flag with its lone star adopted by the republic in 1839 became the state flag. Sam Houston favored the annexation of Texas to the United States, and was elected its first United States Senator in 1846. In that station he remained until 1859, when he was chosen governor of Texas. The annexation resolution has been the topic of some incorrect historical beliefs—chiefly, that the resolution granted Texas the explicit right to secede from the Union. This was a right argued by some to be implicitly held by all states at the time, up until the conclusion of the Civil War. However, no such right was explicitly enumerated in the resolution. The resolution did include two unique provisions: first, it gave the new state of Texas the right to divide itself into as many as five states with approval of its legislature. Second, Texas did not have to surrender its public lands to the federal government. While Texas did cede all territory outside of its current area to the federal government in 1850, it did not cede any public lands within its current boundaries. This means that generally, the only lands owned by the federal government within Texas have actually been purchased by the government. Blight strikes the potato crop in Ireland. The Great Famine or the Great Hunger (Irish: An Gorta Mór or An Drochshaol) is the name given to the famine in Ireland between 1845 and 1849. The Famine was partly due to "the (potato) Blight" (also known as phytophthora)– the oomycete that almost instantly destroyed the primary food source for many Irish people. Serious famine develops because, at the time, over six million people in Britain and Ireland subsist almost completely on potatoes. The Potato Famine leads to a massive Irish emigration to Great Britain, the United States, Canada, and Australia. First Arab slave traders arrive in Uganda. 1846 February 10, The British beat the Sikhs in northwestern India at the Battle of Sobraon, the most decisive engagement of the First Sikh War. May 13, tensions between Mexico and the United States—stemming from the U.S. annexation of Texas (1845)—led the U.S. Congress on this day in 1846 to approve overwhelmingly a declaration of war against its southern neighbour. June 14, The Bear Flag Republic was declared in California in an informal rebellion that lasted less than a month. Before the Bear Flag Republic was declared, California was a department of Mexico called Alta California. In the 1840's, American pioneers traveled in large wagon trains from Missouri to Alta California only to be met by this frustrating news. At dawn on June 14, 1846, thirty-three heavily-armed Americans gathered at the fortified adobe home of General Mariano Vallejo, on the north side of Sonoma's Plaza in California. These rebellious white settlers from the Grigsby-Ide party, some mountain men and explorers, but all displeased with Mexican rule pounded on the adobe door and loudly demanded the General come out and surrender the little fortress to them. Vallejo quickly donned his dress uniform, then opened the door and invited three representatives of the group in for breakfast and wine. The General's military bearing and immaculate uniform must have contrasted starkly with the clothing of his "visitors." Some of the Americans wore buckskins, others wore their work clothes, still others wore only what rags they had picked up or made during their travels. Robert Semple, a member of the group, later noted in his memoirs that the party "was as rough a looking set of men as one could imagine." Because Vallejo realized that Mexican rule was inadequate to manage an area as large and rich as California, he had been hoping the United States would annex the region. He told the Americans that morning to consider him one of them. The group was wary; they respectfully informed him he was under arrest and sent him to Sutter's Fort for safeguarding. Vallejo would eventually return to Sonoma after the U.S. took control of California. He would go on to serve as a delegate to the California Constitutional Convention, and later as a State Senator. Having won such a surprising and effortless victory, the Americans, (now twenty-four strong), were at a temporary loss. Some suggested looting the adobe, which was also an arsenal, but William Ide made an impassioned plea for restraint, "Choose ye this day what you will be! We are robbers, or we must be conquerors!" To legitimize their conquest, the rebels decided to raise a new flag over the plaza. By most accounts, the making of this flag was overseen by William L. Todd, a nephew of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of the future president. A Californio woman donated a rectangular piece of very light brown muslin. The wife of John Sears, one of the Grigsby-Ide party, tore a four-inch wide strip from a red petticoat and sewed it to the muslin, making a stripe along the bottom reminiscent of the stripes on the American flag. Todd then drew a star in the upper left corner (some say in solidarity with Texas, then also fighting a war with Mexico) and a crude rendition of a grizzly bear next to it, using for both a brownish mixture of brick dust, linseed oil, and Venetian Red paint. The words CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC were written in black in the middle, to the right of the star. Ten days later, U.S. Army Captain John C. Frémont took control. The republic's first and only president was William B. Ide, whose term lasted twenty-five days. June 19, Alexander Joy Cartwright arranged a baseball game between the New York Knickerbockers and the New York Nine at Hoboken, New Jersey—the first baseball game to use the set of rules on which today's game is based. July 7, a frigate and two sloops of the U.S. Navy, commanded by John D. Sloat, routed the detachment of the Mexican Coast Guard garrisoning the port of Monterey, California in a minor skirmish (the Battle of Monterey), and alerted Frémont and his men that the Mexican-American War had begun. The "Bear Flaggers" joined the war effort and replaced their flag with the Stars and Stripes. 1847 January 30, The town of Yerba Beuna officially renamed as San Fransisco. AN ORDINANCE WHEREAS, the local name of Yerba Buena, as applied to the settlement or town of San Francisco, is unknown beyond the district; and has been applied from the local name of the cove, on which the town is built: Therefore, to prevent confusion and mistakes in public documents, and that the town may have the advantage of the name given on the public map; IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED, that the name of SAN FRANCISCO shall hereafter be used in all official communications and public documents, or records appertaining to the town. – Washington Bartlett, Chief magistrate January 30, 1847 February 2, The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo signedbetween the United States and Mexico ending the Mexican War. It was signed at Villa de Guadalupe Hidalgo, which is a northern neighbourhood of Mexico City. The treaty drew the boundary between the United States and Mexico at the Rio Grande and the Gila River; for a payment of $15,000,000 the United States received more than 525,000 square miles (1,360,000 square km) of land (now Arizona, California, western Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah) from Mexico and in return agreed to settle the more than $3,000,000 in claims made by U.S. citizens against Mexico. With this annexation, the continental expansion of the United States was completed except for the land added in the Gadsden Purchase (1853). The treaty helped precipitate civil war in both Mexico and the United States. In Mexico it left many citizens unsure of their country's future as an independent state; political extremism followed, and civil war broke out at the end of 1857. The expansion of slavery in the United States had been settled by the Missouri Compromise (1820), but addition of the vast Mexican tract as new U.S. territory reopened the question. Attempts to settle it led to the uneasy Compromise of 1850 and the Kansas–Nebraska Act (1854). February 11 Thomas Alva Edison, inventor of the ether propellor, phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, and many other devices that make our lives fuller and simpler, was born in Milan, Ohio. June 10, The Chicago Tribune, one of the leading daily American newspapers and long the dominant, sometimes strident, voice of the Midwest, began publication. Babbage designs an improved, simpler difference engine, a project which took 2 years. The machine could operate on 7th-order differences and 31-digit numbers, this device would become the first product of Babbage's newly formed Imperial Business Machines (IBM) company. Chloroform, also known as trichloromethane and methyl trichloride, is a chemical compound with formula CHCl3. is used for the first time by the Edinburgh obstetrician James Young Simpson to provide general anesthesia during childbirth. The use of chloroform during surgery expanded rapidly thereafter in Europe. The United Presbyterian Church of Scotland is established. 1848 January, Gold discovered in California. "It was in the first part of January, 1848, when the gold was discovered at Coloma, where I was then building a saw-mill. -- The Discovery of Gold in California" - by Gen. John A. Sutter Kelvin temperature scale established. May 29, Wisconsin became the 30th state of the Union. Queen's College for Women is founded in London. First attempt to survey "Peak b" (now known as Everest) records a height of 30,200 feet. General public admitted to zoological gardens in Regents Park for the first time. Johann Rebmann, in the employment of the Church Missionary Society, sights the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Johann Ludwig Krapf, a collegue of Rebmann's, becomes the first European to sight Mount Kenya. 1849 24 Jan, Carpenter James Wilson Marshall found nuggets of gold in California's American River near the site of a sawmill he was building for John Sutter, ushering in the California gold rush. 23 March, At the Battle of Novara, during the first Italian War of Independence, outnumbered Austrian troops under Field Marshal Joseph Radetzky destroyed the poorly trained Italian troops of Charles Albert, king of Sardinia-Piedmont. The first of the great fires that visited San Francisco occurred at 6 o’clock on the morning of December 24, 1849, when it was estimated that $1,000,000 worth of property was destroyed. Discovery of the continental slope and the continental shelf break. Start of major drought in Arizona; it lasts until 1905. Harrod's department store is founded in London's Knightsbridge. The world's first women's rights conventionis held in New York. The first machine gun is introduced. Gold is discovered in California and Australia. 1850 April 4, With a population totaling about 1,600, Los Angeles was incorporated as an American city. A telegraph cable is laid along the seabed of the English Channel. 1851 May 1, The Great Exhibition of 1851 opened in Hyde Park, London in the Crystal Palace, a cast-iron and plate-glass building, which was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton. In 1851 Great Britain was arguably the leader of the industrial revolution, with a population of 21 million, and feeling very secure in that ideal. The Great Exhibition of 1851 in London was conceived to symbolize this industrial, military and economic superiority of Great Britain. Just representing the feats of Britain itself would have excluded many of the technological achievements pioneered by the British in its many colonies and protectorates, so it was decided to make the exhibit truly international with invitations being extended to almost all of the colonized world. The British also felt that it was important to show their achievements right alongside those of "less civilized" countries. The prevailing attitude in England at the time was ripe for the somewhat arrogant parading of accomplishments. Many felt secure, economically and politically, and Queen Victoria was eager to reinforce the feeling of contentment with her reign. It was during the mid-1850s that the word "Victorian" began to be employed to express a new self-consciousness, both in relation to the nation and to the period through which it was passing. The exhibition was also a triumph for Victoria's German husband, Albert, whom she had married in 1840. Despite outbursts of opposition to Albert by the press the family life of the Victorian court began to be considered increasingly as a model for the whole country. Albert had appreciated the achievements of Prime Minister Robert Peel's political and military advances and publicly advocated the advancement of industry and science. These facts began to sway opinion in his favor as respectable foundations of family life and industrial supremacy were becoming rapidly acquainted with the monarchy of Victoria and Albert. Conceived by prince Albert, the Great Exhibition was held in Hyde Park in London in the specially constructed Crystal Palace. The Crystal Palace was originally designed by Sir Joseph Paxton in only 10 days and was a huge iron goliath with over a million feet of glass. It was important that the building used to showcase these achievements be grandiose and innovative. Over 13,000 exhibits were displayed and viewed by over 6,200,000 visitors to the exhibition. The millions of visitors that journeyed to the Great Exhibition of 1851 marveled at the industrial revolution that was propelling Britain into the greatest power of the time. Among the 13,000 exhibits from all around the world were the Jacquard loom, an envelope machine, tools, kitchen appliances, steel-making displays and a reaping machine from the United States. The objects on display came from all parts of the world, including India and the countries with recent white settlements, such as Australia and New Zealand, that constituted the new empire. Many of the visitors who flocked to London came from European cities. The profits from the event allowed for the foundation of public works such as the Albert Hall, the Science Museum, the National History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. This "bigger and better" building was divided into a series of courts depicting the history of art and architecture from ancient Egypt through the Renaissance, as well as exhibits from industry and the natural world. Major concerts were held in the Palace's huge arched Centre Transept, which also contained the world's largest organ. The Centre Transept also housed a circus and was the scene of daring feats by world famous acts such as the tightrope walker Blondin. National exhibitions were also staged within its glass and iron walls, including the world's first aeronautical exhibition (held in 1868) and the first national motor show, plus cat shows, dog shows, pigeon shows, honey, flower and other shows. The Crystal Palace itself was almost outshone by the park in which it stood, which contained a magnificent series of fountains, comprising almost 12,000 individual jets. The largest of these threw water to a height of 250ft. Some 120,000 gallons of water flowed through the system when it was in full play. The park also contained unrivaled collections of statues, many of which were copies of great works from around the world, and a geological display which included a replica lead mine and the first attempts anywhere in the world to portray life-size restorations of extinct animals, including dinosaurs. Crystal Palace park was also the scene of spectacular Brock's fireworks displays. After the Great Exhibition closed, the Crystal Palace was moved to Sydenham Hill in South London and reconstructed in what was, in effect, a 200 acre Victorian theme park. The new Crystal Palace park at Sydenham was opened by Queen Victoria on June 10th, 1854. Ginger ale created in Ireland. 22 December, The first train in India becomes operational. It is used for the hauling of construction material in Roorkee. 1852 March 20, American author Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin was published in book form. Anton Gaudí was born in Catalonia, Spain, in 1852 though no one knows exactly where. While many believe his birthplace to be the town of Reus, others claim it was in fact Riudoms. It is known, however, that he was baptized in Reus a day after his birth. The artist's parents, Francesc Gaudí Serra and Antonia Cornet Bertran, both came from families of metalsmiths. One of the primary motivations for the US annexation of the Republic of texas was that the Texas government had incurred huge debts which the United States agreed to assume upon annexation. In 1852, in return for this assumption of debt, a large portion of Texas-claimed territory, now parts of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Wyoming, was ceded to the Federal government. 1853 April 7, Queen Victoria's son, Leopold George Duncan Albert (7 April 1853 – 28 March 1884) later Prince Leopold and Duke of Albany, is born. His birth is highly publicized, mainly because Queen Victoria herself used chloroform during childbirth. Dr. John Snow gave her chloroform, but using an open-drop method rather than the inhaler he had earlier invented. April 16, the first passenger train between Bori Bunder, Bombay and Thana covering a distance of 34 km (21 miles) was inaugurated, formally heralding the birth of railways in India. The British government encouraged the setting up of railways by private investors under a scheme that would guarantee an annual return of 5% during the initial years of operation. Once completed, the company would be passed under government ownership, but would be operated by the company that built them. To Babbage's delight, the Scheutzes complete the first full-scale difference engine, which they call a Tabulating Machine. It operates on 15-digit numbers and 4th-order differences, and produces printed output as Babbage's would have. A second machine is later built to the same design by the firm of Brian Donkin of London. October, The Crimean War (October 1853–February 1856), war fought mainly on the Crimean Peninsula between the Russians and the British, French, and Ottoman Turkish, with support, from January 1855, by the army of Sardinia-Piedmont. The war arose from the conflict of great powers in the Middle East and was more directly caused by Russian demands to exercise protection over the Orthodox subjects of the Ottoman Empire. 1854 Beginning in 1854, American warships conducted cruises along the Yangtze River in China. Initially the mission of these cruises was to show the American flag and support American consular officers. The mission became more complex over time with the added trappings of supporting American foreign policy in defining the relationship between the USA and China and later with Japan. March 20, A meeting of Whigs, anti-Nebraska Democrats, and Free-Soilers in Ripon, Wisconsin, proposed the formation of what became the Republican Party in the United States. March 31, U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry and representatives of Japan signed the Convention of Kanagawa (日米和親条約, Nichibei Washin Jōyaku) or Kanagawa Treaty (神奈川条約, Kanagawa Jōyaku) was signed at Kanagawa (now part of Yokohama) in Japan, ending that country's period of seclusion known as Sakoku ( Japanese : 鎖国, literally "country in chains" or "lock up of country") which lasted from 1639 until 1854. The treaty was signed as a result of pressure from U.S. Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who sailed into Tokyo Bay with a fleet of warships in July 1853 and demanded the opening of the Japanese ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to United States trade, guaranteed the safety of shipwrecked U.S. sailors and established a permanent consul. This was an unequal treaty imposed on Japan by the superior strength of Perry's fleet. However, it remained illegal for Japanese people to leave Japan until the Meiji Restoration (1868). May 30, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed, providing for the territorial organization of Kansas and Nebraska under the principle of popular sovereignty. October, The Crimean War (1854–1856) was fought between Imperial Russia on one side and an alliance of France, the United Kingdom, the Kingdom of Sardinia, and the Ottoman Empire on the other. The majority of the conflict took place on the Crimean Peninsula, with additional actions occurring in western Turkey, the Baltic Sea region, and in the Russian Far East. 1856 March 30, The Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the Crimean War. May 21, During the small civil war known as Bleeding Kansas—a dispute over control of the new U.S. territory of Kansas under the doctrine of popular sovereignty—the town of Lawrence was sacked by a proslavery mob intent on destroying the “hotbed of abolitionism.” May 24, a group of abolitionists led by John Brown launched a nighttime raid on a proslavery settlement at Pottawatomie Creek in Kansas Territory during which five men were murdered. James Maxwell demonstrates that all electromagnetic and optical phenomenon were explainable in terms of stresses in the one ether. July 3, The U.S. House of Representatives voted to admit Kansas to statehood under the antislavery resolution known as the Topeka Constitution, despite the opposition of the Senate and President Franklin Pierce. July 9/10 Nikola Tesla born in Smiljan, Lika (Austria-Hungary). William Thomas Blanford notes that the "Talchir conglomerates" in India were caused by glaciation. This idea will lead to the realisation that ice ages occurred many times in the past - and in both hemispheres. The state of Awadh/Oudh was annexed by the British East India Company. Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was told that he would be the last Emperor and the Mughal Empire would cease to exist after him. Excavations in Germany uncover Neanderthal fossils. Surveyor Andrew Waugh measures Peak XV (Everest) at 29,002 feet (8,840 m) 1857 March 6, U.S. Chief Justice Roger B. Taney announced the Dred Scott decision, making slavery legal in all U.S. territories. May, 1857, the famous Sepoy Rebellion erupted, a mutiny by native troops that swept across northern India, weakened the British Raj, and set up future confrontations between India and Britain. Small precursors of brewing discontent involving incidences of arson in cantonment areas, began to manifest themselves in January. When the native troops of the Bengal army rose against their colonial masters in May, the ensuing insurrection was to become the bloodiest in the history of the British Empire. This war brought about the end of the British East India Company's rule in India, and led to direct rule by the British government (British Raj) of much of the Indian subcontinent, although some states retained nominal independence under their respective princes. There is no agreed name for the events of this period , but terms in use include First War of Independence, War of Independence of 1857, Indian Mutiny, the Great Indian Mutiny, the Sepoy Mutiny, the Sepoy Rebellion, the Great Mutiny, and the Revolt of 1857. It is probably fair to say that First War of Independence and War of Independence of 1857 have, for the moment, greater prominence in India than elsewhere. British explorers Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton KCMG FRGS (March 19, 1821 – October 20, 1890) and John Hanning Speke (May 4, 1827 – September 15, 1864) lead a Royal Geographical Society backed expedition into Central Africa seeking the source of the Nile. The journey was extremely strenuous and both men fell ill from a variety of tropical diseases. Speke suffered severely when he became temporarily deaf after a beetle crawled into his ear and he had to remove it with a knife. He also later went temporarily blind. After an arduous journey the two became the first Europeans to discover Lake Tanganyika (although Speke was still blind at this point and could not properly see the lake). Burton and Speke's exploration to Tanganyika and Victoria was, arguably, their most celebrated exploration but what followed was a prolonged public quarrel between the two men which damaged Burton's reputation severely. From surviving letters it seems that Speke already distrusted and disliked Burton before the start of their second expedition. There are several reasons why they became estranged. It seems obvious that the two men were very different in character with Speke being more in tune with the prevailing morality of Victorian England. There was obviously a great element of professional rivalry. September 11, the Mountain Meadows massacre of the Baker-Fancher emigrant party at Mountain Meadows by Mormon militia and some Paiute supporters. The emigrants mostly from four northwestern counties in Arkansas were travelling through the Utah Territory during the Utah War to California. Sources estimate that between 100 and 140 men, women and children were killed at Mountain Meadows, a rest stop on the Old Spanish Trail, in the Utah territory. Mormons along the way had mistakenly linked them with a number of crimes and past Mormon persecutions. The emigrants stopped to rest at Mountain Meadows, near where anxious members of the Iron County Military District of the Nauvoo Legion (the Mormon militia in the Utah Territory) had been mustered to fight the approaching United States Army, which Mormons thought intended to destroy them. Initially intending to orchestrate an Indian massacre, the local leaders of church and state directed Indian agent John D. Lee to lead an auxiliary contingent of Paiute tribesmen along with some militiamen disguised as Native Americans in a raid. The emigrants fought back, and a siege ensued. Believing that complicity in the siege by Mormons would complicate the Utah War, the militia induced the party to surrender and give up their weapons. After escorting the emigrants out of their fortification, the militiamen then executed an estimated 120 men, women and children. Seventeen smaller children were spared. Investigations, interrupted by the U.S. Civil War, resulted eventually in nine indictments being issued in 1874. Despite others' involvement, only John D. Lee was tried and convicted. Lee was executed by firing squad at the location of the massacre in 1877. Members of the ill-fated Baker-Fancher wagon train The Fancher party's constituent trains left from four northwestern Arkansas counties. From Benton county left the original Fancher train—as did the Huff— while from Johnson county left the Cameron, the Miller, and (a trio of cousins) the Poteet-Tackett-Jones trains; from Marion county left the Mitchell, the Dunlap, and the Prewitt trains while from Beller's Stand near Harrison in Carroll county (today Boone county) left the (John Twitty) Baker train—the wagon-master/captain historians reference when they call the grand company the "Baker-Fancher trains".   Tackitt, Jones M., 12 1858 Alfred Russel Wallace's Theory of Evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace, a British naturalist, is best known for his formulation of a theory of evolution by natural selection, at the same time as Charles Darwin. Wallace formulated his ideas during an expedition to the Malay Archipelago, where he noted differences between the animal species of Asia and Australia. He corresponded with Darwin on his ideas. Both men produced a joint paper on the theory of natural selection. In the hot summer of 1858, the stench from the Thames was so bad that Members of Parliament fled from rooms adjacent to the river, handkerchiefs to noses, terrified that the smell itself would make them victims of the cholera epidemics that had carried off 40,000 Londoners. In the early 19th century the River Thames was practically an open sewer, with disastrous consequences for public health in London, including a seemingly endless sequence of cholera epidemics. The press called the crisis “the Great Stink”. Benjamin Disraeli introduced a Bill to Parliament that gave Sir Joseph William Bazalgette (1819-1891),the authority to construct the intercepting sewers he had designed two years earlier but had been held up by arguments over cost and design. The “Great Stink” concentrated MPs’ minds wonderfully. The Bill passed into law within 16 days. Bazalgette subscribbed to the Miasma theory which held that disease was spead by the smell of sewage. Medical opinion at the time held that cholera was caused by foul air: a so-called miasma. Dr John Snow had earlier advanced the explanation that we now know to be correct: cholera was spread by contaminated water, but his view was not generally accepted. However, moving the smell out of London ironically also fixed the actual cause as it moved the contaminants from the London water supply. Bazalgette's scheme consisted of three major elements: * the intercepting sewers * the pumping stations and the outfall sewers * the pumping stations at Beckton and Crossness. Over the next 16 years Bazalgette built 132 km (82 mi) of main intercepting sewers, 1,770 km (1,100 mi) of street sewers, 4 pumping stations, and the 2 treatment works at Beckton and Crossness that Thames Water still operates. The system has been extended and updated as London has expanded but the system constructed by Bazalgette continues to serve the city. He designed systems for many other communities including Cambridge, Norwich, Budapest, and Port Louis, Mauritius. Bazalgette did much else besides. He built the Victoria Embankment between Westminster and Blackfriars Bridges (see London’s Bridges) to house the northern low-level sewer and the underground railway (now the District and Circle Lines of the London Underground). It also provided a much-needed route from Westminster to the City of London to bypass the grossly congested Strand, Fleet Street, and Ludgate Hill route and furnished that part of the capital with a much-needed green space, Victoria Embankment gardens. Bazalgette also built the Chelsea Embankment and the Albert Embankment on which St Thomas’s Hospital and the MI6 building now stand. These embankments reclaimed 52 acres from the Thames. He re-housed 40,000 Londoners from foul tenements that he demolished to construct Charing Cross Road as well as creating other famous London streets including Garrick Street, Queen Victoria Street, Northumberland Avenue, and Shaftesbury Avenue. He built the present Hammersmith, Putney, and Battersea bridges. Towards the end of his career Bazalgette identified the need for river crossings below London Bridge, resulting in the creation of the Woolwich Free Ferry and the design of the Blackwall Tunnel (see Thames Tunnels). He laid out many of London’s parks and squares and proposed a high-level bridge near the Tower of London that we know today as Tower Bridge. Aerial picture of Paris taken from a balloon. Speke is the first European to sight Lake Victoria which he names afer the Queen. After discovering Lake Tanganika Burton and Speke heard of a second lake in the area, but Burton was too sick to make the voyage. Speke thus went alone, and found the lake, which he christened Lake Victoria. It was this lake which eventually proved to be the source of the river Nile. However, much of the expedition's survey equipment had been lost at this point and thus vital questions about the height and extent of the lake could not be answered. 25 August, the first transatlantic telegraph cable was successfully completed on which was sent by the United States and recieved by Great Britain, allowing transatlantic telegraph communications for the first time. Earlier transatlanticsubmarine cables installed in 1857 and 1858 only operated for a few days or weeks before they failed. The study of underwater telegraph cables accelerated interest in mathematical analysis of these transmission lines. Hadrosaurus skeleton discovered in the US by Joseph Leidy November 1, the Governor-General of India appointed the first Viceroy in token of the direct responsibility assumed by the Crown, announced the terms of the Queen's Proclamation in great state at Allahabad. The gracious message lost none of its force by being delivered while the clash of arms, resulting from the Indian Mutiny, was yet being heard in central India and on the frontiers of Nipal. Her Majesty accepted all treaties and engagements made by the Company with the native princes and promised to respect their rights, dignity, and honour. In an impressive passage, inserted by her own special desire, the Queen acknowledged with gratitude the solace of religion, and declared that all her Indian subjects should be protected in the exercise of their religious observances. A principle already enunciated in the Charter Act of 1833 was reinforced, and all, of every race or creed, were to be admitted as far as possible to those offices in her service for which they might be qualified. The Viceroy's proclamation of amnesty was confirmed, and the royal clemency extended to all rebels save those convicted of taking a direct part in the murder of British subjects. The aim of the Queen's government was to be that which had so frequently been announced by the Company, the benefit of all her subjects resident in India" In their prosperity will be our strength, in their contentment our security, and in their gratitude our best reward." The first Tabulating Machine (see 1853) is bought by the Dudley Observatory in Albany, New York, and the second one by the British government. The Albany machine is used to produce a set of astronomical tables; but the observatory's director is then fired for this extravagant purchase, and the machine is never seriously used again, eventually ending up in a museum. The second machine, however, has a long and useful life. The Fenian Brotherhood was initially founded in 1858 as the Irish Republican Brotherhood's American branch by John O'Mahony, James Stephens, and Michael Doheny. In the face of nativist suspicion, it quickly established an independent existence, although it still worked to gain Irish-American support for armed rebellion in Ireland. Initially, O'Mahony ran operations in the USA, sending funds to Stephens and the IRB in Ireland, disagreement over O'Mahony's leadership led to the formation of two Fenian Brotherhoods in 1865. The U.S. chapter of the movement was also sometimes referred to as the IRB. After the failed invasion of Canada, it was replaced by Clan na Gael. The term Fenian derives from the Irish ''Na Fianna'' or ''Na Fianna Éireann'' who in Celtic mythology were a band of warriors formed to protect Ireland, Fionn Mac Cumhaill being the most famous of its warriors. Sir Clements Markham of the British India Office organised a botanical expedition in 1858 to obtain seeds of the Cinchona tree for cultivation in India. The bark of the Cinchona tree is the best source of Quinine, the cure for Malaria. The botanist Richard Spruce collected for several years in south-western Ecuador and in 1860 seeds and plants were sent to both India and Kew Gardens in London. This was still at a time when local people kept the location of the trees a secret. The first plants sent to India in 1861 from Kew died, but later plantations in Travancore and Sikkim, and in Sri Lanka were successful. About the same time seeds, originally collected by Charles Ledger in Bolivia in 1864 and bought by the Dutch from an Australian in a private sale in London, were sent to Java. From these some 12,000 seedlings were produced; these were plants of Cinchona calisaya, which has a higher content of quinine than Cinchona pubescens grown by the British. In 1864 India and Java exchanged planting material. 1859 April 8, German philosopher Edmund Husserl, founder of phenomenology, was born. June 30, Jean-François Gravelet, known as Blondin, crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope that was 335 metres (1,100 feet) long and 49 metres (160 feet) above the water. August 28, Edwin Laurentine Drake (March 29, 1819 – November 9, 1880), also known as Colonel Drake, discovers oil in Titusville, Pennsylvania starting the American Petroleum industry. This so-called "Rock Oil" would replace whale oil in lamps. At one time Northwest Pennsylvania would produce half the world's oil. Oct 14, Francois-Claudius Koeningstein, known to posterity as the anarchist Ravachol, was born to Dutch and French parents at Saint-Chamond, near St. Etienne in Eastern France. November 1859 Charles Darwin: On the Origin of Species published. Charles Darwin revolutionized understanding of life on Earth by the publication of his highly influential work, On the Origin of Species, explaining his theory of evolution by natural selection, in 1859. Darwin had been preparing a longer work and was stimulated to publish what he regarded as this sketch of his theory by receiving communication of independent work by the naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, who had come to similar conclusions. Darwin had developed his theory of evolution from his observations of the small differences between species of animals on different islands of the Galápagos archipelago during his voyage aboard the Beagle. The idea that species evolve over time in response to selection pressures from their environment radically challenged the traditional religious view of the creation of individual species by a deity. Darwin’s theory has been central to the great modern advances in the biological sciences. Edwin Laurentine Drake drills the world's first oil well in Titusville, Philadelphia Harry Reid develops the elastic rebound theory of the cause of earthquakes, in which one fault moving against another causes the quakes. Egyptian workers started working on the construction of the Canal in conditions described by historians as slave labor. The canal project was undertaken by former French Consul in Cairo and famous Canal digger Ferdinand de Lesseps. French photographer Gaspard Felix Tournachon, also known as Nadar, carried out the first land surveys from aerial photographs taken from a balloon. 1860 April 3, The Pony Express mail delivery system, which used continuous horse-and-rider relays along a 1,800-mile (2,900-km) route between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California, was launched in the United States. The Pony Express reduced the time for mail to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the USA to around ten days. The service only operated for 18 months closing in October 1861. May 18, Abraham Lincoln became the Republican candidate for the U.S. presidency on the third ballot at the Republican National Convention in Chicago. The Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860 called for the facilitation of communication between the east and west coasts of the United States of America. Hiram Sibley of the Western Union Telegraph Company won the contract. In 1861, Benjamin Franklin Ficklin joined Hiram Sibley in helping to form the Pacific Telegraph Company of Nebraska. At the same time, Jeptha Wade was asked by Hiram Sibley to consolidate smaller telegraph companies in California. While the Pacific Telegraph Company built west from Omaha, Nebraska, the Overland Telegraph Company of California was thus formed and built east from Carson City, Nevada. With their connection in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 24, 1861, the final link between the east and west coasts of the United States of America was made by telegraph.The Pacific Telegraph Company and the Overland Telegraph Company of California were eventually absorbed into the Western Union Telegraph Company. Etienne Moreau theorized on the properties and distribution of ether. Edison begins research on a prototype Ether Propeller. Abraham Lincoln wins the election for president of the United States of America South Carolina, seceded from the Union on December 20, 1860. Burke and Wills led Great Northern Exploration Expedition to cross Australia from South to North. Herman von Meyer discovers a rare fossil of soft tissue; in this case, it is the feather, the first part of what Meyer names Archaeopteryx. Speke returns to Lake Victoria accompanied by explorer the Scottish explorer James Augustus Grant (April 11, 1827 — February 11, 1892) . By this date, almost 500 telegraph stations across the US are recording weather observations for the Smithsonian. 1861 Mississippi seceded from the Union on January 9, 1861, and Florida on the 10th. Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas followed. March 3, The Russian emancipation of the serfs by Tsar Alexander II of Russia is known as 'the abolition of slavery' in Russia. Although serfs in Imperial Russia were technically not slaves, they were nonetheless forced to work and were forbidden to leave their assigned land. March 17 Kingdom of Italy Proclaimed. The movement for the unification of Italy, called the Risorgimento, began early in the 19th century. Having gone through a revolutionary and military phase by 1848, the movement entered a diplomatic stage, which, together with Guiseppe Garibaldi’s campaigns, culminated in a successful proclamation of a united Kingdom of Italy, on March 17, 1861. Victor Emmanuel II was declared king. Rome and Venice remained outside the kingdom. April 12 Staret of the American Cil War. The sitting US President, James Buchanan felt himself powerless to act. Federal arsenals and fortifications throughout the South were occupied by southern authorities without a shot being fired. In the four months between Lincoln’s election and his inauguration the South was allowed to strengthen its position undisturbed. Lincoln’s inaugural address was at once firm and conciliatory. Unwilling to strike the initial blow to compel the southern states back into the Union, he decided to bide his time. When a Federal ship carrying supplies was dispatched to reprovision Fort Sumter, in Charleston Harbor, the secessionist hand was forced. To forestall the resupply of the fort the Rebel batteries ringing it opened fire at 4:30 a.m. on the 12th of April, 1861, forcing its rapid capitulation. President Lincoln immediately called upon the states to supply 75,000 troops to serve for ninety days against “combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings.” Virginia, Arkansas, and Tennessee promptly seceded. The war was on in earnest. Ironically, the combination of political events, southern pride, and willfulness succeeded in paving the way to the abolition of slavery; a condition that no combination of legal action on the part of the most virulent abolitionist could possibly have accomplished. April 19 Lincoln proclaimed a blockade of the South. May 21 Richmond, Va. was chosen as the Confederate capital. Francis Galton produces the first modern weather map. July sees 366 inches of rainfall at Cherrapunji, India, the highest figure recorded. July 21 Northern troops retreated in disorder after the first battle of Bull Run(Manassas). October 24, With the connection of the lines being built by the Pacific Telegraph Company building west from Omaha, Nebraska, and the Overland Telegraph Company of California building east from Carson City, Nevada in Salt Lake City, Utah the final link between the east and west coasts of the United States of America was made by telegraph.The Pacific Telegraph Company and the Overland Telegraph Company of California were eventually absorbed into the Western Union Telegraph Company. October 26, Closure of the Pony Express service. Since its replacement by the First Transcontinental Telegraph, the Pony Express has entered the romance of the American West. Its reliance on the ability and endurance of the individual riders and horses over technological innovation is part of "American rugged individualism". December 14 The Death of the Prince Consort , Prince Albert dies of typhoid fever. Following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria withdrew into a protracted period of mourning. Nevertheless, her image, a familiar, steadying, and traditional element in a rapidly changing world, was immensely popular. The Gatling gun, patented in 1861 by Richard Jordan Gatling, is the first machine gun to offer controlled, sequential automatic fire with automatic loading. 1862 February 6 Grant's Northern troops cunder the command of Union naval commodore Andrew Foote, leading a flotilla of ironclads, captured Fort Henry, Tennessee, a strategic Confederate position during the American Civil War. February 16 Fort Donelson fell to Union Forces. March 9 In the first ever battle of ironclad ships, the ironclad ships Monitor and Merrimack battled to a draw. Ironclad ships Monitor and Merrimack fired cannonades at on another at point-blank range during the historic battle of Hampton Roads in the U.S. Civil War. The Union Monitor was designed by Swedish-American engineer John Ericsson. It was smaller and lighter than its Confederate counterpart and had a revolving gun turret with two heavy guns. Although the two armored ships fought each other for several hours, the Merrimack withdrew because of low tides, and the battle was considered a draw. Earlier, the Merrimack had been successful in breaking the Union blockade of the Chesapeake Bay and caused the United States to warn Britain about supplying warships to the Confederacy. In May of 1862, the Merrimack was destroyed so it could not be captured. The Monitor foundered and sank several months later during a storm off Cape Hatteras. April 4, Union forces under George B. McClellan began the unsuccessful Peninsular Campaign to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. April 6-7, Both sides suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Shiloh in southwestern Tennessee, won by the Union. April 16, The Confederacy began to draft soldiers. April 18-29, A Union Fleet under Farragut captures New Orleans. May 4, McClellan's Union troops occupied Yorktown, Va., and advanced on Richmond. May 5,Mexico repelled the French forces of Napoleon III at the Battle of Puebla, a victory that became a symbol of resistance to foreign domination and is now celebrated as a national holiday, Cinco de Mayo. May 20, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act, which provided 160 acres of public land virtually free of charge to those who had lived on and cultivated the land for at least five years. May 30, Northern forces occupied Corinth, Miss. June 6, Memphis fell to Union Armies. June 25-July 1, Confederate forces under Lee saved Richmond in the Battles of the Seven Days. July 1, The Pacific Railway Act passed by the US Congress beginning work on the Trans-Continental railroad. August The Minnesota massacre, which killed 700 settlers and 100 soldiers, occurred because the Indians had been denied money pledged them by treaty and were starving. A military commission sentenced 303 Sioux to death by hanging, but Abraham Lincoln overturned most of the sentences. On December 26, 1862, thirty-eight Santees were executed, including Tehedo Necha August 29-30, Lee and Jackson led Southern troops to victory in the second Battle of Bull Run. September 17, Confederate forces retreated in defeat after the Bloody Battle of Antietam(Sharpsburg). September 22, Lincoln issued a Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. October 8, Buell's forces ended Bragg's invasion of Kentucky in the Battle of Perryville. December 13, Burnside's Union forces received a crushing blow in the Battle of Fredericksburg. December 31-January 2, 1863 Union troops under Rosecrans forced the Confederates to retreat after the Battle of Murfreesboro (Stones River). Speke and Grant are the first European explorers to visit the Buganda people in Uganda. Speke reaches the source of the White Nile, at Ripon falls issuing from Lake Victoria's north. Angstrom Discovers Existence of Hydrogen in the Sun. Anders Jonas Ångström, a Swedish astronomer and physicist, is credited with the discovery of the presence of hydrogen in the atmosphere of the Sun. Ångström pioneered the study of spectroscopy, publishing Optiska Undersökningar (Optical Investigations) in 1853. In 1868 he published Recherches Sur le Spectre Solaire (Researches on the Solar Spectrum), in which he set out measurements of over 1,000 spectral lines in an atlas of the solar spectrum. The unit of measurement of wavelengths introduced in his work has been generally accepted as the angstrom. First multispectral imagery taken by Du Hauron with a single-lens beam splitter technique. Kelvin uses the Earth's cooling time to propose an age in the range 20-400 million years. 1863 January 1 Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. 10 January,the Metropolitan Railway opened the world's first underground railway between Paddington (Bishop's Road) and Farringdon Street in London in an attempt to ease the traffic through the centre of London. It ran from Paddington to Farringdon, linking three mainline termini with the City, London’s central business district. Most of this 6 km (3? mi) line, still used today, runs under main roads and was built using “cut and cover” construction. This entails digging out a wide trench along the street, building retaining walls, and roofing over the trackbed before reinstating the roadway above. Locomotives with special condensing equipment were used to minimize steam emission in the tunnels. March 3 The North passed a draft law. May 1-4 Northern troops under Hooker were defeated in the Battle of Chancellorsville. May 1-19 Grant's army defeated Confederates in Mississippi and began to besiege Vicksburg. May 6 The Pacific Railroad bill passed the House of Representatives, and the Senate on June 20. Lincoln signed it into law on July 1 1862. The act called for several companies to build the railroad: from the west, the Central Pacific and the Nevada Central; and from the east, the newly chartered Union Pacific. Each was required to build only 50 miles in the first year; after that, only 50 more miles were required each year. Besides land grants along the right-of-way, each railroad was subsidized $16,000 for each mile built over an easy grade, $32,000 in the high plains, and $48,000 for each mile in the mountains. The race was on to see which road could build the furthest. July 1-3 The Battle of Gettysburg ended in a Southern defeat and marked a turning point in the war. July 4 Vicksburg fell to Northern troops. July 8 Northern forces occupied Port Hudson, La. September 19-20 Southern troops under Bragg won the Battle of Chickamauga. November 19 Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg address at the dedication of the Civil War cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. November 23-25 Grant and Thomas led Union armies to victory in the Battle of Chattanooga. US National Academy of Sciences initiated by Abraham Lincoln. Granula was the first manufactured breakfast cereal invented by James Caleb Jackson in 1863. Granula was an early version of Grape-Nuts, comprising of heavy grains of bran-rich Graham flour. The grains had to be soaked overnight before use. The cereal was manufactured from a dough of Graham flour rolled into sheets and baked. The dried sheets were then broken into pieces, baked again, and broken into smaller pieces. 1864 January 8 in Sacramento, California, Governor Leland Stanford ceremoniously broke ground to begin construction of the Central Pacific Railroad. The Central Pacific made great progress along the Sacramento Valley, however construction was later slowed; first by the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, then by the mountains themselves and most importantly by winter snow storms. As a result, the Central Pacific expanded its efforts to hire immigrant laborers (many of which were Chinese). The immigrants seemed to be more willing to tolerate the horrible conditions, and progress continued. Unfortunately, the increasing necessity for tunneling then began to slow progess of the line yet again. To combat this, Central Pacific began to use the newly-invented and very unstable nitroglycerin explosives — which accelerated both the rate of construction and the mortality of the laborers. Appalled by the losses, the Central Pacific began to use less volatile explosives. Construction began again in earnest. March 9 Grant became general in chief of the North. April 8-9 Federal troops under Banks met defeat in the Red River expedition. May 5-6 Union and Confederate troops clashed in the Battle of the Wilderness. May 8-12 Grant and Lee held their position in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. June 3 The Union suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Cold Harbor. June 20 Grant's Troops laid siege to Petersburg, Va. July 11-12 Early's Confederate forces almost reached Washington, but retreated after brief fighting. August 5 Farragut won the Battle of Mobile Bay. September 2 Northern troops under Sherman captured Atlanta. October 2, Launch of the Ictineo II: World's First Steam Powered Submarine. The Ictineo II was invented and built by Narcis Monturiol, an engineer born in Figueres (Girona, Spain) on September 28, 1819. Monturiol was a utopian social revolutionary, political misfit and self-taught engineer, he studied Law and wrote about Geography, Physics and Natural History. He first conceived the Ictineo to help coral fishermen in their rough job. He started to build the submarine on February 10, 1862. It was 17 meter long and 65 tons of weight, and was launched on October 2, 1864. In the beginning it worked with a propeller operated by sixteen men, but owe to its poor performance he decided to change the human power for a 6 Hp steam engine. The re-launching took place on October 22, 1867, once the difficulties were overcome. The submarine did thirteen immersions to as much as to 30 meters deep and the longest one lasted for seven and a half hours, while underwater it was propelled by a one-cylinder machine set on the ship's stern. Narcis Monturiol was ahead of his time and amongst other things, he invented the double hull as well as the bulb-shaped bow. In 1868 because of financial problems the Ictineo II was seized by creditors, broken up and sold as scrap metal. Narcis Monturiol died on September 6, 1885. November 8 Lincoln was re-elected President. November 15 Sherman began his march to the sea. November 16 Hood invaded Tennessee. November 30 Schofield's Union forces inflicted heavy losses on Hood in the Battle of Franklin. December 15-16 The Battle of Nashville smashed Hood's army. December 21 Sherman's troops occupied Savannah, Ga. Massive cyclone near Calcutta, India, killed an estimated 70,000 of the population. Photographs taken from a balloon used for military purposes during the American civil war. First oil pipeline constructed by van Syckel in Pennsylvania; it was rebuilt after a rival group destroyed it. James Clerk Maxwell presents equations describing electromagnetic fields. 1865 February 3 The Hampton Roads Peace Conference failed to end the American Civil War. February 6 Lee became general in chief of the South. April 2 Confederate troops gave up Petersburg and Richmond. April 9 Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox. April 14 President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. April 26 Johnston surrendered to Sherman. May 4 Confederate forces in Alabama and Mississippi surrendered. May 26 The last Confederate troops surrendered. July 2, In London's East End, William Booth founded the ministry later called the Salvation Army. July 4, Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was published. Joseph Lister Discovers Antiseptics. In 1865 British surgeon Joseph Lister encountered the germ theory, developed by Louis Pasteur, that fermentation and putrefaction were caused by micro-organisms brought into contact with organic matter. Lister applied carbolic acid to clean instruments, and directly to wounds and dressings. Lister’s development of the technique of sterilization greatly reduced mortality in surgery. related links © 1993-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Founding of the Commons Preservation Society in England to protect woodlands and heaths used by communities for recreation. Peak XV is renamed Mount Everest. French doctor Louis Pasteur (December 27, 1822 – September 28, 1895) publishes his Germ Theory of Disease. While Pasteur was not the first to propose germ theory (Girolamo Fracastoro, Agostino Bassi, Friedrich Henle and others had suggested it earlier), he developed it and conducted experiments that clearly indicated its correctness and managed to convince most of Europe it was true. Today he is often regarded as the father of germ theory and bacteriology, together with Robert Koch. December 18, by proclamation of the U.S. secretary of state, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, outlawing slavery, officially entered into force, having been ratified by the requisite states on December 6 1865. 1866 June 14 - August 23, Seven Weeks' War. The Seven Weeks’ War was an armed conflict between Austria and Prussia. The war was fought for control over the 39-state German Confederation, following the unsatisfactory conclusion of the Convention of Gastein (1865). The speed of victory demonstrated the effectiveness of the Prussian military system. September 21 H.G. Wells was born 1866-1868, Captain Nemo begins his campaign of destruction against the warships of the British Empire using the submarine Nautilus. The Nautilus caused many ships to sink by ramming them. In fact Nemo is Latin for "no one" and the real name of this mysterious individual is unknown. The impression is that Nemo was an anarchist philosopher rebelling against what he sees as the repressive governments of the world.  He has also supplied gold to people on the island of Crete who are fighting for independence from Turkey. He is also a scientific genius who roams the depths of the sea in his submarine, the Nautilus, which he helped build on a deserted island. Nemo tries to project a stern, controlled confidence, but he is driven by a thirst for vengeance, and wracked by remorse over the deaths of his crewmembers and even by the deaths of enemy sailors. He eschews dry land having forsworn all ties with it, and when he does step on it, does so only when the land is uninhabited, such as with Antarctica and desert islands such as Lincoln Island. He, is quite enamored by the sea and holds that true freedom exists only beneath the waves. In keeping with his detestation for the nations of the surface he uses no products that are not marine in nature, be it food, clothing, furnishing or even, tobacco. 1867 July 1, Dominion of Canada established on this day in 1867, with the British North America Act, the British colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Canada were united as the Dominion of Canada, and the province of Canada was separated into Quebec and Ontario. Alfred Nobel Invents Dynamite. Swedish chemist and philanthropist Alfred Nobel is remembered for his invention of dynamite and for the endowment of the Alfred Nobel Foundation that awards prizes annually in a number of categories. Nobel had sought a safe way to handle the highly volatile nitroglycerine in industry, so he mixed nitroglycerin with kieselguhr to produce dynamite, a safer explosive, which he patented in 1867. He went on to develop gelignite in 1875 and a smokeless form of gunpowder, named ballistite, in 1887. June 19, The archduke of Austria and emperor of Mexico, a man whose naive liberalism proved unequal to the international intrigues that had put him on the throne and to the brutal struggles within Mexico, Maximilian, was executed by a firing squad. Karl Marx published Das Kapital. Das Kapital, one of the most influential treatises of the 19th century, represents a key analysis of the capitalist system. In it, the German philosopher and political author Karl Marx introduced the idea of “surplus value”; the concepts of class struggle and the exploitation of the working class; and the prediction of socialism’s victory over capitalism. Further volumes were published in 1885 and 1894. Karl Marx, along with Friedrich Engels, defined communism. In the Communist Manifesto, which they wrote and published themselves in London in 1848, Marx and Engels portrayed the natural evolution of a communist utopia from capitalism. This revolutionary theory added fuel to the social struggles that characterized Europe during the latter half of the 19th century. Marx theorized that competition among capitalists would force more and more of them to be enveloped by the growing masses. A proletarian dictatorship would rule until all vestiges of capitalism had been eliminated; a communist utopia would then naturally emerge. Marx and Engels founded the International Workingman’s Association in 1864 to actively advocate their position and consider ways to speed the process. The United States Geological Survey established. March 30, William H. Seward, secretary of state under U.S. President Andrew Johnson, signed the Alaska Purchase, a treaty ceding Russian North America to the United States for a price—$7.2 million—that amounted to about two cents per acre. 1868 April 6, The Japanese emperor Meiji issued the Charter Oath, which served to modernize the country during the Meiji Restoration. May 16, The first of two key votes was held in the Senate impeachment trial of U.S. President Andrew Johnson, who was ultimately acquitted of all charges. First working ether flyer mechanism demonstrated by Thomas A. Edison. Sir Clements Markham of the British India Office organised a botanical expedition in 1858 to obtain seeds of the Cinchona tree for cultivation in India. The bark of the Cinchona tree is the best source of Quinine, the cure for Malaria. The botanist Richard Spruce collected for several years in south-western Ecuador and in 1860 seeds and plants were sent to both India and Kew Gardens in London. This was still at a time when local people kept the location of the trees a secret. The first plants sent to India in 1861 from Kew died, but later plantations in Travancore and Sikkim, and in Sri Lanka were successful. About the same time seeds, originally collected by Charles Ledger in Bolivia in 1864 and bought by the Dutch from an Australian in a private sale in London, were sent to Java. From these some 12,000 seedlings were produced; these were plants of Cinchona calisaya, which has a higher content of quinine than Cinchona pubescens grown by the British. In 1864 India and Java exchanged planting material. June 10, Serbian Prince Michael III was assassinated, derailing the Balkan League's plans for a coordinated rebellion against the Ottomans and destroying the league. Opening of the first section of the Metropolitan District Railway from South Kensington to Westminster (now part of the District and Circle Lines) in London. Sir Edward Frankland, a British chemist, is credited, together with British astronomer Sir Joseph Lockyer, with the discovery of helium as a separate element. They undertook research into the spectrum of the Sun, identifying helium as a chemical element in its own right, whereas hitherto it had been viewed as a line in the spectrum. Frankland is perhaps better known for his development of the theory of chemical valency. Life discovered at 2,400 fathoms depth, disproving earlier theories of life not existing below 300 fathoms. 2 June, Captain Nemo's submarine the Nautilus goes down in the Maelstrom, a large whirlpool off the coast of Norway. 15 October, Captian Nemo is said to have died, on board the Nautilus, at Dakkar Grotto under Lincoln Island in the South Pacific. The last rites were administered by Cyrus Harding, one of the castaways on the island who had been saved by the Captain himself, and the ship then submerged into the waters of the grotto. 1869 May 10 Completion of the Trans-Continental Railroad in the USA. Joining of the rails linking the Central and Union Pacific Railroads, May 10, 1869, Promontory Summit, Utah. CPRR's "Jupiter" engine on the left, UPRR's engine "No. 119" on the right. "One of the classic icons of American imagery." Less well known is that Dr. Arliss Loveless tried to disrupt the event and kidnap President Ulysses S. Grant using a giant mechanical spider. Whilst his attempt was foild by two unknown Feral agents President Grant was unable to attend the joining ceremony. Poster announcing railroad's opening November 17 Suez Canal Opened. The Suez Canal (Arabic: transliteration: Qana al-Suways), is a large artificial canal in Egypt, west of the Sinai Peninsula. It is 163 km (101 miles) long and 300 m (984 ft) wide at its narrowest point, and runs between Port Said (Bur Sa'id) on the Mediterranean Sea, and Suez (al-Suways) on the Red Sea. The canal allows two-way water transportation, most importantly between Europe and Asia without circumnavigation of Africa. Before its opening in 1869, goods were sometimes offloaded from ships and carried over land between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. The canal comprises two parts, north and south of the Great Bitter Lake, linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Gulf of Suez on the Red Sea. Providing a shortcut for ships travelling from the Mediterranean Sea to ports in east Africa, the Middle East, and India; The canal was designed by Vicomte Ferdinand Marie de Lesseps, a French diplomat and engineer. The Canal was officially inaugurated by Khedive Ismail in an extravagant and lavish ceremony. French, British, Russian, and other Royalty were invited for the inauguration which coincided with the re-planning of Cairo. A highway was constructed linking Cairo to the new city of Ismailia, an Opera House was built, and Verdi was commissioned to compose his famous opera, "Aida" for the opening ceremony. Ironically, Verdi did not complete the work in time and "Aida" premiered at the Cairo Opera a year later. Ferdinand de Lesseps was born on November 19, 1805 in Versailles, France. His Family was long distinguished in the French diplomatic service. At age 19, having studied law, he was appointed eleve-counsel to his uncle, then the French ambassador to Lisbon. He served in Tunis later with his father, until 1832 the year of his fathers death. Then came 7 years in Egypt, later Rotterdam, Malaga, Barcelona and Madrid. With the new Viceroy Mohammed Said in Egypt, whom de Lesseps had befriended years ago, he rushed to Cairo and soon the construction of the Suez Canal under his command began. November 17, 1869 the Gran Opening with luxuries ceremonies, a Cairo opera house had been built for the occasion and Verdi had been commissioned to write Aida. De Lesseps became a hero presented with many decorations. De Lesseps was granted a "firman" or decree by the khedive Said of Egypt to run the Canal for 99 years after completion.De Lesseps died in France in 1894. Dmitry Mendeleyev’s periodic table was constructed on the basis of the periodic law, which he formulated in 1869. The law stated that the chemical properties of the elements depend on their relative atomic masses. Therefore, in the table the elements were arranged by their related groups by atomic numbers. Mendeleyev formulated a second, improved, version of his table in 1871. His Principles of Chemistry (1868-1870) became a classic. German chemist Julius Lothar Meyer independently formulated the periodic law and a table of elements in Die modernen Theorien der Chemie (Modern Chemical Theories), published in 1864. 1869 - 1870 First Vatican Council Ecumenical council convened by Pope Pius IX which took place in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The council defined papal primacy of jurisdiction and formulated the controversial doctrine of papal infallibility in constitutions Dei Filius and Pastor Aeternus. Joseph Lockyer founded Nature journal. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) discovered. DNA was first isolated by Friedrich Miescher who, in 1869, discovered a microscopic substance in the pus of discarded surgical bandages. As it resided in the nuclei of cells, he called it "nuclein". 1870 February 3, the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States was ratified, guaranteeing the right to vote regardless of race and intending to ensure, with the Fourteenth Amendment, the civil rights of former slaves. Edison's Martian Expedition pilots primitive Ether Flyer to Mars, and returns. Earth discovers that Mars is inhabited. March, Robert Maitland Brereton, a British engineer was responsible for the expansion of the Indian peninsula railway from 1857 onwards. In March 1870, he was responsible for the linking of both the rail systems, which by then had a network of 6,400 km (4,000 miles). March 31, Thomas Peterson-Mundy of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, became the first African American to vote under the Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Discovery of liftwood on Mars revolutionizes flight. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, London begins to offer rewards for viable liftwood plants and seeds. June 21, Tientsin Massacre occurs in Tientsin, China. This was a violent outbreak of Chinese xenophobic sentiment, that nearly precipitated international warfare and signaled the end of the “cooperative policy” between China and the Western treaty powers. Before the incident, rumours circulated in Tientsin that the French Sisters of Charity were kidnapping and mutilating Chinese children. The telegraph lines from Britain to India were connected in 1870 (those several companies combined to form the Eastern Telegraph Company in 1872). 1870 - 1871 Franco-Prussian War. The Franco-Prussian War was caused by the clash between the desire of Prince Bismarck’s Prussia to be at the heart of a unified Germany and the France of emperor Napoleon III seeking to reaffirm itself as the dominant European power. France, under the leadership of Emperor Napoleon III provoked war with Prussia. France lost badly to Wilhelm I (Wilhelm II's grandfather). Prussia’s victory guaranteed the unification of Germany and confirmed the dominance of the Prussian military system in Europe. The war was ended by the Treaty of Frankfurt of 1871. Among the losses were the provinces of Alsace-Lorraine in western France which were annexed to Germany. Bismarck was against this action fearing the French would never forgive it. "A generation that has taken a beating is always followed by a generation that deals one." Bismarck on France Moltke (the senior) summed it up well: "What our sword has won in half a year our sword must guard for half a century" Education Act of 1870 passed in England. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Robert Lowe, remarked that the government would now "have to educate our masters." As a result of this view, the government passed the 1870 Education Act. The act, drafted by William Forster stated: (a) the country would be divided into about 2500 school districts; (b) School Boards were to be elected by ratepayers in each district; (c) the School Boards were to examine the provision of elementary education in their district, provided then by Voluntary Societies, and if there were not enough school places, they could build and maintain schools out of the rates; (d) the school Boards could make their own by-laws which would allow them to charge fees or, if they wanted, to let children in free. The 1870 Education Act allowed women to vote for the School Boards. Women were also granted the right to be candidates to serve on the School Boards. Several feminists saw this as an opportunity to show they were capable of public administration. In 1870, four women, Flora Stevenson, Lydia Becker, Emily Davies and Elizabeth Garrett were elected to local School Boards. Elizabeth Garrett, a popular local doctor, obtained more votes Marylebone than any other candidate in the country. Opening of the first London Tube tunnel, from the Tower of London to Bermondsey. Tyndall Effect Explained by British physicist, John Tyndall, who conducted research on colloids, leading to his discovery of what is now known as the Tyndall effect. He investigated the dispersion of light beams through colloidal suspensions. The perceived blue colour of the sky is a result of the Tyndall effect. Tyndall undertook extensive research into the nature of light, sound, and heat and also investigated the structure and development of glaciers. First all-metal bicycle patented (1870) 1871 Franco-Prussian war ends in German victory. . Wilhelm I crowned Emperor of Germany at the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. William I was Emperor of Germany from 1871 to 1888 and King of Prussia from 1861 to 1888. Wilhelm and the Prussian statesman Otto von Bismarck unified the German states under the Prussian crown in 1867 as the North German Confederation. Jan 1, The German Second Empire (1871 - 1918) was established at Versailles, France, following the unification of German states, with the king of Prussia as emperor and the architect of German unification, Otto van Bismarck, as chancellor. Under his leadership economic and military expansion led to Germany’s emergence as a major world power. Prince Otto Edward Leopold von Bismarck, aka The Iron Chancellor, a Prussian statesman, united the German states into one empire. Bismarck is noted for saying that the great problems of Germany would not be settled by speeches and resolutions but by “blood and iron”. "I am bored. The great things are done. The German Reich is made." Bismarck after the German unification of 1871 18 Jan , The German Second Empire, forged as a result of diplomacy rather than an outpouring of popular nationalist feeling, was founded on this date in the aftermath of three successful wars by the North German state of Prussia. 18 Mar, The Commune of Paris, which was an insurrection of Parisians against the French government, began, lasting until May 28. The Paris Commune was a short-lived French revolutionary government that took power in 1871 in the aftermath of the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War. With the government capitulating to the peace terms of the Prussians, and the victorious Prussian army encamped outside Paris, the city broke into revolt. The insurrection led to the establishment of a proletarian dictatorship and the election of a council, which came to be known as the Commune. The Communards, consisting of followers of the revolutionary socialist Auguste Blanqui, and of Pierre Proudhon, who had died in 1865, began to implement reforms to working conditions but were rapidly and ruthlessly crushed by government forces, who massacred over 20,000 citizens, while the Communards killed many of their hostages in retaliation. The Paris Commune had lasted barely two months, but it became an important symbol to revolutionary Communists. For Karl Marx, who analysed it in The Civil War in France, the Commune vindicated his ideas on the process of history, confirming revolution as a means to liberate the proletariat. British naturalist Charles Darwin caused a storm of controversy by publishing The Descent of Man (1871), in which he set out his theories on the evolution of human beings, and developed the theory of sexual selection as a means of organic change. This went further than his earlier work, On The Origin of Species, which had deliberately avoided the controversial issues relating to human evolution. 10 May, the Reichsland of Alsace-Lorraine, territory ceded to the German Empire in the Treaty of Frankfurt of 10 May 1871 following the Franco-Prussian war, was given a special status. Contrary to German hopes, the population of Alsace-Lorraine did not merge quickly with the new Empire November 10, Famous meeting between Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley, a New York Herald correspondent, at Ujiji, a small village on the shore of Lake Tanganyika and famously greeted him (at least according to his own journal) by saying "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" (which was tongue-in-cheek because Livingstone was the only white person for hundreds of miles). I would have run to him, only I was a coward in the presence of such a mob--would have embraced him, but that I did not know how he would receive me; so I did what moral cowardice and false pride suggested was the best thing--walked deliberately to him, took off my hat, and said: "DR. LIVINGSTONE, I PRESUME?" "Yes," said he, with a kind, cordial smile, lifting his cap slightly. (from How I Found Livingstone) In 1871 Stanley had started his expedition to East Africa. To Katie Gough-Roberts, a young woman living in Denbigh, he sent a number of letters, and planned to marry her after the journey. However, she married an architect. Although he was deserted by his bearers, plagued by disease and warring tribes but after he found Livingstone near Lake Tanganyika in Ujiji on November 10, 1871 they explored the northern end of Lake Tangayika - Richard Francis Burton claimed Lake Tangayika as the source of the River Nile. Livingstone had journeyed extensively in central and southern Africa from 1840 and fought to destroy the slave tradeStanley joined him in exploring the region, establishing for certain that there was no connection between Lake Tanganyika and the river Nile. On his return, he wrote a book about his experiences. May 13, With the Law of Guarantees (Legge Delle Guarentigie), the Italian government attempted to settle the question of its relationship with the Pope, who had been deprived of his lands in central Italy duringthe process of Italian national unification. May 21, the Commune of Paris revolted against the French national government under Adolphe Thiers, beginning a period of violence known as “Bloody Week.” Babbage produces a prototype section of the Analytical Engine's mill and printer.   The Royal Ethereal Research Establishment at Farnborough is opened. It is staffed bya collection of Government employed scientists and inventors researching all things Ethereal. It is also, however, a military establishment and as a result most of the employees hold a military commission of some kind, thus making it a potential background site for PC's wishing to combine military and scientific careers. First American pterosaur fossils discovered by Othniel Charles Marsh. "P. T. Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome"opens in Brooklyn, New York, , a traveling amalgamation of circus, menagerie and museum of "freaks". Phineas Taylor Barnum's (July 5, 1810 – April 7, 1891) circus by 1872 was billing itself as "The Greatest Show on Earth" went through a number of variants on these names: "P.T. Barnum's Travelling World's Fair, Great Roman Hippodrome and Greatest Show On Earth", and after an 1881 merger with James Bailey and James L. Hutchinson, "P.T. Barnum's Greatest Show On Earth, And The Great London Circus, Sanger's Royal British Menagerie and The Grand International Allied Shows United", soon shortened to "Barnum & London Circus". He and Bailey split up again in 1885, but came back together in 1888 with the "Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show On Earth", later "Barnum & Bailey Circus", which toured around the world. The show's primary attraction was Jumbo, an African elephant he purchased in 1882 from the London Zoo. October 8 and 9, fire destroys 3.5 square miles of Chicago. Jesse James robs his first passenger train Italian unification (called in Italian the Risorgimento, or "Resurgence") was the political and social process that unified disparate states of the Italian peninsula into the single nation of Italy. It is difficult to pin down exact dates for the beginning and end of Italian reunification, but most scholars agree that it began with the end of Napoleonic rule and the Congress of Vienna in 1815, and largely ended with the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, though the last "città irredente" did not join the Kingdom of Italy until the Treaty of Saint-Germain after World War I. 1872 First British foothold on Mars with the establishment of the Permanent British Quarter in Parhoon. France passes law of Universal Service. (Draft) March 1, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill into law that created Yellowstone National Park. 1873 Edison loses patent suit against Armstrong Ether Flyer Company. Both firms compete vigorously in design and construction of spacecraft. The Home Rule League was one of the organizations that campaigned for Ireland’s legislative independence from the United Kingdom. In particular, it sought to secure an Irish parliament that would be answerable to Westminster on imperial matters only. After much British pressure, Sultan Barghash of Zanzibar agrees to halt the slave trade in East Africa. 1873 - 1874 James Starley Invents Early Bicycle. James Starley, British inventor, is best known for his development of the early bicycle. His bicycle, using steel-rimmed wheels with solid rubber tyres, was patented in 1869. Starley developed the geared bicycle, producing a machine that incorporated most of the design features of what has become known as the high-wheel bicycle. David Livingstone died in 1873 on the Shores of Lake Bagweulu. His body was shipped back to England and buried in Westminster Abbey - Henry Morton Stanley was one of the pall-bearers. Central Park in New York is completed. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, both of whom later created Brooklyn's Prospect Park. While much of the park looks natural, it is in fact almost entirely landscaped and contains several artificial lakes, extensive walking tracks, two ice-skating rinks, a wildlife sanctuary, and grassy areas used for various sporting pursuits, as well as playgrounds for children. The park is a popular oasis for migrating birds, and thus is popular with bird watchers. The park was not part of the Commissioners' Plan of 1811. However, between 1821 and 1855, New York City nearly quadrupled in population. As the city expanded, people were drawn to the few open spaces, mainly cemeteries, to get away from the noise and chaotic life in the city. Before long, however, New York City's need for a great public park was voiced by the poet and editor of the then-Evening Post (now the New York Post), William Cullen Bryant, and by the first American landscape architect, Andrew Jackson Downing, who began to publicize the city's need for a public park in 1844. A stylish place for open-air driving, like the Bois de Boulogne in Paris or London's Hyde Park, was felt to be needed by many influential New Yorkers, and in 1853 the New York legislature designated a 700 acre (2.8 km²) area from 59th to 106th Streets for the creation of the park, to a cost of more than US$5 million for the land alone. The first French scientific expedition to Mars, led by Dr. Claude Massigny, lands near Idaeus Fons and establishes friendly relations with it's ruler King Lotmar. 1874 Armstrong expedition to Venus fails to return. Benjamin Disraeli took office as British Prime minister. Belgians and French establish enclaves on Mars. The first ice-cream soda sold. 1875 Collingswood Expedition to Venus fails to return. France establishes the "Ecole Superieure de Guerre", The War College. July First flight of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin's Luft Zeppelin LZ-1 rigid airship Edison discovers "Etheric Force," an electric phenomenon that is the foundation of wireless telegraphy. Lapworth identifies the Ordovician System. The Ordovician System was proposed by Charles Lapworth in 1879 as a compromise to resolve the conflict between Adam Sedgwick and Roderick Murchison over the interval of overlap of their Cambrian and Silurian systems. The Ordovician System was based on fossiliferous rock units (Arenig, Bala, Llandeilo, and Caradoc) long-established in Wales and the Welsh Borderlands, and by 1900 it was widely used in Britain and elsewhere in the world. However, as late as 1976 (Williams et al, 1976), the upper and lower boundaries of the system were subject to substantially different interpretations among Ordovician stratigraphers, and, over time, the traditional British Ordovician series were revised substantially (Fortey et al, 1995). Although the British series became the lingua franca for global correlation, such correlation was greatly hindered by the high level of biogeographic and ecologic differentiation of Ordovician biotas. Accordingly, regional series and stages were established for Ordovician successions on many different paleoplates. Britain buys the Suez canal. The prime minister Benjamin Disraeli had long been interested in buying part of the Suez for Britain, but so were several other countries. The biggest opposition would come from the French shareholders, but the French knew something that nobody else did. They knew that the Khedive had spent the country's surplus money and needed cash fast. The Khedive had decided that if someone were to offer, he would sell his 177.2 shares of the Suez Canal Company. Since the French didn't think anybody else knew, they took their time raising the money. They did not know that Disraeli was a friend to the world's largest banker at the time, Baron Lionel de Rothschild. Rothschild knew of the Khedive's financial state and when Disraeli asked about it, he told. Disraeli then also asked if he could get a loan for 4 million British pounds to buy the shares, and Rothschild agreed. He immediately sent a courier to propose the buy to the Khedive. French, Turkish, and Russian spies all discovered this information and sent their own people but it was too late. Disraeli had already bought the Khedive's shares. He then convinced the Queen and Parliament to pay off his debt to Rothschild. Sir Henry Morton Stanley, also known in the Congo as Bula Matari (Breaker of Rocks or, alternatively, Sledge Hammer) , born John Rowlands (January 28, 1841 – May 10, 1904), meets with Kabaka (King) Mutesa I of the Buganda Kingdom and then goes to explore the region around Lake Victoria. Ferdinand de Lesseps made his first public declaration of interest in an interoceanic canal. President Ulysses Grant vetoes a bill protecting buffalo and other wildlife. The Channel Tunnel. There had been numerous proposals for a tunnel under the channel throughout the 19th Century including one by Napoleon, but the first serious attempt to build a tunnel came with an Act of Parliament in 1875 authorising the Channel Tunnel Company Ltd. to start preliminary trials. This was an Anglo French project with a simultaneous Act of Parliament in France. The first expeditions of the Belgians was led by Henry Morton Stanley to "prove that the Congo natives were susceptible of civilization and that the Congo basin was rich enough to repay exploitation". Stanley's revelation of the commercial possibilities of the region resulted in the setting up of a large trading venture and led to the founding of the Congo Free State in 1885. The first Martian expeditions of the Belgians were also led by Henry Morton Stanley to "prove that the Coprates natives were susceptible of civilization and that the Coprates valley was rich enough to repay exploitation". Stanley's revelation of the commercial possibilities of the region resulted in the setting up of a large trading venture and led to frequent native rebellions in 1882 as well as the founding of the Upper Coprates State in 1885. While David Livingstone combined geographical, religious, commercial, and humanitarian goals in his exploration journeys, Stanley created the direct link between exploration and colonization, especially in the service of Leopold II of Belgium. Stanley represented Leopold in signing treaties with bewildered Martian chiefs. Leopold II's ruthless exploitation of the natural resources of the Congo ("the rubber atrocities") and Coprates were protested by the international community and the Belgian parliament eventually forced the king to give up personal control of the regions. 1876 February 2, The National League, the oldest existing major-league professional baseball organization in the United States, began play as the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs. Queen Victoria proclaimed Emperess of India. March 10, Alexander Graham Bell Invents the Telephone. Alexander Graham Bell, a British-born American inventor, is famed for his invention of the telephone as a means of transmitting speech. He successfully tested his design for the telephone on March 10, 1876, when he managed to transmit a complete sentence. The following year he founded the Bell Telephone Company to exploit commercially and further develop the invention. Bell also invented the audiometer, the induction balance, and the wax recording cylinder, a forerunner of the gramophone. Alexander Graham Bell constructed this prototype telephone consisting of a coil of wire, a magnetic arm and a taut membrane. Any sound causes the membrane, and hence the magnetic arm, to vibrate. The movement of the magnet induces a fluctuating electric current in the coil. This electrical signal can be reconverted into sound by an identical apparatus at the other end of the circuit. May 26, The Challenger Expedition, a groundbreaking oceanographic exploration cruise carried out by the British Admiralty and the Royal Society, concluded successfully. June 25th, General George Armstrong Custer and his entire command are wiped out at the battle of the Little Big Horn. Robert Koch obtains pure cultures of the anthrax bacillus and transmits the disease to laboratory animals; the first time a germ is definitively proven to cause a disease. The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland is founded. Cyclone in Bangladesh kills an estimated 215,000. The British Royal Society expedition to Mercury, led by Sir Basil Throckmorton planted the British flag for the first time on Mercury. Root beer mass produced for public sale for the first time. Start of three year drought and famine in China; an estimated 9 million people die from its effects. In 1876, The English explorer Sir Henry Wickham (May 29, 1846 – September 27, 1928), at the request of the India Office, collected and shipped from the Portugese controlled Santarém area of Brazil 70,000 seeds from the wild rubber tree ( Hevea brasiliensis). These were rushed to Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew in London and planted in specially prepared hot-houses. The small number, which survived and became seedlings, were taken in 1877 to Ceylon and later to Malaysia and other countries of South-east Asia allowing the establishment of a British controlled Rubber industry. Rubber plantations in Asia were much more efficient and outproduced Brazil. This was because the Asian rubber plantations were organized and well suited for production on a commercial scale whereas in Brazil the process of latex gathering from forest trees remained a difficult extractive process: rubber tappers worked natural rubber groves in the southern Amazon forest, and rubber tree densities were almost always low, as a consequence of high natural forest diversity. Moreover, experiments in cultivating rubber trees in plantations in the Amazon showed them to be vulnerable to South American rubber tree leaf blight fungus and other diseases and pests. Thus Wickham has been accused of dooming the Amazonian rubber boom. In fact, in Brazil, Wickham is labeled as a "bio-pirate" for his role in stealing the rubber seeds that broke the Brazilian monopoly. In 1876, no Brazilian law would have prevented Wickham's collection of the seeds, but it is believed by many that he may have misrepresented his cargo as dead botanical material destined for the herbarium in order to obtain an export license in Belém. 1877 London Times Venus rescue expedition fails to return. Thomas Edison invents the phonograph. This was Edison's favorite invention. He sponsored the Edison Phonograph Polka to help popularize the new device. The first reproduced phrase, “hello,” was recorded on a telephone repeater, but Edison invented the more sophisticated phonograph (record player) the same year. Sound passed through the horn (not shown) into the central mouthpiece. This caused a diaphragm to vibrate. The diaphragm’s stylus created indentations on a thin sheet of tinfoil that was wrapped around a revolving drum. The device was arranged so that a second stylus and diaphragm could be attached to play back the recording. After the development of Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism, several experiments were performed to prove the existence of ether and its motion relative to the Earth. The most famous and successful was the one now known as the Michelson-Morley experiment , performed by Albert Michelson (1852-1931) and Edward Morley (1838-1923) in 1887. It had long been posited that the ether filled the whole universe and was a stationary frame of reference, which was rigid to electromagnetic waves but completely permeable to matter. Hooke endorsed the idea of the existence of the ether in his work Micrographia (1665), and several other philosophers of the 17th century, including Huygens, did the same. At the time of Maxwell's mathematical studies of electromagnetism, ether was believed to be the propagation medium and was imbued with physics properties such as permeability and permittivity. From this theory it follows that it should appear to be moving from the perspective of an observer on the sun-orbiting Earth. As a result, light would sometimes travel in the same direction of the ether, and others times in the opposite direction. Thus, the idea was to measure the speed of light in different directions in order to measure speed of the ether relative to Earth. Michelson and Morley built a Michelson interferometer, which essentially consists of a light source, a half-silvered glass plate, two mirrors, and a telescope. The mirrors are placed at right angles to each other and at equal distance from the glass plate, which is obliquely oriented at an angle of 45° relative to the two mirrors. In the original device, the mirrors were mounted on a rigid base that rotates freely on a basin filled with liquid mercury in order to reduce friction. Michelson and Morley were able to measure the speed of light by looking for interference fringes between the light which had passed through the two perpendicular arms of their apparatus. These would occur since the light would travel faster along an arm if oriented in the "same" direction as the ether was moving, and slower if oriented in the opposite direction. Since the two arms were perpendicular, the only way that light would travel at the same speed in both arms and therefore arrive simultaneous at the telescope would be if the instrument were motionless with respect to the ether. If not, the crests and troughs of the light waves in the two arms would arrive and interfere slightly out of synchronization, producing a diminution of intensity. The British Royal Society's 2nd expedition to Mercury, led by Sir Basil Throckmorton drove deep into the Forbidding Desert on a specially insulated Mercurian exploratory aerial flyer, claiming vast tracts of land along the equator for the British Empire. 14 July, As anti-Terran sentiment grows amongst the Martian population of Idaeus Fons, riots break out when a mob of Martians attacked a Bastille Day celebration. Six Frenchmen died in the fighting, and much property was damaged. Tje French Consul demanded a full apology and reparations from the King. When he refused, the French declared war. November, Five French regiments landed, near Idaeus Fons on Mars, and shattered the city's army in three battles. The French compelled King Lotmar to step down in favour of his nephew Akvan. Several nobles were imprisoned and their lands turned over to the French as compensation. In 1877 Stanley made the first complete traverse of the Iruri River, whose waters flow some 800 miles before joining the Congo in the vicinity of present-day Kisangani. By the time he abandoned the river to go directly for Lake Edward, fifty-two of his men were so crippled by leg ulcers and malnutrition, that he had to leave them on the riverbank at a place he named Starvation Camp. First British Protestant missionaries arrive in the Buganda Kingdom and begin converting the Africans to their brand of Christianity. "Granola" introduced by James Harvey Kellogg, renamed to avoid being sued by Jackson. Kellogg incorporated a rolling process to flake the grain, making it more edible. 1878 German Ether Dirigible lands on Venus and discovers fate of the first three expeditions. Swan and Edison Independently Invent the Light Bulb. Joseph Swan, a British chemist and inventor, and Thomas Alva Edison, an American inventor, are credited with the invention of the electric light bulb, in 1878 and 1879 respectively. Swan constructed a light bulb by using carbon wire within a vacuum bulb; Edison produced the same invention a year later, but filed a patent. Edison sued Swan, believing him to have copied his idea. As part of the settlement of the action, they formed the Edison and Swan United Electric Light Company in 1883. March 3, The Preliminary Treaty of San Stefano was a treaty between Russia and the Ottoman Empire signed at the end of the Russo-Turkish War, 1877–78. It was signed at San Stefano (now Yes,ilköy), a village west of Istanbul, by Count Nicholas Pavlovich Ignatiev and Alexander Nelidov on behalf of the Russian Empire and Foreign Minister Safvet Pasha and Ambassador to Germany Sadullah Bey on behalf of the Ottoman Empire. 3 March, the day the Treaty of San Stefano was signed, is the national holiday of the Republic of Bulgaria King Lotmar, deposed ruler of Idaeus Fons, signed a treaty accepting French military protection and guidance in foreign affairs. Seperate courts for French citizens are set up, and a reduced tariff was set uo for goods brought in on French ether flyers. April 8, the Criminal Investigation Department of the Metropolitan Police was founded by Howard Vincent. He was replaced by James Monro in 1884 and in 1888 Robert Anderson took charge after Monro's resignation. Initially Vincent was directly responsible to the Home Secretary, but since 1888 the CID has come under the authority of the Commissioner. Vincent inherited a small body of detectives in Scotland Yard, with others in the Divisions under the command of Divisional Superintendents. His new Department proposed for the first time the formal establishment of permanent Divisional Detective sections who would liaise with the central Branch at Scotland Yard. The 60 Divisional Detective patrols and 20 Special Patrols commanded by 159 sergeants and 15 Detective Inspectors would be an improvement on the occasional plain clothes or 'winter patrols' of two working on a monthly shift system in the Divisions. At Scotland Yard the old Detective Branch was remodelled with one Superintendent (Williamson) commanding 3 Chief Inspectors and 20 Inspectors, and an office staff of six Sergeants and constables. The CID were paid slightly more than uniformed police, and could also claim a number of allowances. In 1883 Vincent set up the Special Irish Branch, which, as Special Branch, would become the first of the specialized squads and units spun off from the CID. June 13-July 13, The Treaty of Berlin was the final Act of the Congress of Berlin, by which the United Kingdom, Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the Ottoman government under Sultan Hamid revised the Treaty of San Stefano signed on March 3 of the same year. The Treaty provided for an autonomous Bulgarian principality comprising Moesia and the region of Sofia. Most of Thrace was included in the autonomous region of Eastern Rumelia, whereas the rest of Thrace along with the whole of Macedonia was returned under the sovereignty of the Ottomans. British forces marched through the Khyber Pass to launch an offensive against the Afghans in the Second Afghan War (1878-79). It was at Ali Masjid that Sir Neville Chamberlains friendly mission to the amir Shere Ali was stopped in 1878, thus causing the second Afghan War; and on the outbreak of that war Ali Masjid was captured by Sir Samuel Browne; The treaty which closed the war in May 1879 left the Khyber tribes under British control. From that time the pass was protected by jezailchis drawn from the Afridi tribe, who were paid a subsidy by the British government. September 12, Cleopatra's Needle erected on the north bank of the River Thames at Victoria Embankment in London. This ancient Egyptian obelisk had been given to Britain by the Turkish Viceroy of Egypt, Mohammed Ali, in 1819, although it was not until 1877, when engineer John Dixon built an iron cylindrical pontoon to tow it out to sea, that it arrived in Britain, where it was erected on the north bank of the River Thames at Victoria Embankment, London. It is now believed that Cleopatra’s Needle was originally erected at Heliopolis in Egypt around 1475 BC. The first Diplodocus skeleton is found at Como Bluff, Wyoming. A German expedition spends six months exploring the Mercurian World river. In 1878 representatives of the Colonial Office, the Royal Navy, the Royal Mail and the Army met at the Prince Consort's Library in Aldershot, to discuss the growing problem of communications between the Red Planet and Earth. All four institutions recognised the need for a fast, secure and regular method of communication and personnel transfer between the two planets. After a few days of consultations, in an uncommon show of inter-service unity they devised the Ether Dispatch Service. This service was to consist of a large number of small, but very fast, Ether Flyers shuttling between Earth and Mars. So acute was the need for this service that within the year the necessary budgets had been found and Her Majesty had given the service its Royal Charter as well. First modern bathymetric map completed after studies in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. In 1878, Stanley (who had found Livingstone some years earlier) visited Mombasa and flew to Lake Victoria in an aerial flyer, circumnavigating Lake Victoria from the air. 1879 January 11, Anglo-Zulu War broke out between Britain and the Zulus, and signalled the end of the Zulus as an independent nation. It had complex beginnings, some bad decisions and bloody battles that caused the British to engage earlier than they intended, but played out a common story of colonialism. Warburton has controlled the Khyber, and for the greater part of that time secured its safety. 1 May, the first of the Town Class of Ether Dispatch Flyers, the Farnborough, was launched from Her Majesty's Ether Dispatch Service's newly built shipyard, cum Headquarters, next to the Royal Ethereal Research Establishment in Farnborough. Under the command of the newly promoted Admiral Sefton Inwood, Her Majesty's Ether Dispatch Flyer Farnborough, completed her 10 days of trials without a hitch , and began her maiden flight to Mars. This was completed in 43 days, a new record as the Farnborough achieved her designed average speed of 5 million miles per day. Inspired by the success of the Farnborough's first flight she was joined within the year by her sister Flyers, the Aldershot and the Portsmouth. April 3, Sofia, liberated from the Ottoman Empire by Russian troops, was named the capital of Bulgaria. The British constructed a road through the Khyber Pass. A revolt flared up on the frontier region and the valleys of Khyber started vibrating with the echoes of war. British forces occupy Khyber Pass. From 1879 onward, Colonel R. April 29, Alexander Joseph of Battenberg (April 5, 1857 - November 17, 1893) elected Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria, reigned from April 29, 1879 to September 7, 1886). July 4, The Battle of Ulundi, South Africa took place at the Zulu capital of Ulundi and proved to be the decisive battle that finally broke the military power of the Zulu nation. 3rd September, British legation in Kabul massacred. Lieutenant Walter Hamilton, an Irishman of 22 years, was awarded the Victoria Cross and, with the ending of the first phase of the war, given command of the small party of Queen’s Own Guides Cavalry and Infantry that escorted Cavagnari to Kabul. On 3rd September 1879 mutinous Afghan troops from the Herati regiments, scorning their western colleagues who had lost the war to the British and Indians, stormed the Residency in the Bala Hissar in Kabul and killed Cavagnari and his escort of Guides after a ferocious battle. Hamilton is commemorated by a statue in Dublin. Germany declares Alsace-Lorraine to be an integral part of the German Empire. Central administration was transferred to Strasbourg and placed in the hands of an imperial governor-general instead of the chancellor of the Reich. Oct 7, The Dual Alliance is struck between Germany and Austria-Hungary. Not enthusiastic about the alliance and feeling it may offend the Russia that had stood by Prussia, Wilhelm I commented upon signing: "Thinking of what it means I feel like a traitor." Radical Egyptian elements depose Ismail, the Khedive of Egypt. He is succeeded by Tewfik. The French Panama Canal Company is organized and headed by Ferdinand de Lesseps. Ute Indian Uprising at the White River agency in 1879 in which Indian agent Nathan Meeker and other agency employees were murdered, his wife and daughter and another woman, abducted. This "incident," as the contemporary Utes called it, provided the excuse for Governor Frederick Pitkin and other prominent Denver citizens to demand removal of the Utes from Colorado. "The Utes must go," was their rallying cry. What provoked the White River Utes to take up arms was that Meeker, a sincere but unwise Fourierien socialist, he was the principal founder of the Union Colony at Greeley, pushed the Indians too far in his zeal to make model farmers out of these nomadic, horse-loving Indians. The last straw came when Meeker plowed up Ute Johnson's pony pasture and racetrack in Powell Park near the agency headquarters (west of the town of Meeker) as a punitive act to show who was boss. A committee investigates the feasibility of completing the Analytical Engine and concludes that it is possible even now that Babbage is dead. The project is completed by Imperial Business Machines (IBM). King Leopold II or Belgium hired the famous explorer Henry Morton Stanley to establish a colony in the Congo region. October 21, the first successful test of Edison's carbon filament based incandescent light bulb or incandescent lamp, ; it lasted 13.5 hours). Thomas Edison discovers incandescent light which is a source of artificial light that works by incandescence, in which an electric current passes through a thin filament, heating it and causing it to emit light. The "bulb" is the glass enclosure around the filament that often contains a vacuum or is filled with a low-pressure noble gas to prevent the filament from burning out due to evaporation at the high temperature., radically improving dynamos and generators, discovers a system of distribution, regulation, and measurement of electric current-switches, fuses, sockets, and meters. Sir Basil Throckmorton's Third Expedition to Mercury circumnavigated the planet by following the course of the World River in his aerial flyer. The expedition also undertook several side trips into the frigidity of the Dark Side. Louis Pasteur grows the fowl cholera bacillus in culture. Returning to his Paris laboratory after a vacation, he inoculates chickens with the aged culture and discovers that the weakened bacillus does not cause disease and that it creates immunity in the chickens to more virulent strains of cholera.. 28 December 1879, The Tay Bridge Disaster. When the first Tay Rail Bridge, which crossed the Firth of Tay between Dundee and Wormit in Scotland, collapsed during a violent storm while a train was passing over it. The bridge was designed by the noted railway engineer Sir Thomas Bouch, using a lattice grid that combined wrought and cast iron. During a violent storm on the evening of 28 December 1879, the centre section of the bridge, known as the "High Girders", collapsed, taking with it a train that was running on its single track. All 75 people on the train were killed. The total number was only established by a meticulous examination of ticket sales, some from as far away as King's Cross.Of the 60 known victims, only 46 were found, with two bodies not being recovered until February 1880. 1880 1880 - 1900 Scramble for Africa and the planets Name given to the division of Africa, Mars, Venus and mercury into spheres of influence by the European powers—notably Great Britain, Germany, France, Belgium, and Portugal—and the formalization of the colonization of these areas. The Berlin Conference had been called in 1884 to define the spheres of influence of the European powers, and set the rules for the further colonization of Earth and the Solar System. The Berlin Act of 1885 introduced the doctrine of effective occupation. On the first day of the new year of 1880, on board a steam launch standing of the mouth of the Rio Grande, de Lesseps young daughter Fernanda dug the first shovel of sand into a champagebox and the Panama Canal was symbolically begun. Edison continued to improve his incandescent lamp design and by 1880 had the patent for a lamp that could last over 1200 hours using a carbonized bamboo filament. Edison and his team did not find this commercially viable filament until more than 6 months after Edison filed the patent application. Germany establishes first colony on Venus. Disraeli steps down as British Prime minister and is succeeded by Gladstone. Second War of the Parhoon Succession results in establishment of a British crown colony on Mars. Princess Christina Station established by Great Britain on Mercury. Situated at the Mercurian North Pole, its scientists study the Sun and the local Mercurian environment. This small outpost of the British Empire is home to a faculty of 20 scientists, 50 servants and workers, six government officials, and a score of Royal Marines. Royal Navy ether flyers call on the outpost at irregular intervals, and a supply ship delivers equipment, provisions, and mail every six months. Since the establishment of Princess Christiana Station the British Royal Society has supported a number of small expeditions of scientific and economic importance within 1,000 miles of the Mercurian North Pole. France annexes Tahiti. Pacific War breaks out: Chile vs. Peru and Bolivia. Drags on into 1884. Boers of Transvaal declare their independence from Britain. A republic is established with Krueger as president. Garfield elected President of the United States. Carnegie develops the first large steel furnance. Electricity replaces gaslights on New York streets. Heidelberg expedition returns from Venus. First Russian expedition lands on Venus. First Italian expedition lands on Venus. The Great Indian Peninsula railway network has a route mileage of about 14,500 km (9,000 miles), mostly radiating inward from the three major port cities of Bombay, Madras and Calcutta. Canned fruits and meats widely available for the first time in stores. Channel Tunnel, under the direction of Sir Edward Watkin, Chairman of the South Eastern Railway, a new shaft (No. 1 shaft) was sunk at Abbot's Cliff, between Dover and Folkestone with a horizontal gallery being driven along the cliff, 10 feet above the high water mark. This seven foot diameter pilot tunnel was eventually to be enlarged to standard gauge with a connection to the South Eastern Railway. Fu Manchu puts into motion his grandiose plot to falsify scientists' deaths & conscript them into his service; he will continue to use these methods for at least sixty years. Thomas Edison discovers the "Edison Effect," the fundamental principle of electronics. Airborne cameras placed onaerial flyers, kites and Ether Flyers. John Milne invents the modern seismograph for measuring earthquakes waves. December 16, the First Boer War also known as the Transvaal War, was fought from 1880 until March 23, 1881. It was the first clash between the British and the Transvaal Boers. It was precipitated by Sir Theophilus Shepstone who annexed the South African Republic (Transvaal Republic) for the British in 1877. The British consolidated their power over most of the colonies of South Africa in 1879 after the Anglo-Zulu War. The Boers protested and in December 1880 they revolted. The war began on December 16, 1880 with shots fired by Transvaal Boers at Potchefstroom after Transvaal formally declared independence from Great Britain. It led to the action at Bronkhorstspruit on December 20 1880, where the Boers ambushed and destroyed a British army convoy. From December 22 1880 to January 6 1881, British army garrisons all over the Transvaal became besieged. The Boers were dressed in their everyday farming clothes, which were a neutral or earthtone khaki clothing, whereas the British uniforms were still bright scarlet red, a stark contrast to the African landscape, which enabled the Boers, being expert marksmen, to easily snipe at British troops from a distance. 1881 By the end of January 1881, the first group of French engineers of the Compagnie Universelle du Canal Interoceanique arrived at Colon and the great task of construction commenced. In the years to follow men and machinery poured into Panama to confront the geographical obstacles of the Isthmus: the backbone of the continental divide at the Culebra Cut and the mighty Chagres river.At this time the French stood at the pinnacle of 19th century engineering. Their finest engineers and machinery were sent to work. For 8 years a valiant and determined effort was made on the isthmus. The climate, with its torrential rains, incessant heat and fatal disease, took its toll. Financial mismanagement, stock failure and bad publicity eventually forced the failure of the company. January 28, the Boers of the Transvaal repulse the British at Laing's Nek and inflict a stunning defeat on them at Majuba Hill. Laing's Nek is a pass in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains on the Newcastle–Standerton road in Natal, South Africa where the British were attempting to fight their way through the Drakensberg range to relieve their besieged garrisons in the Transvaal. The British Natal Field Force, commanded by Major-General Sir George Pomeroy Colley, numbered around 1,216 officers and men, including about 150 cavalry of the Mounted Squadron. The Boers, under the command of Commandant-General Joubert had about 2,000 men in the area, with at least 400 fortifying the heights around Laing's Nek. The battle began at around 9:25 hours with a heavy bombardment with four 9-pound guns and two 7-pound guns of the British Naval Brigade pounding the Boer positions on Table Mountain. Ten minutes later, the main British force, made up of the 58th Regiment, went forward and had difficulty advancing over the broken ground towards the summit. Further down the line, the Mounted Squadron made a charge against the Boer positions on nearby Brownlow's Kop. But, on reaching the summit, the British cavalry were fired upon by a line of entrenched Boers on the reverse slope and suffered many casualties, forcing them to withdraw. By 10:30, with their threat to their flank removed, the Boers moved to attack the 58th Regiment still advancing on Table Mountain where at 11:00, at reaching the top of the summit, the British were fired upon by concealed Boers in trenches just 160 yards away and suffered even more casualties, including both commanding officers, Major Hingeston and Colonel Deane being killed. While this was happening, a small party of Boers actually advanced from their positions on the lower slopes of nearby Majuba Hill and engaged the Naval Brigade near the British camp at Mount Prospect. Return rifle fire from the British kept the Boers back. By 11:10, two companies of the 3/60th Rifles moves up Table Mountain to cover the retreat of the 58th Regiment and by noon, the battle was over. The British lost 84 killed, 113 wounded, and 2 captured during what was perceived as a fiasco. Most of the casualties were in the 58th Regiment with 74 killed and 101 wounded, around 35% of their total strength. The Boers reported their losses at 14 killed and 27 wounded. April 5, in the Treaty of Pretoria, Britain recognizes the independent Transvaal Republic. HMS Aphid launched at Syrtis Major. Channel Tunnel, after Welsh miners had bored 800 feet of No 1 shaft shaft, a second shaft (No 2) was begun at Shakespeare Cliff in February 1881. This tunnel was started under the foreshore heading towards a mid channel meeting with the French pilot tunnel. Both tunnels were bored using a compressed air boring machine invented and built by Colonel Fredrick Beaumont MP. Beaumont had been involved with the Channel Tunnel Company since 1874 and had successfully bored a number of tunnels without the use of explosives and 3 ½ times faster than manual labour. It was not however Beaumont's boring machine that was used. Captain Thomas English of Dartford, Kent patented a far superior rotary boring machine in 1880 capable of cutting nearly half a mile a month and it was this not Beaumont's machine that was used for tunnelling under the channel. The tunnel was credited to Beaumont in 'The Engineer' magazine and despite letters of protest from English the editor refused to correct the mistake and Beaumont did nothing to clarify the situation. The Channel Tunnel Company expected the pilot tunnel to be completed by 1886. Sir Edward Watkin applied to the government for public funds to complete the 11 mile section to meet the French mid channel. These funds were not forthcoming so Sir Edward formed a new company, The Submarine Continental Railway Company that took over the shafts and headings from the South Eastern Railway in 1882. The company prepared a new Bill to put before Parliament but by now the government were getting worried about the military implications of a link to Europe and a new military commission heard evidence from Lieutenant General Sir Garnet Wolseley that the tunnel might be "calamitous for England", he added that "No matter what fortifications and defences were built, there would always be the peril of some continental army seizing the tunnel exit by surprise." However, assurances from Sir Edward that the defence against invasion was adequate by flooding the tunnel, cutting of the ventilation and forcing smoke into the tunnel and cutting the cables on the lifts in the shaft thereby trapping any invader at the bottom, the commission was convinced. March 13, Tsar Alexander II assassinated in St. Petersburg by Ignacy Hryniewiecki after Nikolai Rysakov had attempted the assassination but missed the tsar. A third bomber in the crowd, Ivan Emelyanov stood ready, clutching a briefcase containing a bomb that would be used if the other two bombs, and bombers, failed. Sherlock Holmes meets Dr. John H. Watson and the pair take up residence in Baker Street. Flogging abolished in the British Army and Navy. July 2, U.S. President James A. Garfield was shot. Hedied several weeks later on September 19, Chester Arthur succeeds him. The Bey of Tunis accepts status as a French protectorate. The first political parties are formed in Japan. Serbia forms an alliance with Austria to strengthen the government's hand against internal unrest. The Three Emperor's League is formed. The first cola-flavored beverage introduced for sale in the USA. 1882 March 19 (Saint Joseph day), Bishop Mr. Urquinaona placed the foundation stone of the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona.Prince Milan Obrenovich of Serbia proclaims himself king. March 24, Robert Koch announced in Berlin that he had isolated and grown the tubercle bacillus, which he believed to be the cause of all forms of tuberculosis. Triple Alliance formed between Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary. First German colonial governor takes residence at Venusstadt. 1882 British Occupation of Egypt. During the summer, an international conference of the European powers met in Istanbul, but no agreement was reached. The Ottoman sultan Abdul Hamid boycotted the conference and refused to send troops to Egypt. Eventually, Britain decided to act alone. The French withdrew their naval squadron from Alexandria, and in 25 April, French forces under Captain Henri Rivière seized the citadel of Hanoi, the capital of Tonkin. Rivière was killed while clearing Black Flags from the Red River delta in the spring of 1883, provoking a groundswell of pro-war sentiment in France. 20 May, The Triple Alliance is signed between Italy, Austria-Hungary, and Germany with the express purpose of stopping Italy from attacking Austria-Hungary in the event of war with Russia. June 18, Bismarck's Russian Reinsurance Treaty is signed with Russia was an attempt to avoid the seemingly inevitable war between Austria-Hungary and Russia. July 1882, the British fleet began bombarding Alexandria. Following the burning of Alexandria and its occupation by British marines, the British installed the khedive in the Ras at Tin Palace. The khedive obligingly declared Urabi a rebel and deprived him of his political rights. Urabi in turn obtained a religious ruling, a fatwa, signed by three Al Azhar shaykhs, deposing Tawfiq as a traitor who brought about the foreign occupation of his country and betrayed his religion. Urabi also ordered general conscription and declared war on Britain. Thus, as the British army was about to land in August, Egypt had two leaders: the khedive, whose authority was confined to British-controlled Alexandria, and Urabi, who was in full control of Cairo and the provinces. In August Sir Garnet Wolsley and an army of 20,000 invaded the Suez Canal Zone. Wolsley was authorized to crush the Urabi forces and clear the country of rebels. The decisive battle was fought at Al-Tall al-Kabir (September 13, 1882). 25 June, Frederick Gustavus Burnaby became the first man to cross the English Channel in a steam-powered aerial vessel, the Vivian. September 13, The Urabi forces were routed and the capital captured. The nominal authority of the khedive was restored, and the British occupation of Egypt, which was to last for seventy-two years, had begun. Urabi was captured, and he and his associates were put on trial. An Egyptian court sentenced Urabi to death, but through British intervention the sentence was commuted to banishment to Ceylon. Britain's military intervention in 1882 and its extended, if attenuated, occupation of the country left a legacy of bitterness among the Egyptians that would not be expunged until 1956 when British troops were finally removed from the country. September 13, British Field Marshal Garnet Joseph Wolseley, 1st Viscount Wolseley, completed hismost brilliant campaign which involved seizing the Suez Canal and, after a night march, surprising and defeating 'Urabi Pasha at Al-Tall al-Kabir (September 13, 1882). September 14, British troops lead by General Wolseley reach and occupy Cairo, Egypt. Meepsoor and Moeris Lacus accept status as British protectorates. Belgian legion involved in frequent fighting in the Coprates Valley on Mars. Bank of Japan founded. Paul Krueger elected president of the South African Republic. French troops control Tunis. Russian intervention in Hecates Lacus civil war leads to Treaty of Cebrenia recognizing Russia's "special interests" in the region. The treaty allows Russia to take it's first step towards establishing a Martian colony. The treaty established spheres of influence on Mars, dividing the planet between the European powers. The Tsar, eager to enjoy the benefits of Martian trade, and looking for a place even more remote than Siberia to send enemies of the state, sent envoys to the city of Hecate Lacus immediately after the treaty went into effect and a Russian colony is established in the city soon after. British fight aerial campaign to supress pirates in the Aerian Hills of Mars.During this campaign the term"Red Captain" first gained widespread usage. Because a number of European aerial flyer captain with their own vessels, mostly merchant ships, who were operating in the area of the British colony were issued letters of marque and reprisal (letter of marque for short) by the colonial governor in Syrtis Major. This action was taken as a cheap means of supplementing the small aerial squadron then available to Britain on Mars. In addition to the letters of marque the colonial governor also made available a number of surplus guns to arm the Red Captains' merchant ships. The term "Red Captain" was originally coined by the Aerian pirates to refer to these European privateers that fought against them. Although now the term has come to mean any Earthman who captains his own ship and who is, or has been, engaged as a privateer. These days most Red Captains fly dedicated fighting vessels, that may occaisionally haul cargo to pay the bills between wars, rather than the original converted merchantmen supplementing their income. Rebellion in the Sudan grows. May 24, in a brilliant feat of 19th-century engineering, the Brooklyn Bridge, designed by civil engineer John Augustus Roebling, spanning the East River from Brooklyn to Manhattan Island in New York City—opened this day in 1883. June 5, The "Orient Express" (Paris to Istanbul railroad) makes its first run. August 25, the Hué treaty, ceding Tonkin to France as a protectorate, was signed between the Emperor of Annam and France. China rejected this treaty, and moved forces into Tonkin province. Although neither China nor France declared war on the other, combat operations began in the autumn of 1883. French riverine forces seized the citadels of Bac Ninh, Son Tay and Tuyen Quang. August 26- August 27, The volcanic island of Krakatau, situated in south-western Indonesia in the Sunda Strait, was almost completely destroyed by a volcanic eruption on August 26-27, 1883. The volcanic activity had been strong since May of that year. The earthquake resulted in an explosion that was heard about 4,800 km (3,000 mi) away, and in tidal waves 35 m (120 ft) high; about 36,000 people in coastal Sumatra and Java perished in the disaster, and atmospheric changes produced by the earthquake were still visible three years later. The pressure wave generated by the colossal fourth, and final, explosion radiated out from Krakatoa at 1,086 km/h (675 mph). It was so powerful that it ruptured the eardrums of sailors on ships in the Sunda Strait,and caused a spike of more than two and half inches of mercury (ca 85 hPa) in pressure gauges attached to gasometers in the Batavia gasworks, sending them off the scale.The pressure wave radiated across the globe and was recorded on barographs all over the world, which continued to register it up to 5 days after the explosion. Barographic recordings show that the shock-wave from the final explosion reverberated around the globe 7 times in total. Ash was propelled to an estimated height of 80 km (50 mi). The eruptions diminished rapidly after that point, and by the morning of 28 August, Krakatoa was silent. Small eruptions, mostly of mud, continued into October 1883. October, An extensive article, replete with engravings and interviews, is published in Harper's New Monthly Magazine extolling the panoramic beauty of the twilight setting of Princess Christiana Station. In the words of the editor, "Truly, and at last, the Sun never sets on the British Empire!" 1884 February 1, The first of 10 volumes of the Oxford English Dictionary was published in London, the final volume being published April 19, 1928. Major-General Charles Gordon reaches Khartoum as governor of the Sudan. The Mahdi refuses to negotiate and brings Khartoum under seige. Major-General Charles Gordon (Gordon Pasha) was one of the last of the fabled Victorian eccentrics. Short, slight, sunburnt, he seemed to prance on his tiptoes everywhere he went, boundless boyish energy shining from his bright blue eyes. He had fought with distinction in the Crimea; but was far too unorthodox for the steady climb to the top in the British army. In stead he had taken service with other governments, with most of whom he had eventually quarrelled. Gordon had already gained international fame for his military successes in China during the Taiping Rebellion, where he led the emperor's army. As a result of his daredevil exploits on behalf of the Manchu dynasty in the Taiping rebellion - in which he had shown himself a supreme leader of irregular troops - he had been universally acclaimed as "Chinese" Gordon. Whatever spare time Gordon’s worldly battles allowed had been devoted to the Bible, and to good works among the poor. From his incessant readings of the former he had evolved his own mystical fatalistic approach to Christianity. He was probably the most brilliant commando officer alive, and at the same time a man of passionate feeling for the underdog. For the task of organizing an abject retreat, of unsparingly abandoning those unable to join it, no one could possibly have been more unsuited. Gordon was no stranger to the Sudan. He had spent nearly six whirlwind years there, in the service of the Khedive Ismail. He had been first, Governor of the southernmost province, Equatoria, where he mapped the Nile to within 60 miles of its source. But Gordon’s compulsive activity had allowed him not a moments rest, and the terrible climate had struck at his health. In a fit of depression he had given up, writing to his sister “I have a sort of wish I could get rid of Col. Gordon”. Within a few months he was back, this time as Governor-General of the entire Sudan. He refused to accept more than half his £6,000 salary; and as before he drove himself to the limit of his strength against the cruelty and corruption around him. In Khartoum his trim white-clad figure, ceaselessly trotting to and fro, red fez above blazing blue eyes, became for the wretched native population the hope of a better lot. Out on the camel-tracks Gordon became equally familiar as he rode from end to end of the country, grappling with the slavers, rooting out venal officials, appointing young Europeans, his faithful disciples, to posts of responsibility. His appointment at the height of the crisis created by the Mahdi was partly due to the aura of romance that still surrounded him. February 1, 1st Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary is published. March 13 - The siege of Khartoum, Sudan begins (ends on January 26, 1885). Although the grip of the Mahdi was closing in, the city could still breathe. It had 8,000 defenders, 6 months food, and a flotilla of river steamers. Runners could still get through to Egypt. Gordon himself could easily have slipped out to safety. Now that the outlying garrisons were beyond help it was his duty, in the eyes of the British government for him to do so; but nothing was further from the mind of Gordon. The civilian and military population of Khartoum were, in the sight of the Lord, his personal responsibility. April 22, Colchester suffered an earthquake that is estimated to have been 5.2 on the Richter Scale. This is the UK's most destructive. September, the Sino-French War or Franco-Chinese War was fought between the French Third Republic and Qing Empire. Lasting from September 1884 to June 1885, its underlying cause was the French desire for control of the Red River, which linked Hanoi to the resource-wealthy Yunnan province in China. Gold is discovered in the Transvaal. Liam O'Connor in the Fenian Ram makes first attack on British shipping on Mars. British aerial squadron bombards Shastapash. A few letters of marque were issued by the colonial governor to Red Captains for operations against Liam O'Connor and his ship from 1884 to 1887. However few Red Captains took up these letters of marque as there was very little profit involved in attempting to hunt down a warship with a crack crew using only a converted merchantman. July 4, The Statue of Liberty was presented to the United States by the French in Paris. August 1884, at the Battle of Foochow, in less than 30 minutes French forces utterly destroyed the anchored and inferior Chinese naval fleet that had been built, ironically, under the supervision of Prosper Gicquel, a French citizen in China. In Tonkin, however, the monsoon season precluded offensive operations by the French, allowing the Chinese to advance to the edge of the Red River delta. During this operation, the Chinese laid siege to the fortress of Tuyen Quang, leading to its celebrated defense by a battalion of the French Foreign Legion. Completion of what is now the London Subway Circle Line. Germany occupies South-West Africa. Grover Cleveland is elected President of the United States. End of September, A relief force under the command of General Sir garnet Wolseley left Cairo to relieve General Gordon who had been trapped in Khartoun for 7 months by the Sudanese Mahdists. The relief column travelled along the Nile towards Khartoum,a distance of 800 miles. General Wolseley sent a 1800 strong Camel Corp under the command of General Sir Herbert Stewart, directly across country where the nile bends to the east. Frederick Gustavus Burnaby organises an aerial squadron to assist Woleseley's army in its attempt to relieve General Gordon at Khartoum in the Sudan. November 15, the Berlin conference of 14 colonial powers partitions Africa. In 1884 at the request of Portugal, German chancellor Otto von Bismark called together the major western powers of the world to negotiate questions and end confusion over the control of Africa. Bismark appreciated the opportunity to expand Germany's sphere of influence over Africa and desired to force Germany's rivals to struggle with one another for territory. At the time of the conference, 80% of Africa remained under traditional and local control. What ultimately resulted was a hodgepodge of geometric boundaries that divided Africa into fifty irregular countries. This new map of the continent was superimposed over the one thousand indigenous cultures and regions of Africa. The new countries lacked rhyme or reason and divided coherent groups of people and merged together disparate groups who really did not get along. Fourteen countries were represented by a plethora of ambassadors when the conference opened in Berlin on November 15, 1884. The countries represented at the time included Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden-Norway (unified from 1814-1905), Turkey, and the United States of America. Of these fourteen nations, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Portugal were the major players in the conference, controlling most of colonial Africa at the time. The initial task of the conference was to agree that the Congo River and Niger River mouths and basins would be considered neutral and open to trade. Despite its neutrality, part of the Congo Basin became a personal kingdom for Belgium's King Leopold II and under his rule, over half of the region's population died. At the time of the conference, only the coastal areas of Africa were colonized by the European powers. At the Berlin Conference the European colonial powers scrambled to gain control over the interior of the continent. The conference lasted until February 26, 1885 - a three month period where colonial powers haggled over geometric boundaries in the interior of the continent, disregarding the cultural and linguistic boundaries already established by the indigenous African population. Following the conference, the give and take continued. By 1914, the conference participants had fully divided Africa among themselves into fifty countries. Major colonial holdings included: * Great Britain desired a Cape-to-Cairo collection of colonies and almost succeeded though their control of Egypt, Sudan (Anglo-Egyptian Sudan), Uganda, Kenya (British East Africa), South Africa, and Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana (Rhodesia). The British also controlled Nigeria and Ghana (Gold Coast). * France took much of western Africa, from Mauritania to Chad (French West Africa) and Gabon and the Republic of Congo (French Equatorial Africa). * Belgium and King Leopold II controlled the Democratic Republic of Congo (Belgian Congo). * Portugal took Mozambique in the east and Angola in the west. * Italy's holdings were Somalia (Italian Somaliland) and a portion of Ethiopia. * Germany took Namibia (German Southwest Africa) and Tanzania (German East Africa). * Spain claimed the smallest territory - Equatorial Guinea (Rio Muni). Japanese make their first landing on Mars. Charles Algernon Parsons (1854 - )Develops First Practical Steam Turbine. Sir Charles Algernon Parsons, a British engineer, invented the steam turbine, whose first model was connected to a dynamo that generated 7.5 kW of electricity. His patent was licensed and the turbine scaled up shortly after by an American, George Westinghouse.The steam turbine revolutionized the generation of electricity and marine transport. Parsons developed the use of turbo-generators in power stations on land. At sea, he developed steam turbines to drive ships; his prototype vessel Turbinia was capable of 34 knots, a record in 1897. His turbines were supplied to the navy for the development of warship designs and also powered the Lusitania and Mauretania liners of the Cunard Line. Mark Twain writes "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". Professor James Moriaty writes "The Dynamics of an Asteroid" a book which ascends to such rarefied heights of pure mathematics that it is said that there was no man in the scientific press capable of criticizing it. 1885 January 17, at a caravan stop called Abu Klea (63 miles south of Ed damur. The Camel Corp encountered a mahdist force of 10,000 under the Command of Mohammed Ahmed. A desperate hand to hand battle took place on the 17th of January. But the Mahdist forces were repulsed, even though they had broken the British square at a point in the battle. The Mahdist losses were over 1,000 killed compared to the Anglo-Egyptian losses of 168. General Stewarts camel corp fought its way to the Nile and arrived to days later but Stewart had been mortally wounded. The commanded went to Lord Charles Beresford who continued up the Nile and arrived on January 28, but only 48 hours late to save the garrison. January 26, the Dervish Army captures Khartoum and massacres the garrison. The Egyptian Defenders, weakened beyond further resistance by fear and hunger, had collapsed. Six terrible hours of massacre, rape and looting followed as the shrieking hordes burst through the streets. Januar 28, Two days after the fall of Khartoum General Wolesely's troops arrived within sight of Khartoum. They could see no flag flying from the Governors palace, and as they neared the town they ran into a tempest of fire. Wolesely, seeking reinforcements for a further campaign against the Mahdi, was curtly told to return; and his expedition retired in some disorder down the Nile. British evacuate the Sudan. Hoever Major-General Charles Gordon himself had already been rescued from Khartoum by Frederick Gustavus Burnaby commanding of the aerial vessel Vivian. Later in the year the Mahdi dies. February 5, the Congo and the Upper Coprates, Mars become the personal possesions of King Leopold II of Belgium. The Congo Free State and Upper Coprates, where private projects undertaken by the King to extract rubber, ivory and liftwood, which relied on slavery and is held responsible for the deaths of millions of Africans and Martians. February, a French expeditionary force comprising two brigades marched into Upper Tonkin and captured Lang Son. One brigade then departed to relieve Tuyen Quang, leaving the other isolated at Lang Son. Its commander, seeking to roll back the build-up of offensive power by the Chinese, attacked across the Chinese border and was defeated at the Battle of Zhennan Pass. Following an unsuccessful counter-attack by the Chinese (mainly militia regiments of Zhuang ethnic background under the command of Feng Zicai), the acting French commander hastily abandoned Lang Son on March 28, 1885, news of which brought about the fall of the Jules Ferry government in France. Despite the retreat, the earlier success of ground operations in Tonkin and on Formosa, the Chinese government's lack of will to continue the conflict, and France's overwhelming advantage at sea brought this war to its end. March 26,the first clash of the Riel Rebellion in Canada took place in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan. June 9, the treaty ending the Sino-French War was signed, as China acknowledged the Treaty of Hué and gave up its suzerainty over the Empire of Annam. Annam and Tonkin were incorporated into French Indochina soon thereafter. Germany annexes Tanganyika and Zanzibar, renaming them East Africa. Great Britain establishes a protectorate over Northern Bechuanaland, the Niger River Region ("Nigeria"), and southern New Guinea. British troops occupy Port Hamilton, Korea. King Alfonso XII of Spain dies. Queen Maria Christina becomes regent for her unborn child. Japan establishes Unebi Station near Euxinus Lacus. Bulgaria seizes Eastern Rumelia. Serbia and Trans-Balkania declare war on Bulgaria and Ruritania, but are quickly beaten and withdrawn to prewar boundaries. November 11, Her Imperial majesty's British Government announced its intention to step up production of aerial gunboats, but at the same time transfer all such vessels currently in service to the Royal Navy. Posthumous publication of Karl Marx's Das Kaptial. Russian-Afghan border incident damages Russian Empires image with the Crown. Thomas Edison discovers a system of wireless induction telegraph between moving trains and stations. He also patented similar systems for ship-to-shore use. Karl Benz Builds First Petrol-Driven Car. Karl Benz, a German mechanical engineer, is best known for his pioneering work on the development of the internal-combustion engine and the motor car. In 1885 he developed the first motor vehicle powered by an internal-combustion engine. Benz had designed a two-stroke internal-combustion engine in 1878. His vehicle was powered by a 1 kW/1.5 hp engine and was capable of a top speed of 5 kph (3 mph). The Indian National Congress, the political party that is leading the struggle for the independence of India from the British Empire, was founded in 1885. Initially, it campaigned for limited constitutional reforms. Charles Aderton invented "Dr Pepper" in Waco, Texas, USA. 1886 January 29th, German mechanical engineer Karl Benz patented the first practical automobile powered by an internal-combustion engine. Queen Maria Christina gives birth to the future Alfonso XIII. Geronimo surrenders. General George Boulanger becomes French war minister. British Prime Minister Gladstone introduces bill for home rule in Ireland. The bill fails, and Salisbury becomes prime minister. Chamberlain becomes colonial secretary. HMS Locust, first armored aerial gunboat built on Earth, launched at Portsmouth. February 24th, the first Channel Tunnel between England and France is opened by Queen Victoria. The Channel Tunnel is the latest marvel of an ingenious age; a railway link between Dover and Calais. On each shore there are stations and railway bridges out to artificial islands, where trains enter the tunnel itself; the bridges are mined and overlooked by the guns of heavily-armed forts, to guard against invasion through the tunnel. Ventilation shafts at intervals lead up to small concrete and brick “islands” supporting tall chimney stacks and warning lights. In mid-Channel, on the Varne bank, a larger artificial island is used for coaling and watering trains, and to give passengers a welcome break from the dust and smoke of the tunnel. Eventually a hotel and docks will be built there. The tunnel itself is dug through the bed of the Channel. Each of the railway lines is carried in a steel pipe, waterproofed with layers of bitumen and pitch, lined with concrete and brick, and reinforced with steel hoops. At intervals the pipes are linked by cross-tunnels, just large enough for a man, which can be used to evacuate a train in an emergency. Unfortunately early fears that the tunnel might be used as a route to invade Britain were correct; a renegade element of the French army which had been planning treachery for many years, and used the opening ceremony as cover for an attack. While the Queen dined in Calais members of the French Foreign Legion were landed on one of the tunnel's ventilation “islands”, a brick and concrete chimney that vents engine smoke, and climbed down to the track. They planned to stop the train in the tunnel and board it, then carry on to Dover, where they would force Her Majesty, the Queen, to perform an unscheduled “inspection” of the fort that guards the British end of the tunnel, and overcome the garrison before they can destroy the tunnel entrance bridge. Once the fort was in French hands they planned signal their main force; several military trains will be brought through the tunnel, securing Dover and Folkestone harbours for a sea-borne invasion fleet, while more troops poured through the tunnel. This assault was foiled through the actions of Sir Peter Arthur and his fellow adventurers who fortuitously amongst those taken hostage, escaping when the train was stopped in the tunnel, and with the help of God rescuing the Queen and foiling the dastardly French scheme. The diplomatic repercusions of this assault kept the tunnel closed until November 1886, when after concessions and reperations were made by the French government, the tunnel was finally opened for use. The so-called "Mylarkt Incident" (exchange of gunfire between German and British aerial vessels on Mars) begins steady deterioration in Anglo-German relations. Construction work begins on Tower Bridge in London . It is to be built between 1886 and 1894 at a cost of over £1 million. When complete it will have two Gothic towers and a central drawbridge; this design was governed both by the navigational requirements of ships and barge trains that passed below and by the Gothic style that Parliament demanded on account of its proximity to the Tower of London. The engineer is Sir John Wolfe Barry and the architect Sir Horace Jones, who describe the bridge's exuberant towers as “steel skeletons clothed with stone”. The towers contain both the passenger lifts to the upper pedestrian footway and the hydraulic mechanisms for lifting the bascules of the bridge. These two bascules can swing open for ships to pass in 1 minutes. Alexander of Bulgaria abdicates after coup. Stephan Stambulov becomes regent. First meeting of the Indian National Congress. Dorr E. Felt (1862-1930), of Chicago, makes his "Comptometer". This is the first calculator where the operands are entered merely by pressing keys rather than having to be, for example, dialled in. It is feasible because of Felt's invention of a carry mechanism fast enough to act while the keys return from being pressed. Dr. John S. Pemberton invented "Coca-Cola" in Atlanta, Georgia. The formula for Coke, whose status as a trade secret has been embellished by company lore, originally contained an uncertain amount of cocaine. 1887 British besiege and capture the city of Shastapsh. "Avenel Incident" brings Britain and Oenotria to the brink of war. Fenian Ram destroyed by British aerial gunboats in the Meroe Highlands, but O'Connor survives and escapes. Successful aerial campaign waged against High Martian pirates of the Astusapes Highlands, culminating in near-total destruction of Barrovaangian fleet. A significant number of Red Captains, operating under letters of marque took part in these operations. Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg elected king of Bulgaria, with Stambulov as prime minister. General Boulanger attempts coup in Paris, but fails. France organizes the Union Indo-Chinoise. Leopold II declares the Lower Coprates a Belgian protectorate. Construction begins on Tehuantepec Ship Railroad. Designed by James Buchanan Eads (1820 - 1887) this interoceanic railway is designed to span the Isthmus of Tehuantepec which is the shortest distance between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. L.L. Zameenhoff devises the language "Esperanto." Great Britain and Germany agree on a division of East Africa, giving Britain rights to Kenya and Germany rights to German East Africa (Tanzania). Britain takes administrative control of Mombasa. 1888 Royal Geographic Society awards this year's gold medals to Clements Robert Markham for his polar work and Leutnant von Wissmann for his exploration in Central Africa.March 9, Kaiser (emperor) Wilhelm I of Germany dies and is succeeded by his son Fredrick III, who dies in June and is succeeded by his son Wilhelm II. A diplomatic cable from Berlin on the Kaiser's death reads: "Lord abide with us for the evening draws nigh." William II, or Kaiser Wilhelm, became Emperor of Germany in 1888. He is shown here in the uniform of the “Death’s head Hussars,” a cavalry regiment. The so-called "Ripper" murders take place in Whitechapel district of London."Jack the Ripper" is the popular name given to a serial killer who killed a number of prostitutes in the East End of London in 1888. The name originates from a letter written by someone who claimed to be the killer published at the time of the murders. The killings took place within a mile area and involved the districts of Whitechapel, Spitalfields, Aldgate, and the City of London proper. He was also called the Whitechapel Murderer and "Leather Apron". It is unclear just how many women the Ripper killed. It is generally accepted that he killed five, though some have written that he murdered only four while others say seven or more. The public, press, and even many junior police officers believed that the Ripper was responsible for nine slayings. The five that are generally accepted as the work of the Ripper are: 1. Mary Ann (Polly) Nichols, murdered Friday, August 31, 1888. 2. Annie Chapman, murdered Saturday, September 8, 1888. 5. Mary Jane (Marie Jeanette) Kelly, murdered Friday, November 9, 1888. Besides these five there are good reasons to believe that the first victim was really Martha Tabram who was murdered Tuesday, August 7, 1888, and there are important considerations for questioning whether Stride was a Ripper victim. As to the actual number of women that the Ripper killed, there is no simple answer. In a sentence: at least four, probably six, just possibly eight. All five of these listed plus Tabram were prostitutes and were killed between early August and early November 1888. All but Tabram and Kelly were killed outdoors and there is no evidence to suggest that any of them knew each other. They varied in both age and appearance. Most were drunk or thought to be drunk at the time they were killed. The Financial Times first published in London. King Lobenfula of the Matabele accepts British protectorate status and grants Cecil Rhodes mining rights. Sarawak accepts status of British protectorate. General Boulanger is retired from the French Army and elected to the Chamber of Deputies. Anarchist Ravachol escapes from Prison. Benjamin Harrison elected president of the United States. Johnstown flood takes place. Sidney Boynton, United States Ambassador to the Oenotrian Court, is kidnapped by Barrovaangian King Hattabranx, but he is later rescued by British gunboats. First recorded successful assault on a large kraag. Pedro II, emperor of Brazil, abolishes slavery. 1888 John Dunlop Patents Pneumatic Bicycle Tyre. Scottish inventor John Dunlop is best known for his invention and commercial development of the pneumatic tyre. In 1888 he patented a pneumatic bicycle tyre that consisted of an inflatable rubber inner tube covered by linen cloth with an outer rubber tread, which was fixed to the wheel by means of a rubber solution. Robert William Thomson had patented the tyre as early as 1845, but Dunlop was able to exploit it commercially because of the introduction of the motor car. Royal charter protects the Imperial British East Africa Company (IBEAC), founded by Sir William Mackinnon, 1st Baronet (13 March 1823 - 22 June 1893) to develop trade in Africa. The IBEAC oversaw an area of approximately 246,800 mi² (639,209 km²) situated along the eastern coast of Africa, its centre being at about 39° East longitude and 0° latitude, and from 1890 also administered Uganda. The administration of British East Africa was transferred to the Foreign Office on 1 July 1895, and in 1896 so was control of Uganda. George Eastman Patents Kodak Camera. George Eastman, an American inventor, developed the Kodak camera—the first to use roll film, which he had invented in 1884, and to be suitable for general use. No technical knowledge was required. Henry Morton Stanley visits Lake Edward and names it after the then Prince of Wales, Edward VII. 1889 The official end of Ferdinand De Lesseps Panama Canal project came on February 4th 1889 when the companies assets went into the hands of the liquidator. By May all work was halted on the isthmus. Butch Cassidy robs a bank in Telluride Colorado and escapes into Utah. Japan adopts modern constitution.

Dynamite

What part of the turkey is saved, dried, and ceremoniously snapped as part of a good luck custom?

Space 1889 Timeline Observations of the eclipses of Jupiter's moons show that light transmission is not instantaneous. 1700s Newton's particle interpretation of light is disproven. The theory that light is a wave moving through the ether gains ground. 1762 Land tenure reform leads to the Highland Clearances and massive emigration for several decades. The Highland Clearances (Scottish Gaelic: Fuadach nan Gàidheal, the expulsion of the Gael) were forced displacements of the population of the Scottish Highlands during the 18th and 19th centuries. They led to mass emigration to the sea coast, the Scottish Lowlands, and the North American colonies. The clearances were part of a process of agricultural change throughout the United Kingdom (called enclosure elsewhere), but were particularly notorious as a result of the late timing, the lack of legal protection for year-by-year tenants under Scots law, the abruptness of the change from the traditional clan system, and the brutality of many evictions. 1783   June 4, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier launched an unmanned hot-air balloon, the first public demonstration of the discovery that hot air in a large lightweight bag rises. 1788 May 28, The Federalist papers—a series of 85 essays on the proposed new U.S. Constitution and on the nature of republican government, written in 1787–88 by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay—were published in book form. 1796 Struck by a milkmaid's observation that she would never develop smallpox as she had once had cowpox, Jenner inoculates a healthy 8-year-old boy with material from a cowpox sore on the hand of the milkmaid. When exposed to smallpox, the boy fails to develop the disease. Jenner begins a series of experiments in transferring cowpox (vaccinia virus) arm to arm. Each vaccinated individual is later proven resistant to smallpox. 1804 The first self-propelling steam engine or steam locomotive made its outing on 13 February 1804 at the Pen-y-Darren ironworks. The machine was designed by Richard Trevithick. The engine was able to pull a load of 15 tons at a speed of about 5 mph. However, adhesion was a problem (iron wheels on iron rails = slipping). This was partially solved by Blenkinsop who in 1811 designed an engine for the Middleton Colliery, using cogged wheels engaging in racks on the railway. Side and front views of Puffing Billy. Deutches Museum, Munich. Photo by G. P. Landow, June 2000. The problem of adhesion was finally solved by William Hedley with a design which applied power to the rails through two sets of Driving wheels. The locomotive was called Puffing Billy and operated at the Wylam Colliery near Newcastle. George Stephenson, who lived near this colliery designed his first locomotive -- Blucher in 1814 again, for a colliery. May, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark begin the first U.S. overland expedition to the Pacific coast. May 28, Napoleon proclaimed the establishment of the French Empire. 1806 March 23, Lewis and Clark's return trip begun. Having completed the first U.S. overland expedition to the Pacific coast, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark this day in 1806 began their return to St. Louis, Missouri, where their journey had begun in May 1804. 1807 The Abolition of the Slave Trade Act was passed by the British Parliament on March 25, 1807. The act imposed a fine of £100 for every slave found aboard a British ship. The intention was to entirely outlaw the slave trade within the British Empire, but the trade continued and captains in danger of being caught by the Royal Navy would often throw slaves into the sea to reduce the fine. After the 1807 act, slaves were still held, though not sold, within the British Empire. In the 1820s, the abolitionist movement again became active, this time campaigning against the institution of slavery itself. This French poster (click on picture for larger version) depicting the horrific conditions on slave ships was influential in mobilizing public opinion against slavery. March 29, German astronomer Wilhelm Olbers discovered the minor planet Vesta, the brightest asteroid in the sky. 1810 May 25, having severed ties with Spain and the viceregal government, the municipal council of Buenos Aires, Argentina, established an autonomous government. 1811 The Commissioners' Plan of 1811 was a proposal by the New York State Legislature adopted in 1811 for the orderly development and sale of the land of Manhattan between 14th Street and Washington Heights. 1812 June 18, TheWar of 1812 beguns. U.S. President James Madison signed a declaration of war against Great Britain, initiating the War of 1812, which arose chiefly from U.S. grievances over oppressive maritime practices during the Napoleonic Wars. June 24, French Emperor Napoleon—who had massed his troops in Poland in the spring to intimidate Russian Tsar Alexander I—and 600,000 troops of his Grand Army launched an ill-fated invasion of Russia. 1814 March 27, at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend (Tohopeka, Alabama) in the Creek War, Andrew Jackson and his 3,000 troops defeated the Creek Indians, slaughtering more than 800 warriors and imprisoning 500 women and children. April 11, on this day, during the French revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, Napoleon was facing an invasion of France by forces bent on his overthrow and, pressed by his own officers, abdicated unconditionally at Fontainebleau. Louis XVIII Crowned King of France Louis XVIII was crowned king of France on the abdication of Napoleon I in 1814 and returned to France in 1814 after years of exile in Europe. When Napoleon seized power in 1815, Louis returned to exile in Belgium. He was restored to the throne following Napoleon’s exile to Elba, and reigned until 1824. May 30, the first of the Treaties of Paris was signed, ending the Napoleonic Wars. September 1814 - June 1815 The Congress of Vienna which convened at the Austrian capital from September 1814 to June 1815, was a major event in the history of international relations. It was a high-powered conference that took place after the downfall of Napoleon I. Its ambition was to reorganize Europe after the disruptions created by the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Among the notable participants were Metternich (seventh from the left, standing) and Talleyrand (sitting, on his right, his arm resting on the table). It succeeded in re-establishing the balance of power in Europe, politically and territorially, for almost half a century. Its territorial decisions affected almost all European countries: France, the German and Italian states, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Russia, and Scandinavia. 1815 March 20, The Hundred Days—during which Napoleon, having ended his exile by escaping the island of Elba, would try to recapture his empire in France—began with Napoleon's arrival in Paris. April 11, The eruption of Mount Tambora, a volcano on the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia, killed about 10,000 people. June 18, Napoleon was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo, ending 23 years of recurrent warfare between France and the other powers of Europe. November 20, 1815 The Treaty of Paris was signed following the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo and his exile to Elba. Its terms were more severe than those of the 1814 agreement: France was forced to accept the boundaries of 1790, pay a war indemnity, and finance an allied occupation force. Humphry Davy Invents the Miner's Safety Lamp. Sir Humphry Davy, a British chemist, is best known for his invention of the miner’s safety lamp in 1815. Davy also conducted fundamental research in the field of electrochemistry and constructed a large battery with which to pass electric current through solutions of compounds to investigate their composition. He used this method to isolate sodium, potassium, and calcium and went on to discover boron and demonstrate that diamonds are composed of carbon. 1817 Cholera broke out in Calcutta in 1817 with grand - scale results. India's traditional, great Kumbh festival at Hardwar in the Upper Ganges triggered the outbreak. The festival lasts three months, drawing pilgrims from all over the country. Those from the Lower Bengal brought the disease with them as they shared the polluted water of the Ganges and the open, crowded camps on its banks. Cholera was a rare disease, as far as we know, confined to the Ganges delta in India before the 1800s, when it became the world's first truly global disease in a series of epidemics. When the festival was over, they carried cholera back to their homes in other parts of India. There is no reliable evidence of how many Indians perished during that epidemic, but the British army counted 10,000 fatalities among its imperial troops. Based on those numbers, it's almost certain that at least hundreds of thousands of natives must have fallen victim across that vast land. When the festival ended, cholera raged along the trade routes to Iran, Baku and Astrakhan and up the Volga into Russia, where merchants gathered for the great autumn fair in Nijni-Novgorod. When the merchants went back to their homes in inner Russia and eastern Europe, the disease went along with them. Cholera sailed from port to port, the bacteria making headway in contaminated kegs of water or in the excrement of infected victims, and transmitted by travelers. The exceptioinally cold winter of 1823-24 is credited for preventing the spread of the disease to western Europe. For the moment, the western world had been spared, but by 1827 cholera had become the most feared disease of the century. 1819 29th January, British East India Company administrator Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles founded modern Singapore and first mooted the idea which led to the establishment of the Raffles Museum on the island. Thomas Stamford Raffles was born at sea on board a ship Ann on the 6th of July, 1781 off the coast of Jamaica. In 1795, the young man accepted his first job in the East India Company as a clerk. But he studied hard in his spare time and in 1804, was posted to Penang (then Prince of Wales Island) and promoted to Assistant Secretary to the Presidency of that Malaysian island. His mastery over the Malay language made him indispensable to the British Government, and he was later appointed Malay translator to the Government of India. In 1811, he returned as the Lieutenant Governor of Java, and was soon promoted to Governor of Bencoolen (now Sumatra). Stamford Raffles was deeply fascinated by the immense diversity of strange animals and plants of the East Indies during his tenure there. He soon employed zoologists and botanists to discover all they can about the animals and plants of the region and would pay his assistants out of his own pockets to collect specimens. He also revived and became the president of the Batavian Society which was actively engaged in the study of natural history of Java and adjacent areas. May 24 The future Queen Victoria born. Victoria was the daughter of Edward, the Duke of Kent and Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg. She was born in Kensington Palace in London on May 24th, 1819. Oersted Discovers Magnetic Effect of Electric Current. Hans Christian Oersted, a Danish physicist and chemist, is best known for his fundamental research in electromagnetism. In 1819 he observed the deflection of a magnetic needle at right angles to a wire carrying an electric current revealing the connection between magnetism and electricity. This discovery laid the foundations for the study of electromagnetism. In 1844 he summarized the results of his research work in the book, Manual of Mechanical Physics. Albert (Prince Consort) (1819-1861), second son of Ernest, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and husband of Victoria was born at Rosenau, near the town of Coburg. When Albert married Victoria, his first cousin, in 1839—they were both 20—he moved from Europe’s princely periphery, a small German duchy, to what was to become during the 19th century the heart of Europe’s royal network, the Court of London. It was not until 1857, however, that the Privy Council gave him the title of Prince Consort. Albert, who was educated privately and read law for a year at the University of Bonn before visiting Italy, remained intensely interested in German politics, particularly the politics of constitutionalism and of unification. After his marriage, which from the start was a marriage of love, however, his main commitments and obligations were in Britain. His role was an important, sometimes controversial one. One of his critics complained in 1854 that it was “too much that one man, and he not an Englishman by birth, should be at once Foreign Secretary, Commander-in-Chief, and Prime Minister under all administrations”. Of course, Albert held none of these titles, and the complaint was grossly exaggerated. He was a hard worker and was to die young in December 1861, from typhoid. The Queen, in an “agony of grief”, was “inconsolable”: she did not know what she would do without him. His life and work was commemorated in central London in the Albert Memorial and the Royal Albert Hall, both characteristic monuments of their age, an age of which he was not only an accomplished and distinguished representative; but a guide through what he called “a period of the most wonderful transition”. August 16th, "Peterloo Massacre". A mass meeting was arranged by the Manchester radicals to hear Richard Carlile and Henry 'Orator' Hunt, a speaker who advocated annual parliaments, universal suffrage, and the ballot. It was a glorious summer's day, and contingents from all those satellite towns poured into Manchester gathering in St. Peter's Fields, Trouble arose between the crowd and the Lancashire militia who were present on the plea of preserving order. The troops charged and killed several persons, to the intense indignation of radical sympathizers in every part of Great Britain. The incident quickly became known as the Peterloo Massacre - an allusion to the Battle of Waterloo four years earlier. Even some of the mill masters were horrified. Rochdale millowner Thomas Chadwick, who was at the scene, described the massacre as: "An inhuman outrage committed on an unarmed, peaceful assembly." To add insult to injury, Hunt, Sam Bamford (who had led the Middleton contingent but had taken no part in the speeches), and several others were arrested. Hunt, Bamford and two others were convicted of "being persons of a wicked and turbulent disposition" they had "conspired together to create a disturbance of the peace ...in a formidable and menacing manner, with sticks, clubs and other offensive weapons." Hunt got two and a half years' gaol, the others a year each. Manchester Yeomanry charge at Peterloo SABRES aloft, Manchester Yeomanry charge into the crowd at Peterloo William Parry explores the Northwest Passage South Shetland Islands discovered by British explorer William Smith 1820 April 1-8, The Radical War, also known as the Scottish Insurrection of 1820, was a week of strikes and unrest, a culmination of Radical demands for reform in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland which had become prominent in the early years of the French Revolution, but had then been repressed during the long Napoleonic Wars. An economic downturn after the wars ended brought increasing unrest. Artisan workers, particularly weavers in Scotland, sought action to reform an uncaring government, gentry fearing revolutionary horrors recruited militia and the government deployed an apparatus of spies, informers and agents provocateurs to stamp out the movement. A Committee of Organisation for Forming a Provisional Government put placards around the streets of Glasgow late on Saturday 1 April, calling for an immediate national strike. On Monday 3 April work stopped in a wide area of central Scotland and in a swirl of disorderly events a small group marched towards the Carron Company ironworks to seize weapons, but while stopped at Bonnymuir they were attacked by Hussars. Another small group from Strathaven marched to meet a rumoured larger force, but were warned of an ambush and dispersed. Militia taking prisoners to Greenock jail were attacked by local people and the prisoners released. James Wilson of Strathaven was singled out as a leader of the march there, and at Glasgow was executed by hanging, then decapitated. Of those seized by the British army at Bonnymuir, John Baird and Andrew Hardie were similarly executed at Stirling after making short defiant speeches. Twenty other Radicals were sentenced to penal transportation. It became evident that government agents had actively fomented the unrest to bring radicals into the open. The insurrection was largely forgotten as attention focussed on better publicised Radical events in England. Two years later, enthusiasm for the visit of King George IV to Scotland successfully boosted loyalist sentiment, ushering in a new-found Scottish national identity. Charles Babbage begins work on his Difference Engine British mathematician and inventor Charles Babbage is famed for his pioneering development of calculating machines. In the 1820s he began work on the Difference Engine, a mechanical device capable of carrying out simple mathematical operations. The Difference Engine was designed to produce logarithm tables that could be printed out with great clarity. In the 1830s he designed the Analytical Engine for more complicated calculations. 1821 June 24, South American patriots under Simón Bolívar defeated Spanish royalists on the plains near Caracas, Venezuela, in the Battle of Carabobo. 1822 May 24, part of the Latin American wars of independence from Spanish rule, the Battle of Pichincha took place on the lower slopes of Cerro Pichincha and ended in victory for South American rebels. Charles Babbage (1792-1871) designed his first mechanical computer, the first prototype for the difference engine. Babbage invented 2 machines the Analytical Engine (a general purpose mathematical device, see 1834) and the Difference Engine (a re-invention of Mueller's 1786 machine for solving polynomials), both machines were too complicated to be built (although attempt was made in 1832) - but the theories worked. The analytical engine (outlined in 1833) involved many processes similar to the early electronic computers - notably the use of punched cards for input. Georges Cuvier established new standards and methods in stratigraphy and palaeontology Phillips and Conybeare identify the Carboniferous Period d'Halloy identifies the Cretaceous Period (creta, chalk). He also proposed the Jurassic System Liberia established as a country for freed slaves. Friedrich Mohs introduces his system of classifying minerals and his scale of mineral hardness. Mary Ann Mantell discovers the first fossil to be recognised as a dinosaur, named iguanodon by her husband Gideon Algernon Mantell Rene-Just Hauy published Treaty of crystallography, and is regarded as the father of crystallography thanks to his law of rational truncations and with the rigorous writing of the rules of symmetry, which allow the distinction between the 7 crystal systems including some secondary outer shapes 1823 The first public railway was the Stockton and Darlington Railway, which opened in 1823 with Stephenson designed locos, the first of which was called Locomotion. Mammoth and human bones unearthed together on the Gower Peninsula, Wales, indicating that the two species co-existed. The Anti-Slavery Society was founded in 1823. Many of the campaigners were those who had previously campaigned against the slave trade. December 2, The Monroe Doctrine was expressed during President Monroe's seventh annual message to Congress. While the U.S.A. was not yet a world power, the European powers, according to Monroe, were obligated to respect the Western Hemisphere as the United States' sphere of interest. Transcript of Monroe Doctrine (1823) At the proposal of the Russian Imperial Government, made through the minister of the Emperor residing here, a full power and instructions have been transmitted to the minister of the United States at St. Petersburg to arrange by amicable negotiation the respective rights and interests of the two nations on the northwest coast of this continent. A similar proposal has been made by His Imperial Majesty to the Government of Great Britain, which has likewise been acceded to. The Government of the United States has been desirous by this friendly proceeding of manifesting the great value which they have invariably attached to the friendship of the Emperor and their solicitude to cultivate the best understanding with his Government. In the discussions to which this interest has given rise and in the arrangements by which they may terminate the occasion has been judged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and interests of the United States are involved, that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers. . . It was stated at the commencement of the last session that a great effort was then making in Spain and Portugal to improve the condition of the people of those countries, and that it appeared to be conducted with extraordinary moderation. It need scarcely be remarked that the results have been so far very different from what was then anticipated. Of events in that quarter of the globe, with which we have so much intercourse and from which we derive our origin, we have always been anxious and interested spectators. The citizens of the United States cherish sentiments the most friendly in favor of the liberty and happiness of their fellow-men on that side of the Atlantic. In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy to do so. It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for our defense. With the movements in this hemisphere we are of necessity more immediately connected, and by causes which must be obvious to all enlightened and impartial observers. The political system of the allied powers is essentially different in this respect from that of America. This difference proceeds from that which exists in their respective Governments; and to the defense of our own, which has been achieved by the loss of so much blood and treasure, and matured by the wisdom of their most enlightened citizens, and under which we have enjoyed unexampled felicity, this whole nation is devoted. We owe it, therefore, to candor and to the amicable relations existing between the United States and those powers to declare that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety. With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere. But with the Governments who have declared their independence and maintain it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States. In the war between those new Governments and Spain we declared our neutrality at the time of their recognition, and to this we have adhered, and shall continue to adhere, provided no change shall occur which, in the judgement of the competent authorities of this Government, shall make a corresponding change on the part of the United States indispensable to their security. The late events in Spain and Portugal show that Europe is still unsettled. Of this important fact no stronger proof can be adduced than that the allied powers should have thought it proper, on any principle satisfactory to themselves, to have interposed by force in the internal concerns of Spain. To what extent such interposition may be carried, on the same principle, is a question in which all independent powers whose governments differ from theirs are interested, even those most remote, and surely none of them more so than the United States. Our policy in regard to Europe, which was adopted at an early stage of the wars which have so long agitated that quarter of the globe, nevertheless remains the same, which is, not to interfere in the internal concerns of any of its powers; to consider the government de facto as the legitimate government for us; to cultivate friendly relations with it, and to preserve those relations by a frank, firm, and manly policy, meeting in all instances the just claims of every power, submitting to injuries from none. But in regard to those continents circumstances are eminently and conspicuously different. It is impossible that the allied powers should extend their political system to any portion of either continent without endangering our peace and happiness; nor can anyone believe that our southern brethren, if left to themselves, would adopt it of their own accord. It is equally impossible, therefore, that we should behold such interposition in any form with indifference. If we look to the comparative strength and resources of Spain and those new Governments, and their distance from each other, it must be obvious that she can never subdue them. It is still the true policy of the United States to leave the parties to themselves, in hope that other powers will pursue the same course. . . . Transcription courtesy of the Avalon Project at Yale Law School. 1825 Georges Cuvier announces his catastrophe theory. September 27, Stockton-Darlington Railway Opened. English engineer George Stephenson is best known as the pioneer of the steam locomotive. On September 27, 1825, the Locomotion, a steam locomotive designed by Stephenson, pulled the first train on the Stockton to Darlington Railway. In 1830, the Liverpool to Manchester Railway was opened, for which he had designed his famous Rocket steam locomotive. Stephenson had thus demonstrated the potential for railway transport. The railways became very popular with passengers. Stephenson was involved in the development of the London to Birmingham, Manchester to Leeds, and other railways. World population reached 1 billion. Completion of the Erie Canal, a 360 mile waterway linking Lake Erie to the Atlantic coast and dramatically reducing the cost of bringing goods to the New York area. Miramichi Fire in New Brunswick burned three million acres and left 160 people dead. 1826 Pierre Dupin produces a cartogram of France, the first chloropleth map (also dated to 1819). The Zoological Society of London (sometimes known by the abbreviation ZSL) is a learned society founded in April 1826 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, Lord Auckland, Sir Humphry Davy, Joseph Sabine, Nicholas Aylward Vigors and other eminent naturalists. Raffles was also the first President, but died shortly after assuming this office in July 1826. He was succeeded by the Marquess of Lansdowne, who obtained a parcel of land in Regent's Park from the Crown at a nominal rent, and who supervised the building of the first animal houses. It received a Royal Charter from George IV on 27 March 1829. July 5, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles passed away a day before his 45th birthday in 1826. A few years earlier, in 1821 and 1822, he contributed two papers in the Transactions of the Zoological Society, London, with descriptions of some 34 species of birds and 13 species of mammals, chiefly from Sumatra. Most of the new species he named are valid today, and these animals will continue to remind us of the contributions he has made. Animals named by Raffles himself include: 1827 March 26, Ludwig van Beethoven died of cirrhosis of the liver in Vienna. October 20 The Battle of Navarino which is a decisive naval engagement during the Greek War of Independence. The combined fleets of Britain, France, and Russia sailed into Navarino Bay in the south-west of modern-day Greece to stop the Ottoman fleet under Ibrahim Pasha. The Turko-Egyptian fleet was annihilated, which led to the Turkish evacuation of Greece. Jean-Baptiste Fourier proposed the existence of an atmospheric effect which keeps the Earth warmer than expected (ozone layer). Niepce takes first picture of nature from a window view of the French countryside using a camera obscura. In 1827, Britain declared that participation in the slave trade was piracy and punishable by death. 1828 Paul Erman measures the magnetic field of the Earth; his measurements become the basis for Gauss's theory of Earth's magnetic field. December 24, Trial of the Edinburgh body-snatchers (Resurrection Men) Burke and Hare. The trial opened on the morning of Christmas Eve 1828 and the following morning it took the jury just 50 minutes to find Burke guilty. He was sentenced to hang. Before the execution was carried out, on January 29 1829, he made a full confession of all the 16 crimes but denied that the pair ever robbed a grave. 1829 January 28, William Burke was hanged. The Rocket's claim to fame was that it competed in and won a competition now known as the Rainhill Trials. This was 1829. The directors of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway invited designers to submit their locomotives to a test for a 500 pounds prize. Besides the Rocket, two other machines competed - Sanspareil and Novelty. Rocket won for its all round competence. French tailor Barthélemy Thimonnier developed the first practical sewing machine. Thimonnier’s machine utilized a needle with a hooked-tip that moved up and down by means of a foot treadle and a return spring. The machine produced a chain stitch. Thimonnier did not benefit from his invention: when he tried to install 80 machines into a clothing factory in Paris, they were sabotaged by tailors worried that they would lose their livelihood. 1830 April 6, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formed by American prophet Joseph Smith at Fayette, New York. May 24, the first line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad opened with the maiden trip of Peter Cooper's locomotive Tom Thumb. May 28, the Indian Removal Act was passed, allowing U.S. President Andrew Jackson to grant American Indian tribes unsettled western prairie land in exchange for their settlements within the borders of extant U.S. states, thereby clearing the way for further white settlement. Foundation of the Royal Geographical Society. Charles Lyell published "The principles of geology". He suggests a subdivision of the Tertiary, (Pliocene, Miocene, Eocene) Period based on the relative number of fossils similar to living forms. His subdivision is still largely accepted. His studies show that the Earth must be several million years old. Colonel Sir George Everest becomes the Surveyor General of India 1831 Faraday Discovers Electromagnetic Induction. British physicist and chemist Michael Faraday is renowned for his discovery of electromagnetic induction and for his formulation of the laws of electrolysis. In 1831 he discovered the phenomenon of magnetic induction, and went on to demonstrate the induction of one electric current by another. In his research into electrolysis, he coined the terms “anode”, “cathode”, “anion”, and “cation”, and formulated two fundamental laws. He demonstrated the existence of diamagnetism, and the effect of a magnetic field on polarized light. Charles Darwin begins his historic Beagle voyages. James Ross explores the Northwest Passage in both directions. 1832 Omani Busaidi Dynasty relocates its head of government to the island of Zanzibar. Charles Babbage and Joseph Clement produce a prototype segment of his difference engine, which operates on 6-digit numbers and 2nd-order differences (i.e. can tabulate quadratic polynomials). The complete engine, which would be room-sized, is planned to be able to operate both on 6th-order differences with numbers of about 20 digits, and on 3rd-order differences with numbers of 30 digits. Each addition would be done in two phases, the second one taking care of any carries generated in the first. The output digits would be punched into a soft metal plate, from which a plate for a printing press could be made. But there are various difficulties, and no more than this prototype piece is ever assembled. 1833 August 23, Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act. This act gave all slaves in the British Empire their freedom. The British government paid compensation to the slave owners. The amount that the plantation owners received depended on the number of slaves that they had. For example, the Bishop of Exeter's 665 slaves resulted in him receiving £12,700. 1834 August 1, all slaves in the British Empire were emancipated, but still indentured to their former owners in an apprenticeship system which was finally abolished in 1838. George Scheutz, of Stockholm, produces a small difference engine in wood, after reading a brief description of Babbage's project. Babbage conceives, and begins to design, his "Analytical Engine". The program was stored on read-only memory, specifically in the form of punch cards. Babbage continues to work on the design for years, though after about 1840 the changes are minor. The machine would operate on 40-digit numbers; the "mill" (CPU) would have 2 main accumulators and some auxiliary ones for specific purposes, while the "store" (memory) would hold perhaps 100 more numbers. There would be several punch card readers, for both programs and data; the cards would be chained and the motion of each chain could be reversed. The machine would be able to perform conditional jumps. There would also be a form of microcoding: the meaning of instructions would depend on the positioning of metal studs in a slotted barrel, called the "control barrel". The machine would do an addition in 3 seconds and a multiplication or division in 2-4 minutes. 1835 November 7, The first Texas provisional government was formed at San Felipe de Austin. This council passed a declaration of support for the 1824 Mexican constitution, and appointed a governor and other officials. This council stopped short of declaring Texas independence. December 20, The first declaration of independence for modern Texas, by both Anglo-Texian settlers and local Tejanos, was signed in Goliad . 1836 March 2, The Convention of 1836 was convened at Washington-on-the-Brazos with Richard Ellis presiding, and the Texas Declaration of Independence was enacted effectively creating the independent, white-ruled Republic of Texas. Ten years of independence brought the Texas republic epidemics, financial crises and continued clashes with Mexico. But enduring Texas imagery was born in this period: the American cowboy; Texas Rangers with their Colt six-shooters; the rugged individualism of Sam Houston. On December 29, 1845, Texas joined the United States. March 6, The thirteen day Siege of the Alamo ended as Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna's forces defeated the 183 Texans defending the small mission (which would eventually become the center of the city of San Antonio). Remember the Alamo! became the battle cry of the Texas Revolution. April 21, Sam Houston defeated the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto, near the present-day city of Houston. General Santa Anna's entire force of 1,600 men were killed or captured by Texas General Sam Houston's army of 800 Texans; only nine Texans died. May 1836, Texas claimed the Rio Grande as its southern and western limit, according to the Treaties of Velasco. Mexico rejected the treaty as invalid and refused to recognize the existence of the Republic of Texas, although it was recognized by every other major power. Mexico insisted that Texas remained its province. Texas tried to gain recognition from Mexico as an independent state, putting the Nueces as the territorial limit in the negotiation table, to no avail. The British tried to mediate but the Mexican government refused to accept mediation. The Republic of Texas SURVEYS RECORDED IN THE LAND OFFICE OF TEXAS John Arrowsmith LONDON The master criminal and genius, Professor James Moriarty is born. He was the son of Dr. James Noel, and Morcar Moriarty. 1837 February 10, Russian author Aleksandr Pushkin was killed in a duel defending his wife's honour. June 20 1837 Queen Victoria ascended to the throne after the death of her uncle William IV. Due to her secluded childhood, she displayed a personality marked by strong prejudices and a willful stubbornness. Barely eighteen, she refused any further influence from her domineering mother and ruled in her own stead. When Victoria ascended the throne the monarchy had fallen into disrepute and Popular respect for the Crown was at a low point at her coronation. Victoria was just over 18 years old when she became Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, an unknown figure but with the help of her chief adviser, Lord Melbourne, and of her husband, Albert, Prince of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, whom she married in 1840, Victoria set out to restore the monarchy's respectability. The modest and straightforward young Queen won the hearts of her subjects. She wished to be informed of political matters, although she had no direct input in policy decisions. The Reform Act of 1832 had set the standard of legislative authority residing in the House of Lords, with executive authority resting within a cabinet formed of members of the House of Commons; the monarch was essentially removed from the loop. She respected and worked well with Lord Melbourne (Prime Minister in the early years of her reign) and England grew both socially and economically. Omani Muzrui Dynasty wrestles control of Mombasa from the Busaidi. 1838 April 8, The Great Western, the earliest regular transatlantic steamer, embarked on its maiden voyage from Bristol, England, to New York City. Regular steamship service begins across the Atlantic Ocean. 1839 Former slave-owning sugar planters riot in Jamaica, forcing a showdown between Prime Minister Robert Peel and Queen Victoria. The Queen triumphs and order is soon restored. 1840 February 6, Maori tribes of New Zealand signed the Treaty of Waitangi with Great Britain, a historic agreement purported to protect Maori rights that was the immediate basis of the British annexation of New Zealand. February 10, only three years after taking the throne, Victoria took her first vow and married her cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Their relationship was one of great love and admiration. Together they bore nine children - four sons and five daughters: Victoria, Bertie, Alice, Alfred, Helena, Louise, Arthur, Leopold, and Beatrice. Prince Albert replaced Melbourne as the dominant male influence in Victoria's life. She was thoroughly devoted to him, and completely submitted to his will. Victoria did nothing without her husband's approval. Albert assisted in her royal duties. He introduced a strict decorum in court and made a point of straitlaced behavior. Albert also gave a more conservative tinge to Victoria’s politics. If Victoria was to insistently interject her opinions and make her views felt in the cabinet, it was only because of Albert’s teachings of hard work. Birth of Fu Manchu, son of Sir William Clayton and Ling Ju Hai. Destined to become a master criminal, Fu Manchu's murderous plots are marked by the extensive use of arcane methods; he disdains guns or explosives, preferring dacoits, Thuggee, and members of other secret societies as his agents armed with knives, or using "pythons and hamadryads... fungi and my tiny allies, the bacilli... my black spiders" and other peculiar animals or natural chemical weapons. According to some authorities on Chinese customs "Fu Manchu" is a title of honor, which means "the Warlike Manchu." In the early years of his career, Fu Manchu is an assassin sent on missions by the Si-Fan, but he quickly rises to become head of that dreaded secret society. At first, the Si-Fan's goal is to throw the Europeans out of Asia; later, the group attempts to intervene more generally in world politics, while funding itself by more ordinary crime. Dr. Fu Manchu is believed to be working to extend his considerable lifespan by use of the elixir vitae, a formula he has already spent decades trying to perfect. March 30, The English dandy Beau Brummell died, destitute and mad, in Caen, France. 1 May 1840, The first official adhesive postage stamp is introduced by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland for use from 6 May. It depicts Queen Victoria and is called the "Penny Black". Although all London post offices received official issues of the new stamps, other offices throughout the United Kingdom did not, and continued to accept postage payments in cash only for some time. Post offices in some other localities, such as those in the city of Bath, began offering the stamp unofficially after 2 May. June, China bans the lucrative British practice of opium trading. The Opium Wars between Britain and China begin. 23 July, in an effort to prevent American expansion into British territory, Canada is granted partial independence from Britain. 14 October, Dr. Gottlieb Wilhelm Leitner (1840–1899) was born. He was the builder of the Shah Jehan Mosque, and founder of the Oriental Institute, at Woking, Surrey, England. As a child he showed an extraordinary ability in languages. At the age of eight he went to Constantinople to learn Arabic and Turkish, and by the age of ten he was fluent in Turkish, Arabic and most European languages. At fifteen, he was appointed Interpreter (First Class) to the British Commissariat in the Crimea, with the rank of colonel. When the Crimean War ended, he wanted to become a priest and went to London to study at King’s College. He returned to Europe in the late 1870s to pursue studies at Heidelberg University (Holland), and he also undertook work for the Austrian, Prussian and British Governments. His ambition now was to found a centre for the study in Europe of Oriental languages, culture and history. On his return to England in 1881, he sought a suitable site for his proposed institution, and in 1883 came upon the vacant Royal Dramatic College in Woking, a building admirably suited for the purpose. 1842 The Opium Wars between Great Britain and China end. China cedes Hong Kong back to the British, who reopen the city's ports for trade. Babbage's difference engine project is officially cancelled. (The cost overruns have been considerable, and Babbage is spending too much time on redesigning the Analytical Engine.) 1843 Opening of the Thames Tunnel, constructed by Sir Marc Brunel and his son Isambard in London. Geologist Thomas Chrowder Chamberlin is one of the first people to realize that there were several ice ages. The Disruption of 1843 was a schism within the established Church of Scotland, in which 450 ministers of the Church broke away, over the issue of the Church's relationship with the State, to form the Free Church of Scotland, being commonly known as the 'Wee Free'. It came at the end of a bitter conflict within the established Church, and had huge effects not only within the Church, but also upon Scottish civic life. The evangelical element had been demanding the purification of the Church, and attacked the patronage system that allowed rich landowners to select the local ministers. It became a political battle between evangelicals on one side and the "Moderates" and gentry on the other. 1844 24 May, Inventor Samuel Finley Breese Morse (April 27, 1791 – April 2, 1872), an American, painter of portraits and historic scenes, and co-inventor (with Alfred Vail) of the Morse Code, sends his famous first telegraph message, "What hath God wrought" to officially open the first telegraph line which ran along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad between the US Capitol and Baltimore. 6 June, George Williams originated the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in London. Johann Ludwig Krapf establishes a mission on the outskirts of Mombasa. 1845 February 28, The U.S. Congress passed a bill that would authorize the United States to annex the Republic of Texas over Mexican and British objections. Two companies, the East Indian Railway Company operating from Calcutta, and the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR) operating from Bombay, are formed. March 1, U.S. President John Tyler signed the bill that would authorize the United States to annex the Republic of Texas. The legislation set the date for annexation for December 29 of the same year. October 13, a majority of voters in the Republic of Texas approved a proposed constitution that was later accepted by the US Congress, making Texas a U.S. state on the same day annexation took effect (therefore bypassing a territorial phase). One of the primary motivations for annexation was that the Texas government had incurred huge debts which the United States agreed to assume upon annexation. The red, white and blue flag with its lone star adopted by the republic in 1839 became the state flag. Sam Houston favored the annexation of Texas to the United States, and was elected its first United States Senator in 1846. In that station he remained until 1859, when he was chosen governor of Texas. The annexation resolution has been the topic of some incorrect historical beliefs—chiefly, that the resolution granted Texas the explicit right to secede from the Union. This was a right argued by some to be implicitly held by all states at the time, up until the conclusion of the Civil War. However, no such right was explicitly enumerated in the resolution. The resolution did include two unique provisions: first, it gave the new state of Texas the right to divide itself into as many as five states with approval of its legislature. Second, Texas did not have to surrender its public lands to the federal government. While Texas did cede all territory outside of its current area to the federal government in 1850, it did not cede any public lands within its current boundaries. This means that generally, the only lands owned by the federal government within Texas have actually been purchased by the government. Blight strikes the potato crop in Ireland. The Great Famine or the Great Hunger (Irish: An Gorta Mór or An Drochshaol) is the name given to the famine in Ireland between 1845 and 1849. The Famine was partly due to "the (potato) Blight" (also known as phytophthora)– the oomycete that almost instantly destroyed the primary food source for many Irish people. Serious famine develops because, at the time, over six million people in Britain and Ireland subsist almost completely on potatoes. The Potato Famine leads to a massive Irish emigration to Great Britain, the United States, Canada, and Australia. First Arab slave traders arrive in Uganda. 1846 February 10, The British beat the Sikhs in northwestern India at the Battle of Sobraon, the most decisive engagement of the First Sikh War. May 13, tensions between Mexico and the United States—stemming from the U.S. annexation of Texas (1845)—led the U.S. Congress on this day in 1846 to approve overwhelmingly a declaration of war against its southern neighbour. June 14, The Bear Flag Republic was declared in California in an informal rebellion that lasted less than a month. Before the Bear Flag Republic was declared, California was a department of Mexico called Alta California. In the 1840's, American pioneers traveled in large wagon trains from Missouri to Alta California only to be met by this frustrating news. At dawn on June 14, 1846, thirty-three heavily-armed Americans gathered at the fortified adobe home of General Mariano Vallejo, on the north side of Sonoma's Plaza in California. These rebellious white settlers from the Grigsby-Ide party, some mountain men and explorers, but all displeased with Mexican rule pounded on the adobe door and loudly demanded the General come out and surrender the little fortress to them. Vallejo quickly donned his dress uniform, then opened the door and invited three representatives of the group in for breakfast and wine. The General's military bearing and immaculate uniform must have contrasted starkly with the clothing of his "visitors." Some of the Americans wore buckskins, others wore their work clothes, still others wore only what rags they had picked up or made during their travels. Robert Semple, a member of the group, later noted in his memoirs that the party "was as rough a looking set of men as one could imagine." Because Vallejo realized that Mexican rule was inadequate to manage an area as large and rich as California, he had been hoping the United States would annex the region. He told the Americans that morning to consider him one of them. The group was wary; they respectfully informed him he was under arrest and sent him to Sutter's Fort for safeguarding. Vallejo would eventually return to Sonoma after the U.S. took control of California. He would go on to serve as a delegate to the California Constitutional Convention, and later as a State Senator. Having won such a surprising and effortless victory, the Americans, (now twenty-four strong), were at a temporary loss. Some suggested looting the adobe, which was also an arsenal, but William Ide made an impassioned plea for restraint, "Choose ye this day what you will be! We are robbers, or we must be conquerors!" To legitimize their conquest, the rebels decided to raise a new flag over the plaza. By most accounts, the making of this flag was overseen by William L. Todd, a nephew of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of the future president. A Californio woman donated a rectangular piece of very light brown muslin. The wife of John Sears, one of the Grigsby-Ide party, tore a four-inch wide strip from a red petticoat and sewed it to the muslin, making a stripe along the bottom reminiscent of the stripes on the American flag. Todd then drew a star in the upper left corner (some say in solidarity with Texas, then also fighting a war with Mexico) and a crude rendition of a grizzly bear next to it, using for both a brownish mixture of brick dust, linseed oil, and Venetian Red paint. The words CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC were written in black in the middle, to the right of the star. Ten days later, U.S. Army Captain John C. Frémont took control. The republic's first and only president was William B. Ide, whose term lasted twenty-five days. June 19, Alexander Joy Cartwright arranged a baseball game between the New York Knickerbockers and the New York Nine at Hoboken, New Jersey—the first baseball game to use the set of rules on which today's game is based. July 7, a frigate and two sloops of the U.S. Navy, commanded by John D. Sloat, routed the detachment of the Mexican Coast Guard garrisoning the port of Monterey, California in a minor skirmish (the Battle of Monterey), and alerted Frémont and his men that the Mexican-American War had begun. The "Bear Flaggers" joined the war effort and replaced their flag with the Stars and Stripes. 1847 January 30, The town of Yerba Beuna officially renamed as San Fransisco. AN ORDINANCE WHEREAS, the local name of Yerba Buena, as applied to the settlement or town of San Francisco, is unknown beyond the district; and has been applied from the local name of the cove, on which the town is built: Therefore, to prevent confusion and mistakes in public documents, and that the town may have the advantage of the name given on the public map; IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED, that the name of SAN FRANCISCO shall hereafter be used in all official communications and public documents, or records appertaining to the town. – Washington Bartlett, Chief magistrate January 30, 1847 February 2, The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo signedbetween the United States and Mexico ending the Mexican War. It was signed at Villa de Guadalupe Hidalgo, which is a northern neighbourhood of Mexico City. The treaty drew the boundary between the United States and Mexico at the Rio Grande and the Gila River; for a payment of $15,000,000 the United States received more than 525,000 square miles (1,360,000 square km) of land (now Arizona, California, western Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah) from Mexico and in return agreed to settle the more than $3,000,000 in claims made by U.S. citizens against Mexico. With this annexation, the continental expansion of the United States was completed except for the land added in the Gadsden Purchase (1853). The treaty helped precipitate civil war in both Mexico and the United States. In Mexico it left many citizens unsure of their country's future as an independent state; political extremism followed, and civil war broke out at the end of 1857. The expansion of slavery in the United States had been settled by the Missouri Compromise (1820), but addition of the vast Mexican tract as new U.S. territory reopened the question. Attempts to settle it led to the uneasy Compromise of 1850 and the Kansas–Nebraska Act (1854). February 11 Thomas Alva Edison, inventor of the ether propellor, phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, and many other devices that make our lives fuller and simpler, was born in Milan, Ohio. June 10, The Chicago Tribune, one of the leading daily American newspapers and long the dominant, sometimes strident, voice of the Midwest, began publication. Babbage designs an improved, simpler difference engine, a project which took 2 years. The machine could operate on 7th-order differences and 31-digit numbers, this device would become the first product of Babbage's newly formed Imperial Business Machines (IBM) company. Chloroform, also known as trichloromethane and methyl trichloride, is a chemical compound with formula CHCl3. is used for the first time by the Edinburgh obstetrician James Young Simpson to provide general anesthesia during childbirth. The use of chloroform during surgery expanded rapidly thereafter in Europe. The United Presbyterian Church of Scotland is established. 1848 January, Gold discovered in California. "It was in the first part of January, 1848, when the gold was discovered at Coloma, where I was then building a saw-mill. -- The Discovery of Gold in California" - by Gen. John A. Sutter Kelvin temperature scale established. May 29, Wisconsin became the 30th state of the Union. Queen's College for Women is founded in London. First attempt to survey "Peak b" (now known as Everest) records a height of 30,200 feet. General public admitted to zoological gardens in Regents Park for the first time. Johann Rebmann, in the employment of the Church Missionary Society, sights the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Johann Ludwig Krapf, a collegue of Rebmann's, becomes the first European to sight Mount Kenya. 1849 24 Jan, Carpenter James Wilson Marshall found nuggets of gold in California's American River near the site of a sawmill he was building for John Sutter, ushering in the California gold rush. 23 March, At the Battle of Novara, during the first Italian War of Independence, outnumbered Austrian troops under Field Marshal Joseph Radetzky destroyed the poorly trained Italian troops of Charles Albert, king of Sardinia-Piedmont. The first of the great fires that visited San Francisco occurred at 6 o’clock on the morning of December 24, 1849, when it was estimated that $1,000,000 worth of property was destroyed. Discovery of the continental slope and the continental shelf break. Start of major drought in Arizona; it lasts until 1905. Harrod's department store is founded in London's Knightsbridge. The world's first women's rights conventionis held in New York. The first machine gun is introduced. Gold is discovered in California and Australia. 1850 April 4, With a population totaling about 1,600, Los Angeles was incorporated as an American city. A telegraph cable is laid along the seabed of the English Channel. 1851 May 1, The Great Exhibition of 1851 opened in Hyde Park, London in the Crystal Palace, a cast-iron and plate-glass building, which was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton. In 1851 Great Britain was arguably the leader of the industrial revolution, with a population of 21 million, and feeling very secure in that ideal. The Great Exhibition of 1851 in London was conceived to symbolize this industrial, military and economic superiority of Great Britain. Just representing the feats of Britain itself would have excluded many of the technological achievements pioneered by the British in its many colonies and protectorates, so it was decided to make the exhibit truly international with invitations being extended to almost all of the colonized world. The British also felt that it was important to show their achievements right alongside those of "less civilized" countries. The prevailing attitude in England at the time was ripe for the somewhat arrogant parading of accomplishments. Many felt secure, economically and politically, and Queen Victoria was eager to reinforce the feeling of contentment with her reign. It was during the mid-1850s that the word "Victorian" began to be employed to express a new self-consciousness, both in relation to the nation and to the period through which it was passing. The exhibition was also a triumph for Victoria's German husband, Albert, whom she had married in 1840. Despite outbursts of opposition to Albert by the press the family life of the Victorian court began to be considered increasingly as a model for the whole country. Albert had appreciated the achievements of Prime Minister Robert Peel's political and military advances and publicly advocated the advancement of industry and science. These facts began to sway opinion in his favor as respectable foundations of family life and industrial supremacy were becoming rapidly acquainted with the monarchy of Victoria and Albert. Conceived by prince Albert, the Great Exhibition was held in Hyde Park in London in the specially constructed Crystal Palace. The Crystal Palace was originally designed by Sir Joseph Paxton in only 10 days and was a huge iron goliath with over a million feet of glass. It was important that the building used to showcase these achievements be grandiose and innovative. Over 13,000 exhibits were displayed and viewed by over 6,200,000 visitors to the exhibition. The millions of visitors that journeyed to the Great Exhibition of 1851 marveled at the industrial revolution that was propelling Britain into the greatest power of the time. Among the 13,000 exhibits from all around the world were the Jacquard loom, an envelope machine, tools, kitchen appliances, steel-making displays and a reaping machine from the United States. The objects on display came from all parts of the world, including India and the countries with recent white settlements, such as Australia and New Zealand, that constituted the new empire. Many of the visitors who flocked to London came from European cities. The profits from the event allowed for the foundation of public works such as the Albert Hall, the Science Museum, the National History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. This "bigger and better" building was divided into a series of courts depicting the history of art and architecture from ancient Egypt through the Renaissance, as well as exhibits from industry and the natural world. Major concerts were held in the Palace's huge arched Centre Transept, which also contained the world's largest organ. The Centre Transept also housed a circus and was the scene of daring feats by world famous acts such as the tightrope walker Blondin. National exhibitions were also staged within its glass and iron walls, including the world's first aeronautical exhibition (held in 1868) and the first national motor show, plus cat shows, dog shows, pigeon shows, honey, flower and other shows. The Crystal Palace itself was almost outshone by the park in which it stood, which contained a magnificent series of fountains, comprising almost 12,000 individual jets. The largest of these threw water to a height of 250ft. Some 120,000 gallons of water flowed through the system when it was in full play. The park also contained unrivaled collections of statues, many of which were copies of great works from around the world, and a geological display which included a replica lead mine and the first attempts anywhere in the world to portray life-size restorations of extinct animals, including dinosaurs. Crystal Palace park was also the scene of spectacular Brock's fireworks displays. After the Great Exhibition closed, the Crystal Palace was moved to Sydenham Hill in South London and reconstructed in what was, in effect, a 200 acre Victorian theme park. The new Crystal Palace park at Sydenham was opened by Queen Victoria on June 10th, 1854. Ginger ale created in Ireland. 22 December, The first train in India becomes operational. It is used for the hauling of construction material in Roorkee. 1852 March 20, American author Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin was published in book form. Anton Gaudí was born in Catalonia, Spain, in 1852 though no one knows exactly where. While many believe his birthplace to be the town of Reus, others claim it was in fact Riudoms. It is known, however, that he was baptized in Reus a day after his birth. The artist's parents, Francesc Gaudí Serra and Antonia Cornet Bertran, both came from families of metalsmiths. One of the primary motivations for the US annexation of the Republic of texas was that the Texas government had incurred huge debts which the United States agreed to assume upon annexation. In 1852, in return for this assumption of debt, a large portion of Texas-claimed territory, now parts of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Wyoming, was ceded to the Federal government. 1853 April 7, Queen Victoria's son, Leopold George Duncan Albert (7 April 1853 – 28 March 1884) later Prince Leopold and Duke of Albany, is born. His birth is highly publicized, mainly because Queen Victoria herself used chloroform during childbirth. Dr. John Snow gave her chloroform, but using an open-drop method rather than the inhaler he had earlier invented. April 16, the first passenger train between Bori Bunder, Bombay and Thana covering a distance of 34 km (21 miles) was inaugurated, formally heralding the birth of railways in India. The British government encouraged the setting up of railways by private investors under a scheme that would guarantee an annual return of 5% during the initial years of operation. Once completed, the company would be passed under government ownership, but would be operated by the company that built them. To Babbage's delight, the Scheutzes complete the first full-scale difference engine, which they call a Tabulating Machine. It operates on 15-digit numbers and 4th-order differences, and produces printed output as Babbage's would have. A second machine is later built to the same design by the firm of Brian Donkin of London. October, The Crimean War (October 1853–February 1856), war fought mainly on the Crimean Peninsula between the Russians and the British, French, and Ottoman Turkish, with support, from January 1855, by the army of Sardinia-Piedmont. The war arose from the conflict of great powers in the Middle East and was more directly caused by Russian demands to exercise protection over the Orthodox subjects of the Ottoman Empire. 1854 Beginning in 1854, American warships conducted cruises along the Yangtze River in China. Initially the mission of these cruises was to show the American flag and support American consular officers. The mission became more complex over time with the added trappings of supporting American foreign policy in defining the relationship between the USA and China and later with Japan. March 20, A meeting of Whigs, anti-Nebraska Democrats, and Free-Soilers in Ripon, Wisconsin, proposed the formation of what became the Republican Party in the United States. March 31, U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry and representatives of Japan signed the Convention of Kanagawa (日米和親条約, Nichibei Washin Jōyaku) or Kanagawa Treaty (神奈川条約, Kanagawa Jōyaku) was signed at Kanagawa (now part of Yokohama) in Japan, ending that country's period of seclusion known as Sakoku ( Japanese : 鎖国, literally "country in chains" or "lock up of country") which lasted from 1639 until 1854. The treaty was signed as a result of pressure from U.S. Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who sailed into Tokyo Bay with a fleet of warships in July 1853 and demanded the opening of the Japanese ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to United States trade, guaranteed the safety of shipwrecked U.S. sailors and established a permanent consul. This was an unequal treaty imposed on Japan by the superior strength of Perry's fleet. However, it remained illegal for Japanese people to leave Japan until the Meiji Restoration (1868). May 30, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed, providing for the territorial organization of Kansas and Nebraska under the principle of popular sovereignty. October, The Crimean War (1854–1856) was fought between Imperial Russia on one side and an alliance of France, the United Kingdom, the Kingdom of Sardinia, and the Ottoman Empire on the other. The majority of the conflict took place on the Crimean Peninsula, with additional actions occurring in western Turkey, the Baltic Sea region, and in the Russian Far East. 1856 March 30, The Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the Crimean War. May 21, During the small civil war known as Bleeding Kansas—a dispute over control of the new U.S. territory of Kansas under the doctrine of popular sovereignty—the town of Lawrence was sacked by a proslavery mob intent on destroying the “hotbed of abolitionism.” May 24, a group of abolitionists led by John Brown launched a nighttime raid on a proslavery settlement at Pottawatomie Creek in Kansas Territory during which five men were murdered. James Maxwell demonstrates that all electromagnetic and optical phenomenon were explainable in terms of stresses in the one ether. July 3, The U.S. House of Representatives voted to admit Kansas to statehood under the antislavery resolution known as the Topeka Constitution, despite the opposition of the Senate and President Franklin Pierce. July 9/10 Nikola Tesla born in Smiljan, Lika (Austria-Hungary). William Thomas Blanford notes that the "Talchir conglomerates" in India were caused by glaciation. This idea will lead to the realisation that ice ages occurred many times in the past - and in both hemispheres. The state of Awadh/Oudh was annexed by the British East India Company. Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was told that he would be the last Emperor and the Mughal Empire would cease to exist after him. Excavations in Germany uncover Neanderthal fossils. Surveyor Andrew Waugh measures Peak XV (Everest) at 29,002 feet (8,840 m) 1857 March 6, U.S. Chief Justice Roger B. Taney announced the Dred Scott decision, making slavery legal in all U.S. territories. May, 1857, the famous Sepoy Rebellion erupted, a mutiny by native troops that swept across northern India, weakened the British Raj, and set up future confrontations between India and Britain. Small precursors of brewing discontent involving incidences of arson in cantonment areas, began to manifest themselves in January. When the native troops of the Bengal army rose against their colonial masters in May, the ensuing insurrection was to become the bloodiest in the history of the British Empire. This war brought about the end of the British East India Company's rule in India, and led to direct rule by the British government (British Raj) of much of the Indian subcontinent, although some states retained nominal independence under their respective princes. There is no agreed name for the events of this period , but terms in use include First War of Independence, War of Independence of 1857, Indian Mutiny, the Great Indian Mutiny, the Sepoy Mutiny, the Sepoy Rebellion, the Great Mutiny, and the Revolt of 1857. It is probably fair to say that First War of Independence and War of Independence of 1857 have, for the moment, greater prominence in India than elsewhere. British explorers Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton KCMG FRGS (March 19, 1821 – October 20, 1890) and John Hanning Speke (May 4, 1827 – September 15, 1864) lead a Royal Geographical Society backed expedition into Central Africa seeking the source of the Nile. The journey was extremely strenuous and both men fell ill from a variety of tropical diseases. Speke suffered severely when he became temporarily deaf after a beetle crawled into his ear and he had to remove it with a knife. He also later went temporarily blind. After an arduous journey the two became the first Europeans to discover Lake Tanganyika (although Speke was still blind at this point and could not properly see the lake). Burton and Speke's exploration to Tanganyika and Victoria was, arguably, their most celebrated exploration but what followed was a prolonged public quarrel between the two men which damaged Burton's reputation severely. From surviving letters it seems that Speke already distrusted and disliked Burton before the start of their second expedition. There are several reasons why they became estranged. It seems obvious that the two men were very different in character with Speke being more in tune with the prevailing morality of Victorian England. There was obviously a great element of professional rivalry. September 11, the Mountain Meadows massacre of the Baker-Fancher emigrant party at Mountain Meadows by Mormon militia and some Paiute supporters. The emigrants mostly from four northwestern counties in Arkansas were travelling through the Utah Territory during the Utah War to California. Sources estimate that between 100 and 140 men, women and children were killed at Mountain Meadows, a rest stop on the Old Spanish Trail, in the Utah territory. Mormons along the way had mistakenly linked them with a number of crimes and past Mormon persecutions. The emigrants stopped to rest at Mountain Meadows, near where anxious members of the Iron County Military District of the Nauvoo Legion (the Mormon militia in the Utah Territory) had been mustered to fight the approaching United States Army, which Mormons thought intended to destroy them. Initially intending to orchestrate an Indian massacre, the local leaders of church and state directed Indian agent John D. Lee to lead an auxiliary contingent of Paiute tribesmen along with some militiamen disguised as Native Americans in a raid. The emigrants fought back, and a siege ensued. Believing that complicity in the siege by Mormons would complicate the Utah War, the militia induced the party to surrender and give up their weapons. After escorting the emigrants out of their fortification, the militiamen then executed an estimated 120 men, women and children. Seventeen smaller children were spared. Investigations, interrupted by the U.S. Civil War, resulted eventually in nine indictments being issued in 1874. Despite others' involvement, only John D. Lee was tried and convicted. Lee was executed by firing squad at the location of the massacre in 1877. Members of the ill-fated Baker-Fancher wagon train The Fancher party's constituent trains left from four northwestern Arkansas counties. From Benton county left the original Fancher train—as did the Huff— while from Johnson county left the Cameron, the Miller, and (a trio of cousins) the Poteet-Tackett-Jones trains; from Marion county left the Mitchell, the Dunlap, and the Prewitt trains while from Beller's Stand near Harrison in Carroll county (today Boone county) left the (John Twitty) Baker train—the wagon-master/captain historians reference when they call the grand company the "Baker-Fancher trains".   Tackitt, Jones M., 12 1858 Alfred Russel Wallace's Theory of Evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace, a British naturalist, is best known for his formulation of a theory of evolution by natural selection, at the same time as Charles Darwin. Wallace formulated his ideas during an expedition to the Malay Archipelago, where he noted differences between the animal species of Asia and Australia. He corresponded with Darwin on his ideas. Both men produced a joint paper on the theory of natural selection. In the hot summer of 1858, the stench from the Thames was so bad that Members of Parliament fled from rooms adjacent to the river, handkerchiefs to noses, terrified that the smell itself would make them victims of the cholera epidemics that had carried off 40,000 Londoners. In the early 19th century the River Thames was practically an open sewer, with disastrous consequences for public health in London, including a seemingly endless sequence of cholera epidemics. The press called the crisis “the Great Stink”. Benjamin Disraeli introduced a Bill to Parliament that gave Sir Joseph William Bazalgette (1819-1891),the authority to construct the intercepting sewers he had designed two years earlier but had been held up by arguments over cost and design. The “Great Stink” concentrated MPs’ minds wonderfully. The Bill passed into law within 16 days. Bazalgette subscribbed to the Miasma theory which held that disease was spead by the smell of sewage. Medical opinion at the time held that cholera was caused by foul air: a so-called miasma. Dr John Snow had earlier advanced the explanation that we now know to be correct: cholera was spread by contaminated water, but his view was not generally accepted. However, moving the smell out of London ironically also fixed the actual cause as it moved the contaminants from the London water supply. Bazalgette's scheme consisted of three major elements: * the intercepting sewers * the pumping stations and the outfall sewers * the pumping stations at Beckton and Crossness. Over the next 16 years Bazalgette built 132 km (82 mi) of main intercepting sewers, 1,770 km (1,100 mi) of street sewers, 4 pumping stations, and the 2 treatment works at Beckton and Crossness that Thames Water still operates. The system has been extended and updated as London has expanded but the system constructed by Bazalgette continues to serve the city. He designed systems for many other communities including Cambridge, Norwich, Budapest, and Port Louis, Mauritius. Bazalgette did much else besides. He built the Victoria Embankment between Westminster and Blackfriars Bridges (see London’s Bridges) to house the northern low-level sewer and the underground railway (now the District and Circle Lines of the London Underground). It also provided a much-needed route from Westminster to the City of London to bypass the grossly congested Strand, Fleet Street, and Ludgate Hill route and furnished that part of the capital with a much-needed green space, Victoria Embankment gardens. Bazalgette also built the Chelsea Embankment and the Albert Embankment on which St Thomas’s Hospital and the MI6 building now stand. These embankments reclaimed 52 acres from the Thames. He re-housed 40,000 Londoners from foul tenements that he demolished to construct Charing Cross Road as well as creating other famous London streets including Garrick Street, Queen Victoria Street, Northumberland Avenue, and Shaftesbury Avenue. He built the present Hammersmith, Putney, and Battersea bridges. Towards the end of his career Bazalgette identified the need for river crossings below London Bridge, resulting in the creation of the Woolwich Free Ferry and the design of the Blackwall Tunnel (see Thames Tunnels). He laid out many of London’s parks and squares and proposed a high-level bridge near the Tower of London that we know today as Tower Bridge. Aerial picture of Paris taken from a balloon. Speke is the first European to sight Lake Victoria which he names afer the Queen. After discovering Lake Tanganika Burton and Speke heard of a second lake in the area, but Burton was too sick to make the voyage. Speke thus went alone, and found the lake, which he christened Lake Victoria. It was this lake which eventually proved to be the source of the river Nile. However, much of the expedition's survey equipment had been lost at this point and thus vital questions about the height and extent of the lake could not be answered. 25 August, the first transatlantic telegraph cable was successfully completed on which was sent by the United States and recieved by Great Britain, allowing transatlantic telegraph communications for the first time. Earlier transatlanticsubmarine cables installed in 1857 and 1858 only operated for a few days or weeks before they failed. The study of underwater telegraph cables accelerated interest in mathematical analysis of these transmission lines. Hadrosaurus skeleton discovered in the US by Joseph Leidy November 1, the Governor-General of India appointed the first Viceroy in token of the direct responsibility assumed by the Crown, announced the terms of the Queen's Proclamation in great state at Allahabad. The gracious message lost none of its force by being delivered while the clash of arms, resulting from the Indian Mutiny, was yet being heard in central India and on the frontiers of Nipal. Her Majesty accepted all treaties and engagements made by the Company with the native princes and promised to respect their rights, dignity, and honour. In an impressive passage, inserted by her own special desire, the Queen acknowledged with gratitude the solace of religion, and declared that all her Indian subjects should be protected in the exercise of their religious observances. A principle already enunciated in the Charter Act of 1833 was reinforced, and all, of every race or creed, were to be admitted as far as possible to those offices in her service for which they might be qualified. The Viceroy's proclamation of amnesty was confirmed, and the royal clemency extended to all rebels save those convicted of taking a direct part in the murder of British subjects. The aim of the Queen's government was to be that which had so frequently been announced by the Company, the benefit of all her subjects resident in India" In their prosperity will be our strength, in their contentment our security, and in their gratitude our best reward." The first Tabulating Machine (see 1853) is bought by the Dudley Observatory in Albany, New York, and the second one by the British government. The Albany machine is used to produce a set of astronomical tables; but the observatory's director is then fired for this extravagant purchase, and the machine is never seriously used again, eventually ending up in a museum. The second machine, however, has a long and useful life. The Fenian Brotherhood was initially founded in 1858 as the Irish Republican Brotherhood's American branch by John O'Mahony, James Stephens, and Michael Doheny. In the face of nativist suspicion, it quickly established an independent existence, although it still worked to gain Irish-American support for armed rebellion in Ireland. Initially, O'Mahony ran operations in the USA, sending funds to Stephens and the IRB in Ireland, disagreement over O'Mahony's leadership led to the formation of two Fenian Brotherhoods in 1865. The U.S. chapter of the movement was also sometimes referred to as the IRB. After the failed invasion of Canada, it was replaced by Clan na Gael. The term Fenian derives from the Irish ''Na Fianna'' or ''Na Fianna Éireann'' who in Celtic mythology were a band of warriors formed to protect Ireland, Fionn Mac Cumhaill being the most famous of its warriors. Sir Clements Markham of the British India Office organised a botanical expedition in 1858 to obtain seeds of the Cinchona tree for cultivation in India. The bark of the Cinchona tree is the best source of Quinine, the cure for Malaria. The botanist Richard Spruce collected for several years in south-western Ecuador and in 1860 seeds and plants were sent to both India and Kew Gardens in London. This was still at a time when local people kept the location of the trees a secret. The first plants sent to India in 1861 from Kew died, but later plantations in Travancore and Sikkim, and in Sri Lanka were successful. About the same time seeds, originally collected by Charles Ledger in Bolivia in 1864 and bought by the Dutch from an Australian in a private sale in London, were sent to Java. From these some 12,000 seedlings were produced; these were plants of Cinchona calisaya, which has a higher content of quinine than Cinchona pubescens grown by the British. In 1864 India and Java exchanged planting material. 1859 April 8, German philosopher Edmund Husserl, founder of phenomenology, was born. June 30, Jean-François Gravelet, known as Blondin, crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope that was 335 metres (1,100 feet) long and 49 metres (160 feet) above the water. August 28, Edwin Laurentine Drake (March 29, 1819 – November 9, 1880), also known as Colonel Drake, discovers oil in Titusville, Pennsylvania starting the American Petroleum industry. This so-called "Rock Oil" would replace whale oil in lamps. At one time Northwest Pennsylvania would produce half the world's oil. Oct 14, Francois-Claudius Koeningstein, known to posterity as the anarchist Ravachol, was born to Dutch and French parents at Saint-Chamond, near St. Etienne in Eastern France. November 1859 Charles Darwin: On the Origin of Species published. Charles Darwin revolutionized understanding of life on Earth by the publication of his highly influential work, On the Origin of Species, explaining his theory of evolution by natural selection, in 1859. Darwin had been preparing a longer work and was stimulated to publish what he regarded as this sketch of his theory by receiving communication of independent work by the naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, who had come to similar conclusions. Darwin had developed his theory of evolution from his observations of the small differences between species of animals on different islands of the Galápagos archipelago during his voyage aboard the Beagle. The idea that species evolve over time in response to selection pressures from their environment radically challenged the traditional religious view of the creation of individual species by a deity. Darwin’s theory has been central to the great modern advances in the biological sciences. Edwin Laurentine Drake drills the world's first oil well in Titusville, Philadelphia Harry Reid develops the elastic rebound theory of the cause of earthquakes, in which one fault moving against another causes the quakes. Egyptian workers started working on the construction of the Canal in conditions described by historians as slave labor. The canal project was undertaken by former French Consul in Cairo and famous Canal digger Ferdinand de Lesseps. French photographer Gaspard Felix Tournachon, also known as Nadar, carried out the first land surveys from aerial photographs taken from a balloon. 1860 April 3, The Pony Express mail delivery system, which used continuous horse-and-rider relays along a 1,800-mile (2,900-km) route between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California, was launched in the United States. The Pony Express reduced the time for mail to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the USA to around ten days. The service only operated for 18 months closing in October 1861. May 18, Abraham Lincoln became the Republican candidate for the U.S. presidency on the third ballot at the Republican National Convention in Chicago. The Pacific Telegraph Act of 1860 called for the facilitation of communication between the east and west coasts of the United States of America. Hiram Sibley of the Western Union Telegraph Company won the contract. In 1861, Benjamin Franklin Ficklin joined Hiram Sibley in helping to form the Pacific Telegraph Company of Nebraska. At the same time, Jeptha Wade was asked by Hiram Sibley to consolidate smaller telegraph companies in California. While the Pacific Telegraph Company built west from Omaha, Nebraska, the Overland Telegraph Company of California was thus formed and built east from Carson City, Nevada. With their connection in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 24, 1861, the final link between the east and west coasts of the United States of America was made by telegraph.The Pacific Telegraph Company and the Overland Telegraph Company of California were eventually absorbed into the Western Union Telegraph Company. Etienne Moreau theorized on the properties and distribution of ether. Edison begins research on a prototype Ether Propeller. Abraham Lincoln wins the election for president of the United States of America South Carolina, seceded from the Union on December 20, 1860. Burke and Wills led Great Northern Exploration Expedition to cross Australia from South to North. Herman von Meyer discovers a rare fossil of soft tissue; in this case, it is the feather, the first part of what Meyer names Archaeopteryx. Speke returns to Lake Victoria accompanied by explorer the Scottish explorer James Augustus Grant (April 11, 1827 — February 11, 1892) . By this date, almost 500 telegraph stations across the US are recording weather observations for the Smithsonian. 1861 Mississippi seceded from the Union on January 9, 1861, and Florida on the 10th. Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas followed. March 3, The Russian emancipation of the serfs by Tsar Alexander II of Russia is known as 'the abolition of slavery' in Russia. Although serfs in Imperial Russia were technically not slaves, they were nonetheless forced to work and were forbidden to leave their assigned land. March 17 Kingdom of Italy Proclaimed. The movement for the unification of Italy, called the Risorgimento, began early in the 19th century. Having gone through a revolutionary and military phase by 1848, the movement entered a diplomatic stage, which, together with Guiseppe Garibaldi’s campaigns, culminated in a successful proclamation of a united Kingdom of Italy, on March 17, 1861. Victor Emmanuel II was declared king. Rome and Venice remained outside the kingdom. April 12 Staret of the American Cil War. The sitting US President, James Buchanan felt himself powerless to act. Federal arsenals and fortifications throughout the South were occupied by southern authorities without a shot being fired. In the four months between Lincoln’s election and his inauguration the South was allowed to strengthen its position undisturbed. Lincoln’s inaugural address was at once firm and conciliatory. Unwilling to strike the initial blow to compel the southern states back into the Union, he decided to bide his time. When a Federal ship carrying supplies was dispatched to reprovision Fort Sumter, in Charleston Harbor, the secessionist hand was forced. To forestall the resupply of the fort the Rebel batteries ringing it opened fire at 4:30 a.m. on the 12th of April, 1861, forcing its rapid capitulation. President Lincoln immediately called upon the states to supply 75,000 troops to serve for ninety days against “combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings.” Virginia, Arkansas, and Tennessee promptly seceded. The war was on in earnest. Ironically, the combination of political events, southern pride, and willfulness succeeded in paving the way to the abolition of slavery; a condition that no combination of legal action on the part of the most virulent abolitionist could possibly have accomplished. April 19 Lincoln proclaimed a blockade of the South. May 21 Richmond, Va. was chosen as the Confederate capital. Francis Galton produces the first modern weather map. July sees 366 inches of rainfall at Cherrapunji, India, the highest figure recorded. July 21 Northern troops retreated in disorder after the first battle of Bull Run(Manassas). October 24, With the connection of the lines being built by the Pacific Telegraph Company building west from Omaha, Nebraska, and the Overland Telegraph Company of California building east from Carson City, Nevada in Salt Lake City, Utah the final link between the east and west coasts of the United States of America was made by telegraph.The Pacific Telegraph Company and the Overland Telegraph Company of California were eventually absorbed into the Western Union Telegraph Company. October 26, Closure of the Pony Express service. Since its replacement by the First Transcontinental Telegraph, the Pony Express has entered the romance of the American West. Its reliance on the ability and endurance of the individual riders and horses over technological innovation is part of "American rugged individualism". December 14 The Death of the Prince Consort , Prince Albert dies of typhoid fever. Following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria withdrew into a protracted period of mourning. Nevertheless, her image, a familiar, steadying, and traditional element in a rapidly changing world, was immensely popular. The Gatling gun, patented in 1861 by Richard Jordan Gatling, is the first machine gun to offer controlled, sequential automatic fire with automatic loading. 1862 February 6 Grant's Northern troops cunder the command of Union naval commodore Andrew Foote, leading a flotilla of ironclads, captured Fort Henry, Tennessee, a strategic Confederate position during the American Civil War. February 16 Fort Donelson fell to Union Forces. March 9 In the first ever battle of ironclad ships, the ironclad ships Monitor and Merrimack battled to a draw. Ironclad ships Monitor and Merrimack fired cannonades at on another at point-blank range during the historic battle of Hampton Roads in the U.S. Civil War. The Union Monitor was designed by Swedish-American engineer John Ericsson. It was smaller and lighter than its Confederate counterpart and had a revolving gun turret with two heavy guns. Although the two armored ships fought each other for several hours, the Merrimack withdrew because of low tides, and the battle was considered a draw. Earlier, the Merrimack had been successful in breaking the Union blockade of the Chesapeake Bay and caused the United States to warn Britain about supplying warships to the Confederacy. In May of 1862, the Merrimack was destroyed so it could not be captured. The Monitor foundered and sank several months later during a storm off Cape Hatteras. April 4, Union forces under George B. McClellan began the unsuccessful Peninsular Campaign to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. April 6-7, Both sides suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Shiloh in southwestern Tennessee, won by the Union. April 16, The Confederacy began to draft soldiers. April 18-29, A Union Fleet under Farragut captures New Orleans. May 4, McClellan's Union troops occupied Yorktown, Va., and advanced on Richmond. May 5,Mexico repelled the French forces of Napoleon III at the Battle of Puebla, a victory that became a symbol of resistance to foreign domination and is now celebrated as a national holiday, Cinco de Mayo. May 20, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act, which provided 160 acres of public land virtually free of charge to those who had lived on and cultivated the land for at least five years. May 30, Northern forces occupied Corinth, Miss. June 6, Memphis fell to Union Armies. June 25-July 1, Confederate forces under Lee saved Richmond in the Battles of the Seven Days. July 1, The Pacific Railway Act passed by the US Congress beginning work on the Trans-Continental railroad. August The Minnesota massacre, which killed 700 settlers and 100 soldiers, occurred because the Indians had been denied money pledged them by treaty and were starving. A military commission sentenced 303 Sioux to death by hanging, but Abraham Lincoln overturned most of the sentences. On December 26, 1862, thirty-eight Santees were executed, including Tehedo Necha August 29-30, Lee and Jackson led Southern troops to victory in the second Battle of Bull Run. September 17, Confederate forces retreated in defeat after the Bloody Battle of Antietam(Sharpsburg). September 22, Lincoln issued a Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. October 8, Buell's forces ended Bragg's invasion of Kentucky in the Battle of Perryville. December 13, Burnside's Union forces received a crushing blow in the Battle of Fredericksburg. December 31-January 2, 1863 Union troops under Rosecrans forced the Confederates to retreat after the Battle of Murfreesboro (Stones River). Speke and Grant are the first European explorers to visit the Buganda people in Uganda. Speke reaches the source of the White Nile, at Ripon falls issuing from Lake Victoria's north. Angstrom Discovers Existence of Hydrogen in the Sun. Anders Jonas Ångström, a Swedish astronomer and physicist, is credited with the discovery of the presence of hydrogen in the atmosphere of the Sun. Ångström pioneered the study of spectroscopy, publishing Optiska Undersökningar (Optical Investigations) in 1853. In 1868 he published Recherches Sur le Spectre Solaire (Researches on the Solar Spectrum), in which he set out measurements of over 1,000 spectral lines in an atlas of the solar spectrum. The unit of measurement of wavelengths introduced in his work has been generally accepted as the angstrom. First multispectral imagery taken by Du Hauron with a single-lens beam splitter technique. Kelvin uses the Earth's cooling time to propose an age in the range 20-400 million years. 1863 January 1 Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. 10 January,the Metropolitan Railway opened the world's first underground railway between Paddington (Bishop's Road) and Farringdon Street in London in an attempt to ease the traffic through the centre of London. It ran from Paddington to Farringdon, linking three mainline termini with the City, London’s central business district. Most of this 6 km (3? mi) line, still used today, runs under main roads and was built using “cut and cover” construction. This entails digging out a wide trench along the street, building retaining walls, and roofing over the trackbed before reinstating the roadway above. Locomotives with special condensing equipment were used to minimize steam emission in the tunnels. March 3 The North passed a draft law. May 1-4 Northern troops under Hooker were defeated in the Battle of Chancellorsville. May 1-19 Grant's army defeated Confederates in Mississippi and began to besiege Vicksburg. May 6 The Pacific Railroad bill passed the House of Representatives, and the Senate on June 20. Lincoln signed it into law on July 1 1862. The act called for several companies to build the railroad: from the west, the Central Pacific and the Nevada Central; and from the east, the newly chartered Union Pacific. Each was required to build only 50 miles in the first year; after that, only 50 more miles were required each year. Besides land grants along the right-of-way, each railroad was subsidized $16,000 for each mile built over an easy grade, $32,000 in the high plains, and $48,000 for each mile in the mountains. The race was on to see which road could build the furthest. July 1-3 The Battle of Gettysburg ended in a Southern defeat and marked a turning point in the war. July 4 Vicksburg fell to Northern troops. July 8 Northern forces occupied Port Hudson, La. September 19-20 Southern troops under Bragg won the Battle of Chickamauga. November 19 Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg address at the dedication of the Civil War cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. November 23-25 Grant and Thomas led Union armies to victory in the Battle of Chattanooga. US National Academy of Sciences initiated by Abraham Lincoln. Granula was the first manufactured breakfast cereal invented by James Caleb Jackson in 1863. Granula was an early version of Grape-Nuts, comprising of heavy grains of bran-rich Graham flour. The grains had to be soaked overnight before use. The cereal was manufactured from a dough of Graham flour rolled into sheets and baked. The dried sheets were then broken into pieces, baked again, and broken into smaller pieces. 1864 January 8 in Sacramento, California, Governor Leland Stanford ceremoniously broke ground to begin construction of the Central Pacific Railroad. The Central Pacific made great progress along the Sacramento Valley, however construction was later slowed; first by the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, then by the mountains themselves and most importantly by winter snow storms. As a result, the Central Pacific expanded its efforts to hire immigrant laborers (many of which were Chinese). The immigrants seemed to be more willing to tolerate the horrible conditions, and progress continued. Unfortunately, the increasing necessity for tunneling then began to slow progess of the line yet again. To combat this, Central Pacific began to use the newly-invented and very unstable nitroglycerin explosives — which accelerated both the rate of construction and the mortality of the laborers. Appalled by the losses, the Central Pacific began to use less volatile explosives. Construction began again in earnest. March 9 Grant became general in chief of the North. April 8-9 Federal troops under Banks met defeat in the Red River expedition. May 5-6 Union and Confederate troops clashed in the Battle of the Wilderness. May 8-12 Grant and Lee held their position in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. June 3 The Union suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Cold Harbor. June 20 Grant's Troops laid siege to Petersburg, Va. July 11-12 Early's Confederate forces almost reached Washington, but retreated after brief fighting. August 5 Farragut won the Battle of Mobile Bay. September 2 Northern troops under Sherman captured Atlanta. October 2, Launch of the Ictineo II: World's First Steam Powered Submarine. The Ictineo II was invented and built by Narcis Monturiol, an engineer born in Figueres (Girona, Spain) on September 28, 1819. Monturiol was a utopian social revolutionary, political misfit and self-taught engineer, he studied Law and wrote about Geography, Physics and Natural History. He first conceived the Ictineo to help coral fishermen in their rough job. He started to build the submarine on February 10, 1862. It was 17 meter long and 65 tons of weight, and was launched on October 2, 1864. In the beginning it worked with a propeller operated by sixteen men, but owe to its poor performance he decided to change the human power for a 6 Hp steam engine. The re-launching took place on October 22, 1867, once the difficulties were overcome. The submarine did thirteen immersions to as much as to 30 meters deep and the longest one lasted for seven and a half hours, while underwater it was propelled by a one-cylinder machine set on the ship's stern. Narcis Monturiol was ahead of his time and amongst other things, he invented the double hull as well as the bulb-shaped bow. In 1868 because of financial problems the Ictineo II was seized by creditors, broken up and sold as scrap metal. Narcis Monturiol died on September 6, 1885. November 8 Lincoln was re-elected President. November 15 Sherman began his march to the sea. November 16 Hood invaded Tennessee. November 30 Schofield's Union forces inflicted heavy losses on Hood in the Battle of Franklin. December 15-16 The Battle of Nashville smashed Hood's army. December 21 Sherman's troops occupied Savannah, Ga. Massive cyclone near Calcutta, India, killed an estimated 70,000 of the population. Photographs taken from a balloon used for military purposes during the American civil war. First oil pipeline constructed by van Syckel in Pennsylvania; it was rebuilt after a rival group destroyed it. James Clerk Maxwell presents equations describing electromagnetic fields. 1865 February 3 The Hampton Roads Peace Conference failed to end the American Civil War. February 6 Lee became general in chief of the South. April 2 Confederate troops gave up Petersburg and Richmond. April 9 Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox. April 14 President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. April 26 Johnston surrendered to Sherman. May 4 Confederate forces in Alabama and Mississippi surrendered. May 26 The last Confederate troops surrendered. July 2, In London's East End, William Booth founded the ministry later called the Salvation Army. July 4, Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was published. Joseph Lister Discovers Antiseptics. In 1865 British surgeon Joseph Lister encountered the germ theory, developed by Louis Pasteur, that fermentation and putrefaction were caused by micro-organisms brought into contact with organic matter. Lister applied carbolic acid to clean instruments, and directly to wounds and dressings. Lister’s development of the technique of sterilization greatly reduced mortality in surgery. related links © 1993-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Founding of the Commons Preservation Society in England to protect woodlands and heaths used by communities for recreation. Peak XV is renamed Mount Everest. French doctor Louis Pasteur (December 27, 1822 – September 28, 1895) publishes his Germ Theory of Disease. While Pasteur was not the first to propose germ theory (Girolamo Fracastoro, Agostino Bassi, Friedrich Henle and others had suggested it earlier), he developed it and conducted experiments that clearly indicated its correctness and managed to convince most of Europe it was true. Today he is often regarded as the father of germ theory and bacteriology, together with Robert Koch. December 18, by proclamation of the U.S. secretary of state, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, outlawing slavery, officially entered into force, having been ratified by the requisite states on December 6 1865. 1866 June 14 - August 23, Seven Weeks' War. The Seven Weeks’ War was an armed conflict between Austria and Prussia. The war was fought for control over the 39-state German Confederation, following the unsatisfactory conclusion of the Convention of Gastein (1865). The speed of victory demonstrated the effectiveness of the Prussian military system. September 21 H.G. Wells was born 1866-1868, Captain Nemo begins his campaign of destruction against the warships of the British Empire using the submarine Nautilus. The Nautilus caused many ships to sink by ramming them. In fact Nemo is Latin for "no one" and the real name of this mysterious individual is unknown. The impression is that Nemo was an anarchist philosopher rebelling against what he sees as the repressive governments of the world.  He has also supplied gold to people on the island of Crete who are fighting for independence from Turkey. He is also a scientific genius who roams the depths of the sea in his submarine, the Nautilus, which he helped build on a deserted island. Nemo tries to project a stern, controlled confidence, but he is driven by a thirst for vengeance, and wracked by remorse over the deaths of his crewmembers and even by the deaths of enemy sailors. He eschews dry land having forsworn all ties with it, and when he does step on it, does so only when the land is uninhabited, such as with Antarctica and desert islands such as Lincoln Island. He, is quite enamored by the sea and holds that true freedom exists only beneath the waves. In keeping with his detestation for the nations of the surface he uses no products that are not marine in nature, be it food, clothing, furnishing or even, tobacco. 1867 July 1, Dominion of Canada established on this day in 1867, with the British North America Act, the British colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Canada were united as the Dominion of Canada, and the province of Canada was separated into Quebec and Ontario. Alfred Nobel Invents Dynamite. Swedish chemist and philanthropist Alfred Nobel is remembered for his invention of dynamite and for the endowment of the Alfred Nobel Foundation that awards prizes annually in a number of categories. Nobel had sought a safe way to handle the highly volatile nitroglycerine in industry, so he mixed nitroglycerin with kieselguhr to produce dynamite, a safer explosive, which he patented in 1867. He went on to develop gelignite in 1875 and a smokeless form of gunpowder, named ballistite, in 1887. June 19, The archduke of Austria and emperor of Mexico, a man whose naive liberalism proved unequal to the international intrigues that had put him on the throne and to the brutal struggles within Mexico, Maximilian, was executed by a firing squad. Karl Marx published Das Kapital. Das Kapital, one of the most influential treatises of the 19th century, represents a key analysis of the capitalist system. In it, the German philosopher and political author Karl Marx introduced the idea of “surplus value”; the concepts of class struggle and the exploitation of the working class; and the prediction of socialism’s victory over capitalism. Further volumes were published in 1885 and 1894. Karl Marx, along with Friedrich Engels, defined communism. In the Communist Manifesto, which they wrote and published themselves in London in 1848, Marx and Engels portrayed the natural evolution of a communist utopia from capitalism. This revolutionary theory added fuel to the social struggles that characterized Europe during the latter half of the 19th century. Marx theorized that competition among capitalists would force more and more of them to be enveloped by the growing masses. A proletarian dictatorship would rule until all vestiges of capitalism had been eliminated; a communist utopia would then naturally emerge. Marx and Engels founded the International Workingman’s Association in 1864 to actively advocate their position and consider ways to speed the process. The United States Geological Survey established. March 30, William H. Seward, secretary of state under U.S. President Andrew Johnson, signed the Alaska Purchase, a treaty ceding Russian North America to the United States for a price—$7.2 million—that amounted to about two cents per acre. 1868 April 6, The Japanese emperor Meiji issued the Charter Oath, which served to modernize the country during the Meiji Restoration. May 16, The first of two key votes was held in the Senate impeachment trial of U.S. President Andrew Johnson, who was ultimately acquitted of all charges. First working ether flyer mechanism demonstrated by Thomas A. Edison. Sir Clements Markham of the British India Office organised a botanical expedition in 1858 to obtain seeds of the Cinchona tree for cultivation in India. The bark of the Cinchona tree is the best source of Quinine, the cure for Malaria. The botanist Richard Spruce collected for several years in south-western Ecuador and in 1860 seeds and plants were sent to both India and Kew Gardens in London. This was still at a time when local people kept the location of the trees a secret. The first plants sent to India in 1861 from Kew died, but later plantations in Travancore and Sikkim, and in Sri Lanka were successful. About the same time seeds, originally collected by Charles Ledger in Bolivia in 1864 and bought by the Dutch from an Australian in a private sale in London, were sent to Java. From these some 12,000 seedlings were produced; these were plants of Cinchona calisaya, which has a higher content of quinine than Cinchona pubescens grown by the British. In 1864 India and Java exchanged planting material. June 10, Serbian Prince Michael III was assassinated, derailing the Balkan League's plans for a coordinated rebellion against the Ottomans and destroying the league. Opening of the first section of the Metropolitan District Railway from South Kensington to Westminster (now part of the District and Circle Lines) in London. Sir Edward Frankland, a British chemist, is credited, together with British astronomer Sir Joseph Lockyer, with the discovery of helium as a separate element. They undertook research into the spectrum of the Sun, identifying helium as a chemical element in its own right, whereas hitherto it had been viewed as a line in the spectrum. Frankland is perhaps better known for his development of the theory of chemical valency. Life discovered at 2,400 fathoms depth, disproving earlier theories of life not existing below 300 fathoms. 2 June, Captain Nemo's submarine the Nautilus goes down in the Maelstrom, a large whirlpool off the coast of Norway. 15 October, Captian Nemo is said to have died, on board the Nautilus, at Dakkar Grotto under Lincoln Island in the South Pacific. The last rites were administered by Cyrus Harding, one of the castaways on the island who had been saved by the Captain himself, and the ship then submerged into the waters of the grotto. 1869 May 10 Completion of the Trans-Continental Railroad in the USA. Joining of the rails linking the Central and Union Pacific Railroads, May 10, 1869, Promontory Summit, Utah. CPRR's "Jupiter" engine on the left, UPRR's engine "No. 119" on the right. "One of the classic icons of American imagery." Less well known is that Dr. Arliss Loveless tried to disrupt the event and kidnap President Ulysses S. Grant using a giant mechanical spider. Whilst his attempt was foild by two unknown Feral agents President Grant was unable to attend the joining ceremony. Poster announcing railroad's opening November 17 Suez Canal Opened. The Suez Canal (Arabic: transliteration: Qana al-Suways), is a large artificial canal in Egypt, west of the Sinai Peninsula. It is 163 km (101 miles) long and 300 m (984 ft) wide at its narrowest point, and runs between Port Said (Bur Sa'id) on the Mediterranean Sea, and Suez (al-Suways) on the Red Sea. The canal allows two-way water transportation, most importantly between Europe and Asia without circumnavigation of Africa. Before its opening in 1869, goods were sometimes offloaded from ships and carried over land between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. The canal comprises two parts, north and south of the Great Bitter Lake, linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Gulf of Suez on the Red Sea. Providing a shortcut for ships travelling from the Mediterranean Sea to ports in east Africa, the Middle East, and India; The canal was designed by Vicomte Ferdinand Marie de Lesseps, a French diplomat and engineer. The Canal was officially inaugurated by Khedive Ismail in an extravagant and lavish ceremony. French, British, Russian, and other Royalty were invited for the inauguration which coincided with the re-planning of Cairo. A highway was constructed linking Cairo to the new city of Ismailia, an Opera House was built, and Verdi was commissioned to compose his famous opera, "Aida" for the opening ceremony. Ironically, Verdi did not complete the work in time and "Aida" premiered at the Cairo Opera a year later. Ferdinand de Lesseps was born on November 19, 1805 in Versailles, France. His Family was long distinguished in the French diplomatic service. At age 19, having studied law, he was appointed eleve-counsel to his uncle, then the French ambassador to Lisbon. He served in Tunis later with his father, until 1832 the year of his fathers death. Then came 7 years in Egypt, later Rotterdam, Malaga, Barcelona and Madrid. With the new Viceroy Mohammed Said in Egypt, whom de Lesseps had befriended years ago, he rushed to Cairo and soon the construction of the Suez Canal under his command began. November 17, 1869 the Gran Opening with luxuries ceremonies, a Cairo opera house had been built for the occasion and Verdi had been commissioned to write Aida. De Lesseps became a hero presented with many decorations. De Lesseps was granted a "firman" or decree by the khedive Said of Egypt to run the Canal for 99 years after completion.De Lesseps died in France in 1894. Dmitry Mendeleyev’s periodic table was constructed on the basis of the periodic law, which he formulated in 1869. The law stated that the chemical properties of the elements depend on their relative atomic masses. Therefore, in the table the elements were arranged by their related groups by atomic numbers. Mendeleyev formulated a second, improved, version of his table in 1871. His Principles of Chemistry (1868-1870) became a classic. German chemist Julius Lothar Meyer independently formulated the periodic law and a table of elements in Die modernen Theorien der Chemie (Modern Chemical Theories), published in 1864. 1869 - 1870 First Vatican Council Ecumenical council convened by Pope Pius IX which took place in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The council defined papal primacy of jurisdiction and formulated the controversial doctrine of papal infallibility in constitutions Dei Filius and Pastor Aeternus. Joseph Lockyer founded Nature journal. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) discovered. DNA was first isolated by Friedrich Miescher who, in 1869, discovered a microscopic substance in the pus of discarded surgical bandages. As it resided in the nuclei of cells, he called it "nuclein". 1870 February 3, the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States was ratified, guaranteeing the right to vote regardless of race and intending to ensure, with the Fourteenth Amendment, the civil rights of former slaves. Edison's Martian Expedition pilots primitive Ether Flyer to Mars, and returns. Earth discovers that Mars is inhabited. March, Robert Maitland Brereton, a British engineer was responsible for the expansion of the Indian peninsula railway from 1857 onwards. In March 1870, he was responsible for the linking of both the rail systems, which by then had a network of 6,400 km (4,000 miles). March 31, Thomas Peterson-Mundy of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, became the first African American to vote under the Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Discovery of liftwood on Mars revolutionizes flight. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, London begins to offer rewards for viable liftwood plants and seeds. June 21, Tientsin Massacre occurs in Tientsin, China. This was a violent outbreak of Chinese xenophobic sentiment, that nearly precipitated international warfare and signaled the end of the “cooperative policy” between China and the Western treaty powers. Before the incident, rumours circulated in Tientsin that the French Sisters of Charity were kidnapping and mutilating Chinese children. The telegraph lines from Britain to India were connected in 1870 (those several companies combined to form the Eastern Telegraph Company in 1872). 1870 - 1871 Franco-Prussian War. The Franco-Prussian War was caused by the clash between the desire of Prince Bismarck’s Prussia to be at the heart of a unified Germany and the France of emperor Napoleon III seeking to reaffirm itself as the dominant European power. France, under the leadership of Emperor Napoleon III provoked war with Prussia. France lost badly to Wilhelm I (Wilhelm II's grandfather). Prussia’s victory guaranteed the unification of Germany and confirmed the dominance of the Prussian military system in Europe. The war was ended by the Treaty of Frankfurt of 1871. Among the losses were the provinces of Alsace-Lorraine in western France which were annexed to Germany. Bismarck was against this action fearing the French would never forgive it. "A generation that has taken a beating is always followed by a generation that deals one." Bismarck on France Moltke (the senior) summed it up well: "What our sword has won in half a year our sword must guard for half a century" Education Act of 1870 passed in England. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Robert Lowe, remarked that the government would now "have to educate our masters." As a result of this view, the government passed the 1870 Education Act. The act, drafted by William Forster stated: (a) the country would be divided into about 2500 school districts; (b) School Boards were to be elected by ratepayers in each district; (c) the School Boards were to examine the provision of elementary education in their district, provided then by Voluntary Societies, and if there were not enough school places, they could build and maintain schools out of the rates; (d) the school Boards could make their own by-laws which would allow them to charge fees or, if they wanted, to let children in free. The 1870 Education Act allowed women to vote for the School Boards. Women were also granted the right to be candidates to serve on the School Boards. Several feminists saw this as an opportunity to show they were capable of public administration. In 1870, four women, Flora Stevenson, Lydia Becker, Emily Davies and Elizabeth Garrett were elected to local School Boards. Elizabeth Garrett, a popular local doctor, obtained more votes Marylebone than any other candidate in the country. Opening of the first London Tube tunnel, from the Tower of London to Bermondsey. Tyndall Effect Explained by British physicist, John Tyndall, who conducted research on colloids, leading to his discovery of what is now known as the Tyndall effect. He investigated the dispersion of light beams through colloidal suspensions. The perceived blue colour of the sky is a result of the Tyndall effect. Tyndall undertook extensive research into the nature of light, sound, and heat and also investigated the structure and development of glaciers. First all-metal bicycle patented (1870) 1871 Franco-Prussian war ends in German victory. . Wilhelm I crowned Emperor of Germany at the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. William I was Emperor of Germany from 1871 to 1888 and King of Prussia from 1861 to 1888. Wilhelm and the Prussian statesman Otto von Bismarck unified the German states under the Prussian crown in 1867 as the North German Confederation. Jan 1, The German Second Empire (1871 - 1918) was established at Versailles, France, following the unification of German states, with the king of Prussia as emperor and the architect of German unification, Otto van Bismarck, as chancellor. Under his leadership economic and military expansion led to Germany’s emergence as a major world power. Prince Otto Edward Leopold von Bismarck, aka The Iron Chancellor, a Prussian statesman, united the German states into one empire. Bismarck is noted for saying that the great problems of Germany would not be settled by speeches and resolutions but by “blood and iron”. "I am bored. The great things are done. The German Reich is made." Bismarck after the German unification of 1871 18 Jan , The German Second Empire, forged as a result of diplomacy rather than an outpouring of popular nationalist feeling, was founded on this date in the aftermath of three successful wars by the North German state of Prussia. 18 Mar, The Commune of Paris, which was an insurrection of Parisians against the French government, began, lasting until May 28. The Paris Commune was a short-lived French revolutionary government that took power in 1871 in the aftermath of the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War. With the government capitulating to the peace terms of the Prussians, and the victorious Prussian army encamped outside Paris, the city broke into revolt. The insurrection led to the establishment of a proletarian dictatorship and the election of a council, which came to be known as the Commune. The Communards, consisting of followers of the revolutionary socialist Auguste Blanqui, and of Pierre Proudhon, who had died in 1865, began to implement reforms to working conditions but were rapidly and ruthlessly crushed by government forces, who massacred over 20,000 citizens, while the Communards killed many of their hostages in retaliation. The Paris Commune had lasted barely two months, but it became an important symbol to revolutionary Communists. For Karl Marx, who analysed it in The Civil War in France, the Commune vindicated his ideas on the process of history, confirming revolution as a means to liberate the proletariat. British naturalist Charles Darwin caused a storm of controversy by publishing The Descent of Man (1871), in which he set out his theories on the evolution of human beings, and developed the theory of sexual selection as a means of organic change. This went further than his earlier work, On The Origin of Species, which had deliberately avoided the controversial issues relating to human evolution. 10 May, the Reichsland of Alsace-Lorraine, territory ceded to the German Empire in the Treaty of Frankfurt of 10 May 1871 following the Franco-Prussian war, was given a special status. Contrary to German hopes, the population of Alsace-Lorraine did not merge quickly with the new Empire November 10, Famous meeting between Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley, a New York Herald correspondent, at Ujiji, a small village on the shore of Lake Tanganyika and famously greeted him (at least according to his own journal) by saying "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" (which was tongue-in-cheek because Livingstone was the only white person for hundreds of miles). I would have run to him, only I was a coward in the presence of such a mob--would have embraced him, but that I did not know how he would receive me; so I did what moral cowardice and false pride suggested was the best thing--walked deliberately to him, took off my hat, and said: "DR. LIVINGSTONE, I PRESUME?" "Yes," said he, with a kind, cordial smile, lifting his cap slightly. (from How I Found Livingstone) In 1871 Stanley had started his expedition to East Africa. To Katie Gough-Roberts, a young woman living in Denbigh, he sent a number of letters, and planned to marry her after the journey. However, she married an architect. Although he was deserted by his bearers, plagued by disease and warring tribes but after he found Livingstone near Lake Tanganyika in Ujiji on November 10, 1871 they explored the northern end of Lake Tangayika - Richard Francis Burton claimed Lake Tangayika as the source of the River Nile. Livingstone had journeyed extensively in central and southern Africa from 1840 and fought to destroy the slave tradeStanley joined him in exploring the region, establishing for certain that there was no connection between Lake Tanganyika and the river Nile. On his return, he wrote a book about his experiences. May 13, With the Law of Guarantees (Legge Delle Guarentigie), the Italian government attempted to settle the question of its relationship with the Pope, who had been deprived of his lands in central Italy duringthe process of Italian national unification. May 21, the Commune of Paris revolted against the French national government under Adolphe Thiers, beginning a period of violence known as “Bloody Week.” Babbage produces a prototype section of the Analytical Engine's mill and printer.   The Royal Ethereal Research Establishment at Farnborough is opened. It is staffed bya collection of Government employed scientists and inventors researching all things Ethereal. It is also, however, a military establishment and as a result most of the employees hold a military commission of some kind, thus making it a potential background site for PC's wishing to combine military and scientific careers. First American pterosaur fossils discovered by Othniel Charles Marsh. "P. T. Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome"opens in Brooklyn, New York, , a traveling amalgamation of circus, menagerie and museum of "freaks". Phineas Taylor Barnum's (July 5, 1810 – April 7, 1891) circus by 1872 was billing itself as "The Greatest Show on Earth" went through a number of variants on these names: "P.T. Barnum's Travelling World's Fair, Great Roman Hippodrome and Greatest Show On Earth", and after an 1881 merger with James Bailey and James L. Hutchinson, "P.T. Barnum's Greatest Show On Earth, And The Great London Circus, Sanger's Royal British Menagerie and The Grand International Allied Shows United", soon shortened to "Barnum & London Circus". He and Bailey split up again in 1885, but came back together in 1888 with the "Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show On Earth", later "Barnum & Bailey Circus", which toured around the world. The show's primary attraction was Jumbo, an African elephant he purchased in 1882 from the London Zoo. October 8 and 9, fire destroys 3.5 square miles of Chicago. Jesse James robs his first passenger train Italian unification (called in Italian the Risorgimento, or "Resurgence") was the political and social process that unified disparate states of the Italian peninsula into the single nation of Italy. It is difficult to pin down exact dates for the beginning and end of Italian reunification, but most scholars agree that it began with the end of Napoleonic rule and the Congress of Vienna in 1815, and largely ended with the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, though the last "città irredente" did not join the Kingdom of Italy until the Treaty of Saint-Germain after World War I. 1872 First British foothold on Mars with the establishment of the Permanent British Quarter in Parhoon. France passes law of Universal Service. (Draft) March 1, President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill into law that created Yellowstone National Park. 1873 Edison loses patent suit against Armstrong Ether Flyer Company. Both firms compete vigorously in design and construction of spacecraft. The Home Rule League was one of the organizations that campaigned for Ireland’s legislative independence from the United Kingdom. In particular, it sought to secure an Irish parliament that would be answerable to Westminster on imperial matters only. After much British pressure, Sultan Barghash of Zanzibar agrees to halt the slave trade in East Africa. 1873 - 1874 James Starley Invents Early Bicycle. James Starley, British inventor, is best known for his development of the early bicycle. His bicycle, using steel-rimmed wheels with solid rubber tyres, was patented in 1869. Starley developed the geared bicycle, producing a machine that incorporated most of the design features of what has become known as the high-wheel bicycle. David Livingstone died in 1873 on the Shores of Lake Bagweulu. His body was shipped back to England and buried in Westminster Abbey - Henry Morton Stanley was one of the pall-bearers. Central Park in New York is completed. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, both of whom later created Brooklyn's Prospect Park. While much of the park looks natural, it is in fact almost entirely landscaped and contains several artificial lakes, extensive walking tracks, two ice-skating rinks, a wildlife sanctuary, and grassy areas used for various sporting pursuits, as well as playgrounds for children. The park is a popular oasis for migrating birds, and thus is popular with bird watchers. The park was not part of the Commissioners' Plan of 1811. However, between 1821 and 1855, New York City nearly quadrupled in population. As the city expanded, people were drawn to the few open spaces, mainly cemeteries, to get away from the noise and chaotic life in the city. Before long, however, New York City's need for a great public park was voiced by the poet and editor of the then-Evening Post (now the New York Post), William Cullen Bryant, and by the first American landscape architect, Andrew Jackson Downing, who began to publicize the city's need for a public park in 1844. A stylish place for open-air driving, like the Bois de Boulogne in Paris or London's Hyde Park, was felt to be needed by many influential New Yorkers, and in 1853 the New York legislature designated a 700 acre (2.8 km²) area from 59th to 106th Streets for the creation of the park, to a cost of more than US$5 million for the land alone. The first French scientific expedition to Mars, led by Dr. Claude Massigny, lands near Idaeus Fons and establishes friendly relations with it's ruler King Lotmar. 1874 Armstrong expedition to Venus fails to return. Benjamin Disraeli took office as British Prime minister. Belgians and French establish enclaves on Mars. The first ice-cream soda sold. 1875 Collingswood Expedition to Venus fails to return. France establishes the "Ecole Superieure de Guerre", The War College. July First flight of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin's Luft Zeppelin LZ-1 rigid airship Edison discovers "Etheric Force," an electric phenomenon that is the foundation of wireless telegraphy. Lapworth identifies the Ordovician System. The Ordovician System was proposed by Charles Lapworth in 1879 as a compromise to resolve the conflict between Adam Sedgwick and Roderick Murchison over the interval of overlap of their Cambrian and Silurian systems. The Ordovician System was based on fossiliferous rock units (Arenig, Bala, Llandeilo, and Caradoc) long-established in Wales and the Welsh Borderlands, and by 1900 it was widely used in Britain and elsewhere in the world. However, as late as 1976 (Williams et al, 1976), the upper and lower boundaries of the system were subject to substantially different interpretations among Ordovician stratigraphers, and, over time, the traditional British Ordovician series were revised substantially (Fortey et al, 1995). Although the British series became the lingua franca for global correlation, such correlation was greatly hindered by the high level of biogeographic and ecologic differentiation of Ordovician biotas. Accordingly, regional series and stages were established for Ordovician successions on many different paleoplates. Britain buys the Suez canal. The prime minister Benjamin Disraeli had long been interested in buying part of the Suez for Britain, but so were several other countries. The biggest opposition would come from the French shareholders, but the French knew something that nobody else did. They knew that the Khedive had spent the country's surplus money and needed cash fast. The Khedive had decided that if someone were to offer, he would sell his 177.2 shares of the Suez Canal Company. Since the French didn't think anybody else knew, they took their time raising the money. They did not know that Disraeli was a friend to the world's largest banker at the time, Baron Lionel de Rothschild. Rothschild knew of the Khedive's financial state and when Disraeli asked about it, he told. Disraeli then also asked if he could get a loan for 4 million British pounds to buy the shares, and Rothschild agreed. He immediately sent a courier to propose the buy to the Khedive. French, Turkish, and Russian spies all discovered this information and sent their own people but it was too late. Disraeli had already bought the Khedive's shares. He then convinced the Queen and Parliament to pay off his debt to Rothschild. Sir Henry Morton Stanley, also known in the Congo as Bula Matari (Breaker of Rocks or, alternatively, Sledge Hammer) , born John Rowlands (January 28, 1841 – May 10, 1904), meets with Kabaka (King) Mutesa I of the Buganda Kingdom and then goes to explore the region around Lake Victoria. Ferdinand de Lesseps made his first public declaration of interest in an interoceanic canal. President Ulysses Grant vetoes a bill protecting buffalo and other wildlife. The Channel Tunnel. There had been numerous proposals for a tunnel under the channel throughout the 19th Century including one by Napoleon, but the first serious attempt to build a tunnel came with an Act of Parliament in 1875 authorising the Channel Tunnel Company Ltd. to start preliminary trials. This was an Anglo French project with a simultaneous Act of Parliament in France. The first expeditions of the Belgians was led by Henry Morton Stanley to "prove that the Congo natives were susceptible of civilization and that the Congo basin was rich enough to repay exploitation". Stanley's revelation of the commercial possibilities of the region resulted in the setting up of a large trading venture and led to the founding of the Congo Free State in 1885. The first Martian expeditions of the Belgians were also led by Henry Morton Stanley to "prove that the Coprates natives were susceptible of civilization and that the Coprates valley was rich enough to repay exploitation". Stanley's revelation of the commercial possibilities of the region resulted in the setting up of a large trading venture and led to frequent native rebellions in 1882 as well as the founding of the Upper Coprates State in 1885. While David Livingstone combined geographical, religious, commercial, and humanitarian goals in his exploration journeys, Stanley created the direct link between exploration and colonization, especially in the service of Leopold II of Belgium. Stanley represented Leopold in signing treaties with bewildered Martian chiefs. Leopold II's ruthless exploitation of the natural resources of the Congo ("the rubber atrocities") and Coprates were protested by the international community and the Belgian parliament eventually forced the king to give up personal control of the regions. 1876 February 2, The National League, the oldest existing major-league professional baseball organization in the United States, began play as the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs. Queen Victoria proclaimed Emperess of India. March 10, Alexander Graham Bell Invents the Telephone. Alexander Graham Bell, a British-born American inventor, is famed for his invention of the telephone as a means of transmitting speech. He successfully tested his design for the telephone on March 10, 1876, when he managed to transmit a complete sentence. The following year he founded the Bell Telephone Company to exploit commercially and further develop the invention. Bell also invented the audiometer, the induction balance, and the wax recording cylinder, a forerunner of the gramophone. Alexander Graham Bell constructed this prototype telephone consisting of a coil of wire, a magnetic arm and a taut membrane. Any sound causes the membrane, and hence the magnetic arm, to vibrate. The movement of the magnet induces a fluctuating electric current in the coil. This electrical signal can be reconverted into sound by an identical apparatus at the other end of the circuit. May 26, The Challenger Expedition, a groundbreaking oceanographic exploration cruise carried out by the British Admiralty and the Royal Society, concluded successfully. June 25th, General George Armstrong Custer and his entire command are wiped out at the battle of the Little Big Horn. Robert Koch obtains pure cultures of the anthrax bacillus and transmits the disease to laboratory animals; the first time a germ is definitively proven to cause a disease. The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland is founded. Cyclone in Bangladesh kills an estimated 215,000. The British Royal Society expedition to Mercury, led by Sir Basil Throckmorton planted the British flag for the first time on Mercury. Root beer mass produced for public sale for the first time. Start of three year drought and famine in China; an estimated 9 million people die from its effects. In 1876, The English explorer Sir Henry Wickham (May 29, 1846 – September 27, 1928), at the request of the India Office, collected and shipped from the Portugese controlled Santarém area of Brazil 70,000 seeds from the wild rubber tree ( Hevea brasiliensis). These were rushed to Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew in London and planted in specially prepared hot-houses. The small number, which survived and became seedlings, were taken in 1877 to Ceylon and later to Malaysia and other countries of South-east Asia allowing the establishment of a British controlled Rubber industry. Rubber plantations in Asia were much more efficient and outproduced Brazil. This was because the Asian rubber plantations were organized and well suited for production on a commercial scale whereas in Brazil the process of latex gathering from forest trees remained a difficult extractive process: rubber tappers worked natural rubber groves in the southern Amazon forest, and rubber tree densities were almost always low, as a consequence of high natural forest diversity. Moreover, experiments in cultivating rubber trees in plantations in the Amazon showed them to be vulnerable to South American rubber tree leaf blight fungus and other diseases and pests. Thus Wickham has been accused of dooming the Amazonian rubber boom. In fact, in Brazil, Wickham is labeled as a "bio-pirate" for his role in stealing the rubber seeds that broke the Brazilian monopoly. In 1876, no Brazilian law would have prevented Wickham's collection of the seeds, but it is believed by many that he may have misrepresented his cargo as dead botanical material destined for the herbarium in order to obtain an export license in Belém. 1877 London Times Venus rescue expedition fails to return. Thomas Edison invents the phonograph. This was Edison's favorite invention. He sponsored the Edison Phonograph Polka to help popularize the new device. The first reproduced phrase, “hello,” was recorded on a telephone repeater, but Edison invented the more sophisticated phonograph (record player) the same year. Sound passed through the horn (not shown) into the central mouthpiece. This caused a diaphragm to vibrate. The diaphragm’s stylus created indentations on a thin sheet of tinfoil that was wrapped around a revolving drum. The device was arranged so that a second stylus and diaphragm could be attached to play back the recording. After the development of Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism, several experiments were performed to prove the existence of ether and its motion relative to the Earth. The most famous and successful was the one now known as the Michelson-Morley experiment , performed by Albert Michelson (1852-1931) and Edward Morley (1838-1923) in 1887. It had long been posited that the ether filled the whole universe and was a stationary frame of reference, which was rigid to electromagnetic waves but completely permeable to matter. Hooke endorsed the idea of the existence of the ether in his work Micrographia (1665), and several other philosophers of the 17th century, including Huygens, did the same. At the time of Maxwell's mathematical studies of electromagnetism, ether was believed to be the propagation medium and was imbued with physics properties such as permeability and permittivity. From this theory it follows that it should appear to be moving from the perspective of an observer on the sun-orbiting Earth. As a result, light would sometimes travel in the same direction of the ether, and others times in the opposite direction. Thus, the idea was to measure the speed of light in different directions in order to measure speed of the ether relative to Earth. Michelson and Morley built a Michelson interferometer, which essentially consists of a light source, a half-silvered glass plate, two mirrors, and a telescope. The mirrors are placed at right angles to each other and at equal distance from the glass plate, which is obliquely oriented at an angle of 45° relative to the two mirrors. In the original device, the mirrors were mounted on a rigid base that rotates freely on a basin filled with liquid mercury in order to reduce friction. Michelson and Morley were able to measure the speed of light by looking for interference fringes between the light which had passed through the two perpendicular arms of their apparatus. These would occur since the light would travel faster along an arm if oriented in the "same" direction as the ether was moving, and slower if oriented in the opposite direction. Since the two arms were perpendicular, the only way that light would travel at the same speed in both arms and therefore arrive simultaneous at the telescope would be if the instrument were motionless with respect to the ether. If not, the crests and troughs of the light waves in the two arms would arrive and interfere slightly out of synchronization, producing a diminution of intensity. The British Royal Society's 2nd expedition to Mercury, led by Sir Basil Throckmorton drove deep into the Forbidding Desert on a specially insulated Mercurian exploratory aerial flyer, claiming vast tracts of land along the equator for the British Empire. 14 July, As anti-Terran sentiment grows amongst the Martian population of Idaeus Fons, riots break out when a mob of Martians attacked a Bastille Day celebration. Six Frenchmen died in the fighting, and much property was damaged. Tje French Consul demanded a full apology and reparations from the King. When he refused, the French declared war. November, Five French regiments landed, near Idaeus Fons on Mars, and shattered the city's army in three battles. The French compelled King Lotmar to step down in favour of his nephew Akvan. Several nobles were imprisoned and their lands turned over to the French as compensation. In 1877 Stanley made the first complete traverse of the Iruri River, whose waters flow some 800 miles before joining the Congo in the vicinity of present-day Kisangani. By the time he abandoned the river to go directly for Lake Edward, fifty-two of his men were so crippled by leg ulcers and malnutrition, that he had to leave them on the riverbank at a place he named Starvation Camp. First British Protestant missionaries arrive in the Buganda Kingdom and begin converting the Africans to their brand of Christianity. "Granola" introduced by James Harvey Kellogg, renamed to avoid being sued by Jackson. Kellogg incorporated a rolling process to flake the grain, making it more edible. 1878 German Ether Dirigible lands on Venus and discovers fate of the first three expeditions. Swan and Edison Independently Invent the Light Bulb. Joseph Swan, a British chemist and inventor, and Thomas Alva Edison, an American inventor, are credited with the invention of the electric light bulb, in 1878 and 1879 respectively. Swan constructed a light bulb by using carbon wire within a vacuum bulb; Edison produced the same invention a year later, but filed a patent. Edison sued Swan, believing him to have copied his idea. As part of the settlement of the action, they formed the Edison and Swan United Electric Light Company in 1883. March 3, The Preliminary Treaty of San Stefano was a treaty between Russia and the Ottoman Empire signed at the end of the Russo-Turkish War, 1877–78. It was signed at San Stefano (now Yes,ilköy), a village west of Istanbul, by Count Nicholas Pavlovich Ignatiev and Alexander Nelidov on behalf of the Russian Empire and Foreign Minister Safvet Pasha and Ambassador to Germany Sadullah Bey on behalf of the Ottoman Empire. 3 March, the day the Treaty of San Stefano was signed, is the national holiday of the Republic of Bulgaria King Lotmar, deposed ruler of Idaeus Fons, signed a treaty accepting French military protection and guidance in foreign affairs. Seperate courts for French citizens are set up, and a reduced tariff was set uo for goods brought in on French ether flyers. April 8, the Criminal Investigation Department of the Metropolitan Police was founded by Howard Vincent. He was replaced by James Monro in 1884 and in 1888 Robert Anderson took charge after Monro's resignation. Initially Vincent was directly responsible to the Home Secretary, but since 1888 the CID has come under the authority of the Commissioner. Vincent inherited a small body of detectives in Scotland Yard, with others in the Divisions under the command of Divisional Superintendents. His new Department proposed for the first time the formal establishment of permanent Divisional Detective sections who would liaise with the central Branch at Scotland Yard. The 60 Divisional Detective patrols and 20 Special Patrols commanded by 159 sergeants and 15 Detective Inspectors would be an improvement on the occasional plain clothes or 'winter patrols' of two working on a monthly shift system in the Divisions. At Scotland Yard the old Detective Branch was remodelled with one Superintendent (Williamson) commanding 3 Chief Inspectors and 20 Inspectors, and an office staff of six Sergeants and constables. The CID were paid slightly more than uniformed police, and could also claim a number of allowances. In 1883 Vincent set up the Special Irish Branch, which, as Special Branch, would become the first of the specialized squads and units spun off from the CID. June 13-July 13, The Treaty of Berlin was the final Act of the Congress of Berlin, by which the United Kingdom, Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the Ottoman government under Sultan Hamid revised the Treaty of San Stefano signed on March 3 of the same year. The Treaty provided for an autonomous Bulgarian principality comprising Moesia and the region of Sofia. Most of Thrace was included in the autonomous region of Eastern Rumelia, whereas the rest of Thrace along with the whole of Macedonia was returned under the sovereignty of the Ottomans. British forces marched through the Khyber Pass to launch an offensive against the Afghans in the Second Afghan War (1878-79). It was at Ali Masjid that Sir Neville Chamberlains friendly mission to the amir Shere Ali was stopped in 1878, thus causing the second Afghan War; and on the outbreak of that war Ali Masjid was captured by Sir Samuel Browne; The treaty which closed the war in May 1879 left the Khyber tribes under British control. From that time the pass was protected by jezailchis drawn from the Afridi tribe, who were paid a subsidy by the British government. September 12, Cleopatra's Needle erected on the north bank of the River Thames at Victoria Embankment in London. This ancient Egyptian obelisk had been given to Britain by the Turkish Viceroy of Egypt, Mohammed Ali, in 1819, although it was not until 1877, when engineer John Dixon built an iron cylindrical pontoon to tow it out to sea, that it arrived in Britain, where it was erected on the north bank of the River Thames at Victoria Embankment, London. It is now believed that Cleopatra’s Needle was originally erected at Heliopolis in Egypt around 1475 BC. The first Diplodocus skeleton is found at Como Bluff, Wyoming. A German expedition spends six months exploring the Mercurian World river. In 1878 representatives of the Colonial Office, the Royal Navy, the Royal Mail and the Army met at the Prince Consort's Library in Aldershot, to discuss the growing problem of communications between the Red Planet and Earth. All four institutions recognised the need for a fast, secure and regular method of communication and personnel transfer between the two planets. After a few days of consultations, in an uncommon show of inter-service unity they devised the Ether Dispatch Service. This service was to consist of a large number of small, but very fast, Ether Flyers shuttling between Earth and Mars. So acute was the need for this service that within the year the necessary budgets had been found and Her Majesty had given the service its Royal Charter as well. First modern bathymetric map completed after studies in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. In 1878, Stanley (who had found Livingstone some years earlier) visited Mombasa and flew to Lake Victoria in an aerial flyer, circumnavigating Lake Victoria from the air. 1879 January 11, Anglo-Zulu War broke out between Britain and the Zulus, and signalled the end of the Zulus as an independent nation. It had complex beginnings, some bad decisions and bloody battles that caused the British to engage earlier than they intended, but played out a common story of colonialism. Warburton has controlled the Khyber, and for the greater part of that time secured its safety. 1 May, the first of the Town Class of Ether Dispatch Flyers, the Farnborough, was launched from Her Majesty's Ether Dispatch Service's newly built shipyard, cum Headquarters, next to the Royal Ethereal Research Establishment in Farnborough. Under the command of the newly promoted Admiral Sefton Inwood, Her Majesty's Ether Dispatch Flyer Farnborough, completed her 10 days of trials without a hitch , and began her maiden flight to Mars. This was completed in 43 days, a new record as the Farnborough achieved her designed average speed of 5 million miles per day. Inspired by the success of the Farnborough's first flight she was joined within the year by her sister Flyers, the Aldershot and the Portsmouth. April 3, Sofia, liberated from the Ottoman Empire by Russian troops, was named the capital of Bulgaria. The British constructed a road through the Khyber Pass. A revolt flared up on the frontier region and the valleys of Khyber started vibrating with the echoes of war. British forces occupy Khyber Pass. From 1879 onward, Colonel R. April 29, Alexander Joseph of Battenberg (April 5, 1857 - November 17, 1893) elected Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria, reigned from April 29, 1879 to September 7, 1886). July 4, The Battle of Ulundi, South Africa took place at the Zulu capital of Ulundi and proved to be the decisive battle that finally broke the military power of the Zulu nation. 3rd September, British legation in Kabul massacred. Lieutenant Walter Hamilton, an Irishman of 22 years, was awarded the Victoria Cross and, with the ending of the first phase of the war, given command of the small party of Queen’s Own Guides Cavalry and Infantry that escorted Cavagnari to Kabul. On 3rd September 1879 mutinous Afghan troops from the Herati regiments, scorning their western colleagues who had lost the war to the British and Indians, stormed the Residency in the Bala Hissar in Kabul and killed Cavagnari and his escort of Guides after a ferocious battle. Hamilton is commemorated by a statue in Dublin. Germany declares Alsace-Lorraine to be an integral part of the German Empire. Central administration was transferred to Strasbourg and placed in the hands of an imperial governor-general instead of the chancellor of the Reich. Oct 7, The Dual Alliance is struck between Germany and Austria-Hungary. Not enthusiastic about the alliance and feeling it may offend the Russia that had stood by Prussia, Wilhelm I commented upon signing: "Thinking of what it means I feel like a traitor." Radical Egyptian elements depose Ismail, the Khedive of Egypt. He is succeeded by Tewfik. The French Panama Canal Company is organized and headed by Ferdinand de Lesseps. Ute Indian Uprising at the White River agency in 1879 in which Indian agent Nathan Meeker and other agency employees were murdered, his wife and daughter and another woman, abducted. This "incident," as the contemporary Utes called it, provided the excuse for Governor Frederick Pitkin and other prominent Denver citizens to demand removal of the Utes from Colorado. "The Utes must go," was their rallying cry. What provoked the White River Utes to take up arms was that Meeker, a sincere but unwise Fourierien socialist, he was the principal founder of the Union Colony at Greeley, pushed the Indians too far in his zeal to make model farmers out of these nomadic, horse-loving Indians. The last straw came when Meeker plowed up Ute Johnson's pony pasture and racetrack in Powell Park near the agency headquarters (west of the town of Meeker) as a punitive act to show who was boss. A committee investigates the feasibility of completing the Analytical Engine and concludes that it is possible even now that Babbage is dead. The project is completed by Imperial Business Machines (IBM). King Leopold II or Belgium hired the famous explorer Henry Morton Stanley to establish a colony in the Congo region. October 21, the first successful test of Edison's carbon filament based incandescent light bulb or incandescent lamp, ; it lasted 13.5 hours). Thomas Edison discovers incandescent light which is a source of artificial light that works by incandescence, in which an electric current passes through a thin filament, heating it and causing it to emit light. The "bulb" is the glass enclosure around the filament that often contains a vacuum or is filled with a low-pressure noble gas to prevent the filament from burning out due to evaporation at the high temperature., radically improving dynamos and generators, discovers a system of distribution, regulation, and measurement of electric current-switches, fuses, sockets, and meters. Sir Basil Throckmorton's Third Expedition to Mercury circumnavigated the planet by following the course of the World River in his aerial flyer. The expedition also undertook several side trips into the frigidity of the Dark Side. Louis Pasteur grows the fowl cholera bacillus in culture. Returning to his Paris laboratory after a vacation, he inoculates chickens with the aged culture and discovers that the weakened bacillus does not cause disease and that it creates immunity in the chickens to more virulent strains of cholera.. 28 December 1879, The Tay Bridge Disaster. When the first Tay Rail Bridge, which crossed the Firth of Tay between Dundee and Wormit in Scotland, collapsed during a violent storm while a train was passing over it. The bridge was designed by the noted railway engineer Sir Thomas Bouch, using a lattice grid that combined wrought and cast iron. During a violent storm on the evening of 28 December 1879, the centre section of the bridge, known as the "High Girders", collapsed, taking with it a train that was running on its single track. All 75 people on the train were killed. The total number was only established by a meticulous examination of ticket sales, some from as far away as King's Cross.Of the 60 known victims, only 46 were found, with two bodies not being recovered until February 1880. 1880 1880 - 1900 Scramble for Africa and the planets Name given to the division of Africa, Mars, Venus and mercury into spheres of influence by the European powers—notably Great Britain, Germany, France, Belgium, and Portugal—and the formalization of the colonization of these areas. The Berlin Conference had been called in 1884 to define the spheres of influence of the European powers, and set the rules for the further colonization of Earth and the Solar System. The Berlin Act of 1885 introduced the doctrine of effective occupation. On the first day of the new year of 1880, on board a steam launch standing of the mouth of the Rio Grande, de Lesseps young daughter Fernanda dug the first shovel of sand into a champagebox and the Panama Canal was symbolically begun. Edison continued to improve his incandescent lamp design and by 1880 had the patent for a lamp that could last over 1200 hours using a carbonized bamboo filament. Edison and his team did not find this commercially viable filament until more than 6 months after Edison filed the patent application. Germany establishes first colony on Venus. Disraeli steps down as British Prime minister and is succeeded by Gladstone. Second War of the Parhoon Succession results in establishment of a British crown colony on Mars. Princess Christina Station established by Great Britain on Mercury. Situated at the Mercurian North Pole, its scientists study the Sun and the local Mercurian environment. This small outpost of the British Empire is home to a faculty of 20 scientists, 50 servants and workers, six government officials, and a score of Royal Marines. Royal Navy ether flyers call on the outpost at irregular intervals, and a supply ship delivers equipment, provisions, and mail every six months. Since the establishment of Princess Christiana Station the British Royal Society has supported a number of small expeditions of scientific and economic importance within 1,000 miles of the Mercurian North Pole. France annexes Tahiti. Pacific War breaks out: Chile vs. Peru and Bolivia. Drags on into 1884. Boers of Transvaal declare their independence from Britain. A republic is established with Krueger as president. Garfield elected President of the United States. Carnegie develops the first large steel furnance. Electricity replaces gaslights on New York streets. Heidelberg expedition returns from Venus. First Russian expedition lands on Venus. First Italian expedition lands on Venus. The Great Indian Peninsula railway network has a route mileage of about 14,500 km (9,000 miles), mostly radiating inward from the three major port cities of Bombay, Madras and Calcutta. Canned fruits and meats widely available for the first time in stores. Channel Tunnel, under the direction of Sir Edward Watkin, Chairman of the South Eastern Railway, a new shaft (No. 1 shaft) was sunk at Abbot's Cliff, between Dover and Folkestone with a horizontal gallery being driven along the cliff, 10 feet above the high water mark. This seven foot diameter pilot tunnel was eventually to be enlarged to standard gauge with a connection to the South Eastern Railway. Fu Manchu puts into motion his grandiose plot to falsify scientists' deaths & conscript them into his service; he will continue to use these methods for at least sixty years. Thomas Edison discovers the "Edison Effect," the fundamental principle of electronics. Airborne cameras placed onaerial flyers, kites and Ether Flyers. John Milne invents the modern seismograph for measuring earthquakes waves. December 16, the First Boer War also known as the Transvaal War, was fought from 1880 until March 23, 1881. It was the first clash between the British and the Transvaal Boers. It was precipitated by Sir Theophilus Shepstone who annexed the South African Republic (Transvaal Republic) for the British in 1877. The British consolidated their power over most of the colonies of South Africa in 1879 after the Anglo-Zulu War. The Boers protested and in December 1880 they revolted. The war began on December 16, 1880 with shots fired by Transvaal Boers at Potchefstroom after Transvaal formally declared independence from Great Britain. It led to the action at Bronkhorstspruit on December 20 1880, where the Boers ambushed and destroyed a British army convoy. From December 22 1880 to January 6 1881, British army garrisons all over the Transvaal became besieged. The Boers were dressed in their everyday farming clothes, which were a neutral or earthtone khaki clothing, whereas the British uniforms were still bright scarlet red, a stark contrast to the African landscape, which enabled the Boers, being expert marksmen, to easily snipe at British troops from a distance. 1881 By the end of January 1881, the first group of French engineers of the Compagnie Universelle du Canal Interoceanique arrived at Colon and the great task of construction commenced. In the years to follow men and machinery poured into Panama to confront the geographical obstacles of the Isthmus: the backbone of the continental divide at the Culebra Cut and the mighty Chagres river.At this time the French stood at the pinnacle of 19th century engineering. Their finest engineers and machinery were sent to work. For 8 years a valiant and determined effort was made on the isthmus. The climate, with its torrential rains, incessant heat and fatal disease, took its toll. Financial mismanagement, stock failure and bad publicity eventually forced the failure of the company. January 28, the Boers of the Transvaal repulse the British at Laing's Nek and inflict a stunning defeat on them at Majuba Hill. Laing's Nek is a pass in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains on the Newcastle–Standerton road in Natal, South Africa where the British were attempting to fight their way through the Drakensberg range to relieve their besieged garrisons in the Transvaal. The British Natal Field Force, commanded by Major-General Sir George Pomeroy Colley, numbered around 1,216 officers and men, including about 150 cavalry of the Mounted Squadron. The Boers, under the command of Commandant-General Joubert had about 2,000 men in the area, with at least 400 fortifying the heights around Laing's Nek. The battle began at around 9:25 hours with a heavy bombardment with four 9-pound guns and two 7-pound guns of the British Naval Brigade pounding the Boer positions on Table Mountain. Ten minutes later, the main British force, made up of the 58th Regiment, went forward and had difficulty advancing over the broken ground towards the summit. Further down the line, the Mounted Squadron made a charge against the Boer positions on nearby Brownlow's Kop. But, on reaching the summit, the British cavalry were fired upon by a line of entrenched Boers on the reverse slope and suffered many casualties, forcing them to withdraw. By 10:30, with their threat to their flank removed, the Boers moved to attack the 58th Regiment still advancing on Table Mountain where at 11:00, at reaching the top of the summit, the British were fired upon by concealed Boers in trenches just 160 yards away and suffered even more casualties, including both commanding officers, Major Hingeston and Colonel Deane being killed. While this was happening, a small party of Boers actually advanced from their positions on the lower slopes of nearby Majuba Hill and engaged the Naval Brigade near the British camp at Mount Prospect. Return rifle fire from the British kept the Boers back. By 11:10, two companies of the 3/60th Rifles moves up Table Mountain to cover the retreat of the 58th Regiment and by noon, the battle was over. The British lost 84 killed, 113 wounded, and 2 captured during what was perceived as a fiasco. Most of the casualties were in the 58th Regiment with 74 killed and 101 wounded, around 35% of their total strength. The Boers reported their losses at 14 killed and 27 wounded. April 5, in the Treaty of Pretoria, Britain recognizes the independent Transvaal Republic. HMS Aphid launched at Syrtis Major. Channel Tunnel, after Welsh miners had bored 800 feet of No 1 shaft shaft, a second shaft (No 2) was begun at Shakespeare Cliff in February 1881. This tunnel was started under the foreshore heading towards a mid channel meeting with the French pilot tunnel. Both tunnels were bored using a compressed air boring machine invented and built by Colonel Fredrick Beaumont MP. Beaumont had been involved with the Channel Tunnel Company since 1874 and had successfully bored a number of tunnels without the use of explosives and 3 ½ times faster than manual labour. It was not however Beaumont's boring machine that was used. Captain Thomas English of Dartford, Kent patented a far superior rotary boring machine in 1880 capable of cutting nearly half a mile a month and it was this not Beaumont's machine that was used for tunnelling under the channel. The tunnel was credited to Beaumont in 'The Engineer' magazine and despite letters of protest from English the editor refused to correct the mistake and Beaumont did nothing to clarify the situation. The Channel Tunnel Company expected the pilot tunnel to be completed by 1886. Sir Edward Watkin applied to the government for public funds to complete the 11 mile section to meet the French mid channel. These funds were not forthcoming so Sir Edward formed a new company, The Submarine Continental Railway Company that took over the shafts and headings from the South Eastern Railway in 1882. The company prepared a new Bill to put before Parliament but by now the government were getting worried about the military implications of a link to Europe and a new military commission heard evidence from Lieutenant General Sir Garnet Wolseley that the tunnel might be "calamitous for England", he added that "No matter what fortifications and defences were built, there would always be the peril of some continental army seizing the tunnel exit by surprise." However, assurances from Sir Edward that the defence against invasion was adequate by flooding the tunnel, cutting of the ventilation and forcing smoke into the tunnel and cutting the cables on the lifts in the shaft thereby trapping any invader at the bottom, the commission was convinced. March 13, Tsar Alexander II assassinated in St. Petersburg by Ignacy Hryniewiecki after Nikolai Rysakov had attempted the assassination but missed the tsar. A third bomber in the crowd, Ivan Emelyanov stood ready, clutching a briefcase containing a bomb that would be used if the other two bombs, and bombers, failed. Sherlock Holmes meets Dr. John H. Watson and the pair take up residence in Baker Street. Flogging abolished in the British Army and Navy. July 2, U.S. President James A. Garfield was shot. Hedied several weeks later on September 19, Chester Arthur succeeds him. The Bey of Tunis accepts status as a French protectorate. The first political parties are formed in Japan. Serbia forms an alliance with Austria to strengthen the government's hand against internal unrest. The Three Emperor's League is formed. The first cola-flavored beverage introduced for sale in the USA. 1882 March 19 (Saint Joseph day), Bishop Mr. Urquinaona placed the foundation stone of the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona.Prince Milan Obrenovich of Serbia proclaims himself king. March 24, Robert Koch announced in Berlin that he had isolated and grown the tubercle bacillus, which he believed to be the cause of all forms of tuberculosis. Triple Alliance formed between Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary. First German colonial governor takes residence at Venusstadt. 1882 British Occupation of Egypt. During the summer, an international conference of the European powers met in Istanbul, but no agreement was reached. The Ottoman sultan Abdul Hamid boycotted the conference and refused to send troops to Egypt. Eventually, Britain decided to act alone. The French withdrew their naval squadron from Alexandria, and in 25 April, French forces under Captain Henri Rivière seized the citadel of Hanoi, the capital of Tonkin. Rivière was killed while clearing Black Flags from the Red River delta in the spring of 1883, provoking a groundswell of pro-war sentiment in France. 20 May, The Triple Alliance is signed between Italy, Austria-Hungary, and Germany with the express purpose of stopping Italy from attacking Austria-Hungary in the event of war with Russia. June 18, Bismarck's Russian Reinsurance Treaty is signed with Russia was an attempt to avoid the seemingly inevitable war between Austria-Hungary and Russia. July 1882, the British fleet began bombarding Alexandria. Following the burning of Alexandria and its occupation by British marines, the British installed the khedive in the Ras at Tin Palace. The khedive obligingly declared Urabi a rebel and deprived him of his political rights. Urabi in turn obtained a religious ruling, a fatwa, signed by three Al Azhar shaykhs, deposing Tawfiq as a traitor who brought about the foreign occupation of his country and betrayed his religion. Urabi also ordered general conscription and declared war on Britain. Thus, as the British army was about to land in August, Egypt had two leaders: the khedive, whose authority was confined to British-controlled Alexandria, and Urabi, who was in full control of Cairo and the provinces. In August Sir Garnet Wolsley and an army of 20,000 invaded the Suez Canal Zone. Wolsley was authorized to crush the Urabi forces and clear the country of rebels. The decisive battle was fought at Al-Tall al-Kabir (September 13, 1882). 25 June, Frederick Gustavus Burnaby became the first man to cross the English Channel in a steam-powered aerial vessel, the Vivian. September 13, The Urabi forces were routed and the capital captured. The nominal authority of the khedive was restored, and the British occupation of Egypt, which was to last for seventy-two years, had begun. Urabi was captured, and he and his associates were put on trial. An Egyptian court sentenced Urabi to death, but through British intervention the sentence was commuted to banishment to Ceylon. Britain's military intervention in 1882 and its extended, if attenuated, occupation of the country left a legacy of bitterness among the Egyptians that would not be expunged until 1956 when British troops were finally removed from the country. September 13, British Field Marshal Garnet Joseph Wolseley, 1st Viscount Wolseley, completed hismost brilliant campaign which involved seizing the Suez Canal and, after a night march, surprising and defeating 'Urabi Pasha at Al-Tall al-Kabir (September 13, 1882). September 14, British troops lead by General Wolseley reach and occupy Cairo, Egypt. Meepsoor and Moeris Lacus accept status as British protectorates. Belgian legion involved in frequent fighting in the Coprates Valley on Mars. Bank of Japan founded. Paul Krueger elected president of the South African Republic. French troops control Tunis. Russian intervention in Hecates Lacus civil war leads to Treaty of Cebrenia recognizing Russia's "special interests" in the region. The treaty allows Russia to take it's first step towards establishing a Martian colony. The treaty established spheres of influence on Mars, dividing the planet between the European powers. The Tsar, eager to enjoy the benefits of Martian trade, and looking for a place even more remote than Siberia to send enemies of the state, sent envoys to the city of Hecate Lacus immediately after the treaty went into effect and a Russian colony is established in the city soon after. British fight aerial campaign to supress pirates in the Aerian Hills of Mars.During this campaign the term"Red Captain" first gained widespread usage. Because a number of European aerial flyer captain with their own vessels, mostly merchant ships, who were operating in the area of the British colony were issued letters of marque and reprisal (letter of marque for short) by the colonial governor in Syrtis Major. This action was taken as a cheap means of supplementing the small aerial squadron then available to Britain on Mars. In addition to the letters of marque the colonial governor also made available a number of surplus guns to arm the Red Captains' merchant ships. The term "Red Captain" was originally coined by the Aerian pirates to refer to these European privateers that fought against them. Although now the term has come to mean any Earthman who captains his own ship and who is, or has been, engaged as a privateer. These days most Red Captains fly dedicated fighting vessels, that may occaisionally haul cargo to pay the bills between wars, rather than the original converted merchantmen supplementing their income. Rebellion in the Sudan grows. May 24, in a brilliant feat of 19th-century engineering, the Brooklyn Bridge, designed by civil engineer John Augustus Roebling, spanning the East River from Brooklyn to Manhattan Island in New York City—opened this day in 1883. June 5, The "Orient Express" (Paris to Istanbul railroad) makes its first run. August 25, the Hué treaty, ceding Tonkin to France as a protectorate, was signed between the Emperor of Annam and France. China rejected this treaty, and moved forces into Tonkin province. Although neither China nor France declared war on the other, combat operations began in the autumn of 1883. French riverine forces seized the citadels of Bac Ninh, Son Tay and Tuyen Quang. August 26- August 27, The volcanic island of Krakatau, situated in south-western Indonesia in the Sunda Strait, was almost completely destroyed by a volcanic eruption on August 26-27, 1883. The volcanic activity had been strong since May of that year. The earthquake resulted in an explosion that was heard about 4,800 km (3,000 mi) away, and in tidal waves 35 m (120 ft) high; about 36,000 people in coastal Sumatra and Java perished in the disaster, and atmospheric changes produced by the earthquake were still visible three years later. The pressure wave generated by the colossal fourth, and final, explosion radiated out from Krakatoa at 1,086 km/h (675 mph). It was so powerful that it ruptured the eardrums of sailors on ships in the Sunda Strait,and caused a spike of more than two and half inches of mercury (ca 85 hPa) in pressure gauges attached to gasometers in the Batavia gasworks, sending them off the scale.The pressure wave radiated across the globe and was recorded on barographs all over the world, which continued to register it up to 5 days after the explosion. Barographic recordings show that the shock-wave from the final explosion reverberated around the globe 7 times in total. Ash was propelled to an estimated height of 80 km (50 mi). The eruptions diminished rapidly after that point, and by the morning of 28 August, Krakatoa was silent. Small eruptions, mostly of mud, continued into October 1883. October, An extensive article, replete with engravings and interviews, is published in Harper's New Monthly Magazine extolling the panoramic beauty of the twilight setting of Princess Christiana Station. In the words of the editor, "Truly, and at last, the Sun never sets on the British Empire!" 1884 February 1, The first of 10 volumes of the Oxford English Dictionary was published in London, the final volume being published April 19, 1928. Major-General Charles Gordon reaches Khartoum as governor of the Sudan. The Mahdi refuses to negotiate and brings Khartoum under seige. Major-General Charles Gordon (Gordon Pasha) was one of the last of the fabled Victorian eccentrics. Short, slight, sunburnt, he seemed to prance on his tiptoes everywhere he went, boundless boyish energy shining from his bright blue eyes. He had fought with distinction in the Crimea; but was far too unorthodox for the steady climb to the top in the British army. In stead he had taken service with other governments, with most of whom he had eventually quarrelled. Gordon had already gained international fame for his military successes in China during the Taiping Rebellion, where he led the emperor's army. As a result of his daredevil exploits on behalf of the Manchu dynasty in the Taiping rebellion - in which he had shown himself a supreme leader of irregular troops - he had been universally acclaimed as "Chinese" Gordon. Whatever spare time Gordon’s worldly battles allowed had been devoted to the Bible, and to good works among the poor. From his incessant readings of the former he had evolved his own mystical fatalistic approach to Christianity. He was probably the most brilliant commando officer alive, and at the same time a man of passionate feeling for the underdog. For the task of organizing an abject retreat, of unsparingly abandoning those unable to join it, no one could possibly have been more unsuited. Gordon was no stranger to the Sudan. He had spent nearly six whirlwind years there, in the service of the Khedive Ismail. He had been first, Governor of the southernmost province, Equatoria, where he mapped the Nile to within 60 miles of its source. But Gordon’s compulsive activity had allowed him not a moments rest, and the terrible climate had struck at his health. In a fit of depression he had given up, writing to his sister “I have a sort of wish I could get rid of Col. Gordon”. Within a few months he was back, this time as Governor-General of the entire Sudan. He refused to accept more than half his £6,000 salary; and as before he drove himself to the limit of his strength against the cruelty and corruption around him. In Khartoum his trim white-clad figure, ceaselessly trotting to and fro, red fez above blazing blue eyes, became for the wretched native population the hope of a better lot. Out on the camel-tracks Gordon became equally familiar as he rode from end to end of the country, grappling with the slavers, rooting out venal officials, appointing young Europeans, his faithful disciples, to posts of responsibility. His appointment at the height of the crisis created by the Mahdi was partly due to the aura of romance that still surrounded him. February 1, 1st Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary is published. March 13 - The siege of Khartoum, Sudan begins (ends on January 26, 1885). Although the grip of the Mahdi was closing in, the city could still breathe. It had 8,000 defenders, 6 months food, and a flotilla of river steamers. Runners could still get through to Egypt. Gordon himself could easily have slipped out to safety. Now that the outlying garrisons were beyond help it was his duty, in the eyes of the British government for him to do so; but nothing was further from the mind of Gordon. The civilian and military population of Khartoum were, in the sight of the Lord, his personal responsibility. April 22, Colchester suffered an earthquake that is estimated to have been 5.2 on the Richter Scale. This is the UK's most destructive. September, the Sino-French War or Franco-Chinese War was fought between the French Third Republic and Qing Empire. Lasting from September 1884 to June 1885, its underlying cause was the French desire for control of the Red River, which linked Hanoi to the resource-wealthy Yunnan province in China. Gold is discovered in the Transvaal. Liam O'Connor in the Fenian Ram makes first attack on British shipping on Mars. British aerial squadron bombards Shastapash. A few letters of marque were issued by the colonial governor to Red Captains for operations against Liam O'Connor and his ship from 1884 to 1887. However few Red Captains took up these letters of marque as there was very little profit involved in attempting to hunt down a warship with a crack crew using only a converted merchantman. July 4, The Statue of Liberty was presented to the United States by the French in Paris. August 1884, at the Battle of Foochow, in less than 30 minutes French forces utterly destroyed the anchored and inferior Chinese naval fleet that had been built, ironically, under the supervision of Prosper Gicquel, a French citizen in China. In Tonkin, however, the monsoon season precluded offensive operations by the French, allowing the Chinese to advance to the edge of the Red River delta. During this operation, the Chinese laid siege to the fortress of Tuyen Quang, leading to its celebrated defense by a battalion of the French Foreign Legion. Completion of what is now the London Subway Circle Line. Germany occupies South-West Africa. Grover Cleveland is elected President of the United States. End of September, A relief force under the command of General Sir garnet Wolseley left Cairo to relieve General Gordon who had been trapped in Khartoun for 7 months by the Sudanese Mahdists. The relief column travelled along the Nile towards Khartoum,a distance of 800 miles. General Wolseley sent a 1800 strong Camel Corp under the command of General Sir Herbert Stewart, directly across country where the nile bends to the east. Frederick Gustavus Burnaby organises an aerial squadron to assist Woleseley's army in its attempt to relieve General Gordon at Khartoum in the Sudan. November 15, the Berlin conference of 14 colonial powers partitions Africa. In 1884 at the request of Portugal, German chancellor Otto von Bismark called together the major western powers of the world to negotiate questions and end confusion over the control of Africa. Bismark appreciated the opportunity to expand Germany's sphere of influence over Africa and desired to force Germany's rivals to struggle with one another for territory. At the time of the conference, 80% of Africa remained under traditional and local control. What ultimately resulted was a hodgepodge of geometric boundaries that divided Africa into fifty irregular countries. This new map of the continent was superimposed over the one thousand indigenous cultures and regions of Africa. The new countries lacked rhyme or reason and divided coherent groups of people and merged together disparate groups who really did not get along. Fourteen countries were represented by a plethora of ambassadors when the conference opened in Berlin on November 15, 1884. The countries represented at the time included Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden-Norway (unified from 1814-1905), Turkey, and the United States of America. Of these fourteen nations, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Portugal were the major players in the conference, controlling most of colonial Africa at the time. The initial task of the conference was to agree that the Congo River and Niger River mouths and basins would be considered neutral and open to trade. Despite its neutrality, part of the Congo Basin became a personal kingdom for Belgium's King Leopold II and under his rule, over half of the region's population died. At the time of the conference, only the coastal areas of Africa were colonized by the European powers. At the Berlin Conference the European colonial powers scrambled to gain control over the interior of the continent. The conference lasted until February 26, 1885 - a three month period where colonial powers haggled over geometric boundaries in the interior of the continent, disregarding the cultural and linguistic boundaries already established by the indigenous African population. Following the conference, the give and take continued. By 1914, the conference participants had fully divided Africa among themselves into fifty countries. Major colonial holdings included: * Great Britain desired a Cape-to-Cairo collection of colonies and almost succeeded though their control of Egypt, Sudan (Anglo-Egyptian Sudan), Uganda, Kenya (British East Africa), South Africa, and Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana (Rhodesia). The British also controlled Nigeria and Ghana (Gold Coast). * France took much of western Africa, from Mauritania to Chad (French West Africa) and Gabon and the Republic of Congo (French Equatorial Africa). * Belgium and King Leopold II controlled the Democratic Republic of Congo (Belgian Congo). * Portugal took Mozambique in the east and Angola in the west. * Italy's holdings were Somalia (Italian Somaliland) and a portion of Ethiopia. * Germany took Namibia (German Southwest Africa) and Tanzania (German East Africa). * Spain claimed the smallest territory - Equatorial Guinea (Rio Muni). Japanese make their first landing on Mars. Charles Algernon Parsons (1854 - )Develops First Practical Steam Turbine. Sir Charles Algernon Parsons, a British engineer, invented the steam turbine, whose first model was connected to a dynamo that generated 7.5 kW of electricity. His patent was licensed and the turbine scaled up shortly after by an American, George Westinghouse.The steam turbine revolutionized the generation of electricity and marine transport. Parsons developed the use of turbo-generators in power stations on land. At sea, he developed steam turbines to drive ships; his prototype vessel Turbinia was capable of 34 knots, a record in 1897. His turbines were supplied to the navy for the development of warship designs and also powered the Lusitania and Mauretania liners of the Cunard Line. Mark Twain writes "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". Professor James Moriaty writes "The Dynamics of an Asteroid" a book which ascends to such rarefied heights of pure mathematics that it is said that there was no man in the scientific press capable of criticizing it. 1885 January 17, at a caravan stop called Abu Klea (63 miles south of Ed damur. The Camel Corp encountered a mahdist force of 10,000 under the Command of Mohammed Ahmed. A desperate hand to hand battle took place on the 17th of January. But the Mahdist forces were repulsed, even though they had broken the British square at a point in the battle. The Mahdist losses were over 1,000 killed compared to the Anglo-Egyptian losses of 168. General Stewarts camel corp fought its way to the Nile and arrived to days later but Stewart had been mortally wounded. The commanded went to Lord Charles Beresford who continued up the Nile and arrived on January 28, but only 48 hours late to save the garrison. January 26, the Dervish Army captures Khartoum and massacres the garrison. The Egyptian Defenders, weakened beyond further resistance by fear and hunger, had collapsed. Six terrible hours of massacre, rape and looting followed as the shrieking hordes burst through the streets. Januar 28, Two days after the fall of Khartoum General Wolesely's troops arrived within sight of Khartoum. They could see no flag flying from the Governors palace, and as they neared the town they ran into a tempest of fire. Wolesely, seeking reinforcements for a further campaign against the Mahdi, was curtly told to return; and his expedition retired in some disorder down the Nile. British evacuate the Sudan. Hoever Major-General Charles Gordon himself had already been rescued from Khartoum by Frederick Gustavus Burnaby commanding of the aerial vessel Vivian. Later in the year the Mahdi dies. February 5, the Congo and the Upper Coprates, Mars become the personal possesions of King Leopold II of Belgium. The Congo Free State and Upper Coprates, where private projects undertaken by the King to extract rubber, ivory and liftwood, which relied on slavery and is held responsible for the deaths of millions of Africans and Martians. February, a French expeditionary force comprising two brigades marched into Upper Tonkin and captured Lang Son. One brigade then departed to relieve Tuyen Quang, leaving the other isolated at Lang Son. Its commander, seeking to roll back the build-up of offensive power by the Chinese, attacked across the Chinese border and was defeated at the Battle of Zhennan Pass. Following an unsuccessful counter-attack by the Chinese (mainly militia regiments of Zhuang ethnic background under the command of Feng Zicai), the acting French commander hastily abandoned Lang Son on March 28, 1885, news of which brought about the fall of the Jules Ferry government in France. Despite the retreat, the earlier success of ground operations in Tonkin and on Formosa, the Chinese government's lack of will to continue the conflict, and France's overwhelming advantage at sea brought this war to its end. March 26,the first clash of the Riel Rebellion in Canada took place in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan. June 9, the treaty ending the Sino-French War was signed, as China acknowledged the Treaty of Hué and gave up its suzerainty over the Empire of Annam. Annam and Tonkin were incorporated into French Indochina soon thereafter. Germany annexes Tanganyika and Zanzibar, renaming them East Africa. Great Britain establishes a protectorate over Northern Bechuanaland, the Niger River Region ("Nigeria"), and southern New Guinea. British troops occupy Port Hamilton, Korea. King Alfonso XII of Spain dies. Queen Maria Christina becomes regent for her unborn child. Japan establishes Unebi Station near Euxinus Lacus. Bulgaria seizes Eastern Rumelia. Serbia and Trans-Balkania declare war on Bulgaria and Ruritania, but are quickly beaten and withdrawn to prewar boundaries. November 11, Her Imperial majesty's British Government announced its intention to step up production of aerial gunboats, but at the same time transfer all such vessels currently in service to the Royal Navy. Posthumous publication of Karl Marx's Das Kaptial. Russian-Afghan border incident damages Russian Empires image with the Crown. Thomas Edison discovers a system of wireless induction telegraph between moving trains and stations. He also patented similar systems for ship-to-shore use. Karl Benz Builds First Petrol-Driven Car. Karl Benz, a German mechanical engineer, is best known for his pioneering work on the development of the internal-combustion engine and the motor car. In 1885 he developed the first motor vehicle powered by an internal-combustion engine. Benz had designed a two-stroke internal-combustion engine in 1878. His vehicle was powered by a 1 kW/1.5 hp engine and was capable of a top speed of 5 kph (3 mph). The Indian National Congress, the political party that is leading the struggle for the independence of India from the British Empire, was founded in 1885. Initially, it campaigned for limited constitutional reforms. Charles Aderton invented "Dr Pepper" in Waco, Texas, USA. 1886 January 29th, German mechanical engineer Karl Benz patented the first practical automobile powered by an internal-combustion engine. Queen Maria Christina gives birth to the future Alfonso XIII. Geronimo surrenders. General George Boulanger becomes French war minister. British Prime Minister Gladstone introduces bill for home rule in Ireland. The bill fails, and Salisbury becomes prime minister. Chamberlain becomes colonial secretary. HMS Locust, first armored aerial gunboat built on Earth, launched at Portsmouth. February 24th, the first Channel Tunnel between England and France is opened by Queen Victoria. The Channel Tunnel is the latest marvel of an ingenious age; a railway link between Dover and Calais. On each shore there are stations and railway bridges out to artificial islands, where trains enter the tunnel itself; the bridges are mined and overlooked by the guns of heavily-armed forts, to guard against invasion through the tunnel. Ventilation shafts at intervals lead up to small concrete and brick “islands” supporting tall chimney stacks and warning lights. In mid-Channel, on the Varne bank, a larger artificial island is used for coaling and watering trains, and to give passengers a welcome break from the dust and smoke of the tunnel. Eventually a hotel and docks will be built there. The tunnel itself is dug through the bed of the Channel. Each of the railway lines is carried in a steel pipe, waterproofed with layers of bitumen and pitch, lined with concrete and brick, and reinforced with steel hoops. At intervals the pipes are linked by cross-tunnels, just large enough for a man, which can be used to evacuate a train in an emergency. Unfortunately early fears that the tunnel might be used as a route to invade Britain were correct; a renegade element of the French army which had been planning treachery for many years, and used the opening ceremony as cover for an attack. While the Queen dined in Calais members of the French Foreign Legion were landed on one of the tunnel's ventilation “islands”, a brick and concrete chimney that vents engine smoke, and climbed down to the track. They planned to stop the train in the tunnel and board it, then carry on to Dover, where they would force Her Majesty, the Queen, to perform an unscheduled “inspection” of the fort that guards the British end of the tunnel, and overcome the garrison before they can destroy the tunnel entrance bridge. Once the fort was in French hands they planned signal their main force; several military trains will be brought through the tunnel, securing Dover and Folkestone harbours for a sea-borne invasion fleet, while more troops poured through the tunnel. This assault was foiled through the actions of Sir Peter Arthur and his fellow adventurers who fortuitously amongst those taken hostage, escaping when the train was stopped in the tunnel, and with the help of God rescuing the Queen and foiling the dastardly French scheme. The diplomatic repercusions of this assault kept the tunnel closed until November 1886, when after concessions and reperations were made by the French government, the tunnel was finally opened for use. The so-called "Mylarkt Incident" (exchange of gunfire between German and British aerial vessels on Mars) begins steady deterioration in Anglo-German relations. Construction work begins on Tower Bridge in London . It is to be built between 1886 and 1894 at a cost of over £1 million. When complete it will have two Gothic towers and a central drawbridge; this design was governed both by the navigational requirements of ships and barge trains that passed below and by the Gothic style that Parliament demanded on account of its proximity to the Tower of London. The engineer is Sir John Wolfe Barry and the architect Sir Horace Jones, who describe the bridge's exuberant towers as “steel skeletons clothed with stone”. The towers contain both the passenger lifts to the upper pedestrian footway and the hydraulic mechanisms for lifting the bascules of the bridge. These two bascules can swing open for ships to pass in 1 minutes. Alexander of Bulgaria abdicates after coup. Stephan Stambulov becomes regent. First meeting of the Indian National Congress. Dorr E. Felt (1862-1930), of Chicago, makes his "Comptometer". This is the first calculator where the operands are entered merely by pressing keys rather than having to be, for example, dialled in. It is feasible because of Felt's invention of a carry mechanism fast enough to act while the keys return from being pressed. Dr. John S. Pemberton invented "Coca-Cola" in Atlanta, Georgia. The formula for Coke, whose status as a trade secret has been embellished by company lore, originally contained an uncertain amount of cocaine. 1887 British besiege and capture the city of Shastapsh. "Avenel Incident" brings Britain and Oenotria to the brink of war. Fenian Ram destroyed by British aerial gunboats in the Meroe Highlands, but O'Connor survives and escapes. Successful aerial campaign waged against High Martian pirates of the Astusapes Highlands, culminating in near-total destruction of Barrovaangian fleet. A significant number of Red Captains, operating under letters of marque took part in these operations. Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg elected king of Bulgaria, with Stambulov as prime minister. General Boulanger attempts coup in Paris, but fails. France organizes the Union Indo-Chinoise. Leopold II declares the Lower Coprates a Belgian protectorate. Construction begins on Tehuantepec Ship Railroad. Designed by James Buchanan Eads (1820 - 1887) this interoceanic railway is designed to span the Isthmus of Tehuantepec which is the shortest distance between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. L.L. Zameenhoff devises the language "Esperanto." Great Britain and Germany agree on a division of East Africa, giving Britain rights to Kenya and Germany rights to German East Africa (Tanzania). Britain takes administrative control of Mombasa. 1888 Royal Geographic Society awards this year's gold medals to Clements Robert Markham for his polar work and Leutnant von Wissmann for his exploration in Central Africa.March 9, Kaiser (emperor) Wilhelm I of Germany dies and is succeeded by his son Fredrick III, who dies in June and is succeeded by his son Wilhelm II. A diplomatic cable from Berlin on the Kaiser's death reads: "Lord abide with us for the evening draws nigh." William II, or Kaiser Wilhelm, became Emperor of Germany in 1888. He is shown here in the uniform of the “Death’s head Hussars,” a cavalry regiment. The so-called "Ripper" murders take place in Whitechapel district of London."Jack the Ripper" is the popular name given to a serial killer who killed a number of prostitutes in the East End of London in 1888. The name originates from a letter written by someone who claimed to be the killer published at the time of the murders. The killings took place within a mile area and involved the districts of Whitechapel, Spitalfields, Aldgate, and the City of London proper. He was also called the Whitechapel Murderer and "Leather Apron". It is unclear just how many women the Ripper killed. It is generally accepted that he killed five, though some have written that he murdered only four while others say seven or more. The public, press, and even many junior police officers believed that the Ripper was responsible for nine slayings. The five that are generally accepted as the work of the Ripper are: 1. Mary Ann (Polly) Nichols, murdered Friday, August 31, 1888. 2. Annie Chapman, murdered Saturday, September 8, 1888. 5. Mary Jane (Marie Jeanette) Kelly, murdered Friday, November 9, 1888. Besides these five there are good reasons to believe that the first victim was really Martha Tabram who was murdered Tuesday, August 7, 1888, and there are important considerations for questioning whether Stride was a Ripper victim. As to the actual number of women that the Ripper killed, there is no simple answer. In a sentence: at least four, probably six, just possibly eight. All five of these listed plus Tabram were prostitutes and were killed between early August and early November 1888. All but Tabram and Kelly were killed outdoors and there is no evidence to suggest that any of them knew each other. They varied in both age and appearance. Most were drunk or thought to be drunk at the time they were killed. The Financial Times first published in London. King Lobenfula of the Matabele accepts British protectorate status and grants Cecil Rhodes mining rights. Sarawak accepts status of British protectorate. General Boulanger is retired from the French Army and elected to the Chamber of Deputies. Anarchist Ravachol escapes from Prison. Benjamin Harrison elected president of the United States. Johnstown flood takes place. Sidney Boynton, United States Ambassador to the Oenotrian Court, is kidnapped by Barrovaangian King Hattabranx, but he is later rescued by British gunboats. First recorded successful assault on a large kraag. Pedro II, emperor of Brazil, abolishes slavery. 1888 John Dunlop Patents Pneumatic Bicycle Tyre. Scottish inventor John Dunlop is best known for his invention and commercial development of the pneumatic tyre. In 1888 he patented a pneumatic bicycle tyre that consisted of an inflatable rubber inner tube covered by linen cloth with an outer rubber tread, which was fixed to the wheel by means of a rubber solution. Robert William Thomson had patented the tyre as early as 1845, but Dunlop was able to exploit it commercially because of the introduction of the motor car. Royal charter protects the Imperial British East Africa Company (IBEAC), founded by Sir William Mackinnon, 1st Baronet (13 March 1823 - 22 June 1893) to develop trade in Africa. The IBEAC oversaw an area of approximately 246,800 mi² (639,209 km²) situated along the eastern coast of Africa, its centre being at about 39° East longitude and 0° latitude, and from 1890 also administered Uganda. The administration of British East Africa was transferred to the Foreign Office on 1 July 1895, and in 1896 so was control of Uganda. George Eastman Patents Kodak Camera. George Eastman, an American inventor, developed the Kodak camera—the first to use roll film, which he had invented in 1884, and to be suitable for general use. No technical knowledge was required. Henry Morton Stanley visits Lake Edward and names it after the then Prince of Wales, Edward VII. 1889 The official end of Ferdinand De Lesseps Panama Canal project came on February 4th 1889 when the companies assets went into the hands of the liquidator. By May all work was halted on the isthmus. Butch Cassidy robs a bank in Telluride Colorado and escapes into Utah. Japan adopts modern constitution.

i don't know

In Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe, what does the title character name the native he befriends?

SparkNotes: Robinson Crusoe: Character List Robinson Crusoe Plot Overview Analysis of Major Characters Robinson Crusoe -  The novel’s protagonist and narrator. Crusoe begins the novel as a young middle-class man in York in search of a career. He father recommends the law, but Crusoe yearns for a life at sea, and his subsequent rebellion and decision to become a merchant is the starting point for the whole adventure that follows. His vague but recurring feelings of guilt over his disobedience color the first part of the first half of the story and show us how deep Crusoe’s religious fear is. Crusoe is steady and plodding in everything he does, and his perseverance ensures his survival through storms, enslavement, and a twenty-eight-year isolation on a desert island. Read an in-depth analysis of Robinson Crusoe. Friday -  A twenty-six-year-old Caribbean native and cannibal who converts to Protestantism under Crusoe’s tutelage. Friday becomes Crusoe’s servant after Crusoe saves his life when Friday is about to be eaten by other cannibals. Friday never appears to resist or resent his new servitude, and he may sincerely view it as appropriate compensation for having his life saved. But whatever Friday’s response may be, his servitude has become a symbol of imperialist oppression throughout the modern world. Friday’s overall charisma works against the emotional deadness that many readers find in Crusoe. Read an in-depth analysis of Friday. The Portuguese captain -  The sea captain who picks up Crusoe and the slave boy Xury from their boat after they escape from their Moorish captors and float down the African coast. The Portuguese captain takes Crusoe to Brazil and thus inaugurates Crusoe’s new life as plantation owner. The Portuguese captain is never named—unlike Xury, for example—and his anonymity suggests a certain uninteresting blandness in his role in the novel. He is polite, personable, and extremely generous to Crusoe, buying the animal skins and the slave boy from Crusoe at well over market value. He is loyal as well, taking care of Crusoe’s Brazilian investments even after a twenty-eight-year absence. His role in Crusoe’s life is crucial, since he both arranges for Crusoe’s new career as a plantation owner and helps Crusoe cash in on the profits later. The Spaniard -  One of the men from the Spanish ship that is wrecked off Crusoe’s island, and whose crew is rescued by the cannibals and taken to a neighboring island. The Spaniard is doomed to be eaten as a ritual victim of the cannibals when Crusoe saves him. In exchange, he becomes a new “subject” in Crusoe’s “kingdom,” at least according to Crusoe. The Spaniard is never fleshed out much as a character in Crusoe’s narrative, an example of the odd impersonal attitude often notable in Crusoe. Xury -  A nonwhite (Arab or black) slave boy only briefly introduced during the period of Crusoe’s enslavement in Sallee. When Crusoe escapes with two other slaves in a boat, he forces one to swim to shore but keeps Xury on board, showing a certain trust toward the boy. Xury never betrays that trust. Nevertheless, when the Portuguese captain eventually picks them up, Crusoe sells Xury to the captain. Xury’s sale shows us the racist double standards sometimes apparent in Crusoe’s behavior. The widow -  Appearing briefly, but on two separate occasions in the novel, the widow keeps Crusoe’s 200 pounds safe in England throughout all his thirty-five years of journeying. She returns it loyally to Crusoe upon his return to England and, like the Portuguese captain and Friday, reminds us of the goodwill and trustworthiness of which humans can be capable, whether European or not. More Help

Friday

Boris Badenov, Natasha Fatale, and Fearless Leader are routinely thwarted in their various nefarious plots by what famous duo?

SparkNotes: Robinson Crusoe: Analysis of Major Characters Analysis of Major Characters Themes, Motifs & Symbols Robinson Crusoe While he is no flashy hero or grand epic adventurer, Robinson Crusoe displays character traits that have won him the approval of generations of readers. His perseverance in spending months making a canoe, and in practicing pottery making until he gets it right, is praiseworthy. Additionally, his resourcefulness in building a home, dairy, grape arbor, country house, and goat stable from practically nothing is clearly remarkable. The Swiss philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau applauded Crusoe’s do-it-yourself independence, and in his book on education, Emile, he recommends that children be taught to imitate Crusoe’s hands-on approach to life. Crusoe’s business instincts are just as considerable as his survival instincts: he manages to make a fortune in Brazil despite a twenty-eight-year absence and even leaves his island with a nice collection of gold. Moreover, Crusoe is never interested in portraying himself as a hero in his own narration. He does not boast of his courage in quelling the mutiny, and he is always ready to admit unheroic feelings of fear or panic, as when he finds the footprint on the beach. Crusoe prefers to depict himself as an ordinary sensible man, never as an exceptional hero. But Crusoe’s admirable qualities must be weighed against the flaws in his character. Crusoe seems incapable of deep feelings, as shown by his cold account of leaving his family—he worries about the religious consequences of disobeying his father, but never displays any emotion about leaving. Though he is generous toward people, as when he gives gifts to his sisters and the captain, Crusoe reveals very little tender or sincere affection in his dealings with them. When Crusoe tells us that he has gotten married and that his wife has died all within the same sentence, his indifference to her seems almost cruel. Moreover, as an individual personality, Crusoe is rather dull. His precise and deadpan style of narration works well for recounting the process of canoe building, but it tends to drain the excitement from events that should be thrilling. Action-packed scenes like the conquest of the cannibals become quite humdrum when Crusoe narrates them, giving us a detailed inventory of the cannibals in list form, for example. His insistence on dating events makes sense to a point, but it ultimately ends up seeming obsessive and irrelevant when he tells us the date on which he grinds his tools but neglects to tell us the date of a very important event like meeting Friday. Perhaps his impulse to record facts carefully is not a survival skill, but an irritating sign of his neurosis. Finally, while not boasting of heroism, Crusoe is nonetheless very interested in possessions, power, and prestige. When he first calls himself king of the island it seems jocund, but when he describes the Spaniard as his subject we must take his royal delusion seriously, since it seems he really does consider himself king. His teaching Friday to call him “Master,” even before teaching him the words for “yes” or “no,” seems obnoxious even under the racist standards of the day, as if Crusoe needs to hear the ego-boosting word spoken as soon as possible. Overall, Crusoe’s virtues tend to be private: his industry, resourcefulness, and solitary courage make him an exemplary individual. But his vices are social, and his urge to subjugate others is highly objectionable. In bringing both sides together into one complex character, Defoe gives us a fascinating glimpse into the successes, failures, and contradictions of modern man. Friday Probably the first nonwhite character to be given a realistic, individualized, and humane portrayal in the English novel, Friday has a huge literary and cultural importance. If Crusoe represents the first colonial mind in fiction, then Friday represents not just a Caribbean tribesman, but all the natives of America, Asia, and Africa who would later be oppressed in the age of European imperialism. At the moment when Crusoe teaches Friday to call him “Master” Friday becomes an enduring political symbol of racial injustice in a modern world critical of imperialist expansion. Recent rewritings of the Crusoe story, like J. M. Coetzee’s Foe and Michel Tournier’s Friday, emphasize the sad consequences of Crusoe’s failure to understand Friday and suggest how the tale might be told very differently from the native’s perspective. Aside from his importance to our culture, Friday is a key figure within the context of the novel. In many ways he is the most vibrant character in Robinson Crusoe, much more charismatic and colorful than his master. Indeed, Defoe at times underscores the contrast between Crusoe’s and Friday’s personalities, as when Friday, in his joyful reunion with his father, exhibits far more emotion toward his family than Crusoe. Whereas Crusoe never mentions missing his family or dreams about the happiness of seeing them again, Friday jumps and sings for joy when he meets his father, and this emotional display makes us see what is missing from Crusoe’s stodgy heart. Friday’s expression of loyalty in asking Crusoe to kill him rather than leave him is more heartfelt than anything Crusoe ever says or does. Friday’s sincere questions to Crusoe about the devil, which Crusoe answers only indirectly and hesitantly, leave us wondering whether Crusoe’s knowledge of Christianity is superficial and sketchy in contrast to Friday’s full understanding of his own god Benamuckee. In short, Friday’s exuberance and emotional directness often point out the wooden conventionality of Crusoe’s personality. Despite Friday’s subjugation, however, Crusoe appreciates Friday much more than he would a mere servant. Crusoe does not seem to value intimacy with humans much, but he does say that he loves Friday, which is a remarkable disclosure. It is the only time Crusoe makes such an admission in the novel, since he never expresses love for his parents, brothers, sisters, or even his wife. The mere fact that an Englishman confesses more love for an illiterate Caribbean ex-cannibal than for his own family suggests the appeal of Friday’s personality. Crusoe may bring Friday Christianity and clothing, but Friday brings Crusoe emotional warmth and a vitality of spirit that Crusoe’s own European heart lacks. The Portuguese Captain The Portuguese captain is presented more fully than any other European in the novel besides Crusoe, more vividly portrayed than Crusoe’s widow friend or his family members. He appears in the narrative at two very important junctures in Crusoe’s life. First, it is the Portuguese captain who picks up Crusoe after the escape from the Moors and takes him to Brazil, where Crusoe establishes himself as a plantation owner. Twenty-eight years later, it is again the Portuguese captain who informs Crusoe that his Brazilian investments are secure, and who arranges the sale of the plantation and the forwarding of the proceeds to Crusoe. In both cases, the Portuguese captain is the agent of Crusoe’s extreme good fortune. In this sense, he represents the benefits of social connections. If the captain had not been located in Lisbon, Crusoe never would have cashed in on his Brazilian holdings. This assistance from social contacts contradicts the theme of solitary enterprise that the novel seems to endorse. Despite Crusoe’s hard individual labor on the island, it is actually another human being—and not his own resourcefulness—that makes Crusoe wealthy in the end. Yet it is doubtful whether this insight occurs to Crusoe, despite his obvious gratitude toward the captain. Moreover, the Portuguese captain is associated with a wide array of virtues. He is honest, informing Crusoe of the money he has borrowed against Crusoe’s investments, and repaying a part of it immediately even though it is financially difficult for him to do so. He is loyal, honoring his duties toward Crusoe even after twenty-eight years. Finally, he is extremely generous, paying Crusoe more than market value for the animal skins and slave boy after picking Crusoe up at sea, and giving Crusoe handsome gifts when leaving Brazil. All these virtues make the captain a paragon of human excellence, and they make us wonder why Defoe includes such a character in the novel. In some ways, the captain’s goodness makes him the moral counterpart of Friday, since the European seaman and the Caribbean cannibal mirror each other in benevolence and devotion to Crusoe. The captain’s goodness thus makes it impossible for us to make oversimplified oppositions between a morally bankrupt Europe on the one hand, and innocent noble savages on the other. More Help

i don't know

November 22, 1955 saw the untimely death of Shemp Howard. With what group is he more famously linked?

IMDb: Most Popular People With Biographies Matching "CECILIA " Most Popular People With Biographies Matching "CECILIA " 1-50 of 153 names. Keira Knightley Keira Christina Knightley was born in the South West Greater London suburb of Richmond on March 26th 1985. She is the daughter of actor Will Knightley and actress turned playwright Sharman Macdonald . An older brother, Caleb Knightley , was born in 1979. Her father is English, while her Scottish-born mother is of Scottish and Welsh origin. Brought up immersed in the acting profession from both sides - writing and performing - it is little wonder that the young Keira asked for her own agent at the age of three. She was granted one at the age of six and performed in her first TV role as "Little Girl" in Royal Celebration , aged seven. It was discovered at an early age that Keira had severe difficulties in reading and writing. She was not officially dyslexic as she never sat the formal tests required of the British Dyslexia Association. Instead, she worked incredibly hard, encouraged by her family, until the problem had been overcome by her early teens. Her first multi-scene performance came in A Village Affair , an adaptation of the lesbian love story by Joanna Trollope . This was followed by small parts in the British crime series The Bill , an exiled German princess in The Treasure Seekers and a much more substantial role as the young "Judith Dunbar" in Giles Foster 's adaptation of Rosamunde Pilcher 's novel Coming Home , alongside Peter O'Toole , Penelope Keith and Joanna Lumley . The first time Keira's name was mentioned around the world was when it was revealed (in a plot twist kept secret by director George Lucas ) that she played Natalie Portman 's decoy "Padme" to Portman's "Amidala" in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace . It was several years before agreement was reached over which scenes featured Keira as the queen and which featured Natalie! Keira had no formal training as an actress and did it out of pure enjoyment. She went to an ordinary council-run school in nearby Teddington and had no idea what she wanted to do when she left. By now, she was beginning to receive far more substantial roles and was starting to turn work down as one project and her schoolwork was enough to contend with. She reappeared on British television in 1999 as "Rose Fleming" in Alan Bleasdale 's faithful reworking of Charles Dickens ' Oliver Twist , and travelled to Romania to film her first title role in Walt Disney 's Princess of Thieves in which she played Robin Hood's daughter, Gwyn. Keira's first serious boyfriend was her Princess of Thieves co-star Del Synnott , and they later co-starred in Peter Hewitt 's 'work of fart' Thunderpants . Nick Hamm 's dark thriller The Hole kept her busy during 2000, and featured her first nude scene (15 at the time, the film was not released until she was 16 years old). In the summer of 2001, while Keira studied and sat her final school exams (she received six A's), she filmed a movie about an Asian girl's ( Parminder Nagra ) love for football and the prejudices she has to overcome regarding both her culture and her religion). Bend It Like Beckham was a smash hit in football-mad Britain but it had to wait until another of Keira's films propelled it to the top end of the US box office. Bend It Like Beckham cost just £3.5m to make, and nearly £1m of that came from the British Lottery. It took £11m in the UK and has since gone on to score more than US$76m worldwide. Meanwhile, Keira had started A-levels at Esher College, studying Classics, English Literature and Political History, but continued to take acting roles which she thought would widen her experience as an actress. The story of a drug-addicted waitress and her friendship with the young son of a drug-addict, Pure , occupied Keira from January to March 2002. Also at this time, Keira's first attempt at Shakespeare was filmed. She played "Helena" in a modern interpretation of a scene from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" entitled The Seasons Alter . This was commissioned by the environmental organisation "Futerra", of which Keira's mother is patron. Keira received no fee for this performance or for another short film, New Year's Eve , by award-winning director Col Spector . But it was a chance encounter with producer Andy Harries at the London premiere of Bridget Jones's Diary which forced Keira to leave her studies and pursue acting full-time. The meeting lead to an audition for the role of "Larisa Feodorovna Guishar" - the classic heroine of Boris Pasternak 's novel Doctor Zhivago , played famously in the David Lean movie by Julie Christie . This was to be a big-budget TV movie with a screenplay written by Andrew Davies . Keira won the part and the mini-series was filmed throughout the Spring of 2002 in Slovakia, co-starring Sam Neill and Hans Matheson as "Yuri Zhivago". Keira rounded off 2002 with a few scenes in the first movie to be directed by Blackadder and Vicar of Dibley writer Richard Curtis . Called Love Actually , Keira played "Juliet", a newlywed whose husband's Best Man is secretly besotted with her. A movie filmed after Love Actually but released before it was to make the world sit up and take notice of this beautiful fresh-faced young actress with a cute British accent. It was a movie which Keira very nearly missed out on, altogether. Auditions were held in London for a new blockbuster movie called Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl , but heavy traffic in the city forced Keira to be tagged on to the end of the day's auditions list. It helped - she got the part. Filming took place in Los Angeles and the Caribbean from October 2002 to March 2003 and was released to massive box office success and almost universal acclaim in the July of that year. Meanwhile, a small British film called Bend It Like Beckham had sneaked onto a North American release slate and was hardly setting the box office alight. But Keira's dominance in "Pirates" had set tongues wagging and questions being asked about the actress playing "Elizabeth Swann". Almost too late, "Bend It"'s distributors realised one of its two stars was the same girl whose name was on everyone's lips due to "Pirates", and took the unusual step of re-releasing "Bend It" to 1,000 screens across the US, catapulting it from no. 26 back up to no. 12. "Pirates", meanwhile, was fighting off all contenders at the top spot, and stayed in the Top 3 for an incredible 21 weeks. It was perhaps no surprise, then, that Keira was on producer Jerry Bruckheimer 's wanted list for the part of "Guinevere" in a planned accurate telling of the legend of "King Arthur". Filming took place in Ireland and Wales from June to November 2003. In July, Keira had become the celebrity face of British jeweller and luxury goods retailer, Asprey. At a photoshoot for the company on Long Island New York in August, Keira met and fell in love with Northern Irish model Jamie Dornan. King Arthur was released in July 2004 to lukewarm reviews. It seems audiences wanted the legend after all, and not necessarily the truth. Keira became the breakout star and 'one to watch in 2004' throughout the world's media at the end of 2003. Keira's 2004 started off in Scotland and Canada filming John Maybury 's time-travelling thriller The Jacket with Oscar-winner Adrien Brody . A planned movie of Deborah Moggach 's novel, "Tulip Fever", about forbidden love in 17th Century Amsterdam, was cancelled in February after the British government suddenly closed tax loopholes which allowed filmmakers to claw back a large proportion of their expenditure. Due to star Keira and Jude Law in the main roles, the film remains mothballed. Instead, Keira spent her time wisely, visiting Ethiopia on behalf of the "Comic Relief" charity, and spending summer at various grandiose locations around the UK filming what promises to be a faithful adaptation of Jane Austen 's classic novel Pride & Prejudice , alongside Matthew Macfadyen as "Mr. Darcy", and with Donald Sutherland and Judi Dench in supporting roles. In October 2004, Keira received her first major accolade, the Hollywood Film Award for Best Breakthrough Actor - Female, and readers of Empire Magazine voted her the Sexiet Movie Star Ever. The remainder of 2004 saw Keira once again trying a completely new genre, this time the part-fact, part-fiction life story of model turned bounty hunter Domino (2005). 2005 started with the premiere of The Jacket (2005) at the Sundance Film Festival, with the US premiere in LA on February 28th. Much of the year was then spent in the Caribbean filming both sequels to Pirates Of The Caribbean. Keira's first major presenting role came in a late-night bed-in comedy clip show for Comic Relief with presenter Johnny Vaughan. In late July, promotions started for the September release of Pride & Prejudice (2005), with British fans annoyed to learn that the US version would end with a post-marriage kiss, but the European version would not. Nevertheless, when the movie opened in September on both sides of the Atlantic, Keira received her greatest praise thus far in her career, amid much talk of awards. It spent three weeks at No. 1 in the UK box office. Domino (2005) opened well in October, overshadowed by the death of Domino Harvey earlier in the year. Keira received Variety's Personality Of The Year Award in November, topped the following month by her first Golden Globe nomination, for Pride & Prejudice (2005). KeiraWeb.com exclusively announced that Keira would play Helene Joncour in an adaptation of Alessandro Baricco's novella Silk (2007). Pride & Prejudice (2005) garnered six BAFTA nominations at the start of 2006, but not Best Actress for Keira, a fact which paled soon after by the announcement she had received her first Academy Award nomination, the third youngest Best Actress Oscar hopeful. A controversial nude Vanity Fair cover of Keira and Scarlett Johansson kept the press busy up till the Oscars, with Reese Witherspoon taking home the gold man in the Best Actress category, although Keira's Vera Wang dress got more media attention. Keira spent early summer in Europe filming Silk (2007) opposite Michael Pitt , and the rest of the summer in the UK filming Atonement (2007), in which she plays Cecilia Tallis, and promoting the new Pirates movie (her Ellen Degeneres interview became one of the year's Top 10 'viral downloads'). Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) broke many box office records when it opens worldwide in July, becoming the third biggest movie ever by early September. Keira sued British newspaper The Daily Mail in early 2007 after her image in a bikini accompanied an article about a woman who blamed slim celebrities for the death of her daughter from anorexia. The case was settled and Keira matched the settlement damages and donated the total amount to an eating disorder charity. Keira filmed a movie about the life of Dylan Thomas, The Edge Of Love (2008) with a screenplay written by her mother Sharman Macdonald . Her co-star Lindsay Lohan pulled out just a week before filming began, and was replaced by Sienna Miller . What was announced to be Keira's final Pirates movie in the franchise, Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End (2007), opened strongly in June, rising to all-time fifth biggest movie by July. Atonement (2007) opened the Venice Film Festival in August, and opened worldwide in September, again to superb reviews for Keira. Meanwhile, Silk (2007) opened in September on very few screens and disappeared without a trace. Keira spent the rest of the year filming The Duchess (2008), the life story of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, based on Amanda Foreman's award-winning biography of the distant relation of Princess Diana. The year saw more accolades and poll-topping for Keira than ever before, including Women's Beauty Icon 2007 and gracing the covers of all the top-selling magazines. She won Best Actress for Atonement (2007) at the Variety Club Of Great Britain Showbiz Awards, and ended the year with her second Golden Globe nomination. Christmas Day saw - or rather heard - Keira on British TV screens in a new Robbie The Reindeer animated adventure, with DVD proceeds going to Comic Relief. At the start of 2008, Keira received her first BAFTA nomination - Best Actress for Atonement, and the movie wins Best Film: Drama at the Golden Globes. Seven Academy Award nominations for Atonement soon follow. Keira wins Best Actress for her role as Cecilia Tallis at the Empire Film Awards. In May, Keira's first Shakespearean role is announced, when she is confirmed to play Cordelia in a big-screen version of King Lear, alongside Naomi Watts and Gwyneth Paltrow, with Sir Anthony Hopkins as the titular monarch. After two years of rumours, it is confirmed that Keira is on the shortlist to play Eliza Doolittle in a new adaptation of My Fair Lady. The Edge Of Love opens the Edinburgh Film Festival on June 18th, and opens on limited release in the UK and US. A huge round of promotions for The Duchess occurs throughout the summer, with cast and crew trying to play down the marketers' decision to draw parallels between the duchess and Princess Diana. Keira attends the UK and US premieres and Toronto Film Festival within the first week of September. The Duchess opens strongly on both sides of the Atlantic. Two more movies were confirmed for Keira during September - a tale of adultery called Last Night , and a biopic of author F Scott Fitzgerald entitled The Beautiful and the Damned . Keira spent October on the streets of New York City filming Last Night alongside Sam Worthington and Guillaume Canet . Keira helped to promote the sixtieth anniversary of the UN's Declaration of Human Rights, by contributing to a series of short films produced to mark the occasion. In January 2009 it was announced Keira had signed to play a reclusive actress in an adaptation of Ken Bruen's novel London Boulevard , co-starring Colin Farrell . Keira continues her close ties with the Comic Relief charity by helping to launch their British icons T-shirts campaign. In the same week King Lear was revealed to have been shelved, it was announced that Keira would instead star alongside her Pride & Prejudice co-star Carey Mulligan in an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel Never Let Me Go . A new short film emerges in March, recorded in the January of 2008 in which Keira plays a Fairy! The Continuing and Lamentable Saga of the Suicide Brothers was written by Keira's boyfriend Rupert Friend and actor Tom Mison . It went to be shown at the London Film Festival in October and won Best Comedy Short at the New Hampshire Film Festival. Keira continued to put her celebrity to good use in 2009 with a TV commercial for WomensAid highlighting domestic abuse against women. Unfortunately, UK censors refused to allow its broadcast and it can only be viewed on YouTube. May and June asw Keira filming Never Let Me Go and London Boulevard back-to-back. In October, a new direction for Keira's career emerged, when it was announced she would appear on the London stage in her West End debut role as Jennifer, in a reworking of Moliere's The Misanthrope, starring Damian Lewis and Tara Fitzgerald . More than $2m of ticket sales followed in the first four days, before even rehearsals had begun! The play ran from December to March at London's Comedy Theatre. John Travolta John Joseph Travolta was born in Englewood, New Jersey, one of six children of Helen Travolta (née Helen Cecilia Burke) and Salvatore/Samuel J. Travolta. His father was of Italian descent and his mother was of Irish ancestry. His father owned a tire repair shop called Travolta Tires in Hillsdale, NJ. Travolta started acting appearing in a local production of "Who'll Save the Plowboy?". His mother, herself an actress and dancer, enrolled him in a drama school in New York, where he studied voice, dancing and acting. He decided to combine all three of these skills and become a musical comedy performer. At 16 he landed his first professional job in a summer stock production of the musical "Bye Bye Birdie". He quit school at 16 and moved to New York, and worked regularly in summer stock and on television commercials. When work became scarce in New York, he went to Hollywood and appeared in minor roles in several series. A role in the national touring company of the hit 1950s musical "Grease" brought him back to New York. An opening in the New York production of "Grease" gave him his first Broadway role at age 18. After "Grease", he became a member of the company of the Broadway show "Over Here", which starred The Andrews Sisters . After ten months in "Over Here", he decided to try Hollywood once again. Once back in Hollywood, he had little trouble getting roles in numerous television shows. He was seen on The Rookies , Emergency! and Medical Center and also made a movie, The Devil's Rain , which was shot in New Mexico. The day he returned to Hollywood from New Mexico, he was called to an audition for a new situation comedy series ABC was planning to produce called Welcome Back, Kotter . He got the part of Vinnie Barbarino and the series went on the air during the 1975 fall season. He starred in a number of monumental films, earning his first Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for his role in the blockbuster Saturday Night Fever , which launched the disco phenomenon in the 1970s. He went on to star in the big-screen version of the long-running musical Grease and the wildly successful Urban Cowboy , which also influenced trends in popular culture. Additional film credits include the Brian De Palma thrillers Carrie and Blow Out , as well as Amy Heckerling 's hit comedy Look Who's Talking and Nora Ephron 's comic hit Michael . Travolta starred in Phenomenon and took an equally distinctive turn as an action star in John Woo 's top-grossing Broken Arrow . He also starred in the classic Face/Off opposite Nicolas Cage , and The General's Daughter , co-starring Madeleine Stowe . In 2005, Travolta reprised the role of ultra cool Chili Palmer in the Get Shorty sequel Be Cool . In addition, he starred opposite Scarlett Johansson in the critically acclaimed independent feature film A Love Song for Bobby Long , which was screened at the Venice Film Festival, where both Travolta and the films won rave reviews. In February 2011, John was honored by Europe's leading weekly program magazine HORZU, with the prestigious Golden Camera Award for "Best Actor International" in Berlin, Germany. Other recent feature film credits include box-office hit-comedy "Wild Hogs," the action-thriller Ladder 49 , the movie version of the successful comic book The Punisher , the drama Basic , the psychological thriller Domestic Disturbance , the hit action picture Swordfish , the infamous sci-fi movie Battlefield Earth , based upon the best-selling novel by L. Ron Hubbard , and Lonely Hearts . Travolta has been honored twice with Academy Award nominations, the latest for his riveting portrayal of a philosophical hit-man in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction . He also received BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for this highly acclaimed role and was named Best Actor by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, among other distinguished awards. Travolta garnered further praise as a Mafioso-turned-movie producer in the comedy sensation Get Shorty , winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. In 1998, Travolta was honored by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts with the Britanna Award: and in that same year he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chicago Film Festival. Travolta also won the prestigious Alan J. Pakula Award from the US Broadcast Critics Association for his performance in A Civil Action , based on the best-selling book and directed by Steven Zaillian . He was nominated again for a Golden Globe for his performance in Primary Colors , directed by Mike Nichols and co-starring Emma Thompson and Billy Bob Thornton , and in 2008, he received his sixth Golden Globe nomination for his role asEdna Turnblad in the big-screen, box-office hit Hairspray . As a result of this performance, the Chicago Film Critics and the Santa Barbara Film Festival decided to recognize Travolta with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his role. In addition, Travolta starred opposite Denzel Washington in Tony Scott 's remake The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 , and he provided the voice of the lead character in Walt Disney Pictures' animated hit _Bolt_, which was nominated for a 2009 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film and a Golden Globe for Best Animated Film, in addition to Best Song for John and Miley Cyrus ' duet titled, "I Thought I Lost You." Next, Travolta starred in Walt Disney Pictures' Old Dogs , along with Robin Williams , Kelly Preston and Ella Bleu Travolta , followed by the action thriller From Paris with Love , starring opposite Jonathan Rhys Meyers . In 2012, John starred alongside Taylor Kitsch , Blake Lively , Aaron Taylor-Johnson , Benicio Del Toro , Salma Hayek , Emile Hirsch and Demián Bichir in Oliver Stone 's, Savages . The film was based on Don Winslow's best-selling crime novel that was named one of The New York Times' Top 10 Books of 2010. John was most recently seen in Killing Season co-starring Robert De Niro and directed by Mark Steven Johnson . John recently completed production on the Boston based film, The Forger , alongside Academy Award winner Christopher Plummer and Critic's Choice nominee Tye Sheridan . John plays a second generation petty thief who arranges to get out of prison to spend time with his ailing son (Sheridan) by taking on a job with his father (Plummer) to pay back the syndicate that arranged his release. John has received 2 prestigious aviation awards: in 2003 the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Foundation Award for Excellence for his efforts to promote commercial flying, and in 2007 The Living Legends Ambassador of Aviation award. John holds 11 jet licenses: 747, 707, Gulfstream II, Lear 24, Hawker 1251A, Eclipse Jet, Vampire Jet, Canadair CL-141 Jet, Soko Jet, Citation ISP and Challenger. Travolta is the Qantas Airways Global Goodwill "Ambassador-at-Large" and piloted the original Qantas 707 during "Spirit of Friendship" global tour in July/August 2002. John is also a business aircraft brand ambassador for Learjet, Challenger and Global jets for the world's leading business aircraft manufacturer, Bombardier. John flew the 707 to New Orleans after the 2005 hurricane disaster bringing food and medical supplies, and in 2010, again flew the 707, this time to Haiti after the earthquake, carrying supplies, doctors and volunteers. John, along with his wife, actress Kelly Preston are also very involved in their charity, The Jett Travolta Foundation, which raises money for children with educational needs. Kit Harington Kit Harington was born Christopher Catesby Harington in Acton, London, to Deborah Jane (Catesby), a former playwright, and David Richard Harington, a businessman. His mother named him after 16th century British playwright and poet Christopher Marlowe, whose first name was shortened to Kit, a name Harington prefers. Harington's uncle is Sir Nicholas John Harington, the 14th Baronet Harington, and his paternal great-grandfather was Sir Richard Harington, the 12th Baronet Harington. Through his paternal grandmother, Lavender Cecilia Denny, Kit's eight times great-grandfather was King Charles II of England. Also through his father, Harington descends from politician Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, the bacon merchant T. A. Denny, clergyman Baptist Wriothesley Noel, merchant and politician Peter Baillie, peer William Legge, 4th Earl of Dartmouth, and MP Sir William Molesworth, 6th Baronet. Harington was a pupil at the Southfield Primary School from 1992 to 1998. When he was 11, his family moved to Worcestershire, and he studied at the Chantry High School in Martley until 2003. He became interested in acting after watching a production of Waiting for Godot when he was 14, and he performed in several school productions. He attended Worcester Sixth Form College, where he studied Drama and Theatre Studies, between 2003 and 2005. When he was 17, he was inspired to study acting in a drama school after watching a performance by Ben Whishaw playing Hamlet in 2004. He moved back to London when he was eighteen and a year later attended the Central School of Speech and Drama, from which he graduated in 2008. Lucy Liu Born to immigrants in Queens, New York, Lucy Liu has always tried to balance an interest in her cultural heritage with a desire to move beyond a strictly Asian-American experience. Lucy's mother, Cecilia, a biochemist, is from Beijing, and her father, Tom Liu, a civil engineer, is from Shanghai. Once relegated to "ethnic" parts, the energetic actress is finally earning her stripes as an across-the-board leading lady. Liu graduated from Stuyvesant High School in 1986 and enrolled in New York University; discouraged by the "dark and sarcastic" atmosphere of NYU, however, she transferred to the University of Michigan after her freshman year. She graduated from UM with a degree in Chinese Language and Culture, managing to squeeze in some additional training in dance, voice, fine arts, and acting. During her senior year, Liu auditioned for a small part in a production of Alice in Wonderland and walked away with the lead; encouraged by the experience, she decided to take the plunge into professional acting. She moved to Los Angeles and split her time between auditions and food service day jobs, eventually scoring a guest appearance as a waitress on Beverly Hills, 90210 . That performance led to more walk-on parts in shows like NYPD Blue , ER , and The X-Files . In 1996, she was cast as an ambitious college student on Rhea Perlman's ephemeral sitcom Pearl . Liu first appeared on the big screen as an ex-girlfriend in Jerry Maguire (she had previously filmed a scene in the indie Bang , but it was shelved for two years). She then waded through a series of supporting parts in small films before landing her big break on Ally McBeal . Liu initially auditioned for the role of Nelle Porter, which went to Portia de Rossi , but writer-producer David E. Kelley was so impressed with her that he promised to write a part for her in an upcoming episode. The part turned out to be that of growling, ill-tempered lawyer Ling Woo, which Liu filled with such aplomb that she was signed on as a regular cast member. The "Ally" win gave Liu's film career a much-needed boost--in 1999, she was cast as a dominatrix in the Mel Gibson action flick Payback , and as a hitchhiker in the ill-received boxing saga Play It to the Bone . The next year brought even larger roles: first as the kidnapped Princess Pei Pei in Jackie Chan 's western Shanghai Noon , then as one-third of the comely crime-fighting trio in Charlie's Angels . When she's not hissing at clients or throwing well-coiffed punches, Liu keeps busy with an eclectic mix of off-screen hobbies. She practices the martial art of Kali-Eskrima-Silat (knife-and-stick fighting), skis, rock climbs, rides horses, and plays the accordion. In 1993 she exhibited a collection of multimedia art pieces at the Cast Iron Gallery in SoHo (New York), after which she won a grant to study and create art in China. Her hectic schedule doesn't leave much time for romantic intrigue, but Liu says she prefers to keep that side of her life uncluttered. John Cazale John Cazale was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to an Irish-American mother, Cecilia (Holland), and an Italian-American father, John Cazale. Cazale only made five feature films in his career, all which many fans and critics alike call classics. But before his film debut, the short The American Way , he won numerous Obie Awards for his stage performances in "The Indian Wants the Bronx" and "The Line". Cazale scored the role of Fredo Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola 's The Godfather , after his long time friend, Al Pacino , invited him to audition. He reprised his role as the troubled Fredo in The Godfather: Part II , where his character endures one of the most infamous movie moments in the history of cinema. Cazale also starred with Gene Hackman and Harrison Ford in the thriller, The Conversation , as Hackman's assistant, Stan. The Godfather's director, Francis Ford Coppola , also directed the movie. Cazale's fourth feature film, Dog Day Afternoon , earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Sal, a bank robber. His long time friend and Godfather co-star, Al Pacino , played his partner, Sonny. His final film, The Deer Hunter , was filmed whilst he was ill with cancer. He was in a relationship with his co-star, Meryl Streep , whilst filming The Deer Hunter , whom he met when they both appeared in the New York Public Theater's 1976 production of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. Controversy occurred during the filming. While the studio was unaware of his condition, the director, Michael Cimino , knew about it. As Cazale was evidently weak, he was forced to film his scenes first. When the studio discovered he was suffering from cancer, they wanted him removed from the film. His co-star and girlfriend, Meryl Streep , threatened to quit if he was fired. He died shortly after filming was completed. Richard Burton Probably more frequently remembered for his turbulent personal life and multiple marriages, Richard Burton was nonetheless regarded as one of the great British actors of the post-WWII period. Burton was born Richard Walter Jenkins in Pontrhydyfen, Wales, to Edith Maude (Thomas) and Richard Walter Jenkins, a coal miner. His mother died while he was a toddler and his father abandoned the family, leaving him to be raised by his sister Cecilia and her husband Elfred. He received a scholarship to Oxford University to study acting and made his first stage appearance in 1944. His first film appearances were in routine British movies such as Women of Dolwyn , Waterfront Women and Green Grow the Rushes . Then he started to appear in Hollywood movies such as My Cousin Rachel , The Robe and Alexander the Great , added to this he was also spending considerable time in stage productions, both in the UK and USA, often to splendid reviews. The late 1950s was an exciting and inventive time in UK cinema, often referred to as the "British New Wave", and Burton was right in the thick of things, and showcased a sensational performance in Look Back in Anger . He also appeared with a cavalcade of international stars in the World War II magnum opus The Longest Day , and then onto arguably his most "notorious" role as that of Marc Antony opposite Elizabeth Taylor in the hugely expensive Cleopatra . This was, of course, the film that kick-started their fiery and passionate romance (plus two marriages), and the two of them appeared in several productions over the next few years including The V.I.P.s , The Sandpiper , the dynamic Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Taming of the Shrew , as well as box office flops like The Comedians , _Dr. Faustus_, and the disastrous _Boom!_. However, Burton was often better when he was off on his own giving higher caliber performances, such as those in Becket , the film adaptation of the Tennessee Williams play The Night of the Iguana , the brilliant espionage thriller The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and alongside Clint Eastwood in the World War II action adventure film Where Eagles Dare . His audience appeal began to decline somewhat by the end of the 1960s as fans turned to younger, more virile male stars, however Burton was superb in Anne of the Thousand Days as King Henry VIII, he put on a reasonable show in the boring Raid on Rommel , was over the top in the awful Villain , gave sleepwalking performances in Hammersmith Is Out and Bluebeard , and was wildly miscast in the ludicrous The Assassination of Trotsky . By the early 1970s, quality male lead roles were definitely going to other stars, and Burton found himself appearing in some movies of dubious quality, just to pay the bills and support family, including Divorce His - Divorce Hers (his last on-screen appearance with Taylor), Klansman , Brief Encounter , Exorcist II: The Heretic , The Medusa Touch , _Breakthrough_, and _Circle of Two_. However, he won another Oscar nomination for his excellent performance as a concerned psychiatrist in Equus . He appeared with fellow acting icons Richard Harris and Roger Moore in The Wild Geese about mercenaries in South Africa, and whilst the film had a modest initial run, over the past thirty-five years it has picked up quite a cult following. His final performances were as the sinister "O'Brien" in 1984 , and in the TV mini series Ellis Island . He passed away on August 5th, 1984 in Celigny, Switzerland from a cerebral hemorrhage. Burton was an avid fan of Shakespeare, poetry and reading, having once said "home is where the books are". Paul Simon Born on October 13, 1941 in Newark New Jersey, Paul Simon is one of the greatest singer/songwriters ever. In 1957, he and high school pal, Art Garfunkel , wrote and recorded the single, "Hey Schoolgirl", under the name "Tom and Jerry". After some failures, they broke up. Simon still wrote and recorded music as "Tico and The Triumps" and "Jerry Landis". He also attended Queens College and got a B.A. in English. He also studied law but quit to pursue a music career in 1964. He and Art Garfunkel got back together as Simon & Garfunkel and recorded "Wednesday Morning 3 a.m.". After the commercial failure of the album, they broke up again. Simon left America to go to England, where he played in folk circuits and he made a solo album. Back in America, the producer of their first album, Tom Wilson, dubbed bass, electric guitar, and drums to the all-acoustic song, "Sound of Silence", which propelled them into the folk-rock scene. Simon & Garfunkel were back and, in 1966, they had popularity with the album, "The Sound of Silence", which features songs such as "I am a Rock", "Richard Cory" and "Kathy's Song". Their next album, "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme", had songs such as "Homeward Bound" "The 59th Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)". In 1967, Mike Nichols asked Simon to write a score for his upcoming movie, The Graduate . Their next album, "Bookends", which is considered one of the greatest albums of the sixties, featured songs such as "Mrs. Robinson" from The Graduate , "Hazy Shade of Winter", "At The Zoo", "America". Their last album, "Bridge Over Troubled Water", featured songs such as the title song, "The Boxer", "Cecilia". In the seventies, Simon emerged as a singer/songwriter with albums such as "Paul Simon", Still Crazy After All These Years", "Hearts and Bones", "Graceland", and "Songs from the Capeman". Aside from music, he wrote and starred in the movie, One-Trick Pony , and reunited with friend, Art Garfunkel , in 1981, to give a concert in Central Park. Marty Feldman "I am too old to die young, and too young to grow up," Marty Feldman told a reporter -- a week before he died. This beloved comedian, who poked fun at himself, as well as others, was born Martin Alan Feldman on July 8, 1934, in London, England. His parents were of Ukrainian Jewish heritage (from Kiev). He was the son of Cecilia (née Crook) and Myer Feldman, a gown manufacturer. Marty spent his childhood in the poverty-stricken London East End and left school at the age of 15, hoping for a career as a jazz trumpeter (his appearance in a Variety show earned him the title "the worst trumpeter in the world"). He had just started his comedy career, as a writer for BBC radio programs and TV shows in the late 1950s, when he married Lauretta Sullivan in January 1959 (they would stay married until his death in 1982). There's a saying: "Your face is your fortune"; Marty had received a double-whammy. His nose was mangled in his youthful years in a boxing match; his walleyed orbs were the result of both a hyperactive thyroid and a botched operation after a car accident before his 30th birthday, in 1963. American audiences first saw Marty in Dean Martin Presents the Golddiggers , where he did comedy skits with Susie Ewing and the Golddiggers. He appeared in a number of movies, his most-remembered role being that of Igor (pronounced Eye-Gor) in Young Frankenstein . Besides acting, he made his directorial debut in The Last Remake of Beau Geste . Beloved and popular, it seemed Marty was to enjoy a long career in the entertainment field. However, he died of a massive heart attack, caused by shellfish food poisoning, while filming Yellowbeard in Mexico City, on December 2, 1982... he was only 48. Min-sik Choi Choi Min-shik first made a name for himself in theater before breaking into the film world with a role in Park Chong-won's acclaimed film 'Our Twisted Hero' (1992). In the mid-nineties he continued to act in theater productions as well as in several TV dramas, including Moon Over Seoul with Han Seok-gyu. 1997 marked his return to motion pictures, with a role as a tough-talking police investigator in Song Neung-han's No. 3 . His biggest role came in 1999, when he was cast in Korea's most successful film ever, Swiri . His portrayal of a North Korean agent garnered him much praise and a Best Actor Award from the 1999 domestic Grand Bell Awards. After starring in a theater production of Hamlet in spring of 1999, Choi took on the role of a husband who discovers his wife's infidelity in Happy End , and in early 2001 starred as a third-rate gangster opposite Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung in the acclaimed Pairan . In 2003 he starred in the now classic Oldboy . Ennio Morricone A classmate of director Sergio Leone with whom he would form one of the great director/composer partnerships (right up there with Eisenstein & Prokofiev, Hitchcock & Herrmann, Fellini & Rota), Ennio Morricone studied at Rome's Santa Cecilia Conservatory, where he specialized in trumpet. His first film scores were relatively undistinguished, but he was hired by Leone for A Fistful of Dollars on the strength of some of his song arrangements. His score for that film, with its sparse arrangements, unorthodox instrumentation (bells, electric guitars, harmonicas, the distinctive twang of the jew's harp) and memorable tunes, revolutionized the way music would be used in Westerns, and it is hard to think of a post-Morricone Western score that doesn't in some way reflect his influence. Although his name will always be synonymous with the spaghetti Western, Morricone has also contributed to a huge range of other film genres: comedies, dramas, thrillers, horror films, romances, art movies, exploitation movies - making him one of the film world's most versatile artists. He has written nearly 400 film scores, so a brief summary is impossible, but his most memorable work includes the Leone films, Gillo Pontecorvo 's The Battle of Algiers , Roland Joffé 's The Mission , Brian De Palma 's The Untouchables and Giuseppe Tornatore 's Cinema Paradiso , plus a rare example of sung opening credits for Pier Paolo Pasolini 's The Hawks and the Sparrows . Stuart Whitman Stuart Maxwell Whitman is an American leading man, known for his rugged roles. He was born in San Francisco, California, the elder of two sons of Cecilia (Gold) and Joseph Whitman, a realtor. His mother was a Russian Jewish immigrant, while his paternal grandparents were Polish Jews. His family moved often. He graduated from high school in Los Angeles and spent three post-war years with the Army Corps of Engineers. In the army, he won 32 fights as a light-heavyweight boxer. Upon his discharge from service, he attended Los Angeles City College, where his interest in acting emerged. He studied at the Los Angeles Academy of Dramatic Art and with Michael Chekhov and Ben Bard . He toured the U.S. in a stage company of "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" and began to get small roles in television and film. Eventually his athleticism, his handsome features, and his talent for portraying either tough or vulnerable characters led him to a level of stardom. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his leading role of a child molester in The Mark , and starred in the television series Cimarron Strip . A shrewd investor, he amassed a substantial fortune while continuing his career even after its peak in the mid-Sixties. Regina Taylor While TV audiences best remember Regina Taylor for her empathic portrayal of housekeeper Lilly Harper in the critically lauded series I'll Fly Away , which rewarded her with a Golden Globe for best actress, an NAACP Image Award, and two Emmy nominations, this Dallas-born talent has made even greater strides in recent years as a playwright. Born on August 22, 1960, she was raised in Oklahoma where she became acutely aware of racial bias while attending a newly integrated school in Muskogee. She went on to study at Southern Methodist University and graduated in 1981, subsequently moving to New York. She made her professional acting debut in the CBS made-for-TV movie Crisis at Central High . On Broadway Taylor became the first Black woman to play William Shakespeare 's Juliet thanks to the non-traditional casting efforts of Joseph Papp . She also played Cecilia in "As You Like It" and the First Witch in "Macbeth" during the same season. Other on- and off-Broadway work included "Machinal," "A Map of the World," "The Illusion," and "Jar the Floor." On the West Coast, she won an L.A. Dramalogue award for her work in "The Tempest." Making her film debut with Lean on Me , she became known for her quiet intensity and human dignity in both social drama and the more popular action-oriented films such as Losing Isaiah , Clockers , Spirit Lost , and The Negotiator . Taylor furthered her career on TV as well in such series as Law & Order and earned notice for her portrayal of Anita Hill opposite Delroy Lindo 's Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in the made-for-TV movie Strange Justice . She was particularly moving in her portrayal of another maid in the superlative period piece Cora Unashamed , co-starring the equally versatile Cherry Jones . After her success in "I'll Fly Away," she moved into other series such as Feds and The Education of Max Bickford , but these did not fare as well with audiences. As a playwright Taylor has won the American Critics' Association new play award for "Oo-Bla-Dee," which detailed the story of Black female jazz musicians of the 1940s. "Drowning Crow" was an adaption of Anton Chekhov 's "The Seagull," which made it to Broadway in 2004. Others works include "A Night in Tunisia," "Escape from Paradise," "Watermelon Rinds," and "Inside the Belly of the Beast." She conceived and appeared in the 2001 one-woman play "Millennium Mambo," which included selections of works from various African American female writers. She is an esteemed member and Artistic Associate of the Goodman Theater, where many of her plays have come to fruition. Cecilia Suárez Born in Tampico, México, Cecilia Suárez started her acting career when she entered the Theater Faculty of the Illinois State University (USA) in 1991. She graduated class valedictorian in 1995 and received the Jean Sharfenberg award. She was grantee of Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater Company, where she acted in "The Crucible" and "Everyman", directed by Frank Galati. The Mexican Association of Theater Critics gave her the best actress in a comedy award for her role in "Popcorn". She debuted in films in 1999 in "Sexo, pudor y lágrimas" by Antonio Serrano. She then participated in Todo el poder, Fidel, Sin ton ni Sonia, Punos rosas, Solo Dios sabe, Chicken Little, Spanglish, Los tres entierros de Melquiades Estrada, The Air I Breathe, Parpados azules, El viaje de la Nonna and Cinco dias sin Nora. Suarez has been nominated in the Best Actress category of the 2008 Ariel Awards of the Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences for her role in Parpados Azules. Dong-gun Jang South Korean actor Jang Dong Gun starred in two record-breaking box office hits; one of which was 'Friend,' the highest grossing Korean film at the time. He gained widespread critical acclaim for his portrayal of a troubled high school student who chooses the life of organized crime, paving the way for him to star in the 2004 hit 'Taegukgi:The Brotherhood of War', about the Korean War, which again shattered box office records. Having achieved star status throughout Asia, Jang took on two more high-profile roles. Golden Globe nominated film 'The Promise' was a $30 million pan-Asian production by the Cannes Film Festival winning director Chen Kaige, in which Jang plays the leading role opposite Hiroyuki Sanada and Cecilia Cheung. 'Typhoon' by director Kwak Kyung-taek (Friend), had Jang star as a modern-day pirate who has been betrayed by both North and South Korea and set another new standard for such a distinct kind of character. Born and raised in Seoul, Korea, Jang Dong Gun made his debut in the MBC drama series 'Our Heaven' (1993). By the late 1990s, he had gained huge popularity in Korea, and he also became one of the very first Korean stars to garner a huge fan following in other parts of Asia. After acting in the critically acclaimed 'Nowhere to Hide' helmed by the internationally renowned director Lee Myung-Se in 1999, Jang went on to star in 'The Anarchists'(2000). In 2002, he also starred in the popular action blockbuster '2009 Lost Memories,' set in a futuristic Japan, and then took on a new challenge by appearing in the low-budget film 'The Coast Guard' (2002) by the controversial director Kim Ki-duk. J. Carrol Naish J. Carroll was born in New York City to Catherine Moran and Patrick Sarsfield Naish (not in the business). He was educated at St. Cecilia's Academy, New York City. He had seven years stage experience in Paris and New York. Later in stock company. First screen appearance in 1930. Fox brought him to Hollywood. Harry Houdini The great American escape artist and magician Houdini (immortalized by a memorable performance by Tony Curtis in the eponymous 1953 film) was born Erich Weiss on March 24, 1874 in Budapest, Hungary, though he often gave his birthplace as Appleton, Wisconsin, where he was raised. One of five brothers and one daughter born to rabbi Samuel Weiss and his wife Cecilia, the future Houdini was four years old when his parents emigrated to the U.S., where Weiss, as "Harry Houdini", became one of the major celebrities of the first age dominated by the mass media. His boyhood was spent in poverty and, when he was 17, he conjured up a magic act with his friend Jack Hayman, in order to escape the poverty and anonymity of manual labor which would likely have been his lot in life. Young Erich had been fascinated with magic since he was a young lad, when he was in the audience of a magic show put on by a traveling magician named Dr. Lynch. Billing themselves as the "Houdini Bros." in tribute to French magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, Erich Weiss became an entertainer, though it took him some seven years to catch on. Weiss and Hayman specialized in the Crate Escape (eventually known as Metamorphosis or The Substitution Trunk), and Houdini's brother Theodore replaced Hayman when he became uninterested in the act. Eventually, Theodore -- billed as Hardeen -- was replaced by Wilhemina Rahner (known as Bess), the woman "Harry Houdini" would eventually marry. The marriage on June 22, 1894 caused a conflict with his Jewish family as Bess was a Roman Catholic. They married in secret, then again at a synagogue and in a Catholic church to please both of their families. While developing his act, Houdini was not above the old carny trick of posing as a spirit medium, making the rounds of the town clerk's office and nearby cemeteries in order to provide "messages from beyond". In 1896, while visiting a doctor friend in Nova Scotia, he saw his first strait jacket, which gave him the idea of developing an act in which he would escape from it. Houdini finally hit the big-time when he was 24 years old with his Challenge Act in 1898, while he was making the rounds of vaudeville. Houdini's Challenge Act consisted of him escaping from a pair of handcuffs produced by an audience member. Eventually, this evolved into escapes from strait jackets, boxes, crates, safes, and other instruments and devices (such as his Water Torture Cell), as well as from jail cells. Houdini was also adept at escaping from being "buried alive". Hand-cuffed and strait-jacketed, he could escape while being hung upside down from a crane, or while lowered from a bridge, or even make his escape from padlocked crates lowered into a river. Houdini also became famous as a debunker of mediums and "experts" of the paranormal, but this was done in hope he could find an actual medium that could communicate with the dead so that he could communicate with his beloved mother Cecilia after she passed away. He became quite famous in the ragtime age of the first quarter of the last century, even appearing in motion pictures produced by his own company. Harry Houdini, the greatest magician ever produced by America, died in Detroit, Michigan during a national tour. The cause of death officially was peritonitis from a ruptured appendix. His death came nine days after having been punched in the stomach during the Canadian leg of the tour by J. Gordon Whitehead, a McGill University student who was testing Houdini's famed ability to take body blows. Always the trouper, Houdini had soldiered on despite stomach pains. (Early during the tour, he had broken an ankle but did not let it stop him or the tour.) His wife Bess, to whom Houdini left his half-million dollar estate, collected a double indemnity on his life insurance policy, as the blow was considered to have shortened the great magician's life and contributed to his premature death at the age of 52. The date of his death was October 31, 1926 -- Halloween, one of three days (October 31-November 2) of Samhain, the Celtic New Year, when the veil between the living and the dead allegedly is at its thinnest and the living can make contact with the dead. Annually on Halloween from 1927 to 1937, Bess held a séance to try to contact her departed husband. She did not succeed, though she helped keep the memory of her husband alive in the American consciousness. Even today, magicians worldwide conduct séances on Halloween in an effort to contact the late escapologist. Cecilia Cheung Cecilia Cheung (Cecilia Cheung Pak-Chi) was born in Hong Kong to a Cantonese father and a half Cantonese-half British mother. Her parents divorced when she was little after which she was sent to Australia for studies. She graduated from RMIT Holmes College. Her career began in 1998, when she was offered to appear in a TV commercial advertising lemon tea. She caught the attention of Stephen Chow after shooting the ad. Later, Cheung made her film debut as a young nightclub hostess in Stephen Chow's King of Comedy (1999), followed soon after by Fly Me to Polaris (1999). The latter role earned her the award for Best Newcomer at the Hong Kong Film Awards. In the same year, Cheung launched her singing career with her first Cantopop album Any Weather (1999). For Derek Yee's romantic drama Lost in Time (2003), Cheung won the award for Best Actress at the 2004 Hong Kong Film Awards. She played a young woman who lost her fiancé to a traffic accident which left her as a grieving single mother struggling to make ends meet. Cecilia Parker Canadian-born Cecilia Parker, daughter of a British army officer, moved with her family to Hollywood when she was a child. After graduation from high school she got a job as an extra. She did extra work for about a year before she was noticed by Fox executives, who signed her to a contract in 1931. Her career went along steadily if not spectacularly until 1937, when she was signed by MGM to play the older sister of Mickey Rooney in the "Andy Hardy" series. Although she had worked in everything from westerns to jungle serials, it's this part that people remember her for. She must have given MGM some trouble at one point, because in 1941 she was "loaned" (exiled is probably a better word) to ultra-low-rent studio PRC for one picture, a fate that usually befell actors who displeased the higher-ups at the studios. All was apparently forgiven, though, as she made five more pictures at MGM before she retired in 1942. She returned in 1958 for one final Andy Hardy film, but then went back to the real estate business she and her husband operated in Ventura, California, where she died in 1993. Faye Wong Her mother (now deceased) was a singer and her father a mining engineer. They moved with her older brother to Hong Kong when she was 18 and she began to take singing lessons. Her teacher introduced her to Cinepoly Records, where she first recorded under the name Wong Jing Man and was given the English name Shirley Wong for three albums. She sang predictable Cantopop and was unsatisfied with her career and eventually left for New York to carve her own identity, returning several months later. Given more creative freedom, she favoured the sounds of R'n'B in her new releases and also started writing her own songs. Her quirky sense of fashion and on-stage antics were often compared to Bjork's. In 1994 she reclaimed her real name and released the self titled "Faye Wong". The album had no cover but a blank white casing and booklet. It cemented her attitude towards music & media, Wong was all about music and did not care for frills and publicity. Her cover of "Dreams" by The Cranberries set her aside from the ballad-crooning Cantopop industry dominated by male singers. In 1995 she released "Restless", with 8 original works by Wong and 2 in collaboration with the Cocteau Twins. This album is widely considered by fans and Wong herself as her best work and most artisically ground-breaking as one song is purely instrumental and 4 sung in a jibberish language invented by Wong. She left Cinepoly in 1997 and was signed to EMI for a record amount. She worked with Cocteau Twins again, who wrote two songs for her first EMI release, "Faye Wong". After 5 albums with EMI she is currently signed with Sony Records. Her first Sony release "To Love" has earnt her nominations in Best Album, Best Female Artist, Best Song, Best Producer, Best Lyrics and Best Arrangment. She married Dou Wei, the former lead singer of Black Panther, one of China's first successful metal groups. They had a daughter but subsequently divorced. She has been romantically linked on and off again with Nicholas Tse Ting-fung, the bad boy of Cantopop 11 years her junior, since June 2000. Their first breakup was in March 2002 when Tse paired off with Cecilia Cheung Pak-chi, but he and Wong reconciled four months later. Other big Hong Kong entertainments names have been mentioned, including Anita Mui Yim-fong in May 2003, Mui's agent Marianne Wong in November 2003, and on Wong's part, fellow Beijing native and Hong Kong superstar Leon Lai Ming. Wong is known for being aloof with media and fans, skipping out awards ceremonies, and can be considered the Björk of Asia with regards to both her singing and acting careers. She won the Best Actress award at a Swedish film festival for her role in Chungking Express, her first major feature film. in 2003 she won the Best Actress award in Hong Kong for Chinese Odyssey 2002. She will appear in Wong Kar-Wai's next Cannes Film entry "2046". Unlike most Asian entertainers, acting is a secondary vocation compared to her unique pop sensibilities, becoming successful with both Chinese and non-Chinese audiences, singing primarily in her native Mandarin. William A. Wellman William Wellman, the Oscar-winning screenwriter-director of the original A Star Is Born , was called "Wild Bill" during his World War I service as an aviator, a nickname that persisted in Hollywood due to his larger-than-life personality and lifestyle. A leap-year baby born in 1896 on the 29th of February in Brookline, MA, Wellman was the great-great-great grandson of Francis Lewis, one of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Wellman's father was a stockbroker and his mother, the former Cecilia McCarthy, was born in Ireland. Despite an upper-middle-class upbringing, the young Wellman was a hell-raiser. He excelled as an athlete and particularly enjoyed playing ice hockey, but he also enjoyed joyriding in stolen cars at nights. Cecilia Wellman served as a probation officer for "wayward boys" (juvenile delinquents) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and was such a success in her field that she was asked to address Congress on the subject of delinquency. One of her charges was her own son, as the young Bill was kicked out of school at the age of 17 for hitting his high school principal on the head with a stink bomb. He tried making a living as a candy salesman and a cotton salesman, but failed. He worked for a lumber yard but was fired after losing control of a truck and driving it through the side of a barn. Eventually he wound up playing professional ice hockey in Massachusetts. While playing at the Colonial Theatre in Boston, an actor named Douglas Fairbanks took note of him. Impressed by Wellman's good looks and the figure he cut on ice, the soon-to-be silent-film superstar suggested to him that he had what it took to become a movie actor. Wellman's dream was to become an aviator, but since his father "didn't have enough money for me to become a flier in the regular way . . .I went into a war to become a flier." When he was 19 years old, through the intercession of his uncle, Wellman joined the air wing of the French Foreign Legion, where he learned to fly. In France he served as a pilot with the famous Lafayette Flying Corps (better known as the Lafayette Escadrille), where he won his nickname "Wild Bill" due to his devil-may-care style in the air. He and fellow pilot Tom Hitchcock, the great polo player, were in the Black Cat group. Wellman was shot down by anti-aircraft fire and injured during the landing of his plane, which had lost its tail section. Out of 222 Escadrille pilots 87 were killed, but Wellman was fated to serve out the duration of the war. In the spring of 1918 he was recruited by the US Army Air Corps, joining "because I was broke, and they were trying to get us in." Commissioned an officer, he was sent back to the US and stationed at Rockwell Field, in San Diego, CA, to teach combat fighting tactics to the new AAC pilots. Wellman would fly up to Hollywood and land on Fairbanks' polo fields to spend the weekend. Fairbanks told the returning hero that he would help him break into the movies when the war was over, and he was as good as his word. Fairbanks envisioned Wellman as an actor and cast him as the juvenile in The Knickerbocker Buckaroo and as a young officer in Evangeline , but acting was something Wellman grew to hate, a hatred he later transferred to actors in his employ. He was fired by fellow macho director Raoul Walsh from "Evangeline" for slapping the lead actress, who Wellman didn't know was Walsh's wife. Disgusted with acting, Wellman told Fairbanks he wanted to be a director, and Fairbanks helped him into the production end of the business. It was a purely financial decision, he later recalled, as directors made more money than supporting actors at the time. Goldwyn Pictures hired him as a messenger in 1920 and he soon worked his way up the ladder, first as an assistant cutter, then as an assistant property man, property man, assistant director and second-unit director before making his uncredited directorial debut later that year at Fox with The Twins of Suffering Creek starring Dustin Farnum (the silent film B-Western star whom Dustin Hoffman 's star-struck mother named the future double-Oscar winner after). Wellman later remembered the film as awful, along with such other B-Westerns as Cupid's Fireman , starring Buck Jones , whose westerns he began directing in 1923 after serving his apprenticeship. Fox Films gave Wellman his first directing credit in 1923 with the Buck Jones western Second Hand Love and, other than the Dustin Farnum picture The Man Who Won , he turned out Jones pictures for the rest of his time at Fox. The studio fired him in 1924 after he asked for a raise after completing The Circus Cowboy , another Buck Jones film. Moving to Columbia, he helmed When Husbands Flirt , then went over to MGM for the slapstick comedy The Boob before landing at Famous Players-Lasky (now known as Paramount Pictures after its distribution unit), where he directed You Never Know Women and The Cat's Pajamas . It was as a contract director at the now renamed Paramount-Famous Players-Lasky Corp. that he had his breakout hit, due to his flying background. Paramount entrusted its epic WW I flying epic Wings to Wellman, and the film went on to become the first Academy Award-winning best picture. Paramount paid Wellman $250 a week to direct "Wings". He also gave himself a role as a German pilot, and flew one of the German planes that landed and rolled over. The massive production employed 3,500 soldiers, 65 pilots and 165 aircraft. It also went over budget and over schedule due to Wellman's perfectionism, and he came close to being fired more than once. The film took a year to complete, but when it was released it turned out to be one of the most financially successful silent pictures ever released and helped put Gary Cooper , whom Wellman personally cast in a small role, on the path to stardom. "Wings" and Wellman's next flying picture, The Legion of the Condemned --in which Cooper had a starring role--initiated the genre of the World War One aviation movie, which included such famous works as Howard Hughes ' Hell's Angels and Howard Hawks ' The Dawn Patrol . Despite his success in bringing in the first Best Picture Oscar winner, Paramount did not keep Wellman under contract. Wellman's disdain for actors already was in full bloom by the time he wrapped "Wings". Many actors appearing in his pictures intensely disliked his method of bullying them to elicit an performance. Wellman was a "man's man" who hated male actors due to their narcissism, yet he preferred to work with them because he despised the preparation that actresses had to go through with their make-up and hairdressing before each scene. Wellman shot his films fast. The hard-drinking director usually oversaw a riotous set, in line with his own lifestyle. He married five women, including a Ziegfeld Follies showgirl, before settling down with Dorothy Coonan Wellman , a former Busby Berkeley dancer. Wellman believed that Dorothy saved him from becoming a caricature of himself. She appeared as a tomboy in Wild Boys of the Road , a Depression-era social commentary picture made for the progressive Warner Bros. studio (and which is a favorite of Martin Scorsese ). It came two years after Wellman's masterpiece, The Public Enemy , one of the great early talkies, one of the great gangster pictures and the film that made James Cagney a superstar. Scorsese says that Wellman's use of music in the film influenced his own first gangster picture, Mean Streets . Wellman was as adept at comedy as he was at macho material, helming the original A Star Is Born (for which he won his only Oscar, for best original story) and the biting satire Nothing Sacred --both of which starred Fredric March --for producer David O. Selznick . Both movies were dissections of the fame game, as was his satire Roxie Hart , which reportedly was one of Stanley Kubrick 's favorite films. During World War Two Wellman continued to make outstanding films, including The Ox-Bow Incident and Story of G.I. Joe , and after the war he turned out another war classic, Battleground . In the 1950s Wellman's best later films starred John Wayne , including the influential aviation picture The High and the Mighty , for which he received his third and last best director Oscar nomination. His final film hearkened back to his World War One service, Lafayette Escadrille , which featured the unit in which Wellman had flown. He retired as a director after making the film, reportedly enraged at Warner Bros.' post-production tampering with a film that meant so much to him. Other than David O. Selznick, not many people in Hollywood particularly liked the hell-raising iconoclast Wellman. Louis B. Mayer 's daughter Irene Mayer Selznick , the first wife of David O. Selznick, said that Wellman was "a terror, a shoot-up-the-town fellow, trying to be a great big masculine I-don't-know-what". The Directors Guild of America in 1973 honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award. William Wellman died (from leukemia) in 1975. Mary Hughes Beautiful, sexy, and shapely (36-22-36) blonde knockout Mary Cecilia Hughes was born on February 25, 1944 in Hollywood, California and grew up in Southern California. She was discovered on the beach in Malibu, California. Mary made her film debut in Muscle Beach Party . Hughes appeared in a handful of "Beach Party" movies made by American International Pictures; she was often cast as a sunny and spirited bikini-clad sprite in these cheerfully silly outings. Moreover, Mary also popped up in the car race items, Fireball 500 and Thunder Alley . Her last feature was the Elvis Presley vehicle, Double Trouble . Outside of her film work, Hughes also modeled for various magazines throughout the 1960's. Mary was romantically linked to famous guitarist Jeff Beck of The Yardbirds ; she's mentioned twice in The Yardbirds ' song, "Psycho Daisies". Hughes married singer/songwriter Lee Michaels on December 19, 1968; the couple had two children before eventually divorcing. Mary went on to become a Yoga and fitness instructor in Malibu after calling it a day as an actress. Mary Hughes died of cancer, at age 63, on December 13, 2007. Nino Rota Born in Milan in 1911 into a family of musicians, Nino Rota was first a student of Orefice and Pizzetti. Then, still a child, he moved to Rome where he completed his studies at the Conservatory of Santa Cecilia in 1929 with Alfredo Casella. In the meantime, he had become an 'enfant prodige', famous both as a composer and as an orchestra conductor. His first oratorio, "L'infanzia di San Giovanni Battista," was performed in Milan and Paris as early as 1923 and his lyrical comedy, "Il Principe Porcaro," was composed in 1926. From 1930 to 1932, Nino Rota lived in the USA. He won a scholarship to the Curtis Institute of Philadelphia where he attended classes in composition taught by Rosario Scalero and classes in orchestra taught by Fritz Reiner . He returned to Italy and earned a degree in literature from the University of Milan. In 1937, he began a teaching career that led to the directorship of the Bari Conservatory, a title he held from 1950 until his death in 1979. After his "childhood" compositions, Nino Rota wrote the following operas: Ariodante (Parma 1942), Torquemada (1943), Il cappello di paglia di Firenze (Palermo 1955), I due timidi (RAI 1950, London 1953), La notte di un neurastenico (Premio Italia 1959, La Scala 1960), Lo scoiattolo in gamba (Venezia 1959), Aladino e la lampada magica (Naples 1968), La visita meravigliosa (Palermo 1970), Napoli milionaria (Spoleto Festival 1977). He also wrote the following ballets: La rappresentazione di Adamo ed Eva (Perugia 1957), La Strada (La Scala 1965), Aci e Galatea (Rome 1971), Le Molière imaginaire (Paris and Brussels 1976) and Amor di poeta (Brussels 1978) for Maurice Béjart. In addition, there are countless works for orchestra that have been performed since before World War II and are still performed by orchestras in every part of the world. His work in film dates back to the early forties. His filmography includes the names of virtually all of the noted directors of his time. First among these is Federico Fellini . He wrote all of the movie scores for Fellini's films from The White Sheik in 1952 to Orchestra Rehearsal in 1978. Other directors include Renato Castellani , Luchino Visconti , Franco Zeffirelli , Mario Monicelli , Francis Ford Coppola (Oscar for best original score for The Godfather: Part II ), King Vidor , René Clément , Edward Dmytryk , and 'Eduardo de Filippo'. He also composed the music for many theatre productions by Visconti, Zefirelli, and de Filippo. In February of 1995, the Nino Rota Foundation was established at Fondazione Cini of Venice, Italy. Cini specializes in the works of 20th century Italian composers and includes the estate of Casella. Christine McIntyre One of five children, Christine Cecilia McIntyre was born in Nogales, Arizona, on April 26, 1911, to John and Edna (nee Barnaby) McIntyre. In the early 1930s, Christine received a Bachelor of Music degree at Chicago Musical College, where she honed her operatic soprano voice (which can be heard in a handful of her movies); she also began her radio career in Chicago. By 1936, she was acting on the professional stage in L.A., starring in plays such as "The Bird of Paradise" with actors like Pierce Lyden . She broke into movies with a small role in Swing Fever , signing for feature films with RKO. This led to a series of B westerns with stars like Buck Jones , Johnny Mack Brown , and Ray Corrigan . Then, in 1944, with her hair newly dyed blonde, she was discovered by producer Hugh McCollum at Columbia Pictures and signed a ten-year contract to do shorts for the studio. Over the next decade, she worked with comedians such as Andy Clyde , Hugh Herbert , and Shemp Howard (solo), not to mention both Joe Besser and Joe DeRita . However, she will forever be remembered for her prolific work with The Three Stooges . A favorite concert piece of hers, Johann Strauss ' "Voice of Spring," was the basis for the 1945 Stooges short Micro-Phonies , considered by many Stooge fans as the trio's finest effort and which also provides the best example of Christine's beautifully pure operatic soprano voice as she sings the above-mentioned aria (which Curly Howard , as "Senorita Cucaracha," hilariously lip-synchs to). Always focused, always a presence onscreen, Christine developed into a first-rate comedic actress--her timing was impeccable and she wasn't afraid to get "down and dirty" with slapstick experts such as the Stooges (she even beat up poor Shemp Howard in the classic Brideless Groom , then knocked him through a door), and it was merely through unfortunate twists of fate that she never segued over into television at the same time that funnywomen Lucille Ball and Imogene Coca were making their small-screen marks. Though Christine's career at Columbia consisted mostly of comedy shorts, she did show up in occasional features, often westerns. In 1953, near the end of her Columbia contract, she married radio producer/writer/actor J. Donald Wilson (not to be confused with Jack Benny 's announcer Don Wilson ), and soon after retired from show business. Christine and J. Donald spent the next 30 years developing joint careers in real estate. The former actress passed away in Van Nuys, California, on July 8, 1984, six months after her husband. David Cheung David Cheung is a London based actor who studied at the award winning Identity School of Acting, known for producing such stars as John Boyega. David Cheung first began performing at the age of 12 and his career has gone from strength to strength. He is the face of 'Sonitus Bellum' in Final Fantasy XV animated feature film, His recent work includes such roles as Agent Coles in 'Street Fighter Ressurection' and alongside Johnny Depp as 'Right Hand Man' in 'Mortdecai'. David Cheung is also starring as 'Dreadlocked Henchman' in Taylor Lautner's new BBC TV series 'Cuckoo' and an action actor 'Charlie' in an German and Chinese produced Feature Film 'Out Of Control 2016' with the Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung. David Cheung modeled for Elle Magazine as well as being cast in Ted Baker's 'Mission Impeccable' 2016 film campaign with Guy Ritchie and Crowns and Owls. David Cheung is also directing his first martial arts feature film 'The Real Target' which is scheduled for release 2017. Darren Lee Campbell Darren Lee Campbell is an American actor and model born in Cleveland, Ohio. Campbell caught the acting bug in high school when he participated in the Riverside Reel Student Film Festival in 2007. Campbell received best actor award for his performance in a film called Treasure. After graduating from high school, Campbell enrolled at Edinboro University to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. Campbell participated in an educational video called the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PSSHE). Campbell represented a student for Edinboro University in the PSSHE video. After graduating from Edinboro in 2012, Campbell signed with PC Goenner Talent Agency in Columbus, Ohio. He decided to attend Full Sail University to get his master's degree Public Relations. During his studies at Full Sail, he became a PR Assistant Intern at Ohio Talent Seekers. Campbell graduated from Full Sail in 2013 with valedictorian honors. In 2014 Campbell relocated to Los Angeles, California where he is currently pursing acting. In 2015 Campbell was signed by Wild Models Talent Agency and booked his first local LA commercial for Jinky's cafe. In 2016 he signed with Publicist Cecilia Latrice Parker who is located in Los Angeles, California. Campbell is currently modeling for Cecilia Latrice Parker Photography and finishing up production as lead actor in a short film called (Resilience) which is expected to release in 2017. Campbell continues to attend acting and improvisation classes in Hollywood, California. Crystal Porter Bazemore Crystal Porter has been seen in many motion pictures. Porter garnered a nomination for Best Actress in a Feature Film at the World Music International Film Festival (WMIFF) and a win for Best Actress in a Lead Role in Diaspora Film at the Nollywood Africa Film Critics Award (NAFCA). As the only actress to win Best Actress in a Lead Role in Diaspora Film two years in a row at NAFCA, Porter took the second win for her portrayal of Pearle in the thriller Love & Tragedy under the direction of famed Nollywood Director, Desmond Elliott. Other award and motion winning & studio films include What to Bring to America, Somebodies (which was spun-off into a BET television series) and Dark Remains. Tyler Perry's Diary Of A Mad Black Woman and Allen Wolf's In My Sleep. TV credits include One Life to Live, Drop Dead Diva, Barely Famous and ABC pilot Rom Com. Porter has been the voice of Macy's/Lazarus/Goldsmith, national and regional campaigns for Bank of America, Verizon, Georgia Power and text book narration for Prentice Hall. Porter has graced theater stages throughout the U.S. Atlanta's Alliance Theatre at the Woodruff Arts Center in the role of Cuban mistress, Cecilia in Day Of Kings under the direction of Artistic Director, Susan V. Booth caught the eye of critics & audiences alike. The Actors Group Theatre in Los Angeles welcomed Porter as Vivian Baptiste in A Lesson Before Dying. Her role as Angela Lovett played to sold-out audiences in the National Touring Company of Tyler Perry's What's Done in the Dark. Porter understudied the role of Taylor in the Ovation winning play Stickfly at the Matrix Theatre under the direction of Shirley Jo Finney. Porter has worked with several acclaimed modern playwrights. She produced the short film Five which garnered a nomination for Best Short at the prestigious Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIFF). She recently wrapped filming on Sean Durant's feature, Gina's Journey: The Search for WIlliam Grimes and Tawan Bazemore's thriller Sound. Porter is currently in post production on her first pilot, Unofficially: Home which she created, co-wrote and starred in. Sumi Jo Born in Korea, Sumi Jo studied in her native country before enrolling in the Conservatory of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome. Her recital debut in Seoul was followed by concerts with the Korean Broadcasting Company Orchestra. Her first operatic role was Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro , which she also sang in Seoul. While studying in Italy, Miss Jo was frequently heard in concert in Italian cities and also in radio broadcasts and telecasts on the RAI Italian National Network. She graduated with honors from the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in October 1986. Miss Jo has won many prestigious awards including first prizes at international competitions in Seoul, Naples, Enna, Barcelona and Pretoria. In August 1986 she was unanimously awarded first prize in the Carlo Alberto Cappelli International Competition at Verona, one of the world's most important contests, open only to first prize-winners of other major competitions. She was elected as "Artist for Peace" of UNESCO in 2003. Miss Jo makes her home in Rome. Justine S. Harrison Justine has extensive training and has a resume with impressive principal credits. These include film & TV, commercial, web series and modeling. She is a versatile actress with a quirky comedic edge. Her Grandmother produced a theater company on Long Island. This is one of the reasons Justine became interested in theater, film and working as an actress, She continued her passion in college and received her BA in theater from New School University in Manhattan. She has studied at various studios with accomplished teachers in NYC. Her teachers include Austin Pendleton, Christopher Martin, Lorraine Serrabian , Anne Jackson and Karen West at HB Studios. Her other NYC teachers include The Barrow Group, Cecilia Rubino, Rob Baron, John Pallotta, Jeffrey Stocker, Caryn West and more. Justine had a lead in a web series pilot called Unsung Heroes. Justine was a lead in the feature film The Last Intervention. This film won "Best CT Flick" at the Hartford Flick Fest. The Last Intervention was also shown internationally. Justine's NYC theater credits include Clive Barker's History of the Devil for which she received positive reviews. Other credits include Pygmalion, Midsummer Night's Dream, Vagina Monologues, How I Killed My Roommate..., The Academy, and more. She has been the lead in numerous short and feature films. Maureen Mendoza Maureen Mendoza was born in 1975 as Maureen Cecilia Mendoza, better known as Maui. She's a Filipino American Actress born to a Former Filipino International Singer Ofrecila Cecilia Mendoza with her twin sister Ofelia Nuestro in Asia, and Maui's Father is a Chemical Engineer, Mr. Domingo Mendoza. Her family migrated to Chicago, Illinois back in November 1995. Maureen has 4 other siblings. Maureen loves dancing,singing,modeling and acting.During her high-school years she participated in school programs like Dance Club and Drama Club, that's the time she realized she wanted to be part of the creative world of entertainment, after high-school she pursued her dreams of acting in 1993. Maui took acting classes, workshops and theatrical Arts in College. Since Maui loves cooking, baking and event planning she then pursued a double Associate Degree in Culinary Arts Management and Associate Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management. Now, besides the world of performing arts, Maureen is also a Professional Personal Chef, Chef Instructor and Event Planner that specializes in Social Events, Weddings, Fashion Shows, and Bridal Expos. Maureen loves to play volleyball, tennis and live her life to the fullest, she's been a Cancer Survivor since 2008. Maureen Mendoza is married to Keith Abbeduto since July 23, 2005. They are blessed with beautiful daughter Nicole Abigail Abbeduto. Thomas Ebert Thomas Ebert was born 1961 in Monterrey, Mexico, to German parents. He began stage-acting at the age of 16, and has acted for more than 35 years in many plays, some of them directed by renowned Mexican masters such as Martín Aguirre, Sergio Rod, Juan Carlos Franco, and the Spanish master Héctor Dugó. His film debut came in 1984 with the American production "Dune" by David Lynch, shot in Mexico, were he played a minor role. Years later, he was chosen the main character in the German production "Mexiko" by Michael Markus, entirely shot throughout the central and southern part of the country. He then landed a role in the Canadian production "Beyond What Remains" by Bassel Martin, also shot in Mexico. Recently he had a minor role in "Inside the Mine" by Jorge Eduardo Ramírez, and in "Desvanecer" by Antonio Rotunno. Presently he is working in leading roles in "Revueltas", a film by Antonio Jiménez, and "La Paloma y El Cuervo", the most recent film by Joaquín Bissner; and also landed a role in the Series "The Battles of Celaya" by Miguel Rico Tavera, and Eric del Castillo. In a longer list of short-films since 2011 he has had several leading roles, like in "Amarás a todas las Cecilias" by Adriana Gaal, "El Guardián del Aeropuerto" by Miguel de Luna, "La Muerte Intrascendente" by Ivo Loyola, "Los Matadores" (a short-film based on Ernest Hemingway's "The Killers") by Sergio Benítez, "Miserere Mei Deus" by Aleks García, and recently in "About Eve" by Manuel Aguirre. His acting skills are not only based on his experience but on a good training received by well known masters like Alecxandro Vaguióre, Luís Felipe Tovar, Ofelia Medina, Anna Ciocchetti, Javier Velázquez, Anna Cetti, Diego Luna, and the renowned Film Directors Luís Mandoki and Joaquín Bissner. Cece Worrall Rubin Cecilia "Cece" Worrall was born in Los Angeles, California. She has been playing woodwinds since age 10. In high school she was drawn to playing & listening to R&B... Earth, Wind & Fire, Ohio Players, Tower of Power and such other powerhouse horn driven bands. In her senior year she won the coveted John Phillip Sousa Award. Her music studies were through private instruction with many prominent Los Angeles studio musicians, such as Stan Seckler, Phil Sobel, Charlie Shoemake, Dave Boruff & Bob Sheppard. She also attended the Stan Kenton Clinic, winning 1st alto seating in the top band. She cut her teeth on live performances with the David Ii, Love Ii Orchestra, which boasted of great black musicians like Fred Wesley, Nolan Smith, Ray Brown and Will Miller. Chuck E Weiss, an old school underground legend, took her under his "tutelage" and performed for years at "the Central" now known as Johnny Depp's "Viper Room" in Hollywood. Performing at infamous rooms like The House of Blues & BB King's to name a few. She later worked on two albums simultaneously, first with Morris Day as the producer of an all female group called "the Daisy's" and then with Randy Jackson (of the Jackson family fame) on his debut solo album called "Randy & the Gypsys". Her performance experience has been with an eclectic mix of artists: Guns & Roses' World Tour (Hard Rock), John Tesh (New Age), Bateke Beat (African / Congo), Chuck E. Weiss / Jimmy Wood & The Imperial Crowns / King Cotton (Roots, New Orleans, 2nd line, Blues). Motown groups, the Four Tops, the Temptations and the Fifth Dimension. With "Guns and Roses" she had the opportunity to perform with Lenny Kravitz, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of "Aerosmith", Ron Wood of "The Rolling Stones", Soundgarden and Elton John on the M.T.V. award show. In 2000 she toured with "soul diva" Diana Ross and the "Return to Love" tour featuring the Supremes. She has since continued to perform with Miss Ross for many prestigious events. One such event was Hollywood's farewell performance for President Clinton. Shi Shi Liu Liu ShiShi(Cecilia Liu) graduated from Beijing Dance Academy, major in Ballet. During her college time, she once had a opportunity to play a role in a TV series. It was that chance that open a new path for the ballerina's future. Upon her graduation from the Academy, she decided to choose acting as her career. ShiShi is best known for her role as RuoXi in Chinese period drama Scarlet Heart, 2011. Due to the great success of this TV series and her great performance during and after Scarlet Heart, she was named as one of the "Chinese Four Promising Young Famale actresses" by the famous Chinese paper-media Nan Du Entertainment Weekly in 2013. Liu ShiShi has been married to Taiwanese actor Nicky Wu on Jan 20th 2015, whom she met on the set of Scarlet Heart in 2011. Now ShiShi is focusing on big screen, preferring roles that realistic complex, challenging and nurturing. Soledad Fandiño Soledad Fandiño (Born in Monte Grande, Buenos Aires) is an Argentinean stage, television and feature film actress. Soledad Fandiño debuted as an actress in the 2003 television series REBELDE WAY. After the series, she was then cast as Felicitas Echagochen in the popular family sitcom RICOS Y MOCOSOS (2004-2005) which propelled her career with best new actress nominations from Premios Martín Fierro and Premios Clarín. For the next three years she continued earning lead roles in family sitcoms produced by POL-KA for CANAL 13. She was outstanding as Juanita, the female lead of JUANITA LA SOLTERA opposite Gabriel Corrado, and later played Jazmin Sassone opposite Nicolas Cabre in POR AMOR A VOS. Looking elsewhere for inspiration, Soledad started a career transition that would take her to the stage, television films and mini-series. In 2009 she played the female lead in Astral Theater's production of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland directed by Alicia Zanca. Later that year she performed the lead in episode El Manto Chino of the Sci-Fi anthology series DROMO. In 2010 she played an actress in love with Juan Perugia, played by Gaston Pauls in TELEFE's comedy series TODOS CONTRA JUAN 2. She was subsequently summoned by director Alberto Lecchi to film in Uruguay the role of Alicia, a victim of domestic violence in the drama series MALTRATADAS. This dramatic turn was followed by a starring role opposite Independent Spirit Award winner and Bafta nominee Rodrigo de la Serna in drama series CONTRA LAS CUERDAS (2010); the only Argentinean dramatic series nominated for an International Emmy. She went back to the stage for the play CEREMONIA SECRETA (2011) an adaptation of Marco Denevi's novel, directed by Rodolfo Bebany and Oscar Barney Finn at the Margarita Xirgu theater, Soledad playing opposite Uruguayan stage actress Estela Media, had the chance to show her dramatic abilities performing the role of Cecilia Engelhardt, a physically and mentally abused woman who loses her mind and tries desperately to find her dead mother. This role earned her a nomination for Los Premios Florencio Sanchez 2012. Later that year she starred opposite Luis Machin in episode Cuestion de Poder of the anthology series TELEVISION POR LA INCLUSION. In 2012 feature film director Juan Jose Campanella featured Soledad in Latin Grammy winner CALLE 13 music video "LA VUELTA AL MUNDO". She has recently completed a production with Martin Piroyansky and Betiana Blum in TELEFE's comedy series MI VIEJO VERDE. Stelvio Cipriani He studied piano and harmony at Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome. In 1957 he started playing light music, being the pianist of important singers such as Rita Pavone. In USA he studied jazz with Dave Brubeck. In 1966 he was called by Cam to compose his first soundtrack: The Bounty Killer, a film directed by Tomas Milian. After the good success, he was asked to compose other soundtracks, among which was A Man, A Horse And A Gun in 1967, which was recorded in the same year by Henry Mancini. Worldwide fame, however, came in 1970, when he composed the score for Anonymous Venetian. This score was a hit all over the world, receiving all the major awards, and is still considered one of the most famous Italian soundtracks. Another very important soundtrack is Tentacles, an American film interpreted by John Huston, Shelley Winters and Henry Fonda. Stelvio Cipriani has composed over 200 film scores, still continuing his activity. Anthony Fabian Anthony Fabian is an award-winning director of feature films, documentaries, commercials and shorts. Born in San Francisco, California, he grew up in Mexico City, Paris, and London before graduating from UCLA's Film & Television School in 1986. He then settled in London, where he is based. His first feature, Skin, was shot in and around Johannesburg from September to November 2007 and co-produced with Margaret Matheson (Bard Entertainments, UK) and Genevieve Hofmeyr (Moonlighting Films, RSA). It stars Sophie Okonedo (Oscar®-nominee for Hotel Rwanda and Golden Globe nominee for Tsunami, The Aftermath) Sam Neill (Jurassic Park, The Piano), Alice Krige (Chariots of Fire, Star Trek), Tony Kgoroge (Hotel Rwanda, Hijack Stories) and newcomer Ella Ramangwane. Skin was a People's Choice Award Finalist at the Toronto Film Festival (2008), and went on to win twenty-two international awards, including the Santa Barbara Film Festival (Audience Award) Los Angeles Pan African Film Festival (Audience and Jury Awards), AFI Dallas Film Festival (Audience Award), Palm Beach Film Festival (Jury Award, Best Film), Bordeaux Cinema Science Film Festival (Grand Jury Prize, Best Film), the United Nations Time For Peace Award (Voted by 21 UN Abassadors), Amnesty International Humanitarian Award (Italy), Griffon Environmental Award (Giffoni Film Festival, Italy) and the Orange Film Prize at the Ability Media International Awards. It was also nominated for a British Independent Film Award (Best Actress), an Ivor Novello (Best Score) and an NAACP award (Best Foreign Film). His second feature film, Louder Than Words, was shot in Connecticut in 2012 and is based on true events. The film stars David Duchovny, Hope Davis and Timothy Hutton, and tells the poignant story of John and Brenda Fareri, grieving parents who were inspired by the unexpected death of their young daughter to build a world class children's hospital. It premiered at the Hamptons Film Festival in October 2013 and will be released in 2014. His promotional films for the British Tourist Board feature Dev Patel, Judi Dench, Twiggy, Rupert Everett, Luke Evans, Colin Montgomerie, Boris Becker, Lennox Lewis, Jamie Oliver and Matt Smith. He is also producer/director of an eight-part interview series narrated by Sue MacGregor called British Legends of Stage and Screen (2012), featuring Derek Jacobi, Claire Bloom, Michael Gambon, Diana Rigg, Michael York, Glenda Jackson, Christopher Lee and Ian McKellen, co-produced with John Dunworth and Executive Producer Sandy Lieberson. The series was broadcast in the UK on Sky Arts HD. Anthony shot Bach & Variations, a half-hour drama, in 1994. The film won a British Council Travel Award, and he was invited to give talks and attend festivals around the world. Candy, his first 35mm short, was completed in 1998. The film stars Lone Madsen, Brooke Kinsella, Oliver Tobias and Miriam Margolyes, and has been seen by festival audiences worldwide. It was aired by FilmFour in the UK and is represented internationally by AtomFilms. Jean, starring Susannah York, Gyuri Sarossy and Nicholas Clay, won both the Audience and Jury Prizes in the Planet Out Short Movie Awards, presented at the Director's Guild of America in Los Angeles in 2000, as well as Best Short Film at the Barcelona International Film Festival in 2001. The film has won several British Council Travel Awards and has been screened at over thirty festivals around the world. His last short, Prick (6 minutes, 2006) stars Mark Gillis, Rachel Pickup, Mark Wakeling and Susannah York. Anthony's first documentary, Township Opera, (2001) features emerging talent from South Africa. It was the first program to be transmitted solo on BBC 4 and was shortlisted for a One World Media Award. His second hour-long documentary for BBC 4, Harmony in Hanoi, is a fresh look at contemporary Vietnam through the eyes of its musicians. It premiered at BAFTA and was broadcast in March 2003. In the summer of 2004, Anthony Fabian produced and directed a documentary, While the Music Lasts, about Batignano, a quirky festival in southern Tuscany which has launched the careers of some of the most successful British artists working in opera today. His also made a documentary for Majestic Media and Sky Television called Embracing the Tiger, which charts the history, philosophy, practice and popularity of Tai Chi. It is the first documentary every to be made exclusively about this martial art. Anthony's film career has led to work as Music Supervisor on a number of feature films, including Restoration, Goldeneye, Schubert and Hilary and Jackie. His filmography includes profiles of performers Luciano Pavarotti, Cecilia Bartoli, Joshua Bell, Angela Gheorghiu, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Renée Fleming, Christophe Rousset, Olli Mustonen, Richard Egarr, and composer John Tavener. He is developing his third feature, based on Paul Gallico's Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. Eliezer Ortiz Eliezer Ortiz is an International Award Winning, Film, TV and Theater actor. He was born in Puerto Rico, raised in Humacao; the hometown of the icon Rita Moreno. His acting credentials have allowed him to top the list of successful young Latino stars. He has appeared in over 80 films like the leading part in Annie and The Gypsy alongside Cybill Shepherd,Starlet with Dree Hemingway and Brando Unauthorized with Damian Chapa. His resume continues to grow with more leading roles in films such as Faze, Archives of Horror, Circumstances, The Last Transformation of Francisco, Debbie and Desdi, The Wizard of Ozcar, etc while continuing to play supporting roles in films like Worry Dolls, Zola Jumped In, Los Traficantes, 40 Sundays, Shady Lane,Reasons for the Exile, To The Bone, Hope, Fontana, Tengo Miedo, World of Wargames, The Knowing of Ali, Kwame, 2042, Level 7, The Box, Bad Guys,Lost in Gray, The Neighborhood Garden, These Things We Do, etc played at film festivals nationally and worldwide. His TV work includes Unusual Suspects, Murder Book, Call 911 (Investigation Discovery Channel), Vindicated (BET TV),Cursed (Bio Channel), 1000 Ways to Die (Spike TV), Fugitivos De La Ley LA (Mun2,), and Next Stop for Charlie (Showtime) . Eliezer is also an accomplished stage actor with respectful credits like Deborah Warner's The Angel Project (Lincoln Center, NY), The Gas Heart, Act Without Words II (Geffen Playhouse, LA), La Gringa (Coachella Vallley Rep), A Prayer For The Infidel (The Elephant Theater, LA) Luisa Fernanda (Million Dollar Theater, LA), Toypurina, The Mission Play (San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, LA),Life Is A Dream, Cecilia Valdes, Cumbia De Mi Corazón(Carmen Zapata Theater BFA, LA), The Air Over Omaha, The Will of theWorld's Way, (dub)zeck, Smutopia, Covered (Highways Performance Space,LA ), Annie Okay (Hammer Museum, LA), Pleasant Ave (Puerto RicanTraveling Theater, NY), Tell Me A Story Papi (Repertorio Español, NY) plus over 35 theater credits. Mr. Ortiz was the director of The Raúl Juliá Training Unit of the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater in NY, under the Artistic Direction of the respectful actress Miriam Colón, and has taught at UCLA. He was also the assistant director of the Tony Award Winner actor and director Roger Robinson in Emigrants, a play that represented USA in the IV International Festival of Theater in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He holds a BA in Theater from the University of Puerto Rico and a MFA in Acting from UCLA where he trained with Sir Anthony Hopkins, Mel Shapiro, Gil Gates, Gordon Hunt, Ellen Geer, etc. He also trained with the Moscow Art Theater School (MXAT) at Harvard University and British American Drama Academy (BADA) at Oxford University, UK. He is nominee by the Desert Theater League for the Desert Star Award as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama for La Gringa. He won the Best Actor Award in the LA 48 Hours Film Project Festival for the film 2042 and he has been honor for the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts and with the UCLA Jack Okie "It's All in Fun" Award for Excellence in Acting. Anna Moffo The dark and smoldering American soprano Anna Moffo was born in Wayne Pennsylvania, on June 27, 1932, and, following graduation at Radnor High School, studied at Philadelphia's Curtis Institute of Music and in Rome, Italy on a Fulbright scholarship at the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia. At one time she was actually considering joining a nunnery but her love for music won out. Her successful combination of glamorous beauty and exciting singing style made her one of opera's most popular draws in the late 1950s and 1960s. Moffo took her first professional bow in 1955 as Norine in Donizetti's "Don Pasquale" in Spoleto, and later that year scored highly as Cio-Cio-San in Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" in an Italian TV production directed by Mario Lanfranchi , whom she married in 1957. Strenthening her reputation in Saltzburg and Vienna, Moffo made her U.S. debut at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in 1957 as Mimi in Puccini's "La Boheme." Her first time on the Metropolitan stage came with the role of Violetta in Verdi's "La Traviata." Over the years her bel canto repertoire would include Micaela in "Carmen," Gilda in "Rigoletto" and Liu in "Turandot." Arguably, the zenith of her Met career coincided with her appearance in the title role of Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor" opposite Carlo Bergonzi 's Edgardo in January of 1965. In the 1960s, Moffo also began appearing occasionally in Italian films, including feisty roles in the Napoleonic war epic The Battle of Austerlitz with Rossano Brazzi ; the comedy La serva padrona , directed by husband Lanfranchi; Menage Italian Style [Menage, Italian Style] co-starring Ugo Tognazzi ; and the comedy The Divorce [The Divorce]. She also filmed her Violette in La traviata and Lucia di Lammermoor , both directed by Lanfranchi. The multiple Grammy-nominated Moffo's singing career was finished when just in her 40s. Taking on too much too soon (she in one year took on 12 new roles), her voice burnt out quickly. Her last regular performance at the Met was received poorly as Violetta in 1976, her voice having fallen into a serious state of disrepair. She did return briefly for a one-time duet with baritone Robert Merrill in the company's centennial gala. Her marriage to Lanfranchi ended in divorce in 1972, but her second marriage to NBC broadcast executive/RCA chairman Robert Sarnoff in 1974 proved more durable and lasted until his death in 1997. Her later years were dogged by illness. Battling breast cancer for almost a decade, Moffo died of a stroke at age 73 on March 10, 2006, in New York City. She had no children of her own but was survived by three stepchildren. Cecilia Deacon Cecilia Deacon graduated from one of New York's most prestigious acting conservatories, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where international stars such as Grace Kelly, Robert Redford, Anne Hathaway and Danny DeVito also honed their skills. Deacon has taken to the New York stage in productions at the Lester Martin Theatre, the Mary MacArthur Theatre, and the Mannie Greenfield Theatre. Deacon was featured in the hit comedy "Delivery Man," starring Chris Pratt ("Parks and Recreation," "Jurassic World," "Guardians of the Galaxy") and Vince Vaughn ("Wedding Crashers," "The Internship," "Old School") and has accrued starring roles including Stormy on the Investigation Discovery series "Deadly Sins," Sandra in the comedy series "Catch-30," and most recently Cecilia in Derek Ahonen film "The Transcendents," where she starred alongside Kathy Valentine from The Go-Go's. Romy Nordlinger Romy is an on camera, stage and voice over/audio book narrating artist. Most recently she starred in Steven Fechter's (The Woodsman) "Lancelot" Off Bway. Amongst Film & TV credits: Law & Order CI (Officer Talbor), All My Children, One Life to Live, The Ruthless Spectator w. Rob Bartlett.Selected theatre credits: "Rose" in Shakespeare's Slave by Steven Fechter Clurman/Resonance Ensemble, New Perspectives Between Here and There by Cecilia Copeland,The Woman On The Bridge workshop/directed by Julia Pascal directed by Ludovica Viller Hauser, January by Paula Cizmar directed by Lorca Peress/Multi Stages. Her original piece based on the life of Alla Nazimova premiered in Stage Struck at the Snapple Theatre this past January helmed by Mari Lyn Henry and directed by Melody Brooks, ActorsTheatre of Louisville (Comedy Of Errors, Rock & Roll Shakespeare), NY Madness, Kirk Theatre Row, Caps Lock Theatre, NYFringe, Primary Stages, Circle Rep, Fleetwood Stage, Wilma Theatre, Hudson Guild, NY Madness, Julia's Reading Room and The Shubert. Selected Playwrighting credits include; "Lipshtick" NYC Fringe, Sex & Sealing Wax (solo show @ MITF), The Feeling Part (LoNyLa), Broadville (Source) and her solo piece "Nazimova". Romy is also an Audiobook Narrator with over 100 titles to her credit as well as numerous voice over spots. She has been a Theatre teaching artist for the past 15 years and works in every borough of NYC with developmentally disabled and under served children. Proud member and Board Member of The League Of Professional Theatre Women as well as co-chair of their Networking Committee, Member, NY Madness, Resonance Theatre Ensemble, Flux Sundays and The Playwrights Gallery. Jim Henry Jim Henry is the youngest of six children, born one and a half hours after his twin brother John. His father, Milburn, was an Air Force test pilot and was stationed all over Europe. His mother, Priscilla, was an Army nurse. Jim's oldest brother and sister, Patrick and Priscilla, are also twins. Jim lost a sister, Cecilia, in an automobile accident in 1985. His other sister, Carol, has always supported him in all of his stunt endeavors, as has the entire family, which is very close. Jim attended the University of Arizona, where he played lacrosse more than he studied. In 1979 he got a taste of Hollywood by being an action extra in the hit Stir Crazy , directed by Sidney Poitier , with Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder . He met one of the biggest names in the stunt world, Mickey Gilbert , who let Jim know it would be a long hard road, but very rewarding in the end. Kangmin Justin Kim Kangmin Justin Kim is a Korean-American classical operatic countertenor. He was born in Masan, South Korea, and his family moved to the suburbs of Chicago, IL, when he was 11 years old. He is well-known in the opera world as his alter ego, Kimchilia Bartoli, the lesser-known Korean sister of the Italian coloratura mezzo-soprano, Cecilia Bartoli. Nikki Bell Former NFL Eagles Cheerleader, Nikki Bell revived her acting career starring in three Indie Feature FIlms in 2010 including Down the Road written by Jason Mayer and revised by Victor Miller (Friday the 13th). Keeping the momentum going she jumped into 2011 with another three Feature Films, a rockin Web Series as well as various shorts, music videos and more. You can see her Working with the likes of Corey Feldman ( the lost boys), Danielle Harris ( Halloween among numerous other films), Ashley C. Williams ( Human Centipede), Scream Queen Tiffany Shepis, and the ever popular and "BIG" deal Ron Jeremy. The now 5'7" blond hair blue eyed beauty began her acting career at the age of three while living in Ontario, Canada modeling for various clothing companies and department stores and working in commercials. Up for the role of the younger Cecilia 'CC' Carol Bloom in the film Beaches ultimately losing out after the final round of call backs, the process started her on her path. Soon after, she moved back to the states where her acting career took a back seat to her family legacy of dance in which her grandmother performed as a Rocket and her mother as a dancer with the Philadelphia Ballet. Through dance she toured and performed in Disney Theme Parks, Cruise Lines as well as up and coming artists music videos and Various Theater Productions. She was also privileged to work as the soul choreographer for many productions while still in high school and became nationally recognized as a Nominated National Dancer of The Year for 2002. That same year she was sought out and sponsored to travel and compete in IMTA where she left with the title of National Soap Actress Of the Year 2002. Upon graduation from high school she entered PSU Main's theater program. After a year in the program a beloved teacher pulled her aside and urged her to follow her heart in taking on a more intensified program. She left PSU and began training in NYC at the Atlantic Theater Conservatory under the direction of David Mamet and WIlliam H. Macey. After school Bell left NYC and moved to Philadelphia to cheer for two season for the Philadelphia Eagles. While cheering she became Miss December 2007 as well as graced the back cover of the 2008/2009 Eagles Calendars. While working for the NFL she was chosen along side 4 other girls to represent the NFL on a military tour through Iraq and Kuwait. In her second season, Bell was joined on the squad by her two sisters, Paige and Danni-lynn completing the trio of the "Bell Sisters." Soon after she found herself back on the screen playing Chrystie Brinklie's daughter on the final episode of Ugly Betty and was currently seen on stage as a Miss Pennsylvania USA 2010 contestant. With so much accomplished over the past two year this can only be the beginning. Sally Carr Singer Sally Carr was born Sarah Cecilia Carr on March 28, 1945. Her father was a miner while her mother Cecilia was an invalid who was bedridden until her death at age 62. Carr has four brothers. Carr used to sing with the rest of her family around a piano when she was a child. In the 1960's Sally worked as a hairdresser and sang at both pubs and clubs in the evenings (she also worked as a waitress at various pubs). The first group Carr was a member of was The Southerners. Sally achieved her greatest popularity in the early 1970's as the lead singer of the Scottish pop band Middle of the Road . Carr married journalist Chick Young in 1978; the couple had a son named Keith in 1980, but eventually separated in 1984. (Sadly, Keith was killed in a motorcycle accident on January 18, 2001.) Sally still continues to sing as part of a new incarnation of Middle of the Road . Cecilia Pillado The charismatic Italo-Argentinian-German actress, pianist and composer was born in Mendoza, Argentina in a well-to-do family of Italian heritage. As an actress, she is known for Stung , Zwei Esel auf Sardinien , The Founder and Lotta & die großen Erwartungen . Her grandfather Rómulo Calise was from Ischia, Italy. He founded together with his father and brothers the "Bodega Calise", one of the first wineries in Mendoza, Argentina's most important wine region, thus attaining great prosperity. Rich heiress Margarita Esther Calise (Maita), his daughter, grew up in Buenos Aires passing her life between family's villas, golf clubs and country properties until she married Jorge Alfredo Pillado. Then they settled down in Mendoza because of the winery's administration and gave birth to four daughters and one son. Her mother used to say that when Cecilia was just a year old, she could already recite a poem and that as a little girl, she loved playing the leading roles in school plays. At the same time the fact that her aunt was a TV producer, gave her the opportunity to act in a kids' television show and display her theatrical talent in front of a camera. Her only motivation and the source of her fascination had always been to play for an audience, whether it was in the theater, on stage as a musician or in front of a camera. As a young adult she was a member of the Goethe Institute Mendoza Theatre Company directed by Gladys Ravalle while at the same time pursuing her studies in music at the Cuyo National University in Mendoza. It was through the Goethe Institut [de] that she arrived in Germany, where she completed her drama and music studies at the University of the Arts Berlin, 'Universität der Künste Berlin' and participated on the side in various productions of the Independent Latin-American Theater Berlin under the direction of her fellow countryman Emilio Schechtmann. After a few on-screen appearances including "Wo ist das Tao" (1988) and Sin querer , she decided to perfect the art of film and TV acting and went to Los Angeles in 1998 to study with some of the leading acting coaches such as M.K. Lewis and Margie Haber among others. After a short time she was granted a green card on the basis of her artistic achievements. Returning to Germany, she was able to gain entry into the German television and film industry. Since then she has frequently appeared in German TV movies like "Zwei Esel auf Sardinien (2015), Lotta & die großen Erwartungen , Lotta & die alten Eisen and in the TV series Verbotene Liebe , Anna , Points of You , Löwenzahn and Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten . Paradoxically, her efforts to act in hispanic cinema productions and in those of her native Argentina have yet to be rewarded. Her native languages are Spanish and Italian and she speaks German and English fluently, which gives her both the ability and the desire to act in international productions. It would seem that Hollywood's current interest in Germany as a film location is influencing positively this situation, generating chances and offering fortunate occasions: she was able to make the acquaintance of Roman Polanski , act in his film The Ghost Writer and work in Cloud Atlas as a spanish dialogue coach for Halle Berry . Her best roles are those portraying strong, obsessed, psychopathic or insane women, especially those whose personality can seem completely normal one minute and switch to insanity the next, like her role of Simonetta Paternostro in The Founder , inspired by the character of Annie Wilkes in Misery . She also enjoys portraying villainesses and has no fears of confronting challenges. Cecilia Pillado is a very creative person with a wide range of talents. She created the musical play "The history of Tango" and performed the character of the Tango Woman in different places in Germany and Italy. She made Improvisation Theater (after Keith Johnstone) and has composed some several pieces for piano and other instruments. She also developed the concept for her film Italienisch! in which she acted. She also wrote, shooted, acted, edited and made her short film Twin Sisters or Homeland completely by herself. These days she is developing the script Valentina, Her Piano and the Tangos Some of her theater performances include Franz Grillparzer 's Medea, Donata in Luigi Pirandello 's "To find Oneself", Margaret in Tennessee Williams ' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", Irina in Anton Chekhov 's "Three Sisters", Bride in Federico García Lorca 's "Blood Wedding", Polly in Kurt Weill 's "Three-Penny Opera" and Mirandolina in Carlo Goldoni 's "The Innkeeper Woman". Many of these plays have already been filmed. In addition to acting, she has another passion: she is an outstanding and successful concert pianist. Her recordings offer an interesting selection of argentinian composers and tangos, combining classic virtuosity and a big pianistic sound with elements of improvisational freedom. She signed with majors like 'Sony Classical' and 'Berlin Classics' what bears witness to her quality, but now, she is focusing on expanding her company 'Tango Malambo Productions' Cecilia Dazzi Cecilia Dazzi was born in Rome and her debut was in 1986 in La Famiglia directed by the great Ettore Scola, with Vittorio Gassman and Sergio Castellitto. In 1989 she moved to NYC where she studied acting at Herbert Bergog's Studio: come back to Italy she become Carmelo Bene's assistant. In 1991 she become famous for the role of Debora in I ragazzi del muretto, an adolescential fiction. In 1994 comes her first international production, Jakob by Peter Hall with Matthew Modine and Sean Bean. Four years later she won the David di Donatello for her perfomance in Matrimoni by Cristina Comencini. In 2003 she worked with Maggie Smith, Chris Cooper and Timothy Spall in Ricard Loncraine's My house in Umbria, and one year after in Wimbledon with Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany. Jackie Averia Jackie Linn Averia is a Filipina comedienne born and raised in Los Angeles. Ever since Jackie could speak, she's been the class clown in every class. She attended many schools but her last year of education was at California State University-Northridge, where she majored in Kinesiology. After 2 years in college, Jackie decided that she was going to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. So she enrolled herself at the Acting Corps, where she fell even deeper in love with entertaining people. After seeing a casting notice for inexperienced comedians, Jackie Linn decided to try stand-up comedy. Her first performance was in the main room at the World Famous Comedy Store and hasn't stopped performing since! Also, she has acquired improv training at L.A. Connection Theater and Monkey Butlers. Other venues Jackie Linn has performed stand up comedy include: Irvine Improv, Flappers Comedy Club, Pasadena Icehouse, Beso (restaurant) and many more. Jackie Linn is featured in 2 vevo music videos which include Cups (by Anna Kendrick) and "Cumbia Morada" by Latin-Grammy Award winning band, La Santa Cecilia. Mateo Londono Cinematographer Mateo Londono, ADFC has been lensing features, television spots and documentaries around the world from the jungles of Mexico to the deserts of Dubai. After the international success of Colombian mafia epic "The Snitch Cartel" Mateo went on to shoot the Paul Schrader action packed "The Jesuit" with Tim Roth, Ron Perlman and Jose Maria Yaspik and then followed by the martial arts spectacle "Kickboxer" with Dave Bautista and JCVD. Londono has also shot dark comedies like "Miss Nobody" with Leslie Bibb and Adam Goldberg ("visual verve ... sharp tech package etches distinct looks," Variety) and recently for renown Mexican director, Manolo Caro "Elvira, Te Daria Mi Vida Pero la Estoy Usando" starring Cecilia Suarez, Carlos Bardem and Luis Gerardo Mendez. He has received multiple Best Cinematography awards for films including "The Beneficiary" directed by Theodore Melfi at the Oxford International Film Festival and "Silent Radio" at the Long Island Film Festival. Londono has also lensed over 300 commercials for such clients as Samsung, Jaguar, Alergan, Bayer, Bank of America, Unilever, Shell, Arco and AT&T. He recently filmed the world campaign for Chevron, featuring over 20 spots shot across six countries. Having grown up in Colombia in a family of artists and architects, Londono developed his experience with light capture throughout Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Panama. In Europe he has worked in the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Greece and Switzerland. Last year he frequented Asia and the Middle East. In 1997, Londono graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Emerson College, Boston MA. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

The Three Stooges

Malibu Stacy is the Barbie clone as featured on what TV series?

IMDb: Most Popular People With Biographies Matching "CECILIA " Most Popular People With Biographies Matching "CECILIA " 1-50 of 153 names. Keira Knightley Keira Christina Knightley was born in the South West Greater London suburb of Richmond on March 26th 1985. She is the daughter of actor Will Knightley and actress turned playwright Sharman Macdonald . An older brother, Caleb Knightley , was born in 1979. Her father is English, while her Scottish-born mother is of Scottish and Welsh origin. Brought up immersed in the acting profession from both sides - writing and performing - it is little wonder that the young Keira asked for her own agent at the age of three. She was granted one at the age of six and performed in her first TV role as "Little Girl" in Royal Celebration , aged seven. It was discovered at an early age that Keira had severe difficulties in reading and writing. She was not officially dyslexic as she never sat the formal tests required of the British Dyslexia Association. Instead, she worked incredibly hard, encouraged by her family, until the problem had been overcome by her early teens. Her first multi-scene performance came in A Village Affair , an adaptation of the lesbian love story by Joanna Trollope . This was followed by small parts in the British crime series The Bill , an exiled German princess in The Treasure Seekers and a much more substantial role as the young "Judith Dunbar" in Giles Foster 's adaptation of Rosamunde Pilcher 's novel Coming Home , alongside Peter O'Toole , Penelope Keith and Joanna Lumley . The first time Keira's name was mentioned around the world was when it was revealed (in a plot twist kept secret by director George Lucas ) that she played Natalie Portman 's decoy "Padme" to Portman's "Amidala" in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace . It was several years before agreement was reached over which scenes featured Keira as the queen and which featured Natalie! Keira had no formal training as an actress and did it out of pure enjoyment. She went to an ordinary council-run school in nearby Teddington and had no idea what she wanted to do when she left. By now, she was beginning to receive far more substantial roles and was starting to turn work down as one project and her schoolwork was enough to contend with. She reappeared on British television in 1999 as "Rose Fleming" in Alan Bleasdale 's faithful reworking of Charles Dickens ' Oliver Twist , and travelled to Romania to film her first title role in Walt Disney 's Princess of Thieves in which she played Robin Hood's daughter, Gwyn. Keira's first serious boyfriend was her Princess of Thieves co-star Del Synnott , and they later co-starred in Peter Hewitt 's 'work of fart' Thunderpants . Nick Hamm 's dark thriller The Hole kept her busy during 2000, and featured her first nude scene (15 at the time, the film was not released until she was 16 years old). In the summer of 2001, while Keira studied and sat her final school exams (she received six A's), she filmed a movie about an Asian girl's ( Parminder Nagra ) love for football and the prejudices she has to overcome regarding both her culture and her religion). Bend It Like Beckham was a smash hit in football-mad Britain but it had to wait until another of Keira's films propelled it to the top end of the US box office. Bend It Like Beckham cost just £3.5m to make, and nearly £1m of that came from the British Lottery. It took £11m in the UK and has since gone on to score more than US$76m worldwide. Meanwhile, Keira had started A-levels at Esher College, studying Classics, English Literature and Political History, but continued to take acting roles which she thought would widen her experience as an actress. The story of a drug-addicted waitress and her friendship with the young son of a drug-addict, Pure , occupied Keira from January to March 2002. Also at this time, Keira's first attempt at Shakespeare was filmed. She played "Helena" in a modern interpretation of a scene from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" entitled The Seasons Alter . This was commissioned by the environmental organisation "Futerra", of which Keira's mother is patron. Keira received no fee for this performance or for another short film, New Year's Eve , by award-winning director Col Spector . But it was a chance encounter with producer Andy Harries at the London premiere of Bridget Jones's Diary which forced Keira to leave her studies and pursue acting full-time. The meeting lead to an audition for the role of "Larisa Feodorovna Guishar" - the classic heroine of Boris Pasternak 's novel Doctor Zhivago , played famously in the David Lean movie by Julie Christie . This was to be a big-budget TV movie with a screenplay written by Andrew Davies . Keira won the part and the mini-series was filmed throughout the Spring of 2002 in Slovakia, co-starring Sam Neill and Hans Matheson as "Yuri Zhivago". Keira rounded off 2002 with a few scenes in the first movie to be directed by Blackadder and Vicar of Dibley writer Richard Curtis . Called Love Actually , Keira played "Juliet", a newlywed whose husband's Best Man is secretly besotted with her. A movie filmed after Love Actually but released before it was to make the world sit up and take notice of this beautiful fresh-faced young actress with a cute British accent. It was a movie which Keira very nearly missed out on, altogether. Auditions were held in London for a new blockbuster movie called Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl , but heavy traffic in the city forced Keira to be tagged on to the end of the day's auditions list. It helped - she got the part. Filming took place in Los Angeles and the Caribbean from October 2002 to March 2003 and was released to massive box office success and almost universal acclaim in the July of that year. Meanwhile, a small British film called Bend It Like Beckham had sneaked onto a North American release slate and was hardly setting the box office alight. But Keira's dominance in "Pirates" had set tongues wagging and questions being asked about the actress playing "Elizabeth Swann". Almost too late, "Bend It"'s distributors realised one of its two stars was the same girl whose name was on everyone's lips due to "Pirates", and took the unusual step of re-releasing "Bend It" to 1,000 screens across the US, catapulting it from no. 26 back up to no. 12. "Pirates", meanwhile, was fighting off all contenders at the top spot, and stayed in the Top 3 for an incredible 21 weeks. It was perhaps no surprise, then, that Keira was on producer Jerry Bruckheimer 's wanted list for the part of "Guinevere" in a planned accurate telling of the legend of "King Arthur". Filming took place in Ireland and Wales from June to November 2003. In July, Keira had become the celebrity face of British jeweller and luxury goods retailer, Asprey. At a photoshoot for the company on Long Island New York in August, Keira met and fell in love with Northern Irish model Jamie Dornan. King Arthur was released in July 2004 to lukewarm reviews. It seems audiences wanted the legend after all, and not necessarily the truth. Keira became the breakout star and 'one to watch in 2004' throughout the world's media at the end of 2003. Keira's 2004 started off in Scotland and Canada filming John Maybury 's time-travelling thriller The Jacket with Oscar-winner Adrien Brody . A planned movie of Deborah Moggach 's novel, "Tulip Fever", about forbidden love in 17th Century Amsterdam, was cancelled in February after the British government suddenly closed tax loopholes which allowed filmmakers to claw back a large proportion of their expenditure. Due to star Keira and Jude Law in the main roles, the film remains mothballed. Instead, Keira spent her time wisely, visiting Ethiopia on behalf of the "Comic Relief" charity, and spending summer at various grandiose locations around the UK filming what promises to be a faithful adaptation of Jane Austen 's classic novel Pride & Prejudice , alongside Matthew Macfadyen as "Mr. Darcy", and with Donald Sutherland and Judi Dench in supporting roles. In October 2004, Keira received her first major accolade, the Hollywood Film Award for Best Breakthrough Actor - Female, and readers of Empire Magazine voted her the Sexiet Movie Star Ever. The remainder of 2004 saw Keira once again trying a completely new genre, this time the part-fact, part-fiction life story of model turned bounty hunter Domino (2005). 2005 started with the premiere of The Jacket (2005) at the Sundance Film Festival, with the US premiere in LA on February 28th. Much of the year was then spent in the Caribbean filming both sequels to Pirates Of The Caribbean. Keira's first major presenting role came in a late-night bed-in comedy clip show for Comic Relief with presenter Johnny Vaughan. In late July, promotions started for the September release of Pride & Prejudice (2005), with British fans annoyed to learn that the US version would end with a post-marriage kiss, but the European version would not. Nevertheless, when the movie opened in September on both sides of the Atlantic, Keira received her greatest praise thus far in her career, amid much talk of awards. It spent three weeks at No. 1 in the UK box office. Domino (2005) opened well in October, overshadowed by the death of Domino Harvey earlier in the year. Keira received Variety's Personality Of The Year Award in November, topped the following month by her first Golden Globe nomination, for Pride & Prejudice (2005). KeiraWeb.com exclusively announced that Keira would play Helene Joncour in an adaptation of Alessandro Baricco's novella Silk (2007). Pride & Prejudice (2005) garnered six BAFTA nominations at the start of 2006, but not Best Actress for Keira, a fact which paled soon after by the announcement she had received her first Academy Award nomination, the third youngest Best Actress Oscar hopeful. A controversial nude Vanity Fair cover of Keira and Scarlett Johansson kept the press busy up till the Oscars, with Reese Witherspoon taking home the gold man in the Best Actress category, although Keira's Vera Wang dress got more media attention. Keira spent early summer in Europe filming Silk (2007) opposite Michael Pitt , and the rest of the summer in the UK filming Atonement (2007), in which she plays Cecilia Tallis, and promoting the new Pirates movie (her Ellen Degeneres interview became one of the year's Top 10 'viral downloads'). Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) broke many box office records when it opens worldwide in July, becoming the third biggest movie ever by early September. Keira sued British newspaper The Daily Mail in early 2007 after her image in a bikini accompanied an article about a woman who blamed slim celebrities for the death of her daughter from anorexia. The case was settled and Keira matched the settlement damages and donated the total amount to an eating disorder charity. Keira filmed a movie about the life of Dylan Thomas, The Edge Of Love (2008) with a screenplay written by her mother Sharman Macdonald . Her co-star Lindsay Lohan pulled out just a week before filming began, and was replaced by Sienna Miller . What was announced to be Keira's final Pirates movie in the franchise, Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End (2007), opened strongly in June, rising to all-time fifth biggest movie by July. Atonement (2007) opened the Venice Film Festival in August, and opened worldwide in September, again to superb reviews for Keira. Meanwhile, Silk (2007) opened in September on very few screens and disappeared without a trace. Keira spent the rest of the year filming The Duchess (2008), the life story of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, based on Amanda Foreman's award-winning biography of the distant relation of Princess Diana. The year saw more accolades and poll-topping for Keira than ever before, including Women's Beauty Icon 2007 and gracing the covers of all the top-selling magazines. She won Best Actress for Atonement (2007) at the Variety Club Of Great Britain Showbiz Awards, and ended the year with her second Golden Globe nomination. Christmas Day saw - or rather heard - Keira on British TV screens in a new Robbie The Reindeer animated adventure, with DVD proceeds going to Comic Relief. At the start of 2008, Keira received her first BAFTA nomination - Best Actress for Atonement, and the movie wins Best Film: Drama at the Golden Globes. Seven Academy Award nominations for Atonement soon follow. Keira wins Best Actress for her role as Cecilia Tallis at the Empire Film Awards. In May, Keira's first Shakespearean role is announced, when she is confirmed to play Cordelia in a big-screen version of King Lear, alongside Naomi Watts and Gwyneth Paltrow, with Sir Anthony Hopkins as the titular monarch. After two years of rumours, it is confirmed that Keira is on the shortlist to play Eliza Doolittle in a new adaptation of My Fair Lady. The Edge Of Love opens the Edinburgh Film Festival on June 18th, and opens on limited release in the UK and US. A huge round of promotions for The Duchess occurs throughout the summer, with cast and crew trying to play down the marketers' decision to draw parallels between the duchess and Princess Diana. Keira attends the UK and US premieres and Toronto Film Festival within the first week of September. The Duchess opens strongly on both sides of the Atlantic. Two more movies were confirmed for Keira during September - a tale of adultery called Last Night , and a biopic of author F Scott Fitzgerald entitled The Beautiful and the Damned . Keira spent October on the streets of New York City filming Last Night alongside Sam Worthington and Guillaume Canet . Keira helped to promote the sixtieth anniversary of the UN's Declaration of Human Rights, by contributing to a series of short films produced to mark the occasion. In January 2009 it was announced Keira had signed to play a reclusive actress in an adaptation of Ken Bruen's novel London Boulevard , co-starring Colin Farrell . Keira continues her close ties with the Comic Relief charity by helping to launch their British icons T-shirts campaign. In the same week King Lear was revealed to have been shelved, it was announced that Keira would instead star alongside her Pride & Prejudice co-star Carey Mulligan in an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel Never Let Me Go . A new short film emerges in March, recorded in the January of 2008 in which Keira plays a Fairy! The Continuing and Lamentable Saga of the Suicide Brothers was written by Keira's boyfriend Rupert Friend and actor Tom Mison . It went to be shown at the London Film Festival in October and won Best Comedy Short at the New Hampshire Film Festival. Keira continued to put her celebrity to good use in 2009 with a TV commercial for WomensAid highlighting domestic abuse against women. Unfortunately, UK censors refused to allow its broadcast and it can only be viewed on YouTube. May and June asw Keira filming Never Let Me Go and London Boulevard back-to-back. In October, a new direction for Keira's career emerged, when it was announced she would appear on the London stage in her West End debut role as Jennifer, in a reworking of Moliere's The Misanthrope, starring Damian Lewis and Tara Fitzgerald . More than $2m of ticket sales followed in the first four days, before even rehearsals had begun! The play ran from December to March at London's Comedy Theatre. John Travolta John Joseph Travolta was born in Englewood, New Jersey, one of six children of Helen Travolta (née Helen Cecilia Burke) and Salvatore/Samuel J. Travolta. His father was of Italian descent and his mother was of Irish ancestry. His father owned a tire repair shop called Travolta Tires in Hillsdale, NJ. Travolta started acting appearing in a local production of "Who'll Save the Plowboy?". His mother, herself an actress and dancer, enrolled him in a drama school in New York, where he studied voice, dancing and acting. He decided to combine all three of these skills and become a musical comedy performer. At 16 he landed his first professional job in a summer stock production of the musical "Bye Bye Birdie". He quit school at 16 and moved to New York, and worked regularly in summer stock and on television commercials. When work became scarce in New York, he went to Hollywood and appeared in minor roles in several series. A role in the national touring company of the hit 1950s musical "Grease" brought him back to New York. An opening in the New York production of "Grease" gave him his first Broadway role at age 18. After "Grease", he became a member of the company of the Broadway show "Over Here", which starred The Andrews Sisters . After ten months in "Over Here", he decided to try Hollywood once again. Once back in Hollywood, he had little trouble getting roles in numerous television shows. He was seen on The Rookies , Emergency! and Medical Center and also made a movie, The Devil's Rain , which was shot in New Mexico. The day he returned to Hollywood from New Mexico, he was called to an audition for a new situation comedy series ABC was planning to produce called Welcome Back, Kotter . He got the part of Vinnie Barbarino and the series went on the air during the 1975 fall season. He starred in a number of monumental films, earning his first Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for his role in the blockbuster Saturday Night Fever , which launched the disco phenomenon in the 1970s. He went on to star in the big-screen version of the long-running musical Grease and the wildly successful Urban Cowboy , which also influenced trends in popular culture. Additional film credits include the Brian De Palma thrillers Carrie and Blow Out , as well as Amy Heckerling 's hit comedy Look Who's Talking and Nora Ephron 's comic hit Michael . Travolta starred in Phenomenon and took an equally distinctive turn as an action star in John Woo 's top-grossing Broken Arrow . He also starred in the classic Face/Off opposite Nicolas Cage , and The General's Daughter , co-starring Madeleine Stowe . In 2005, Travolta reprised the role of ultra cool Chili Palmer in the Get Shorty sequel Be Cool . In addition, he starred opposite Scarlett Johansson in the critically acclaimed independent feature film A Love Song for Bobby Long , which was screened at the Venice Film Festival, where both Travolta and the films won rave reviews. In February 2011, John was honored by Europe's leading weekly program magazine HORZU, with the prestigious Golden Camera Award for "Best Actor International" in Berlin, Germany. Other recent feature film credits include box-office hit-comedy "Wild Hogs," the action-thriller Ladder 49 , the movie version of the successful comic book The Punisher , the drama Basic , the psychological thriller Domestic Disturbance , the hit action picture Swordfish , the infamous sci-fi movie Battlefield Earth , based upon the best-selling novel by L. Ron Hubbard , and Lonely Hearts . Travolta has been honored twice with Academy Award nominations, the latest for his riveting portrayal of a philosophical hit-man in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction . He also received BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for this highly acclaimed role and was named Best Actor by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, among other distinguished awards. Travolta garnered further praise as a Mafioso-turned-movie producer in the comedy sensation Get Shorty , winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. In 1998, Travolta was honored by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts with the Britanna Award: and in that same year he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chicago Film Festival. Travolta also won the prestigious Alan J. Pakula Award from the US Broadcast Critics Association for his performance in A Civil Action , based on the best-selling book and directed by Steven Zaillian . He was nominated again for a Golden Globe for his performance in Primary Colors , directed by Mike Nichols and co-starring Emma Thompson and Billy Bob Thornton , and in 2008, he received his sixth Golden Globe nomination for his role asEdna Turnblad in the big-screen, box-office hit Hairspray . As a result of this performance, the Chicago Film Critics and the Santa Barbara Film Festival decided to recognize Travolta with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his role. In addition, Travolta starred opposite Denzel Washington in Tony Scott 's remake The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 , and he provided the voice of the lead character in Walt Disney Pictures' animated hit _Bolt_, which was nominated for a 2009 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film and a Golden Globe for Best Animated Film, in addition to Best Song for John and Miley Cyrus ' duet titled, "I Thought I Lost You." Next, Travolta starred in Walt Disney Pictures' Old Dogs , along with Robin Williams , Kelly Preston and Ella Bleu Travolta , followed by the action thriller From Paris with Love , starring opposite Jonathan Rhys Meyers . In 2012, John starred alongside Taylor Kitsch , Blake Lively , Aaron Taylor-Johnson , Benicio Del Toro , Salma Hayek , Emile Hirsch and Demián Bichir in Oliver Stone 's, Savages . The film was based on Don Winslow's best-selling crime novel that was named one of The New York Times' Top 10 Books of 2010. John was most recently seen in Killing Season co-starring Robert De Niro and directed by Mark Steven Johnson . John recently completed production on the Boston based film, The Forger , alongside Academy Award winner Christopher Plummer and Critic's Choice nominee Tye Sheridan . John plays a second generation petty thief who arranges to get out of prison to spend time with his ailing son (Sheridan) by taking on a job with his father (Plummer) to pay back the syndicate that arranged his release. John has received 2 prestigious aviation awards: in 2003 the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Foundation Award for Excellence for his efforts to promote commercial flying, and in 2007 The Living Legends Ambassador of Aviation award. John holds 11 jet licenses: 747, 707, Gulfstream II, Lear 24, Hawker 1251A, Eclipse Jet, Vampire Jet, Canadair CL-141 Jet, Soko Jet, Citation ISP and Challenger. Travolta is the Qantas Airways Global Goodwill "Ambassador-at-Large" and piloted the original Qantas 707 during "Spirit of Friendship" global tour in July/August 2002. John is also a business aircraft brand ambassador for Learjet, Challenger and Global jets for the world's leading business aircraft manufacturer, Bombardier. John flew the 707 to New Orleans after the 2005 hurricane disaster bringing food and medical supplies, and in 2010, again flew the 707, this time to Haiti after the earthquake, carrying supplies, doctors and volunteers. John, along with his wife, actress Kelly Preston are also very involved in their charity, The Jett Travolta Foundation, which raises money for children with educational needs. Kit Harington Kit Harington was born Christopher Catesby Harington in Acton, London, to Deborah Jane (Catesby), a former playwright, and David Richard Harington, a businessman. His mother named him after 16th century British playwright and poet Christopher Marlowe, whose first name was shortened to Kit, a name Harington prefers. Harington's uncle is Sir Nicholas John Harington, the 14th Baronet Harington, and his paternal great-grandfather was Sir Richard Harington, the 12th Baronet Harington. Through his paternal grandmother, Lavender Cecilia Denny, Kit's eight times great-grandfather was King Charles II of England. Also through his father, Harington descends from politician Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, the bacon merchant T. A. Denny, clergyman Baptist Wriothesley Noel, merchant and politician Peter Baillie, peer William Legge, 4th Earl of Dartmouth, and MP Sir William Molesworth, 6th Baronet. Harington was a pupil at the Southfield Primary School from 1992 to 1998. When he was 11, his family moved to Worcestershire, and he studied at the Chantry High School in Martley until 2003. He became interested in acting after watching a production of Waiting for Godot when he was 14, and he performed in several school productions. He attended Worcester Sixth Form College, where he studied Drama and Theatre Studies, between 2003 and 2005. When he was 17, he was inspired to study acting in a drama school after watching a performance by Ben Whishaw playing Hamlet in 2004. He moved back to London when he was eighteen and a year later attended the Central School of Speech and Drama, from which he graduated in 2008. Lucy Liu Born to immigrants in Queens, New York, Lucy Liu has always tried to balance an interest in her cultural heritage with a desire to move beyond a strictly Asian-American experience. Lucy's mother, Cecilia, a biochemist, is from Beijing, and her father, Tom Liu, a civil engineer, is from Shanghai. Once relegated to "ethnic" parts, the energetic actress is finally earning her stripes as an across-the-board leading lady. Liu graduated from Stuyvesant High School in 1986 and enrolled in New York University; discouraged by the "dark and sarcastic" atmosphere of NYU, however, she transferred to the University of Michigan after her freshman year. She graduated from UM with a degree in Chinese Language and Culture, managing to squeeze in some additional training in dance, voice, fine arts, and acting. During her senior year, Liu auditioned for a small part in a production of Alice in Wonderland and walked away with the lead; encouraged by the experience, she decided to take the plunge into professional acting. She moved to Los Angeles and split her time between auditions and food service day jobs, eventually scoring a guest appearance as a waitress on Beverly Hills, 90210 . That performance led to more walk-on parts in shows like NYPD Blue , ER , and The X-Files . In 1996, she was cast as an ambitious college student on Rhea Perlman's ephemeral sitcom Pearl . Liu first appeared on the big screen as an ex-girlfriend in Jerry Maguire (she had previously filmed a scene in the indie Bang , but it was shelved for two years). She then waded through a series of supporting parts in small films before landing her big break on Ally McBeal . Liu initially auditioned for the role of Nelle Porter, which went to Portia de Rossi , but writer-producer David E. Kelley was so impressed with her that he promised to write a part for her in an upcoming episode. The part turned out to be that of growling, ill-tempered lawyer Ling Woo, which Liu filled with such aplomb that she was signed on as a regular cast member. The "Ally" win gave Liu's film career a much-needed boost--in 1999, she was cast as a dominatrix in the Mel Gibson action flick Payback , and as a hitchhiker in the ill-received boxing saga Play It to the Bone . The next year brought even larger roles: first as the kidnapped Princess Pei Pei in Jackie Chan 's western Shanghai Noon , then as one-third of the comely crime-fighting trio in Charlie's Angels . When she's not hissing at clients or throwing well-coiffed punches, Liu keeps busy with an eclectic mix of off-screen hobbies. She practices the martial art of Kali-Eskrima-Silat (knife-and-stick fighting), skis, rock climbs, rides horses, and plays the accordion. In 1993 she exhibited a collection of multimedia art pieces at the Cast Iron Gallery in SoHo (New York), after which she won a grant to study and create art in China. Her hectic schedule doesn't leave much time for romantic intrigue, but Liu says she prefers to keep that side of her life uncluttered. John Cazale John Cazale was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to an Irish-American mother, Cecilia (Holland), and an Italian-American father, John Cazale. Cazale only made five feature films in his career, all which many fans and critics alike call classics. But before his film debut, the short The American Way , he won numerous Obie Awards for his stage performances in "The Indian Wants the Bronx" and "The Line". Cazale scored the role of Fredo Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola 's The Godfather , after his long time friend, Al Pacino , invited him to audition. He reprised his role as the troubled Fredo in The Godfather: Part II , where his character endures one of the most infamous movie moments in the history of cinema. Cazale also starred with Gene Hackman and Harrison Ford in the thriller, The Conversation , as Hackman's assistant, Stan. The Godfather's director, Francis Ford Coppola , also directed the movie. Cazale's fourth feature film, Dog Day Afternoon , earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Sal, a bank robber. His long time friend and Godfather co-star, Al Pacino , played his partner, Sonny. His final film, The Deer Hunter , was filmed whilst he was ill with cancer. He was in a relationship with his co-star, Meryl Streep , whilst filming The Deer Hunter , whom he met when they both appeared in the New York Public Theater's 1976 production of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. Controversy occurred during the filming. While the studio was unaware of his condition, the director, Michael Cimino , knew about it. As Cazale was evidently weak, he was forced to film his scenes first. When the studio discovered he was suffering from cancer, they wanted him removed from the film. His co-star and girlfriend, Meryl Streep , threatened to quit if he was fired. He died shortly after filming was completed. Richard Burton Probably more frequently remembered for his turbulent personal life and multiple marriages, Richard Burton was nonetheless regarded as one of the great British actors of the post-WWII period. Burton was born Richard Walter Jenkins in Pontrhydyfen, Wales, to Edith Maude (Thomas) and Richard Walter Jenkins, a coal miner. His mother died while he was a toddler and his father abandoned the family, leaving him to be raised by his sister Cecilia and her husband Elfred. He received a scholarship to Oxford University to study acting and made his first stage appearance in 1944. His first film appearances were in routine British movies such as Women of Dolwyn , Waterfront Women and Green Grow the Rushes . Then he started to appear in Hollywood movies such as My Cousin Rachel , The Robe and Alexander the Great , added to this he was also spending considerable time in stage productions, both in the UK and USA, often to splendid reviews. The late 1950s was an exciting and inventive time in UK cinema, often referred to as the "British New Wave", and Burton was right in the thick of things, and showcased a sensational performance in Look Back in Anger . He also appeared with a cavalcade of international stars in the World War II magnum opus The Longest Day , and then onto arguably his most "notorious" role as that of Marc Antony opposite Elizabeth Taylor in the hugely expensive Cleopatra . This was, of course, the film that kick-started their fiery and passionate romance (plus two marriages), and the two of them appeared in several productions over the next few years including The V.I.P.s , The Sandpiper , the dynamic Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Taming of the Shrew , as well as box office flops like The Comedians , _Dr. Faustus_, and the disastrous _Boom!_. However, Burton was often better when he was off on his own giving higher caliber performances, such as those in Becket , the film adaptation of the Tennessee Williams play The Night of the Iguana , the brilliant espionage thriller The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and alongside Clint Eastwood in the World War II action adventure film Where Eagles Dare . His audience appeal began to decline somewhat by the end of the 1960s as fans turned to younger, more virile male stars, however Burton was superb in Anne of the Thousand Days as King Henry VIII, he put on a reasonable show in the boring Raid on Rommel , was over the top in the awful Villain , gave sleepwalking performances in Hammersmith Is Out and Bluebeard , and was wildly miscast in the ludicrous The Assassination of Trotsky . By the early 1970s, quality male lead roles were definitely going to other stars, and Burton found himself appearing in some movies of dubious quality, just to pay the bills and support family, including Divorce His - Divorce Hers (his last on-screen appearance with Taylor), Klansman , Brief Encounter , Exorcist II: The Heretic , The Medusa Touch , _Breakthrough_, and _Circle of Two_. However, he won another Oscar nomination for his excellent performance as a concerned psychiatrist in Equus . He appeared with fellow acting icons Richard Harris and Roger Moore in The Wild Geese about mercenaries in South Africa, and whilst the film had a modest initial run, over the past thirty-five years it has picked up quite a cult following. His final performances were as the sinister "O'Brien" in 1984 , and in the TV mini series Ellis Island . He passed away on August 5th, 1984 in Celigny, Switzerland from a cerebral hemorrhage. Burton was an avid fan of Shakespeare, poetry and reading, having once said "home is where the books are". Paul Simon Born on October 13, 1941 in Newark New Jersey, Paul Simon is one of the greatest singer/songwriters ever. In 1957, he and high school pal, Art Garfunkel , wrote and recorded the single, "Hey Schoolgirl", under the name "Tom and Jerry". After some failures, they broke up. Simon still wrote and recorded music as "Tico and The Triumps" and "Jerry Landis". He also attended Queens College and got a B.A. in English. He also studied law but quit to pursue a music career in 1964. He and Art Garfunkel got back together as Simon & Garfunkel and recorded "Wednesday Morning 3 a.m.". After the commercial failure of the album, they broke up again. Simon left America to go to England, where he played in folk circuits and he made a solo album. Back in America, the producer of their first album, Tom Wilson, dubbed bass, electric guitar, and drums to the all-acoustic song, "Sound of Silence", which propelled them into the folk-rock scene. Simon & Garfunkel were back and, in 1966, they had popularity with the album, "The Sound of Silence", which features songs such as "I am a Rock", "Richard Cory" and "Kathy's Song". Their next album, "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme", had songs such as "Homeward Bound" "The 59th Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)". In 1967, Mike Nichols asked Simon to write a score for his upcoming movie, The Graduate . Their next album, "Bookends", which is considered one of the greatest albums of the sixties, featured songs such as "Mrs. Robinson" from The Graduate , "Hazy Shade of Winter", "At The Zoo", "America". Their last album, "Bridge Over Troubled Water", featured songs such as the title song, "The Boxer", "Cecilia". In the seventies, Simon emerged as a singer/songwriter with albums such as "Paul Simon", Still Crazy After All These Years", "Hearts and Bones", "Graceland", and "Songs from the Capeman". Aside from music, he wrote and starred in the movie, One-Trick Pony , and reunited with friend, Art Garfunkel , in 1981, to give a concert in Central Park. Marty Feldman "I am too old to die young, and too young to grow up," Marty Feldman told a reporter -- a week before he died. This beloved comedian, who poked fun at himself, as well as others, was born Martin Alan Feldman on July 8, 1934, in London, England. His parents were of Ukrainian Jewish heritage (from Kiev). He was the son of Cecilia (née Crook) and Myer Feldman, a gown manufacturer. Marty spent his childhood in the poverty-stricken London East End and left school at the age of 15, hoping for a career as a jazz trumpeter (his appearance in a Variety show earned him the title "the worst trumpeter in the world"). He had just started his comedy career, as a writer for BBC radio programs and TV shows in the late 1950s, when he married Lauretta Sullivan in January 1959 (they would stay married until his death in 1982). There's a saying: "Your face is your fortune"; Marty had received a double-whammy. His nose was mangled in his youthful years in a boxing match; his walleyed orbs were the result of both a hyperactive thyroid and a botched operation after a car accident before his 30th birthday, in 1963. American audiences first saw Marty in Dean Martin Presents the Golddiggers , where he did comedy skits with Susie Ewing and the Golddiggers. He appeared in a number of movies, his most-remembered role being that of Igor (pronounced Eye-Gor) in Young Frankenstein . Besides acting, he made his directorial debut in The Last Remake of Beau Geste . Beloved and popular, it seemed Marty was to enjoy a long career in the entertainment field. However, he died of a massive heart attack, caused by shellfish food poisoning, while filming Yellowbeard in Mexico City, on December 2, 1982... he was only 48. Min-sik Choi Choi Min-shik first made a name for himself in theater before breaking into the film world with a role in Park Chong-won's acclaimed film 'Our Twisted Hero' (1992). In the mid-nineties he continued to act in theater productions as well as in several TV dramas, including Moon Over Seoul with Han Seok-gyu. 1997 marked his return to motion pictures, with a role as a tough-talking police investigator in Song Neung-han's No. 3 . His biggest role came in 1999, when he was cast in Korea's most successful film ever, Swiri . His portrayal of a North Korean agent garnered him much praise and a Best Actor Award from the 1999 domestic Grand Bell Awards. After starring in a theater production of Hamlet in spring of 1999, Choi took on the role of a husband who discovers his wife's infidelity in Happy End , and in early 2001 starred as a third-rate gangster opposite Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung in the acclaimed Pairan . In 2003 he starred in the now classic Oldboy . Ennio Morricone A classmate of director Sergio Leone with whom he would form one of the great director/composer partnerships (right up there with Eisenstein & Prokofiev, Hitchcock & Herrmann, Fellini & Rota), Ennio Morricone studied at Rome's Santa Cecilia Conservatory, where he specialized in trumpet. His first film scores were relatively undistinguished, but he was hired by Leone for A Fistful of Dollars on the strength of some of his song arrangements. His score for that film, with its sparse arrangements, unorthodox instrumentation (bells, electric guitars, harmonicas, the distinctive twang of the jew's harp) and memorable tunes, revolutionized the way music would be used in Westerns, and it is hard to think of a post-Morricone Western score that doesn't in some way reflect his influence. Although his name will always be synonymous with the spaghetti Western, Morricone has also contributed to a huge range of other film genres: comedies, dramas, thrillers, horror films, romances, art movies, exploitation movies - making him one of the film world's most versatile artists. He has written nearly 400 film scores, so a brief summary is impossible, but his most memorable work includes the Leone films, Gillo Pontecorvo 's The Battle of Algiers , Roland Joffé 's The Mission , Brian De Palma 's The Untouchables and Giuseppe Tornatore 's Cinema Paradiso , plus a rare example of sung opening credits for Pier Paolo Pasolini 's The Hawks and the Sparrows . Stuart Whitman Stuart Maxwell Whitman is an American leading man, known for his rugged roles. He was born in San Francisco, California, the elder of two sons of Cecilia (Gold) and Joseph Whitman, a realtor. His mother was a Russian Jewish immigrant, while his paternal grandparents were Polish Jews. His family moved often. He graduated from high school in Los Angeles and spent three post-war years with the Army Corps of Engineers. In the army, he won 32 fights as a light-heavyweight boxer. Upon his discharge from service, he attended Los Angeles City College, where his interest in acting emerged. He studied at the Los Angeles Academy of Dramatic Art and with Michael Chekhov and Ben Bard . He toured the U.S. in a stage company of "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" and began to get small roles in television and film. Eventually his athleticism, his handsome features, and his talent for portraying either tough or vulnerable characters led him to a level of stardom. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his leading role of a child molester in The Mark , and starred in the television series Cimarron Strip . A shrewd investor, he amassed a substantial fortune while continuing his career even after its peak in the mid-Sixties. Regina Taylor While TV audiences best remember Regina Taylor for her empathic portrayal of housekeeper Lilly Harper in the critically lauded series I'll Fly Away , which rewarded her with a Golden Globe for best actress, an NAACP Image Award, and two Emmy nominations, this Dallas-born talent has made even greater strides in recent years as a playwright. Born on August 22, 1960, she was raised in Oklahoma where she became acutely aware of racial bias while attending a newly integrated school in Muskogee. She went on to study at Southern Methodist University and graduated in 1981, subsequently moving to New York. She made her professional acting debut in the CBS made-for-TV movie Crisis at Central High . On Broadway Taylor became the first Black woman to play William Shakespeare 's Juliet thanks to the non-traditional casting efforts of Joseph Papp . She also played Cecilia in "As You Like It" and the First Witch in "Macbeth" during the same season. Other on- and off-Broadway work included "Machinal," "A Map of the World," "The Illusion," and "Jar the Floor." On the West Coast, she won an L.A. Dramalogue award for her work in "The Tempest." Making her film debut with Lean on Me , she became known for her quiet intensity and human dignity in both social drama and the more popular action-oriented films such as Losing Isaiah , Clockers , Spirit Lost , and The Negotiator . Taylor furthered her career on TV as well in such series as Law & Order and earned notice for her portrayal of Anita Hill opposite Delroy Lindo 's Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in the made-for-TV movie Strange Justice . She was particularly moving in her portrayal of another maid in the superlative period piece Cora Unashamed , co-starring the equally versatile Cherry Jones . After her success in "I'll Fly Away," she moved into other series such as Feds and The Education of Max Bickford , but these did not fare as well with audiences. As a playwright Taylor has won the American Critics' Association new play award for "Oo-Bla-Dee," which detailed the story of Black female jazz musicians of the 1940s. "Drowning Crow" was an adaption of Anton Chekhov 's "The Seagull," which made it to Broadway in 2004. Others works include "A Night in Tunisia," "Escape from Paradise," "Watermelon Rinds," and "Inside the Belly of the Beast." She conceived and appeared in the 2001 one-woman play "Millennium Mambo," which included selections of works from various African American female writers. She is an esteemed member and Artistic Associate of the Goodman Theater, where many of her plays have come to fruition. Cecilia Suárez Born in Tampico, México, Cecilia Suárez started her acting career when she entered the Theater Faculty of the Illinois State University (USA) in 1991. She graduated class valedictorian in 1995 and received the Jean Sharfenberg award. She was grantee of Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater Company, where she acted in "The Crucible" and "Everyman", directed by Frank Galati. The Mexican Association of Theater Critics gave her the best actress in a comedy award for her role in "Popcorn". She debuted in films in 1999 in "Sexo, pudor y lágrimas" by Antonio Serrano. She then participated in Todo el poder, Fidel, Sin ton ni Sonia, Punos rosas, Solo Dios sabe, Chicken Little, Spanglish, Los tres entierros de Melquiades Estrada, The Air I Breathe, Parpados azules, El viaje de la Nonna and Cinco dias sin Nora. Suarez has been nominated in the Best Actress category of the 2008 Ariel Awards of the Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences for her role in Parpados Azules. Dong-gun Jang South Korean actor Jang Dong Gun starred in two record-breaking box office hits; one of which was 'Friend,' the highest grossing Korean film at the time. He gained widespread critical acclaim for his portrayal of a troubled high school student who chooses the life of organized crime, paving the way for him to star in the 2004 hit 'Taegukgi:The Brotherhood of War', about the Korean War, which again shattered box office records. Having achieved star status throughout Asia, Jang took on two more high-profile roles. Golden Globe nominated film 'The Promise' was a $30 million pan-Asian production by the Cannes Film Festival winning director Chen Kaige, in which Jang plays the leading role opposite Hiroyuki Sanada and Cecilia Cheung. 'Typhoon' by director Kwak Kyung-taek (Friend), had Jang star as a modern-day pirate who has been betrayed by both North and South Korea and set another new standard for such a distinct kind of character. Born and raised in Seoul, Korea, Jang Dong Gun made his debut in the MBC drama series 'Our Heaven' (1993). By the late 1990s, he had gained huge popularity in Korea, and he also became one of the very first Korean stars to garner a huge fan following in other parts of Asia. After acting in the critically acclaimed 'Nowhere to Hide' helmed by the internationally renowned director Lee Myung-Se in 1999, Jang went on to star in 'The Anarchists'(2000). In 2002, he also starred in the popular action blockbuster '2009 Lost Memories,' set in a futuristic Japan, and then took on a new challenge by appearing in the low-budget film 'The Coast Guard' (2002) by the controversial director Kim Ki-duk. J. Carrol Naish J. Carroll was born in New York City to Catherine Moran and Patrick Sarsfield Naish (not in the business). He was educated at St. Cecilia's Academy, New York City. He had seven years stage experience in Paris and New York. Later in stock company. First screen appearance in 1930. Fox brought him to Hollywood. Harry Houdini The great American escape artist and magician Houdini (immortalized by a memorable performance by Tony Curtis in the eponymous 1953 film) was born Erich Weiss on March 24, 1874 in Budapest, Hungary, though he often gave his birthplace as Appleton, Wisconsin, where he was raised. One of five brothers and one daughter born to rabbi Samuel Weiss and his wife Cecilia, the future Houdini was four years old when his parents emigrated to the U.S., where Weiss, as "Harry Houdini", became one of the major celebrities of the first age dominated by the mass media. His boyhood was spent in poverty and, when he was 17, he conjured up a magic act with his friend Jack Hayman, in order to escape the poverty and anonymity of manual labor which would likely have been his lot in life. Young Erich had been fascinated with magic since he was a young lad, when he was in the audience of a magic show put on by a traveling magician named Dr. Lynch. Billing themselves as the "Houdini Bros." in tribute to French magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, Erich Weiss became an entertainer, though it took him some seven years to catch on. Weiss and Hayman specialized in the Crate Escape (eventually known as Metamorphosis or The Substitution Trunk), and Houdini's brother Theodore replaced Hayman when he became uninterested in the act. Eventually, Theodore -- billed as Hardeen -- was replaced by Wilhemina Rahner (known as Bess), the woman "Harry Houdini" would eventually marry. The marriage on June 22, 1894 caused a conflict with his Jewish family as Bess was a Roman Catholic. They married in secret, then again at a synagogue and in a Catholic church to please both of their families. While developing his act, Houdini was not above the old carny trick of posing as a spirit medium, making the rounds of the town clerk's office and nearby cemeteries in order to provide "messages from beyond". In 1896, while visiting a doctor friend in Nova Scotia, he saw his first strait jacket, which gave him the idea of developing an act in which he would escape from it. Houdini finally hit the big-time when he was 24 years old with his Challenge Act in 1898, while he was making the rounds of vaudeville. Houdini's Challenge Act consisted of him escaping from a pair of handcuffs produced by an audience member. Eventually, this evolved into escapes from strait jackets, boxes, crates, safes, and other instruments and devices (such as his Water Torture Cell), as well as from jail cells. Houdini was also adept at escaping from being "buried alive". Hand-cuffed and strait-jacketed, he could escape while being hung upside down from a crane, or while lowered from a bridge, or even make his escape from padlocked crates lowered into a river. Houdini also became famous as a debunker of mediums and "experts" of the paranormal, but this was done in hope he could find an actual medium that could communicate with the dead so that he could communicate with his beloved mother Cecilia after she passed away. He became quite famous in the ragtime age of the first quarter of the last century, even appearing in motion pictures produced by his own company. Harry Houdini, the greatest magician ever produced by America, died in Detroit, Michigan during a national tour. The cause of death officially was peritonitis from a ruptured appendix. His death came nine days after having been punched in the stomach during the Canadian leg of the tour by J. Gordon Whitehead, a McGill University student who was testing Houdini's famed ability to take body blows. Always the trouper, Houdini had soldiered on despite stomach pains. (Early during the tour, he had broken an ankle but did not let it stop him or the tour.) His wife Bess, to whom Houdini left his half-million dollar estate, collected a double indemnity on his life insurance policy, as the blow was considered to have shortened the great magician's life and contributed to his premature death at the age of 52. The date of his death was October 31, 1926 -- Halloween, one of three days (October 31-November 2) of Samhain, the Celtic New Year, when the veil between the living and the dead allegedly is at its thinnest and the living can make contact with the dead. Annually on Halloween from 1927 to 1937, Bess held a séance to try to contact her departed husband. She did not succeed, though she helped keep the memory of her husband alive in the American consciousness. Even today, magicians worldwide conduct séances on Halloween in an effort to contact the late escapologist. Cecilia Cheung Cecilia Cheung (Cecilia Cheung Pak-Chi) was born in Hong Kong to a Cantonese father and a half Cantonese-half British mother. Her parents divorced when she was little after which she was sent to Australia for studies. She graduated from RMIT Holmes College. Her career began in 1998, when she was offered to appear in a TV commercial advertising lemon tea. She caught the attention of Stephen Chow after shooting the ad. Later, Cheung made her film debut as a young nightclub hostess in Stephen Chow's King of Comedy (1999), followed soon after by Fly Me to Polaris (1999). The latter role earned her the award for Best Newcomer at the Hong Kong Film Awards. In the same year, Cheung launched her singing career with her first Cantopop album Any Weather (1999). For Derek Yee's romantic drama Lost in Time (2003), Cheung won the award for Best Actress at the 2004 Hong Kong Film Awards. She played a young woman who lost her fiancé to a traffic accident which left her as a grieving single mother struggling to make ends meet. Cecilia Parker Canadian-born Cecilia Parker, daughter of a British army officer, moved with her family to Hollywood when she was a child. After graduation from high school she got a job as an extra. She did extra work for about a year before she was noticed by Fox executives, who signed her to a contract in 1931. Her career went along steadily if not spectacularly until 1937, when she was signed by MGM to play the older sister of Mickey Rooney in the "Andy Hardy" series. Although she had worked in everything from westerns to jungle serials, it's this part that people remember her for. She must have given MGM some trouble at one point, because in 1941 she was "loaned" (exiled is probably a better word) to ultra-low-rent studio PRC for one picture, a fate that usually befell actors who displeased the higher-ups at the studios. All was apparently forgiven, though, as she made five more pictures at MGM before she retired in 1942. She returned in 1958 for one final Andy Hardy film, but then went back to the real estate business she and her husband operated in Ventura, California, where she died in 1993. Faye Wong Her mother (now deceased) was a singer and her father a mining engineer. They moved with her older brother to Hong Kong when she was 18 and she began to take singing lessons. Her teacher introduced her to Cinepoly Records, where she first recorded under the name Wong Jing Man and was given the English name Shirley Wong for three albums. She sang predictable Cantopop and was unsatisfied with her career and eventually left for New York to carve her own identity, returning several months later. Given more creative freedom, she favoured the sounds of R'n'B in her new releases and also started writing her own songs. Her quirky sense of fashion and on-stage antics were often compared to Bjork's. In 1994 she reclaimed her real name and released the self titled "Faye Wong". The album had no cover but a blank white casing and booklet. It cemented her attitude towards music & media, Wong was all about music and did not care for frills and publicity. Her cover of "Dreams" by The Cranberries set her aside from the ballad-crooning Cantopop industry dominated by male singers. In 1995 she released "Restless", with 8 original works by Wong and 2 in collaboration with the Cocteau Twins. This album is widely considered by fans and Wong herself as her best work and most artisically ground-breaking as one song is purely instrumental and 4 sung in a jibberish language invented by Wong. She left Cinepoly in 1997 and was signed to EMI for a record amount. She worked with Cocteau Twins again, who wrote two songs for her first EMI release, "Faye Wong". After 5 albums with EMI she is currently signed with Sony Records. Her first Sony release "To Love" has earnt her nominations in Best Album, Best Female Artist, Best Song, Best Producer, Best Lyrics and Best Arrangment. She married Dou Wei, the former lead singer of Black Panther, one of China's first successful metal groups. They had a daughter but subsequently divorced. She has been romantically linked on and off again with Nicholas Tse Ting-fung, the bad boy of Cantopop 11 years her junior, since June 2000. Their first breakup was in March 2002 when Tse paired off with Cecilia Cheung Pak-chi, but he and Wong reconciled four months later. Other big Hong Kong entertainments names have been mentioned, including Anita Mui Yim-fong in May 2003, Mui's agent Marianne Wong in November 2003, and on Wong's part, fellow Beijing native and Hong Kong superstar Leon Lai Ming. Wong is known for being aloof with media and fans, skipping out awards ceremonies, and can be considered the Björk of Asia with regards to both her singing and acting careers. She won the Best Actress award at a Swedish film festival for her role in Chungking Express, her first major feature film. in 2003 she won the Best Actress award in Hong Kong for Chinese Odyssey 2002. She will appear in Wong Kar-Wai's next Cannes Film entry "2046". Unlike most Asian entertainers, acting is a secondary vocation compared to her unique pop sensibilities, becoming successful with both Chinese and non-Chinese audiences, singing primarily in her native Mandarin. William A. Wellman William Wellman, the Oscar-winning screenwriter-director of the original A Star Is Born , was called "Wild Bill" during his World War I service as an aviator, a nickname that persisted in Hollywood due to his larger-than-life personality and lifestyle. A leap-year baby born in 1896 on the 29th of February in Brookline, MA, Wellman was the great-great-great grandson of Francis Lewis, one of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Wellman's father was a stockbroker and his mother, the former Cecilia McCarthy, was born in Ireland. Despite an upper-middle-class upbringing, the young Wellman was a hell-raiser. He excelled as an athlete and particularly enjoyed playing ice hockey, but he also enjoyed joyriding in stolen cars at nights. Cecilia Wellman served as a probation officer for "wayward boys" (juvenile delinquents) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and was such a success in her field that she was asked to address Congress on the subject of delinquency. One of her charges was her own son, as the young Bill was kicked out of school at the age of 17 for hitting his high school principal on the head with a stink bomb. He tried making a living as a candy salesman and a cotton salesman, but failed. He worked for a lumber yard but was fired after losing control of a truck and driving it through the side of a barn. Eventually he wound up playing professional ice hockey in Massachusetts. While playing at the Colonial Theatre in Boston, an actor named Douglas Fairbanks took note of him. Impressed by Wellman's good looks and the figure he cut on ice, the soon-to-be silent-film superstar suggested to him that he had what it took to become a movie actor. Wellman's dream was to become an aviator, but since his father "didn't have enough money for me to become a flier in the regular way . . .I went into a war to become a flier." When he was 19 years old, through the intercession of his uncle, Wellman joined the air wing of the French Foreign Legion, where he learned to fly. In France he served as a pilot with the famous Lafayette Flying Corps (better known as the Lafayette Escadrille), where he won his nickname "Wild Bill" due to his devil-may-care style in the air. He and fellow pilot Tom Hitchcock, the great polo player, were in the Black Cat group. Wellman was shot down by anti-aircraft fire and injured during the landing of his plane, which had lost its tail section. Out of 222 Escadrille pilots 87 were killed, but Wellman was fated to serve out the duration of the war. In the spring of 1918 he was recruited by the US Army Air Corps, joining "because I was broke, and they were trying to get us in." Commissioned an officer, he was sent back to the US and stationed at Rockwell Field, in San Diego, CA, to teach combat fighting tactics to the new AAC pilots. Wellman would fly up to Hollywood and land on Fairbanks' polo fields to spend the weekend. Fairbanks told the returning hero that he would help him break into the movies when the war was over, and he was as good as his word. Fairbanks envisioned Wellman as an actor and cast him as the juvenile in The Knickerbocker Buckaroo and as a young officer in Evangeline , but acting was something Wellman grew to hate, a hatred he later transferred to actors in his employ. He was fired by fellow macho director Raoul Walsh from "Evangeline" for slapping the lead actress, who Wellman didn't know was Walsh's wife. Disgusted with acting, Wellman told Fairbanks he wanted to be a director, and Fairbanks helped him into the production end of the business. It was a purely financial decision, he later recalled, as directors made more money than supporting actors at the time. Goldwyn Pictures hired him as a messenger in 1920 and he soon worked his way up the ladder, first as an assistant cutter, then as an assistant property man, property man, assistant director and second-unit director before making his uncredited directorial debut later that year at Fox with The Twins of Suffering Creek starring Dustin Farnum (the silent film B-Western star whom Dustin Hoffman 's star-struck mother named the future double-Oscar winner after). Wellman later remembered the film as awful, along with such other B-Westerns as Cupid's Fireman , starring Buck Jones , whose westerns he began directing in 1923 after serving his apprenticeship. Fox Films gave Wellman his first directing credit in 1923 with the Buck Jones western Second Hand Love and, other than the Dustin Farnum picture The Man Who Won , he turned out Jones pictures for the rest of his time at Fox. The studio fired him in 1924 after he asked for a raise after completing The Circus Cowboy , another Buck Jones film. Moving to Columbia, he helmed When Husbands Flirt , then went over to MGM for the slapstick comedy The Boob before landing at Famous Players-Lasky (now known as Paramount Pictures after its distribution unit), where he directed You Never Know Women and The Cat's Pajamas . It was as a contract director at the now renamed Paramount-Famous Players-Lasky Corp. that he had his breakout hit, due to his flying background. Paramount entrusted its epic WW I flying epic Wings to Wellman, and the film went on to become the first Academy Award-winning best picture. Paramount paid Wellman $250 a week to direct "Wings". He also gave himself a role as a German pilot, and flew one of the German planes that landed and rolled over. The massive production employed 3,500 soldiers, 65 pilots and 165 aircraft. It also went over budget and over schedule due to Wellman's perfectionism, and he came close to being fired more than once. The film took a year to complete, but when it was released it turned out to be one of the most financially successful silent pictures ever released and helped put Gary Cooper , whom Wellman personally cast in a small role, on the path to stardom. "Wings" and Wellman's next flying picture, The Legion of the Condemned --in which Cooper had a starring role--initiated the genre of the World War One aviation movie, which included such famous works as Howard Hughes ' Hell's Angels and Howard Hawks ' The Dawn Patrol . Despite his success in bringing in the first Best Picture Oscar winner, Paramount did not keep Wellman under contract. Wellman's disdain for actors already was in full bloom by the time he wrapped "Wings". Many actors appearing in his pictures intensely disliked his method of bullying them to elicit an performance. Wellman was a "man's man" who hated male actors due to their narcissism, yet he preferred to work with them because he despised the preparation that actresses had to go through with their make-up and hairdressing before each scene. Wellman shot his films fast. The hard-drinking director usually oversaw a riotous set, in line with his own lifestyle. He married five women, including a Ziegfeld Follies showgirl, before settling down with Dorothy Coonan Wellman , a former Busby Berkeley dancer. Wellman believed that Dorothy saved him from becoming a caricature of himself. She appeared as a tomboy in Wild Boys of the Road , a Depression-era social commentary picture made for the progressive Warner Bros. studio (and which is a favorite of Martin Scorsese ). It came two years after Wellman's masterpiece, The Public Enemy , one of the great early talkies, one of the great gangster pictures and the film that made James Cagney a superstar. Scorsese says that Wellman's use of music in the film influenced his own first gangster picture, Mean Streets . Wellman was as adept at comedy as he was at macho material, helming the original A Star Is Born (for which he won his only Oscar, for best original story) and the biting satire Nothing Sacred --both of which starred Fredric March --for producer David O. Selznick . Both movies were dissections of the fame game, as was his satire Roxie Hart , which reportedly was one of Stanley Kubrick 's favorite films. During World War Two Wellman continued to make outstanding films, including The Ox-Bow Incident and Story of G.I. Joe , and after the war he turned out another war classic, Battleground . In the 1950s Wellman's best later films starred John Wayne , including the influential aviation picture The High and the Mighty , for which he received his third and last best director Oscar nomination. His final film hearkened back to his World War One service, Lafayette Escadrille , which featured the unit in which Wellman had flown. He retired as a director after making the film, reportedly enraged at Warner Bros.' post-production tampering with a film that meant so much to him. Other than David O. Selznick, not many people in Hollywood particularly liked the hell-raising iconoclast Wellman. Louis B. Mayer 's daughter Irene Mayer Selznick , the first wife of David O. Selznick, said that Wellman was "a terror, a shoot-up-the-town fellow, trying to be a great big masculine I-don't-know-what". The Directors Guild of America in 1973 honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award. William Wellman died (from leukemia) in 1975. Mary Hughes Beautiful, sexy, and shapely (36-22-36) blonde knockout Mary Cecilia Hughes was born on February 25, 1944 in Hollywood, California and grew up in Southern California. She was discovered on the beach in Malibu, California. Mary made her film debut in Muscle Beach Party . Hughes appeared in a handful of "Beach Party" movies made by American International Pictures; she was often cast as a sunny and spirited bikini-clad sprite in these cheerfully silly outings. Moreover, Mary also popped up in the car race items, Fireball 500 and Thunder Alley . Her last feature was the Elvis Presley vehicle, Double Trouble . Outside of her film work, Hughes also modeled for various magazines throughout the 1960's. Mary was romantically linked to famous guitarist Jeff Beck of The Yardbirds ; she's mentioned twice in The Yardbirds ' song, "Psycho Daisies". Hughes married singer/songwriter Lee Michaels on December 19, 1968; the couple had two children before eventually divorcing. Mary went on to become a Yoga and fitness instructor in Malibu after calling it a day as an actress. Mary Hughes died of cancer, at age 63, on December 13, 2007. Nino Rota Born in Milan in 1911 into a family of musicians, Nino Rota was first a student of Orefice and Pizzetti. Then, still a child, he moved to Rome where he completed his studies at the Conservatory of Santa Cecilia in 1929 with Alfredo Casella. In the meantime, he had become an 'enfant prodige', famous both as a composer and as an orchestra conductor. His first oratorio, "L'infanzia di San Giovanni Battista," was performed in Milan and Paris as early as 1923 and his lyrical comedy, "Il Principe Porcaro," was composed in 1926. From 1930 to 1932, Nino Rota lived in the USA. He won a scholarship to the Curtis Institute of Philadelphia where he attended classes in composition taught by Rosario Scalero and classes in orchestra taught by Fritz Reiner . He returned to Italy and earned a degree in literature from the University of Milan. In 1937, he began a teaching career that led to the directorship of the Bari Conservatory, a title he held from 1950 until his death in 1979. After his "childhood" compositions, Nino Rota wrote the following operas: Ariodante (Parma 1942), Torquemada (1943), Il cappello di paglia di Firenze (Palermo 1955), I due timidi (RAI 1950, London 1953), La notte di un neurastenico (Premio Italia 1959, La Scala 1960), Lo scoiattolo in gamba (Venezia 1959), Aladino e la lampada magica (Naples 1968), La visita meravigliosa (Palermo 1970), Napoli milionaria (Spoleto Festival 1977). He also wrote the following ballets: La rappresentazione di Adamo ed Eva (Perugia 1957), La Strada (La Scala 1965), Aci e Galatea (Rome 1971), Le Molière imaginaire (Paris and Brussels 1976) and Amor di poeta (Brussels 1978) for Maurice Béjart. In addition, there are countless works for orchestra that have been performed since before World War II and are still performed by orchestras in every part of the world. His work in film dates back to the early forties. His filmography includes the names of virtually all of the noted directors of his time. First among these is Federico Fellini . He wrote all of the movie scores for Fellini's films from The White Sheik in 1952 to Orchestra Rehearsal in 1978. Other directors include Renato Castellani , Luchino Visconti , Franco Zeffirelli , Mario Monicelli , Francis Ford Coppola (Oscar for best original score for The Godfather: Part II ), King Vidor , René Clément , Edward Dmytryk , and 'Eduardo de Filippo'. He also composed the music for many theatre productions by Visconti, Zefirelli, and de Filippo. In February of 1995, the Nino Rota Foundation was established at Fondazione Cini of Venice, Italy. Cini specializes in the works of 20th century Italian composers and includes the estate of Casella. Christine McIntyre One of five children, Christine Cecilia McIntyre was born in Nogales, Arizona, on April 26, 1911, to John and Edna (nee Barnaby) McIntyre. In the early 1930s, Christine received a Bachelor of Music degree at Chicago Musical College, where she honed her operatic soprano voice (which can be heard in a handful of her movies); she also began her radio career in Chicago. By 1936, she was acting on the professional stage in L.A., starring in plays such as "The Bird of Paradise" with actors like Pierce Lyden . She broke into movies with a small role in Swing Fever , signing for feature films with RKO. This led to a series of B westerns with stars like Buck Jones , Johnny Mack Brown , and Ray Corrigan . Then, in 1944, with her hair newly dyed blonde, she was discovered by producer Hugh McCollum at Columbia Pictures and signed a ten-year contract to do shorts for the studio. Over the next decade, she worked with comedians such as Andy Clyde , Hugh Herbert , and Shemp Howard (solo), not to mention both Joe Besser and Joe DeRita . However, she will forever be remembered for her prolific work with The Three Stooges . A favorite concert piece of hers, Johann Strauss ' "Voice of Spring," was the basis for the 1945 Stooges short Micro-Phonies , considered by many Stooge fans as the trio's finest effort and which also provides the best example of Christine's beautifully pure operatic soprano voice as she sings the above-mentioned aria (which Curly Howard , as "Senorita Cucaracha," hilariously lip-synchs to). Always focused, always a presence onscreen, Christine developed into a first-rate comedic actress--her timing was impeccable and she wasn't afraid to get "down and dirty" with slapstick experts such as the Stooges (she even beat up poor Shemp Howard in the classic Brideless Groom , then knocked him through a door), and it was merely through unfortunate twists of fate that she never segued over into television at the same time that funnywomen Lucille Ball and Imogene Coca were making their small-screen marks. Though Christine's career at Columbia consisted mostly of comedy shorts, she did show up in occasional features, often westerns. In 1953, near the end of her Columbia contract, she married radio producer/writer/actor J. Donald Wilson (not to be confused with Jack Benny 's announcer Don Wilson ), and soon after retired from show business. Christine and J. Donald spent the next 30 years developing joint careers in real estate. The former actress passed away in Van Nuys, California, on July 8, 1984, six months after her husband. David Cheung David Cheung is a London based actor who studied at the award winning Identity School of Acting, known for producing such stars as John Boyega. David Cheung first began performing at the age of 12 and his career has gone from strength to strength. He is the face of 'Sonitus Bellum' in Final Fantasy XV animated feature film, His recent work includes such roles as Agent Coles in 'Street Fighter Ressurection' and alongside Johnny Depp as 'Right Hand Man' in 'Mortdecai'. David Cheung is also starring as 'Dreadlocked Henchman' in Taylor Lautner's new BBC TV series 'Cuckoo' and an action actor 'Charlie' in an German and Chinese produced Feature Film 'Out Of Control 2016' with the Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung. David Cheung modeled for Elle Magazine as well as being cast in Ted Baker's 'Mission Impeccable' 2016 film campaign with Guy Ritchie and Crowns and Owls. David Cheung is also directing his first martial arts feature film 'The Real Target' which is scheduled for release 2017. Darren Lee Campbell Darren Lee Campbell is an American actor and model born in Cleveland, Ohio. Campbell caught the acting bug in high school when he participated in the Riverside Reel Student Film Festival in 2007. Campbell received best actor award for his performance in a film called Treasure. After graduating from high school, Campbell enrolled at Edinboro University to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. Campbell participated in an educational video called the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PSSHE). Campbell represented a student for Edinboro University in the PSSHE video. After graduating from Edinboro in 2012, Campbell signed with PC Goenner Talent Agency in Columbus, Ohio. He decided to attend Full Sail University to get his master's degree Public Relations. During his studies at Full Sail, he became a PR Assistant Intern at Ohio Talent Seekers. Campbell graduated from Full Sail in 2013 with valedictorian honors. In 2014 Campbell relocated to Los Angeles, California where he is currently pursing acting. In 2015 Campbell was signed by Wild Models Talent Agency and booked his first local LA commercial for Jinky's cafe. In 2016 he signed with Publicist Cecilia Latrice Parker who is located in Los Angeles, California. Campbell is currently modeling for Cecilia Latrice Parker Photography and finishing up production as lead actor in a short film called (Resilience) which is expected to release in 2017. Campbell continues to attend acting and improvisation classes in Hollywood, California. Crystal Porter Bazemore Crystal Porter has been seen in many motion pictures. Porter garnered a nomination for Best Actress in a Feature Film at the World Music International Film Festival (WMIFF) and a win for Best Actress in a Lead Role in Diaspora Film at the Nollywood Africa Film Critics Award (NAFCA). As the only actress to win Best Actress in a Lead Role in Diaspora Film two years in a row at NAFCA, Porter took the second win for her portrayal of Pearle in the thriller Love & Tragedy under the direction of famed Nollywood Director, Desmond Elliott. Other award and motion winning & studio films include What to Bring to America, Somebodies (which was spun-off into a BET television series) and Dark Remains. Tyler Perry's Diary Of A Mad Black Woman and Allen Wolf's In My Sleep. TV credits include One Life to Live, Drop Dead Diva, Barely Famous and ABC pilot Rom Com. Porter has been the voice of Macy's/Lazarus/Goldsmith, national and regional campaigns for Bank of America, Verizon, Georgia Power and text book narration for Prentice Hall. Porter has graced theater stages throughout the U.S. Atlanta's Alliance Theatre at the Woodruff Arts Center in the role of Cuban mistress, Cecilia in Day Of Kings under the direction of Artistic Director, Susan V. Booth caught the eye of critics & audiences alike. The Actors Group Theatre in Los Angeles welcomed Porter as Vivian Baptiste in A Lesson Before Dying. Her role as Angela Lovett played to sold-out audiences in the National Touring Company of Tyler Perry's What's Done in the Dark. Porter understudied the role of Taylor in the Ovation winning play Stickfly at the Matrix Theatre under the direction of Shirley Jo Finney. Porter has worked with several acclaimed modern playwrights. She produced the short film Five which garnered a nomination for Best Short at the prestigious Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIFF). She recently wrapped filming on Sean Durant's feature, Gina's Journey: The Search for WIlliam Grimes and Tawan Bazemore's thriller Sound. Porter is currently in post production on her first pilot, Unofficially: Home which she created, co-wrote and starred in. Sumi Jo Born in Korea, Sumi Jo studied in her native country before enrolling in the Conservatory of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome. Her recital debut in Seoul was followed by concerts with the Korean Broadcasting Company Orchestra. Her first operatic role was Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro , which she also sang in Seoul. While studying in Italy, Miss Jo was frequently heard in concert in Italian cities and also in radio broadcasts and telecasts on the RAI Italian National Network. She graduated with honors from the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in October 1986. Miss Jo has won many prestigious awards including first prizes at international competitions in Seoul, Naples, Enna, Barcelona and Pretoria. In August 1986 she was unanimously awarded first prize in the Carlo Alberto Cappelli International Competition at Verona, one of the world's most important contests, open only to first prize-winners of other major competitions. She was elected as "Artist for Peace" of UNESCO in 2003. Miss Jo makes her home in Rome. Justine S. Harrison Justine has extensive training and has a resume with impressive principal credits. These include film & TV, commercial, web series and modeling. She is a versatile actress with a quirky comedic edge. Her Grandmother produced a theater company on Long Island. This is one of the reasons Justine became interested in theater, film and working as an actress, She continued her passion in college and received her BA in theater from New School University in Manhattan. She has studied at various studios with accomplished teachers in NYC. Her teachers include Austin Pendleton, Christopher Martin, Lorraine Serrabian , Anne Jackson and Karen West at HB Studios. Her other NYC teachers include The Barrow Group, Cecilia Rubino, Rob Baron, John Pallotta, Jeffrey Stocker, Caryn West and more. Justine had a lead in a web series pilot called Unsung Heroes. Justine was a lead in the feature film The Last Intervention. This film won "Best CT Flick" at the Hartford Flick Fest. The Last Intervention was also shown internationally. Justine's NYC theater credits include Clive Barker's History of the Devil for which she received positive reviews. Other credits include Pygmalion, Midsummer Night's Dream, Vagina Monologues, How I Killed My Roommate..., The Academy, and more. She has been the lead in numerous short and feature films. Maureen Mendoza Maureen Mendoza was born in 1975 as Maureen Cecilia Mendoza, better known as Maui. She's a Filipino American Actress born to a Former Filipino International Singer Ofrecila Cecilia Mendoza with her twin sister Ofelia Nuestro in Asia, and Maui's Father is a Chemical Engineer, Mr. Domingo Mendoza. Her family migrated to Chicago, Illinois back in November 1995. Maureen has 4 other siblings. Maureen loves dancing,singing,modeling and acting.During her high-school years she participated in school programs like Dance Club and Drama Club, that's the time she realized she wanted to be part of the creative world of entertainment, after high-school she pursued her dreams of acting in 1993. Maui took acting classes, workshops and theatrical Arts in College. Since Maui loves cooking, baking and event planning she then pursued a double Associate Degree in Culinary Arts Management and Associate Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management. Now, besides the world of performing arts, Maureen is also a Professional Personal Chef, Chef Instructor and Event Planner that specializes in Social Events, Weddings, Fashion Shows, and Bridal Expos. Maureen loves to play volleyball, tennis and live her life to the fullest, she's been a Cancer Survivor since 2008. Maureen Mendoza is married to Keith Abbeduto since July 23, 2005. They are blessed with beautiful daughter Nicole Abigail Abbeduto. Thomas Ebert Thomas Ebert was born 1961 in Monterrey, Mexico, to German parents. He began stage-acting at the age of 16, and has acted for more than 35 years in many plays, some of them directed by renowned Mexican masters such as Martín Aguirre, Sergio Rod, Juan Carlos Franco, and the Spanish master Héctor Dugó. His film debut came in 1984 with the American production "Dune" by David Lynch, shot in Mexico, were he played a minor role. Years later, he was chosen the main character in the German production "Mexiko" by Michael Markus, entirely shot throughout the central and southern part of the country. He then landed a role in the Canadian production "Beyond What Remains" by Bassel Martin, also shot in Mexico. Recently he had a minor role in "Inside the Mine" by Jorge Eduardo Ramírez, and in "Desvanecer" by Antonio Rotunno. Presently he is working in leading roles in "Revueltas", a film by Antonio Jiménez, and "La Paloma y El Cuervo", the most recent film by Joaquín Bissner; and also landed a role in the Series "The Battles of Celaya" by Miguel Rico Tavera, and Eric del Castillo. In a longer list of short-films since 2011 he has had several leading roles, like in "Amarás a todas las Cecilias" by Adriana Gaal, "El Guardián del Aeropuerto" by Miguel de Luna, "La Muerte Intrascendente" by Ivo Loyola, "Los Matadores" (a short-film based on Ernest Hemingway's "The Killers") by Sergio Benítez, "Miserere Mei Deus" by Aleks García, and recently in "About Eve" by Manuel Aguirre. His acting skills are not only based on his experience but on a good training received by well known masters like Alecxandro Vaguióre, Luís Felipe Tovar, Ofelia Medina, Anna Ciocchetti, Javier Velázquez, Anna Cetti, Diego Luna, and the renowned Film Directors Luís Mandoki and Joaquín Bissner. Cece Worrall Rubin Cecilia "Cece" Worrall was born in Los Angeles, California. She has been playing woodwinds since age 10. In high school she was drawn to playing & listening to R&B... Earth, Wind & Fire, Ohio Players, Tower of Power and such other powerhouse horn driven bands. In her senior year she won the coveted John Phillip Sousa Award. Her music studies were through private instruction with many prominent Los Angeles studio musicians, such as Stan Seckler, Phil Sobel, Charlie Shoemake, Dave Boruff & Bob Sheppard. She also attended the Stan Kenton Clinic, winning 1st alto seating in the top band. She cut her teeth on live performances with the David Ii, Love Ii Orchestra, which boasted of great black musicians like Fred Wesley, Nolan Smith, Ray Brown and Will Miller. Chuck E Weiss, an old school underground legend, took her under his "tutelage" and performed for years at "the Central" now known as Johnny Depp's "Viper Room" in Hollywood. Performing at infamous rooms like The House of Blues & BB King's to name a few. She later worked on two albums simultaneously, first with Morris Day as the producer of an all female group called "the Daisy's" and then with Randy Jackson (of the Jackson family fame) on his debut solo album called "Randy & the Gypsys". Her performance experience has been with an eclectic mix of artists: Guns & Roses' World Tour (Hard Rock), John Tesh (New Age), Bateke Beat (African / Congo), Chuck E. Weiss / Jimmy Wood & The Imperial Crowns / King Cotton (Roots, New Orleans, 2nd line, Blues). Motown groups, the Four Tops, the Temptations and the Fifth Dimension. With "Guns and Roses" she had the opportunity to perform with Lenny Kravitz, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of "Aerosmith", Ron Wood of "The Rolling Stones", Soundgarden and Elton John on the M.T.V. award show. In 2000 she toured with "soul diva" Diana Ross and the "Return to Love" tour featuring the Supremes. She has since continued to perform with Miss Ross for many prestigious events. One such event was Hollywood's farewell performance for President Clinton. Shi Shi Liu Liu ShiShi(Cecilia Liu) graduated from Beijing Dance Academy, major in Ballet. During her college time, she once had a opportunity to play a role in a TV series. It was that chance that open a new path for the ballerina's future. Upon her graduation from the Academy, she decided to choose acting as her career. ShiShi is best known for her role as RuoXi in Chinese period drama Scarlet Heart, 2011. Due to the great success of this TV series and her great performance during and after Scarlet Heart, she was named as one of the "Chinese Four Promising Young Famale actresses" by the famous Chinese paper-media Nan Du Entertainment Weekly in 2013. Liu ShiShi has been married to Taiwanese actor Nicky Wu on Jan 20th 2015, whom she met on the set of Scarlet Heart in 2011. Now ShiShi is focusing on big screen, preferring roles that realistic complex, challenging and nurturing. Soledad Fandiño Soledad Fandiño (Born in Monte Grande, Buenos Aires) is an Argentinean stage, television and feature film actress. Soledad Fandiño debuted as an actress in the 2003 television series REBELDE WAY. After the series, she was then cast as Felicitas Echagochen in the popular family sitcom RICOS Y MOCOSOS (2004-2005) which propelled her career with best new actress nominations from Premios Martín Fierro and Premios Clarín. For the next three years she continued earning lead roles in family sitcoms produced by POL-KA for CANAL 13. She was outstanding as Juanita, the female lead of JUANITA LA SOLTERA opposite Gabriel Corrado, and later played Jazmin Sassone opposite Nicolas Cabre in POR AMOR A VOS. Looking elsewhere for inspiration, Soledad started a career transition that would take her to the stage, television films and mini-series. In 2009 she played the female lead in Astral Theater's production of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland directed by Alicia Zanca. Later that year she performed the lead in episode El Manto Chino of the Sci-Fi anthology series DROMO. In 2010 she played an actress in love with Juan Perugia, played by Gaston Pauls in TELEFE's comedy series TODOS CONTRA JUAN 2. She was subsequently summoned by director Alberto Lecchi to film in Uruguay the role of Alicia, a victim of domestic violence in the drama series MALTRATADAS. This dramatic turn was followed by a starring role opposite Independent Spirit Award winner and Bafta nominee Rodrigo de la Serna in drama series CONTRA LAS CUERDAS (2010); the only Argentinean dramatic series nominated for an International Emmy. She went back to the stage for the play CEREMONIA SECRETA (2011) an adaptation of Marco Denevi's novel, directed by Rodolfo Bebany and Oscar Barney Finn at the Margarita Xirgu theater, Soledad playing opposite Uruguayan stage actress Estela Media, had the chance to show her dramatic abilities performing the role of Cecilia Engelhardt, a physically and mentally abused woman who loses her mind and tries desperately to find her dead mother. This role earned her a nomination for Los Premios Florencio Sanchez 2012. Later that year she starred opposite Luis Machin in episode Cuestion de Poder of the anthology series TELEVISION POR LA INCLUSION. In 2012 feature film director Juan Jose Campanella featured Soledad in Latin Grammy winner CALLE 13 music video "LA VUELTA AL MUNDO". She has recently completed a production with Martin Piroyansky and Betiana Blum in TELEFE's comedy series MI VIEJO VERDE. Stelvio Cipriani He studied piano and harmony at Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome. In 1957 he started playing light music, being the pianist of important singers such as Rita Pavone. In USA he studied jazz with Dave Brubeck. In 1966 he was called by Cam to compose his first soundtrack: The Bounty Killer, a film directed by Tomas Milian. After the good success, he was asked to compose other soundtracks, among which was A Man, A Horse And A Gun in 1967, which was recorded in the same year by Henry Mancini. Worldwide fame, however, came in 1970, when he composed the score for Anonymous Venetian. This score was a hit all over the world, receiving all the major awards, and is still considered one of the most famous Italian soundtracks. Another very important soundtrack is Tentacles, an American film interpreted by John Huston, Shelley Winters and Henry Fonda. Stelvio Cipriani has composed over 200 film scores, still continuing his activity. Anthony Fabian Anthony Fabian is an award-winning director of feature films, documentaries, commercials and shorts. Born in San Francisco, California, he grew up in Mexico City, Paris, and London before graduating from UCLA's Film & Television School in 1986. He then settled in London, where he is based. His first feature, Skin, was shot in and around Johannesburg from September to November 2007 and co-produced with Margaret Matheson (Bard Entertainments, UK) and Genevieve Hofmeyr (Moonlighting Films, RSA). It stars Sophie Okonedo (Oscar®-nominee for Hotel Rwanda and Golden Globe nominee for Tsunami, The Aftermath) Sam Neill (Jurassic Park, The Piano), Alice Krige (Chariots of Fire, Star Trek), Tony Kgoroge (Hotel Rwanda, Hijack Stories) and newcomer Ella Ramangwane. Skin was a People's Choice Award Finalist at the Toronto Film Festival (2008), and went on to win twenty-two international awards, including the Santa Barbara Film Festival (Audience Award) Los Angeles Pan African Film Festival (Audience and Jury Awards), AFI Dallas Film Festival (Audience Award), Palm Beach Film Festival (Jury Award, Best Film), Bordeaux Cinema Science Film Festival (Grand Jury Prize, Best Film), the United Nations Time For Peace Award (Voted by 21 UN Abassadors), Amnesty International Humanitarian Award (Italy), Griffon Environmental Award (Giffoni Film Festival, Italy) and the Orange Film Prize at the Ability Media International Awards. It was also nominated for a British Independent Film Award (Best Actress), an Ivor Novello (Best Score) and an NAACP award (Best Foreign Film). His second feature film, Louder Than Words, was shot in Connecticut in 2012 and is based on true events. The film stars David Duchovny, Hope Davis and Timothy Hutton, and tells the poignant story of John and Brenda Fareri, grieving parents who were inspired by the unexpected death of their young daughter to build a world class children's hospital. It premiered at the Hamptons Film Festival in October 2013 and will be released in 2014. His promotional films for the British Tourist Board feature Dev Patel, Judi Dench, Twiggy, Rupert Everett, Luke Evans, Colin Montgomerie, Boris Becker, Lennox Lewis, Jamie Oliver and Matt Smith. He is also producer/director of an eight-part interview series narrated by Sue MacGregor called British Legends of Stage and Screen (2012), featuring Derek Jacobi, Claire Bloom, Michael Gambon, Diana Rigg, Michael York, Glenda Jackson, Christopher Lee and Ian McKellen, co-produced with John Dunworth and Executive Producer Sandy Lieberson. The series was broadcast in the UK on Sky Arts HD. Anthony shot Bach & Variations, a half-hour drama, in 1994. The film won a British Council Travel Award, and he was invited to give talks and attend festivals around the world. Candy, his first 35mm short, was completed in 1998. The film stars Lone Madsen, Brooke Kinsella, Oliver Tobias and Miriam Margolyes, and has been seen by festival audiences worldwide. It was aired by FilmFour in the UK and is represented internationally by AtomFilms. Jean, starring Susannah York, Gyuri Sarossy and Nicholas Clay, won both the Audience and Jury Prizes in the Planet Out Short Movie Awards, presented at the Director's Guild of America in Los Angeles in 2000, as well as Best Short Film at the Barcelona International Film Festival in 2001. The film has won several British Council Travel Awards and has been screened at over thirty festivals around the world. His last short, Prick (6 minutes, 2006) stars Mark Gillis, Rachel Pickup, Mark Wakeling and Susannah York. Anthony's first documentary, Township Opera, (2001) features emerging talent from South Africa. It was the first program to be transmitted solo on BBC 4 and was shortlisted for a One World Media Award. His second hour-long documentary for BBC 4, Harmony in Hanoi, is a fresh look at contemporary Vietnam through the eyes of its musicians. It premiered at BAFTA and was broadcast in March 2003. In the summer of 2004, Anthony Fabian produced and directed a documentary, While the Music Lasts, about Batignano, a quirky festival in southern Tuscany which has launched the careers of some of the most successful British artists working in opera today. His also made a documentary for Majestic Media and Sky Television called Embracing the Tiger, which charts the history, philosophy, practice and popularity of Tai Chi. It is the first documentary every to be made exclusively about this martial art. Anthony's film career has led to work as Music Supervisor on a number of feature films, including Restoration, Goldeneye, Schubert and Hilary and Jackie. His filmography includes profiles of performers Luciano Pavarotti, Cecilia Bartoli, Joshua Bell, Angela Gheorghiu, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Renée Fleming, Christophe Rousset, Olli Mustonen, Richard Egarr, and composer John Tavener. He is developing his third feature, based on Paul Gallico's Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. Eliezer Ortiz Eliezer Ortiz is an International Award Winning, Film, TV and Theater actor. He was born in Puerto Rico, raised in Humacao; the hometown of the icon Rita Moreno. His acting credentials have allowed him to top the list of successful young Latino stars. He has appeared in over 80 films like the leading part in Annie and The Gypsy alongside Cybill Shepherd,Starlet with Dree Hemingway and Brando Unauthorized with Damian Chapa. His resume continues to grow with more leading roles in films such as Faze, Archives of Horror, Circumstances, The Last Transformation of Francisco, Debbie and Desdi, The Wizard of Ozcar, etc while continuing to play supporting roles in films like Worry Dolls, Zola Jumped In, Los Traficantes, 40 Sundays, Shady Lane,Reasons for the Exile, To The Bone, Hope, Fontana, Tengo Miedo, World of Wargames, The Knowing of Ali, Kwame, 2042, Level 7, The Box, Bad Guys,Lost in Gray, The Neighborhood Garden, These Things We Do, etc played at film festivals nationally and worldwide. His TV work includes Unusual Suspects, Murder Book, Call 911 (Investigation Discovery Channel), Vindicated (BET TV),Cursed (Bio Channel), 1000 Ways to Die (Spike TV), Fugitivos De La Ley LA (Mun2,), and Next Stop for Charlie (Showtime) . Eliezer is also an accomplished stage actor with respectful credits like Deborah Warner's The Angel Project (Lincoln Center, NY), The Gas Heart, Act Without Words II (Geffen Playhouse, LA), La Gringa (Coachella Vallley Rep), A Prayer For The Infidel (The Elephant Theater, LA) Luisa Fernanda (Million Dollar Theater, LA), Toypurina, The Mission Play (San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, LA),Life Is A Dream, Cecilia Valdes, Cumbia De Mi Corazón(Carmen Zapata Theater BFA, LA), The Air Over Omaha, The Will of theWorld's Way, (dub)zeck, Smutopia, Covered (Highways Performance Space,LA ), Annie Okay (Hammer Museum, LA), Pleasant Ave (Puerto RicanTraveling Theater, NY), Tell Me A Story Papi (Repertorio Español, NY) plus over 35 theater credits. Mr. Ortiz was the director of The Raúl Juliá Training Unit of the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater in NY, under the Artistic Direction of the respectful actress Miriam Colón, and has taught at UCLA. He was also the assistant director of the Tony Award Winner actor and director Roger Robinson in Emigrants, a play that represented USA in the IV International Festival of Theater in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He holds a BA in Theater from the University of Puerto Rico and a MFA in Acting from UCLA where he trained with Sir Anthony Hopkins, Mel Shapiro, Gil Gates, Gordon Hunt, Ellen Geer, etc. He also trained with the Moscow Art Theater School (MXAT) at Harvard University and British American Drama Academy (BADA) at Oxford University, UK. He is nominee by the Desert Theater League for the Desert Star Award as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama for La Gringa. He won the Best Actor Award in the LA 48 Hours Film Project Festival for the film 2042 and he has been honor for the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts and with the UCLA Jack Okie "It's All in Fun" Award for Excellence in Acting. Anna Moffo The dark and smoldering American soprano Anna Moffo was born in Wayne Pennsylvania, on June 27, 1932, and, following graduation at Radnor High School, studied at Philadelphia's Curtis Institute of Music and in Rome, Italy on a Fulbright scholarship at the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia. At one time she was actually considering joining a nunnery but her love for music won out. Her successful combination of glamorous beauty and exciting singing style made her one of opera's most popular draws in the late 1950s and 1960s. Moffo took her first professional bow in 1955 as Norine in Donizetti's "Don Pasquale" in Spoleto, and later that year scored highly as Cio-Cio-San in Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" in an Italian TV production directed by Mario Lanfranchi , whom she married in 1957. Strenthening her reputation in Saltzburg and Vienna, Moffo made her U.S. debut at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in 1957 as Mimi in Puccini's "La Boheme." Her first time on the Metropolitan stage came with the role of Violetta in Verdi's "La Traviata." Over the years her bel canto repertoire would include Micaela in "Carmen," Gilda in "Rigoletto" and Liu in "Turandot." Arguably, the zenith of her Met career coincided with her appearance in the title role of Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor" opposite Carlo Bergonzi 's Edgardo in January of 1965. In the 1960s, Moffo also began appearing occasionally in Italian films, including feisty roles in the Napoleonic war epic The Battle of Austerlitz with Rossano Brazzi ; the comedy La serva padrona , directed by husband Lanfranchi; Menage Italian Style [Menage, Italian Style] co-starring Ugo Tognazzi ; and the comedy The Divorce [The Divorce]. She also filmed her Violette in La traviata and Lucia di Lammermoor , both directed by Lanfranchi. The multiple Grammy-nominated Moffo's singing career was finished when just in her 40s. Taking on too much too soon (she in one year took on 12 new roles), her voice burnt out quickly. Her last regular performance at the Met was received poorly as Violetta in 1976, her voice having fallen into a serious state of disrepair. She did return briefly for a one-time duet with baritone Robert Merrill in the company's centennial gala. Her marriage to Lanfranchi ended in divorce in 1972, but her second marriage to NBC broadcast executive/RCA chairman Robert Sarnoff in 1974 proved more durable and lasted until his death in 1997. Her later years were dogged by illness. Battling breast cancer for almost a decade, Moffo died of a stroke at age 73 on March 10, 2006, in New York City. She had no children of her own but was survived by three stepchildren. Cecilia Deacon Cecilia Deacon graduated from one of New York's most prestigious acting conservatories, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where international stars such as Grace Kelly, Robert Redford, Anne Hathaway and Danny DeVito also honed their skills. Deacon has taken to the New York stage in productions at the Lester Martin Theatre, the Mary MacArthur Theatre, and the Mannie Greenfield Theatre. Deacon was featured in the hit comedy "Delivery Man," starring Chris Pratt ("Parks and Recreation," "Jurassic World," "Guardians of the Galaxy") and Vince Vaughn ("Wedding Crashers," "The Internship," "Old School") and has accrued starring roles including Stormy on the Investigation Discovery series "Deadly Sins," Sandra in the comedy series "Catch-30," and most recently Cecilia in Derek Ahonen film "The Transcendents," where she starred alongside Kathy Valentine from The Go-Go's. Romy Nordlinger Romy is an on camera, stage and voice over/audio book narrating artist. Most recently she starred in Steven Fechter's (The Woodsman) "Lancelot" Off Bway. Amongst Film & TV credits: Law & Order CI (Officer Talbor), All My Children, One Life to Live, The Ruthless Spectator w. Rob Bartlett.Selected theatre credits: "Rose" in Shakespeare's Slave by Steven Fechter Clurman/Resonance Ensemble, New Perspectives Between Here and There by Cecilia Copeland,The Woman On The Bridge workshop/directed by Julia Pascal directed by Ludovica Viller Hauser, January by Paula Cizmar directed by Lorca Peress/Multi Stages. Her original piece based on the life of Alla Nazimova premiered in Stage Struck at the Snapple Theatre this past January helmed by Mari Lyn Henry and directed by Melody Brooks, ActorsTheatre of Louisville (Comedy Of Errors, Rock & Roll Shakespeare), NY Madness, Kirk Theatre Row, Caps Lock Theatre, NYFringe, Primary Stages, Circle Rep, Fleetwood Stage, Wilma Theatre, Hudson Guild, NY Madness, Julia's Reading Room and The Shubert. Selected Playwrighting credits include; "Lipshtick" NYC Fringe, Sex & Sealing Wax (solo show @ MITF), The Feeling Part (LoNyLa), Broadville (Source) and her solo piece "Nazimova". Romy is also an Audiobook Narrator with over 100 titles to her credit as well as numerous voice over spots. She has been a Theatre teaching artist for the past 15 years and works in every borough of NYC with developmentally disabled and under served children. Proud member and Board Member of The League Of Professional Theatre Women as well as co-chair of their Networking Committee, Member, NY Madness, Resonance Theatre Ensemble, Flux Sundays and The Playwrights Gallery. Jim Henry Jim Henry is the youngest of six children, born one and a half hours after his twin brother John. His father, Milburn, was an Air Force test pilot and was stationed all over Europe. His mother, Priscilla, was an Army nurse. Jim's oldest brother and sister, Patrick and Priscilla, are also twins. Jim lost a sister, Cecilia, in an automobile accident in 1985. His other sister, Carol, has always supported him in all of his stunt endeavors, as has the entire family, which is very close. Jim attended the University of Arizona, where he played lacrosse more than he studied. In 1979 he got a taste of Hollywood by being an action extra in the hit Stir Crazy , directed by Sidney Poitier , with Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder . He met one of the biggest names in the stunt world, Mickey Gilbert , who let Jim know it would be a long hard road, but very rewarding in the end. Kangmin Justin Kim Kangmin Justin Kim is a Korean-American classical operatic countertenor. He was born in Masan, South Korea, and his family moved to the suburbs of Chicago, IL, when he was 11 years old. He is well-known in the opera world as his alter ego, Kimchilia Bartoli, the lesser-known Korean sister of the Italian coloratura mezzo-soprano, Cecilia Bartoli. Nikki Bell Former NFL Eagles Cheerleader, Nikki Bell revived her acting career starring in three Indie Feature FIlms in 2010 including Down the Road written by Jason Mayer and revised by Victor Miller (Friday the 13th). Keeping the momentum going she jumped into 2011 with another three Feature Films, a rockin Web Series as well as various shorts, music videos and more. You can see her Working with the likes of Corey Feldman ( the lost boys), Danielle Harris ( Halloween among numerous other films), Ashley C. Williams ( Human Centipede), Scream Queen Tiffany Shepis, and the ever popular and "BIG" deal Ron Jeremy. The now 5'7" blond hair blue eyed beauty began her acting career at the age of three while living in Ontario, Canada modeling for various clothing companies and department stores and working in commercials. Up for the role of the younger Cecilia 'CC' Carol Bloom in the film Beaches ultimately losing out after the final round of call backs, the process started her on her path. Soon after, she moved back to the states where her acting career took a back seat to her family legacy of dance in which her grandmother performed as a Rocket and her mother as a dancer with the Philadelphia Ballet. Through dance she toured and performed in Disney Theme Parks, Cruise Lines as well as up and coming artists music videos and Various Theater Productions. She was also privileged to work as the soul choreographer for many productions while still in high school and became nationally recognized as a Nominated National Dancer of The Year for 2002. That same year she was sought out and sponsored to travel and compete in IMTA where she left with the title of National Soap Actress Of the Year 2002. Upon graduation from high school she entered PSU Main's theater program. After a year in the program a beloved teacher pulled her aside and urged her to follow her heart in taking on a more intensified program. She left PSU and began training in NYC at the Atlantic Theater Conservatory under the direction of David Mamet and WIlliam H. Macey. After school Bell left NYC and moved to Philadelphia to cheer for two season for the Philadelphia Eagles. While cheering she became Miss December 2007 as well as graced the back cover of the 2008/2009 Eagles Calendars. While working for the NFL she was chosen along side 4 other girls to represent the NFL on a military tour through Iraq and Kuwait. In her second season, Bell was joined on the squad by her two sisters, Paige and Danni-lynn completing the trio of the "Bell Sisters." Soon after she found herself back on the screen playing Chrystie Brinklie's daughter on the final episode of Ugly Betty and was currently seen on stage as a Miss Pennsylvania USA 2010 contestant. With so much accomplished over the past two year this can only be the beginning. Sally Carr Singer Sally Carr was born Sarah Cecilia Carr on March 28, 1945. Her father was a miner while her mother Cecilia was an invalid who was bedridden until her death at age 62. Carr has four brothers. Carr used to sing with the rest of her family around a piano when she was a child. In the 1960's Sally worked as a hairdresser and sang at both pubs and clubs in the evenings (she also worked as a waitress at various pubs). The first group Carr was a member of was The Southerners. Sally achieved her greatest popularity in the early 1970's as the lead singer of the Scottish pop band Middle of the Road . Carr married journalist Chick Young in 1978; the couple had a son named Keith in 1980, but eventually separated in 1984. (Sadly, Keith was killed in a motorcycle accident on January 18, 2001.) Sally still continues to sing as part of a new incarnation of Middle of the Road . Cecilia Pillado The charismatic Italo-Argentinian-German actress, pianist and composer was born in Mendoza, Argentina in a well-to-do family of Italian heritage. As an actress, she is known for Stung , Zwei Esel auf Sardinien , The Founder and Lotta & die großen Erwartungen . Her grandfather Rómulo Calise was from Ischia, Italy. He founded together with his father and brothers the "Bodega Calise", one of the first wineries in Mendoza, Argentina's most important wine region, thus attaining great prosperity. Rich heiress Margarita Esther Calise (Maita), his daughter, grew up in Buenos Aires passing her life between family's villas, golf clubs and country properties until she married Jorge Alfredo Pillado. Then they settled down in Mendoza because of the winery's administration and gave birth to four daughters and one son. Her mother used to say that when Cecilia was just a year old, she could already recite a poem and that as a little girl, she loved playing the leading roles in school plays. At the same time the fact that her aunt was a TV producer, gave her the opportunity to act in a kids' television show and display her theatrical talent in front of a camera. Her only motivation and the source of her fascination had always been to play for an audience, whether it was in the theater, on stage as a musician or in front of a camera. As a young adult she was a member of the Goethe Institute Mendoza Theatre Company directed by Gladys Ravalle while at the same time pursuing her studies in music at the Cuyo National University in Mendoza. It was through the Goethe Institut [de] that she arrived in Germany, where she completed her drama and music studies at the University of the Arts Berlin, 'Universität der Künste Berlin' and participated on the side in various productions of the Independent Latin-American Theater Berlin under the direction of her fellow countryman Emilio Schechtmann. After a few on-screen appearances including "Wo ist das Tao" (1988) and Sin querer , she decided to perfect the art of film and TV acting and went to Los Angeles in 1998 to study with some of the leading acting coaches such as M.K. Lewis and Margie Haber among others. After a short time she was granted a green card on the basis of her artistic achievements. Returning to Germany, she was able to gain entry into the German television and film industry. Since then she has frequently appeared in German TV movies like "Zwei Esel auf Sardinien (2015), Lotta & die großen Erwartungen , Lotta & die alten Eisen and in the TV series Verbotene Liebe , Anna , Points of You , Löwenzahn and Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten . Paradoxically, her efforts to act in hispanic cinema productions and in those of her native Argentina have yet to be rewarded. Her native languages are Spanish and Italian and she speaks German and English fluently, which gives her both the ability and the desire to act in international productions. It would seem that Hollywood's current interest in Germany as a film location is influencing positively this situation, generating chances and offering fortunate occasions: she was able to make the acquaintance of Roman Polanski , act in his film The Ghost Writer and work in Cloud Atlas as a spanish dialogue coach for Halle Berry . Her best roles are those portraying strong, obsessed, psychopathic or insane women, especially those whose personality can seem completely normal one minute and switch to insanity the next, like her role of Simonetta Paternostro in The Founder , inspired by the character of Annie Wilkes in Misery . She also enjoys portraying villainesses and has no fears of confronting challenges. Cecilia Pillado is a very creative person with a wide range of talents. She created the musical play "The history of Tango" and performed the character of the Tango Woman in different places in Germany and Italy. She made Improvisation Theater (after Keith Johnstone) and has composed some several pieces for piano and other instruments. She also developed the concept for her film Italienisch! in which she acted. She also wrote, shooted, acted, edited and made her short film Twin Sisters or Homeland completely by herself. These days she is developing the script Valentina, Her Piano and the Tangos Some of her theater performances include Franz Grillparzer 's Medea, Donata in Luigi Pirandello 's "To find Oneself", Margaret in Tennessee Williams ' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", Irina in Anton Chekhov 's "Three Sisters", Bride in Federico García Lorca 's "Blood Wedding", Polly in Kurt Weill 's "Three-Penny Opera" and Mirandolina in Carlo Goldoni 's "The Innkeeper Woman". Many of these plays have already been filmed. In addition to acting, she has another passion: she is an outstanding and successful concert pianist. Her recordings offer an interesting selection of argentinian composers and tangos, combining classic virtuosity and a big pianistic sound with elements of improvisational freedom. She signed with majors like 'Sony Classical' and 'Berlin Classics' what bears witness to her quality, but now, she is focusing on expanding her company 'Tango Malambo Productions' Cecilia Dazzi Cecilia Dazzi was born in Rome and her debut was in 1986 in La Famiglia directed by the great Ettore Scola, with Vittorio Gassman and Sergio Castellitto. In 1989 she moved to NYC where she studied acting at Herbert Bergog's Studio: come back to Italy she become Carmelo Bene's assistant. In 1991 she become famous for the role of Debora in I ragazzi del muretto, an adolescential fiction. In 1994 comes her first international production, Jakob by Peter Hall with Matthew Modine and Sean Bean. Four years later she won the David di Donatello for her perfomance in Matrimoni by Cristina Comencini. In 2003 she worked with Maggie Smith, Chris Cooper and Timothy Spall in Ricard Loncraine's My house in Umbria, and one year after in Wimbledon with Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany. Jackie Averia Jackie Linn Averia is a Filipina comedienne born and raised in Los Angeles. Ever since Jackie could speak, she's been the class clown in every class. She attended many schools but her last year of education was at California State University-Northridge, where she majored in Kinesiology. After 2 years in college, Jackie decided that she was going to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. So she enrolled herself at the Acting Corps, where she fell even deeper in love with entertaining people. After seeing a casting notice for inexperienced comedians, Jackie Linn decided to try stand-up comedy. Her first performance was in the main room at the World Famous Comedy Store and hasn't stopped performing since! Also, she has acquired improv training at L.A. Connection Theater and Monkey Butlers. Other venues Jackie Linn has performed stand up comedy include: Irvine Improv, Flappers Comedy Club, Pasadena Icehouse, Beso (restaurant) and many more. Jackie Linn is featured in 2 vevo music videos which include Cups (by Anna Kendrick) and "Cumbia Morada" by Latin-Grammy Award winning band, La Santa Cecilia. Mateo Londono Cinematographer Mateo Londono, ADFC has been lensing features, television spots and documentaries around the world from the jungles of Mexico to the deserts of Dubai. After the international success of Colombian mafia epic "The Snitch Cartel" Mateo went on to shoot the Paul Schrader action packed "The Jesuit" with Tim Roth, Ron Perlman and Jose Maria Yaspik and then followed by the martial arts spectacle "Kickboxer" with Dave Bautista and JCVD. Londono has also shot dark comedies like "Miss Nobody" with Leslie Bibb and Adam Goldberg ("visual verve ... sharp tech package etches distinct looks," Variety) and recently for renown Mexican director, Manolo Caro "Elvira, Te Daria Mi Vida Pero la Estoy Usando" starring Cecilia Suarez, Carlos Bardem and Luis Gerardo Mendez. He has received multiple Best Cinematography awards for films including "The Beneficiary" directed by Theodore Melfi at the Oxford International Film Festival and "Silent Radio" at the Long Island Film Festival. Londono has also lensed over 300 commercials for such clients as Samsung, Jaguar, Alergan, Bayer, Bank of America, Unilever, Shell, Arco and AT&T. He recently filmed the world campaign for Chevron, featuring over 20 spots shot across six countries. Having grown up in Colombia in a family of artists and architects, Londono developed his experience with light capture throughout Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Panama. In Europe he has worked in the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Greece and Switzerland. Last year he frequented Asia and the Middle East. In 1997, Londono graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Emerson College, Boston MA. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

i don't know

Paul Shaffer, Canadian and bandleader, was born on Nov 28, 1949. On which entertainers show does he provide the music?

Who is Gene Shaffer - (402) 358-5203 - Creighton - NE - waatp.com Who is Gene Shaffer - (402) 358-5203 - Creighton - NE - waatp.com Online death notice for Gene Shaffer. Read Gene Shaffer’s life story, offer tributes/condolences, send flowers or create a Gene Shaffer online memorial. No data available Jan 27, 2011 ... Gene Shaffer – S. CA Glass Management Assoc. Terry Webb – Eureka Metal and Glass Services. Laura Regan on behalf of Todd Helfrich ... No data available 13 Days Remain, Band, 1 Fans, Genre: Death Metal, Hometown: Memphis   GST's Gene Shaffer at WV Aerospace Event GST's Weather Group at WV Aerospace Event Gene Pitney - Viva Shaf Vegas (rare recording) KISS Sonic Boom New Album @ Late Show With David Letterman - Paul Shaffer, Eliza Dushku Rebelution - Lazy Afternoon (Cover) by Austin Shaffer Broadcast: East Bay Winternationals ASCS Gene Lasker Crash February 26, 2010 Fourth Messenger Trailer 71 Year Old Bodybuilder Jim Shaffer   GST's Gene Shaffer at WV Aerospace Event AN AMERICAN IN PARIS - SCHAFFER DESIGNS - 2011 PHILADELPHIA ... Gene Pitney - Viva Shaf Vegas (rare recording) Adam Carolla Sings with Paul Shaffer Ronnie Spector - LIncoln Center, NYC Broadcast: East Bay Winternationals ASCS Gene Lasker Crash ... Studio Rockers on Broadway 2009 - Rascals - Good Lovin - Eddie Brigati ... Iced Earth -Curse the Sky (Enter the Realm Demos) Rockers on Broadway 09 - Rascals - People Got To Be Free - Eddie ...   The Unborn See The Full Movie Free Online   Genetically modified food Method Genetic modification involves the insertion or deletion of genes. In the process of Cisgenesis genes are artificially transferred between organisms that could be conventionally bred. In the process of Transgenesis genes from a different species are inserted, which is a form of horizontal gene transfer. In nature this can occur when exogenous DNA penetrates the cell membrane for any reason. To do this artificially may require attaching the genes to a virus or just physically inserting the extra DNA into the nucleus of the intended host with a very small syringe, or with very small particles fired from a gene gun. However, other methods exploit natural forms of gene transfer, such as the ability of Agrobacterium to transfer genetic material to plants, and the ability of lentiviruses to transfer genes to animal cells. Development The first commercially grown genetically modified whole food crop was a tomato (called FlavrSavr), which was modified to ripen without softening, by a Californian company Calgene. Calgene took the initiative to obtain FDA approval for its release in 1994 without any special labeling, although legally no such approval was required. It was welcomed by consumers who purchased the fruit at a substantial premium over the price of regular tomatoes. However, production problems and competition from a conventionally bred, longer shelf-life variety prevented the product from becoming profitable. A variant of the Flavr Savr was used by Zeneca to produce tomato paste which was sold in Europe during the summer of 1996. The labeling and pricing were designed as a marketing experiment, which proved, at the time, that European consumers would accept genetically engineered foods. Currently, there are a number of food species in which a genetically modified version exists. Food Properties of the genetically modified variety Modification Percent Modified in US Percent Modified in world Soybeans Resistant to glyphosate or glufosinate herbicides Herbicide resistant gene taken from bacteria inserted into soybean 89% TBA Corn, field Resistant to glyphosate or glufosinate herbicides, Insect resistance using Bt proteins some previously used as pesticides in organic crop production. Vitamin-enriched corn derived from South African white corn variety M37W has bright orange kernels, with 169x increase in beta carotene, 6x the vitamin C and 2x folate. || New genes added/transferred into plant genome. || 60% || TBA Cotton (cottonseed oil) Pest-resistant cotton Bt crystal protein gene added/transferred into plant genome 83% 62% Hawaiian papaya Variety is resistant to the papaya ringspot virus. New gene added/transferred into plant genome +50% TBA Tomatoes Variety in which the production of the enzyme polygalacturonase (PG) is suppressed, retarding fruit softening after harvesting. A reverse copy (an antisense gene) of the gene responsible for the production of PG enzyme added into plant genome Taken off the market due to commercial failure. None Potatoes Amflora variety produces waxy potato starch composed almost exclusively of the amylopectin component of starch. The gene for granule bound starch synthase (GBSS) (the key enzyme for the synthesis of amylose) was switched off by inserting antisense copy of the GBSS gene. Amflora will be produced solely under contract farming conditions and not made available on the general market. TBA Rapeseed (Canola) Resistance to herbicides (glyphosate or glufosinate), high laurate canola New genes added/transferred into plant genome 75% TBA Sugar cane Resistance to certain pesticides, high-sucrose cane. New genes added/transferred into plant genome TBA TBA Sugar beet Resistance to glyphosate, glufosinate herbicides New genes added/transferred into plant genome TBA TBA Sweet corn Produces its own bioinsecticide (Bt toxin) Gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis added to the plant. TBA TBA Rice Genetically modified to contain high amounts of Vitamin A (beta-carotene) Golden rice Three new genes implanted: two from daffodils and the third from a bacterium TBA TBA In addition, various genetically engineered micro-organisms are routinely used as sources of enzymes for the manufacture of a wide variety of processed foods. These include alpha-amylase from bacteria, which converts starch to simple sugars, chymosin from bacteria or fungi that clots milk protein for cheese making, and pectinesterase from fungi which improves fruit juice clarity. Growing Genetically Modified crops Between 1997 and 2005, the total surface area of land cultivated with GMOs had increased by a factor of 50, from 17,000km2 (4.2 million acres) to 900,000km2 (222 million acres). Although most GM crops are grown in North America, in recent years there has been rapid growth in the area sown in developing countries. For instance in 2005 the largest increase in crop area planted to GM crops (soybeans) was in Brazil (94,000km2 in 2005 versus 50,000km2 in 2004.) There has also been rapid and continuing expansion of GM cotton varieties in India since 2002. (Cotton is a major source of vegetable cooking oil and animal feed.) It is predicted that in 2008/9 32,000km2 of GM cotton will be harvested in India (up more than 100 percent from the previous season). Indian national average cotton yields of GM cotton were seven times lower in 2002, because the parental cotton plant used in the genetic engineered variant was not well suited to the climate of India and failed. The publicity given to transgenic trait Bt insect resistance has encouraged the adoption of better performing hybrid cotton varieties, and the Bt trait has substantially reduced losses to insect predation. Though controversial and often disputed, economic and environmental benefits of GM cotton in India to the individual farmer have been documented. In 2003, countries that grew 99% of the global transgenic crops were the United States (63%), Argentina (21%), Canada (6%), Brazil (4%), China (4%), and South Africa (1%). The Grocery Manufacturers of America estimate that 75% of all processed foods in the U.S. contain a GM ingredient . In particular, Bt corn, which produces the pesticide within the plant itself, is widely grown, as are soybeans genetically designed to tolerate glyphosate herbicides. These constitute input-traits are aimed to financially benefit the producers, have indirect environmental benefits and marginal cost benefits to consumers. In the US, by 2006 89% of the planted area of soybeans, 83% of cotton, and 61% corn were genetically modified varieties. Genetically modified soybeans carried herbicide-tolerant traits only, but maize and cotton carried both herbicide tolerance and insect protection traits (the latter largely the Bacillus thuringiensis Bt insecticidal protein). In the period 2002 to 2006, there were significant increases in the area planted to Bt protected cotton and maize, and herbicide tolerant maize also increased in sown area. Crop yields Some scientific studies have claimed that genetically modified varieties of plants do not produce higher crop yields than normal plants. However, other scientific studies dispute these claims.[citation needed] One study by Charles Benbrook, Chief Scientist of the Organic Center, found that genetically engineered Roundup Ready soybeans do not increase yields (Bendrook, 1999). The report reviewed over 8,200 university trials in 1998 and found that Roundup Ready soybeans yielded 7-10% less than similar natural varieties. In addition, the same study found that farmers used 5-10 times more herbicide (Roundup) on Roundup Ready soybeans than on conventional ones. Coexistence and traceability The United States and Canada do not require labeling of genetically modified foods. However in certain other regions, such as the European Union, Japan, Malaysia and Australia, governments have required labeling so consumers can exercise choice between foods that have genetically modified, conventional or organic origins. This requires a labeling system as well as the reliable separation of GM and non-GM organisms at production level and throughout the whole processing chain. Research suggests that this may prove impossible.[citation needed] For traceability, the OECD has introduced a unique identifier which is given to any GMO when it is approved. This unique identifier must be forwarded at every stage of processing.[citation needed] Many countries have established labeling regulations and guidelines on coexistence and traceability. Research projects such as Co-Extra, SIGMEA and Transcontainer are aimed at investigating improved methods for ensuring coexistence and providing stakeholders the tools required for the implementation of coexistence and traceability.[citation needed] Detection Testing on GMOs in food and feed is routinely done using molecular techniques like DNA microarrays or qPCR. These tests can be based on screening genetic elements (like p35S, tNos, pat, or bar) or event-specific markers for the official GMOs (like Mon810, Bt11, or GT73). The array-based method combines multiplex PCR and array technology to screen samples for different potential GMOs , combining different approaches (screening elements, plant-specific markers, and event-specific markers). The qPCR is used to detect specific GMO events by usage of specific primers for screening elements or event-specific markers. Controls are necessary to avoid false positive or false negative results. For example, a test for CaMV is used to avoid a false positive in the event of a virus contaminated sample. PLU codes A Price Look-Up code beginning with the digit 8 indicates genetically modified food. Controversy Main article: GM food controversy While it is evident that there is a food supply issue; the question is whether GM can solve world hunger problems. Several scientists argue that in order to meet the demand for food in the developing world, a second green revolution with increased use of GM crops is needed. Others argue that there is more than enough food in the world and that the hunger crisis is caused by problems in food distribution and politics, not production. Recently some critics have changed their minds on the issue with respect to the need for additional food supplies. enetic modification is analogous to nuclear power: nobody loves it, but climate change has made its adoption imperative, says economist Paul Collier of Oxford University. Declining genetic modification makes a complicated issue more complex. Genetic modification offers both faster crop adaptation and a biological, rather than chemical, approach to yield increases. On the other hand, many believe that GMF have not been a success and that we should devote our efforts and money into another solution. e need biodiversity intensification that works with nature nutrient and water cycles, not against them, says Vandana Shiva. Shiva, the founder of Navdanya, the movement of 500,000 seed keepers and organic farmers in India, argues that GMF have not increased yields. Recently, Doug Gurian-Sherman, a member of the Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonprofit science advocacy group, published a report called ailure to Yield, in which he stated that in a nearly 20 year record, genetically engineered crops have not increased yields. Taking a more technical approach, GMF help farmers produce, despite the odds or any environmental barriers. hile new technology must be tested before it is commercially released, we should be mindful of the risks of not releasing it at all, says Per Pinstrup-Andersen professor of Food, Nutrition and Public Policy at Cornell University. Per Pinstrup-Anderson argues, isguided anti-science ideology and failure by governments to prioritize agricultural and rural development in developing countries brought us the food crisis. He clearly states the challenge we face is not the challenge of whether we have enough resources to produce, but whether we will change our behavior. Economic and political effects Adoption of genetically-engineered crops in the United States. Many proponents of genetically engineered crops claim they lower pesticide usage and have brought higher yields and profitability to many farmers, including those in developing nations. The United States has seen a widespread adoption of genetically-engineered corn, cotton and soybean crops over the last decade (see figure). In August 2003, Zambia cut off the flow of Genetically Modified Food (mostly maize) from UNs World Food Programme. This left a famine-stricken population without food aid. In December 2005 the Zambian government changed its mind in the face of further famine and allowed the importation of GM maize. However, the Zambian Minister for Agriculture Mundia Sikatana has insisted that the ban on genetically modified maize remains, saying We do not want GM (genetically modified) foods and our hope is that all of us can continue to produce non-GM foods. In April 2004 Hugo Chvez announced a total ban on genetically modified seeds in Venezuela. In January 2005, the Hungarian government announced a ban on importing and planting of genetic modified maize seeds, which was subsequently authorized by the EU. On August 18, 2006, American exports of rice to Europe were interrupted when much of the U.S. crop was confirmed to be contaminated with unapproved engineered genes, possibly due to accidental cross-pollination with conventional crops. On February 9, 2010, Indian Environment Minister, Jairam Ramesh, imposed a moratorium on the cultivation of GMF for as long as it is needed to establish public trust and confidence. His decision was made after protest from several groups responding to regulatory approval of the cultivation of Bt Brinjal, a GM eggplant in October, 2009. Intellectual property Traditionally, farmers in all nations saved their own seed from year to year. Allowing to follow this practice with genetically modified seed would result in seed developers losing the ability to profit from their breeding work. Therefore, genetically-modified seed are subject to licensing by their developers in contracts that are written to prevent farmers from following this traditional practice. Many objections to genetically modified food crops are based on this change. Main article: Monsanto Canada Inc. v. Schmeiser Enforcement of patents on genetically modified plants is often contentious, especially because of gene flow. In 1998, 95-98 percent of about 10km2 planted with canola by Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser were found to contain Monsanto Companys patented Roundup Ready gene although Schmeiser had never purchased seed from Monsanto. The initial source of the plants was undetermined, and could have been through either gene flow or intentional theft. However, the overwhelming predominance of the trait implied that Schmeiser must have intentionally selected for it. The court determined that Schmeiser had saved seed from areas on and adjacent to his property where Roundup had been sprayed, such as ditches and near power poles. Although unable to prove direct theft, Monsanto sued Schmeiser for piracy since he knowingly grew Roundup Ready plants without paying royalties(Ibid). The case made it to the Canadian Supreme Court, which in 2004 ruled 5 to 4 in Monsanto favor. The dissenting judges focused primarily on the fact that Monsantos patents covered only the gene itself and glyphosate resistant cells, and failed to cover transgenic plants in their entirety. All of the judges agreed that Schmeiser would not have to pay any damages since he had not benefited from his use of the genetically modified seed. In response to criticism, Monsanto Canadas Director of Public Affairs stated that It is not, nor has it ever been Monsanto Canadas policy to enforce its patent on Roundup Ready crops when they are present on a farmers field by accidentOnly when there has been a knowing and deliberate violation of its patent rights will Monsanto act. Future developments Future envisaged applications of GMOs are diverse and include drugs in food, bananas that produce human vaccines against infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B, metabolically engineered fish that mature more quickly, fruit and nut trees that yield years earlier, foods no longer containing properties associated with common intolerances, and plants that produce new plastics with unique properties. While their practicality or efficacy in commercial production has yet to be fully tested, the next decade may see exponential increases in GM product development as researchers gain increasing access to genomic resources that are applicable to organisms beyond the scope of individual projects. Safety testing of these products will also, at the same time, be necessary to ensure that the perceived benefits will indeed outweigh the perceived and hidden costs of development. Plant scientists, backed by results of modern comprehensive profiling of crop composition, point out that crops modified using GM techniques are less likely to have unintended changes than are conventionally bred crops. Health risks In the United States, the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition must approve the nutritional characteristics of GMO foods on the basis of comparability to conventionally-produced foods. The table below shows the foods that had received FDA approval as of 2002. A 2008 review published by the Royal Society of Medicine noted that GM foods have been eaten by millions of people worldwide for over 15 years, with no reports of ill effects. Similarly a 2004 report from the US National Academies of Sciences stated: To date, no adverse health effects attributed to genetic engineering have been documented in the human population. Worldwide, there are a range of perspectives within non-governmental organizations on the safety of GM foods. For example, the US pro-GM pressure group AgBioWorld has argued that GM foods have been proven safe, while other pressure groups and consumer rights groups, such as the Organic Consumers Association, and Greenpeace claim the long term health risks which GM could pose, or the environmental risks associated with GM, have not yet been adequately investigated. In 1998 Rowett Research Institute scientist rpd Pusztai reported that consumption of potatoes genetically modified to contain lectin had adverse intestinal effects on rats. Pusztai eventually published a paper, co-authored by Stanley Ewen, in the journal, The Lancet. The paper claimed to show that rats fed on potatoes genetically modified with the snowdrop lectin had unusual changes to their gut tissue when compared with rats fed on non modified potatoes. The experiment has been criticised by other scientists on the grounds that the unmodified potatoes were not a fair control diet and that all the rats may have been sick, due to them being fed a diet of only potatoes. In 2010 three scientists published a statistical re-analysis of three feeding trials that had previously been published by others as establishing the safety of genetically modified corn. The new article claimed that their statistics instead showed that the three patented crops (Mon 810, Mon 863, and NK 603) developed and owned by Monsanto cause liver, kidney, and heart damage in mammals. A previous re-analysis of part of this data by the same group of scientists was assessed by a panel of independent toxicologists in a study funded by Monsanto and published in the journal Food and chemical toxicology, the reviewers reported that the study was statistically flawed and providing no evidence of adverse effects. Gene transfer As of January 2009 there has only been one human feeding study conducted on the effects of genetically modified foods. The study involved seven human volunteers who had previously had their large intestines removed. These volunteers were to eat GM soy to see if the DNA of the GM soy transferred to the bacteria that naturally lives in the human gut. Researchers identified that three of the seven volunteers had transgenes from GM soy transferred into the bacteria living in their gut, though none of the gene transfers occurred during the course of the study. In volunteers with complete digestive tracts, the transgene did not survive passage through intact gastrointestinal tract. Anti-GM advocates believe the study should prompt additional testing to determine its significance. A study on the possible effects of feeding genetically modified feeds to animals found that there was no significant differences in the safety and nutritional value of feedstuffs containing material derived from genetically modified plants. Specifically, the study noted that no residues of recombinant DNA or novel proteins have been found in any organ or tissue samples obtained from animals fed with GMP plants. Allergies In the mid 1990s Pioneer Hi-Bred tested the allergenicity of a transgenic soybean that expressed a Brazil nut seed storage protein in hope that the seeds would have increased levels of the amino acid methionine. The tests (radioallergosorbent testing, immunoblotting, and skin-prick testing) showed that individuals allergic to Brazil nuts were also allergic to the new GM soybean. Pioneer has indicated that it will not develop commercial cultivars containing Brazil nut protein because the protein is likely to be an allergen. See also Plant breeding Transgenic plant International trade of genetically modified foods References ^ Kang JX et al. (2007). Why the omega-3 should go to market. Nature Biotechnology 25 (5): 505506. doi:10.1038/nbt0507-505. http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v25/n5/full/nbt0507-505.html. Retrieved 2009-03-29. ^ Fiester, A. (2006). Why the omega-3 piggy should not go to market. Nature Biotechnology 24: 14721473. doi:10.1038/nbt1206-1472. http://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1053&context=bioethics_papers. Retrieved 2009-03-29. ^ Lai L et al. (2006). Generation of cloned transgenic pigs rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Nature Biotechnology 24 (4): 435436. doi:10.1038/nbt1198. http://pmbcii.psy.cmu.edu/evans/2006_Lia.pdf. Retrieved 2009-03-29. ^ Guelph Transgenic Pig Research Program: EnviropigTM an environmentally friendly breed of pigs that utilizes plant phosphorus efficiently. November 04, 2005. ^ a b NRC. (2004). Safety of Genetically Engineered Foods: Approaches to Assessing Unintended Health Effects. National Academies Press. Free full text. ^ a b Martineau, Belinda (2001). First Fruit: The Creation of the Flavr Savr Tomato and the Birth of Biotech Foods. McGraw-Hill. pp.269. ISBN 978-0071360562. ^ FDA Consumer Letter (September 1994): First Biotech Tomato Marketed ^ GEO-PIE Project Cornell University ^ Shaista Naqvi, et al. Transgenic multivitamin corn through biofortification of endosperm with three vitamins representing three distinct metabolic pathways PNAS April 27, 2009. ^ [http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/NPH-1.pdf Richard M. Manshardt H Rainbow Papaya: A High-Quality Hybrid with Genetically Engineered Disease Resistance. Cooperative Extension Service/CTAHR, University of Hawaii at Manoa.] ^ [http://www.foodsafety.gov/~lrd/biotechn.html U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Biotechnology of Food. FDA Backgrounder: May 18, 1994.] ^ Amflora A star(ch) is born: Amylose and Amylopectin two sides to one potato. ^ Rapeseed (canola) has been genetically engineered to modify its oil content with a gene encoding a 12:0 thioesterase (TE) enzyme from the California bay plant (Umbellularia californica) to increase medium length fatty acids, see: ^ GE Enzymes and Microorganisms ^ Need a more specific citation for this data than the ISAAA homepage. ^ Economic Impact of Genetically Modified Cotton in India ^ Comparing the Performance of Official and Unofficial Genetically Modified Cotton in India ^ Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms ^ Genetic Engineering: The Future of Foods? ^ Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops in the U.S. USDA ERS July 14, 2006 ^ Press Releases 2008 ^ Organic Farming can Feed The World! ^ Trade barriers seen in EU label for bio-engineered ingredients. (Regulatory and Policy Trends). Business and the Environment 13.11 (Nov 2002): p14(1). ^ a b northwestern.edu Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property Paper on: Consumer Protection Consumer Strategies and the European Market in Genetically Modified Foods Quote: The recent Trans Atlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD) Statement on the WTO decision makes this clear: clearly consumers preference for non-GM food is the true engine of the market collapse for American crops. and For instance, Evenson notes that the politicization of GMOs is not merely a question of labeling as information, but unlabeled GM products as catalysts in the globalization backlash. ^ a b CBC Identifying genetically modified products. Quote: Yet as seen in this report from CBCs Marketplace, no such labeling law exists in Canada despite numerous surveys indicating up to 90 per cent of Canadians want mandatory labeling of GM food. Canadas leading national consumer group does not support mandatory labeling. It appeared to reverse its stance on December 3, 2003: http://www.consumer.ca/1626 ^ ^ Raney, Terri, and Prahbu Pingali. Sowing A Gene Revolution. Scientific American September 2007. 11 September 2008 . ^ Lappe FM, Collins J, Rosset P, and Esparza LFrances Moore Lapp; Joseph Collins; Peter Rosset. With Luis Esparza. (1998). World Hunger: Twelve Myths. Grove Press. pp.224. ISBN 978-0802135919. ^ Boucher Dedited by Douglas H. Boucher. (1999). The Paradox of Plenty: Hunger in a Bountiful World. Food First. pp.342. ISBN 978-0935028713. ^ Valley, Paul. Strange fruit: Could genetically modified foods offer a solution to the worlds food crisis? The Independent, 18 April 2009. ^ http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/can-biotech-food-cure-world-hunger/#paul Put Aside Prejudices ^ http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/can-biotech-food-cure-world-hunger/#vandana The Failure of Gene Altered Crops] ^ http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/can-biotech-food-cure-world-hunger/#per A green Revolution Done Right ^ http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/BiotechCrops/ US Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops in the U.S. July 2, 2008 ^ Economic Impact of Transgenic Crops in Developing Countries ^ Zambia Allows Its People To Eat ^ The Peninsula On-line: Qatars leading English Daily ^ World Environment News Planet Ark ^ Venezuela: Chavez Dumps Monsanto Social and Economic Policy Global Policy Forum ^ Home ^ Agriculture Department Probes Rice Flap: NPR ^ India says no to first GM food crop, Agence France-Presse (AFP) (New Delhi), 9 February 2010, http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hx8gKVOxrM8-7Pkj6nWSsPwbXBIw ^ United States General Accounting Office, Report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Risk Management, Research, and Specialty Crops, Committee on Agriculture, House of Representatives. Information on Prices of Genetically Modified Seeds in the United States and Argentina. January 2000 ^ a b Munzer, Stephen R. (2006). Plants, Torts, and Intellectual Property. Oxford University Press. pp. 130. ^ a b Federal court of Canada. Monsanto Canada Inc. v. Schmeiser Date: 20010329 Docket: T-1593-98 Retrieved 26 March 2006. ^ Schubert, Robert: Schmeiser Wants to Take It to The Supreme Court, CropChoice News, September 9, 2002 ^ Kumar, G. B. Sunil; T. R. Ganapathi, C. J. Revathi, L. Srinivas and V. A. Bapat (October 2005). Expression of hepatitis B surface antigen in transgenic banana plants. Planta 222: 484493. doi:10.1007/s00425-005-1556-y. http://www.springerlink.com/content/j28573pu42212114/. ^ van Beilen, Jan B.; Yves Poirier (May 2008). Harnessing plant biomass for biofuels and biomaterials:Production of renewable polymers from crop plants. The Plant Journal 54 (4): 684701. doi:10.1111/j.1365-313X.2008.03431.x. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2008.03431.x. ^ Proteomic profiling and unintended effects in genetically modified crops, Sirpa O. Krenlampi and Satu J. Lehesranta 2006 ^ Hierarchical metabolomics demonstrates substantial compositional similarity between genetically modified and conventional potato crops, G S Catchpole and others PNAS October 4, 2005 vol. 102 no. 40 14458-14462 ^ http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d02566.pdf US GAO. Genetically Modified Foods: Experts View Regimen of Safety Tests as Adequate, but FDAs Evaluation Process Could Be Enhanced. GAO-02-566 Genetically Modified Foods, ^ Key S, Ma JK, Drake PM (June 2008). Genetically modified plants and human health. J R Soc Med 101 (6): 2908. doi:10.1258/jrsm.2008.070372. PMID 18515776. http://jrsm.rsmjournals.com/cgi/content/full/101/6/290. ^ Peer Reviewed Publications on the Safety of GM Foods. AgBioWorld. ^ Organic Consumers Association ^ True Food Now! ^ James Randerson interviews biologist Arpad Pusztai | Education | The Guardian ^ Ewen SW, Pusztai A (October 1999). Effect of diets containing genetically modified potatoes expressing Galanthus nivalis lectin on rat small intestine. Lancet 354 (9187): 13534. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(98)05860-7. PMID 10533866. ^ Martin Enserink The Lancet Scolded Over Pusztai Paper Science 22 October 1999: Vol. 286. no. 5440, p. 656 DOI 10.1126/science.286.5440.656a ^ Hammond B, Lemen J, Dudek R, et al. (February 2006). Results of a 90-day safety assurance study with rats fed grain from corn rootworm-protected corn. Food Chem. Toxicol. 44 (2): 14760. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2005.06.008. PMID 16084637. ^ Hammond B, Dudek R, Lemen J, Nemeth M (June 2004). Results of a 13 week safety assurance study with rats fed grain from glyphosate tolerant corn. Food Chem. Toxicol. 42 (6): 100314. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2004.02.013. PMID 15110110. ^ Hammond BG, Dudek R, Lemen JK, Nemeth MA (July 2006). Results of a 90-day safety assurance study with rats fed grain from corn borer-protected corn. Food Chem. Toxicol. 44 (7): 10929. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2006.01.003. PMID 16487643. ^ Spiroux de Vendmois, et al, A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health Int J Biol Sci 2009; 5:706-726 Ivyspring International Publisher ^ Doull J, Gaylor D, Greim HA, Lovell DP, Lynch B, Munro IC (November 2007). Report of an Expert Panel on the reanalysis by of a 90-day study conducted by Monsanto in support of the safety of a genetically modified corn variety (MON 863). Food Chem. Toxicol. 45 (11): 207385. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2007.08.033. PMID 17900781. http://150.161.28.147/homepage/professores/ppa/biolmol/stacking/Doull_et_al-2007.pdf. ^ Netherwood et al., Assessing the survival of transgenic planic plant DNA in the human gastrointestinal tract, Nature Biotechnology 22 (2004):2. ^ Smith, Jeffrey. Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods, p.130, 2007 ^ http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all?content=10.1080/17450390512331342368 Animal nutrition with feeds from genetically modified plants Prof. Dr Gerhard Flachowsky; Andrew Chesson; Karen Aulrich ^ Julie A. Nordlee, Identification of Brazil-Nut Allergen in Transgenic Soybeans, New England Journal of Medicine, 334 (1996):688-692. ^ Streit, L.G., L.R. Beach, J.C. Register, III, R. Jung, and W.R. Fehr. 2001. Association of the Brazil nut protein gene and Kunitz trypsin inhibitor alleles with soybean protease inhibitor activity and agronomic traits. Crop Sci. 41:17571760. External links Cons and Pros of GM food. http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/gmfood.shtml Wikibooks has a book on the topic of Genes, Technology and Policy Resolution To Label GMO Food Resolution to secure mandatory labeling of GMO food. Website Citizens To Label GMO Food Information on GMO food labeling. FAO Agriculture Department and its SOFA report on Agricultural Biotechnology addressing GM food safety GMO Compass Information on the use of genetic engineering in the agri-food industry. Authorization database with all GM plants in the EU. GMO Safety Information about research projects on the biological safety of genetically modified plants. Approved GM crop database New Scientist article on GMO foods The FDA List of Completed Consultations on Bioengineered Foods Coextra research project on coexistence and tracebility of GM and non-GM supply chains STEPS Centre Biotechnology Research Archive Controlling Our Food a documentary film by Marie-Monique Robin Suggested Reading Mark Pollack & Gregory Shaffer, When Cooperation Fails: The International Law and Politics of Genetically Modified Foods (Oxford University Press 2009). Mendel in the Kitchen, by Nina Fedoroff and Nancy Marie Brown The environmental food crisis A study done by the UN on feeding the world population (2009) Tomorrows Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food, Ronald and Adamchak (2008) ISBN 978-0195301755 Biotechnology, Agriculture, and Food Security in Southern Africa Edited by Steven Were Omamo and Klaus von Grebmer (2005) (Brief and Book available) Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods by Jeffrey M. Smith. Beth H. Harrison (2007) Shedding Light on Genetically Engineered Food: What You Dont Know About the Food Youre Eating and What You Can Do to Protect Yourself World Hunger by Brian Kenneth Swain is a new fiction book concerning the topic of genetically-modified food and some potential consequences on society. ISBN 978-0595686254 McHughen, A. Pandoras Picnic Basket: The Potential and Hazards of Genetically Modified Foods, Oxford University Press, 2000 Tokar, B.(ed.) Redesigning Life? Zed Books, 2001. Let Them Eat Precaution. How Politics Is Undermining the Genetic Revolution in Agriculture. By Byrne, J., Conko, G., Entine, J., Gilland, T., Hoban, T. H., Moore, P., Natsios, A. S, Newell-McGloughlin, M., Paarlberg, R. L., Prakash, C. S., Tucker Foreman, C., Edited by Jon Entine AEI Press (Washington) 2006. Facets of the GM crop debate not covered by antagonists to the technology. Genetics by Nina V. Fedoroff and Nancy Marie Brown Helena Norberg-Hodge, The Pressure to Modernize and Globalize, in The Case Against the Global Economy and for a Turn Toward the Local 45 (J. Mander & E. Goldsmith eds., 1996) Ellen Ruppel Shell, New World Syndrome, ATLANTIC MONTHLY, June 2001 Vandana Shiva, A World View of Abundance, ORION, Summer 2000 Eric Schlosser, Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All American Meal (2001) Michael Pollan, The Futures of Food: The Industry Has Found a Way to Co-opt the Threat from Organics and low Food. Remember the Meal in a Pill?, NY TIMES MAG., Sun., May 4, 2003, at sec. 6, p.63 Matt Lee and Ted Lee, The Next Big Flavor: Searching For the Taste of Tomorrow, id. at 66 Amanda Hesser, Vintage Cuts, id. at 72 Danylo Hawaleshka with Brian Bethune and Sue Ferguson, Tainted Food, (Kraft to develop nanoparticles that can change food color, flavor, and nutrient value to suit a person health or palate) Gary Ruskin, The Fast Food Trap: How Commercialism Creates Overweight Children, Mothering Mazagine, Nov./December 2003 Kate Zernike, Is Obesity the Responsibility of the Body Politic?, NY TIMES, Sun., November 9, 2003, at sec. 4, p.3 Carl Hulse, Vote in House Bars Some Suits Citing Obesity, NY TIMES, Thurs., March 11, 2004, at sec. A., p.1 Garcia, Deborah Koons (Director). 2004. The Future of Food. film. vde Consumer Food Safety Adulterants/Food contaminants Formaldehyde Melamine 3-MCPD Cyanide Lead poisoning Mercury in fish Sudan red dye Aldicarb Toxins/Poisons Mycotoxins Shellfish poisoning Arsenic contamination of groundwater Aflatoxin Benzene in soft drinks Bisphenol A Microorganisms Campylobacter jejuni Escherichia coli O157:H7 Salmonella Listeria Botulism Clostridium perfringens Hepatitis A Hepatitis E Rotavirus Norovirus Pesticides Overuse/Residues Lindane DDT, Malathion, Chlorpyrifos, Methamidophos Preservatives Benzoic acid sodium benzoate EDTA Sweeteners Cyclamate Aspartame controversy Saccharin Sucralose acesulfame potassium high fructose corn syrup sorbitol Food Scares ICA meat repackaging controversy Bradford sweets poisoning Minamata disease Chilean grape scare 2005 Indonesia food scare 2008 Chinese milk scandal 2007 Vietnam food scare 2008 Canadian listeriosis outbreak 2008 United States salmonellosis outbreak 2006 North American E. coli outbreak Irish pork crisis of 2008 Toxic oil syndrome List of foodborne illness outbreaks List of food contamination incidents Regulatory/Watchdog International Food Safety Network Food and Drug Administration E number Acceptable daily intake Food Standards Agency Quality Assurance International Food Safety Act 1990 Pure Food and Drug Act European Food Safety Authority List of food safety organisations Food law Early history of food regulation in the United States Food labeling regulations Food Processing Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon Food irradiation Nitrosamines Trans fat Acrylamide Shortening Hydrolyzed vegetable protein Modified starch 4-Hydroxynonenal Heterocyclic amines Creutzfeldtakob disease Misc Foodborne illness Food Preservation Food safety in the Peoples Republic of China Curing (food preservation) Food quality Food marketing Genetically modified food Food safety (science) Food politics Categories: Food industry | Genetically modified organisms in agriculture | Genetic engineering | Environmental issuesHidden categories: All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from January 2010 | Articles with unsourced statements from April 2009 Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This! Johnny Carson Early reason up as good as career Born in Corning, Iowa, Carson grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska. He left college after a singular year to stick upon a United States Navy, being consecrated an ensign. He assimilated a U.S. Navy upon Jun 8, 1943, as an neophyte seaman enrolled in a V-5 program, that lerned Navy as good as Marine pilots. He hoped to sight as a pilot, yet was sent instead to Columbia University for midshipman training. He achieved sorcery for classmates upon a side. Commissioned an token of office late in a war, Carson was reserved to a USS Pennsylvania, a battleship upon hire in a Pacific. He was en track to a fight territory aboard a troopship when a bombing of Hiroshima as good as Nagasaki brought a fight to a close. The Pennsylvania was torpedoed upon Aug 12, 1945 as good as Carson reported for avocation upon Aug 14 a last day of a war. Although he arrived as good late for combat, he got a firsthand preparation in a consequences of war. The shop-worn warship sailed to Guam for repairs, as good as as a newest as good as many girl officer, Carson was reserved to manipulate a dismissal of twenty passed sailors. He after served as a communications troops troops military troops officer in assign of decoding encrypted messages. He recalls that a tall indicate of his troops career was behaving a sorcery pretence for Secretary of a Navy James Forrestal. He began his behaving career in 1950 during WOW air wave as good as air wave in Omaha, Nebraska. He appeared upon air wave with Ken Case, an Omaha internal who was after a headlines anchor as good as sportscaster in Monroe, Louisiana. Carson shortly hosted a sunrise air wave module called The Squirrels Nest. One of his routines endangered interviewing pigeons upon a roof tiles of a internal Court House that would allegedly inform upon a domestic crime they had seen. Carson supplemented his income by apportionment as master of ceremonies during internal church dinners, attended by a little of a same politicians as good as county leaders that he had lampooned upon a radio. The mother of a singular of a domestic total owned batch in a air wave hire in Los Angeles as good as referred Carson to her brother, who was successful in a rising air wave marketplace in Southern California. Carson went to work during CBS-owned Los Angeles air wave hire KNXT. He would after fun that he due his success to a birds of Omaha. In 1953, comic Red Skelton a air blower of Carsons blueprint humerous entertainment uncover Carsons Cellar, that appeared from 1951 to 1953 upon KNXT asked Carson to stick upon his uncover as a writer. Skelton once incidentally knocked himself comatose an hour prior to to his uncover went upon a air live. Carson filled in for him. Carson hosted multiform shows prior to to The Tonight Show, together with a diversion uncover Earn Your Vacation (1954), as good as a accumulation uncover The Johnny Carson Show (1955-1956). He was a unchanging panelist upon a bizarre To Tell a Truth until 1962, as good as hosted a diversion uncover Who Do You Trust? (1957-1962), where he met his destiny sidekick Ed McMahon. In 1960, Carson was deliberate to fool around TV bard Rob Petrie in a sitcom by Carl Reiner called Head of a Family. Reiner starred in a pilot, yet it was motionless that someone else should fool around a role. However, upon a idea of bard Sheldon Leonard, Dick Van Dyke was since a part, as good as a array was retitled The Dick Van Dyke Show. He was additionally a guest star in dual episodes of Get Smart! The Tonight Show This territory competence be as good prolonged to review as good as navigate comfortably. Please cruise relocating some-more of a calm in to sub-articles as good as regulating this essay for a outline of a pass points of a subject. (January 2010) Carson became horde of NBCs The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in Oct 1962, after Jack Paar left a prior to March. His announcer as good as sidekick was Ed McMahon around a program. His opening line, Heeeeres Johnny became a hallmark. Most of a after shows began with strain as good as a proclamation Heeeeeeres Johnny!, followed by a short digression by Carson. This was mostly followed by humerous entertainment sketches, interviews, as good as music. Carsons heading was a haunt golf pitch during a finish of his monologues, destined theatre left where a Tonight Show Band was. Guest hosts infrequently parodied that gesture. Bob Newhart rolled an hypothetical bowling round toward a audience. Paul Anka wrote a thesis strain (Johnnys Theme), a compliance of his Toot Sweet, since lyrics, renamed Its Really Love, as good as available by Annette Funicello in 1959. Anka gave Carson co-authorship as good as they apart a royalties for 3 decades. The uncover was creatively constructed in New York City, with occasional stints in California. It was not live in a early years, nonetheless during a 1970s, NBC fed a live taping from Burbank to New York around heavenly physique for modifying (see below). The module had been finished live upon tape (uninterrupted unless a complaint occurred) since a Jack Paar days. In May 1972 a uncover changed from New York to Burbank, California. Carson mostly joked about beautiful downtown Burbank as good as referred to beautiful downtown Bakersfield, that stirred Mayor Mary K. Shell to reprimand Carson as good as entice him to her city to see improvements finished during a early 1980s.[citation needed] After Jul 1971, Carson stopped we do shows 5 days a week. Instead, upon Monday nights there was a guest host, withdrawal Carson to do a alternative 4 any week. Shows were taped in Burbank during 5:30pm (8:30 pm Eastern time) to be shown that dusk during 11:30pm Eastern time. On Sep 8, 1980, during Carsons request, a uncover cut a 90-minute format to 60 minutes; Tom Snyders Tomorrow combined a half hour to fill a empty time. Joan Rivers became a permanent guest horde from Sep 1983 until 1986, when she was discharged for usurpation a competing uncover upon Fox yet consulting Carson. The Tonight Show returned to regulating guest hosts, together with comic George Carlin. Jay Leno afterwards became a disdainful guest horde in tumble 1987. Leno staid that nonetheless alternative guest hosts upped their fees, he kept his low, assuring himself a show. Eventually, Monday night was for Leno, Tuesday for a Best of Carson, rebroadcasts customarily of a year progressing yet spasmodic from a 1970s. Carson had a bent for discerning quips to understanding with problems. If a opening digression fared poorly, a rope would begin personification Tea for Two as good as Carson danced, to laughs from a college of song audience. Alternately, Carson competence lift a bang mike tighten to his face as good as have good known Attention K-Mart shoppers! Carsons uncover was a launch for many performers, quite comedians. Many got their mangle upon a show, as good as it was an feat to get Carson to giggle as good as be called to a guest chair. Carson was inheritor to The Ed Sullivan Show as a showcase for all kinds of talent, as good as stability a vaudeville-style accumulation show. In 1973, Carson had a run-in with penetrating Uri Geller. Carson, a magician, longed for a neutral proof of Gellers abilities, so, during a recommendation of his crony as good as associate wizard James Randi, he gave Geller spoons as good as asked him to hook them with his penetrating powers. Geller valid unable, as good as his entrance upon The Tonight Show has been regarded as Gellers tumble from glory. Carson successfully sued a manufacturer of unstable toilets who longed for to call a product Heres Johnny. On Dec 13, 1976, stand up comic Don Rickles was a guest when stand up comic Bob Newhart guest-hosted. While poking fun during Newhart as good as improvising an immigration bit, Rickles hammered an hypothetical passport, slamming a cigarette box Carson kept upon his table as good as violation it. When Carson returned a subsequent night as good as detected this, he took a camera organisation to a college of song subsequent doorway where CPO Sharkey, a sitcom starring Rickles, was being taped. Carson barged in to a studio, shouting, RICKLES! He disrupted a taping, berating a broke Rickles with a fusillade of insults, in fabrication of Rickless act. Carson additionally teased CPO Sharkeys African-American actress Harrison Page by vocalization to him in an farfetched southern dialect. The complete situation appeared to be spontaneous, yet humerous entertainment bard Mark Evanier published an opinion: Carsons uncover was taped in Studio 1 during NBC Burbank. The Rickles sitcom was in Studio 3, where Leno right away tapes While Johnny did his many suitable to have it all demeanour extemporaneous as good as unarranged, it had to have been delicately planned. Rickles substantially was not in upon it as good as competence have been honestly surprised, yet Johnnys producers as good as senior manager contingency have been rebuilt for what transpired, as good as a producers of CPO Sharkey roughly positively knew. At a impulse Johnny entered, Don customarily happened to be sharpened upon a set closest to that door. The advise wouldnt have worked as good if theyd been upon a singular of a alternative sets. It wouldnt have worked during all if theyd been in in between scenes or taping a apportionment of a uncover that Rickles wasnt in. An oft-repeated story since discharged as an urban legend endangered a guest entrance by Zsa Zsa Gabor carrying a white Persian cat. Gabor is pronounced to have asked Johnny if he would identical to to pet my pussy? During a 1989 appearance, Jane Fonda remarkable that her son had steady a claim, as good as my son pronounced that we said, uh, Id adore to, if youd mislay that darned cat! Is it true? Carson denied a part on-air saying, No, we consider we would stop that He as good as Gabor both responded to researchers observant a eventuality never happened. Despite drawn out insistence by people who explain to have seen a episode, no audio or video has ever been produced. However, a bit of adult amusement was not over Carson. During an speak with Dolly Parton, in anxiety to her vast bust, she said, People have been regularly asking if theyre genuine and Ill discuss it we what, these have been mine. Carson replied, I have sure discipline upon this show. But we would give about a years compensate to look underneath there. Unlike a purported Gabor exchange, videotape of a Parton speak survives as good as has been rebroadcast multiform times during Tonight Show retrospectives. In a 1980 Rolling Stone article, Carson caused utterly a open recoil when he called a Brian Wilson-penned (Beach Boys) strain Johnny Carson from 1977s Love You manuscript not a work of art. Wilson wrote a strain reverence citing a actuality no such strain had existed before about a king of late night. Carson finished multiform slight jokes during a responsibility of alternative celebrities, identical to Wayne Newton (after Newton had achieved upon Carsons uncover multiform times). Newton claimed in his 1991 autobiography, in between alternative times together with a 1989 speak with Phil Donahue, that a resources led to a fight in Carsons sauce room where Newton in jeopardy a earthy rumpus if Carson didnt stop a fusillade of jokes with homosexual connotations. In a Nov 29, 2007 speak upon Larry King Live, Wayne Newton said, Im starting to contend something Ive never pronounced upon television, Mr. King. Johnny Carson was a mean-spirited tellurian being. And there have been people that he has harm that people will never know about. And for a little reason during a little point, he motionless to spin that kind of disastrous courtesy toward me. And we refused to have it. Another important argument came upon a heels of an entrance by iconic bard Truman Capote in 1966. The petite bard was already inextricable in a open argument with associate bard Jacqueline Susann when he told Johnny as good as millions of viewers that Susann looked like a lorry motorist in drag. The acknowledgement was not censored from a broadcast, as good as finished headlines a subsequent day. Capote subsequently released a open apology to lorry drivers. Carson reportedly loathed what he felt was unfaithfulness in between friends. The stand up comic was dissatisfied when former Tonight Show guest hosts John Davidson as good as Joan Rivers got their own speak shows. Rivers FOX uncover but delay competed with Carson during a 1986-1987 season, yet died a discerning death. On Jun 24, 2009 following Ed McMahons death, Rivers lauded McMahon upon Larry King Live yet staid that Carson never again spoke to me, up to his death. Another guest host, Jay Leno, was treated with colour coolly for being viewed as ushering Carson in to retirement. Lenos representative lighted a afterwards fake gossip in Hollywood circles that Carsons early early early early retirement was pending, as good as Leno was successor to a Tonight Show. Carson vowed not to lapse to a uncover whilst Leno headed it, as good as in truth would have his last TV entrance about a year after his early early early early retirement upon a competing Late Show with David Letterman. Some of Carsons cooperative barbs were destined during his friends. Ronald Reagans hair as good as Frank Sinatras rage as good as horde connectors were visit topics. Carson humorously chided Nancy Reagan for descending down as good as breaking her hair. Comic characters Carson as a impression Carnac a Magnificent Carson played multiform stability characters upon sketches during a show, including Art Fern, a Tea Time Movie announcer (always offering bizarre or trashy merchandise). The impression was formed upon late-show TV hosts who would broach commercials around a movie. Carson creatively played a fast-talking vendor in his own voice (as Honest Bernie Schlock or Ralph Willie), as good as eventually staid upon a nasal, high-pitched, smarmy worker suggestive of Jackie Gleasons Reginald Van Gleason III character. The character, right away henceforth good known as Art Fern, wore a intemperate toupee, shrill jackets, as good as a pencil mustache. Actress Carol Wayne became important for her 100-plus appearances (1971-1982) as Arts chubby assistant, a Matine Lady. While Art gave his spiel, she would come in a theatre during a during a behind of of him. Art would conflict to her tasteful body, wincing loudly, Ho leeeee!. After Carol Waynes genocide in 1985, Carson kept Art Fern off a air for many of a subsequent year, as good as eventually hired Danuta Wesley as good as afterwards Teresa Ganzel to fool around a Matine Lady. Carson additionally used these sketches to poke fun during a perplexing Los Angeles widespread system, regulating a pointer as good as map to give treacherous directions to shoppers (often together with points where he would reveal a label map to indicate out, around a suitable picture, when a shopper would arrive during the flare in a road. Another turnpike slight in a same thesis centered around a rather singly declared Slauson Cutoff. Art Fern would suggest drivers to take a little highway until they reached a Slauson Cutoff, as good as afterwards Cut Off Your Slauson!, mostly accompanied by a assembly to peals of laughter, led by McMahon). Carnac a Magnificent, a turbaned penetrating who could answer questions prior to to observant them. (This same slight had been finished by Carsons predecessor, Steve Allen, as The Question Man.) Carnac had a heading opening in that he regularly incited a wrong citation when entrance onto theatre as good as afterwards tripped upon a step up to Carsons desk. (In a singular episode, technicians fraudulent Carsons table to tumble detached when Carnac fell in to it.) These comedic missteps were an denote of Carnacs loyal prophetic abilities. Ed McMahon would palm Carnac a array of envelopes, containing questions. Carnac would place any pouch opposite his front as good as envision a answer, such as Gatorade. Then he would review a question: What does an alligator get upon welfare? Some of a jokes were feeble, as good as McMahon used pauses after distressing puns as good as assembly groans to have light of Carnacs miss of comic success (Carnac contingency be used to still surroundings), call Carson to lapse an next to insult. McMahon would regularly have good known circuitously a end, I reason in my palm a last envelope, during that a assembly would extol wildly, call Carnac to clarify a comedic curse upon a audience, such as May your sister run away with a camel! (In fact, Carnac a Magnificent was a theatre name Johnny used in his sorcery action as a youth.) Floyd R. Turbo American (with no postponement in in between words). A stereotypical strikebreaker wearing a plaid sport cloak as good as cap, who offering editorial responses to left-leaning causes or headlines events. Railing opposite womens rights in a workplace, for example, Turbo would shout, This raises a question: lick my Dictaphone! Aunt Blabby, a churlish as good as infrequently affectionate aged lady, constantly being interviewed by true male Ed McMahon about elder affairs. McMahon would innocently make make use of of a usual countenance identical to check out, customarily to have Aunt Blabby advise him, Dont contend check out to an aged person! Aunt Blabby was an viewable duplicate of Jonathan Winters many important creation, Maude Frickert, together with her black spinster skirt as good as wig. El Mouldo, a mentalist, who would try to perform mind-reading as good as mind-over-matter feats, all of that failed. Often his tricks would embody an try to dupe income from Ed McMahon or would finish with him vagrant for money. Carson uncensored upon satellite Even yet Carsons module was formed in Burbank, NBCs modifying as good as prolongation services for a module were located in New York, ensuing in a order that Carsons module be transmitted from Burbank to New York. Beginning in 1976, NBC used a Satcom 2 heavenly physique to do this, stuff oneself a live taping (which customarily took place in a early evening) but delay to New York, where it would be edited prior to to a normal broadcast. This live feed lasted customarily from dual to two-and-a-half hours a night, as good as was uncensored as good as commercial-free. During a blurb breaks a audio as good as design would be left on, capturing during times obscene denunciation as good as alternative events that would positively be edited out after starting out over a feed. At a same time, however, heavenly physique belligerent stations owned by in isolation people began to appear, as good as a little managed to find a live feed. Satellite plate owners began to request their sightings in technical journals, giving viewers believe of things they were not meant to see. Carson as good as his prolongation staff grew endangered about this, as good as pressured NBC in to ceasing a heavenly physique transmissions of a live taping in a early 1980s. The heavenly physique couple was transposed by x-ray landline delivery until a shows modifying comforts were eventually changed to Burbank. Business ventures Carson was a vital financier in a in conclusion unsuccessful DeLorean Motor Company. Founder John DeLorean was endangered in a drug scandal, causing Carsons guest Red Skelton to quip, The DeLorean, is that a hopped-up car? Carson was conduct of a organisation of uncover commercial operation people as good as businessmen who purchased as good as operated dual air wave stations channel 5 KVVU-TV in Henderson, Nevada, apportionment Las Vegas, right away owned by Meredith Broadcasting, as good as channel twenty-three KNAT in Albuquerque, New Mexico. KVVU had been a commencement Las Vegas eccentric hire as good as was arrange of a internal in-joke for a meagre operation as good as ragtag module lineup. Many suspicion it mocking that a heading hostess identical to Carson, along with Sal Durante, Neil Simon as good as others, would own such a station. There was speak during a time that a hire would turn a NBC affiliate, as afterwards long-time associate KORK-TV was in a routine of being transposed by KVBC-TV, yet it never happened. KNAT proposed during only a wrong time. Several brand brand new channels 2, 9, 11, 14, as good as 23 were starting up in a southwest as good as a foe for good syndicated shows was fierce. KNAT was after sole to Trinity Broadcasting. Carsons alternative commercial operation ventures enclosed a successful wardrobe line, by that his turtlenecks became a conform trend, as good as a unsuccessful grill franchise. Retirement Carson late from uncover commercial operation upon May 22, 1992, when he stepped down as horde of The Tonight Show. His farewell was a vital media event, as good as spread out over multiform nights. It was mostly romantic for Carson, his colleagues, as good as a audiences, quite a farewell make a difference he delivered upon his 4,531st as good as last Tonight Show: And so it has come to this: I, uh am a singular of a propitious people in a world; we found something we regularly longed for to do, as good as we have enjoyed any singular notation of it. we wish to appreciate a gentlemen whove common this theatre with me for thirty years, Mr. Ed McMahon Mr. Doc Severinsen and we people watching, we can customarily discuss it we that it has been an respect as good as a payoff to come in to your homes all these years as good as perform you as good as we goal when we find something that we wish to do, as good as we consider we would like, as good as come back, that youll be as friendly in mouth-watering me in to your home as we have been. we bid we a unequivocally intense good night. NBC gave a purpose of horde to a shows then-current permanent guest host, Jay Leno. Leno as good as David Letterman were shortly competing upon apart networks. Post-retirement appearances Carson, 1994 At a finish of his last Tonight Show appearance, Carson indicated that he might, if so inspired, lapse with a brand brand new project, yet instead chose to go in to full retirement, frequency giving interviews as good as disappearing to experience in NBCs 75th Anniversary celebrations. He finished a occasional cameo appearance, together with voicing himself upon a 1993 part of The Simpsons (Krusty Gets Kancelled), telephoning David Letterman upon a Nov 1993 part of Late Show with David Letterman, as good as looming in a 1993 NBC Special Bob Hope: The First 90 Years. On May 13, 1994, Carson appeared upon The Late Show with David Letterman. During a week of shows from Los Angeles, Letterman was carrying Larry Bud Melman (Calvert DeForest) broach his Top Ten Lists underneath a guise that a important celebrity would be delivering a list instead. On a last uncover of a week, Letterman indicated that Carson would be delivering a list. Instead, DeForest delivered a list, angry a assembly (in gripping with a gag), as good as walked off to respectful applause. Letterman afterwards indicated that a label he was since did not have a correct list upon it as good as asked that a real list be brought out. On that cue, a genuine Johnny Carson emerged from during a during a behind of of a screen (as Lettermans rope played Johnnys Theme), an entrance that stirred a station acclaim from a audience. Carson afterwards requested to lay during a during a behind of of Lettermans desk; Letterman obliged, as a assembly a single after an additional to hearten as good as applaud. After a little moments, Carson over from a uncover yet carrying oral to a audience. He after cited strident laryngitis as a reason for his silence. This night incited out to be Carsons last air wave appearance. Letterman Just days prior to to Carsons death, it was suggested that a late King of Late Night spasmodic sent jokes to Letterman. Letterman would afterwards make make use of of these jokes in a digression of his show, that Carson got a large flog out of according to Worldwide Pants, Inc., Senior Vice-President Peter Lassally, who before constructed both mens programs; he additionally claimed that Carson had regularly believed Letterman, not Leno, to be his rightful successor. Letterman mostly employs a little of Carsons heading pieces upon his show, together with Carnac (with rope celebrity Paul Shaffer as Carnac), Stump a Band, as good as a Week in Review. Personal life Carson was innate in Corning, Iowa, to Homer Kit Lloyd Carson, a energy association manager, as good as Ruth Hook Carson. He grew up in southwest Iowa until a age of 8, when a family changed to Norfolk, Nebraska. There he schooled to perform sorcery tricks, debuting as The Great Carsoni during 14. He attended Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, where he perceived V-12 troops troops military troops officer training, as good as afterwards served in a Navy from 1943-1946. He served in USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) in a last days of a war. Carson afterwards attended a University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he assimilated Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, graduating with a bachelor of humanities grade in air wave as good as debate with a teenager in production in 1949. Despite his on-camera demeanor, Carson was famously bashful off-camera. In fact, he was referred to as the many in isolation open male who ever lived. Marriages Carson tied together his college swain Joan Jody Wolcott upon Oct 1, 1949. The matrimony was volatile, with infidelities by both parties, eventually finale in divorce. They had 3 sons. Their son Richard died in a automobile collision upon Jun 21, 1991. In 1963, Carson got a quickie Mexican divorce from Joan as good as tied together Joanne Copeland upon Aug 17, 1963. After a prolonged divorce in 1972, Copeland perceived scarcely half a million dollars in money as good as art as good as US$100,000 a year in subsistence for life. Joanne Copeland not prolonged ago detected 39 episodes of a entrance deteriorate of The Johnny Carson Show that were creatively radio programme in 1955 as good as 1956. She afterwards finished an agreement with Shout! Factory to furnish as good as discharge comparison programs upon DVD. The two-disk DVD set contains Johnnys top 10 episodes. Johnnys initial mother Joan as good as a couples 3 sons crop up in a initial part upon a DVD. At a Carson Tonight Shows 10th anniversary celebration upon Sep 30, 1972, Carson voiced that he as good as former indication Joanna Holland had been personally tied together that afternoon, intolerable his friends as good as associates. Carson kidded that he had tied together 3 likewise declared women to equivocate having to shift a monogram upon a towels. A identical fun was finished by Bob Newhart during Carsons fry by Dean Martin. On Mar 8, 1983, Holland filed for divorce. Under Californias village skill laws, she was entitled to 50 percent of all a resources amassed during a marriage, even yet Carson warranted probably 100 percent of a couples income. (Since, underneath a village skill supplies of California law, any celebration legally earns half for themselves as good as half for their spouse.) During this period, he joked upon The Tonight Show, My producer, Freddy de Cordova, unequivocally gave me something we indispensable for Christmas. He gave me a present obligation to a Law Offices of Jacoby & Meyers. The divorce box eventually finished in 1985 with an 80-page settlement, Holland reception $20 million in money as good as property. Carson tied together Alexandra Mass upon Jun 20, 1987; Johnny was 61, Alexis 35. Children Carsons son from his initial marriage, Richard, died upon Jun 21, 1991, when his automobile plunged down a high dike along a paved use highway off Highway 1 circuitously Cayucos, a tiny locale north of San Luis Obispo. Apparently, Richard had been receiving photographs when a collision occurred. Carson was deeply jarred by his sons death. On his initial uncover after Rickys death, he gave a stirring reverence in a last mins of his uncover as samples of his sons detailed work (and images of Ricky, himself) were displayed with a strain outcome of Riviera Paradise by sadness guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. In addition, a last image as good as a little More To Come bumpers of Carsons last uncover in May 1992 featured a print Richard had taken. Donations In 1981, Carson combined a John W. Carson Foundation, dedicated to ancillary children, preparation as good as seizure services. The Foundation continues to await free causes. In Nov 2004, Carson voiced a $5.3 million present to a University of Nebraska Foundation to await a Hixson-Lied College of Fine as good as Performing Arts Department of Theatre Arts, that combined a Johnny Carson School of Theatre as good as Film. Another $5 million concession was voiced by a estate of Carson to a University of Nebraska following his death. Carson additionally donated to causes in his hometown of Norfolk, together with a Carson Cancer Center during Faith Regional Health Services, a Elkhorn Valley Museum, as good as a Johnny Carson Theater during Norfolk Senior High School. Other events Carson was cited in a 1982 drunk-driving situation whilst pushing a DeLorean DMC-12 sports automobile in Beverly Hills. Represented by Robert Shapiro, he pleaded no competition to a charges, as good as played off a situation by carrying a uniformed troops troops troops military troops officer chaperon him upon to a Tonight Show stage. Carson, an pledge astronomer, was tighten friends with astronomer Carl Sagan, who mostly appeared upon The Tonight Show. The singular approach Sagan had of observant sure words, identical to billions of galaxies, would lead to Carson tantalizing his friend, imitating his voice as good as observant BILL-ions as good as BILL-ions, a word shortly erroneously attributed to Sagan himself. According to Sagans biographer, Keay Davidson, Carson was a initial chairman to hit Sagans mother with condolences when a scientist died in 1996. He owned multiform telescopes, together with a Questar, deliberate during a time an costly as good as top-of-the line telescope. Also a gifted pledge drummer, Carson was shown upon a shred of 60 Minutes putting in use during home upon a drum set since to him by tighten crony jazz fable Buddy Rich who was a jazz musician with a many visit appearances upon The Tonight Show. Writer Gore Vidal, an additional visit Tonight Show guest as good as personal friend, writes about Carsons celebrity in his 2006 memoirs. Death as good as tributes Johnny Carsons Star upon a Hollywood Walk of Fame On Mar 19, 1999, Carson, afterwards 73, suffered a serious heart conflict during his home in Malibu, California. Carson was sleeping when he unexpected awoke with serious chest pains. He was rushed to a sanatorium in circuitously Santa Monica where he underwent quadruple-bypass surgery. At 6:50 AM PST upon Jan 23, 2005, Carson died during Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, of respiratory detain outset from emphysema. He was 79 years old. Carson had suggested his seizure to a open in Sep 2002. Following Carsons genocide his physique was cremated, as good as a remains were since to his wife. In suitability with his familys wishes, no open commemorative use was held. There were large tributes paid to Carson upon his death, together with a make a difference by afterwards President George W. Bush, all noticing a low as good as fast love hold for him. Tributes published after his genocide reliable that he had been a chain-smoker. While The Tonight Show was promote live, he would mostly fume cigarettes upon a air; it was reported that Carson had pronounced these things have been murdering me as distant during a behind of as a 1970s. On Jan 24, 2005, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno paid reverence to Carson with guest Ed McMahon, Bob Newhart, Don Rickles, Drew Carey as good as K.D. Lang. Letterman followed fit upon Jan 31 with former Tonight Show senior manager bard Peter Lassally as good as bandleader Doc Severinsen. During a commencement of this show, Letterman pronounced that for thirty years no make a difference what was starting upon in a world, no make a difference either people had a good or bad day, they longed for to finish a day by being tucked in by Johnny. Letterman additionally told his viewers that a digression he had customarily since had consisted wholly of jokes sent to him by Carson in a last couple of months of his life. Doc Severinsen finished a Letterman uncover that night by personification a singular of Carsons dual a one preferred songs, Heres That Rainy Day (the alternative was Ill Be Seeing You). It had been reported over a decades of Carsons celebrity that he was, off-camera, so greatly in isolation that he had never once invited McMahon to his home. After Carsons death, though, McMahon doubtful those rumors as good as claimed that a tighten loyalty existed. On his last Tonight Show appearance, Carson himself pronounced that whilst infrequently people who work together for prolonged stretches of time upon air wave do not indispensably identical to any other, this was not a box with him as good as McMahon: They were good friends who would have cooking together, as good as a intercourse that they had upon a uncover could not be faked. Carson as good as McMahon were friends for thirty years. A week or so after a tributes, Dennis Miller was upon a Tonight Show as good as told Jay Leno about a initial time he attempted to horde a speak show, as good as how miserably it went. He pronounced that he got a call rught away after a initial show, from Carson, revelation him, Its not as easy as it looks, is it, kid? The 2005 movie The Aristocrats was dedicated to Carson, as good as a part Mommie Beerest of The Simpsons. References ^ Johnny Carson. Encyclopdia Britannica Online. (2009). In Encyclopdia Britannica. Retrieved Jul 30, 2009. ^ Famous Veterans, Military.com ^ The Official Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson ^ The Johnny Carson Show during a Internet Movie Database ^ Weissman, Ginny (2002-12-01). The Dick Van Dyke Show. St. Martins Press. pp.6. ISBN 0312087667. ^ http://articles.latimes.com/2007/oct/11/business/fi-nbc11 ^ Carson v. Heres Johnny Portable Toilets, Inc., 810 F.2d 104, 105 (6th Cir. 1987) ^ Carson, Johnny (Host, Executive Producer). (2003) The Ultimate Carson Collection Vol. 3 [DVD]. USA: Carson Productions. ^ Johnny Carson minute to Robert E. Baker. Snopes. http://67.19.222.106/radiotv/graphics/carslet.jpg. Retrieved 2008-05-11. ^ Zsa Zsa Gabor minute to David Mikkelson. Snopes. http://67.19.222.106/radiotv/graphics/zsalet.jpg. Retrieved 2008-05-11. ^ Wayne Newton upon Larry King Live. CNN. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0711/29/lkl.01.html. Retrieved 2008-05-11. ^ http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/600.html ^ Cooper, Jr., Robert B.. (2006). Televisions Pirates: Hiding Behind Your Picture Tube. ^ Bernstein, Adam (2005-01-24). For Decades, Comic Ruled Late-Night TV. The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A30475-2005Jan23. ^ Carson Feeds Letterman Lines. The New York Times. http://pqarchiver.nypost.com/nypost/access/781543221.html?dids=781543221:781543221&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jan+20,+2005&author=Post+Wire+Services&pub=New+York+Post&edition;=&startpage=102&desc=CARSON+FEEDS+LETTERMAN+LINES. Retrieved 2008-05-11. ^ Carson Feeds Letterman Lines. The New York Post. http://pqarchiver.nypost.com/nypost/access/781543221.html?dids=781543221:781543221&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jan+20,+2005&author=Post+Wire+Services&pub=New+York+Post&edition;=&startpage=102&desc=CARSON+FEEDS+LETTERMAN+LINES. Retrieved 2008-05-11. ^ Readers Digest Sep 2005, p. 178; Book Bonus: Ed McMahon Heres Johnny, Berkley Trade, 2006 ISBN 978-0425212295 ^ Pleading Poverty as good as Demanding Money, Johnny Carsons First Wife Tells a Sad Secrets of Her Troubled Marriage By Michelle Green, Sue Carswell, Eleanor Hoover May 7, 1990 Vol. 33 No. eighteen People Magazine ^ Video uncovers a lost Johnny Carson DVD. CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/03/20/apontv.heres.johnny.ap/index.html. Retrieved 2008-05-11. ^ Making a World of Difference. Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Nov 2008. http://www.childrenshospitalla.org/atf/cf/{1cb444df-77c3-4d94-82fa-e366d7d6ce04}/CAMPAIGNNEWS FALL 08.PDF. Retrieved 2010-01-31. ^ Biography for Johnny Carson ^ Longtime horde of onight Show dies during 79 Associated Press, Feb 8, 2005 ^ Net mourns genocide of Johnny Carson Jeff Pelline CNET News Feb 8, 2005 ^ Quotations upon Johnny Carsons Death Associated Press Jan 23, 2005 ^ Tribute To Johnny Carson Friends Return To Stage Where They And Johnny Carson Made TV Magic By Chris Hawke CBS News Burbank, Calif. Jan 25, 2005 ^ Letterman Pays Special Tribute to Carson Feb 1, 2005 Associated Press ^ Fort Lauderdale By Jack Drury ^ HBO The Aristocrats Synopsis Further reading Accounts upon work as good as life Bart, Peter (1992-05-18). We Hardly Knew Ye.. Los Angeles: Variety. Corkery, Paul (August 1987). Carson: The Unauthorized Biography. Randt & Co. ISBN 0942101006. Cox, Stephen (2002-08-15). Heres Johnny: Thirty Years of Americas Favorite Late Night Entertainer. Cumberland House Publishing. ISBN 1581822650. De Cordova, Fred (1988-03-15). Johnny Came Lately. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0671558498. Hise, James Van (1992). 40 Years during Night: a Story of a Tonight Show. Movie Publisher Services. ISBN 1556983085. Knutzen, Erik (1992-05-21). Celebs Say Thanks, Johnny.. Herald. Leamer, Laurence (2005-03-29). King of a Night: The Life of Johnny Carson. Avon. ISBN 0060840994. McMahon, Ed (2005-10-18). Heres Johnny!: My Memories of Johnny Carson, The Tonight Show, as good as 46 Years of Friendship. Thomas Nelson. ISBN 1401602363. Smith, Ronald L. (October 1987). Johnny Carson: An Unauthorized Biography. St. Martins Press. ISBN 0312010516. Zoglin, Richard (1992-03-16). And What A Reign It Was: In His thirty Years, Carson Was The Best.. Time. Humor element collections Carson, Johnny (1965). Happiness is a Dry Martini. Double Day as good as Company. Carson, Johnny (1967). Misery is a blind date. Double Day as good as Company. Johnny Carson Collection, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. External links United States Navy portal Wikiquote has a pick up of quotations associated to: Johnny Carson Johnny Carson during a Internet Movie Database Johnny Carson during a Internet Broadway Database Johnny Carson during Find a Grave Official website for The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson Article upon Johnny Carson. Archived from a bizarre upon 2007-10-13. http://web.archive.org/web/20071013161038/http://dir.salon.com/people/bc/2001/02/20/carson/index.html. during Salon On Carsons grant to Late Night. Archived from a bizarre upon 2007-10-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20071014103641/http://www.tnr.com/doc.mhtml?i=online&s=siegel012405. during The New Republic 1978 form from The New Yorker by Kenneth Tynan The Johnny Carson Show from USA Today Johnny Carson autobiography during FilmReference.com Posthumous Letter to Carson from Steve Martin published in The New York Times Johnny Carson School of Theatre as good as Film during a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Johnny Carson Death onight Show Obituaries CNN obituary MSNBC obituary Johnny Carson necrology by James Wolcott Johnny Carson, Low-Key King of Late-Night TV, Dies during 79. The New York Times. Jan 24, 2005. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/24/arts/television/24john.html?ex=1264309200&en=6f658f88eb80aabd&ei=5090. A Good Friend Has Left Us. James Randi Educational Foundation. http://www.randi.org/jr/carson.html. Retrieved 2008-05-11. Media offices Precededby Jack Paar Host of The Tonight Show October 1, 1962 May 22, 1992 Succeededby Jay Leno Precededby Bob Hope Host of a Academy Awards 197982 Succeededby Liza Minnelli, Dudley Moore, Richard Pryor as good as Walter Matthau Precededby Liza Minnelli, Dudley Moore, Richard Pryor as good as Walter Matthau Host of a Academy Awards 1984 Succeededby Jack Lemmon vde The Tonight Show The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992) The Tonight Show with Conan OBrien (episodes) The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (2010) (episodes) Hosts Steve Allen (19541957) Jack Paar (19571962) Johnny Carson (19621992) Jay Leno (19922009, 2010resent) Conan OBrien (20092010) Announcers/sidekicks Gene Rayburn Hugh Downs Ed McMahon Edd Hall John Melendez Andy Richter Wally Wingert Tonight Show Band OBrien epoch Leno era Bandleaders Skitch Henderson Jos Melis Milton DeLugg Doc Severinsen Branford Marsalis Kevin Eubanks Max Weinberg Taping locations Hudson Theatre NBC Studios New York NBC Studios Burbank Universal Studios Hollywood Prime-time spinoffs The Steve Allen Show The Jack Paar Program The Jay Leno Show Recurring sketches Carnac a Magnificent Floyd R. Turbo Headlines OBrien epoch sketches Production companies Carson Productions Big Dog Productions Conaco Related articles Carsons Comedy Classics Late Night The Late Shift (book) The Late Shift (film) 2010 horde as good as timeslot conflict vde Hosts of a Academy Awards ceremonies Bob Hope (1961) Bob Hope (1962) Frank Sinatra (1963) Jack Lemmon (1964) Bob Hope (1965) Bob Hope (1966) Bob Hope (1967) Bob Hope (1968) None (1969) None (1970) None (1971) Helen Hayes / Alan King / Sammy Davis, Jr. / Jack Lemmon (1972) Carol Burnett / Michael Caine / Charlton Heston / Rock Hudson (1973) John Huston / Burt Reynolds / David Niven / Diana Ross (1974) Sammy Davis, Jr. / Bob Hope / Shirley MacLaine / Frank Sinatra (1975) Goldie Hawn / Gene Kelly / Walter Matthau / George Segal / Robert Shaw (1976) Warren Beatty / Ellen Burstyn / Jane Fonda / Richard Pryor (1977) Bob Hope (1978) Johnny Carson (1979) Johnny Carson (1980) Complete List (19291940) (19411960) (19611980) (19812000) (2001-present) vde Hosts of a Academy Awards ceremonies Johnny Carson (1981) Johnny Carson (1982) Liza Minnelli / Dudley Moore / Richard Pryor / Walter Matthau (1983) Johnny Carson (1984) Jack Lemmon (1985) Alan Alda / Jane Fonda / Robin Williams (1986) Chevy Chase / Goldie Hawn / Paul Hogan (1987) Chevy Chase (1988) None (1989) Billy Crystal (1990) Billy Crystal (1991) Billy Crystal (1992) Billy Crystal (1993) Whoopi Goldberg (1994) David Letterman (1995) Whoopi Goldberg (1996) Billy Crystal (1997) Billy Crystal (1998) Whoopi Goldberg (1999) Billy Crystal (2000) Complete List (19291940) (19411960) (19611980) (19812000) (2001-present) vde 1993 Kennedy Center Honorees Johnny Carson Arthur Mitchell Sir Georg Solti Stephen Sondheim Marion Williams Persondata NAME Carson, Johnny ALTERNATIVE NAMES Carson, John William SHORT DESCRIPTION Talk uncover host DATE OF BIRTH October 23, 1925 PLACE OF BIRTH Corning, Iowa DATE OF DEATH January 23, 2005 PLACE OF DEATH Los Angeles Categories: 1925 births | 2005 deaths | People from Iowa | Deaths from emphysema | American diversion uncover hosts | American stand-up comedians | American air wave speak uncover hosts | Nebraska entertainers | University of Nebraska-Lincoln alumni | United States Navy officers | American troops crew of World War II | Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients | Emmy Award winners | Kennedy Center honorees | Peabody Award winners | Television refuge | People from Adams County, IowaHidden categories: Articles that competence be as good prolonged from Jan 2010 | Too prolonged essay | All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from Apr 2009 I am a veteran bard from Cheap On Sales, that contains a good understanding of report about smd led frame , low voltage spotlights, acquire to visit! Related posts:ARE THEY CONSEQUENCES OR RESULTS? Copyright 2008 This feed is for personal, non-commercial use only. The use of this feed on other websites breaches copyright. If this content is not in your news reader, it makes the page you are viewing an infringement of the copyright. (Digital Fingerprint: b3b83414650b4126acd579523620fe59 (173.45.246.140) )

Late Show with David Letterman

Father and son Baby Doc Duvalier and Papa Doc Duvalier spent 30 years as leaders of which country?

What's Happening in November? ~ O'Connor Piano, MIDI Keyboard and Organ Studio . 1940 ~ Barry Sadler , Songwriter, singer . 1944 ~ Keith Emerson, Keyboards with Emerson, Lake & Powell as well as Emerson, Lake & Palmer . 1944 ~ Chris Morris, Guitarist with Paper Lace . 1945 ~ Rick Grech, Bassist, violinist . 1950 ~ Dan Peek, Guitarist, singer with America . 1951 ~ Ronald Bell, Saxophone with Kool & The Gang . 1957 ~ Lyle Lovett, Grammy Award-winning singer, Best Male Country Vocal in 1989 . 1959 ~ Eddie MacDonald, Bass with The Alarm . 1962 ~ Rick Allen, Drummer with Def Leppard . 1962 ~ Mags Furuholmen, Keyboards, singer with a-ha . 1968 ~ George Harrison's soundtrack LP, "Wonderwall", was released. It was the first solo album by one of The Beatles . The album was also the first on the new Apple label. . 1969 ~ Warner Brothers Records added Faces, to its roster. They fared OK, but even better when lead singer Rod Stewart stepped out to become a superstar on his own. The group's former label, Mercury, capitalized on the fact by releasing Maggie Mae and three other Faces tunes before Stewart went solo for Warner exclusively. . 1969 ~ The last album of The Beatles reached #1 on the album chart. "Abbey Road" was the top LP for eleven nonconsecutive weeks. The final studio recordings from the group featured two songs; 'Something' & 'Here Comes The Sun'. The cover supposedly contained clues adding to the ���Paul Is Dead��� phenomenon: Paul is barefoot and the car number plate ���LMW 281F��� supposedly referred to the fact that McCartney would be 28 if he was still alive. ���LMW��� was said to stand for ���Linda McCartney Weeps.��� 1975 ~ Elton John's Island Girl hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song parked itself at the top of the hit heap for 3 weeks. 2    1739 ~ Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf, Austrian composer and violinist More information about Dittersdorf . 1937 ~ Earl 'Speedoo' Carroll, Singer with these groups the Carnations, the Cadillacs and the Coasters . 1938 ~ Jay Black (David Blatt), Singer with Jay and The Americans . 1941 ~ Brian Poole, Singer with Brian Poole & The Tremeloes . 1941 ~ Bruce Welch (Cripps), Guitarist with The Shadows . 1944 ~ Keith Emerson, British rock keyboardist . 1946 ~ Giuseppe Sinopoli , Italian conductor and composer . 1952 ~ Maxine Nightingale, Singer . 1955 ~ The first pop song by Julie London appeared on the charts. London's smoky and sultry rendition of Cry Me a River stayed on the pop chart for five months, reaching as high as #9. Julie was Mrs. Jack Webb (Dragnet) and Mrs. Bobby Troup (songwriter, trumpeter). . 1958 ~ Billboard magazine introduced a new chart. It ranked the top singles in order, from number 1 to 100. Previously, only 30 records had been on the weekly hit list. . 1963 ~ After giving benefit performances for years, singer Kate Smith presented her first full concert performance to a paying crowd at Carnegie Hall in New York City. 1968 ~ Another biggie for Stevie Wonder went on sale. For Once in My Life reached #2 on the pop charts on December 28, 1968. . 1974 ~ The first of the former Beatles to try a nationwide concert tour was in Los Angeles, appearing at the Forum. Unfortunately, only half the house was filled to see George Harrison . He stopped touring soon thereafter. . 1985 ~ On this day, for only the second time, a TV soundtrack LP topped the album charts. "Miami Vice" (title track by Jan Hammer) enjoyed a run of 11 (nonconsecutive) weeks. The only other TV soundtrack LP to chart at #1 was Henry Mancini's "Peter Gunn" in 1959. 3    . 1587 ~ Samuel Scheidt, German organist and composer 1801 ~ Vincenzo Bellini, Italian composer 1911 ~ Vladimir Ussachevsky, Russian-born American composer More information about Ussachevsky . 1933 ~ John Barry, Academy Award~winning composer . 1941 ~ The classic Jerry Gray arrangement of String of Pearls was recorded by the Glenn Miller Orchestra on Bluebird 78s. The recording featured the trumpet of Bobby Hackett . . 1948 ~ Lulu (Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie), Singer. She changed her name to Lulu (and The Luvvers) in Scotland, early in her career. Married to singer Maurice Gibb . 1954 ~ Adam Ant (Stuart Goddard), Singer . 1956 ~ The classic MGM film, The Wizard of Oz, was first seen on television. The film cost CBS $250,000 to show. The movie was shown 18 times between 1956 and 1976, and you can probably catch it again no matter what year it is. . 1957 ~ Sam Phillips , owner of legendary Sun Records in Memphis, TN, released Great Balls of Fire, by Jerry Lee Lewis . Looking carefully at the original label, one will find credit to Lewis and "his pumping piano." . 1960 ~ James Prime, Keyboards with Deacon Blue . 1960 ~ "The Unsinkable Molly Brown", opened on Broadway. The play would become an American theater standard and a smashing career launch for Shirley MacLaine . . 1962 ~ Billboard magazine dropped the "Western" from its chart title. The list has been known as Hot Country Singles ever since. . 1972 ~ Singers Carly Simon and James Taylor were married in Carly's Manhattan apartment. The couple was said to be the highest-paid couple in the world next to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Carly and 'Sweet Baby' James would divorce years later, but they are still good friends. . 1990 ~ Mary Martin died . 2000 ~ Mary Hunter Wolf, one of the first female directors on Broadway died at the age of 95. Wolf made her Broadway debut directing the 1944 production of Horton Foote's "Only the Heart." The following year, she directed the first black Broadway musical, "Carib Song." After directing a string of successful plays and musicals, Wolf was hired as an associate director for Jerome Robbins' "Peter Pan," starring Mary Martin . In 1947 Wolf was tapped to direct a new musical "High Button Shoes," but was dismissed by the show's producers before rehearsals began. Wolf sued, charging that her contract had been broken because she was a woman. Two years later the New York Supreme Court ruled in her favor. During her third year at Wellesley College, Wolf visited her aunt, author Mary Austin, in Santa Fe, N.M. where she found herself introduced into the circle of D.H Lawrence, Willa Cather and Sinclair Lewis. She soon abandoned her studies to pursue a directing career. 4    . 1922 ~ Paul Rovsing Olsen , Danish composer, ethnomusicologist and music critic . 1922 ~ Anthony Vazzana, American composer . 1938 ~ Harry Elston, Musician with Friends of Distinction . 1938 ~ You're a Sweet Little Headache, from the movie "Paris Honeymoon", was recorded by Bing Crosby on Decca. . 1940 ~ Delbert McClinton, Songwriter, singer . 1947 ~ Mike Smith, Musician, saxophone . 1954 ~ Florence Henderson , who was all of 20 years old, joined with Ezio Pinza and Walter Slezak in "Fanny". The show lit up Broadway 888 times. . 1962 ~ Bob Dylan gave his first major concert outside of Greenwich Village. The Carnegie Hall solo appearance was not well attended. . 1963 ~ The Beatles played a Royal Command Performance as part of an evening of entertainment for Queen Elizabeth at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London. David Frost was the emcee. . 1984 ~ The Artist Formerly Known as Prince kicked off his fall tour in Detroit. He broke the record for sold-out performances at the 20,000-seat Joe Louis Arena. The previous record-holder was The Artist Still Known as Neil Diamond , in 1983. . 2000 ~ Vernel Fournier, who was a drummer for premier jazz acts such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie , passed away after suffering an aneurysm. He was 72. Fournier, a New Orleans native, took lessons from a Bourbon Street drummer and as a teen played in New Orleans. He performed with jazz singers including Nancy Wilson and Billy Eckstine . He moved from New York City, where he lived for more than 30 years, to Madison County in 1998. 5    1895 ~ Walter Gieseking, German pianist . 1912 ~ Roy Rogers (Leonard Slye) 'King of the Cowboys' , singer, married to Dale Evans . 1929 ~ McKinney's Cotton Pickers picked and fiddled their way to the Victor studios to record Plain Dirt. Among those pickin' and grinnin' were luminaries such as Fats Waller (on piano), Benny Carter and Coleman Hawkins . . 1931 ~ Ike Turner, American soul-rock singer, pianist and guitarist, duo with Ike and Tina Turner Revue , owner of a recording studio . 1936 ~ Billy Sherrill, Songwriter, musician: saxophone, record producer, VP/Executive Producer of CBS Nashville . 1941 ~ Art Garfunkel, American folk-rock singer, songwriter and actor, duo ~ Simon and Garfunkel 1942 ~ George M. Cohan passed away at the age of 64. Cohan was a legendary songwriter whose spirited and star~spangled tunes lit up Broadway and will be a part of Americana forever. More information about Cohan . 1946 ~ Gram Parsons (Cecil Ingram Connor) , Singer with The Byrds, songwriter . 1947 ~ Peter Noone (Peter Blair Denis Bernard Noone), Guitarist, piano, singer, Herman of Herman's Hermits, actor . 1955 ~ The Vienna State Opera House in Austria formally opened, celebrating the end of 17 years of foreign occupation. . 1959 ~ Bryan Adams, Singer, songwriter . 1963 ~ Andrea McArdle, Actress, singer in Annie . 1977 ~ Guy Lombardo passed away at the age of 75. He was a musical fixture for decades, especially on New Year's Eve. Guy Lombardo, leader of the Royal Canadians, is fondly remembered for many songs he made famous but his most popular remains Auld Lang Syne. . 1986 ~ Dick Clark registered for an initial public stock offering for his TV production company (DCP). On the registration form, he called his product 'mind candy'. 1989 ~ Vladimir Horowitz passed away Read more about Horowitz . 1989 ~ Barry Sadler passed away . 2000 ~ Frances Mercer, a leading model of the 1930s who went on to star in films, radio, television and on Broadway, died at the age of 85. Chosen as one of New York's most beautiful models while still in her teens, Mercer made her film debut in 1938 playing Ginger Rogers' rival for James Stewart's affections in "Vivacious Lady." In the next two years Mercer made eight more movies, including "The Mad Miss Manton" opposite Barbara Stanwyck. In theater work, she had costarring roles in the Broadway musicals "All the Things You Are" and "Something for the Boys." Mercer also had her own New York-based radio show, "Sunday Night at Nine." On TV, Mercer played a vituperative mother-in-law on the soap opera "For Better or Worse" and surgical nurse Ann Talbot in the 1955-1957 syndicated series, "Dr. Hudson's Secret Journal." . 2000 ~ Jack O'Brian, a newspaper columnist and Associated Press critic who wrote about television and Broadway gossip, died at the age of 86. O'Brian chronicled soap opera plot twists and celebrities and the quiz show scandals of the 1950s. The cultural figures who met with his approval included Bert Lahr, Perry Como and Walter Cronkite. He took a job as a cub reporter with a Buffalo newspaper and established a reputation for cantankerousness when he skewered the local orchestra's young accordionists. He joined the AP as its drama and movie critic in 1943. Later, he wrote about television and Broadway for a string of newspapers and a nationally syndicated column. He also hosted a WOR-AM radio show. 6    1814 ~ Adolphe Sax, Belgian instrumentalist, inventor of the saxophone and saxotromba More information about Sax 1854 ~ John Phillip Sousa, American bandmaster and composer; "The March King" Read quotes by and about Sousa More information about Sousa 1860 ~ Ignace Jan Paderewski, Composer, pianist, Polish patriot, First Premier of Poland (1919), brought white Zinfandel wine grapes to U.S. for the first time More information about Ignace Jan Paderewski . 1916 ~ Ray Conniff, American conductor, arranger and composer of popular music, trombonist . 1932 ~ Stonewall Jackson, Singer . 1936 ~ This was the day that big band icon Woody Herman played in his first recording session. He recorded Wintertime Dreams on Decca disc #1056. . 1937 ~ Eugene Pitt, Singer . 1938 ~ P.J. Proby (James Smith), Singer . 1940 ~ Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians recorded one of their lesser-known songs for Decca. It was The Moon Fell in the River. . 1941 ~ Doug Sahm , Singer, founded Sir Douglas Quintet . 1943 ~ Mike Clifford, Singer . 1947 ~ George Young, Guitarist with The Easybeats . 1948 ~ Glenn Frey, Songwriter, singer with The Eagles . 2001 ~ John Denman, a clarinetist who was most recently artistic adviser to the Tucson Symphony Orchestra's pops division, died from complications of esophageal cancer. He was 68. Denman, a native of London, was a principal clarinetist for the orchestra for more than 20 years. Denman also played principal clarinet with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He taught music at Trinity College in England before coming to teach at the University of Arizona. He joined the Tucson Symphony Orchestra in the late 1970s. In 1984, Denman left the University of Arizona after failing to receive tenure. For the rest of his life, he focused on his performing career. He also designed a small clarinet, the Kinder-Klari, to make practicing easier for young hands. Denman performed and recorded with jazz icon Buddy DeFranco and was a member of several jazz bands. . 2002 ~ Maria Johansson, an organist who became a local legend for singing religious songs and hymns in one of Stockholm's main squares every day for nearly three decades, died at the age of 84. The daughter of a preacher, Johansson often served homemade sandwiches to the poor during breaks in her daily performance. At one point, she went to work at a bakery to help pay for the sandwiches, her husband said. 7    1922 ~ Al Hirt , Trumpeter, Flight of the Bumble Bee as theme song for TV's The Green Hornet, played in singer Don Gibson's band, regular on Make Your Own Kind of Music . 1926 ~ Dame Joan Sutherland, Australian coloratura soprano . 1930 ~ The Waltz You Save for Me, by 'The Waltz King' himself, Wayne King , was recorded on Victor. It became King's theme. . 1937 ~ Mary Travers, American folk singer, Mary of Peter , Paul and Mary . 1938 ~ Dee (Delectus) Clark , Singer . 1942 ~ Johnny Rivers (John Ramistella), Singer . 1943 ~ Joni Mitchell, Canadian folk-rock singer, songwriter and guitarist, 1970 UK No.11 single 'Big Yellow Taxi', 1974 US No.7 single ���Help Me���. She wrote 'Both Sides Now' a hit for Judy Collins and 'Woodstock' a hit for Crosby Stills Nash and Young and Matthews Southern Comfort. Mitchell's work is highly respected by critics, and she has deeply influenced fellow musicians in a diverse range of genres. . 1947 ~ Billboard magazine began listing the top 15 popular records. Only 10 songs had been featured previously. . 1956 ~ Elvis Presley hit the charts with Love Me. The song was the first million-seller to make the charts without being released as a single. It was, instead, an EP (extended play) 45 rpm, with three other songs on it: Rip It Up, Paralyzed and When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again on RCA Victor. . 1970 ~ Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? was released by Columbia. It became the third tune by Chicago to hit the pop music charts. Make Me Smile and 25 or 6 to 4 were previous hits. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? made it to #7 on the charts, January 7, 1971. . 1976 ~ Gone With the Wind was aired (over two nights) on NBC-TV. The showing was the highest-rated TV show in history. 65 percent of all viewers turned on their sets to watch Scarlet O'Hara and Rhett Butler. . 1978 ~ Nick Gilder, Singer . 1979 ~ The Rose, starring Bette Midler , got star treatment with a world premiere in Los Angeles. The movie was modeled after the life of Janis Joplin . . 2000 ~ Doug Nelson, bassist in teen blues star Jonny Lang's band, was killed when he was hit by a pickup truck on a rural highway in northern Minnesota. He was 46. Nelson began playing professionally at age 15. He worked in Los Angeles for a time and toured with Olivia Newton-John , before returning in the late 1980s to the Twin Cities, where he played with local bands. He joined Lang's group about three years ago. . 2000 ~ Columbia Legacy and Verve released a five-CD box set companion titled "Ken Burns Jazz : The Story of American Music" in addition to 22 individual artist discs. Read the newsitem . 2001 ~ Gene Wooten, a dobro player who backed Patty Loveless, the Osborne Brothers, Wilma Lee Cooper and other country stars, died from complications of lung cancer. He was 49. "He was like a teacher for everyone," said mandolinist Roland White. "He was like our guru. He just helped everybody in music. ... There was no ego ever - ever - and that's hard to find." Wooten, a native of Franklinton, N.C., attended Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., where he began his career in music. He moved to Nashville in 1977 and was hired by Cooper. Wooten played on the Mountain Soul album by Loveless this year. He was voted best dobro player three times by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass in America. 8    1793 ~ The Louvre Museum opened in Paris. . 1880 ~ Sarah Bernhardt made her American stage debut. Bernhardt appeared in Adrienne Lecouvreur in New York City. . 1890 ~ Composer César Franck died in Paris . 1924 ~ Sergei Mikhailovich Lyapunov , Russian pianist and composer . 1927 ~ Patti Page, American singer of popular music . 1927 ~ Chris Conner, Singer . 1932 ~ The team of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II debuted with their show, Make Mine Music. The Broadway production continued for 342 performances. . 1939 ~ This day marked Frank Sinatra's last recording session with the Harry James Band. Sides recorded were Every Day of My Life and Ciribiribin. . 1939 ~ "Life With Father" premiered on Broadway in New York City. Eight years later, the show broke the existing record for longest-running stage production. . 1941 ~ Rodney Slater, Saxophone, trumpet with The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band . 1944 ~ Bonnie Bramlett, Songwriter, singer with Delaney and Bonnie and Friends . 1946 ~ Roy Wood (Ulysses Adrian Wood), Singer, songwriter, formed Electric Light Orchestra . 1947 ~ Minnie (Julia) Riperton , Singer . 1949 ~ Alan Berger, Bass with Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes . 1949 ~ Bonnie Raitt, American blues-rock singer and guitarist, won the Grammy Award in 1990, daughter of actor, John Raitt . 1954 ~ Ricki Lee Jones, Singer . 1958 ~ Terry Lee Miall, Drummer with Adam & The Ants . 1964 ~ Judy Garland and her daughter, Liza Minnelli , appeared together at the London Palladium. The program was shown on U.S. TV; and the LP, Live at the London Palladium became a classic on Capitol Records. . 1967 ~ The first solo movie by a Beatle opened in the U.S. It was John Lennon's How I Won the War. . 2003 ~ Henry Phace Roberts, a tap dancer who performed with the Copasetics, the Five Blazers and the Three Rockets, died. He was 92. Roberts performed on television on "The Tonight Show" and "The Ed Sullivan S Show" and was in the films "Cabin in the Sky," "Stormy Weather" and "The Cotton Club." Born in Savannah, Ga., he was trained to tap dance on the streets as a child. Roberts began dancing professionally at 14, and performed for the last time at 87 with the Copasetics on a European tour. 9    1881 ~ Johannes Brahms gave the first performance of his Piano Concerto No.2 in Budapest. . 1899 ~ "Mezz" Mezzrow, American jazz clarinetist and saxophonist . 1929 ~ Piero Cappuccili, Italian baritone . 1930 ~ Ivan Moravec, Czech pianist . 1938 ~ 24-year-old Mary Martin made her Broadway stage debut in the musical comedy "Leave It to Me". She brought down the house as she sang My Heart Belongs to Daddy. And the critics raved about New York's bright new star. The following year brought Martin a top-ten hit with the same song. Martin suddenly found herself singing duets with Bing Crosby ; starring on "Broadway in One Touch of Venus" in 1943; "Lute Song" in 1946; touring in "Annie Get Your Gun"; and then taking on what would become her immortal role, that of Nellie in "South Pacific". South Pacific was one of Broadway's biggest hits and the cast album was one of the first of its kind, also a big seller. Then came Mary's stage and TV performances as Peter Pan. This would become her signature role, a memorable moment as the petite actress flew through the air with Tinkerbell and fought the dangerous Captain Hook. Broadway called to Mary Martin again in 1959 for "The Sound of Music" and once more in 1966 for "I Do, I Do". Back in 1951, Mary Martin recorded a duet with a young man who was also destined for instant and long-term stardom. The song they sang together was Get Out Those Old Records. The twenty-year-old was her son, Larry Hagman, who later played J.R. Ewing. This is one man that Mary Martin didn't want to wash out of her hair! . 1955 ~ Harry Belafonte recorded Jamaica Farewell and Come Back Liza for RCA Victor. The two tunes completed the Calypso album which led to Belafonte's nickname, 'Calypso King'. . 1967 ~ The first issue of Rolling Stone was published. John Lennon was on the cover. The magazine said it was not simply a music magazine but was also about "...the things and attitudes that music embraces." . 1969 ~ Simon and Garfunkel recorded what would become their signature tune, 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' with future member of Bread, Larry Knechtel on piano. Art wanted Paul to sing the song, but Paul insisted that Art's voice was better suited for it. It was a decision that Paul would later say he regretted. The song won five awards at the 13th Annual Grammy Awards in 1971, including Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. . 1974 ~ Bachman Turner Overdrive went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet'. Randy Bachman stuttered through the lyrics of the demo recording as a private joke about his brother Gary, who had a speech impediment. The record company liked that take better than the non-stammering version and released it. . 2003 ~ Saxophonist Buddy Arnold, who performed with such jazz greats as Stan Kenton , Buddy Rich and Tommy Dorsey and co-founded a program to help musicians suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, died at the age of age 77. Born Arnold Buddy Grishaver, he began playing the saxophone at age 9. And by the time he was 16, he was touring as a professional sideman and performing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem with bandleader George Auld . After serving in the Army during World War II, Arnold joined the band of super-drummer Buddy Rich on a West Coast tour. Arnold earned his first recording credits in 1949 on the Mercury Records release of Gene Williams and the Junior Thornhill Band, and he toured with clarinetist Buddy DeFranco's orchestra in 1951. But he soon descended into a decades-long struggle with drug addiction. Although he landed a recording contract with ABC Paramount in 1956 following an 18-month hospitalization, he was sentenced to prison in 1958 on an attempted burglary conviction. Pardoned two years later, he played with the Dorsey Band and toured with Stan Kenton. He later settled in Los Angeles and recorded four albums for Capitol Records. Arnold took a job in a drug treatment program after his early release from prison and went on to establish the Musician's Assistance Program with his wife, Carole Fields, in 1992. The organization, dedicated to helping needy musicians obtain treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, has served more than 1,500 individuals during the past decade. 10    .1483 ~ Martin Luther, German religious reformer, composer of hymns and flutist 1668 ~ François Couperin, French composer and organist Read more about Couperin . 1888 ~ Fritz Kreisler , a 13-year-old violinist from Vienna, made his American debut in New York City. . 1900 ~ "Floradora" opened in New York City this day. The play was received by cheering audiences. . 1939 ~ Muggsy Spanier and his band recorded Dipper Mouth Blues on Bluebird Records. 1944 ~ Tim Rice, British author and librettist Read more about Rice . 1956 ~ Billie Holiday returned to the New York City stage at Carnegie Hall after a three-year absence. The concert was called a high point in jazz history. . 1969 ~ On this day, twenty years after the first release of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" , Gene Autry received a gold record for the single. . 1969 ~ "Can you tell me how to get ... how to get to Sesame Street?" The classic, "Sesame Street" debuted on 170 Public Broadcasting stations and 20 commercial outlets. Created by the Children's Television Workshop, the show starred endearing characters including Gordon, Susan, Bob, Bert, Ernie, the Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch and, of course, Big Bird! . 1986 ~ " Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Live/1975-85", the long-anticipated album by 'The Boss', hit record stores this day. Fans made the LP a one~day sellout, buying over a million copies and generating more first-day dollars than any record in 30 years. It's a five-disc, 40-song set. . 1994 ~ Carmen McRae passed away . 2015 ~ Allen Toussaint passed away. He was a New Orleans-based pianist, songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. . 2015 ~ Robert Lawson Craft died. He was an American orchestral conductor, scholar and writer. Mr. Craft spent nearly a quarter-century as Stravinsky���s amanuensis, rehearsal conductor, musical adviser, globe-trotting traveling companion and surrogate son. After Stravinsky���s death in 1971, at 88, he was a writer, lecturer, conductor, public intellectual and keeper of the Stravinskian flame. 11    Veteran's Day . 1918 ~ This is Armistice Day or Remembrance Day or Veterans Day or Victory Day or World War I Memorial Day. The name of this special day may be different in different places throughout many nations; but its significance is the same. It was on this day, at 11 a.m., that World War I ceased. The Allied and Central Powers signed an armistice agreement at 5 a.m. in Marshal Foch's railway car in the Forest of Compiegne, France. Even today, many still bow their heads in remembrance at the 11th hour of this the 11th day of the 11th month. . 1883 ~ Ernst Ansermet, Swiss conductor . 1927 ~ Mose Allison, American jazz pianist, trumpeter and singer . 1929 ~ Dick Clark, TV producer, host of American Bandstand, former Philadelphia DJ . 1929 ~ Andy Kirk and his orchestra recorded "Froggy Bottom" in Kansas City. . 1931 ~ Leslie Parnas, American cellist . 1932 ~ The National Broadcasting Company opened its new studios at Radio City in New York City. They celebrated with a gala program at Radio City Music Hall. . 1938 ~ Kate Smith sang God Bless America for the very first time. It would later become her signature song. Irving Berlin penned the tune in 1917 but never released it until Miss Smith sang it for the first time on her radio broadcast. Actually, the song was then 20 years old, but it had never been publicly performed before. . 1944 ~ Frank Sinatra began a long and successful career with Columbia Records. . 1974 ~ Leonardo DiCaprio, American actor . 1979 ~ Dimitri Tiomkin passed away. He was a Russian-American film score composer and conductor. . 1992 ~ Erskine Hawkins passed away. He was an American trumpet player and big band leader. . 2000 ~ Isadore Granoff, a Ukrainian immigrant who started teaching violin lessons as a teen-ager and built a famed music school in Philadelphia, died in his sleep at the age of 99. Granoff taught Dizzy Gillespie , John Coltrane and others during more than a half- century at the Granoff School of Music. Granoff taught amateurs and professionals. Some of his students went on to become prominent players of classical music, jazz , swing, big band and Latin sounds. Granoff sold the school in 1970 and later stepped down from the board of directors, renouncing the new owner's promotional tactics. . 2015 ~ Dr. Maurice Hinson died. He was one of America���s most respected authorities on piano literature. Many of the books in the OCMS library were edited by Dr. Hinson. Mrs. O'Connor took a piano pedagogy class with him several years ago and learned so much from him. Among his outstanding achievements, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Music Teachers National Association at it Washington, D.C. convention in the spring of 1994, the Outstanding Alumni Award from the University of Florida in 1990, and the Outstanding Alumni Award from the University of Michigan in the fall of 1995. Dr. Hinson has performed, lectured and given master classes worldwide. His books and editions have become classic standards in the studios of serious piano teachers and students the world over. He was awarded the Franz Liszt Medal by the Hungarian Government in 1986. Hailed as a specialist in American piano music, some of his most recent articles appear in the New Grove Dictionary of American Music in the United States. 12    1833 ~ Alexander Borodin, Russian composer More information about Borodin . 1925 ~ Louis Armstrong recorded "My Heart", starting a career that brought him worldwide fame. . 1939 ~ Lucia Popp, Czech soprano . 1940 ~ Walt Disney released "Fantasia". One critic called the film "As terrific as anything that has ever happened on the screen." . 1941 ~ Hot Lips Page performed the vocal for Artie Shaw's very long and very slow version of St. James Infirmary on RCA Victor. . 1943 ~ Brian Hyland, Singer . 1943 ~ John Maus, Bass, singer with the trio, The Walker Brothers . 1944 ~ Booker T. Jones, Musician with Booker T and the MG's . 1945 ~ Neil Young, Canadian folk-rock singer, songwriter and guitarist, with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young . 1948 ~ Errol Brown, Songwriter with Tony Wilson singer with Hot Chocolate . 1950 ~ Barbara Fairchild, Singer . 1955 ~ Leslie McKeown, Singer with The Bay City Rollers . 1967 ~ Pearl Bailey took over the lead in the Broadway musical, "Hello Dolly". 'Pearlie Mae' was a smash hit in the role. . 1970 ~ After a successful London run, Anthony Quayle starred in the Broadway opening of "Sleuth". . 1980 ~ John Lennon's "Starting Over" was released. John and Yoko were seen kissing on the record cover. . 1983 ~ Lionel Richie began the first of four consecutive weeks at the top of the music charts as All Night Long (All Night) became the most popular song in the U.S. . 2001 ~ Broadway composer Albert Hague, who won a Tony for his work on Redhead and who played the part of cranky music teacher Benjamin Shorofsky in the Fame movie and television series, died of cancer. He was 81. Hague composed the music for many Broadway shows, including The Fig Leaves Are Falling, Plain and Fancy, Cafe Crown and Miss Moffat, which starred Bette Davis. He won his Tony in 1959. He also wrote the music for the animated TV classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas and appeared in a number of movies, including the Michael Jordan- Bugs Bunny comedy Space Jam, in which he played a psychiatrist. It was his long-running role as white-bearded, German-accented teacher Shorofsky that brought him to Los Angeles. He played the part for five years on TV. Other TV acting credits included guest appearances on such shows as Hotel, Beauty and the Beast and Tales From the Dark Side. Born Albert Marcuse in Berlin, Hague fled his native Germany for Rome with his mother in 1937 after the Nazis came to power. He eventually settled in the United States, where he studied music at the University of Cincinnati and was adopted by Dr. Elliott B. Hague, an eye surgeon. In recent years, he and his late wife, actress Renee Orin Hague, had a successful cabaret act, appearing at Carnegie Hall two years ago. . 2003 ~ Guy Livingston, a theater maven and journalist who reviewed stage performances for Variety, died. He was 92. After serving in World War II, Livingston became a drama critic for Variety, traveling between Boston and New York reviewing musicals. Later, he became a press agent for many musicals, as well as for musical artists, among them Judy Garland , Nat 'King' Cole and Ray Charles . . 2003 ~ Tony Thompson , the driving force behind such groups as Chic and the Power Station, and a drummer whose effortless ability to move from jazz to rock to funk made him a prized session man, died of renal cell cancer. He was 48. The drummer was noted not only for keeping perfect time but also for subtle cymbal syncopation and raw power, talents that kept him in demand as a session player for such stars as Madonnas , David Bowie , Diana Ross , Patti LaBelle and Sister Sledge. By the late 1970s, Chic was one of the most popular groups of the disco era. The group sold millions of records beginning with the hit single Dance, Dance, Dance in 1977. Other hits included the singles Le Freak and Good Times and the albums C'est Chic and Risque. After the group disbanded in 1983, Thompson kept busy as a session player, appearing on Sister Sledge's We Are Family album in 1979, Bowie's Let's Dance in 1983 and Madonna's Like a Virgin in 1984. He also appeared on Mick Jagger's solo album She's The Boss in 1985. That same year, Thompson and others formed Power Station. The group's hits included Some Like it Hot. 13    1817 ~ Louis Lefébure-Wély, French organist and composer . 1854 ~ George Whitefield Chadwick, American composer and conductor . 1921 ~ Loonas Kokkonen, Finnish composer . 1943 ~ Leonard Bernstein replaced an indisposed Bruno Walter as conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Thus began a legendary career and worldwide appreciation for Bernstein's many compositions with the orchestra. . 1951 ~ Nicolai Karlovich Medtner died. He was a Russian composer and pianist. . 1965 ~ Julie Harris starred in "Skyscraper", which opened on Broadway in New York City. The musical ran for seven months. . 1968 ~ This was a good day for The Beatles . Their movie, "Yellow Submarine", premiered in the U.S. and the single, Hey Jude, topped the pop music charts (it was in its 7th of 9 weeks at #1). . 1975 ~ Whoa Whoa Whoa, Feeeelings. One of the great lounge-lizard songs of all time, Feelings by Morris Albert, went gold. . 1999 ~ Donald Mills passed away. He had been one of the Mills Brothers. . 2000 ~ Cecil Blackwood, a gospel singer who was a member of the Blackwood Brothers and crooned with Elvis Presley , of cancer at the age of 66. The Blackwood Brothers, who have won nine Grammys and 20 Dove awards, were a favorite of Elvis Presley, who briefly sang with Cecil Blackwood in a group named the Songfellows. The Blackwood Brothers were formed in 1934, the same year Blackwood was born in Ackerman, Miss. He became the group's baritone in 1954. The Blackwood Brothers have recorded 300 albums, backed country stars Porter Wagoner and Barbara Mandrell , and are members of the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. . 2000 ~ Jimmy Payne Sr., a tap dancer whose rhythm and technique as well as a mastery of precise steps attracted Bob Fosse , June Allyson, Gregory Hines , Lena Horne and others to his Chicago studio, died Nov. 13 at the age of 95. The son of a Cuban mother and Barbadian father, Payne grew up in the Panama Canal Zone before moving to New York in 1917. After traveling from New York to Chicago in 1947, Payne helped introduce African and Afro-Cuban rhythms to the dance scene. He taught in a number of Chicago dance studios from the 1950s into the 1970s. He continued to teach some of the city's top dancers until his regimen was slowed by a number of strokes in his early 90s. . 2000 ~ New York entertainment lawyer and tax expert Joseph Taubman, who wrote how- to books for people working in the business side of show business, died at the age of 81. Taubman's clients included Lionel Richie , Pete Seeger , Joan Baez and Arlo Guthrie . He also served as counsel to the National Film Board of Canada. Taubman wrote "Financing a Theatrical Production," and his treatises on various aspects of the entertainment business published in the 1970s remain in print. . 2000 ~ The site, thebeatles.com , went live and is the band's only official presence on the Internet among a flood of unofficial fan sites. . 2002 ~ Mieke van Hoek, a dance choreographer and teacher, died. She was 56. The Dutch-born van Hoek taught modern-dance choreography and dance improvisation at the Rotterdamse Dansacademie. After emigrating to the United States in 1977, van Hoek worked as a teaching assistant at the American Dance Festival in Durham, N.C., and studied at the Laban/Bartenieff Institute in New York. She founded a center for meditation, healing and the arts in Canones in 2000. 14    1778 ~ Johann Nepomuk Hummel, German pianist and composer 1900 ~ Aaron Copland, American composer and conductor Read quotes by and about Copland More information about Copland . 1904 ~ Art Hodes, Russian-born American jazz pianist . 1915 ~ Martha Tilton, Singer, actress in The Benny Goodman Story, Sunny . 1920 ~ Johnny Desmond (Giovanni DeSimone) , Singer with the Bob-O-Links, the Bob Crosby Band, Glenn Miller AAF band, Don McNeill's Breakfast Club, Your Hit Parade, Face the Music and an actor . 1921 ~ KYW radio, Chicago, IL broadcast the first opera by a professional company. Listeners heard Samson Et Dalila as it was being performed at the Chicago Auditorium. . 1940 ~ Freddie Garrity, Singer with Freddie and the Dreamers . 1944 ~ An outstanding array of musicians gathered in Hollywood to record a classic. Tommy Dorsey and orchestra made Opus No. 1, Victor record number 20-1608. Buddy Rich was the drummer in the session, Al Klink and Buddy DeFranco blew sax and Nelson Riddle played trombone on the Sy Oliver arrangement. . 1948 ~ James Young, Guitarist with Styx . 1951 ~ Stephen Bishop, Singer, guitarist, songwriter . 1953 ~ Alexander O'Neal, Songwriter, singer . 1954 ~ Yanni (Chrysomallis), Pianist, music used on broadcasts of: Tour de France, Olympic Games, World Series; swimmer on the Greek National Swim Team . 1955 ~ Frankie Banali, Musician with Quiet Riot . 1956 ~ Alec Such, Bass with Bon Jovi . 1967 ~ The Monkees received a gold record for Daydream Believer. . 1975 ~ They Just Can't Stop It (The Games People Play) became a gold record for the Spinners. Their other hits include Then Came You (with Dionne Warwick ), Could It Be I'm Falling in Love, The Rubberband Man, Working My Way Back to You, Cupid, It's a Shame and I'll Be Around, for Motown. . 1981 ~ For the second week in a row, Daryl Hall and John Oates owned the top spot on the pop music charts with Private Eyes. . 2000 ~ David Wilson, drummer and backup vocalist for The Cascades, died at the age of 63. The Cascades were best known for their No. 1 1963 hit Rhythm of the Rain, as well as Second Chance and Shy Girl. Wilson was born in 1936 in Scotland and moved to the United States with his family six years later. After he joined the Navy, Wilson formed a band with songwriter John Gummoe and some friends in San Diego. They first called themselves the Thunder Notes, but later took the name The Cascades when they recorded Rhythm of the Rain. The single earned the group a gold record. 15    . 1766 ~ Birth of French violinist, teacher and composer Rodolphe Kreutzer in Versailles. In 1810 broken arm ended virtuoso career. Beethoven dedicated sonata op 47 to him. d-Geneva, 6 JAN 1831. . 1905 ~ Mantovani, Orchestra leader, (1953 UK No.1 single 'Moulin Rouge', 1957 US No. 12 single 'Around The World In Eighty Days') was born. He died on 30th March 1980. . 1914 ~ Jorge Bolet, Cuban-born American pianist . 1926 ~ NBC broadcast its first music program. It featured the New York Symphony Orchestra and many distinguished soloists. 24 stations carried the first broadcast. The program was a gala 40-hour broadcast from the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Two remote pickups were also on the program. Opera star Mary Garden sang from Chicago and Will Rogers presented a humorous monologue from Independence, Kansas. Charles Lindbergh was among the luminaries who attended the broadcast. . 1928 ~ C.W. McCall (William Fries), Singer, songwriter . 1932 ~ Petula Clark, British pop singer (Downtown, My Love) . 1937 ~ Little Willie John (William Edward John) , Singer, convicted of manslaughter 1942 ~ Daniel Barenboim, Argentine-born Israeli pianist and conductor of English Chamber Orchestra Read quotes by and about Barenboim Read a newsitem about Barenboim . 1945 ~ Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Singer with Abba . 1946 ~ Janet Lennon, Singer with The Lennon Sisters . 1954 ~ Tony Thompson , Drummer with Chic; played with Led Zeppelin, Live Aid, drummer with Patti LaBelle More about Thompson . 1954 ~ Studio One on CBS-TV featured Joan Weber singing Let Me Go, Lover. The song had enjoyed limited popularity before the TV show, but skyrocketed to fame immediately after. . 1956 ~ Love Me Tender, the first Elvis Presley film, premiered. . 1967 ~ Mari Fernandez, Singer with Sweet Sensation . 1969 ~ The first album featuring Karen and Richard Carpenter was released by A&M Records. Offering would not be a big seller, but a single from the disc, a remake of The Beatles' Ticket to Ride, would gain national attention. Their next album, however, would establish them as major international stars (Close to You). . 1969 ~ Janis Joplin was arrested during a gig in Tampa, Florida, after badmouthing a policeman and using vulgar and indecent language. Joplin became upset after police moved into the hall forcing fans to move back to their seats. As the singer left the stage she confronted a detective calling him 'a son of a bitch' and told him she would kick his face in. She was released on $504 bail. . 1974 ~ The most expensive 2-record album was released-on Casablanca Records. It was a comedy disc titled, Here's Johnny - Magic Moments from the Tonight Show. . 1974 ~ The group, Faces, released their tune with the longest title. You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything (Even Take the Dog for a Walk, Mend a Fuse, Fold Away the Ironing Board, Or Any Other Domestic Shortcomings). . 1980 ~ After years of success on the music charts with the New Christy Minstrels and the First Edition, Kenny Rogers got his first #1 song. Lady, written by Lionel Richie , stayed at the top for six weeks. . 1986 ~ The first major operetta written by Gian Carlo Menotti in over 20 years was presented at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Starring tenor Placido Domingo , Goya was said by critics to be only "intermittently good." . 2003 ~ David Holt, a former child actor once touted by Paramount Pictures as its answer to Shirley Temple , has died. He was 76. Holt, who later became a successful jazz musician and songwriter, died of congestive heart failure. Although his career never rivaled Temple's, Holt had his share of success as a child actor, playing Elizabeth Taylor's older brother in "Courage of Lassie" in 1946 and appearing as bratty Sidney Sawyer in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" in 1938. He also played the crippled boy for whom New York Yankee great Lou Gehrig hit a home run in "Pride of the Yankees" and appeared in "The Big Broadcast of 1936." Paramount signed Holt to a long-term contract after his 1934 role as a boy whose mother dies in "You Belong To me." Holt eventually segued into music. He co-wrote the song The Christmas Blues with Sammy Cahn and wrote the music for numerous jazz albums. He hosted the TV show "American Music Shop" in the 1990s. 16    ��� 1569 ~ Birth of German organist and composer Paul Sartorius in Nuremberg. d-28 February 1609, Innsbruck. . 1615 ~ Birth of French violinist and composer Guillaume Dumanoir, II. He composed dance music enjoyed by Louis XIV . 1775 ~ Death of German composer Karl Marian Paradeiser, at 28. . 1780 ~ Birth of English composer Robert Archibald Smith. . 1840 ~ Birth of composer Frederick Scotson Clark. . 1848 ~ Frederic Chopin played his final piano concert at a Polish benefit ball at Guildhall in London. . 1850 ~ Giuseppe Verdi's opera Stifellio���was first performed at the Teatro Grande in Trieste despite difficulties with the censors which resulted in cuts and changes. . 1852 ~ Birth of American soprano Minnie Hauk in NYC. d-near Lucerne, 6 FEB 1929. . 1860 ~ Birth of Viennese harpist Edmund Scheucker. 1873 ~ W.C. Handy, American blues composer and bandleader More information about Handy . 1854 ~ First Performance of Anton Rubinstein's Ocean Symphony in Leipzig. . 1861 ~ Birth of composer Vaclav Suk. . 1889 ~ George S. (Simon) Kaufman , Playwright: The Cocoanuts, A Night at the Opera, with Moss Hart , The Man Who Came to Dinner, You Can't Take It with You 1895 ~ Paul Hindemith, German-born American composer and conductor Read quotes by and about Hindemith More information about Hindemith . 1905 ~ Eddie (Albert) Condon , Guitarist, bandleader, promoter of Dixieland Jazz . 1908 ~ Conductor Arturo Toscanini made his debut in the United States this day. He appeared at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, conducting Aida. . 1931 ~ Bob Gibson , Singer, songwriter, leader of folk music movement in late '50s, duo of Gibson and (Bob) Camp . 1932 ~ The Palace in New York City closed its doors. It was the most famous vaudeville theatre in America. Later, it became a movie house with live performances preceding the flicks; most notably: the team of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in their heyday. . 1935 ~ The Rodgers and Hart musical, Jumbo, opened in New York City for a run of 233 performances. . 1937 ~ Bob Crosby and his orchestra recorded South Rampart Street Parade on Decca Records. . 1945 ~ Martine Van Hammel, Ballet, American Ballet Theatre . 1955 ~ 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford drove to the top spot on the record charts on this day. Sixteen Tons, where he owed his "soul to the company store...", became the fastest-selling record in history, jumping to #1 in just 3 weeks. The tune, on Capitol Records, stayed at #1 for eight weeks. . 1970 ~ Anne Murray received a gold record for Snowbird. She was the first Canadian recording artist to receive a gold record. . 2000 ~ Russ Conway, a British pianist known as the "Prince Charming of Pop" who sold more than 30 million records in the 1950s and '60s, died at age 75. He had 17 consecutive hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and won a silver disc when his record Roulette topped 250,000 sales - a total rapidly equaled by three other hits, Sidesaddle, China Tea and Snow Coach. Conway's formal piano education consisted of one lesson at age 4. He left school at 14 and got work in a lawyer's office. But he was sent to juvenile detention for three years for taking money he found in a package. In a detention center, he found a piano to play. While doing a stint as a pianist in a club, he was discovered by choreographer Irving Davies. He went on to provide piano accompaniment to a string of singers. Soon he was composing the songs that made him famous and won him the nicknames "Prince Charming of Pop" and the "Sheik of the Keyboard." . 2001 ~ Blue guitarist and singer Isaac Scott, a major figure in the city's music scene for more than a quarter century, died of complications from diabetes. He was 56. A stream of musicians paid their respects to Scott, said his ex-wife, Eloise DePoe. He was found in his apartment Nov. 4 and never regained consciousness. Scott recorded several albums, including "The Isaac Scott Band," "Big Time Blues Man" and "High Class Woman." He also appeared on the compilation albums "Live at the San Francisco Jazz Festival" and "Live at the Roadhouse." Primarily a "cover artist," Scott did not write his own songs, which hindered national recognition. But he received several local honors, including the Washington Blues Society's Hall of Fame (1991) and lifetime-achievement (2000) awards. He also performed at last year's opening of the Experience Music Project. Scott taught himself piano and guitar, and started out playing gospel music, once touring the West Coast with the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi. In 1974, he turned his attention to blues, with a sound flavored by his love of Seattle-born guitar legend Jimi Hendrix . Like Albert Collins , an early influence, Scott played electric guitar with his thumb instead of a pick, which contributed to his distinctive sound. He also was known for his stamina, often playing two- and three-hour sets. . 2001 ~ Tommy Flanagan, a jazz pianist who worked with such artists as Ella Fitzgerald , died of an arterial aneurysm. He was 71. Flanagan, part of his own classic jazz trio, accompanied Fitzgerald for 20 years, also acting as her musical director. He also worked for Tony Bennett . He became a celebrated figure in jazz with such trio albums as "Jazz Poet" (1989) and "Let's" (1993). Flanagan's trio included bassists George Mraz and Peter Washington, and drummers Kenny Washington, Lewis Nash and Albert Heath. Flanagan won the distinguished Danish Jazzpar Prize in 1993. Born in Detroit, Flanagan was the youngest of six children. He recorded "Sunset and the Mockingbird: The Birthday Concert," live at the Vanguard in 1998. He was to appear at Iridium this holiday season. 17 . 1726 ~ The first performance of J. S. Bach's Sacred Cantata No. 55 Ich armer Mensch, ich S���ndenknecht on the 22nd Sunday following Trinity. Was part of Bach's third annual Sacred Cantata cycle in Leipzig 1725-27 . 1861 ~ First Performance of Johannes Brahms' Piano Quintet No. 1 in g, Op. 25, at a rehearsal in Hamburg, with pianist Clara Schumann. . 1862 ~ The work noted above received its official premiere with members of the Hellmesberger Quartet; Brahms at the piano, in Vienna. . 1870 ~ Birth of Australian composer Alfred Hill in Melbourne. d-Sydney, 30 OCT 1960. . 1876~ The first performance of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's March Slav in Moscow. . 1877 ~ The first production of Gilbert and Sullivan's opera, The Sorcerer, was presented, in London. . 1888~ The first production of Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony in St. Petersburg. . 1894 ~ Debut of opera star Enrico Caruso in Mario Morelli's L'Amico Francesco at Naples Teatro Nuovo.   1877 ~ The first production of Gilbert and Sullivan's opera, The Sorcerer, was presented, in London. . 1891 ~ Poland's premier and premier ivory tickler, Ignace Jan Paderewski , made his American debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In later years, Paderewski, who suffered from arthritis, settled in Paso Robles, CA. The hot mineral baths located there eased his pain. He played only Steinway grand pianos custom-built to his specifications. In fact, five were made just for his use. . 1925 ~ Sir Charles Mackerras, Australian conductor . 1930 ~ David Amram, American composer and French-horn player . 1938 ~ Gordon Lightfoot, Canadian folk singer, songwriter and guitarist . 1938 ~ Orchestra leader Kay Kyser , speaking to an audience at the College of the City of New York (CCNY) told of the "inner workings and artistic features of swing music." It marked the first of a series of lectures on swing music presented by Kyser, who went on to present The Kollege of Musical Knowledge on radio. . 1941 ~ Gene Clark , Singer, guitar with The Byrds . 1942 ~ Bob Gaudio, Singer with The Royal Teens; The Four Seasons . 1946 ~ Martin Barre, Guitarist with Jethro Tull . 1950 ~ Roberta Peters filled in for the lead in Mozart's Don Giovanni, making her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She would become one of the Met's most famous stars. . 1962 ~ The 4 Seasons, with Frankie Valli as lead singer, began a five-week run at the top of the tunedex with Big Girls Don't Cry. . 1967 ~ Ronald DeVoe, Singer with New Edition . 1970 ~ Elton John recorded an album live, on what was WABC-FM in New York City. It marked the first time that a concert was aired live and recorded for release as aired. The LP was titled, 11/17/70. . 1981 ~ Bob Eberly died . 2001 ~ Jerry Jerome, a tenor sax player who was a featured soloist with the bands of Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman , died of leukemia. He was 89. One of the big names in the Big Band era, Jerome was a featured soloist with the Glenn Miller , Benny Goodman , Red Norvo and Artie Shaw orchestras. He then became a successful musical director and conductor on radio and television. Jerome also established a music business, scoring and arranging commercial jingles. Three years ago, Arbors Records released Jerome's "Something Old, Something New." The sequel recording, "Something Borrowed, Something Blue," will be released in December. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Jerome started playing the sax while in high school. He attended the University of Alabama and went on the medical school, playing gigs at jazz clubs to earn tuition money. He joined Goodman's orchestra at the height of its popularity in 1938. When Goodman broke up his band in 1940, Jerome joined Shaw. While with Shaw, he appeared in the film "Second Chorus," with Fred Astaire and Burgess Meredith. . 2003 ~ Arthur Conley , a 1960s soul singer and protege of Otis Redding's , died at his home in the town of Ruurlo, in the eastern Netherlands. He was 57. Conley was born in Atlanta and started his recording career in 1959 as leader of the group Arthur and the Corvets. He was best known for his 1967 hit, Sweet Soul Music, which he co-wrote with Redding based on a number by Sam Cooke . Conley had several minor hits in the following two years. He moved to Europe in the early 1970s after several tours of the continent, deciding that he was "fed up with the pressure" in the United States, said Giesen. In the Netherlands, Conley appeared on television and radio, and ran an independent record label. In the last five years he was an adviser to The Original Sixties R&B and Soul Show, which sought to reproduce the sound and look of the heyday of soul. 18    1307 ~ The story of William Tell shooting the apple off of his young son's head is said to have taken place on this day. Gioachino Rossini made this story into an opera. . 1680 ~ Birth of French-Belgian composer and flutist Jean Baptiste Loeillet in Gent. d-London, 19 JUL 1730. . 1736 ~ Birth of German composer Carl Friedrich Christian Fasch in Zerbst. d-Berlin, 3 AUG 1800. . 1741 ~ George Frideric Handel arrived in Dublin at the invitation of the country of Ireland to attend current concert season. He presented numerous concerts in the Irish capital, including the first performance���of his oratorio Messiah early in 1742. . 1763 ~ Leopold Mozart and his two children, Wolfgang and Maria, arrive in Paris on their European concert tour. 1786 ~ Carl Maria von Weber, German composer, conductor and pianist, began the era of German romantic music More information about von Weber 1838 ~ Sir William Schwenck Gilbert, British playright and librettist, best known for his comic operettas with Arthur Sullivan Read quotes by and about Gilbert More information about Gilbert . 1859 ~ Birth of Russian composer and pianist Sergei Mikhailovich Lyapunov, in Yaroslavl. d-Paris, 1924. . 1888 ~ First Performance of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony, in St. Petersburg. . 1889 ~ Amelita Galli-Curci , Opera soprano, "If not the greatest coloratura soprano of all time, she must surely be recognized as among the world's finest examples of true operatic artistry." . 1891 ~���First Performance of Tchaikovsky's symphonic work The Voyevode in Moscow. . 1892 ~ First concert at Carnegie Hall by the New York Philharmonic. 1899 ~ Eugene Ormandy (Jeno Blau), Hungarian-born American conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra More information about Ormandy . 1909 ~ Johnny (John Herndon) Mercer , Academy Award-winning composer, lyricist, wrote or co-wrote over a thousand songs . 1926 ~ Dorothy Collins (Marjorie Chandler) , Singer on Your Hit Parade, sang with Benny Goodman band . 1936 ~ Hank Ballard , Singer, songwriter with The Midniters, wrote and recorded The Twist More about Hank Ballard . 1950 ~ Graham Parker, Singer with Graham Parker and The Rumour . 1953 ~ Herman Rarebell, Drummer with Scorpions . 1960 ~ Kim Wilde, Singer . 1967 ~ Lulu's To Sir with Love, from the movie of the same name, started its fifth and final week at number one. . 1974 ~ Frank Sinatra emerged from retirement to do a TV special with dancer Gene Kelly . The show was a smash hit and revived Sinatra's career. . 1975 ~ John Denver received a gold record for I'm Sorry. . 1986 ~ The Roseland Ballroom reopened in New York City. The 67-year-old home for those wanting to dance cheek to cheek featured America's dean of society music, Lester Lanin. He played for patrons who wanted to cut a rug on the 112-by-55-foot, maple wood dance floor. . 1999 ~ Doug Sahm passed away . 2003 ~ First Performance of John Corigliano 's Snapshot: Circa 1909. Elements String Quartet at Merkin Concert Hall, NYC. . 2003 ~ Oscar-nominated composer, conductor and arranger Michael Kamen, one of Hollywood's most sought-after musicians, died at age 55 after suffering from multiple sclerosis for several years. The native New Yorker and Juilliard School of Music Graduate was one of Hollywood's most successful composers who worked on music for the "Lethal Weapon" series and scored "Die Hard" among many other films. In the late 1960s, he helped found the New York Rock 'n' Roll Ensemble, a critically acclaimed group that fused classical with pop and recorded five albums before dissolving. In the 1970s, Kamen scored ballets, served as musical director for David Bowie's "Diamond Dogs" tour and began writing scores for film. Although he began in Hollywood working on offbeat films like "Polyester" and "Brazil," he turned more mainstream in the 1980s, working on the "Lethal Weapon" series, "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," "Mr. Holland's Opus" and "X-Men," plus the HBO series "Band of Brothers." In 1991, Kamen earned his first Academy Award nomination for "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You," the Bryan Adams pop hit from the movie, "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." Co-written with Adams and Robert John "Mutt" Lange, the song received two Grammys. The three united in 1993 for "All for Love." In 1999, Kamen conducted the orchestra which backed Metallica on their S&M project. 19      . 1724 ~ First Performance of J. S. Bach's Sacred Cantata No. 26 Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig performed on the 24th Sunday following Trinity. A portion of Bach's second annual Sacred Cantata cycle in Leipzig, 1724-25. . 1736 ~ J. S. Bach named court composer by Poland's King Agustus III. . 1739 ~ First Performance of Jean-Philippe Rameau's opera Dardanus in Paris. . 1826 ~ Composer Felix Mendelssohn and his sister Fanny performed his overture to "A Midsummer Night's Dream" for the first time. . 1828 ~ Death of Austrian composer Franz Schubert in Vienna, at the age of 31 from typhus. He is buried near Beethoven. 1859 ~ Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov, Russian composer and conductor More information about Ippolitov-Ivanov . 1874 ~ Birth of composer Karl Adrian Wohlfahrt. . 1875 ~ First Performance of Tchaikovsky's Third Symphony, in Moscow. . 1888 ~ Piano Debut in Boston of composer Edward MacDowell with the Kneisel Quartet. . 1905 ~ Tommy Dorsey , American trombonist and bandleader . 1923 ~ First Performances of Béla Bartók's Five Dances and Zoltán Kodály's Psalums Hungaricus in Budapest, marking the 50th anniversary of the union of cities Buda and Pest. . 1936 ~ Birth of classical music commentator (Detroit Symphony broadcasts) Dick Cavett, in Kearney, Nebraska. ABC-TV talk show host (Dick Cavett Show). . 1936 ~ First concert recorded on magnetic tape with the London Philharmonic orchestra conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham at BASF's own concert hall in Ludwigshaven, Germany. . 1937 ~ Ray Collins, Songwriter . 1938 ~ Hank Medress, Singer with The Tokens, record producer . 1943 ~ Fred Lipsius, Piano, sax with Blood Sweat & Tears . 1943 ~ Stan Kenton and his orchestra recorded Artistry in Rhythm, the song that later become the Kenton theme. It was Capitol record number 159. The other side of the disk was titled, Eager Beaver. . 1944 ~ Agnes Baltsa, Greek mezzo-soprano . 1954 ~ Sammy Davis, Jr. was involved in a serious auto accident in San Bernardino, CA. Three days later, Davis lost the sight in his left eye. He later referred to the accident as the turning point of his career. . 1957 ~ American conductor Leonard Bernstein named Music Director of the New York Philharmonic. First American-born and educated conductor named to head an important American Orchestra. . 1961 ~ A year after Chubby Checker reached the #1 spot with The Twist, the singer appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show to sing the song again. The Twist became the first record to reach #1 a second time around, on January 13, 1962. . 1962 ~ For the first time, a jazz concert was presented at the White House. Jazz had previously been served as background music only. . 2000 ~ First Performance of Philip Glass ' Double Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra, by the American Composers Orchestra. Lincoln Center in New York. 2004 ~ Composer Cy Coleman , who wrote the musical "Sweet Charity" and whose songs included such Frank Sinatra classics as Witchcraft, Big Spender and The Best is Yet to Come, died at the age 75 More information about Cy Coleman 20    1894 ~ Anton Rubinstein , Russian composer and pianist, died More information about Rubinstein . 1925 ~ June Christy (Shirley Luster) , Singer, sang with Stan Kenton band . 1929 ~ Leo Reisman and his orchestra recorded Happy Days are Here Again for Victor Records. The classic was recorded just three weeks after the stock market crash that plunged the nation into the Great Depression. . 1937 ~ Ruth Laredo, American pianist . 1940 ~ Tony Butala, Singer with The Lettermen . 1942 ~ Norman Greenbaum, Singer . 1943 ~ Meredith Monk, American composer, dancer, choreographer and singer . 1946 ~ Duane Allman, Guitarist with The Allman Brothers Band . 1946 ~ Ray Stiles, Bass, singer with Mud . 1947 ~ George Grantham, Drummer, singer with Poco . 1947 ~ Joe Walsh, Guitarist, singer with he Eagles; James Gang . 1948 ~ Barbara Hendricks, American soprano . 1957 ~ Jimmy Brown, Drummer with UB40 . 1959 ~ One of America's great rock jocks was fired from WABC radio in New York. The 'Moondoggy' himself, Alan Freed , was axed in the midst of the payola music scandal. . 1966 ~ Cabaret opened on Broadway for the first of 1,166 stellar performances. Joel Gray starred in the hugely successful musical that is an adaptation of both the play, "I Am a Camera", and the novel, "Goodbye to Berlin". . 1971 ~ Isaac Hayes of Memphis, TN got his first #1 hit as the Theme from Shaft began a two-week stay at the top of the charts. . 1984 ~ The largest crowd to see the unveiling of a Hollywood Walk-of-Fame star turned out as Michael Jackson got his piece of the sidewalk right in front of Mann's Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. 'The Gloved One' became star number 1,793 on the famed walk. . 2003 ~ Katherine Bidwell, who supported performing arts programs and held positions at the Metropolitan Opera Guild and Lincoln Center, died. She was 66. A musician herself, Bidwell joined the St. Louis Municipal Opera when she was 18. She became a trustee at Sarah Lawrence College, her alma mater, and sponsored performing arts programs there. In 1966, Bidwell joined the board of the Metropolitan Opera Guild. She was its president and chief executive from 1979 to 1986, and for the next 10 years, she was director of special projects for Lincoln Center. Bidwell founded the Katherine Bidwell Foundation for Young Singers and the patrons' program of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. She was a trustee of several other organizations, including Westminster Choir College and the London School of Music and Dramatic Arts. 21    1710 ~ Bernardo Pasquini died. He was an Italian composer of operas, oratorios, cantatas and keyboard music. A renowned virtuoso keyboard player in his day, he was one of the most important Italian composers for harpsichord between Girolamo Frescobaldi and Domenico Scarlatti, having also made substantial contributions to the opera and oratorio. . 1877 ~ Thomas A. Edison, who really enjoyed the jazz he heard coming from his newest invention, told those gathered that he just invented the 'talking machine' (phonograph). On February 19, 1878 , Edison received a patent for the device. . 1904 ~ Coleman Hawkins , American jazz tenor saxophonist, solo with the Fletcher Henderson band, jazz bandleader . 1931 ~ Malcolm Williamson, Australian composer . 1933 ~ Jean Shepard, Country singer . 1934 ~ Cole Porter's Anything Goes opened at the Alvin Theatre in New York City. The show ran for 420 performances. . 1936 ~ James DePreist, Orchestra leader with the Oregon Symphony 1937 ~ Following Carnegie Hall performances in both 1906 and 1919, Artur Rubinstein presented another historic and highly acclaimed performance at the arts center this day. More information about Rubinstein . 1940 ~ Dr. John ('Mac' Malcolm John Rebennack), Organ, guitar, singer, songwriter . 1940 ~ Natalia Makarova, Ballerina with the Kirov Ballet (now Saint Petersburg Ballet) from 1959 until 1970 . 1944 ~ Happy trails to you, until we meet again.... The Roy Rogers Show was first heard on the Mutual Broadcasting System. Singing along with Roy ('The King of the Cowboys') , were the Whippoorwills and The Sons of the Pioneers. . 1944 ~ I'm Beginning to See the Light, the song that would become the theme song for Harry James and his orchestra, was recorded this day. The song featured the lovely voice of Kitty Kallen (Little Things Mean a Lot). . 1948 ~ Lonnie (LeRoy) Jordan, Keyboards, singer . 1950 ~ Livingston Taylor, American folk singer, songwriter and guitarist, brother of singer James Taylor . 1952 ~ Lorna Luft, Singer, actress, daughter of singer-actress Judy Garland and producer Sid Luft; sister of singer-actress Liza Minnelli . 1955 ~ The first lady of the American stage, Helen Hayes, was honored for her many remarkable years in show business, as the Fulton Theatre in New York City was renamed the Helen Hayes Theatre. . 1959 ~ Following his firing from WABC Radio in New York the day before, Alan Freed refused "on principle" to sign a statement that he never received money or gifts (payola) for plugging records. Incidentally, few may remember, but Freed left WABC while he was on the air. He was replaced in mid~record by Fred Robbins, who later became a nationally~known entertainment reporter for Mutual Radio. . 1962 ~ Leonard Bernstein broadcast his Young People's Concert "Sound of a Hall" from the New York Philharmonic's new home at Lincoln Center (now David Geffen Hall). He spoke about the science of sound; acoustics, vibration, sound waves, echo and reverberation. ���Well, the best test of dynamic range I can think of is that great piece of fireworks - Tchaikovsky's Overture 1812, because it begins as softly as possible with only 6 solo strings, and runs the whole dynamic range to a full orchestra, plus at the end, an extra brass band...plus the deafening roar of cannon plus the jangle of church bells..." We share with you this excerpt of Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic performing the 1812 Overture. . 1981 ~ Olivia Newton-John started the first of 10 weeks at the top of the pop music charts when Physical became the music world's top tune. . 1990 ~ Instrument lovers have paid some pretty awesome prices for violins made by Antonio Stradivari . But a red Strad owned by the family of composer Felix Mendelssohn sold on this day for an all-time high of $1,700,00. . 2001 ~ Ralph Burns, who won Academy Awards, an Emmy and a Tony as a music arranger after making a name for himself in jazz as a piano player in the Woody Herman band, died at the age of 79. Burns collected his first Academy Award for adapting the musical score of the . 1972 movie "Cabaret." He won another Oscar for adapting the musical score for "All That Jazz," an Emmy for television's "Baryshnikov on Broadway" and a Tony in 1999 for the Broadway musical "Fosse." His other film credits included "Lenny," "In The Mood," "Urban Cowboy," "Annie," "My Favorite Year" and "The Muppets Take Manhattan." He also collaborated with Jule Styne on "Funny Girl" and Richard Rodgers on "No Strings." The Massachusetts native, who took up piano as a child, was playing in dance bands in Boston when he was 12, graduating to jazz orchestras by his teens. He worked with Herman band's for 15 years as both a writer and piano player, composing some of the group's biggest hits. Among them were "Apple Honey," "Bijou" and the three-part "Summer Sequence." "Early Autumn," written later as a fourth movement for "Summer Sequence," became a hit with singers after Johnny Mercer supplied words for it. Later, Burns worked in the studio with such popular singers as Tony Bennett , Johnny Mathis , Ray Charles , Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole . . 2003 ~ Teddy Randazzo , co-author of more than 600 songs for acts including The Temptations and Frank Sinatra , died at the age of 68. With co-author Bobby Weinstein and others, Randazzo wrote hits such as Goin' Out of My Head, Hurt So Bad and It's Gonna Take a Miracle for acts such as Little Anthony and the Imperials, The Lettermen, Linda Ronstadt , The Temptations and Sinatra. Randazzo began his career at age 15 as lead singer of the group The Three Chuckles. The group's first hit, Runaround, rose to No. 20 on the Billboard charts and sold more than 1 million copies. Randazzo started a solo career in 1957 and found modest success over the next seven years before meeting Weinstein. The duo's songs have been recorded by more than 350 artists, including Gloria Gaynor, Queen Latifah and Luther Vandross. They parted ways in 1970 and Weinstein became an executive for Broadcast Music Inc. and Randazzo became a producer for Motown Records. 22    1880 ~ Lillian Russell made her vaudeville debut, in New York City. . 1899 ~ Hoagy (Hoagland Howard) Carmichael , American jazz pianist and songwriter, singer, band leader, attorney . 1909 ~ Helen Hayes appeared for the first time on the New York stage. She was a member of the cast of In Old Dutch, which opened at the Herald Square Theatre. 1913 ~ Lord Benjamin Britten, British composer Read quotes by and about Britten More information about Britten Grammy winner . 1925 ~ Gunther Schuller, American composer, conductor, French-horn player and educator . 1938 ~ Bunny Berigan and his orchestra recorded Jelly Roll Blues on Victor Records. The tune became a standard for the band. . 1943 ~ Floyd Sneed, Drummer with Three Dog Night . 1946 ~ Aston Barrett, Musician with 'Family Man', bass with Bob Marley & The Wailers . 1949 ~ Steve 'Miami' Van Zandt, Singer, songwriter, guitar . 1950 ~ Tina (Martina) Weymouth, Bass with Talking Heads . 1953 ~ Craig Hundley, Pianist with the Craig Hundley Trio . 1955 ~ RCA paid the unheard of sum of $25,000 to Sam Phillips of Memphis, TN for the rights to the music of a truck driver from Tupelo, Mississippi: Elvis Presley . Thanks to negotiations with Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker , RCA tossed in a $5,000 bonus as well,for a pink Cadillac for Elvis' mother. . 1957 ~ The Miles Davis Quintet debuted with a jazz concert at Carnegie Hall in New York. . 1965 ~ The production of Man of LaMancha, including the classic The Impossible Dream, opened in New York City for the first of 2,328 performances. . 1975 ~ Dr. Zhivago appeared on TV for the first time. The production, including Somewhere My Love, had earned $93 million from theatre tickets over ten years. NBC paid $4 million for the broadcast rights. . 1977 ~ Tony Orlando returned to the concert stage after a self-imposed, three-month retirement following the suicide death of his good friend, Freddie Prinze. Orlando appeared in concert in San Carlos, California. . 2001 ~ Norman Granz, the impresario who helped make jazz more accessible to the public while making the music business fairer to black performers, died in Geneva, Switzerland, of complications from cancer. He was 83. Granz owned four labels - Clef, Norgran, Verve and Pablo - and at one time or another recorded most of the major names in jazz, including Louis Armstrong , Count Basie , Duke Ellington , Ella Fitzgerald , Dizzy Gillespie , Billie Holiday , Charlie Parker and Oscar Peterson . Many historians credit him with bringing top jazz performers in integrated bands into venues across the country through a series called Jazz at the Philharmonic. Granz's efforts also helped end a system in which white performers generally earned far more than blacks. He insisted on equality in pay, dining and accommodations for his musicians. In 1947, he told Down Beat magazine that he lost $100,000, then a sizable sum, by turning down bookings in segregated concert halls. 23    1666 ~ Giuseppe Guarneri, Italian violin maker 1876 ~ Manuel de Falla, Spanish composer and conductor More information about de Falla . 1889 ~ The first 'Nickel-in-the-Slot' (jukebox) was placed in service in the Palais Royal Saloon in San Francisco, California. Juke, at the time, was a slang word for a a disorderly house, or house of ill repute. The unit, developed by Louis T. Glass, contained an Edison tinfoil phonograph with four listening tubes. There was a coin slot for each tube. 5 cents bought a few minutes of music. The contraption took in $1,000 in six months! 1903 ~ Enrico Caruso , famed Italian tenor, made his debut in the United States at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. He sang in the role of the Duke in Rigoletto. More information about Caruso . 1924 ~ Vincent Lopez and some 40 jazz musicians presented a concert of upbeat music at the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC. . 1928 ~ Jerry Bock, American songwriter for the musical theater 1933 ~ Krzysztof Penderecki, Polish composer and conductor More information about Penderecki . 1935 ~ Ethel Leginska became the first woman to write an opera and conduct it. Her original work, titled Gale, opened at the Chicago City Opera Company. . 1938 ~ Bob Hope and Shirley Ross recorded a song for the film, The Big Broadcast of 1938. Thanks for the Memory became Decca record number 2219. It also became Hope's theme song. . 1974 ~ Billy Swan reached the #1 spot on the singles charts for the first and only time. I Can Help was the most popular song in the U.S. for two weeks. 24    1848 ~ Lilli Lehmann, German soprano 1868 ~ Scott Joplin, American ragtime composer and pianist More information about Joplin . 1934 ~ Alfred Schnittke , Soviet composer . 1937 ~ Music from the Raymor Ballroom in Boston, Massachusetts was beamed coast to coast on NBC radio. The special guests during this broadcast were Glenn Miller and his orchestra. . 1937 ~ Three lovely ladies, known as The Andrews Sisters , recorded Decca record number 1562 this day. It became one of their biggest hits: Bei Mir Bist Du Sch���n. . 1950 ~ The musical comedy, Guys and Dolls, from the pen of Frank Loesser , opened at the 46th Street Theatre in New York City. The show ran for 1,200 performances. . 1958 ~ Jackie Wilson's Lonely Teardrops was released, as was a disk by Ritchie Valens featuring Donna on one side and La Bamba on the other. . 1958 ~ Harold Jenkins, who changed his name to Conway Twitty , got his first #1 hit on this day. It's Only Make Believe was the most popular song in the U.S. for one week. . 1972 ~ A Friday night show that would compete head-to-head with NBC's Midnight Special premiered. In Concert featured Chuck Berry , Alice Cooper, Blood Sweat and Tears, Seals and Crofts and Poco. Robert W. Morgan of KHJ, Los Angeles was the offstage announcer for the ABC-TV show that was staged before a live audience. In Concert was the creation of the guy who dreamed up the fictitious group The Archies and brought fame to The Monkees: rock promoter, Don Kirshner . . 1973 ~ Following over two years of retirement, Frank Sinatra went back to work again with a TV special on NBC titled, "Ol' Blue Eyes is Back". Despite the fact that the show finished third in the ratings (in a three-show race), at least one critic called the program, "The best popular music special of the year." . 1976 ~ The Band, appearing at the Winterland in San Francisco, announced that this was to be the group's last public performance. . 1993 ~ Albert Collins , passed away . 2003 ~ Teddy Wilburn , half of the country music duo the Wilburn Brothers, died. He was 71. Wilburn and his brother, Doyle, had 30 songs on the country charts from 1955 to 1972, including the hits Hurt Her Once for Me, Trouble's Back in Town and Roll, Muddy River. Doyle Wilburn died of cancer in 1982. Teddy Wilburn was born in the Ozark Mountain community of Hardy, Ark. He and Doyle first performed publicly at ages 6 and 5, with the Wilburn Family band. After recording on Decca records as the Wilburn Brothers, Teddy and Doyle joined the Grand Ole Opry cast. Between 1963 and 1974, the Wilburn Brothers were hosts of one of country music's first syndicated color TV shows. In 1972 they were nominated for the Country Music Association's Vocal Group of the Year award. 25 1787 ~ Franz Gruber, composer of Silent Night 1896 ~ Virgil Thomson, American composer, conductor and music critic Read quotes by and about Thomson More information about Thomson . 1924 ~ Paul Desmond , American jazz also saxophonist and composer . 1925 ~ Derroll Adams, Country singer, played with Jack Elliott . 1931 ~ Nat Adderley, Musician, cornet, mellophone, French horn, trumpet, brother of Cannonball Adderley . 1941 ~ Percy Sledge, Singer . 1949 ~ Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer , by Johnnie Marks, appeared on the music charts and became THE musical hit of the Christmas season. Although Gene Autry's rendition is the most popular, 80 different versions of the song have been recorded, with nearly 20,000,000 copies sold. . 1955 ~ Following a summer at the top of the American pop charts, Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley and His Comets became the #1 song in Great Britain. . 1959 ~ Steve Rothery, Guitarist with Marillion . 1960 ~ Amy Grant, Singer . 1932 ~ Alan Stout, American composer . 1933 ~ Robert Goulet (Stanley Applebaum), Singer, actor . 1935 ~ Marian Mercer, Singer, actress . 1938 ~ Ray Brown, Singer with The Four Freshmen . 1938 ~ Tina Turner (Annie Bullock), American soul-rock singer, Grammy Award-winning Pop Singer of the Year, 1985; Ike Turner's ex-wife . 1940 ~ Xavier Cugat and his orchestra recorded Orchids in the Moonlight on the Columbia label. . 1944 ~ Alan Henderson, Bass with Them . 1946 ~ John McVie, Guitarist with Fleetwood Mac . 1956 ~ Tommy Dorsey passed away at the age of 51. His records sold more than 110,000,000 copies. . 1963 ~ Amelita Galli-Curci passed away . 1968 ~ Cream gave a farewell performance filmed by the BBC in London. The rock group played before a capacity crowd at Royal Albert Hall. . 1969 ~ The Band received a gold record for the album, The Band. . 1978 ~ Frank Rosolino passed away . 1980 ~ "Wings Over America" premiered in New York City. The movie is about the first American tour of Paul McCartney and Wings. . 2001 ~ Paul Hume, a music critic who once drew the ire of President Harry Truman after he panned his daughter's recital, died of pneumonia at his home in Baltimore. Hume was 85. Hume worked for The Washington Post and built a reputation as one of the most learned critics in the nation. Classical music legends Vladimir Horowitz , Eugene Ormandy and Leonard Bernstein all held Hume in high esteem. Hume will always be remembered for his review of a recital by Truman's daughter, Margaret, in 1950, in which he criticized her singing as flat. After reading the review, Truman wrote an angry, threatening letter to Hume. Truman's remarks got him in hot water with the public, which felt he shouldn't take time to joust with critics as the nation fought the Korean War. A Chicago native, Hume taught music history at Georgetown University from 1950 to 1977 and was a visiting professor at Yale University from 1975 to 1983. He wrote several books, including a study of Catholic church music and a biography of Giuseppe Verdi . . 2003 ~ Meyer Kupferman , a prolific composer whose work ranged from contemporary classical music to opera, ballet and jazz, died. He was 77. Kupferman, a virtuoso clarinetist, taught composition and music theory at Sarah Lawrence College, where he was a staff member from 1951 to 1993. During his tenure there, he also served as chair of the music department and conducted the orchestra, chorus and chamber improvisation ensemble. In 1948 Kupferman wrote both his first piano concerto and opera. In all, he produced seven operas, 12 symphonies, nine ballets, seven string quartets, 10 concertos and hundreds of chamber works. His compositions have been performed and recorded worldwide. Kupferman also was commissioned by the Hudson Valley Philharmonic to write 'FDR' for the centennial of Franklin Roosevelt's birth. The manuscript of the piece is now held by the Roosevelt Library. William Anderson, a family friend and a guitarist who performed Kupferman's music, told the New York Times that Kupferman died of heart failure. 27    . 1804 ~ Sir Julius Benedict, Musician, composer . 1813 ~ Michele Puccini, Composer . 1867 ~ Charles (Louis Eug'ne) Koechlin, French composer. He studied under Massenet and Faur��� at the Paris Conservatoire. He excelled in colourful and inventive orchestration in his symphonies, symphonic poems, choral- orchestral works (including seven based on Kipling's Jungle Book), film music, and works inspired by Hollywood, such as the Seven Stars Symphony. He also wrote prolifically for a wide range of vocal and chamber combinations. His writings included studies of recent French music and treatises on music theory. . 1900 ~ Leon Barzin, Belgian conductor (NY City Ballet 1948-58) . 1904 ~ Sir Julius Benedict, German-born English conductor and composer . 1912 ~ David Merrick (Margulois) , Broadway producer of Gypsy, Hello, Dolly!, Beckett, Oliver, Fanny, Stop the World: I Want to Get Off, 42nd Street . 1926 ~ Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong recorded You Made Me Love You on Okeh Records. . 1935 ~ Al Jackson, Jr. , Dummer with Booker T. and the M.G.'s; Roy Milton Band . 1935 ~ Eeny Meeny Miney Mo was recorded by Ginger Rogers and Johnny Mercer . The tune was recorded at Decca Records in Los Angeles. . 1942 ~ Jimi (James Marshall) Hendrix , American rock guitarist, singer and songwriter . 1944 ~ Dozy (Trevor Davies), Bass with Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich . 1944 ~ Eddie Rabbitt , Songwriter, Kentucky Rain for Elvis Presley ; singer, his 17 albums garnered 26 #1 country hits and 8 pop hits . 1953 ~ Boris Grebenshikov, Russian rock musician . 1959 ~ Charlie Burchill, Guitarist with Simple Minds . 1967 ~ The Association, a California group, earned a gold record for the hit Never My Love, on Warner Bros. Records. The group also earned worldwide fame for other hits including Windy, Cherish and Along Comes Mary. . 1982 ~ The #1 song in the U.S. was former Commodore Lionel Richie's Truly. The love song stayed at the top of the charts for two weeks. The song was his first solo hit and followed Endless Love, a duet with Diana Ross in 1981. . 2000 ~ Walter Bailes, a member of the popular 1940s-era Grand Ole Opry duo The Bailes Brothers, died at the age of 80. Walter Bailes, a West Virginia native, and his brother Johnny were the classic Bailes Brothers duo. Brothers Kyle and Homer also performed with the group over the years in varying combinations. Walter wrote much of the group's material, including popular songs like Dust on the Bible and I Want to be Loved. During their run on the Grand Ole Opry from 1944 to 46, they were among the show's most popular acts. Kitty Wells , Flatt & Scruggs , and The Everly Brothers all recorded songs written by Walter Bailes. The Bailes Brothers left the Opry in 1946 and moved to Shreveport, La., where they helped launch the Louisiana Hayride radio show. They continued to occasionally perform throughout the 1950s. 28    1632 ~ Jean-Baptiste Lully, Italian-born French composer More information about Lully 1829 ~ Anton Rubinstein, Russian composer and pianist. He founded the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. More information about Rubinstein . 1895 ~ Joseé Iturbi , Musician, pianist, conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra . 1915 ~ Dick Vance, Trumpeter . 1929 ~ Berry Gordy, Jr., Founder of Motown Records . 1934 ~ Ethel Ennis, Singer with Benny Goodman Orchestra . 1939 ~ Gary Troxel, Singer with The Fleetwoods . 1940 ~ Bruce Channel, Singer 1943 ~ Randy (Randall Stuart) Newman, American pop-rock songwriter, singer and pianist More information about Newman . 1948 ~ Beeb Birtles, Guitarist with The Little River Band . 1949 ~ Alexander Godunov, Ballet dancer, actor . 1949 ~ Paul Shaffer, Band leader on Late Show with David Letterman, comedian . 1956 ~ Holding the #1 spot on the music charts: Guy Mitchell singing Singing the Blues. The song remained at the top of the Hit Parade for 10 weeks. Here's a bit of trivia: Ray Conniff whistled the intro to Singing the Blues. . 1966 ~ The New Vaudeville Band received a gold record for Winchester Cathedral this day. . 1974 ~ John Lennon appeared in concert for the last time, at NYC's Madison Square Garden. Lennon joined Elton John to sing Whatever Gets You Through the Night as well as I Saw Her Standing There. 29    1770 ~ Peter Hansel , composer 1797 ~ Gaetano Donizetti, Italian composer More information about Donizetti . 1825 ~ Rossini's Barber of Seville was presented in New York City. It was the first Italian opera to be presented in the United States. . 1877 ~ Thomas Alva Edison demonstrated a hand-cranked sound recording phonograph machine that was capable of recording human voice and other sounds. . 1895 ~ Busby Berkeley (William Berkeley Enos) , Director of Forty Second Street, Gold Diggers of 1935, Footlight Parade, Hollywood Hotel, Stage Struck, Gold Diggers in Paris, Babes in Arms, Strike Up the Band, Girl Crazy, Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Babes on Broadway, For Me and My Gal More information and videos about Busby Berkeley . 1915 ~ Billy Strayhorn, American jazz composer, lyricist and pianist . 1917 ~ Merle Travis , Songwriter, singer . 1932 ~ John Gary (Strader), Singer, songwriter, diver, inventor. He holds two patents on underwater propulsion devices - diving buddy and aqua-peller . 1932 ~ Ed Bickert, Jazz guitarist with Paul Desmond Quartet . 1932 ~ The Gay Divorcee opened in New York City. The Cole Porter musical featured the classic, Night and Day. . 1933 ~ John Mayall, Songwriter, bandleader . 1938 ~ Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra recorded Hawaiian War Chant for Victor Records. . 1939 ~ Meco (Monardo), Musician, music producer . 1940 ~ Chuck Mangione, American jazz musician (flugelhorn) and Grammy Award-winning composer . 1941 ~ Denny Doherty, Singer with Mamas and Papas, TV host . 1944 ~ Felix Cavaliere, Singer with The (Young) Rascals . 1947 ~ Louis Armstrong and his sextet lit up Carnegie Hall in New York City with a night of jazz and more. . 1948 ~ The first opera to be televised was broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Othello, by Verdi , was presented over WJZ-TV. . 1950 ~ I Fly Anything, starring singer Dick Haymes in the role of cargo pilot Dockery Crane, premiered on ABC Radio. The show only lasted one season and Haymes went back to singing. . 1951 ~ Barry Goudreau, Guitarist with Orion the Hunter; Boston . 1968 - Jonathan Rashleigh Knight, Singer, dancer with New Kids on the Block . 1975 ~ Silver Convention had the #1 pop tune this day, called Fly, Robin, Fly. . 1986 ~ The blockbuster five-record set, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Live/1975-85, debuted at #1 on the album charts this day. No five-record set had made the top 25 until then. No five-record set had ever gone platinum until then. The price tag? $25. . 2001 ~ George Harrison , the "quiet Beatle" who added both rock 'n' roll flash and a touch of the mystic to the band's timeless magic, died. He was 58. Harrison died at 1:30 p.m. at a friend's Los Angeles home following a battle with cancer, longtime friend Gavin De Becker told The Associated Press late Thursday. Harrison's wife, Olivia Harrison, and son, Dhani, 24, were with him. "He left this world as he lived in it, conscious of God, fearless of death, and at peace, surrounded by family and friends," the Harrison family said in a statement. "He often said, 'Everything else can wait but the search for God cannot wait, and love one another."' With the death of Harrison, the band's lead guitarist, there remain two surviving Beatles , Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr . John Lennon was shot to death by a deranged fan in 1980. "I am devastated and very, very sad," McCartney told reporters outside his London home Friday. "He was a lovely guy and a very brave man and had a wonderful sense of humor. He is really just my baby brother." In a statement, Starr said: "George was a best friend of mine. I loved him very much and I will miss him greatly. Both (wife) Barbara and I send our love and light to Olivia and Dhani. We will miss George for his sense of love, his sense of music and his sense of laughter." . 1932 ~ Bob Moore, Instrumentalist with Moby Grape . 1935 ~ Jack Reno, Country singer . 1937 ~ (Noel) Paul Stookey, American folk singer, songwriter and guitarist, Peter , Paul and Mary . 1939 ~ Harry James and his big band recorded Concerto for Trumpet on Columbia 78s. . 1940 ~ Lucille Ball and Cuban musician Desi Arnaz were married. Lucy filed for divorce the day after their final TV show was filmed in 1960. . 1943 ~ Nat 'King' Cole and his trio recorded Straighten Up and Fly Right on Capitol Records. It was the first recording for the King Cole trio. . 1943 ~ Leo Lyons, Bass with the Jaybirds . 1944 ~ Rob Grill, Singer with The Grass Roots . 1944 ~ Luther Ingram, Singer

i don't know

What noted statesman once expressed a preference for the turkey instead of the bald eagle as the national bird of the U.S.?

Turkey and Eagle: Ben Franklin Compares as Symbols of America   Resources The Eagle, Ben Franklin, and the Wild Turkey A year and a half after the Great Seal was adopted by Congress on June 20, 1782 – with the American Bald Eagle as its centerpiece – Benjamin Franklin shared some thoughts about this new symbol of America in a letter. He did not express these personal musings elsewhere, but they have become legendary. Writing from France on January 26, 1784 to his daughter Sally (Mrs. Sarah Bache) in Philadelphia, Franklin casts doubt on the propriety of using the eagle to symbolize the "brave and honest Cincinnati of America," a newly formed society of revolutionary war officers. The eagle on the badge of the Society of the Cincinnati Medal looked more like a turkey, which prompted Franklin to compare the two birds as a symbol for the United States. Franklin's Letter to His Daughter (excerpt) "For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him. "With all this Injustice, he is never in good Case but like those among Men who live by Sharping & Robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District. He is therefore by no means a proper Emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our Country... "I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America... He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on." Ben Franklin's Other Ideas His 1775 letter in the Pennsylvania Journal made a good case for the Rattlesnake as an appropriate symbol of "the temper and conduct of America." In 1776, Franklin's official suggestion while on the first Great Seal committee was an historic scene with Moses and Pharaoh , which that committee recommended for the reverse side of the Great Seal. Three other kinds of birds were suggested by William Barton of the third committee: a rooster, a dove , and a "phoenix in flames." "Because of their size, bald eagles are not concerned about threats from other birds. However, eagles are often chased by smaller birds, who are trying to protect their young. . . It was Benjamin Franklin's observations of a bald eagle either ignoring or retreating from such mobbing that probably led to his claim of the bald eagle's lack of courage." (BaldEagleInfo.com) Historical content is based on the official history of the Great Seal.

Benjamin Franklin

First published on November 24, 1859, what book had the alternate title the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life?

The truth about Ben Franklin and the turkey becoming America's national bird share We celebrate the turkey this week and pretty much this week only. Aside from noted exceptions, like at Wawa, the turkey is rarely front and center in America. And even when it is, it’s dead, ready to be paired with mashed potatoes and stuffing and devoured. Such an image could never be imagined for the bald eagle. It’s the emblem of America, the focal point of the Great Seal that is printed on official U.S. documents and on the back the $1 bill. The myth goes, though, that a turkey almost made the cut as America’s symbol because Philadelphia’s own Ben Franklin advocated for the bird. So, is it true? Did Franklin really want a turkey to be the symbol of the United States of America? Well… he did once call the turkey a “bird of courage” and one that “would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British guards,” but to fully answer that question, we must first go back to July 4, 1776, at Independence Hall. The Declaration of Independence had just been signed and the Revolutionary War was under way. Despite what would seem to be greater concerns, i.e. beating the British so this Independence thing could last, our founding fathers formed a committee to come up with a seal. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Franklin were chosen to lead it (check the bottom of page 517 of this Continental Congress Journal for the details. It essentially has the Declaration of Independence’s information and then minutes at the end of a meeting that include this seal committee). About a month later, the three men came back with their ideas. None of them had anything to do with an eagle, a turkey or any bird. And they were all really badass, as explained by John MacArthur at the Great Seal website.   Jefferson: The children of Israel in the wilderness being led by a cloud and a pillar of fire.   Adams: A depiction of the painting “The Judgment of Hercules,” which features Herc choosing between the easy, flowery path of self-indulgence or up the rugged path of duty. Franklin: Moses parting the Red Sea while the pharaoh looks on, ready to be crushed. In the sky, rays of fire are hanging over Moses. The motto is “Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.” None of these seals made the cut. Here’s what Franklin’s would have looked like, as illustrated nearly 100 years later: U.S. Diplomacy Center At another point before America had even declared independence, Franklin expressed desire in making the country’s symbol be a rattlesnake . This came after he saw a painted rattlesnake on the drum of a marine with the slogan “Don’t tread on me.” He liked the rattlesnake because it was native to our continent and because it never started an attack but also never backed down once it had engaged in one.   The next step after the 1776 committee failed to come up with a seal was to form another committee, in 1780. This time another Philadelphian got to come up with the idea. Francis Hopkinson was the guy who designed the first American flag used by the Continental Congress and apparently a fan of Rome. His seal featured a shield of 13 red and white stripes held up by a Roman-looking soldier and a woman symbolizing peace. Its motto was “for war or for peace.”   Finally, in 1782, we got the seal we have today. Charles Tomson designed it.  U.S. Diplomacy Center The bald eagle became the symbol of America. So what about that turkey? Well, Franklin wrote a letter about the turkey to his sister in 1784. He was in Paris at the time, nearing the end of his life but still in full mistress mode. While in his 70s, Franklin might have even proposed to a French woman — it’s not known whether he was serious or joking. In the same vein, Franklin offered his tangent about eagles and turkeys because of some medals being offered for honored soldiers that featured the seal. For my own part I wish the Eagle had not been chosen the representative of our country. He is a bird of bad moral character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead tree near the river, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the labor of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a fish, and is bearing it to his nest for the support of his mate and young ones, the Eagle pursues him and takes it from him. With all this injustice, he is never in good case but like those among men who live by sharping & robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the district. He is therefore by no means a proper emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our country… I am on this account not displeased that the figure is not known as a Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the truth the Turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America. Eagles have been found in all countries, but the turkey was peculiar to ours; the first of the species seen in Europe, being brought to France by the Jesuits from Canada and served up at the wedding table of Charles the Ninth. He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a bird of courage, and would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his farm yard with a red coat on.   Franklin’s turkey letter mostly remained unknown to the general public for nearly 200 years. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century, in 1962, when the story started popping up after the New Yorker featured on its cover a design of the U.S. Seal with a turkey instead of an eagle (The New Yorker’s editor at the time was William Shawn. His son Wallace Shawn played the “inconceivable” guy in “Princess Bride” and voiced Rex the T-Rex in “Toy Story.”)    According to the U.S. Diplomacy Center, this helped popularize Franklin’s preference for the turkey.  Anatole Kovarsky, New Yorker via Amazon His thoughts on the turkey are so well-known these days that the Franklin Institute i ncludes a response about the turkey on its FAQ page on Franklin. But that letter was likely his only mention of making the turkey the symbol of the U.S. The Diplomacy Center notes that it’s unknown whether Franklin publicly expressed feelings about the bird. Either way, that turkey seal sure looks amazing, as would one with Moses, Hercules or a rattlesnake. People Sign up for Newsletter and Breaking News Get once-daily headlines and occasional breaking news in your inbox. What is the current year? Leave this field blank.

i don't know

Bill Bixby starred as the human Dr. Bruce Banner in the 1970's TV series The Incredible Hulk. Which former Mr. Universe portrayed the Hulk in that very same series?

The Incredible Hulk (TV Series 1978–1982) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error A fugitive scientist has the curse of becoming a powerful green monster under extreme emotional stress. Creator: David saves a blind woman from drowning and accompanies her back to her cabin in the woods. When a mysterious meteor crashes nearby, David gets stuck in mid-metamorphosis between Hulk and man. A ... 9.0 David 'Barr' travels to Vissaria where another Hulk was sighted years before. He finds the lab where the creature originated, a man claims to have been the 'first' Hulk and most importantly, a cure. 9.0 Del Frye has exposed himself to Gama radiation to re-awaken his own Hulk. David asks the former fiancée of the man who created and cured Frye's creature thirty years earlier for help in trapping him,... 9.0 a list of 21 titles created 18 Feb 2013 a list of 28 titles created 23 Jul 2013 a list of 46 titles created 08 Oct 2013 a list of 48 titles created 04 Apr 2014 a list of 44 images created 11 Apr 2015 Title: The Incredible Hulk (1978–1982) 7/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations. See more awards  » Videos The finale of the television series about Dr. David Banner, a scientist who transforms into a mighty, larger-than-life creature called the Hulk when he gets angry. Desperately attempting to... See full summary  » Director: Bill Bixby It's been two years since the Hulk has surfaced, and Dr David Bruce Banner is on the verge of curing himself of the Hulk. A device he helped create, the Gamma Transponder, will rid him of ... See full summary  » Directors: Nicholas Corea, Bill Bixby Stars: Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Jack Colvin     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 5.9/10 X   David 'Belson' drifts into New York City and goes on a subway. And with him is a woman and two guys. When the two guys attack the woman, David tries to help but is beaten and turns into The... See full summary  » Director: Bill Bixby After a crippled test pilot is rebuilt with nuclear powered limbs and implants, he serves as a unique intelligence agent. Stars: Lee Majors, Richard Anderson, Martin E. Brooks A lone crimefighter battles the forces of evil with the help of an indestructible and artificially intelligent supercar. Stars: David Hasselhoff, Edward Mulhare, Richard Basehart The adventures of three sexy female private eyes. Stars: Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith The adventures of two California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers. Stars: Erik Estrada, Larry Wilcox, Robert Pine Four Vietnam vets, framed for a crime they didn't commit, help the innocent while on the run from the military. Stars: George Peppard, Mr. T, Dwight Schultz The adventures of the fast-drivin', rubber-burnin' Duke boys of Hazzard County. Stars: Tom Wopat, John Schneider, Catherine Bach After the destruction of the Twelve Colonies of Mankind, the last major fighter carrier leads a makeshift fugitive fleet on a desperate search for the legendary planet Earth. Stars: Lorne Greene, Richard Hatch, Dirk Benedict In addition to fighting evil, Superman has a burning romance with Lois Lane in both his identities. Stars: Dean Cain, Teri Hatcher, Lane Smith After fully recovering from her near fatal bout of bionic rejection, Jaime Sommers, the first female cyborg, is assigned to spy missions of her own. Stars: Lindsay Wagner, Richard Anderson, Martin E. Brooks Edit Storyline Dr. David Banner is a brilliant scientist but, one day, a laboratory experiment that he is working on goes terribly awry. Since that time, whenever he is under extreme stress, his body undergoes a transmogrification and he morphs into the Incredible Hulk. The Hulk is about seven feet tall, hugely muscular and powerful, and has bright green skin. After destroying whatever threatens Dr. Banner, he morphs back to normal human form with only amnesia and tattered clothing as evidence of what just transpired. As you can well imagine, this situation is quite troubling for Dr. Banner and causes him a great amount of problems. All the while, he is pursued by Jack McGee, an investigative reporter who believes that the Hulk is a deadly menace whose exposure would enhance his career. Written by Tad Dibbern <DIBBERN_D@a1.mscf.upenn.edu> How the legend began. See more  » Genres: 4 November 1977 (USA) See more  » Also Known As: Der unglaubliche Hulk See more  » Filming Locations: Did You Know? Trivia Distributed by Universal, which held on to the film rights to the character for the next thirty years. They distributed the films Hulk (2003) and The Incredible Hulk (2008). The Avengers (2012) and Iron Man 3 (2013) are the only films featuring the Hulk character that Universal Pictures has not been involved in. See more » Goofs In Death in the family when the hulk is fighting the bear some of the green makeup gets on the bear in a few shots. See more » Quotes See more » Crazy Credits In the opening sequence, the lit up gamma ray display can be seen with the word "anger" on it, which is zoomed out to show the full word is "danger". See more » Connections (Iceland) – See all my reviews My comments refer to the first season of The Incredible Hulk since it's the only one readily available as of yet. Although the shows are fairly simple and monotonous they're very entertaining. Dr. Banner travels cross country hoping to some day finding a cure for his condition but along the way he gets into all sorts of trouble that forces the Hulk to surface and square matters. Every episode ends with David leaving before relentless reporter Jack McGee tracks him down. The shows are made with passion, that's evident. Good quality writing for the most part, well done action sequences (compared to a 70's TV show anyway), compelling story lines in most episodes, nice location crew work and fantastic actors. As said, the premise is fairly simple as David transforms about 20-25 min. into each episode and during the climax. Also, he somehow manages to get into a whole lot of trouble by just being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The first season shows are not all great and do showcase the limitations budget wise. The episode "Never give a trucker an even break" shamelessly borrows footage from Steven Spielberg's Duel, even the classic ending is fitted into the storyline. "Earhquakes happen" borrows quite a lot from Earthquake, the 70's disaster flick, but that's not as blatant as the previous example. Also there is a lot of stock footage used every now and then. Sometimes it's little snippets of Hulk action and sometimes it's David on the road hitchhiking. But these quirks aside, there is a lot of professionalism on board here and a big effort put into making each episode. Series that are constantly on the road are expensive as there are no sets that can be used often and studio work is minimal. Instead viewers get a show that's always bringing new scenery in late 1970's America and the "on the road" feel has a big charm about it. The Las Vegas episode "The Hulk breaks Las Vegas" is a personal favorite. Has some knockout Hulk action and a well written and suspenseful near confrontation between McGee and Banner. "747, The Waterfront story, Terror in Times Square and Life and Death" are all well written and produced episodes that should give a good example as to why the series has such a good afterlife. And finally the cast is perfect. I doubt seriously that viewers would be as interested in David's quest had he not been played by Bill Bixby. Not only was Bixby a real quality actor with good range but also an irresistibly appealing guy who you find easy to sympathize with. Jack Colvin is also excellent as McGee, a convincing and charming actor who had a great presence on the episodes he was featured in. And Lou Ferrigno was the best possible choice to play the green giant. Managing to be both menacing and sincere is his depiction of David's primal side, he's simply great on the shows. 6 of 7 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? Yes

Lou Ferrigno

Dan (D. B.) Cooper leapt from a 727 operated by what airline, disappearing into the inky dark with $200,000 cash, the only unsolved U.S. aircraft hijacking?

The Incredible Hulk (1978 TV series) | Hey Kids Comics Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia The Incredible Hulk (1978 TV series) 141,634pages on This article is about the live-action series. For other uses, see The Incredible Hulk (disambiguation) . The Incredible Hulk Based on characters by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby Developed by "The Lonely Man Theme" (Joe Harnell) Composer(s) November 4, 1977 (pilot movie) November 28, 1977 (pilot sequel) March 10, 1978 – June 2, 1982 Chronology The Incredible Hulk Returns The Incredible Hulk is an American television series based on the Marvel Comics character the Hulk . The series aired on the CBS television network and starred Bill Bixby as David Banner, Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk, and Jack Colvin as Jack McGee. In the TV series, Dr. David Banner, a widowed physician and scientist, who is presumed dead, travels across America under assumed names (his false surnames always begin with the letter "B", but he keeps his first name), and finds himself in positions where he helps others in need despite his terrible secret: in times of extreme anger, he transforms into a huge, incredibly strong green creature, who has been given the name "The Hulk”. In his travels, Banner earns money by working temporary jobs while searching for a way to control his condition. All the while, he is obsessively pursued by a tabloid newspaper reporter, Jack McGee, who is convinced that the Hulk is a deadly menace whose exposure would enhance his career. The series was originally broadcast by CBS from 1978 to 1982, with 82 episodes over five seasons. The two-hour pilot movie, which established the Hulk's origins, aired on November 4, 1977. It was developed and produced by Kenneth Johnson , who also wrote or directed some episodes. After the series ended, the fate of David Banner was a cliffhanger until 1988. The franchise was purchased from CBS by rival NBC . They produced three made-for-television films: The Incredible Hulk Returns (directed by Nicholas Corea ), The Trial of the Incredible Hulk and The Death of the Incredible Hulk (both directed by Bill Bixby). [1] Since its debut, The Incredible Hulk series has garnered a worldwide fan base. [2] Contents Jack Colvin as Jack McGee Ted Cassidy as the narrator and the voice of the Hulk (uncredited) Origin David Bruce Banner, M.D., Ph.D., is a physician and scientist employed at the Culver Institute who is traumatized by the car accident that killed his beloved wife, Laura (played by Lara Parker ). Haunted by his inability to save her, Dr. Banner, in partnership with Dr. Elaina Harding Marks ( Susan Sullivan ), who also works at the Culver Institute, conducts a study on people who, while in danger, summoned superhuman strength in order to save their loved ones. After months of work, the only significant common factor they can find between the subjects is an abnormally high percentage of the adenine / thymine combination in their DNA —an insufficient explanation, since Dr. Banner has even higher levels of adenine/thymine than any of the subjects, yet was unable to summon the strength he needed to save Laura. Working late one night, Banner hypothesizes that high levels of gamma radiation from sunspots contribute to the subjects' increase in strength. Studying a chart of gamma activity, he confirms that all the subjects performed their feats during periods of high gamma activity, while his wife's death occurred during a period of low gamma activity. Impatient to test his theory, Dr. Banner conducts an unsupervised experiment in the lab, bombarding his own body with gamma radiation. Unknown to Dr. Banner, the equipment has been upgraded, causing him to administer a far higher dose of radiation than he had intended. Despite this, he exhibits no immediate increase in strength, and leaves the lab in frustration. Driving home in a heavy rainstorm, Dr. Banner's frustration peaks when his car has a flat tire and he injures himself trying to change it. This triggers his transformation into the Incredible Hulk, a 7-foot-tall (), 330-pound, green-skinned savage creature, with a sub-human mind and superhuman strength. The Hulk destroys his car and wanders off into the nearby woods. As the sun rises, the Hulk stumbles upon a girl and her father camping. In the ensuing confusion, the Hulk is shot by the girl's father, and responds by breaking his rifle and throwing him into the pond. Leaving the area, the Hulk eventually transforms back into Dr. Banner, with little memory of his time as the Hulk or the events immediately before and after. Wounded and confused, he visits Dr. Marks. Her amazement at Dr. Banner's healing powers (his gunshot wound is nearly healed) is replaced by shock and horror when Dr. Banner tells her that he bombarded himself with gamma radiation. Drs. Banner and Marks relocate to a laboratory isolated from the rest of the Culver Institute but still on its grounds. They lock him in an experimental pressure chamber designed for deep underwater use and simulate the conditions which preceded the hole in his memory. When this fails to induce a transformation, Dr. Banner lies down to sleep. He has his recurring nightmare of his wife's death, which causes him to transform. The Hulk breaks out of the chamber. Terrified but compelled by scientific fascination, Dr. Marks takes a blood sample from the Hulk's wounded hands and guides him to a couch, where he calms down and reverts to Banner. They conclude that the Hulk has a very high metabolism and healing rate and that the transformation is caused by strong negative emotions, such as anger. While Drs. Banner and Marks try to reverse the process, reporter Jack McGee of the tabloid called the National Register, investigating the campers' sighting of the Hulk, intrudes on the lab. While the scientists plead ignorance, McGee suspects they know something and sneaks into the lab, hiding in a cupboard. Dr. Banner catches McGee hiding, and the startled reporter knocks a chemical off of a storage shelf. As Dr. Banner takes McGee outside, the spilled chemicals set off a fire. Dr. Banner rushes back into the lab to save Dr. Marks. Seeing Dr. Marks injured and in grave danger triggers another transformation into the Hulk. The Hulk carries Dr. Marks away from the inferno into nearby woods, but she dies from injuries sustained in the explosion. McGee witnesses the Hulk carrying her away, and surmises that the Hulk killed both Banner and Marks. Although the authorities are skeptical of the existence of the creature McGee tells them about, he publishes a front-page headline in the National Register that proclaims, "Incredible 'Hulk' Kills 2". Dr. Banner, now presumed dead, goes into hiding while trying to find a cure for his condition. In a manner vaguely similar to the popular series The Fugitive , this forms the basis of the TV series: Dr. Banner endlessly drifts from place to place, assuming different identities and odd jobs to support himself and sometimes to enable his research. Along the way, Dr. Banner finds himself feeling obliged to help the people he meets out of whatever troubles have befallen them. Often Dr. Banner's inner struggle is paralleled by the dilemmas of the people he encounters, who find in Dr. Banner a sympathetic helper. Kenneth Johnson stated, "What we were constantly doing was looking for thematic ways to touch [-on] the various ways that the Hulk sort of manifested itself in everyone. In Dr. David Banner, it happened to be anger. In someone else, it might be obsession, or it might be fear, or it might be jealousy or alcoholism! The Hulk comes in many shapes and sizes. That's what we tried to delve into in the individual episodes." [3] Despite his attempts to stay calm no matter how badly he is treated, Dr. Banner inevitably finds himself in situations that trigger his transformations into the Hulk. Meanwhile, McGee continues to pursue the mysterious monster, whom he believes got away with a double murder. Towards the end of each episode, Dr. Banner almost always flees the town, scared that publicity over the Hulk's rampages will eventually bring unwanted scrutiny of him from the local authorities or McGee; Banner explains in "Death in the Family", the second made-for-television film, "The creature is wanted for murder—a murder which I can never prove he or I didn't commit". The episodes usually end with Dr. Banner hitch-hiking down some outbound highway or road, with the series theme song, "The Lonely Man", playing as the ending credits visualize. Production Development In early 1977, Frank Price, head of Universal Television , offered producer and writer Kenneth Johnson a deal to develop a TV show based on any of several characters they had licensed from the Marvel Comics library. [4] Johnson turned down the offer at first, but then, while reading the Victor Hugo novel Les Misérables he became inspired and began working to develop the Hulk comic into a TV show. [5] [6] Johnson made several changes from the comic book, in part to translate it into a live-action show that was more believable and acceptable to a wide audience, and in part because he disliked comics and thus felt it best that the show was as different from the source material as possible. [7] In the character's origin story, rather than being exposed to gamma rays during a botched atomic testing explosion, Banner is gamma-irradiated in a more low-key laboratory mishap during a test on himself. Another change was Banner's occupation, from nuclear physicist to medical researcher/physician. Although the comic book Hulk's degree of speaking ability has varied over the years, the television Hulk did not speak at all—he merely growled and roared. Hulk co-creator Stan Lee later recounted, "When we started the television show, Ken said to me, ‘You know, Stan, I don’t think the Hulk should talk.’ The minute he said it, I knew he was right. [In the comics,] I had the Hulk talking like this: ‘Hulk crush! Hulk get him!’ I could get away with it in a comic, but that would have sounded so silly if he spoke that way in a television show." [7] The Hulk's strength is far more limited than in the comic book, which Johnson felt was necessary for the show to be taken seriously by viewers. [7] The Hulk still retained a healing factor , however. For instance, in "The Harder They Fall", Banner is in a serious accident that severs his spinal cord, leaving him paraplegic, but after his next transformation into the Hulk he is able to walk within minutes while in that form, and Banner's spine is completely restored by the end of the episode. In the majority of episodes, the only science fiction element was the Hulk himself. Johnson also omitted the comic book's supporting characters, instead using original character Jack McGee. [7] Johnson changed the name of the Hulk's comic book alter ego , Dr. Bruce Banner, to Dr. David Banner for the TV series. This change was made, according to Johnson, because he did not want the series to be perceived as a comic book series, so he wanted to change what he felt was a staple of comic books, and Stan Lee's comics in particular, that major characters frequently had alliterative names. [8] According to both Stan Lee [7] and Lou Ferrigno, it was also changed because CBS thought the name Bruce sounded "too gay-ish", a rationale that Ferrigno thought was "the most absurd, ridiculous thing I'd ever heard." [9] On the DVD commentary of the pilot, Johnson says that it was a way to honor his son David. "Bruce" ultimately became the TV Banner's middle name, as it had been in the comics. It is visible on Banner's tombstone at the end of the pilot movie, [7] and that footage is shown at the beginning of every episode of the series. In an interview with Kenneth Johnson on the Season 2 DVD, he explains that he had also wanted the Hulk to be colored red rather than green. His reasons given for this were because red, not green, is perceived as the color of rage, and also because red is a "human color" whereas green is not. However, Stan Lee, a co-creator of the Hulk comics—and executive at Marvel Comics at the time, said that the Hulk's color was not something that could be changed, because of its iconic image. [8] Stan Lee told Kenneth Plume on a June 26, 2000 interview that, "The Hulk was done intelligently. It was done by Ken Johnson, who's a brilliant writer/producer/director, and he made it an intelligent, adult show that kids could enjoy. He took a comic book character and made him somewhat plausible. Women liked it and men liked it and teenagers liked it... It was beautifully done. He changed it quite a bit from the comic book, but every change he made, made sense." [10] Casting File:Ferrigno as Hulk.jpg For the role of Dr. David Banner, Kenneth Johnson cast Bill Bixby [11] —his first choice for the role. [12] Jack Colvin was cast as "Jack McGee", the cynical tabloid newspaper reporter—modeled after the character of Javert in Les Misérables [5] —who pursues the Hulk. Arnold Schwarzenegger auditioned for the role of the Hulk but was rejected due to his inadequate height, according to Johnson in his commentary on The Incredible Hulk – Original Television Premiere DVD release. Actor Richard Kiel was hired for the role. During filming, however, Kenneth Johnson's own son pointed out that Kiel's tall-but-under-developed physique did not resemble the Hulk's at all. Soon, Kiel was replaced with professional bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno , although a very brief shot of Kiel (as the Hulk) remains in the pilot. According to an interview with Kiel (who sees properly out of only one eye), he reacted badly to the contact lenses used for the role, and also found the green makeup difficult to remove, so he did not mind losing the part. [13] Initially the Hulk's facial make-up was quite monstrous, but after both pilots, the first two weekly episodes and New York location shooting for the fourth, the design was toned down. [14] The makeup process used to transform Ferrigno into the Hulk took three hours. The hard contact lenses Ferrigno wore to simulate the Hulk's electric-green eyes had to be removed every 15 minutes because he found wearing them physically painful, and the green fright wig he wore as the Hulk was made of dyed yak hair. [9] The opening narration was provided by actor Ted Cassidy , [15] who also provided the Hulk's voice-overs (mainly growls and roars) during the first two seasons. [9] Cassidy died during production of season two in January 1979. [15] The Hulk's vocalizations for the remainder of the series were provided by actor Charles Napier , who also made two guest-starring appearances in the series. [16] [17] Opening narration One constant of the series was the opening narration, which goes as follows: Dr. David Banner: physician; scientist. Searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have. Then an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry. And now when David Banner grows angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs. The creature is driven by rage and pursued by an investigative reporter. [Banner:] "Mr. McGee, don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry." The creature is wanted for a murder he didn't commit. David Banner is believed to be dead, and he must let the world think that he is dead, until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him. Prior to the beginning of the series, a different version was used for the second pilot movie, Return of the Incredible Hulk (later known as Death in the Family): Dr. David Banner: physician; scientist. Searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have. Then an accidental overdose of gamma radiation interacts with his unique body chemistry. And now when David Banner grows angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs. The creature is driven by rage and pursued by an investigative reporter. [Banner:] "Mr. McGee, don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry." An accidental explosion took the life of a fellow scientist and supposedly David Banner as well. The reporter thinks the creature was responsible. [McGee:] "I gave a description to all the law enforcement agencies; they got a warrant for murder out on him." A murder which David Banner can never prove he or the creature didn't commit. So he must let the world go on thinking that he, too, is dead, until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him. Music Joseph "Joe" Harnell , one of Kenneth Johnson 's favorite composers, composed the music for The Incredible Hulk. He was brought into the production due to his involvement with the series The Bionic Woman , which Johnson had also created and produced. Some of the series' music was collected into an album titled The Incredible Hulk: Original Soundtrack Recording . The score used at the beginning and Closing credits was a piano piece called "The Lonely Man." The well-known melody can also be heard in the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk . [18] Story arc See also: List of The Incredible Hulk episodes As the series progressed, Banner's character and the animalistic nature of the Hulk were frequently explored and expanded upon, with the viewer continuously learning more about the psychology of both Banner and the Hulk. The Hulk's personality was shown to still reflect Banner's good and compassionate nature, meaning he will typically restrict his wrath to villains threatening him, but will also restrict himself to simply tossing them aside, instead of killing them. Although the Hulk's intelligence is low, he retains the same motivations and priorities as Banner, always managing to protect people or objects that Banner deems important as well as attacking those he feels fear or hostility toward. The Hulk also has a soft spot towards women, children and animals. However, as Banner's normal personality becomes dormant to the Hulk's in that form, and he has no memory of the creature's actions, Banner lives in constant worry of what damage the Hulk causes during those episodes, fearing that someday the Hulk may unwittingly hurt or kill an innocent person. The character of the antagonist Jack McGee underwent significant development throughout the course of the series. He is initially portrayed as cynical and conniving, while at times, when given the opportunity, actively attempting to capture the Hulk using tranquilizer darts . However, McGee gradually comes to realize over time that the Hulk may not be as dangerous as he initially thought, particularly following several instances in episodes such as "The Hulk Breaks Las Vegas" in which he has his own life saved by the creature. In season two's two-part episode "Mystery Man", McGee finally learns the shocking truth that the creature he has been pursuing for the past two years is in reality a man most of the time, making things more difficult for Banner from then on as he now subsequently finds McGee's pursuits more difficult than ever to avoid as McGee is now on a constant lookout for the man as well as the creature. In the same episode, we learn that McGee hopes to catch the Hulk so that the inevitable media sensation will advance his own dwindling career. However, subsequent episodes such as season three's "Proof Positive" show that McGee's real intentions lie much deeper than this, and that his main motive is purely to understand this fascinating creature (to whom his references as the Hulk are not shared by other characters) for himself, for his amazement at the existence of such a remarkable creature has caused him to become totally obsessed with the Hulk to the extent that it has ruined his personal life; the Hulk is permanently on his mind, and his annoyance over his lack of success in catching the Hulk is exacerbated by other people's refusal even to believe that the Hulk actually exists—not even his own colleagues at the National Register take the story seriously, and they view him as a laughingstock for believing that the Hulk is real. Guest stars and cameos During the series' five-season run, many actors familiar to viewers, or who later became famous for their subsequent works, made appearances on the series. Some of the most notable are: Future Falcon Crest and Castle co-star Susan Sullivan was in the original pilot; Brett Cullen , also of Falcon Crest; Kim Catrall , of Sex and the City fame; Ray Walston , co-star of Bixby's first series, My Favorite Martian ; Brandon Cruz , co-star of The Courtship of Eddie's Father ; Lou Ferrigno, who along with starring as the Hulk, appeared in one episode ("King of the Beach") as a different character, Bixby's ex-wife Brenda Benet ; and in an uncredited role, the bodybuilder and professional wrestler Ric Drasin played the half-transformed Hulk in “Prometheus" (parts 1 and 2). [19] Stan Lee and Jack Kirby , the writer and artist team who created the Hulk for Marvel Comics , both made cameo appearances in the series. Kirby's cameo was in the season two episode "No Escape", while Lee appeared as a juror in Trial of the Incredible Hulk (the 1989 post-series TV movie). Notable episodes This article's plot summary may be too long or excessively detailed . Please help improve it by removing unnecessary details and making it more concise. (May 2012) A retrospective on the TV series reported that the episodes fans of the show most often cite as the best of the series are "The Incredible Hulk", "Married", "Mystery Man", "Homecoming", "The Snare", "Prometheus", "The First" and "Bring Me the Head of the Hulk". [7] The season two premiere, "Married", originally aired as a two-hour movie in September 1978. David approaches Dr. Carolyn Fields ( Mariette Hartley ) about a new form of hypnotic therapy. He learns that Carolyn has devised the therapy because she is terminally ill with a syndrome "similar" to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or " Lou Gehrig 's Disease"), and has been given no more than eight weeks to live. David reveals his true identity to her, and both agree to help each other, using a tissue sample from the creature to possibly cure Carolyn of her illness. They fall in love and eventually marry. After Carolyn obtains the sample while David has metamorphosed into the Hulk, she prepares the sample for her own use. The day the procedure to cure Carolyn is to take place, a hurricane hits the island. While the pair are driving to the hospital, Carolyn suffers from another painful episode, this time leading her to flee their moving car. David stops the car and rushes after her, morphing into the Hulk once more. He catches her in his arms, and as she attempts to fight him in her pain-induced hysteria, she turns around and sees the Hulk, and stops struggling. Knowing her time has come, Carolyn embraces the Hulk, telling him (as David) she will miss him as she dies in his arms. Mariette Hartley won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for this moving performance. In season two's "Mystery Man", McGee finally comes face-to-face with an amnesia-ridden David Banner, although he does not recognize him, for Banner's face is covered by a gauze mask following a severe injury in an auto accident. Banner has been admitted into a hospital as " John Doe " as his true identity is unknown. Investigating an apparent link between this man and the Hulk, McGee hires a small plane for himself and Banner to see a doctor who will be able to cure Banner's amnesia. Lightning strikes the plane and an injured McGee and Banner are trapped in a forest, where they must help one another escape to safety. During the ordeal, McGee sees the mystery man transform into the Hulk and realizes this is how the Hulk manages to get from one place to another without being seen in between. He is eventually separated from the Hulk, but vows to track down the mysterious "John Doe" fellow and find out his true identity. Season three's "Homecoming" has Banner returning to his hometown and reuniting with his family. This episode marked the first appearances of Banner's father and sister. And "The Snare" is an homage to the short story " The Most Dangerous Game ", and guest-starred Bradford Dillman as the hunter. In the season four two-part "Prometheus", David rescues and befriends Katie Maxwell (Laurie Prange), a young woman recently blinded by an accident. While helping her through the woods near her home, a meteor lands near them. Banner investigates, and is sickened by the radiation emanating from the meteorite fragment. An attacking swarm of bees triggers his transformation into the Hulk, and in the process of fighting off the bees, the Hulk touches the meteorite. He retreats back to Katie's cabin, but in metamorphosing back into David, the process stops midway, with David retaining some of the Hulk's muscular build and irradiated features, but with the ability to speak. Additionally, David had also retained most of the Hulk's childlike intellect. Horrified at realizing that his transformation has gone wrong, David enlists Katie's help. The military, however, arrives and after attempting to evade them, David transforms back into the Hulk. The Hulk and Katie are captured and taken to a military installation, where a group of scientists working for the Prometheus Project mistakenly believe that the Hulk is an alien. After seeing a tape of David's transformation, however, they realize that the Hulk is actually a man who transforms into the creature. McGee, meanwhile, finagles his way onto the base and finds Katie, attempting to get her to give him more information on "John Doe". The Hulk escapes from his confinement and finds Katie. After the Hulk's transformation back into David again stops midway, Katie theorizes that the radiation from the meteorite is affecting David's unique body chemistry and that they need to escape from the base and get away from the meteorite. McGee, meanwhile, convinces the brass to let him talk to "John" and convince him to surrender. McGee finds them, but due to David's altered appearance, does not realize that he is, in fact, talking to David Banner. It is a double-cross, however, as soldiers move in on David and Katie. David transforms into the Hulk once again and breaks out of the installation with Katie. Far from the meteorite fragment, the Hulk transforms back completely into David Banner with no ill effects. Another season four two-part episode, "The First", has Banner discovering that another man transformed into a Hulk-like creature 30 years ago. In this case, a doctor used gamma radiation in an attempt to heal a man in poor health named Dell Frye ( Harry Townes ), who was embittered by bullying from the local townspeople, causing him to become vengeful and cruel. However, the radiation turned him instead into a savage green creature ( Dick Durock ). Because of Frye's difference in personality, his creature had killed people. Dr. Jeffrey Clive, long dead, had discovered the cure, but Frye, now old and arthritic, and still bullied, wants to have the power again. David discovers Dr. Clive's laboratory, which contains a machine that can harness the sun's gamma radiation. Looking through Clive's journals, he realizes that he needs to take the antidote developed by Clive and then bombard himself with gamma rays for the cure to work. Before he can do so, however, Frye knocks him out and straps himself into the machine. As David awakens and attempts to stop him, Frye is bombarded with gamma radiation, which turns him into a Hulk-like creature. After metamorphosing back, Frye discovers that after one transformation, his arthritis has vanished. Seeking revenge for the years of taunts he has endured, Frye goes into town and provokes some bullies into attacking him. He once again transforms into the creature, and proceeds to kill one of the bullies. Realizing that the Frye Hulk is extremely dangerous because of Frye's murderous nature, David manages to subdue Frye and strap him into the machine to reverse the process. Unfortunately, Frye comes to and transforms into the creature, and in the process destroys the last vial of the cure that Dr. Clive had developed. As he literally sees the cure dripping from his fingers, a distraught David transforms into the Hulk. The two creatures fight, with the much more powerful Banner Hulk getting the better of the Frye Hulk, who is eventually shot dead by the sheriff. "The First" is the only episode of the TV series to feature any other super-humanly powerful characters. "The First" remains a fan favorite and is often cited as an example of Bixby's finest acting work in the series. Guest star Townes' performance as Frye is generally regarded as the best and most memorable guest shot in the show's history. The series concludes with a standard 50-minute episode ("A Minor Problem"). The character of McGee does not appear in this last episode, nor does he appear in a few other episodes in the short final season, and the series ends on an open note, with Banner still searching for a cure and McGee still unaware of the true identity of his John Doe. Broadcast history March 1978 – January 1979: Fridays, 9:00 PM (ET) January 1979: Wednesdays, 8:00 PM February 1979 – November 1981: Fridays, 8:00 PM May – June 1982: Wednesdays, 8:00 PM Syndication The series has aired as reruns on the Sci-Fi Channel. It was one of the series that the channel showed at its inception in September 1992. [21] It has also aired on Retro Television Network, [22] and on Independent Television Network (ITN Sri Lanka) in early 1980s Made-for-TV movies Two episodes of the series appeared first as stand-alone movies, but were later re-edited into one-hour length (two-parters) for syndication. They were produced as pilots before the series officially began in 1978: The Incredible Hulk (1977) (distributed in theaters in some countries) The Return of the Incredible Hulk (1977) (also shown overseas as a feature film) – It was retitled Death in the Family for syndication Six years after the cancellation of the television series in 1982, three Television movies were produced with Bixby and Ferrigno reprising their roles. All of these aired on NBC : The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988) – This marked the first time that another Marvel Universe character appeared in the milieu of the TV series. David Banner meets a former student (played by Steve Levitt ) who has a magical hammer that summons Thor (played by Eric Allan Kramer ), a Norse god who is prevented from entering Valhalla. It was set up as a backdoor pilot for a live-action television series starring Thor. This project marked Jack Colvin's final appearance as McGee. [23] The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989) – David Banner meets a blind lawyer named Matt Murdock and his masked alter ego, Daredevil . The Incredible Hulk and the Daredevil battle Wilson Fisk (The Kingpin of Crime ). Daredevil was portrayed by Rex Smith , while John Rhys-Davies portrayed Fisk. This was also set up as backdoor pilot for a live-action television series featuring Daredevil. Stan Lee has a cameo appearance as one of the jury members overlooking Banner's trial. The Death of the Incredible Hulk (1990) – David Banner falls in love with an Eastern European spy (played by Elizabeth Gracen ) and saves two kidnapped scientists. The film ends with the Hulk taking a fatal fall from an airplane, reverting to human form just before he dies. Despite the apparent death of the Hulk in the 1990 film, another Hulk television movie was planned, Revenge of the Incredible Hulk . [24] It was rumored that in this film the Hulk would be able to talk after being revived with Banner's mind, and that it was abandoned due to Bill Bixby 's death of cancer in November 1993, [25] but Gerald Di Pego (writer/executive producer of The Trial of the Incredible Hulk, The Death of the Incredible Hulk, and Revenge of the Incredible Hulk) revealed that the film was cancelled before Bixby's health began to decline, due to disappointing ratings for Death of, and that Banner was to have been revived without the ability to change into the Hulk at all, only reverting to (still non-speaking) Hulk form in the film's final act. [7] DVD releases Main article: The Incredible Hulk DVD Releases All three of the NBC TV movies ( The Incredible Hulk Returns , The Trial of the Incredible Hulk and The Death of the Incredible Hulk ) have been available on DVD since 2003; the first two were released by Anchor Bay Entertainment , while The Death of the Incredible Hulk was released by 20th Century Fox Video . A double-sided DVD entitled The Incredible Hulk – Original Television Premiere, which contained the original pilot and the "Married" episodes, was released by Universal Studios DVD in 2003 to promote Ang Lee 's Hulk motion picture. A six-disc set entitled The Incredible Hulk – The Television Series Ultimate Collection was released by Universal DVD later in 2003. This set includes several notable episodes including "Death in the Family", "The First", and "Prometheus". On July 18, 2006, Universal released The Incredible Hulk – Season One on DVD. This set contains the original pilot movies, the entire first season, and a "preview" episode ("Stop the Presses") from Season Two. On July 17, 2007, Universal released The Incredible Hulk – Season Two on DVD as a 5-disc set. The set included the entire second season, the Married episodes (AKA Bride of the Incredible Hulk), and preview episode (Homecoming) from season three. [26] On June 3, 2008, Universal released The Incredible Hulk – Seasons Three and Four on DVD in time to promote Louis Leterrier's film The Incredible Hulk . On October 21, 2008, Universal released "The Incredible Hulk" – Season Five on DVD as a 2-disc set. The set contains all seven Season Five episodes and interviews by Ken Johnson and various members of the Production & Writing teams, as well as a Gag Reel. [27] Additionally, a complete series DVD Set was released as well. [28] The Complete Series was released in the UK on DVD on September 30, 2008. Other media The TV series led to a syndicated newspaper strip that ran from 1978 to 1982. It used the same background and origin story as the TV series but narrated stories outside the TV series. In 1979, a Hulk "video novel" in paperback form was released, with pictures from the pilot. References

i don't know

A tip-off starts a basketball game and a kickoff begins football. What action begins a hockey match?

There are many activities and promotions taking place in Wisconsin sports this weekend. FINAL FOOTBALL GAME TIMES SET Starting times for the final two football games of the regular season have been set. Nov. 16 at Michigan will kickoff at 11:05 a.m. CST. TV coverage will be provided by ESPN2 and Nov. 23 vs. Minnesota will kickoff at 11:05 a.m. CST. TV coverage will be provided by ESPN. Also, Friday night's (Nov. 15) volleyball game vs. Illinois will be shown on ESPN2 tape delayed on Sunday (Nov. 17) at noon. BUCKY ISN'T PHOTO SHY Bucky Badger Photo Night will be Friday (Nov. 15) prior to the volleyball match against Illinois at the Field House. Bucky will be available for photos with kids from 6-6:45 p.m. This is the first of eight Bucky Badger Photo Nights scheduled for the upcoming winter sport seasons. MASCOT BATTLE The annual 'Battle of the Mascots' will be at intermission of the Saturday volleyball match vs. Purdue at the Field House. Action begins at 7 p.m. W.O.W. The 'Web Offer of the Week' is a redeemable coupon for 'buy one ticket and get one free' for Friday's (Nov. 15) volleyball game vs. Illinois. Match time is at 7 p.m. MEN'S BASKETBALL BEGINS SEASON WITH TOURNAMENT The men's basketball team (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten) opens the 2002-03 regular season this weekend when it hosts the NABC Classic at the Kohl Center.Winthrop and Northern Illinois tip off the tournament at 6 p.m. on Friday followed by the Badgers squaring off against Eastern Washington approximately 30 minutes after that game. On Saturday, the third-place game takes place at 6 p.m., followed by the championship game. WOMEN'S BASKETBALL HAS FINAL EXHIBITION GAME THURSDAY Wisconsin women's basketball opened its ninth season under Jane Albright Sunday with an 85-72 loss to the Wisconsin AAU Select team in exhibition game at the Kohl Center. The Badgers have a chance to work out the bugs this Thursday meeting a team from Lithuania at 7 p.m. in the Kohl Center VOLLEYBALL MAKES APPEARANCE ON ESPN2 No. 14 Wisconsin (18-7 overall, 9-5 Big Ten) makes its second appearance on ESPN2 this season when Illinois comes to town on Friday. The Badgers vs. Illini (11-12, 5-9) serve it up at 7 p.m. in the UW Field House. The match will be broadcast on Sunday at noon. On Saturday, Wisconsin takes on 11th-place Purdue (11-16, 1-13) at 7 p.m. in the Field House. WOMEN'S SOCCER EARNS NCAA BID Fresh off its second place finish at the Big Ten Tournament, the Wisconsin women's soccer team (12-8-3) earned its first NCAA bid since 2000. UW won nine of its last 13 games and will face Marquette Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Milwaukee Regional. MEN'S SOCCER AT BIG TEN TOURNAMENT No. 5 seed Wisconsin (9-9-0, 3-3 Big Ten) travels to Penn State for the Big Ten Championship tournament Thurs.-Sun., Nov. 14-17. Wisconsin will play No. 4 seed Penn State in Game 2 of the Championship, Thursday at 12:30 p.m. EARLY SIGNEES LISTED AT UWBADGERS.COM Head men's basketball coach Bo Ryan announced Wednesday that high school seniors Brian Butch and Kammron Taylor have signed national letters of intent to attend the University of Wisconsin and play basketball for the Badgers beginning in the fall of 2003. The UW volleyball program signed three athletes to national letters of intent. Amy Bladow from Monument, Colo.; Lindsey Boler from Destrehan, La.; and Maria Carlini from LaSalle, Ontario, have signed to play with the Badgers beginning in the fall of 2003. MEN'S HOCKEY ON THE ROAD The Badgers (4-4-0 overall, 0-2-0 WCHA), travel to Minnesota-Duluth (2-3-3, 2-2-2) this weekend for their first league road series. Wisconsin has won 10 in a row over the Bulldogs in Duluth. WOMEN'S HOCKEY AT MERCYHURST Women's hockey (5-4-1, 1-4-1 WCHA) makes its first trip to Pennsylvania when it faces No. 10 Mercyhurst (10-2-0, 2-0-0 WCHA) on Saturday and Sunday at Mercyhurst Ice Center. The Badgers and Lakers faceoff at 2 p.m. and 1 p.m. ET. WRESTLING AT RIVER FALLS Wisconsin travels to River Falls, Wis., for two dual meets Saturday, Nov. 16. The Badgers wrestle UW-La Crosse at 1 p.m. followed by South Dakota State at 3 p.m. Wisconsin will host five home duals this season in addition to the Big Ten Championships, March 8-9, 2003. CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS AT NCAA REGIONALS The men's and women's cross country teams compete in the Great Lakes Regional Championship on Saturday, Nov. 16 in West Lafayette, Ind. The women's race begins at 10 a.m. followed by the men's race at 11 a.m. The Badger men, who have won two of the last three regional titles, finished fourth a year ago. Matt Tegenkamp was the UW's top individual finisher, placing fourth.The UW women were fifth last year as Bethany Brewster ran away with the individual title. The top two seven-person teams from each region automatically qualify for the NCAA championships, as do the top four individual finishers (not associated with a team qualifier). MEN'S TENNIS CONTINUES SINGLES PLAY The Wisconsin men close out their individual season playing at the Big Ten Singles Championship in East Lansing, Mich., this weekend, Nov. 16-18. The UW men open up the team season at home on Friday, Jan. 24 in a dual meet against Northern Illinois. WOMEN'S TENNIS CONCLUDES FALL SEASON The Badger women's tennis team concluded its fall season this past weekend, hosting the Badger Invitational with Iowa, Minnesota and DePaul. The Badgers' dual season kicks off the weekend of Jan. 10-12 at the Michigan Invitational in Ann Arbor, Mich. SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAMS IN ACTION The Wisconsin men's and women's swimming and diving teams resume action this weekend at Northwestern to face the Wildcats Friday at 5 p.m. Both Badger squads are 4-1 on the year and 1-0 in Big Ten meets.

Face-off

November 27, 1701 saw the birth of a Swedish astronomer, who proposed what temperature scale where in which water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees?

There are many activities and promotions taking place in Wisconsin sports this weekend. FINAL FOOTBALL GAME TIMES SET Starting times for the final two football games of the regular season have been set. Nov. 16 at Michigan will kickoff at 11:05 a.m. CST. TV coverage will be provided by ESPN2 and Nov. 23 vs. Minnesota will kickoff at 11:05 a.m. CST. TV coverage will be provided by ESPN. Also, Friday night's (Nov. 15) volleyball game vs. Illinois will be shown on ESPN2 tape delayed on Sunday (Nov. 17) at noon. BUCKY ISN'T PHOTO SHY Bucky Badger Photo Night will be Friday (Nov. 15) prior to the volleyball match against Illinois at the Field House. Bucky will be available for photos with kids from 6-6:45 p.m. This is the first of eight Bucky Badger Photo Nights scheduled for the upcoming winter sport seasons. MASCOT BATTLE The annual 'Battle of the Mascots' will be at intermission of the Saturday volleyball match vs. Purdue at the Field House. Action begins at 7 p.m. W.O.W. The 'Web Offer of the Week' is a redeemable coupon for 'buy one ticket and get one free' for Friday's (Nov. 15) volleyball game vs. Illinois. Match time is at 7 p.m. MEN'S BASKETBALL BEGINS SEASON WITH TOURNAMENT The men's basketball team (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten) opens the 2002-03 regular season this weekend when it hosts the NABC Classic at the Kohl Center.Winthrop and Northern Illinois tip off the tournament at 6 p.m. on Friday followed by the Badgers squaring off against Eastern Washington approximately 30 minutes after that game. On Saturday, the third-place game takes place at 6 p.m., followed by the championship game. WOMEN'S BASKETBALL HAS FINAL EXHIBITION GAME THURSDAY Wisconsin women's basketball opened its ninth season under Jane Albright Sunday with an 85-72 loss to the Wisconsin AAU Select team in exhibition game at the Kohl Center. The Badgers have a chance to work out the bugs this Thursday meeting a team from Lithuania at 7 p.m. in the Kohl Center VOLLEYBALL MAKES APPEARANCE ON ESPN2 No. 14 Wisconsin (18-7 overall, 9-5 Big Ten) makes its second appearance on ESPN2 this season when Illinois comes to town on Friday. The Badgers vs. Illini (11-12, 5-9) serve it up at 7 p.m. in the UW Field House. The match will be broadcast on Sunday at noon. On Saturday, Wisconsin takes on 11th-place Purdue (11-16, 1-13) at 7 p.m. in the Field House. WOMEN'S SOCCER EARNS NCAA BID Fresh off its second place finish at the Big Ten Tournament, the Wisconsin women's soccer team (12-8-3) earned its first NCAA bid since 2000. UW won nine of its last 13 games and will face Marquette Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Milwaukee Regional. MEN'S SOCCER AT BIG TEN TOURNAMENT No. 5 seed Wisconsin (9-9-0, 3-3 Big Ten) travels to Penn State for the Big Ten Championship tournament Thurs.-Sun., Nov. 14-17. Wisconsin will play No. 4 seed Penn State in Game 2 of the Championship, Thursday at 12:30 p.m. EARLY SIGNEES LISTED AT UWBADGERS.COM Head men's basketball coach Bo Ryan announced Wednesday that high school seniors Brian Butch and Kammron Taylor have signed national letters of intent to attend the University of Wisconsin and play basketball for the Badgers beginning in the fall of 2003. The UW volleyball program signed three athletes to national letters of intent. Amy Bladow from Monument, Colo.; Lindsey Boler from Destrehan, La.; and Maria Carlini from LaSalle, Ontario, have signed to play with the Badgers beginning in the fall of 2003. MEN'S HOCKEY ON THE ROAD The Badgers (4-4-0 overall, 0-2-0 WCHA), travel to Minnesota-Duluth (2-3-3, 2-2-2) this weekend for their first league road series. Wisconsin has won 10 in a row over the Bulldogs in Duluth. WOMEN'S HOCKEY AT MERCYHURST Women's hockey (5-4-1, 1-4-1 WCHA) makes its first trip to Pennsylvania when it faces No. 10 Mercyhurst (10-2-0, 2-0-0 WCHA) on Saturday and Sunday at Mercyhurst Ice Center. The Badgers and Lakers faceoff at 2 p.m. and 1 p.m. ET. WRESTLING AT RIVER FALLS Wisconsin travels to River Falls, Wis., for two dual meets Saturday, Nov. 16. The Badgers wrestle UW-La Crosse at 1 p.m. followed by South Dakota State at 3 p.m. Wisconsin will host five home duals this season in addition to the Big Ten Championships, March 8-9, 2003. CROSS COUNTRY TEAMS AT NCAA REGIONALS The men's and women's cross country teams compete in the Great Lakes Regional Championship on Saturday, Nov. 16 in West Lafayette, Ind. The women's race begins at 10 a.m. followed by the men's race at 11 a.m. The Badger men, who have won two of the last three regional titles, finished fourth a year ago. Matt Tegenkamp was the UW's top individual finisher, placing fourth.The UW women were fifth last year as Bethany Brewster ran away with the individual title. The top two seven-person teams from each region automatically qualify for the NCAA championships, as do the top four individual finishers (not associated with a team qualifier). MEN'S TENNIS CONTINUES SINGLES PLAY The Wisconsin men close out their individual season playing at the Big Ten Singles Championship in East Lansing, Mich., this weekend, Nov. 16-18. The UW men open up the team season at home on Friday, Jan. 24 in a dual meet against Northern Illinois. WOMEN'S TENNIS CONCLUDES FALL SEASON The Badger women's tennis team concluded its fall season this past weekend, hosting the Badger Invitational with Iowa, Minnesota and DePaul. The Badgers' dual season kicks off the weekend of Jan. 10-12 at the Michigan Invitational in Ann Arbor, Mich. SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAMS IN ACTION The Wisconsin men's and women's swimming and diving teams resume action this weekend at Northwestern to face the Wildcats Friday at 5 p.m. Both Badger squads are 4-1 on the year and 1-0 in Big Ten meets.

i don't know

Whos missing: Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves?

NBA Future Drafts Detailed - RealGM 2017 second round draft pick from Brooklyn Brooklyn's 2017 2nd round pick to Atlanta [Atlanta-Brooklyn, 7/11/2012] 2017 second round draft pick from Miami Miami's 2nd round pick to Atlanta protected for selections 31-40 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [Atlanta-Miami, 6/27/2013] 2018 first round draft pick from Minnesota Minnesota's 1st round pick to Atlanta protected for selections in 1-14 in 2018, 1-14 in 2019 and 1-14 in 2020; if Minnesota has not conveyed a 1st round pick to Atlanta by 2020, then Minnesota will instead convey its 2020 2nd round pick and 2021 2nd round pick to Atlanta [Atlanta-Minnesota, 2/10/2015] 2019 first round draft pick from Cleveland Cleveland's 1st round pick to Atlanta protected for selections in 1-10 in 2019 and 1-10 in 2020; if Cleveland has not conveyed a 1st round pick to Atlanta by 2020, then Cleveland will instead convey its 2021 2nd round pick and 2022 2nd round pick to Atlanta [Atlanta-Cleveland, 1/7/2017] 2019 second round draft pick from Washington Washington's 2019 2nd round pick to Atlanta [Atlanta-New York-Washington, 6/25/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to San Antonio Atlanta's 2017 2nd round pick to San Antonio protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Atlanta's obligation to San Antonio will be extinguished) [Atlanta-San Antonio, 7/9/2015] Boston Celtics 2017 first round draft pick from Brooklyn (swap, Boston outgoing) Boston has the right to swap its 2017 1st round pick for Brooklyn's 2017 1st round pick; if Boston exercises this swap right, then Boston will convey its 2017 2nd round pick to Brooklyn protected for selections 31-45 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Brooklyn will be extinguished) [Boston-Brooklyn, 7/12/2013]; this potential pick conveyance is the same as the one described in "2017 second round draft pick from Boston" on Brooklyn Incoming 2017 second round draft pick from Cleveland Cleveland's 2017 2nd round pick to Boston [Boston-Cleveland, 9/25/2014] 2017 second round draft pick from L.A. Clippers L.A. Clippers' 2017 2nd round pick to Boston [Boston-L.A. Clippers-Phoenix, 1/15/2015] 2017 second round draft pick from Minnesota Minnesota's 2017 2nd round pick to Boston (via Phoenix) [Minnesota-New Orleans-Phoenix, 7/27/2012; Boston-Phoenix, 1/9/2015] 2018 first round draft pick from Brooklyn Brooklyn's 2018 1st round pick to Boston [Boston-Brooklyn, 7/12/2013] 2019 first round draft pick from L.A. Clippers If at least two years after the L.A. Clippers conveyed a 1st round pick to Toronto, then the L.A. Clippers will convey their 1st round pick to Boston (via Memphis) protected for selections 1-14 in 2019 and 1-14 in 2020; if the L.A. Clippers have not conveyed a 1st round pick to Boston by 2020, then the L.A. Clippers will instead convey their 2022 2nd round pick to Boston [L.A. Clippers-Memphis, 2/18/2016; Boston-Memphis, 6/23/2016] 2019 first round draft pick from Memphis Memphis' 1st round pick to Boston protected for selections 1-8 in 2019 (conveyable if Memphis conveys a 1st round pick to Denver in 2017) and 1-6 in 2020 (conveyable if Memphis has conveyed a 1st round pick to Denver by 2018) and unprotected in 2021 [Boston-Memphis-New Orleans, 1/12/2015] 2019 second round draft pick from Detroit Detroit's 2019 2nd round pick to Boston (via Oklahoma City) [Detroit-Oklahoma City-Utah, 2/19/2015; Boston-Oklahoma City, 7/14/2015] 2020 second round draft pick from Miami Miami's 2020 2nd round pick to Boston [Boston-Miami, 7/27/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to Brooklyn If Boston exercises its right to swap its 2017 1st round pick for Brooklyn's 2017 1st round pick, then Boston will convey its 2017 2nd round pick to Brooklyn protected for selections 31-45 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Brooklyn will be extinguished) [Boston-Brooklyn, 7/12/2013]; this potential pick conveyance is the same as the one described in "2017 first round draft pick from Brooklyn" on Boston Incoming 2018 second round draft pick to Oklahoma City Boston's 2018 2nd round pick to Oklahoma City protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Oklahoma City will be extinguished) [Boston-Oklahoma City, 7/14/2015] 2019 second round draft pick to Memphis Boston's 2019 2nd round pick to Memphis (via Miami) protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Memphis will be extinguished) [Boston-Miami, 7/27/2015; Charlotte-Memphis-Miami, 2/16/2016] Brooklyn Nets 2017 second round draft pick from Boston If Boston exercises its right to swap its 2017 1st round pick for Brooklyn's 2017 1st round pick, then Boston will convey its 2017 2nd round pick to Brooklyn protected for selections 31-45 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Brooklyn will be extinguished) [Boston-Brooklyn, 7/12/2013]; this potential pick conveyance is the same as the one described in "2017 first round draft pick from Brooklyn" on Boston Incoming 2017 second round draft pick from Indiana Indiana's 2nd round pick to Brooklyn protected for selections 45-60 in 2017, 45-60 in 2018, 45-60 in 2019, 45-60 in 2020, 45-60 in 2021 and 45-60 in 2022 and unprotected in 2023 [Brooklyn-Indiana, 7/7/2016] 2017 first round draft pick to Boston (swap, Boston incoming) Boston has the right to swap its 2017 1st round pick for Brooklyn's 2017 1st round pick; if Boston exercises this swap right, then Boston will convey its 2017 2nd round pick to Brooklyn protected for selections 31-45 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Brooklyn will be extinguished) [Boston-Brooklyn, 7/12/2013]; this potential pick conveyance is the same as the one described in "2017 second round draft pick from Boston" on Brooklyn Incoming 2017 second round draft pick to Atlanta Brooklyn's 2017 2nd round pick to Atlanta [Atlanta-Brooklyn, 7/11/2012] 2018 first round draft pick to Boston Brooklyn's 2018 1st round pick to Boston [Boston-Brooklyn, 7/12/2013] 2018 second round draft pick to Philadelphia or Charlotte Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of Cleveland's 2018 2nd round pick and Brooklyn's 2018 2nd round pick and Charlotte will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap Cleveland for Brooklyn) [Cleveland-Philadelphia, 9/26/2014; Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 12/11/2014; Brooklyn-Charlotte, 6/25/2015] 2019 second round draft pick to Memphis Brooklyn's 2019 2nd round pick to Memphis (via Charlotte) [Brooklyn-Charlotte, 6/25/2015; Charlotte-Memphis-Miami, 2/16/2016] 2020 second round draft pick to Philadelphia Brooklyn's 2020 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 12/11/2014] Charlotte Hornets 2018 second round draft pick from Cleveland or Brooklyn (less favorable) Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of Cleveland's 2018 2nd round pick and Brooklyn's 2018 2nd round pick and Charlotte will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap Cleveland for Brooklyn) [Cleveland-Philadelphia, 9/26/2014; Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 12/11/2014; Brooklyn-Charlotte, 6/25/2015] 2018 second round draft pick to Memphis Charlotte's 2018 2nd round pick to Memphis [Charlotte-Memphis-Miami, 2/16/2016] Chicago Bulls 2017 first round draft pick from Sacramento Sacramento's 1st round pick to Chicago (via Cleveland) protected for selections 1-10 in 2017; if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Sacramento will instead convey its 2017 2nd round pick to Chicago protected for selections 56-60 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Sacramento's obligation to Chicago will be extinguished) [Cleveland-Sacramento, 6/30/2011; Chicago-Cleveland, 1/7/2014] 2017 second round draft pick to New York Chicago's 2017 2nd round pick to New York [Chicago-New York, 6/22/2016] 2019 second round draft pick to L.A. Lakers Chicago's 2019 2nd round pick to L.A. Lakers [Chicago-L.A. Lakers, 7/7/2016] Cleveland Cavaliers 2019 second round draft pick from L.A. Lakers or Minnesota (less favorable) Portland will receive the more favorable of the L.A. Lakers' 2019 2nd round pick (via Indiana to Cleveland) and Minnesota's 2019 2nd round pick (via Cleveland) and Cleveland will receive the less favorable of these two picks [Cleveland-Minnesota, 6/25/2015; Indiana-L.A. Lakers, 7/9/2015; Cleveland-Indiana, 7/23/2015; Cleveland-Portland, 7/27/2015] 2020 second round draft pick from Portland Portland's 2020 2nd round pick to Cleveland (via Orlando) protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Portland's obligation to Cleveland will be extinguished) [Orlando-Portland, 7/14/2015; Cleveland-Orlando, 1/12/2016] 2017 first round draft pick to Portland Cleveland's 2017 1st round pick to Portland [Cleveland-Portland, 1/6/2017] 2017 second round draft pick to Boston Cleveland's 2017 2nd round pick to Boston [Boston-Cleveland, 9/25/2014] 2018 second round draft pick to Philadelphia or Charlotte Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of Cleveland's 2018 2nd round pick and Brooklyn's 2018 2nd round pick and Charlotte will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap Cleveland for Brooklyn) [Cleveland-Philadelphia, 9/26/2014; Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 12/11/2014; Brooklyn-Charlotte, 6/25/2015] 2019 first round draft pick to Atlanta Cleveland's 1st round pick to Atlanta protected for selections in 1-10 in 2019 and 1-10 in 2020; if Cleveland has not conveyed a 1st round pick to Atlanta by 2020, then Cleveland will instead convey its 2021 2nd round pick and 2022 2nd round pick to Atlanta [Atlanta-Cleveland, 1/7/2017] 2019 second round draft pick to New York, Orlando or Detroit Orlando will receive the most favorable of Cleveland's 2019 2nd round pick, Houston's 2019 2nd round pick, Orlando's 2019 2nd round pick and Portland's 2019 2nd round pick; New York will receive the two least favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick; Detroit will receive the less favorable of (i) the Portland pick and (ii) the most favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick (via Orlando's right to swap for Cleveland or Houston (via Cleveland and Houston to New York); via Portland to Orlando to Detroit) [Cleveland-New York-Oklahoma City, 1/5/2015; Houston-New York, 2/19/2015; New York-Orlando, 7/9/2015; Orlando-Portland, 6/23/2016; Detroit-Orlando, 6/29/2016] 2020 second round draft pick to L.A. Clippers Cleveland's 2020 2nd round pick to L.A. Clippers (via Portland to Cleveland to Orlando) [Cleveland-Portland, 7/27/2015; Cleveland-Portland, 2/18/2016; Cleveland-Orlando, 2/18/2016; L.A. Clippers-Orlando, 7/15/2016] Dallas Mavericks 2019 second round draft pick from Golden State Golden State's 2019 2nd round pick to Dallas; Dallas has the right to defer this pick conveyance to 2020 [Dallas-Golden State, 7/7/2016] 2018 second round draft pick to Milwaukee Dallas' 2018 2nd round pick to Milwaukee protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Dallas' obligation to Milwaukee will be extinguished) [Dallas-Milwaukee, 7/9/2015] 2019 second round draft pick to Golden State Dallas' 2019 2nd round pick to Golden State protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Dallas' obligation to Golden State will be extinguished) [Dallas-Golden State, 7/7/2016] Denver Nuggets 2017 first round draft pick from Memphis Memphis' 1st round pick to Denver (via Cleveland) protected for selections 1-5 in 2017 and 1-5 in 2018 and unprotected in 2019 [Cleveland-Memphis, 1/22/2013; Cleveland-Denver, 1/7/2015] 2017 second round draft pick from Memphis Memphis' 2nd round pick to Denver (via Oklahoma City) protected for selections 31-35 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [Boston-Memphis-Oklahoma City, 1/7/2014; Denver-Oklahoma City, 8/30/2016] 2017 second round draft pick from Oklahoma City Oklahoma City's 2nd round pick to Denver protected for selections 31-35 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [Denver-Oklahoma City, 8/30/2016] 2018 second round draft pick from Golden State Golden State's 2018 2nd round pick to Denver [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013] 2017 second round draft pick to Houston Denver's 2017 2nd round pick to Houston [Denver-Houston, 7/20/2015] 2018 second round draft pick to L.A. Lakers Denver's 2018 2nd round pick to L.A. Lakers (via Utah to Chicago) [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013; Atlanta-Chicago-Utah, 2/18/2016; Chicago-L.A. Lakers, 7/7/2016] Detroit Pistons 2019 second round draft pick from Cleveland, Houston, Orlando or Portland Orlando will receive the most favorable of Cleveland's 2019 2nd round pick, Houston's 2019 2nd round pick, Orlando's 2019 2nd round pick and Portland's 2019 2nd round pick; New York will receive the two least favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick; Detroit will receive the less favorable of (i) the Portland pick and (ii) the most favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick (via Orlando's right to swap for Cleveland or Houston (via Cleveland and Houston to New York); via Portland to Orlando to Detroit) [Cleveland-New York-Oklahoma City, 1/5/2015; Houston-New York, 2/19/2015; New York-Orlando, 7/9/2015; Orlando-Portland, 6/23/2016; Detroit-Orlando, 6/29/2016] 2017 second round draft pick to Utah or Philadelphia Utah will receive the second and third most favorable of Detroit's 2017 2nd round pick, Golden State's 2017 2nd round pick, New York's 2017 2nd round pick (via Toronto) and Utah's 2017 2nd round pick and Philadelphia will receive the most and least favorable of these four picks (via Utah) [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013; New York-Toronto, 7/10/2013; Toronto-Utah, 7/10/2014; Detroit-Oklahoma City-Utah, 2/19/2015; Philadelphia-Utah, 8/26/2016] 2019 second round draft pick to Boston Detroit's 2019 2nd round pick to Boston (via Oklahoma City) [Detroit-Oklahoma City-Utah, 2/19/2015; Boston-Oklahoma City, 7/14/2015] 2020 second round draft pick to Sacramento Detroit's 2020 2nd round pick to Sacramento (via Phoenix) [Detroit-Phoenix, 7/9/2015; Phoenix-Sacramento, 6/23/2016] Golden State Warriors 2019 second round draft pick from Dallas Dallas' 2019 2nd round pick to Golden State protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Dallas' obligation to Golden State will be extinguished) [Dallas-Golden State, 7/7/2016] 2017 first round draft pick to Utah Golden State's 2017 1st round pick to Utah [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013] 2017 second round draft pick to Utah or Philadelphia Utah will receive the second and third most favorable of Detroit's 2017 2nd round pick, Golden State's 2017 2nd round pick, New York's 2017 2nd round pick (via Toronto) and Utah's 2017 2nd round pick and Philadelphia will receive the most and least favorable of these four picks (via Utah) [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013; New York-Toronto, 7/10/2013; Toronto-Utah, 7/10/2014; Detroit-Oklahoma City-Utah, 2/19/2015; Philadelphia-Utah, 8/26/2016] 2018 second round draft pick to Denver Golden State's 2018 2nd round pick to Denver [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013] 2019 second round draft pick to Dallas Golden State's 2019 2nd round pick to Dallas; Dallas has the right to defer this pick conveyance to 2020 [Dallas-Golden State, 7/7/2016] 2017 second round draft pick from Denver Denver's 2017 2nd round pick to Houston [Denver-Houston, 7/20/2015] 2017 second round draft pick from Portland Portland's 2017 2nd round pick to Houston [Houston-Portland, 7/10/2013] 2017 second round draft pick to New York Houston's 2017 2nd round pick to New York [Houston-New York, 2/19/2015] 2019 second round draft pick to New York, Orlando or Detroit Orlando will receive the most favorable of Cleveland's 2019 2nd round pick, Houston's 2019 2nd round pick, Orlando's 2019 2nd round pick and Portland's 2019 2nd round pick; New York will receive the two least favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick; Detroit will receive the less favorable of (i) the Portland pick and (ii) the most favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick (via Orlando's right to swap for Cleveland or Houston (via Cleveland and Houston to New York); via Portland to Orlando to Detroit) [Cleveland-New York-Oklahoma City, 1/5/2015; Houston-New York, 2/19/2015; New York-Orlando, 7/9/2015; Orlando-Portland, 6/23/2016; Detroit-Orlando, 6/29/2016] Los Angeles Clippers 2020 second round draft pick from Cleveland Cleveland's 2020 2nd round pick to L.A. Clippers (via Portland to Cleveland to Orlando) [Cleveland-Portland, 7/27/2015; Cleveland-Portland, 2/18/2016; Cleveland-Orlando, 2/18/2016; L.A. Clippers-Orlando, 7/15/2016] 2017 first round draft pick to Toronto L.A. Clippers' 1st round pick to Toronto (via Milwaukee) protected for selections 1-14 in 2017, 1-14 in 2018 and 1-14 in 2019; if the L.A. Clippers have not conveyed a 1st round pick to Toronto by 2019, then the L.A. Clippers will instead convey their 2020 2nd round pick and 2021 2nd round pick to Toronto [L.A. Clippers-Milwaukee, 8/26/2014; Milwaukee-Toronto, 6/25/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to Boston L.A. Clippers' 2017 2nd round pick to Boston [Boston-L.A. Clippers-Phoenix, 1/15/2015] 2018 second round draft pick to Philadelphia or New York Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of the L.A. Clippers' 2018 2nd round pick and New York's 2018 2nd round pick and New York will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap L.A. Clippers for New York) [L.A. Clippers-Philadelphia, 2/20/2014; New York-Philadelphia, 10/27/2014] 2019 first round draft pick to Boston If at least two years after the L.A. Clippers conveyed a 1st round pick to Toronto, then the L.A. Clippers will convey their 1st round pick to Boston (via Memphis) protected for selections 1-14 in 2019 and 1-14 in 2020; if the L.A. Clippers have not conveyed a 1st round pick to Boston by 2020, then the L.A. Clippers will instead convey their 2022 2nd round pick to Boston [L.A. Clippers-Memphis, 2/18/2016; Boston-Memphis, 6/23/2016] Los Angeles Lakers 2018 second round draft pick from Denver Denver's 2018 2nd round pick to L.A. Lakers (via Utah to Chicago) [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013; Atlanta-Chicago-Utah, 2/18/2016; Chicago-L.A. Lakers, 7/7/2016] 2019 second round draft pick from Chicago Chicago's 2019 2nd round pick to L.A. Lakers [Chicago-L.A. Lakers, 7/7/2016] 2017 first round draft pick to Philadelphia L.A. Lakers' 1st round pick to Philadelphia (via Phoenix) protected for selections 1-3 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [L.A. Lakers-Phoenix, 7/11/2012; Milwaukee-Philadelphia-Phoenix, 2/19/2015] 2019 first round draft pick to Orlando If the L.A. Lakers convey a 1st round pick to Philadelphia in 2017, then the L.A. Lakers will convey their 2019 1st round pick to Orlando; if the L.A. Lakers do not convey a 1st round pick to Philadelphia in 2017, then the L.A. Lakers will instead convey their 2017 2nd round pick and 2018 2nd round pick to Orlando [L.A. Lakers-Orlando, 8/10/2012] 2019 second round draft pick to Portland or Cleveland Portland will receive the more favorable of the L.A. Lakers' 2019 2nd round pick (via Indiana to Cleveland) and Minnesota's 2019 2nd round pick (via Cleveland) and Cleveland will receive the less favorable of these two picks [Cleveland-Minnesota, 6/25/2015; Indiana-L.A. Lakers, 7/9/2015; Cleveland-Indiana, 7/23/2015; Cleveland-Portland, 7/27/2015] Memphis Grizzlies 2017 second round draft pick from Miami Miami's 2nd round pick to Memphis protected for selections 41-60 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [Charlotte-Memphis-Miami, 2/16/2016] 2018 second round draft pick from Charlotte Charlotte's 2018 2nd round pick to Memphis [Charlotte-Memphis-Miami, 2/16/2016] 2019 second round draft pick from Boston Boston's 2019 2nd round pick to Memphis (via Miami) protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Memphis will be extinguished) [Boston-Miami, 7/27/2015; Charlotte-Memphis-Miami, 2/16/2016] 2019 second round draft pick from Brooklyn Brooklyn's 2019 2nd round pick to Memphis (via Charlotte) [Brooklyn-Charlotte, 6/25/2015; Charlotte-Memphis-Miami, 2/16/2016] 2017 first round draft pick to Denver Memphis' 1st round pick to Denver (via Cleveland) protected for selections 1-5 in 2017 and 1-5 in 2018 and unprotected in 2019 [Cleveland-Memphis, 1/22/2013; Cleveland-Denver, 1/7/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to Denver Memphis' 2nd round pick to Denver (via Oklahoma City) protected for selections 31-35 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [Boston-Memphis-Oklahoma City, 1/7/2014; Denver-Oklahoma City, 8/30/2016] 2019 first round draft pick to Boston Memphis' 1st round pick to Boston protected for selections 1-8 in 2019 (conveyable if Memphis conveys a 1st round pick to Denver in 2017) and 1-6 in 2020 (conveyable if Memphis has conveyed a 1st round pick to Denver by 2018) and unprotected in 2021 [Boston-Memphis-New Orleans, 1/12/2015] Milwaukee Bucks 2018 second round draft pick from Dallas Dallas' 2018 2nd round pick to Milwaukee protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Dallas' obligation to Milwaukee will be extinguished) [Dallas-Milwaukee, 7/9/2015] 2020 second round draft pick from Washington Washington's 2020 2nd round pick to Milwaukee protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Washington's obligation to Milwaukee will be extinguished) [Milwaukee-Washington, 7/9/2015] 2019 second round draft pick to Philadelphia or Sacramento Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of Milwaukee's 2019 2nd round pick and Sacramento's 2019 2nd round pick and Sacramento will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap Milwaukee for Sacramento (via Brooklyn to Philadelphia)) [Milwaukee-Sacramento, 7/12/2013; Brooklyn-Milwaukee, 6/30/2014; Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 10/24/2014] Minnesota Timberwolves 2017 second round draft pick from New Orleans New Orleans' 2017 2nd round pick to Minnesota protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then New Orleans' obligation to Minnesota will be extinguished) [Minnesota-New Orleans, 7/13/2012] 2019 second round draft pick from Miami Miami's 2019 2nd round pick to Minnesota (via Charlotte) [Charlotte-Miami, 6/26/2014; Charlotte-Minnesota, 2/10/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to Boston Minnesota's 2017 2nd round pick to Boston (via Phoenix) [Minnesota-New Orleans-Phoenix, 7/27/2012; Boston-Phoenix, 1/9/2015] 2018 first round draft pick to Atlanta Minnesota's 1st round pick to Atlanta protected for selections in 1-14 in 2018, 1-14 in 2019 and 1-14 in 2020; if Minnesota has not conveyed a 1st round pick to Atlanta by 2020, then Minnesota will instead convey its 2020 2nd round pick and 2021 2nd round pick to Atlanta [Atlanta-Minnesota, 2/10/2015] 2019 second round draft pick to Portland or Cleveland Portland will receive the more favorable of the L.A. Lakers' 2019 2nd round pick (via Indiana to Cleveland) and Minnesota's 2019 2nd round pick (via Cleveland) and Cleveland will receive the less favorable of these two picks [Cleveland-Minnesota, 6/25/2015; Indiana-L.A. Lakers, 7/9/2015; Cleveland-Indiana, 7/23/2015; Cleveland-Portland, 7/27/2015] 2017 second round draft pick from Philadelphia Philadelphia's 2017 2nd round pick to New Orleans [New Orleans-Philadelphia, 12/24/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to Minnesota New Orleans' 2017 2nd round pick to Minnesota protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then New Orleans' obligation to Minnesota will be extinguished) [Minnesota-New Orleans, 7/13/2012] 2017 second round draft pick from Chicago Chicago's 2017 2nd round pick to New York [Chicago-New York, 6/22/2016] 2017 second round draft pick from Houston Houston's 2017 2nd round pick to New York [Houston-New York, 2/19/2015] 2019 second round draft picks from Cleveland and/or Houston and/or Orlando (two least favorable) Orlando will receive the most favorable of Cleveland's 2019 2nd round pick, Houston's 2019 2nd round pick, Orlando's 2019 2nd round pick and Portland's 2019 2nd round pick; New York will receive the two least favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick; Detroit will receive the less favorable of (i) the Portland pick and (ii) the most favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick (via Orlando's right to swap for Cleveland or Houston (via Cleveland and Houston to New York); via Portland to Orlando to Detroit) [Cleveland-New York-Oklahoma City, 1/5/2015; Houston-New York, 2/19/2015; New York-Orlando, 7/9/2015; Orlando-Portland, 6/23/2016; Detroit-Orlando, 6/29/2016] 2017 second round draft pick to Utah or Philadelphia Utah will receive the second and third most favorable of Detroit's 2017 2nd round pick, Golden State's 2017 2nd round pick, New York's 2017 2nd round pick (via Toronto) and Utah's 2017 2nd round pick and Philadelphia will receive the most and least favorable of these four picks (via Utah) [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013; New York-Toronto, 7/10/2013; Toronto-Utah, 7/10/2014; Detroit-Oklahoma City-Utah, 2/19/2015; Philadelphia-Utah, 8/26/2016] 2018 second round draft pick to Philadelphia (swap, L.A. Clippers incoming) Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of the L.A. Clippers' 2018 2nd round pick and New York's 2018 2nd round pick and New York will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap L.A. Clippers for New York) [L.A. Clippers-Philadelphia, 2/20/2014; New York-Philadelphia, 10/27/2014] 2019 second round draft pick to Philadelphia New York's 2019 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [New York-Philadelphia, 10/27/2014] 2020 second round draft pick to Philadelphia New York's 2020 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [New York-Philadelphia, 6/26/2015] 2021 second round draft pick to Philadelphia New York's 2021 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [New York-Philadelphia, 6/26/2015] Oklahoma City Thunder 2018 second round draft pick from Boston Boston's 2018 2nd round pick to Oklahoma City protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Oklahoma City will be extinguished) [Boston-Oklahoma City, 7/14/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to Denver Oklahoma City's 2nd round pick to Denver protected for selections 31-35 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [Denver-Oklahoma City, 8/30/2016] 2018 first round draft pick to Utah Oklahoma City's 1st round pick to Utah protected for selections 1-14 in 2018, 1-14 in 2019 and 1-14 in 2020; if Oklahoma City has not conveyed a 1st round pick to Utah by 2020, then Oklahoma City will instead convey its 2020 2nd round pick and 2021 2nd round pick to Utah [Detroit-Oklahoma City-Utah, 2/19/2015] 2020 first round draft pick to Philadelphia Two years after Oklahoma City conveys a 1st round pick to Utah, Oklahoma City will convey its 1st round pick to Philadelphia protected for selections 1-20 in 2020, 1-20 in 2021 and 1-20 in 2022; in any year, if this pick is not conveyed because it falls within its protected range, then Oklahoma City will instead convey its 2022 2nd round pick and 2023 2nd round pick to Philadelphia (i.e., the 1st round pick will not roll over to the following year if it is not conveyed due to protection) [Oklahoma City-Philadelphia, 11/1/2016] Philadelphia Sixers 2017 first round draft pick from L.A. Lakers L.A. Lakers' 1st round pick to Philadelphia (via Phoenix) protected for selections 1-3 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [L.A. Lakers-Phoenix, 7/11/2012; Milwaukee-Philadelphia-Phoenix, 2/19/2015] 2017 first round draft pick from Sacramento (swap, Philadelphia outgoing) Philadelphia has the right to swap its 2017 1st round pick for Sacramento's 2017 1st round pick protected for selections 11-30 (if this pick falls within its protected range, then Philadelphia's swap right and Sacramento's obligation to Philadelphia will be extinguished) [Philadelphia-Sacramento, 7/9/2015] 2017 second round draft picks from Detroit and/or Golden State and/or New York and/or Utah (most and least favorable) Utah will receive the second and third most favorable of Detroit's 2017 2nd round pick, Golden State's 2017 2nd round pick, New York's 2017 2nd round pick (via Toronto) and Utah's 2017 2nd round pick and Philadelphia will receive the most and least favorable of these four picks (via Utah) [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013; New York-Toronto, 7/10/2013; Toronto-Utah, 7/10/2014; Detroit-Oklahoma City-Utah, 2/19/2015; Philadelphia-Utah, 8/26/2016] 2018 second round draft pick from Cleveland or Brooklyn (more favorable) Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of Cleveland's 2018 2nd round pick and Brooklyn's 2018 2nd round pick and Charlotte will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap Cleveland for Brooklyn) [Cleveland-Philadelphia, 9/26/2014; Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 12/11/2014; Brooklyn-Charlotte, 6/25/2015] 2018 second round draft pick from L.A. Clippers or New York (more favorable) Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of the L.A. Clippers' 2018 2nd round pick and New York's 2018 2nd round pick and New York will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap L.A. Clippers for New York) [L.A. Clippers-Philadelphia, 2/20/2014; New York-Philadelphia, 10/27/2014] 2019 first round draft pick from Sacramento Sacramento's 2019 1st round pick to Philadelphia [Philadelphia-Sacramento, 7/9/2015] 2019 second round draft pick from Milwaukee or Sacramento (more favorable) Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of Milwaukee's 2019 2nd round pick and Sacramento's 2019 2nd round pick and Sacramento will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap Milwaukee for Sacramento (via Brooklyn to Philadelphia)) [Milwaukee-Sacramento, 7/12/2013; Brooklyn-Milwaukee, 6/30/2014; Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 10/24/2014] 2019 second round draft pick from New York New York's 2019 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [New York-Philadelphia, 10/27/2014] 2020 first round draft pick from Oklahoma City Two years after Oklahoma City conveys a 1st round pick to Utah, Oklahoma City will convey its 1st round pick to Philadelphia protected for selections 1-20 in 2020, 1-20 in 2021 and 1-20 in 2022; in any year, if this pick is not conveyed because it falls within its protected range, then Oklahoma City will instead convey its 2022 2nd round pick and 2023 2nd round pick to Philadelphia (i.e., the 1st round pick will not roll over to the following year if it is not conveyed due to protection) [Oklahoma City-Philadelphia, 11/1/2016] 2020 second round draft pick from Brooklyn Brooklyn's 2020 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 12/11/2014] 2020 second round draft pick from New York New York's 2020 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [New York-Philadelphia, 6/26/2015] 2021 second round draft pick from New York New York's 2021 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [New York-Philadelphia, 6/26/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to New Orleans Philadelphia's 2017 2nd round pick to New Orleans [New Orleans-Philadelphia, 12/24/2015] 2017 first round draft pick from Cleveland Cleveland's 2017 1st round pick to Portland [Cleveland-Portland, 1/6/2017] 2019 second round draft pick from L.A. Lakers or Minnesota (more favorable) Portland will receive the more favorable of the L.A. Lakers' 2019 2nd round pick (via Indiana to Cleveland) and Minnesota's 2019 2nd round pick (via Cleveland) and Cleveland will receive the less favorable of these two picks [Cleveland-Minnesota, 6/25/2015; Indiana-L.A. Lakers, 7/9/2015; Cleveland-Indiana, 7/23/2015; Cleveland-Portland, 7/27/2015] 2021 second round draft pick from Miami Miami's 2021 2nd round pick to Portland [Miami-Portland, 2/18/2016] 2017 second round draft pick to Houston Portland's 2017 2nd round pick to Houston [Houston-Portland, 7/10/2013] 2018 second round draft pick to Sacramento (swap, Sacramento incoming) Sacramento has the right to swap its 2018 2nd round pick for Portland's 2018 2nd round pick [New Orleans-Portland-Sacramento, 7/10/2013] 2019 second round draft pick to Orlando or Detroit Orlando will receive the most favorable of Cleveland's 2019 2nd round pick, Houston's 2019 2nd round pick, Orlando's 2019 2nd round pick and Portland's 2019 2nd round pick; New York will receive the two least favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick; Detroit will receive the less favorable of (i) the Portland pick and (ii) the most favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick (via Orlando's right to swap for Cleveland or Houston (via Cleveland and Houston to New York); via Portland to Orlando to Detroit) [Cleveland-New York-Oklahoma City, 1/5/2015; Houston-New York, 2/19/2015; New York-Orlando, 7/9/2015; Orlando-Portland, 6/23/2016; Detroit-Orlando, 6/29/2016] 2020 second round draft pick to Cleveland Portland's 2020 2nd round pick to Cleveland (via Orlando) protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Portland's obligation to Cleveland will be extinguished) [Orlando-Portland, 7/14/2015; Cleveland-Orlando, 1/12/2016] Sacramento Kings 2018 second round draft pick from Portland (swap, Sacramento outgoing) Sacramento has the right to swap its 2018 2nd round pick for Portland's 2018 2nd round pick [New Orleans-Portland-Sacramento, 7/10/2013] 2020 second round draft pick from Detroit Detroit's 2020 2nd round pick to Sacramento (via Phoenix) [Detroit-Phoenix, 7/9/2015; Phoenix-Sacramento, 6/23/2016] 2017 first round draft pick to Chicago Sacramento's 1st round pick to Chicago (via Cleveland) protected for selections 1-10 in 2017; if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Sacramento will instead convey its 2017 2nd round pick to Chicago protected for selections 56-60 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Sacramento's obligation to Chicago will be extinguished) [Cleveland-Sacramento, 6/30/2011; Chicago-Cleveland, 1/7/2014] 2017 first round draft pick to Philadelphia (swap, Philadelphia incoming) Philadelphia has the right to swap its 2017 1st round pick for Sacramento's 2017 1st round pick protected for selections 11-30 (if this pick falls within its protected range, then Philadelphia's swap right and Sacramento's obligation to Philadelphia will be extinguished) [Philadelphia-Sacramento, 7/9/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to Orlando Sacramento's 2017 2nd round pick to Orlando (via Boston to Cleveland) protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Sacramento's obligation to Orlando will be extinguished) [Boston-Sacramento, 2/24/2011; Boston-Cleveland, 9/25/2014; Cleveland-Orlando, 1/12/2016] 2019 first round draft pick to Philadelphia Sacramento's 2019 1st round pick to Philadelphia [Philadelphia-Sacramento, 7/9/2015] 2019 second round draft pick to Philadelphia (swap, Milwaukee incoming) Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of Milwaukee's 2019 2nd round pick and Sacramento's 2019 2nd round pick and Sacramento will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap Milwaukee for Sacramento (via Brooklyn to Philadelphia)) [Milwaukee-Sacramento, 7/12/2013; Brooklyn-Milwaukee, 6/30/2014; Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 10/24/2014] San Antonio Spurs 2017 second round draft pick from Atlanta Atlanta's 2017 2nd round pick to San Antonio protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Atlanta's obligation to San Antonio will be extinguished) [Atlanta-San Antonio, 7/9/2015] 2022 second round draft pick to Utah San Antonio's 2022 2nd round pick to Utah [San Antonio-Utah, 7/7/2016]

Oklahoma City Thunder

Is the sea horse a mammal, fish or mollusk?

NBA Future Drafts Detailed - RealGM 2017 second round draft pick from Brooklyn Brooklyn's 2017 2nd round pick to Atlanta [Atlanta-Brooklyn, 7/11/2012] 2017 second round draft pick from Miami Miami's 2nd round pick to Atlanta protected for selections 31-40 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [Atlanta-Miami, 6/27/2013] 2018 first round draft pick from Minnesota Minnesota's 1st round pick to Atlanta protected for selections in 1-14 in 2018, 1-14 in 2019 and 1-14 in 2020; if Minnesota has not conveyed a 1st round pick to Atlanta by 2020, then Minnesota will instead convey its 2020 2nd round pick and 2021 2nd round pick to Atlanta [Atlanta-Minnesota, 2/10/2015] 2019 first round draft pick from Cleveland Cleveland's 1st round pick to Atlanta protected for selections in 1-10 in 2019 and 1-10 in 2020; if Cleveland has not conveyed a 1st round pick to Atlanta by 2020, then Cleveland will instead convey its 2021 2nd round pick and 2022 2nd round pick to Atlanta [Atlanta-Cleveland, 1/7/2017] 2019 second round draft pick from Washington Washington's 2019 2nd round pick to Atlanta [Atlanta-New York-Washington, 6/25/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to San Antonio Atlanta's 2017 2nd round pick to San Antonio protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Atlanta's obligation to San Antonio will be extinguished) [Atlanta-San Antonio, 7/9/2015] Boston Celtics 2017 first round draft pick from Brooklyn (swap, Boston outgoing) Boston has the right to swap its 2017 1st round pick for Brooklyn's 2017 1st round pick; if Boston exercises this swap right, then Boston will convey its 2017 2nd round pick to Brooklyn protected for selections 31-45 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Brooklyn will be extinguished) [Boston-Brooklyn, 7/12/2013]; this potential pick conveyance is the same as the one described in "2017 second round draft pick from Boston" on Brooklyn Incoming 2017 second round draft pick from Cleveland Cleveland's 2017 2nd round pick to Boston [Boston-Cleveland, 9/25/2014] 2017 second round draft pick from L.A. Clippers L.A. Clippers' 2017 2nd round pick to Boston [Boston-L.A. Clippers-Phoenix, 1/15/2015] 2017 second round draft pick from Minnesota Minnesota's 2017 2nd round pick to Boston (via Phoenix) [Minnesota-New Orleans-Phoenix, 7/27/2012; Boston-Phoenix, 1/9/2015] 2018 first round draft pick from Brooklyn Brooklyn's 2018 1st round pick to Boston [Boston-Brooklyn, 7/12/2013] 2019 first round draft pick from L.A. Clippers If at least two years after the L.A. Clippers conveyed a 1st round pick to Toronto, then the L.A. Clippers will convey their 1st round pick to Boston (via Memphis) protected for selections 1-14 in 2019 and 1-14 in 2020; if the L.A. Clippers have not conveyed a 1st round pick to Boston by 2020, then the L.A. Clippers will instead convey their 2022 2nd round pick to Boston [L.A. Clippers-Memphis, 2/18/2016; Boston-Memphis, 6/23/2016] 2019 first round draft pick from Memphis Memphis' 1st round pick to Boston protected for selections 1-8 in 2019 (conveyable if Memphis conveys a 1st round pick to Denver in 2017) and 1-6 in 2020 (conveyable if Memphis has conveyed a 1st round pick to Denver by 2018) and unprotected in 2021 [Boston-Memphis-New Orleans, 1/12/2015] 2019 second round draft pick from Detroit Detroit's 2019 2nd round pick to Boston (via Oklahoma City) [Detroit-Oklahoma City-Utah, 2/19/2015; Boston-Oklahoma City, 7/14/2015] 2020 second round draft pick from Miami Miami's 2020 2nd round pick to Boston [Boston-Miami, 7/27/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to Brooklyn If Boston exercises its right to swap its 2017 1st round pick for Brooklyn's 2017 1st round pick, then Boston will convey its 2017 2nd round pick to Brooklyn protected for selections 31-45 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Brooklyn will be extinguished) [Boston-Brooklyn, 7/12/2013]; this potential pick conveyance is the same as the one described in "2017 first round draft pick from Brooklyn" on Boston Incoming 2018 second round draft pick to Oklahoma City Boston's 2018 2nd round pick to Oklahoma City protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Oklahoma City will be extinguished) [Boston-Oklahoma City, 7/14/2015] 2019 second round draft pick to Memphis Boston's 2019 2nd round pick to Memphis (via Miami) protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Memphis will be extinguished) [Boston-Miami, 7/27/2015; Charlotte-Memphis-Miami, 2/16/2016] Brooklyn Nets 2017 second round draft pick from Boston If Boston exercises its right to swap its 2017 1st round pick for Brooklyn's 2017 1st round pick, then Boston will convey its 2017 2nd round pick to Brooklyn protected for selections 31-45 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Brooklyn will be extinguished) [Boston-Brooklyn, 7/12/2013]; this potential pick conveyance is the same as the one described in "2017 first round draft pick from Brooklyn" on Boston Incoming 2017 second round draft pick from Indiana Indiana's 2nd round pick to Brooklyn protected for selections 45-60 in 2017, 45-60 in 2018, 45-60 in 2019, 45-60 in 2020, 45-60 in 2021 and 45-60 in 2022 and unprotected in 2023 [Brooklyn-Indiana, 7/7/2016] 2017 first round draft pick to Boston (swap, Boston incoming) Boston has the right to swap its 2017 1st round pick for Brooklyn's 2017 1st round pick; if Boston exercises this swap right, then Boston will convey its 2017 2nd round pick to Brooklyn protected for selections 31-45 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Brooklyn will be extinguished) [Boston-Brooklyn, 7/12/2013]; this potential pick conveyance is the same as the one described in "2017 second round draft pick from Boston" on Brooklyn Incoming 2017 second round draft pick to Atlanta Brooklyn's 2017 2nd round pick to Atlanta [Atlanta-Brooklyn, 7/11/2012] 2018 first round draft pick to Boston Brooklyn's 2018 1st round pick to Boston [Boston-Brooklyn, 7/12/2013] 2018 second round draft pick to Philadelphia or Charlotte Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of Cleveland's 2018 2nd round pick and Brooklyn's 2018 2nd round pick and Charlotte will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap Cleveland for Brooklyn) [Cleveland-Philadelphia, 9/26/2014; Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 12/11/2014; Brooklyn-Charlotte, 6/25/2015] 2019 second round draft pick to Memphis Brooklyn's 2019 2nd round pick to Memphis (via Charlotte) [Brooklyn-Charlotte, 6/25/2015; Charlotte-Memphis-Miami, 2/16/2016] 2020 second round draft pick to Philadelphia Brooklyn's 2020 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 12/11/2014] Charlotte Hornets 2018 second round draft pick from Cleveland or Brooklyn (less favorable) Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of Cleveland's 2018 2nd round pick and Brooklyn's 2018 2nd round pick and Charlotte will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap Cleveland for Brooklyn) [Cleveland-Philadelphia, 9/26/2014; Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 12/11/2014; Brooklyn-Charlotte, 6/25/2015] 2018 second round draft pick to Memphis Charlotte's 2018 2nd round pick to Memphis [Charlotte-Memphis-Miami, 2/16/2016] Chicago Bulls 2017 first round draft pick from Sacramento Sacramento's 1st round pick to Chicago (via Cleveland) protected for selections 1-10 in 2017; if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Sacramento will instead convey its 2017 2nd round pick to Chicago protected for selections 56-60 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Sacramento's obligation to Chicago will be extinguished) [Cleveland-Sacramento, 6/30/2011; Chicago-Cleveland, 1/7/2014] 2017 second round draft pick to New York Chicago's 2017 2nd round pick to New York [Chicago-New York, 6/22/2016] 2019 second round draft pick to L.A. Lakers Chicago's 2019 2nd round pick to L.A. Lakers [Chicago-L.A. Lakers, 7/7/2016] Cleveland Cavaliers 2019 second round draft pick from L.A. Lakers or Minnesota (less favorable) Portland will receive the more favorable of the L.A. Lakers' 2019 2nd round pick (via Indiana to Cleveland) and Minnesota's 2019 2nd round pick (via Cleveland) and Cleveland will receive the less favorable of these two picks [Cleveland-Minnesota, 6/25/2015; Indiana-L.A. Lakers, 7/9/2015; Cleveland-Indiana, 7/23/2015; Cleveland-Portland, 7/27/2015] 2020 second round draft pick from Portland Portland's 2020 2nd round pick to Cleveland (via Orlando) protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Portland's obligation to Cleveland will be extinguished) [Orlando-Portland, 7/14/2015; Cleveland-Orlando, 1/12/2016] 2017 first round draft pick to Portland Cleveland's 2017 1st round pick to Portland [Cleveland-Portland, 1/6/2017] 2017 second round draft pick to Boston Cleveland's 2017 2nd round pick to Boston [Boston-Cleveland, 9/25/2014] 2018 second round draft pick to Philadelphia or Charlotte Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of Cleveland's 2018 2nd round pick and Brooklyn's 2018 2nd round pick and Charlotte will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap Cleveland for Brooklyn) [Cleveland-Philadelphia, 9/26/2014; Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 12/11/2014; Brooklyn-Charlotte, 6/25/2015] 2019 first round draft pick to Atlanta Cleveland's 1st round pick to Atlanta protected for selections in 1-10 in 2019 and 1-10 in 2020; if Cleveland has not conveyed a 1st round pick to Atlanta by 2020, then Cleveland will instead convey its 2021 2nd round pick and 2022 2nd round pick to Atlanta [Atlanta-Cleveland, 1/7/2017] 2019 second round draft pick to New York, Orlando or Detroit Orlando will receive the most favorable of Cleveland's 2019 2nd round pick, Houston's 2019 2nd round pick, Orlando's 2019 2nd round pick and Portland's 2019 2nd round pick; New York will receive the two least favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick; Detroit will receive the less favorable of (i) the Portland pick and (ii) the most favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick (via Orlando's right to swap for Cleveland or Houston (via Cleveland and Houston to New York); via Portland to Orlando to Detroit) [Cleveland-New York-Oklahoma City, 1/5/2015; Houston-New York, 2/19/2015; New York-Orlando, 7/9/2015; Orlando-Portland, 6/23/2016; Detroit-Orlando, 6/29/2016] 2020 second round draft pick to L.A. Clippers Cleveland's 2020 2nd round pick to L.A. Clippers (via Portland to Cleveland to Orlando) [Cleveland-Portland, 7/27/2015; Cleveland-Portland, 2/18/2016; Cleveland-Orlando, 2/18/2016; L.A. Clippers-Orlando, 7/15/2016] Dallas Mavericks 2019 second round draft pick from Golden State Golden State's 2019 2nd round pick to Dallas; Dallas has the right to defer this pick conveyance to 2020 [Dallas-Golden State, 7/7/2016] 2018 second round draft pick to Milwaukee Dallas' 2018 2nd round pick to Milwaukee protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Dallas' obligation to Milwaukee will be extinguished) [Dallas-Milwaukee, 7/9/2015] 2019 second round draft pick to Golden State Dallas' 2019 2nd round pick to Golden State protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Dallas' obligation to Golden State will be extinguished) [Dallas-Golden State, 7/7/2016] Denver Nuggets 2017 first round draft pick from Memphis Memphis' 1st round pick to Denver (via Cleveland) protected for selections 1-5 in 2017 and 1-5 in 2018 and unprotected in 2019 [Cleveland-Memphis, 1/22/2013; Cleveland-Denver, 1/7/2015] 2017 second round draft pick from Memphis Memphis' 2nd round pick to Denver (via Oklahoma City) protected for selections 31-35 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [Boston-Memphis-Oklahoma City, 1/7/2014; Denver-Oklahoma City, 8/30/2016] 2017 second round draft pick from Oklahoma City Oklahoma City's 2nd round pick to Denver protected for selections 31-35 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [Denver-Oklahoma City, 8/30/2016] 2018 second round draft pick from Golden State Golden State's 2018 2nd round pick to Denver [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013] 2017 second round draft pick to Houston Denver's 2017 2nd round pick to Houston [Denver-Houston, 7/20/2015] 2018 second round draft pick to L.A. Lakers Denver's 2018 2nd round pick to L.A. Lakers (via Utah to Chicago) [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013; Atlanta-Chicago-Utah, 2/18/2016; Chicago-L.A. Lakers, 7/7/2016] Detroit Pistons 2019 second round draft pick from Cleveland, Houston, Orlando or Portland Orlando will receive the most favorable of Cleveland's 2019 2nd round pick, Houston's 2019 2nd round pick, Orlando's 2019 2nd round pick and Portland's 2019 2nd round pick; New York will receive the two least favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick; Detroit will receive the less favorable of (i) the Portland pick and (ii) the most favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick (via Orlando's right to swap for Cleveland or Houston (via Cleveland and Houston to New York); via Portland to Orlando to Detroit) [Cleveland-New York-Oklahoma City, 1/5/2015; Houston-New York, 2/19/2015; New York-Orlando, 7/9/2015; Orlando-Portland, 6/23/2016; Detroit-Orlando, 6/29/2016] 2017 second round draft pick to Utah or Philadelphia Utah will receive the second and third most favorable of Detroit's 2017 2nd round pick, Golden State's 2017 2nd round pick, New York's 2017 2nd round pick (via Toronto) and Utah's 2017 2nd round pick and Philadelphia will receive the most and least favorable of these four picks (via Utah) [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013; New York-Toronto, 7/10/2013; Toronto-Utah, 7/10/2014; Detroit-Oklahoma City-Utah, 2/19/2015; Philadelphia-Utah, 8/26/2016] 2019 second round draft pick to Boston Detroit's 2019 2nd round pick to Boston (via Oklahoma City) [Detroit-Oklahoma City-Utah, 2/19/2015; Boston-Oklahoma City, 7/14/2015] 2020 second round draft pick to Sacramento Detroit's 2020 2nd round pick to Sacramento (via Phoenix) [Detroit-Phoenix, 7/9/2015; Phoenix-Sacramento, 6/23/2016] Golden State Warriors 2019 second round draft pick from Dallas Dallas' 2019 2nd round pick to Golden State protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Dallas' obligation to Golden State will be extinguished) [Dallas-Golden State, 7/7/2016] 2017 first round draft pick to Utah Golden State's 2017 1st round pick to Utah [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013] 2017 second round draft pick to Utah or Philadelphia Utah will receive the second and third most favorable of Detroit's 2017 2nd round pick, Golden State's 2017 2nd round pick, New York's 2017 2nd round pick (via Toronto) and Utah's 2017 2nd round pick and Philadelphia will receive the most and least favorable of these four picks (via Utah) [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013; New York-Toronto, 7/10/2013; Toronto-Utah, 7/10/2014; Detroit-Oklahoma City-Utah, 2/19/2015; Philadelphia-Utah, 8/26/2016] 2018 second round draft pick to Denver Golden State's 2018 2nd round pick to Denver [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013] 2019 second round draft pick to Dallas Golden State's 2019 2nd round pick to Dallas; Dallas has the right to defer this pick conveyance to 2020 [Dallas-Golden State, 7/7/2016] 2017 second round draft pick from Denver Denver's 2017 2nd round pick to Houston [Denver-Houston, 7/20/2015] 2017 second round draft pick from Portland Portland's 2017 2nd round pick to Houston [Houston-Portland, 7/10/2013] 2017 second round draft pick to New York Houston's 2017 2nd round pick to New York [Houston-New York, 2/19/2015] 2019 second round draft pick to New York, Orlando or Detroit Orlando will receive the most favorable of Cleveland's 2019 2nd round pick, Houston's 2019 2nd round pick, Orlando's 2019 2nd round pick and Portland's 2019 2nd round pick; New York will receive the two least favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick; Detroit will receive the less favorable of (i) the Portland pick and (ii) the most favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick (via Orlando's right to swap for Cleveland or Houston (via Cleveland and Houston to New York); via Portland to Orlando to Detroit) [Cleveland-New York-Oklahoma City, 1/5/2015; Houston-New York, 2/19/2015; New York-Orlando, 7/9/2015; Orlando-Portland, 6/23/2016; Detroit-Orlando, 6/29/2016] Los Angeles Clippers 2020 second round draft pick from Cleveland Cleveland's 2020 2nd round pick to L.A. Clippers (via Portland to Cleveland to Orlando) [Cleveland-Portland, 7/27/2015; Cleveland-Portland, 2/18/2016; Cleveland-Orlando, 2/18/2016; L.A. Clippers-Orlando, 7/15/2016] 2017 first round draft pick to Toronto L.A. Clippers' 1st round pick to Toronto (via Milwaukee) protected for selections 1-14 in 2017, 1-14 in 2018 and 1-14 in 2019; if the L.A. Clippers have not conveyed a 1st round pick to Toronto by 2019, then the L.A. Clippers will instead convey their 2020 2nd round pick and 2021 2nd round pick to Toronto [L.A. Clippers-Milwaukee, 8/26/2014; Milwaukee-Toronto, 6/25/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to Boston L.A. Clippers' 2017 2nd round pick to Boston [Boston-L.A. Clippers-Phoenix, 1/15/2015] 2018 second round draft pick to Philadelphia or New York Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of the L.A. Clippers' 2018 2nd round pick and New York's 2018 2nd round pick and New York will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap L.A. Clippers for New York) [L.A. Clippers-Philadelphia, 2/20/2014; New York-Philadelphia, 10/27/2014] 2019 first round draft pick to Boston If at least two years after the L.A. Clippers conveyed a 1st round pick to Toronto, then the L.A. Clippers will convey their 1st round pick to Boston (via Memphis) protected for selections 1-14 in 2019 and 1-14 in 2020; if the L.A. Clippers have not conveyed a 1st round pick to Boston by 2020, then the L.A. Clippers will instead convey their 2022 2nd round pick to Boston [L.A. Clippers-Memphis, 2/18/2016; Boston-Memphis, 6/23/2016] Los Angeles Lakers 2018 second round draft pick from Denver Denver's 2018 2nd round pick to L.A. Lakers (via Utah to Chicago) [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013; Atlanta-Chicago-Utah, 2/18/2016; Chicago-L.A. Lakers, 7/7/2016] 2019 second round draft pick from Chicago Chicago's 2019 2nd round pick to L.A. Lakers [Chicago-L.A. Lakers, 7/7/2016] 2017 first round draft pick to Philadelphia L.A. Lakers' 1st round pick to Philadelphia (via Phoenix) protected for selections 1-3 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [L.A. Lakers-Phoenix, 7/11/2012; Milwaukee-Philadelphia-Phoenix, 2/19/2015] 2019 first round draft pick to Orlando If the L.A. Lakers convey a 1st round pick to Philadelphia in 2017, then the L.A. Lakers will convey their 2019 1st round pick to Orlando; if the L.A. Lakers do not convey a 1st round pick to Philadelphia in 2017, then the L.A. Lakers will instead convey their 2017 2nd round pick and 2018 2nd round pick to Orlando [L.A. Lakers-Orlando, 8/10/2012] 2019 second round draft pick to Portland or Cleveland Portland will receive the more favorable of the L.A. Lakers' 2019 2nd round pick (via Indiana to Cleveland) and Minnesota's 2019 2nd round pick (via Cleveland) and Cleveland will receive the less favorable of these two picks [Cleveland-Minnesota, 6/25/2015; Indiana-L.A. Lakers, 7/9/2015; Cleveland-Indiana, 7/23/2015; Cleveland-Portland, 7/27/2015] Memphis Grizzlies 2017 second round draft pick from Miami Miami's 2nd round pick to Memphis protected for selections 41-60 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [Charlotte-Memphis-Miami, 2/16/2016] 2018 second round draft pick from Charlotte Charlotte's 2018 2nd round pick to Memphis [Charlotte-Memphis-Miami, 2/16/2016] 2019 second round draft pick from Boston Boston's 2019 2nd round pick to Memphis (via Miami) protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Memphis will be extinguished) [Boston-Miami, 7/27/2015; Charlotte-Memphis-Miami, 2/16/2016] 2019 second round draft pick from Brooklyn Brooklyn's 2019 2nd round pick to Memphis (via Charlotte) [Brooklyn-Charlotte, 6/25/2015; Charlotte-Memphis-Miami, 2/16/2016] 2017 first round draft pick to Denver Memphis' 1st round pick to Denver (via Cleveland) protected for selections 1-5 in 2017 and 1-5 in 2018 and unprotected in 2019 [Cleveland-Memphis, 1/22/2013; Cleveland-Denver, 1/7/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to Denver Memphis' 2nd round pick to Denver (via Oklahoma City) protected for selections 31-35 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [Boston-Memphis-Oklahoma City, 1/7/2014; Denver-Oklahoma City, 8/30/2016] 2019 first round draft pick to Boston Memphis' 1st round pick to Boston protected for selections 1-8 in 2019 (conveyable if Memphis conveys a 1st round pick to Denver in 2017) and 1-6 in 2020 (conveyable if Memphis has conveyed a 1st round pick to Denver by 2018) and unprotected in 2021 [Boston-Memphis-New Orleans, 1/12/2015] Milwaukee Bucks 2018 second round draft pick from Dallas Dallas' 2018 2nd round pick to Milwaukee protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Dallas' obligation to Milwaukee will be extinguished) [Dallas-Milwaukee, 7/9/2015] 2020 second round draft pick from Washington Washington's 2020 2nd round pick to Milwaukee protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Washington's obligation to Milwaukee will be extinguished) [Milwaukee-Washington, 7/9/2015] 2019 second round draft pick to Philadelphia or Sacramento Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of Milwaukee's 2019 2nd round pick and Sacramento's 2019 2nd round pick and Sacramento will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap Milwaukee for Sacramento (via Brooklyn to Philadelphia)) [Milwaukee-Sacramento, 7/12/2013; Brooklyn-Milwaukee, 6/30/2014; Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 10/24/2014] Minnesota Timberwolves 2017 second round draft pick from New Orleans New Orleans' 2017 2nd round pick to Minnesota protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then New Orleans' obligation to Minnesota will be extinguished) [Minnesota-New Orleans, 7/13/2012] 2019 second round draft pick from Miami Miami's 2019 2nd round pick to Minnesota (via Charlotte) [Charlotte-Miami, 6/26/2014; Charlotte-Minnesota, 2/10/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to Boston Minnesota's 2017 2nd round pick to Boston (via Phoenix) [Minnesota-New Orleans-Phoenix, 7/27/2012; Boston-Phoenix, 1/9/2015] 2018 first round draft pick to Atlanta Minnesota's 1st round pick to Atlanta protected for selections in 1-14 in 2018, 1-14 in 2019 and 1-14 in 2020; if Minnesota has not conveyed a 1st round pick to Atlanta by 2020, then Minnesota will instead convey its 2020 2nd round pick and 2021 2nd round pick to Atlanta [Atlanta-Minnesota, 2/10/2015] 2019 second round draft pick to Portland or Cleveland Portland will receive the more favorable of the L.A. Lakers' 2019 2nd round pick (via Indiana to Cleveland) and Minnesota's 2019 2nd round pick (via Cleveland) and Cleveland will receive the less favorable of these two picks [Cleveland-Minnesota, 6/25/2015; Indiana-L.A. Lakers, 7/9/2015; Cleveland-Indiana, 7/23/2015; Cleveland-Portland, 7/27/2015] 2017 second round draft pick from Philadelphia Philadelphia's 2017 2nd round pick to New Orleans [New Orleans-Philadelphia, 12/24/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to Minnesota New Orleans' 2017 2nd round pick to Minnesota protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then New Orleans' obligation to Minnesota will be extinguished) [Minnesota-New Orleans, 7/13/2012] 2017 second round draft pick from Chicago Chicago's 2017 2nd round pick to New York [Chicago-New York, 6/22/2016] 2017 second round draft pick from Houston Houston's 2017 2nd round pick to New York [Houston-New York, 2/19/2015] 2019 second round draft picks from Cleveland and/or Houston and/or Orlando (two least favorable) Orlando will receive the most favorable of Cleveland's 2019 2nd round pick, Houston's 2019 2nd round pick, Orlando's 2019 2nd round pick and Portland's 2019 2nd round pick; New York will receive the two least favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick; Detroit will receive the less favorable of (i) the Portland pick and (ii) the most favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick (via Orlando's right to swap for Cleveland or Houston (via Cleveland and Houston to New York); via Portland to Orlando to Detroit) [Cleveland-New York-Oklahoma City, 1/5/2015; Houston-New York, 2/19/2015; New York-Orlando, 7/9/2015; Orlando-Portland, 6/23/2016; Detroit-Orlando, 6/29/2016] 2017 second round draft pick to Utah or Philadelphia Utah will receive the second and third most favorable of Detroit's 2017 2nd round pick, Golden State's 2017 2nd round pick, New York's 2017 2nd round pick (via Toronto) and Utah's 2017 2nd round pick and Philadelphia will receive the most and least favorable of these four picks (via Utah) [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013; New York-Toronto, 7/10/2013; Toronto-Utah, 7/10/2014; Detroit-Oklahoma City-Utah, 2/19/2015; Philadelphia-Utah, 8/26/2016] 2018 second round draft pick to Philadelphia (swap, L.A. Clippers incoming) Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of the L.A. Clippers' 2018 2nd round pick and New York's 2018 2nd round pick and New York will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap L.A. Clippers for New York) [L.A. Clippers-Philadelphia, 2/20/2014; New York-Philadelphia, 10/27/2014] 2019 second round draft pick to Philadelphia New York's 2019 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [New York-Philadelphia, 10/27/2014] 2020 second round draft pick to Philadelphia New York's 2020 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [New York-Philadelphia, 6/26/2015] 2021 second round draft pick to Philadelphia New York's 2021 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [New York-Philadelphia, 6/26/2015] Oklahoma City Thunder 2018 second round draft pick from Boston Boston's 2018 2nd round pick to Oklahoma City protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Boston's obligation to Oklahoma City will be extinguished) [Boston-Oklahoma City, 7/14/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to Denver Oklahoma City's 2nd round pick to Denver protected for selections 31-35 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [Denver-Oklahoma City, 8/30/2016] 2018 first round draft pick to Utah Oklahoma City's 1st round pick to Utah protected for selections 1-14 in 2018, 1-14 in 2019 and 1-14 in 2020; if Oklahoma City has not conveyed a 1st round pick to Utah by 2020, then Oklahoma City will instead convey its 2020 2nd round pick and 2021 2nd round pick to Utah [Detroit-Oklahoma City-Utah, 2/19/2015] 2020 first round draft pick to Philadelphia Two years after Oklahoma City conveys a 1st round pick to Utah, Oklahoma City will convey its 1st round pick to Philadelphia protected for selections 1-20 in 2020, 1-20 in 2021 and 1-20 in 2022; in any year, if this pick is not conveyed because it falls within its protected range, then Oklahoma City will instead convey its 2022 2nd round pick and 2023 2nd round pick to Philadelphia (i.e., the 1st round pick will not roll over to the following year if it is not conveyed due to protection) [Oklahoma City-Philadelphia, 11/1/2016] Philadelphia Sixers 2017 first round draft pick from L.A. Lakers L.A. Lakers' 1st round pick to Philadelphia (via Phoenix) protected for selections 1-3 in 2017 and unprotected in 2018 [L.A. Lakers-Phoenix, 7/11/2012; Milwaukee-Philadelphia-Phoenix, 2/19/2015] 2017 first round draft pick from Sacramento (swap, Philadelphia outgoing) Philadelphia has the right to swap its 2017 1st round pick for Sacramento's 2017 1st round pick protected for selections 11-30 (if this pick falls within its protected range, then Philadelphia's swap right and Sacramento's obligation to Philadelphia will be extinguished) [Philadelphia-Sacramento, 7/9/2015] 2017 second round draft picks from Detroit and/or Golden State and/or New York and/or Utah (most and least favorable) Utah will receive the second and third most favorable of Detroit's 2017 2nd round pick, Golden State's 2017 2nd round pick, New York's 2017 2nd round pick (via Toronto) and Utah's 2017 2nd round pick and Philadelphia will receive the most and least favorable of these four picks (via Utah) [Denver-Golden State-Utah, 7/10/2013; New York-Toronto, 7/10/2013; Toronto-Utah, 7/10/2014; Detroit-Oklahoma City-Utah, 2/19/2015; Philadelphia-Utah, 8/26/2016] 2018 second round draft pick from Cleveland or Brooklyn (more favorable) Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of Cleveland's 2018 2nd round pick and Brooklyn's 2018 2nd round pick and Charlotte will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap Cleveland for Brooklyn) [Cleveland-Philadelphia, 9/26/2014; Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 12/11/2014; Brooklyn-Charlotte, 6/25/2015] 2018 second round draft pick from L.A. Clippers or New York (more favorable) Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of the L.A. Clippers' 2018 2nd round pick and New York's 2018 2nd round pick and New York will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap L.A. Clippers for New York) [L.A. Clippers-Philadelphia, 2/20/2014; New York-Philadelphia, 10/27/2014] 2019 first round draft pick from Sacramento Sacramento's 2019 1st round pick to Philadelphia [Philadelphia-Sacramento, 7/9/2015] 2019 second round draft pick from Milwaukee or Sacramento (more favorable) Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of Milwaukee's 2019 2nd round pick and Sacramento's 2019 2nd round pick and Sacramento will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap Milwaukee for Sacramento (via Brooklyn to Philadelphia)) [Milwaukee-Sacramento, 7/12/2013; Brooklyn-Milwaukee, 6/30/2014; Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 10/24/2014] 2019 second round draft pick from New York New York's 2019 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [New York-Philadelphia, 10/27/2014] 2020 first round draft pick from Oklahoma City Two years after Oklahoma City conveys a 1st round pick to Utah, Oklahoma City will convey its 1st round pick to Philadelphia protected for selections 1-20 in 2020, 1-20 in 2021 and 1-20 in 2022; in any year, if this pick is not conveyed because it falls within its protected range, then Oklahoma City will instead convey its 2022 2nd round pick and 2023 2nd round pick to Philadelphia (i.e., the 1st round pick will not roll over to the following year if it is not conveyed due to protection) [Oklahoma City-Philadelphia, 11/1/2016] 2020 second round draft pick from Brooklyn Brooklyn's 2020 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 12/11/2014] 2020 second round draft pick from New York New York's 2020 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [New York-Philadelphia, 6/26/2015] 2021 second round draft pick from New York New York's 2021 2nd round pick to Philadelphia [New York-Philadelphia, 6/26/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to New Orleans Philadelphia's 2017 2nd round pick to New Orleans [New Orleans-Philadelphia, 12/24/2015] 2017 first round draft pick from Cleveland Cleveland's 2017 1st round pick to Portland [Cleveland-Portland, 1/6/2017] 2019 second round draft pick from L.A. Lakers or Minnesota (more favorable) Portland will receive the more favorable of the L.A. Lakers' 2019 2nd round pick (via Indiana to Cleveland) and Minnesota's 2019 2nd round pick (via Cleveland) and Cleveland will receive the less favorable of these two picks [Cleveland-Minnesota, 6/25/2015; Indiana-L.A. Lakers, 7/9/2015; Cleveland-Indiana, 7/23/2015; Cleveland-Portland, 7/27/2015] 2021 second round draft pick from Miami Miami's 2021 2nd round pick to Portland [Miami-Portland, 2/18/2016] 2017 second round draft pick to Houston Portland's 2017 2nd round pick to Houston [Houston-Portland, 7/10/2013] 2018 second round draft pick to Sacramento (swap, Sacramento incoming) Sacramento has the right to swap its 2018 2nd round pick for Portland's 2018 2nd round pick [New Orleans-Portland-Sacramento, 7/10/2013] 2019 second round draft pick to Orlando or Detroit Orlando will receive the most favorable of Cleveland's 2019 2nd round pick, Houston's 2019 2nd round pick, Orlando's 2019 2nd round pick and Portland's 2019 2nd round pick; New York will receive the two least favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick; Detroit will receive the less favorable of (i) the Portland pick and (ii) the most favorable of the Cleveland pick, the Houston pick and the Orlando pick (via Orlando's right to swap for Cleveland or Houston (via Cleveland and Houston to New York); via Portland to Orlando to Detroit) [Cleveland-New York-Oklahoma City, 1/5/2015; Houston-New York, 2/19/2015; New York-Orlando, 7/9/2015; Orlando-Portland, 6/23/2016; Detroit-Orlando, 6/29/2016] 2020 second round draft pick to Cleveland Portland's 2020 2nd round pick to Cleveland (via Orlando) protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Portland's obligation to Cleveland will be extinguished) [Orlando-Portland, 7/14/2015; Cleveland-Orlando, 1/12/2016] Sacramento Kings 2018 second round draft pick from Portland (swap, Sacramento outgoing) Sacramento has the right to swap its 2018 2nd round pick for Portland's 2018 2nd round pick [New Orleans-Portland-Sacramento, 7/10/2013] 2020 second round draft pick from Detroit Detroit's 2020 2nd round pick to Sacramento (via Phoenix) [Detroit-Phoenix, 7/9/2015; Phoenix-Sacramento, 6/23/2016] 2017 first round draft pick to Chicago Sacramento's 1st round pick to Chicago (via Cleveland) protected for selections 1-10 in 2017; if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Sacramento will instead convey its 2017 2nd round pick to Chicago protected for selections 56-60 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Sacramento's obligation to Chicago will be extinguished) [Cleveland-Sacramento, 6/30/2011; Chicago-Cleveland, 1/7/2014] 2017 first round draft pick to Philadelphia (swap, Philadelphia incoming) Philadelphia has the right to swap its 2017 1st round pick for Sacramento's 2017 1st round pick protected for selections 11-30 (if this pick falls within its protected range, then Philadelphia's swap right and Sacramento's obligation to Philadelphia will be extinguished) [Philadelphia-Sacramento, 7/9/2015] 2017 second round draft pick to Orlando Sacramento's 2017 2nd round pick to Orlando (via Boston to Cleveland) protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Sacramento's obligation to Orlando will be extinguished) [Boston-Sacramento, 2/24/2011; Boston-Cleveland, 9/25/2014; Cleveland-Orlando, 1/12/2016] 2019 first round draft pick to Philadelphia Sacramento's 2019 1st round pick to Philadelphia [Philadelphia-Sacramento, 7/9/2015] 2019 second round draft pick to Philadelphia (swap, Milwaukee incoming) Philadelphia will receive the more favorable of Milwaukee's 2019 2nd round pick and Sacramento's 2019 2nd round pick and Sacramento will receive the less favorable of these two picks (via Philadelphia's right to swap Milwaukee for Sacramento (via Brooklyn to Philadelphia)) [Milwaukee-Sacramento, 7/12/2013; Brooklyn-Milwaukee, 6/30/2014; Brooklyn-Philadelphia, 10/24/2014] San Antonio Spurs 2017 second round draft pick from Atlanta Atlanta's 2017 2nd round pick to San Antonio protected for selections 31-55 (if this pick falls within its protected range and is therefore not conveyed, then Atlanta's obligation to San Antonio will be extinguished) [Atlanta-San Antonio, 7/9/2015] 2022 second round draft pick to Utah San Antonio's 2022 2nd round pick to Utah [San Antonio-Utah, 7/7/2016]

i don't know

What drink consists of 5 parts Vodka, 2 parts Coffee liqueur, and 3 parts fresh cream?

White Russian 5 parts Russian Standard vodka 2 parts Coffee Liqueur 3 parts fresh cream CollectCollect this now for later gertrude shifty russian - vanilla vodka, french press coffee liqueur, cream Happy Food CollectCollect this now for later amchism winter... White Russian: 1-1.5 ounces vodka, 3/4 ounces Kahlua or other coffee liqueur, 3/4 ounces of heavy cream (or somewhat larger portions of half-and-half, whole milk, or even 2% milk) Favorites CollectCollect this now for later rochelle Pinnacle® Cinnamon Coffee 2 parts Pinnacle® Cinnabon® Vodka 1 part Kamora® Coffee Liqueur 2 parts Cream Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into a double glass. Tasty Treats CollectCollect this now for later carmella Perfect White Russian Ingredients 1.5 oz vodka 1 oz Kahlua (or your preferred coffee liqueur) 1 oz heavy cream 1 cinnamon stick (optional) 2-3 large ice cubes Recipe 1. Place ice cubes in a lowball glass. Add vodka, Kahlua and heavy cream. 2. Stir with cinnamon stick to add a little flavor (or a spoon to keep it traditional). Leave cinnamon stick in as a garnish. drink me CollectCollect this now for later baracademy.bulgaria.9 Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake Martini: 2 parts EFFEN Raspberry Vodka 1/2 part chocolate liqueur 1/2 part Irish cream Favorites CollectCollect this now for later GodMick Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake Martini: 2 parts EFFEN Raspberry Vodka 1/2 part chocolate liqueur 1/2 part Irish cream CollectCollect this now for later isabelle Polar Bear Martini: 1.5 oz. vanilla vodka; .5 oz. Frangelico; .5 oz. white chocolate liqueur<3 Food For Thought CollectCollect this now for later Rene Weber Holly Jolly Russian (2 oz. Kahlua 1.5 oz. Vodka 3 oz. unspiked Eggnog Whipped Cream and a dash of fresh Nutmeg for garnish) Christmas CollectCollect this now for later Keunsup Shin Holly Jolly Russian (2 Oz. Kahlua 1.5 Oz. Vodka 3 Oz. Unspiked Eggnog Whipped Cream And A Dash Of Fresh Nutmeg For Garnish) CollectCollect this now for later hal.cousins Cloud Nine Martini (White Chocolate Liqueur & Whipped Cream Vodka) CollectCollect this now for later guadalupe Cloud Nine Martini (White Chocolate Liqueur & Whipped Cream Vodka) Artistes of all kinds CollectCollect this now for later isabelle black dahlia martini - 3 1/2 oz vanilla vodka, 1/4 oz black raspberry liqueur, 1/4 oz coffee liqueur, 1 orange Food For Thought CollectCollect this now for later akim White Night ~ 1.5 oz Cupcake Devil’s Food Vodka 1.5 oz Cupcake Frosting Vodka 1 oz Irish Cream Liqueur 1 oz Mexican Coffee-flavored Rum-base CollectCollect this now for later ammroberts Mudslide Milkshake ~ Chocolate Ice-Cream, Whipped Cream Vodka, Coffee Flavored Liqueur, Coffee Cubes, crushed Favorites CollectCollect this now for later Lisa Neighbors Davis Pumpkin Cheesecake-tini (◦2 oz milk ◦1 oz vanilla vodka ◦3 tablespoons Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur ◦1 tablespoon Cinnamon Schnapps Favorites CollectCollect this now for later natalie-w 3 ounces Cake Vodka 3 ounces white/clear creme de cacao 2 ounces amaretto 2 ounces heavy whipping cream 1 ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur sprinkles (I used nonpareils) Favorites CollectCollect this now for later Hercio Dias Cookies & Cream Martini | mix two parts Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, one part vanilla vodka and one part fluffed marshmallow vodka (cake or whipped cream would work too) Don't forget the crushed oreo cookie rim! CollectCollect this now for later tewnslw94 Smirnoff Whipped Java-Whipped Cream flavored Vodka, Bailey's Coffee flavored liqueur, Kahlua and Whipped Cream Drinks CollectCollect this now for later Melysa Velvet Snowflake: •2 parts vanilla vodka •1 part white creme de cacao •1 1/2 parts white chocolate Irish cream CollectCollect this now for later samon.moeurk Valentine Martini: 2 parts pinnacle whipped vodka, 1 part raspberry liqueur, 1 part milk. YUM Favorites CollectCollect this now for later Elizabeth Ann Bennett Fun, fresh twist on a cheesy retro cocktail: “Munich Style” White Russian | 2 ounces vodka | 1 1/2 ounces Kahlúa | 2 ounces heavy cream | 1/2 tablespoon sugar | Combine vodka and Kahlúa, stir over ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Vigorously shake cream and sugar until cream gets a little fluffy. Top off glass with a layer of cream fluff. drinks CollectCollect this now for later jannyshere Ghosts in the Graveyard ~ 2 oz black vodka 2 oz coffee-flavored liqueur 1 scoop vanilla ice cream Pinch of nutmeg Black as Night CollectCollect this now for later carmella Espresso Martini Here's a cocktail for coffee lovers! INGREDIENTS 1 ounce espresso, cooled 1 ounce vodka 1 ounce coffee liqueur 1/2 ounce zambucca 1/2 ounce whipping cream (35%) Ice Coffee beans, for garnish (optional) PREPARATION Add espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, zambucca, whipping cream and ice to cocktail shaker. Shake un drink me CollectCollect this now for later ViciousXUSMC Dirty Girl Scout (1 oz Vodka 1 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur 1 oz Irish cream 1 oz White Creme de Menthe) Favorites CollectCollect this now for later juliette Mississippi Mudtini Drink Recipe. 4 tablespoons Pinnacle Marshmallow Vodka 3 tablespoons Godiva Chocolate liqueur 3 tablespoons milk or cream 2 tablespoons nut liqueur such as Nocello or a pecan liqueur 2 teaspoons Hershey’s chocolate syrup Chocolate whipped cream (such as Reddi-wip) Chocolate shavings or curls Mix marshmallow vodka, chocolate liqueur, milk/cream, nut liqueur, and chocolate syrup in a shaker with ice.Shake for about 30 seconds. CollectCollect this now for later tewnslw94 Pearl Necklace Shot ~ Heavy cream, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, Pinnacle Whipped Cream Vodka Drinks CollectCollect this now for later bobbi Ingredients for Spiced Pumpkin Cocktail: 2 parts Pinnical Pumpkin Pie Vodka 1 part Irish cream liqueur 1/2 part half and half whipped cream topping Nutmeg & granulated sugar for rimming & topping; 1:1 ratio CollectCollect this now for later HunnyBerri Pearl Necklace Shot ~ Heavy cream, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, Pinnacle Whipped Cream Vodka Cheers! CollectCollect this now for later kimberlynk Ingredients for Spiced Pumpkin Cocktail: 2 parts Pinnical Pumpkin Pie Vodka 1 part Irish cream liqueur 1/2 part half and half whipped cream topping Nutmeg & granulated sugar for rimming & topping; 1:1 ratio Favorites CollectCollect this now for later paige Russian Iceberg: 1 oz white creme de menthe, 1 oz Rumple Minze® peppermint liqueur, 1 oz vodka

White Russian

In response to the crappy reputation High Fructose Corn Syrup has these days, the Corn Refiners Association has applied for permission to rename it to what?

5 Festive cocktails for the party season - CHR Blog 5 Festive cocktails for the party season Posted on December 16, 2015 Check out our 5 favourite cocktails guaranteed to add a little extra warmth and sparkle to your festive season this winter. Champagne Cocktail A classic cocktail for any special occasion. ·   1 sugar cube ·   3 dashes of Angostura bitters ·   150ml chilled brut Champagne ·   1 lemon twist In a glass soak the sugar cube in the Angostura bitters. Fill a champagne flute with champagne then add the soaked sugar cube. Garnish with a twist of lemon. Eggnog A sweet, rich cocktail, Eggnog is like Christmas pudding in a glass. ·   50g golden caster sugar ·   397g condensed milk ·   100ml brandy Dissolve the sugar in a saucepan with 75ml of water. Leave to cool and then chill. Beat the vanilla into the eggs then add cooled sugar solution, condensed milk and brandy. Place in fridge to cool. Serve with ice. Mulled Port and lemon This chilled cocktail is a light twist on traditional mulled wine, just as festive but a little more refreshing. ·   1 orange ·   Lemonade ·   Ice to serve Peel strips of zest from the orange and lemon and then squeeze fruits for juice. Add the zest, juice, port and spices to a saucepan and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Leave to cool. Combine equal amounts of mulled port and lemonade when pouring over ice. Hot buttered rum Indulgent, warming and full of winter spice, this warm tipple feels like a Christmas present in a glass. ·   Orange peel studded with 2 cloves ·   25g butter (softened) ·   30ml golden rum ·   50ml boiling water Mix butter and maple syrup and add rum and orange peel. Pour in boiling water and whisk. Pour over a cinnamon stick into glass. White Russian Think of Russian winters wrapped in warm furs and you’ll understand the enduring appeal of this rich, luxurious cocktail. ·   5 parts Russian standard vodka ·   2 parts coffee liqueur ·   3 parts fresh cream Using an Old Fashioned glass, pour the coffee liqueur and vodka over ice and stir. Float the cream on the surface. Read more

i don't know

According to the pangram, the quick what jumps over the lazy dog?

14 Pangrams | HowStuffWorks HowStuffWorks NEXT PAGENEXT   Zombie is a great word for a pangram, which is a sentence using every letter of the alphabet. A pangram, or holoalphabetic sentence, includes every letter of the alphabet at least once. The most challenging pangrams are the ones with the fewest letters. Here are a few of the best. 1. Waltz, bad nymph, for quick jigs vex. (28 letters) Up Next 2. Quick zephyrs blow, vexing daft Jim. (29 letters) 3. Sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow. (29 letters) 4. Two driven jocks help fax my big quiz. (30 letters) 5. Five quacking zephyrs jolt my wax bed. (31 letters) 6. The five boxing wizards jump quickly. (31 letters) 7. Pack my box with five dozen liquor jugs. (32 letters) 8. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. (35 letters) 9. Jinxed wizards pluck ivy from the big quilt. (36 letters) 10. Crazy Fredrick bought many very exquisite opal jewels. (46 letters) 11. We promptly judged antique ivory buckles for the next prize. (50 letters) 12. A mad boxer shot a quick, gloved jab to the jaw of his dizzy opponent. (54 letters) 13. Jaded zombies acted quaintly but kept driving their oxen forward. (55 letters) 14. The job requires extra pluck and zeal from every young wage earner. (55 letters) CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Helen Davies, Marjorie Dorfman, Mary Fons, Deborah Hawkins, Martin Hintz, Linnea Lundgren, David Priess, Julia Clark Robinson, Paul Seaburn, Heidi Stevens, and Steve Theunissen Top 5 Most Intriguing Lists While you can browse through hundreds of fascinating lists at Extraordinary Lists , here are 5 lists that we feel are certain to amaze and entertain:

brown fox

“4 out of 5 dentists surveyed would recommend sugarless gum to their patients who chew gum.” was used to advertise what company’s product?

Pangrams > Example pangrams Some Well-Known Pangrams The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This is undoubtedly the best known pangram. It contains all 26 letters of the alphabet (as it must do in order to be a pangram) and is 35 letters long. That means that is not particularly economical with 9 surplus letters. A keen eye will spot that the word the occurs twice, and so one of them can be considered to be composed entirely of surplus letters. Removal of either the renders the sentence less grammatically correct which is undesirable. However, either of them may be exchanged for the much shorter indefinite article, a, thus saving on 2 letters: The quick brown fox jumps over a lazy dog. This is 33 letters in length. That can be beaten with the following, which has just 32 letters: Pack my box with five dozen liquor jugs. Perfect Pangrams (exactly 26 letters) have been composed, but none makes good sense, being rather more a string of obscure words than a sentence. Listed below you will find a number of English pangrams arranged in descending order of length (the number of letters used is shown in red). No pangrams over twice the length of the alphabet (i.e. 52 letters) have been included.

i don't know

Broadcast on live TV, what Dallas nightclub owner shot and killed total asshat Lee Harvey Oswald?

The Ruby / Oswald / Kennedy Betrayal (part 1/2) - YouTube The Ruby / Oswald / Kennedy Betrayal (part 1/2) Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Dec 18, 2008 Jack Ruby shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald, accused assassin of president John F. Kennedy, on 24 November 1963. Ruby, a Dallas nightclub owner with several minor arrests on his police record, fired his handgun as Oswald was being transferred in the basement garage of Dallas police headquarters; the killing was broadcast on live TV. Ruby was arrested, tried, and sent to prison; he died there of cancer in 1967. ______________________________________________ "The Warren Commission" The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy, known unofficially as The Warren Commission, was established on November 29, 1963, by Lyndon B. Johnson to investigate the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Their 888-page final report was presented to President Johnson on September 24, 1964 and made public three days later. It concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the killing of Kennedy and the wounding of Texas Gov. John Connally. The Commission's findings have since proven controversial, and have been both challenged and reaffirmed. The Commission took its unofficial name—the Warren Commission—from its chairman, Chief Justice of the United States Earl Warren. Source:

Jack Ruby

According to the proverb every man for himself, and the Devil take what?

Top 10 Horrible deaths on Live TV - Top 10 VideoTop 10 Horrible deaths on Live TV - Top 10 Video Top 10 Horrible deaths on Live TV Top10 Video Top 10 Horrible deaths on Live TV Hard to watch: Death on Live The murders of journalists in Virginia, were caught on camera broadcast team itself, is not the first time that a death was recorded live. The firefighter who fell to his death from the stands at the stadium, protester suffered a water hose kills, Ayrton Senna and the World Trade Center disaster – the people who died in front of TV cameras 10. Car Thief Location: USA Unarmed father is shot dead by cops on live TV after high-speed chase in which he lied and claimed 9. Space shuttle Columbia Explosion Location: USA The Space Shuttle Columbia disaster occurred on February 1, 2003, when Columbia disintegrated over Texas and Louisiana as it reentered Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven crew members. During the launch of STS-107, Columbia’s 28th mission, a piece of foam insulation broke off from the Space Shuttle external tank and struck the left wing. A few previous shuttle launches had seen minor damage from foam shedding, but some engineers suspected that the damage to Columbia was more serious. NASA managers limited the investigation, reasoning that the crew could not have fixed the problem if it had been confirmed. When Columbia reentered the atmosphere of Earth, the damage allowed hot atmospheric gases to penetrate and destroy the internal wing structure, which caused the spacecraft to become unstable and slowly break apart. 8. Space Shuttle Challenger Explosion Location: USA In 1986, viewers around the world hang their screens broadcast the Challenger Space Shuttle launch. 73 seconds after take-off ferry dramatic burst in the air, and the Challenger disaster changed the field of space exploration for all. 7 crew members were killed. 7. Texas – Oakland Shannon Stone death Location: USA In 2011, the young firefighter Shannon Stone went to watch a baseball game of his beloved team H”tkss Rangers’ with 6 year old son. When one of the players dropped a ball into the audience, Stone tried to catch him and fell to his death from the balcony. 6. Lee Harvey Oswald Assassination Location: USA Oswald was a former U.S. Marine who defected to the Soviet Union in October 1959. He lived in the Soviet Union until June 1962, at which time he returned to the United States. Oswald was initially arrested for the murder of police officer J. D. Tippit, who was killed on a Dallas street approximately 45 minutes after President Kennedy was shot. Oswald would later be charged with the murder of President Kennedy as well but denied shooting anybody, claiming he was a patsy. Two days later, while being transferred from police headquarters to the county jail, Oswald was shot and mortally wounded by Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby in full view of television cameras broadcasting live. 5. Lions kill their feeding Location: India Zoo in India the lions their feeding the Lion tamer forget the gate open and the lions attack him and eat him On camera TV 4. Ayrton Senna Dead Location: Brazil Ayrton Senna da Silva  21 March 1960 – 1 May 1994) was a Brazilian racing driver who won three Formula One world championships. He was killed in an accident while leading the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. He was among the most dominant and successful Formula One drivers of the modern era and is considered by many as the greatest racing driver of all time. 3. Turkish protester  killed by a water jet Location: Turkey In 2013 Istanbul was filled with thousands of demonstrators protesting against the government destroyed Taksim Square Park to build a mall. One demonstrator, a young man aged 22, knocked on the doors of a police car, and in response to sustained water hose slammed him into the road and killed him. 2. News Reporter & Cameraman Shot Dead On Live TV Location: USA A man who was fired from his job as a television reporter two years ago took revenge against the small-town Virginia news station by executing two of his former coworkers on live television, and then posting disturbing first-person video of the attack on social media. Viewers of WDBJ, a CBS affiliate in Moneta, Virginia, watched in horror this morning as Vester Lee Flanagan II, 41, shot dead 24-year-old reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, on live TV as the two were filming a light-hearted segment at 6:45am. After carrying out the shocking on-air execution, Flanagan fled and posted video of the attack on social media while also writing about his grudges against the two young journalists in a Twitter rant. 1. 11 september attack – People jumping from the building on live Location: USA The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th, or 9/11) were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda on the United States in New York City, New York, and Arlington County, Virginia, on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Four passenger airliners which all departed from the U.S. East Coast to California were hijacked by 19 al-Qaeda terrorists to be flown into buildings in suicide attacks. Two of the planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, were crashed into the North and South towers, respectively, of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. Within two hours, both 110-story towers collapsed with debris and the resulting fires causing partial or complete collapse of all other buildings in the WTC complex, including the 47-story 7 World Trade Center tower, as well as significant damage to ten other large surrounding structures. A third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, was crashed into the Pentagon (the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense) in Arlington County, leading to a partial collapse in its western side. The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was targeted at Washington D.C. but crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after its passengers tried to overcome the hijackers. In total, 2,996 people died in the attacks including the 245 civilians, a law enforcement officer, and the 19 terrorists aboard the four planes. It was the deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in the history of the United States, with 343 and 72 killed respectively. The attacks also caused at least $10 billion in property and infrastructure damage. Suspicion for the attack quickly fell on al-Qaeda. The United States responded to 9/11 by launching the War on Terror and invading Afghanistan to depose the Taliban, which had harbored al-Qaeda. Many other countries also strengthened their anti-terrorism legislation and expanded law enforcement powers. Although al-Qaeda’s leader, Osama bin Laden, initially denied any involvement, in 2004, he claimed responsibility for the attacks. Al-Qaeda and bin Laden cited U.S. support of Israel, the presence of U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia, and sanctions against Iraq as motives. Having evaded capture for almost a decade, bin Laden was located and killed by members of the U.S. military in May 2011.

i don't know

On November 22, 1986, which boxer became the youngest WBC Heavyweight champion, at age 20 years, 4 months, when he scored a TKO over Trevor Berbick in the second round?

Mike Tyson was a former heavyweight champion. Title defence against Larry Holmes On January 22, 1988, Tyson fought Larry Holmes and defeated the former champion by a fourth round KO. Title defence against Michael Spinks On June 27, 1988, Tyson fought Michael Spinks. Spinks, who had taken the heavyweight championship from Larry Holmes via a 15-round decision in 1985, had not lost his title in the ring but was not recognized as champion by the major boxing organizations. The fight ended after only 91 seconds when Tyson knocked Spinks out in the first round. Unsuccesful title fight against Buster Douglas On February 11, 1990, in Tokio Tyson lost his championship to Buster Douglas although he was a huge betting favourite. Douglas had lost his mother to a stroke 23 days prior to the fight, and fought the fight of his life. Tyson sent Douglas to the floor in the eighth round,but Douglas recovered sufficiently and in the 10th round sent Tyson to the canvas for the first time in his career. He was counted out by referee Octavio Meyran. After the fight, the Tyson camp complainted that the count was slow and that Douglas had taken longer than ten seconds to get to his feet. Many argued that Tyson Mentally was not prepared for the inspired Douglas and also was reputed to have been out of shape for this fight. Tyson’s defeat has been described as one of the most shocking upsets in modern sports history. Tyson in trouble Tyson was convicted on the rape charge on February 10, 1992 after the jury deliberated for nearly 10 hours and was sentenced to six years in prison but was released after serving three years First Comeback and title fight against Frank Bruno. Tyson did not fight again until later in 1995 and after some easy fight he regained one belt by easily winning the WBC title from Frank Bruno in March 1996 by knocking him out in the third round.He then won the WBA belt by defeating champion Bruce Seldon in one round in September that year. The Hollyfield Fights a. Tyson vs. Holyfield I On November 9, 1996, in Las Vegas, Nevada Tyson attempted to defend the WBA title against the 34 year old former champion Evander Holyfield a fighter who had retired in 1994 and many considered him as a huge underdog. Hollyfield defeated Tyson by TKO when referee Mitch Halpern stopped the bout in round 11 and became the second person ever to win a heavyweight championship belt three times, after Muhammad Ali . After the fight Tyson’s camp complaint of Holyfield’s frequent headbutts during the fight,bu they were ruled accidental by the referee. b. Tyson vs. Holyfield II also known as ‘The Sound and the Fury’ The rematch took place on June 28, 1997 at the Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena and became one of the most controversial events in modern sports. The fight was stopped at the end of the third round, with Tyson disqualified for biting Holyfield on both ears. The first time he bit him the match was temporarily stopped. Referee Mills Lane deducted two points from Tyson and the fight resumed. However, after the match resumed, Tyson did it again: this time Tyson was disqualified and Holyfield won the match. One bite was severe enough to remove a piece of Holyfield’s right ear, which was found on the ring floor after the fight. Tyson later stated that it was retaliation for Holyfield repeatedly head butting him without penalty. Tyson Banned from boxing On July 9, 1997, Tyson’s boxing license was rescinded by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in a unanimous voice vote and also fined 3 million $ andmade Tyson unable to box in the United States. The revocation was not permanent, and on October 18, 1998, the commission voted 4–1 to restore Tyson’s boxing license. Second Comeback and another controversial fight In January 1999, Tyson returned to the ring to fight the South African Francois Botha. During the fight Tyson allegedly attempted to break Botha’s arms during a tie-up and both boxers were cautioned by the referee in the ill-tempered bout.In the fifth round Tyson knocked out Botha. Lewis vs. Tyson title fight The title fight took place on June 8, 2002 and was one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights in years since Lennox Lewis was the WBC, IBF and IBO champion. Lewis dominated the fight and knocked out Tyson with a right hook in the eighth round. Retirement On June 11, 2005, Tyson stunned the boxing world by quitting before the start of the seventh round in a close bout against journeyman Kevin McBride. After losing the third of his last four fights, Tyson said he would quit boxing because he no longer had “the fighting guts or the heart anymore. In 2003 Tyson declared bankruptcy despite receiving over US$30 million for several of his fights and $300 million during his career. Photos of Mile Tyson Mike Tyson Mike Tyson holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles.

Mike Tyson

Released on Nov 22, 1995, what Oscar nominated movie was the first feature-length film created completely using computer-generated imagery?

Mike Tyson | Fight Night Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Tyson was famous f Mike Tyson fighting George Foreman in Fight Night Champion. or his ability to knockout his opponents very quickly - within the first three rounds. Out of a total of 58 fights at the end of his career in 2005 - 44 were won by knockout. During his prime in the 1980's, 33 out of 37 of his total prime fights ended by knockout - the remaining 4 were won by decision. Tyson went undefeated in his prime up until 1990. The reason for these quick knockouts and his success was because of his successful boxing style and he objective of imitating his opponents. Tyson was a very explosive fighter. Almost all of his opponents were much taller than Tyson (Around 6"0 to 6"5, which was normal for heavyweights), where as Tyson was only 5"10. Likewise, Tyson had a very compact body shape. This led Tyson to adopt the style of an 'inside fighter', since most of his opponents had a longer reach advantage in terms of punching range. Tyson was famous for having a very powerful punch. His Hooks and Uppercuts in particular - were devastating, even sounding different than other heavyweights when they landed. However, it wasn't just punching power that made Tyson one of the best. Tyson also had unusually fast hand speed/punching speed for a heavyweight of his size (on par with that of a much smaller middleweight). His combination speed in particular - was very fast, rather than his singular punches. He was also known to possess punches that were extremely accurate (including his combination accruacy in particular). During a single combination, it was rare for him to miss any shot within the combination. Tyson is also considered to b thumb|300px|left|Tyson hand speed (Shadowboxing)e one of the most elusive fighters in boxing history. Many of his opponents found it very difficult to hit him at either long or close range. This was because of his head movement and his ability to slip punches and 'bob and weave'. He was very fast at doing this - with very good technique, this is what Tyson primarily relied on for his defense rather than blocking or footwork. He would often launch a devastating counter-attack combination from his head movement. He would also use his head movement ability along with his Jab to get in close - especially against much taller opponents - often avoiding their long-reaching jabs via slipping while moving fowards - eventually cornering them against the ropes or clipping them with an oncoming swinging hook after a sucessful slip/weave. After Tyson slipped and dodged a punch he would always move closer. He would consistently apply a constant fowards momentum of punching pressure while weaving/slipping. The fact that he was moving in closer while doing this also made his punches even more powerful since he was moving fowards while punching (putting his entire body weight behind the punch). Everytime the opponent attempted to punch while moving away at a distance, tyson would slip/weave and move in with a flurry of quick combinations - making them pay for punching in the first place. Boxing critics also consider Tyson to have had a very good chin (he could take punches). Tyson also had a huge 20" neck which helped absorb punches. Tyson's primary strategy was to get in close and corner his opponents against the ropes or corner by using his footwork while 'cutting off the ring' in addition to pushing his opponent towards the ropes or corner (especially after a clinch). While trying to get in close, he would use a combination of head movement and Jabs to avoid his opponents punches. Once he got in close, he would launch a series of devastating combinations while still utilizing his head movement. He would usually launch 2 and 3-punch combinations. He would often hit the body first as a distraction, then go for the head at the end of a sing thumb|300px|left|Tyson punching power (Heavy Bag)le combination. Many of his combination would also often end with an extremely powerful wide swing/haymaker. One of his most used and famous combinations was a body uppercut followed by a head uppercut with the same hand. Another commonly used combination was a left hook followed by a right hook to the head (often both haymakers), he would also commonly utilize 3 body hooks into a head hook. Many of his combinations from the outside were set-up by the Jab while lunging fowards or by weaving fowards. He would also use his fast head movement to avoid his opponents punches when close, then return with a powerful and fast combination. Tyson would also often attempt to launch a sneaky uppercut or hook while in the clinch if the opponent attempted to tie-up within the clinch - if they made the mistake of not holding his arms down. He would also often launch a sneaky close-range hook right after a clinch had been seperated by the referee.

i don't know

Mario Batali, Cat Cora, Bobby Flay, Masaharu Morimoto and Micael Symon compete on what show?

Iron Chef America : Food Network Iron Chef America Browse Food Network's current schedule About the Host Alton Brown, host of Good Eats, appears regularly on Food Network Star, Iron Chef America and Cutthroat Kitchen. More About Alton Brown About the Show Based upon the Japanese cult sensation, Iron Chef America carries on the legend of Kitchen Stadium and the famed "secret ingredient." Each week, world-class chefs battle the legendary Iron Chefs of America: Bobby Flay, Mario Batali, Masaharu Morimoto, Cat Cora, Jose Garces, Michael Symon, Marc Forgione and Geoffrey Zakarian. Alton Brown serves as Commentator and Mark Dacascos is Chairman.

Iron Chef America

Nov 27, 1942 saw the birth of what legendary musician, who Rolling Stoned named their top guitarist on their 100 greatest of all time list?

Michael Symon back in action - Nov. 21, 2007 Michael Symon back in action The Lola chef wins his first Iron Chef competition against Ricky Moore. Current Issue Last time we heard from Michael Symon, chef-owner of Lola and Lolita in Cleveland, he had just battled some of the nation's best chefs on the Food Network's Next Iron Chef to earn the esteemed title of Iron Chef. Joining the four other Iron Chefs -- Mario Batali, Cat Cora, Bobby Flay, and Masaharu Morimoto -- means he will test his skill, speed, and creativity against cunning culinary challengers in Iron Chef America's Kitchen Stadium on a rotating basis. This past Sunday, Symon jumped right into his new gig by taking on chef Ricky Moore, who runs Agraria in Washington, D.C. The secret ingredient, or in this case, ingredients: Thanksgiving fixings, including turkey, cranberries, pumpkin, and corn. Presiding as judges were Jeffrey Steingarten, food critic at Vogue magazine; Alexandra Guarnaschelli, executive chef of Butter restaurant in Manhattan; and Ted Allen, the culinary brain on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. The challenge struck most home cooks as impossible: create a five-course Thanksgiving meal in one hour. It was a nail-biter of an episode. Moore, desperately heating up his still-raw venison just minutes before the hour's end; Symon, looking somewhat uncomfortable in his new long-sleeved standard-issue Iron Chef uniform; grappa spilling into the stuffing; a just-poached egg splattering on the floor. But in the end both men managed to pull together Thanksgiving and earn, for the most part, high praise from the judges. It's the numbers that matter, though, and Symon beat out Moore by eight points. The winning menu: salad of grilled sweet potato, corn, and crab topped with fried oyster; an upscale turducken (poached duck egg, crispy-skin turkey, and chicken-liver sauce); crispy turkey livers over whipped potato; a family-style lemon-sage turkey dish with braised legs and thighs; and an apple-and-fennel crisp. Here, Symon reveals the trials and tribulations of getting dinner on the table. We were nervous. We certainly didn't want to lose our very first competition. I was allowed to bring two people, and I brought my pastry chef, who's among the top ten in the country--I call him my secret weapon--and I also brought my chef from Lola, who's extremely well-rounded, so I knew he'd be able to handle whatever was thrown our way. There were a few mishaps. The bottle of grappa--from the grappa and champagne cocktail--got knocked into the stuffing. But I wasn't upset. I knew that grappa makes everything taste better! And when we tasted it to make sure, I knew we were fine. Thing is, accidents happen in a hectic environment; you can't freak out. I dropped one of the poached eggs, too--we were nervous! But I'm always prepared. I always make extra. That's the thing about being in this business. If I know I need five dishes, I'll make seven. The other night, for instance, we had a young couple who wanted a steak well-done, and they sent it back because it was dry. I could have told them that it would be dry! But my job as a restaurateur is to make the customer happy whether the problem is our mistake or self-inflicted. So we sent out another whole steak, cooked medium, and they liked it. I'm thrilled that we won--and by a pretty significant margin, too. I was especially happy with the turducken; that seemed to have been what won the chefs over. And we finished in an hour! My wife joked with me after the episode, saying, "Does that mean we can sleep in for Thanksgiving?" We always host Thanksgiving at my house: friends, family, staff with nowhere to go--they all come over. I probably won't do the same menu, though I might fry up those turkey livers. Depending on how many people show up, we do two to four birds, with one cooked in a traditional style and the others in a more eclectic way. My restaurants are never opened on Thanksgiving; I want my staff to spend time with their family if they can. My feeling is, if I can't figure out how to make money the rest of the year so that my workers can enjoy the holidays, then I don't deserve to be an owner. Business continues to be up 20% more than usual, thanks to the show. Most people who come here know about my win on the <i>Next Iron Chef</i>, and we're not advertising it outright, except that on New Year's Eve we'll be doing an Iron Chef menu at Lola, based on my dishes from past challenges. But that's only because people kept asking me, "When can we try those dishes?"! Other than that, I'm not changing anything about my restaurants or the menu. I'm thrilled that I'm now an Iron Chef, but I want the news to spread organically.  

i don't know

What is the name of the pawn shop featured in the hit History Channel show Pawn Stars?

Home of History Channel's Pawn Stars | Gold & Silver Pawn Shop George Knapp goes one-on-one with Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison – Las Vegas Now Michael | January 13, 2017 Las Vegas Now Las Vegas is known as a mecca for world-class entertainers and a playground for the rich and famous, but many of the best-known celebrities are residents, not [...] On Site Beckett Authentication Services | January 20th Michael | January 9, 2017 Steve Grad, the Pawn Stars Authentication expert, will be doing on site authenticating in the pawn shop Friday, January 20th from 10am-4pm.  Bring your items and let Steve [...] Happy New Year from the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop Michael | December 31, 2016 From all of here at the Gold & Silver, have a safe and fun celebration.  Here’s to a happy new year! New Year’s Eve with Rick Harrison Michael | December 30, 2016 In Vegas for #NYE2017? #SkiptheStrip and celebrate with Rick at Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ & Tavern! Details below! Postcard from Las Vegas: Pawn Stars the best show in town – The San Diego Union-Tribune Michael | December 21, 2016 Kirk Kenney Contact Reporter What’s the most popular show in Las Vegas? Something called Absinthe? Blue Man Group? Mystere? Cirque du Soleil, which features no fewer than [...] Book Your Pawn Stars Tour Now Michael | December 14, 2016 Couch potatoes rejoice! There are 6 reasons to turn off your TV and come to Vegas! Tune into your favorite Las Vegas-based reality TV shows in person, including “Pawn [...] Pawn Stars Helped Kick Off Safe Nest TADC’s Holiday Gift Card Drive Michael | December 12, 2016 The #PawnStars helped kick off Safe Nest TADC‘s holiday gift card drive today with a donation. The Old Man has been a longtime supporter of Safe Nest. If you’d [...] Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison Donates to Toy Drive 98.5 KLUC Michael | December 7, 2016 Las Vegas local and Pawn Stars Celebrity Rick Harrison stops by the KLUC Toy Drive to surprise Chet with a $4500 check to beat Pawn Stars co-star Chumlee’s $500 donation! Rick [...] Chumlee and Brother Win Nacho Daddy Contest! Michael | November 17, 2016 Yesterday Chumlee and his brother Sage participated in – and WON – the Nacho Daddy “Nacho Average Throwdown” for best nachos against Terry Fator and [...]

Pawn Stars

Known as the Beehive State, what was the 45th state to join the Union on January 4, 1896?

Rick Harrison talks tattoo gal Olivia Black's 'firing,' lawsuits and 'Pawn Stars' new episodes | Fox News Rick Harrison talks tattoo gal Olivia Black's 'firing,' lawsuits and 'Pawn Stars' new episodes By Leora Arnowitz "Pawn Stars" cast member Rick Harrison poses in Gold and Silver Pawn.  (History/ Copyright 2013)  (SuicideGirls.com ) Previous Next NEW YORK –  Unlike many reality show families, the Harrisons (and buddy Chumlee), of “Pawn Stars,” aren’t exactly tabloid magnets. In fact, since their show made-it-big in 2009, the History Channel stars have remained scandal-free… almost. Last year, the Harrisons were thrust into the headlines when their shop girl-- and co-star at the time-- Olivia Black was canned by History after it was revealed she did some racy nude modeling, a decision Rick Harrison had no part in, he said. He told FOX411 he made it a point to keep her on as a member of the Gold & Silver Pawn staff, albeit off cameras. “I never fired her. She’s out doing her own thing now. It’s just the production company did not want her working there anymore. What she does in her personal life…is her business,” he explained. Black confirmed that she has since left her job at Gold & Silver Pawn, simply stating: “It was very apparent my time there was done.” More On This... 'Pawn Stars' ex-agents suing for $5 million day after 'Storage Wars' star files suit Harrison, his father Richard, his son Corey, and co-star Austin “Chumlee” Russell, also got wrapped into a lawsuit with former manager Wayne Jefferies, who claimed he was forced out of the show by producers. “The more money you make, the more times people sue you,” Harrison said. “People are always going to…eventually go to sue you for something.” But these little scandals are all part of Harrison’s newfound fame, which has continued to grow over the past few years. “I am just a normal guy and suddenly I am really, really famous. It’s definitely got its perks; I never have to wait in line at a restaurant,” he said. “On the flip side, I have small children. Our youngest ones are 10 and 12, and it’s sort of a pain to try and go out and play miniature golf.” The show, which will air all new episodes beginning on Thursday, has changed over the years as well. “We get a lot of cooler, neater stuff in every day. That’s the reason why I think the show is still so successful. It’s something different every week. That’s why it does so well.” But Harrison guarantees the new episodes will follow the same successful format of past seasons. In the series, customers bring unique items to Harrison’s Gold & Silver Pawn and the shop workers or experts evaluate the items, and then a bit of haggling usually ensues. The show has an educational aspect too, he said. Cast members always explain the historical significance of the antiques brought into the shop. “It’s not a replacement for college, but I try to give nice little snippets of history. And I hope that turns around and people get really interested in history.” Harrison first took an interest in history when he suffered from epileptic seizures as a child. He spent weeks confined to his bed and the only television in his home was downstairs, so he began reading history books to keep entertained. He now works with the Epilepsy Foundation . “I got interested in history books when I was 8 [or] 9 years old. To this day, I don’t watch television,” he said. So does he watch “Pawn Stars?” “Never!” he said. “When the premiere of the show came out, we threw a big party and like five minutes into the party me and Corey walked out of the party and said… ‘No one’s ever gonna watch this.’” The cast just signed on for 80 more episodes of the show.  All new episodes of “Pawn Stars” premiere on History Channel on Thursday, Oct. 10. Advertisement

i don't know

Sparking a 1970s TV show, which military branch conducted the Project Blue Book UFO study?

aliens from the cosmos : definition of aliens from the cosmos and synonyms of aliens from the cosmos (English) Jump to: navigation , search Project Blue Book was one of a series of systematic studies of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) conducted by the United States Air Force (U.S.A.F.). Started in 1952, it was the second revival of such a study. A termination order was given for the study in December 1969, and all activity under its auspices ceased in January 1970. Project Blue Book had two goals: to determine if UFOs were a threat to national security , and to scientifically analyze UFO-related data . Thousands of UFO reports were collected, analyzed and filed. As the result of the Condon Report , which concluded there was nothing anomalous about any UFOs, Project Blue Book was ordered shut down in December 1969. This project was the last publicly known UFO research project led by the USAF. [1] By the time Project Blue Book ended, it had collected 12,618 UFO reports, and concluded that most of them were misidentifications of natural phenomena (clouds, stars , etc.) or conventional aircraft. A few were considered hoaxes . 701 of the reports — about six percent — were classified as unknowns, defying detailed analysis. [2] The UFO reports were archived and are available under the Freedom of Information Act , but names and other personal information of all witnesses have been changed. Though many accepted Blue Book's final conclusions that there was nothing extraordinary about UFOs, critics — then and now — have charged that Blue Book, especially in its later years, was engaging in dubious research, or even perpetuating a cover up of UFO evidence. Some evidence suggests that not only did some UFO reports bypass Blue Book entirely, but that the U.S. Air Force continued collecting and studying UFO reports after Blue Book had been discontinued, despite official claims to the contrary. [3] Contents 8 External links Previous projects Public USAF UFO studies were first initiated under Project Sign at the end of 1947, following many widely publicized UFO reports (see Kenneth Arnold ). Project Sign was initiated specifically at the request of General Nathan Twining , chief of the Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base . Wright-Patterson was also to be the home of Project Sign and all subsequent official USAF public investigations. Sign was officially inconclusive regarding the cause of the sightings. However, according to US Air Force Captain Edward J. Ruppelt (the first director of Project Blue Book), Sign's initial intelligence estimate (the so-called Estimate of the Situation ) written in the late summer of 1948, concluded that the flying saucers were real craft, were not made by either the Russians or US, and were likely extraterrestrial in origin. (See also extraterrestrial hypothesis .) This estimate was forwarded to the Pentagon, but subsequently ordered destroyed by Gen. Hoyt Vandenberg , USAF Chief of Staff, citing a lack of physical proof. Vandenberg subsequently dismantled Project Sign. Project Sign was succeeded at the end of 1948 by Project Grudge , which had a debunking mandate. Ruppelt referred to the era of Project Grudge as the "dark ages" of early USAF UFO investigation. Grudge concluded that all UFOs were natural phenomena or other misinterpretations, although it also stated that 23 percent of the reports could not be explained. Project Blue Book The Captain Ruppelt era According to Captain Edward J. Ruppelt , by the end of 1951, several high-ranking, very influential USAF generals were so dissatisfied with the state of Air Force UFO investigations that they dismantled Project Grudge and replaced it with Project Blue Book in early 1952. One of these men was Gen. Charles P. Cabell . Another important change came when General William Garland joined Cabell's staff; Garland thought the UFO question deserved serious scrutiny because he had witnessed a UFO [4] . The new name, Project Blue Book, was selected to refer to the blue booklets used for testing at some colleges and universities. The name was inspired, said Ruppelt, by the close attention that high-ranking officers were giving the new project; it felt as if the study of UFOs was as important as a college final exam. Blue Book was also upgraded in status from Project Grudge, with the creation of the Aerial Phenomenon Branch. [5] Ruppelt was the first head of the project. He was an experienced airman, having been decorated for his efforts with the Army Air Corps during World War II , and having afterwards earned an aeronautics degree. He officially coined the term "Unidentified Flying Object", to replace the many terms ("flying saucer" "flying disk" and so on) the military had previously used; Ruppelt thought that "unidentified flying object" was a more neutral and accurate term. Ruppelt resigned from the Air Force some years later, and wrote the book The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects, which described the study of UFOs by United States Air Force from 1947 to 1955. Swords writes that "Ruppelt would lead the last genuine effort to analyze UFOs" [6] . Ruppelt implemented a number of changes: He streamlined the manner in which UFOs were reported to (and by) military officials, partly in hopes of alleviating the stigma and ridicule associated with UFO witnesses. Ruppelt also ordered the development of a standard questionnaire for UFO witnesses, hoping to uncover data which could be subject to statistical analysis. He commissioned the Battelle Memorial Institute to create the questionnaire and computerize the data. Using case reports and the computerized data, Battelle then did a massive scientific and statistical study of all Air Force UFO cases, completed in 1954 and known as " Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14 " (see summary below). Knowing that factionalism had harmed the progress of Project Sign , Ruppelt did his best to avoid the kinds of open-ended speculation that had led to Sign’s personnel being split among advocates and critics of the extraterrestrial hypothesis . As Michael Hall writes, "Ruppelt not only took the job seriously but expected his staff to do so as well. If anyone under him either became too skeptical or too convinced of one particular theory, they soon found themselves off the project." [7] In his book, Ruppelt reported that he fired three personnel very early in the project because they were either "too pro" or "too con" one hypotheis or another. Ruppelt sought the advice of many scientists and experts, and issued regular press releases (along with classified monthly reports for military intelligence). Each U.S. Air Force Base had a Blue Book officer to collect UFO reports and forward them to Ruppelt [8] . During most of Ruppelt's tenure, he and his team were authorized to interview any and all military personnel who witnessed UFOs, and were not required to follow the chain of command . This unprecedented authority underlined the seriousness of Blue Book's investigation. Under Ruppelt's direction, Blue Book investigated a number of well-known UFO cases, including the so-called Lubbock Lights , and a widely publicized 1952 radar/visual case over Washington D.C. . According to Jacques Vallee [9] , Ruppelt started the trend, largely followed by later Blue Book investigations, of not giving serious consideration to numerous reports of UFO landings and/or interaction with purported UFO occupants. Astronomer Dr. J. Allen Hynek was the scientific consultant of the project, as he had been with Projects Sign and Grudge. He worked for the project up to its termination and initially created the categorization which has been extended and is known today as Close encounters . He was a pronounced skeptic when he started, but said that his feelings changed to a more wavering skepticism during the research, after encountering a few UFO reports he thought were unexplainable. Ruppelt left Blue Book in February 1953 for a temporary reassignment. He returned a few months later to find his staff reduced from more than ten, to two subordinates. Frustrated, Ruppelt suggested that an Air Defense Command unit (the 4602nd Air Intelligence Service Squadron) be charged with UFO investigations. Robertson panel Main article: Robertson Panel In July 1952, after a build-up of hundreds of sightings over the previous few months, a series of radar detections coincident with visual sightings were observed near the National Airport in Washington, D.C. (see 1952 Washington D.C. UFO incident ). Future Arizona Senator and 2008 presidential nominee John McCain is alleged to be one of these witnesses[citation needed]. After much publicity, these sightings led the Central Intelligence Agency to establish a panel of scientists headed by Dr. H. P. Robertson, a physicist of the California Institute of Technology, which included various physicists, meteorologists, and engineers, and one astronomer (Hynek). The Robertson Panel first met on January 14, 1953 in order to formulate a response to the overwhelming public interest in UFOs. Ruppelt, Hynek, and others presented the best evidence, including movie footage, that had been collected by Blue Book. After spending 12 hours reviewing 6 years of data, the Robertson Panel concluded that most UFO reports had prosaic explanations, and that all could be explained with further investigation, which they deemed not worth the effort. In their final report, they stressed that low-grade, unverifiable UFO reports were overloading intelligence channels, with the risk of missing a genuine conventional threat to the U.S. Therefore, they recommended the Air Force de-emphasize the subject of UFOs and embark on a debunking campaign to lessen public interest. They suggested debunkery through the mass media, including The Walt Disney Company , and using psychologists, astronomers, and celebrities to ridicule the phenomenon and put forward prosaic explanations. Furthermore, civilian UFO groups "should be watched because of their potentially great influence on mass thinking… The apparent irresponsibility and the possible use of such groups for subversive purposes should be kept in mind." It is the conclusion of many researchers [8] [10] that the Robertson Panel was recommending controlling public opinion through a program of official propaganda and spying. They also believe these recommendations helped shape Air Force policy regarding UFO study not only immediately afterwards, but also into the present day. There is evidence that the Panel's recommendations were being carried out at least two decades after its conclusions were issued (see the main article for details and citations). In December 1953, Joint Army-Navy-Air Force Regulation number 146 made it a crime for military personnel to discuss classified UFO reports with unauthorized persons. Violators faced up to two years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000. Aftermath of Robertson panel In his book (see external links) Ruppelt described the demoralization of the Blue Book staff and the stripping of their investigative duties following the Robertson Panel. As an immediate consequence of the Robertson Panel recommendations, in February 1953, the Air Force issued Regulation 200-2, ordering air base officers to publicly discuss UFO incidents only if they were judged to have been solved, and to classify all the unsolved cases to keep them out of the public eye. The same month, investigative duties started to be taken on by the newly formed 4602nd Air Intelligence Squadron (AISS) of the Air Defense Command. The 4602nd AISS was tasked with investigating only the most important UFO cases with intelligence or national security implications. These were deliberately siphoned away from Blue Book, leaving Blue Book to deal with the more trivial reports. General Nathan Twining , who got Project Sign started back in 1947, was now Air Force Chief of Staff. In August 1954, he was to further codify the responsibilities of the 4602nd AISS by issuing an updated Air Force Regulation 200-2. In addition, UFOs (called "UFOBs") were defined as "any airborne object which by performance, aerodynamic characteristics, or unusual features, does not conform to any presently known aircraft or missile type, or which cannot be positively identified as a familiar object." Investigation of UFOs was stated to be for the purposes of national security and to ascertain "technical aspects." AFR 200-2 again stated that Blue Book could discuss UFO cases with the media only if they were regarded as having a conventional explanation. If they were unidentified, the media was to be told only that the situation was being analyzed. Blue Book was also ordered to reduce the number of unidentified to a minimum. All this was done secretly. The public face of Blue Book continued to be the official Air Force investigation of UFOs, but the reality was it had essentially been reduced to doing very little serious investigation, and had become almost solely a public relations outfit with a debunking mandate. To cite one example, by the end of 1956, the number of cases listed as unsolved had dipped to barely 0.4 percent, from the 20 to 30% it had been only a few years earlier. Eventually, Ruppelt requested reassignment; at his departure in August 1953, his staff had been reduced from more than ten (precise numbers of personnel varied) to just two subordinates and himself. His temporary replacement was a noncommissioned officer . Most who succeeded him as Blue Book director exhibited either apathy or outright hostility to the subject of UFOs, or were hampered by a lack of funding and official support. UFO investigators often regard Ruppelt's brief tenure at Blue Book as the high-water mark of public Air Force investigations of UFOs, when UFO investigations were treated seriously and had support at high levels [10] . Thereafter, Project Blue Book descended into a new "Dark Ages" from which many UFO investigators argue it never emerged [10] . However, Ruppelt later came to embrace the Blue Book perspective that there was nothing extraordinary about UFOs; he even labeled the subject a "Space Age Myth." The Captain Hardin era In March 1954, Captain Charles Hardin was appointed the head of Blue Book. However, most UFO investigations were conducted by the 4602nd, and Hardin had no objection. Ruppelt wrote that Hardin "thinks that anyone who is even interested [in UFOs] is crazy. They bore him." [11] In 1955, the Air Force decided that the goal of Blue Book should be not to investigate UFO reports, but rather to reduce the number of unidentified UFO reports to a minimum. By late 1956, the number of unidentifed sightings had dropped from the 20-25% of the Ruppelt era, to less than 1%. The Captain Gregory era Captain George T. Gregory took over as Blue Book's director in 1956. Clark writes that Gregory led Blue Book "in an even firmer anti-UFO direction than the apathetic Hardin." [11] The 4602nd was dissolved, and the 1066th Air Intelligence Service Squadron was charged with UFO investigations. In fact, there was actually little or no investigation of UFO reports; a revised AFR 200-2 issued during Gregory's tenure emphasized that unidentified UFO reports must be reduced to a minimum. One way that Gregory reduced the number of unexplained UFOs was by simple reclassification. "Possible cases" became "probable", and "probable" cases were upgraded to certainties. By this logic, a possible comet became a probable comet, while a probable comet was flatly declared to have been a misidentified comet. Similarly, if a witness reported an observation of an unusual balloon-like object, Blue Book usually classified it as a balloon, with no research and qualification. These procedures became standard for most of Blue Book's later investigations; see Hynek's comments below. The Major Friend era Major Robert J. Friend was appointed the head of Blue Book in 1958. Friend made some attempts to reverse the direction Blue Book had taken since 1954. Clark writes that "Friend's efforts to upgrade the files and catalog sightings according to various observed statistics were frustrated by a lack of funding and assistance." [11] Heartened by Friend's efforts, Hynek organized the first of several meetings between Blue Book staffers and ATIC personnel in 1959. Hynek suggested that some older UFO reports should be reevaluated, with the ostensible aim of moving them from the "unknown" to the "identified" category. Hynek's plans came to naught. During Friend's tenure, ATIC contemplated passing oversight Blue Book to another Air Force agency, but neither the Air Research and Development Center, nor the Office of Information for the Secretary of the Air Force was interested. In 1960, there were U.S. Congressional hearings regarding UFOs. Civilian UFO research group NICAP had publicly charged Blue Book with covering up UFO evidence, and had also acquired a few allies in the U.S. Congress. Blue Book was investigated by the Congress and the CIA, with critics—most notably the civilian UFO group NICAP [10] that Blue Book was lacking as a scientific study. In response, ATIC added personnel (increasing the total personnel to three military personnel, plus civilian secretaries) and increased Blue Book's budget. This seemed to mollify some of Blue Book's critics, [10] that but it was only temporary. A few years later (see below), the criticism would be even louder. By the time he was transferred from Blue Book in 1963, Friend thought that Blue Book was effectively useless and ought to be dissolved, even if it caused an outcry amongst the public. The Major Quintanilla era Major Hector Quintanilla took over as Blue Book's leader in August 1963. He largely continued the debunking efforts, and it was under his direction that Blue Book received some of its sharpest criticism. UFO researcher Jerome Clark goes so far as to write that, by this time, Blue Book had "lost all credibility." [12] Physicist and UFO researcher Dr. James E. McDonald once flatly declared that Quintanilla was "not competent" from either a scientific or an investigative perspective. [13] However, McDonald also stressed that Quintanilla "shouldn't be held accountable for it", as he was chosen for his position by a superior officer, and was following orders in directing Blue Book. [13] Blue Book’s explanations of UFO reports were not universally accepted, however, and critics — including some scientists — suggested that Project Blue Book was engaged in questionable research or, worse, perpetrating cover up . [10] This criticism grew especially strong and widespread in the 1960s. Take for example, the many mostly nighttime UFO reports from the midwestern and southeastern United States in the summer of 1965: Witnesses in Texas reported "multicolored lights" and large aerial objects shaped like eggs or diamonds. [10] The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that Tinker Air Force Base (near Oklahoma City ) had tracked up to four UFO’s simultaneously, and that several of them had descended very rapidly: from about 22000 feet to about 4000 feet in just a few seconds, [10] an action well beyond the capabilities of conventional aircraft of the era. John Shockley, a meteorologist from Wichita, Kansas , reported that, using the state Weather Bureau radar , he tracked a number of odd aerial objects flying at altitudes between about 6000 and 9000 feet. [10] These and other reports received wide publicity. Project Blue Book officially determined [10] the witnesses had mistaken Jupiter or bright stars (such as Rigel or Betelgeuse ) for something else. Blue Book’s explanation was widely criticized as inaccurate. Robert Riser, director of the Oklahoma Science and Art Foundation Planetarium offered a strongly-worded rebuke of Project Blue Book that was widely circulated: “That is as far from the truth as you can get. These stars and planets are on the opposite side of the earth from Oklahoma City at this time of year. The Air Force must have had its star finder upside-down during August." [10] A newspaper editorial from the Richmond News Leader opined that "Attempts to dismiss the reported sightings under the rationale as exhibited by Project Bluebook (sic) won’t solve the mystery … and serve only to heighten the suspicion that there’s something out there that the air force doesn't want us to know about", [10] while a Wichita-based UPI reporter noted that "Ordinary radar does not pick up planets and stars." [10] Another case that Blue Book's critics seized upon was the so-called Portage County UFO Chase , which began at about 5.00am, near Ravenna, Ohio on April 17, 1966. Police officers Dale Spaur and Wilbur Neff spotted what they described as a disc-shaped, silvery object with a bright light emanating from its underside, at about 1000 feet in altitude. [10] [14] They began following the object (which they reported sometimes descended as low as 50 feet), and police from several other jurisdictions were involved in the pursuit. The chase ended about 30 minutes later near Freedom, Pennsylvania , some 85 miles away. The UFO chase made national news, and the police submitted detailed reports to Blue Book. Five days later, following brief interviews with only one of the police officers (but none of the other ground witnesses), Blue Book's director, Major Hector Quintanilla , announced their conclusions: The police (one of them an Air Force gunner during the Korean War ) had first chased a communications satellite , then the planet Venus. This conclusion was widely derided, [10] and was strenuously rejected by the police officers. In his dissenting conclusion, Hynek described Blue Book's conclusions as absurd: in their reports, several of the police had unknowingly described the moon, Venus and the UFO, though they unknowingly described Venus as a bright "star" very near the moon. Ohio Congressman William Stanton said that "The Air Force has suffered a great loss of prestige in this community … Once people entrusted with the public welfare no longer think the people can handle the truth, then the people, in return, will no longer trust the government." In September 1968, Hynek received a letter from Colonel Raymond Sleeper of the Foreign Technology Division . Sleeper noted that Hynek had publicly accused Blue Book of shoddy science, and further asked Hynek to offer advice on how Blue Book could improve its scientific methodology. Hynek was to later declare that Sleeper's letter was "the first time in my 20 year association with the air force as scientific consultant that I had been officially asked for criticism and advice [regarding] … the UFO problem." [15] Hynek wrote a detailed response, dated October 7, 1968, suggesting several areas where Blue Book could improve. In part, he wrote: ... neither of the two missions of Blue Book [determining if UFOs are a threat to national security and using scientific data gathered by Blue Book] are being adequately executed. The staff of Blue Book, both in numbers and in scientific training, is grossly inadequate... Blue Book suffers … in that it is a closed system ... there is virtually no scientific dialogue between Blue Book and the outside scientific world... The statistical methods employed by Blue Book are nothing less than a travesty. There has been a lack of attention to significant UFO cases ... and too much time spent on routine cases ... and on peripheral public relations tasks. Concentration could be on two or three potentially scientific significant cases per month [instead of being] spread thin over 40 to 70 cases per month. The information input to Blue Book is grossly inadequate. An impossible load is placed on Blue Book by the almost consistent failure of UFO officers at local air bases to transmit adequate information... The basic attitude and approach within Blue Book is illogical and unscientific... Inadequate use had been made of the Project scientific consultant [Hynek himself]. Only cases that the project monitor deems worthwhile are brought to his attention. His scope of operation ... has been consistently thwarted ... He often learns of interesting cases only a month or two after the receipt of the report at Blue Book. [16] Despite Sleeper's request for criticism, none of Hynek's commentary resulted in any substantial changes in Blue Book. Quinatnilla's own perspective on the project is documented in his manuscript, " UFOs, An Air Force Dilemma .” Lt. Col Quintanilla wrote the manuscript in 1975, but it was not published until after his death. Quintanilla states in the text that he personally believed it arrogant to think human beings were the only intelligent life in the universe. Yet, while he found it highly likely that intelligent life existed beyond earth, he had no hard evidence of any extra terrestrial visitation. [17] The Condon Committee Main article: Condon Committee Criticism of Blue Book continued to grow through the mid-1960s. NICAP 's membership ballooned to about 15,000, and the group charged the U.S. Government with a cover up of UFO evidence. Following U.S. Congressional hearings, the Condon Committee was established in 1966, ostensibly as a neutral scientific research body. However, the Committee became mired in controversy, with some members charging director Edward U. Condon with bias, and critics would question the validity and the scientific rigor of the Condon Report. In the end, the Condon Committee suggested that there was nothing extraordinary about UFOs, and while it left one case unexplained, further research would not be likely to yield very significant results. The End In response to the Condon Committee's conclusions, Secretary of the Air Force Robert C. Seamans, Jr. announced that Blue Book would soon be closed, because further funding "cannot be justified either on the grounds of national security or in the interest of science." [18] The last publicly acknowledged day of Blue Book operations was December 17, 1969. However, researcher Brad Sparks, [19] citing research from the May, 1970 issue of NICAP's UFO Investigator, reports that the last day of Blue Book activity was actually January 30, 1970. According to Sparks, Air Force officials wanted to keep the Air Force's reaction to the UFO problem from overlapping into a fourth decade, and thus altered the date of Blue Book's closure in official files. Blue Book's files were sent to the Air Force Archives at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama . Major David Shea was to later claim that Maxwell was chosen because it was "accessible yet not too inviting." [18] Ultimately, Project Blue Book stated that UFOs sightings were generated as a result of: A mild form of mass hysteria . Individuals who fabricate such reports to perpetrate a hoax or seek publicity. Psychopathological persons. Misidentification of various conventional objects. These official conclusions were directly contradicted by the USAF's own commissioned Blue Book Special Report #14. Psychological factors and hoaxes actually constituted less than 10% of all cases and 22% of all sightings, particularly the better-documented cases, remained unsolved. (See section below for details and Identified flying object .) As of April 2003, the USAF has publicly indicated that there are no immediate plans to re-establish any official government UFO study programs. [20] USAF current official statement on UFOs Below is the United States Air Force's official statement regarding UFOs, as noted in USAF Fact Sheet 95-03: [20] From 1947 to 1969, the Air Force investigated Unidentified Flying Objects under Project Blue Book. The project, headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base , Ohio, was terminated December 17, 1969. Of a total of 12,618 sightings reported to Project Blue Book, 701 remained "unidentified." The decision to discontinue UFO investigations was based on an evaluation of a report prepared by the University of Colorado entitled, " Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects ;" a review of the University of Colorado's report by the National Academy of Sciences; previous UFO studies and Air Force experience investigating UFO reports during 1940 to 1969. As a result of these investigations, studies and experience gained from investigating UFO reports since 1948, the conclusions of Project Blue Book were: No UFO reported, investigated, and evaluated by the Air Force has ever given any indication of threat to our national security. There has been no evidence submitted to or discovered by the Air Force that sightings categorized as "unidentified" represent technological developments or principles beyond the range of present day scientific knowledge. There has been no evidence indicating the sightings categorized as "unidentified" are extraterrestrial vehicles. With the termination of Project Blue Book, the Air Force regulation establishing and controlling the program for investigating and analyzing UFOs was rescinded. Documentation regarding the former Blue Book investigation was permanently transferred to the Modern Military Branch, National Archives and Records Service, and is available for public review and analysis. Since the termination of Project Blue Book, nothing has occurred that would support a resumption of UFO investigations by the Air Force. There are a number of universities and professional scientific organizations that have considered UFO phenomena during periodic meetings and seminars. A list of private organizations interested in aerial phenomena may be found in "Encyclopaedia of Associations", published by Gale Research. Interest in and timely review of UFO reports by private groups ensures that sound evidence is not overlooked by the scientific community. Persons wishing to report UFO sightings should be advised to contact local law enforcement agencies. Post-Blue Book U.S.A.F. UFO activities An Air Force memorandum (released via the Freedom of Information Act ) dated October 20, 1969 and signed by Brigadier General C.H. Bolander states that even after Blue Book was dissolved, that "reports of UFOs" would still "continue to be handled through the standard Air Force procedure designed for this purpose." Furthermore, wrote Bolander, "Reports of unidentified flying objects which could affect national security … are not part of the Blue Book system." [3] To date, these other investigation channels, agencies or groups are unknown. Additionally, Blum reports [8] that Freedom of Information Act requests show that the U.S. Air Force has continued to catalog and track UFO sightings, particularly a series of dozens of UFO encounters from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s that occurred at U.S. military facilities with nuclear weapons . Blum writes that some of these official documents depart drastically from the normally dry and bureaucratic wording of government paperwork, making obvious the sense of "terror" that these UFO incidents inspired in many U.S.A.F. personnel. Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14 In late December 1951, Ruppelt met with members of the Battelle Memorial Institute , a think tank based in Columbus, Ohio. Ruppelt wanted their experts to assist them in making the Air Force UFO study more scientific. It was the Battelle Institute that devised the standardized reporting form. Starting in late March 1952, the Institute started analyzing existing sighting reports and encoding about 30 report characteristics onto IBM punch cards for computer analysis. Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14 was their massive statistical analysis of Blue Book cases to date, some 3200 by the time the report was completed in 1954, after Ruppelt had left Blue Book. Even today, it represents the largest such study ever undertaken. Battelle employed four scientific analysts, who sought to divide cases into "knowns", "unknowns", and a third category of "insufficient information." They also broke down knowns and unknowns into four categories of quality, from excellent to poor. E.g., cases deemed excellent might typically involve experienced witnesses such as airline pilots or trained military personnel, multiple witnesses, corroborating evidence such as radar contact or photographs, etc. In order for a case to be deemed a "known", only two analysts had to independently agree on a solution. However, for a case to be called an "unknown", all four analysts had to agree. Thus the criterion for an "unknown" was quite stringent. In addition, sightings were broken down into six different characteristics — color, number, duration of observation, brightness, shape, and speed — and then these characteristics were compared between knowns and unknowns to see if there was a statistically significant difference. The main results of the statistical analysis were: About 69% of the cases were judged known or identified (38% were considered conclusively identified while 31% were still "doubtfully" explained); about 9% fell into insufficient information. About 22% were deemed "unknown", down from the earlier 28% value of the Air Force studies. In the known category, 86% of the knowns were aircraft, balloons, or had astronomical explanations. Only 1.5% of all cases were judged to be psychological or " crackpot " cases. A "miscellaneous" category comprised 8% of all cases and included possible hoaxes. The higher the quality of the case, the more likely it was to be classified unknown. 35% of the excellent cases were deemed unknowns, whereas only 18% of the poorest cases. This was the exact opposite result predicted by skeptics, who usually argued unknowns were poorer quality cases involving unreliable witnesses that could be solved if only better information were available. In all six studied sighting characteristics, the unknowns were different from the knowns at a highly statistically significant level: in five of the six measures the odds of knowns differing from unknowns by chance was only 1% or less. When all six characteristics were considered together, the probability of a match between knowns and unknowns was less than 1 in a billion. (More detailed statistics can be found at Identified flying objects .) Despite this, the summary section of the Battelle Institute's final report declared it was "highly improbable that any of the reports of unidentified aerial objects... represent observations of technological developments outside the range of present-day knowledge." A number of researchers, including Dr. Bruce Maccabee , who extensively reviewed the data, have noted that the conclusions of the analysts were usually at odds with their own statistical results, displayed in 240 charts, tables, graphs and maps. Some conjecture that the analysts may simply have had trouble accepting their own results or may have written the conclusions to satisfy the new political climate within Blue Book following the Robertson Panel. When the Air Force finally made Special Report #14 public in October 1955, it was claimed that the report scientifically proved that UFOs did not exist. Critics of this claim note that the report actually proved that the "unknowns" were distinctly different from the "knowns" at a very high statistical significance level. The Air Force also incorrectly claimed that only 3% of the cases studied were unknowns, instead of the actual 22%. They further claimed that the residual 3% would probably disappear if more complete data were available. Critics counter that this ignored the fact that the analysts had already thrown such cases into the category of "insufficient information", whereas both "knowns" and "unknowns" were deemed to have sufficient information to make a determination. Also the "unknowns" tended to represent the higher quality cases, q.e. reports that already had better information and witnesses. The result of the monumental BMI study were echoed by a 1979 French GEPAN report which stated that about a quarter of over 1,600 closely studied UFO cases defied explanation, stating, in part, "These cases … pose a real question." [21] When GEPAN's successor SEPRA closed in 2004, 5800 cases had been analyzed, and the percentage of inexplicable unknowns had dropped to about 14%. The head of SEPRA, Dr. Jean-Jacques Velasco, found the evidence of extraterrestrial origins so convincing in these remaining unknowns, that he wrote a book about it in 2005. [1] Hynek's criticism Hynek was an associate member of the Robertson Panel , which recommended that UFOs needed debunking . A few years later, however, Hynek's opinions about UFOs changed, and he thought they represented an unsolved mystery deserving scientific scrutiny. As the only scientist involved with US Government UFO studies from the beginning to the end, he could offer a unique perspective on Projects Sign, Grudge, and Blue Book. After what he described as a promising beginning with a potential for scientific research, Hynek grew increasingly disenchanted with Blue Book during his tenure with the project, leveling accusations of indifference, incompetence, and of shoddy research on the part of Air Force personnel. Hynek notes that during its existence, critics dubbed Blue Book "The Society for the Explanation of the Uninvestigated." [22] Blue Book was headed by Ruppelt, then Captain Hardin, Captain Gregory, Major Friend, and finally Major Hector Quintanilla. Hynek had kind words only for Ruppelt and Friend. Of Ruppelt, he wrote "In my contacts with him I found him to be honest and seriously puzzled about the whole phenomenon." [23] Of Friend, he wrote "Of all the officers I worked with in Blue Book, Colonel Friend earned my respect. Whatever private views he may have held, he was a total and practical realist, and sitting where he could see the scoreboard, he recognized the limitations of his office but conducted himself with dignity and a total lack of the bombast that characterized several of the other Blue Book heads." [24] He held Quintanilla in especially low regard: "Quintanilla's method was simple: disregard any evidence that was counter to his hypothesis." [25] Hynek wrote that during Air Force Major Hector Quintanilla 's tenure as Blue Book's director, “the flag of the utter nonsense school was flying at its highest on the mast.” Hynek reported that Sergeant David Moody, one of Quintanilla’s subordinates, “epitomized the conviction-before-trial method. Anything that he didn’t understand or didn’t like was immediately put into the psychological category, which meant ‘ crackpot ’.” Hynek reported bitter exchanges with Moody when the latter refused to research UFO sightings thoroughly, describing Moody as “the master of the possible: possible balloon, possible aircraft, possible birds, which then became, by his own hand (and I argued with him violently at times) the probable.” Project Blue Book in Fiction Project UFO Project Blue Book was the inspiration for the 1978–1979 TV show Project UFO , which was supposedly based on Project Blue Book cases. However, the show frequently went against the actual project conclusions, suggesting on many occasions that some sightings were real extraterrestrials. Twin Peaks Project Blue Book played a major role in the second season of the 1990–1991 TV series Twin Peaks . Major Garland Briggs , an Air Force officer who worked on the program, approaches protagonist Dale Cooper and reveals that Cooper's name turned up in an otherwise nonsensical radio transmission intercepted by the Air Force, which inexplicably originated from the woods surrounding the town of Twin Peaks. As the season progresses, it is revealed that the source of the transmission is the transdimensional realm of The Black Lodge , inhabited by beings which feed on the human emotions of pain and suffering; it eventually comes out that Briggs worked with Cooper's rival, corrupt FBI agent Windom Earle , on Project Blue Book, and that the two men apparently uncovered evidence of the Lodge during the course of their work. Galactica 1980 Every episode of the original Battlestar Galactica spinoff Galactica 1980 ended with a short statement about the U.S. Air Force's 1969 Project Blue Book findings that UFOs are not proven to exist and "are not a threat to national security". References

Air force

What bow-tie wearing TV host and comedian, who got his start on Almost Live!, is known as the Science Guy?

UFO Sightings in Tennessee, BUFO Paranormal and UFO Radio, Mary Sutherland Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 20:29:03 -0700 Fwd Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 21:38:07 -0400 Subject: NCP-09: Oak Ridge Native Speak - An Introduction To: Current Encounters List Greetings Lists, Here is another in our series presented by one of our NCP Working Group members, Jerry Washington. Francis Ridge Coordinator, Nuclear Connection Project http://members.evansville.net/slk/ncp-wash1.htm Regretfully, any contribution I make to the Nuclear Connection Project is going to be purely anecdotal. My only qualification is scarcely more than an accident of birth -- having been hatched and reared in the original 'Atomic City': Oak Ridge, Tennessee. A sleepy little burgh tucked discreetly away in the rolling hills between the Cumberland and Great Smoky Mountain ranges, Oak Ridge has always appeared deceptively normal on the surface. Only when you peeked behind the fa=E7ade of plutonium and privilege -- and you had to know where to look -- did you glimpse the town's true nature. Beyond the designer dachas of the nuclear bourgeoisie, out past the abandoned guard tower relics of an earlier era, lay the vast no- man's land we called the "Restricted Zone" ("we" meaning the Mensa set's prodigal offspring). The Oak Ridge 'Reservation' encompasses many hundreds of square miles. However, the town itself -- the residential area -- occupies only a small percentage of that acreage. The rest has always been under the purview of the Federal Government; Atomic Energy Commission (AEC); Union Carbide; Martin Marietta, or whoever holds the reigns of power these days. The Oak Ridge City cops lacked the authority to cross over into 'the zone', a fact taken full advantage of by me and my fellow delinquents. With too much time and money on our hands, we sought to relieve our boredom through frequent incursions into 'the zone', where we'd party hearty in the shadow of K-25, Y-12, or X-10, the three resident nuke facilities. We sure-as-hell weren't worried about AEC Security showing up. Those guys were an absolute joke! Even at the height of the Cold War, we were able to carouse in 'the zone' with impunity. We could've been Russian spies or worse, and nobody would've known. Ringed with "DANGER: RADIOACTIVE" signs, we went about our business with the fatalism borne by Oak Ridgers, and nurtured throughout our formative years. Field trips to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (X-10) only served to reinforce that posture, as we gazed down into the luminous depths of the Heavy Water tank used to cool spent reactor rods. Years later I would learn that that otherworldly glow had a name: Cerenkov Radiation. As with the radioactive dimes that we took home as souvenirs and promptly liberated from their plastic casings, it was probably best that we didn't know too much back then. What you don't know can't hurt you, or so the theory goes... That was certainly the disposition with which I approached any mention of UFOs at the time, whether in a periodical, TV show, or even Baby Huey cartoons! The subject made me extremely uncomfortable. When Time or Life Magazine (I don't remember which) came out with a special UFO issue featuring a full-color glossy of an alleged UFO on the front cover, my adolescent self went utterly apoplectic. I repeatedly flipped over the issue displayed on our coffee table, so as not to have to look at the thing. Of course, I was weaned -- like most of my generation -- on a steady diet of B-Movies bearing titles like 'It Came From Outer Space' and 'Invaders from Mars'. And while they also made me uncomfortable, it was the notion of TV's 'The Invaders', that really made me squirm; those glowing hands... the dissonant music... the opening sequence with the saucer landing. The notion of something so totally outside of my 'zone' of reference ran contrary to the ideals that I held dear: My yearning for a reasonable life, where cause begets effect, and stuff makes sense. I have set the stage for the following account. It is through the contextual prism of life in the Atomic City, as I've described it, that these 'anecdotes' should be viewed... too- close encounter When I invited my buddy, Robert, over to cruise for chicks and beer on his first weekend home from college, UFOs were the very last thing on my mind -- they weren't even on the radar screen. Bob was a fellow hedonist, and, while I was still adrift in a sea of uncertainty about my future after high school, he had seized the bull by the horns and enrolled in the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He picked me up in the beat up, old Corvair that he'd inherited from his older brother. I was a little heftier than Bob and, although it took some doing, I squeezed my bulk into the passenger seat. Off we went -- Laurel and Hardy -- into the balmy, autumn evening, headed due west towards the Restricted Zone. Truthfully, Bob and I weren't all that close. We'd never really hung out together, however, rumor had it that he had spent his entire first semester at UT racking up one sexual conquest after another, and I was anxious to hear him dish the dirt. My ears were purt near burnin' as he regaled me with a play-by-play account of his sexploits, a goodly percentage of which could have been hyperbole; Bob wouldn't be the first young man who's inflated his statistics. Still, Bob was a pretty rational guy, not given to too many flights of fancy. An honor student at Oak Ridge High, a school that churned out National Merit Finalists like Y-12 turned out nuclear triggers, he'd had the prettiest girlfriend in school. In other words, he really didn't need to exaggerate very much. "Let's cruise the plants," I suggested, and Bob agreed. "I haven't had my fix of radiation in a while," he quipped, only half in jest. "We'll take the grand tour, then come back by the liquor store and buy some beer." Onward, toward K-25 we trekked, penetrating deep into the Restricted Zone, Bob, all the while, keeping a running commentary going about his collegiate conquests. Basically, it was just your typical dude's night out -- two local boys cruisin' the nuke plants, hoping to stumble upon some action. Eventually, we found ourselves on Bearcreek Road, the curvy, two-lane road that leads to Y-12. A shift change was due at the facility in half an hour, but for the time being, we had the thoroughfare to ourselves. It was a moonless night, so Robert had to drive with extra care. Although quite familiar with the route, the lack of streetlights or other vehicles only added to the challenges of negotiating its numerous twists and turns on such a caliginous night. And then it happened. We were driving along, shootin' the breeze, listening to the A.M. radio, when off to our right, a bright, fully illuminated object appeared out of nowhere. It was descending at a 30-degree angle, following the topography of the hillside next to the road, when it abruptly leveled out, stopped, and hovered no more than twenty feet above the road. Exhibiting every sign of being intelligently controlled, simply by the ultra-precise manner in which it maneuvered, the UFO seemed to be daring us to approach it and drive underneath it. The object was disk-shaped, radiant, metallic, the size of an eighteen-wheeler, and utterly silent. I know, because at the moment it first appeared in my field of vision, I reached over to turn off the radio. I don't know why, exactly, but that enabled me to hear whatever ambient noises were present, and other than the air passing by the open car window, there were none -- other than the pounding of our hearts, of course. "Oh, God," I cried, "what do we do?" "I don't know," Robert replied meekly. The fear, the greatest we had ever known, was robbing us of the ability to speak. Reacting on instinct, Bob put the pedal-to- the-metal, but this was a Corsair remember, a rickety ol' relic that had long seen its day. The object awaited us, only a hundred feet or so up ahead. Even at the modest speed we were travelling, there was no way we could stop -- not in so short a distance. The laws of physics were indeed committing us to pass right underneath the intruder. I glanced away, but its otherworldly luminescence still managed to burn its image into my psyche. Robert wasn't so lucky. He was forced to keep his eyes trained on the road, and it was he who noticed the prismatic effect that the object exhibited. As though a rainbow were contained within, the UFO pulsed with an unnatural light. Passing beyond the 'contact point', all I could think of in my panicked state was the possibility that the UFO was toying with us, and I suffered another panic attack. Suddenly, a diffuse light appeared on the distant horizon. "Could that be?" I wondered. "I hope so," Bob replied. What we were seeing were the first familiar signs of humankind: the lights from the western boundary of the miles long Y-12 plant. It was only a couple of kilometers away. For the next few minutes we hoped and prayed with every bit of fervor a couple of irreverent teens could muster that we'd make it back to civilization without another run-in with the mystery craft. "Just a little further... just a little further," I chanted -- a rather different mantra from my usual call-of-the-wild. "Thank God...thank God," I intoned in unparalleled relief, once we reached the outer limits of the 'bomb factory'. It's ironic how something so alien as Y-12, with its enormous electromagnets (largest on the planet) and cutting edge technologies, could produce such a warm- fuzzy deep within me. A true baby boomer, I was home... (postscripts) Oddly enough, Robert and I never discussed our encounter again. I tried to get him to talk about it once, several months after the fact when I happened upon him in a pizza joint, but he refused. The very mention of it made the blood drain from his face and his knees go wobbly. Quasi-hostile, he strong-armed me to the side and warned me to never bring the subject up again. And so it remained -- that silence between us -- up until his death of AIDS complications in 1990. In a subsequent conversation with our mutual best friend, I learned that Bob had given him a detailed description of the events of that night, and that all of the pertinent details matched up with my recollections. It was a relief to know that I wasn't just passing swamp gas... I once queried Stanton Friedman and John Carpenter, two men who've made it their life's work to study the UFO phenomenon, what their take on such a close encounter was, and both replied that it fit the alien abduction profile. "Any encounter that close, usually involves a missing time and/or an abduction component," was their consensus. Both found Robert's apoplexy when cornered in the pizza joint a particularly telling constituent. I was completely unaware of both phenomena -- alien abduction and missing time -- at the time the event occurred. Not until I assumed the State Directorship of both Kentucky/MUFON and Skywatch did I become aware of just how much Bob and I fit the profile of likely abductees. Growing up in the Atomic City you learn a lot about its history, about its birth during World War II, its top-secret mission, its chief export -- weapons grade uranium -- and about the role it played in bringing the war to a rapid conclusion. You never hear about its lengthy and well-documented history of UFO surveillance or about the folks, like Bob and me, who put a human face on the startling statistics. That discovery would also come later. In October of 1973, a 'flap' occurred during which UFOs were seen all over the East Coast, from Louisiana in the south, to Michigan in the north. Oak Ridge, too, had its share of sightings, as her skies were suddenly adorned with amber ovals, red BOLs (balls of light), and multi-colored whatnots. (See 'Red Balls of... Light', and 'To Have or Have-Not', for a personal account.) I feel I'm keeping lofty company to have my tales of the strange-but-true included among the likes of researchers of such impressive caliber and credentials. Admittedly, my evidence for the status of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as a UFO hotspot is anecdotal, but hey -- in the beginning was the word..... Note HIV and AIDES DOE's Fluoride Health Cover-up: Oak Ridge covers up discoveries in health, religion, and environment. In Biblical terms this is the turning to stone linked illness process. Click here for an in depth technical explantion for the health effects that Oak Ridge managers covered up and refuse to recognize, so as not to reveil a huge health problem. Oak Ridge managers claim all is well and there are no problems in Oak Ridge, when there are massive problems with worker health and community health. The cover up links to the mechanisms for CFS, MCS, and even HIV. Oak Ridge covers up these health effects due to the massive liabilities their managers have caused. Problems that are so severe that they can be termed crimes against humanity for those that have intentionally acted to cover up and conceil this mechanism. Plain Talk: Whats the big deal? Oak Ridge is a government facility that poisoned its communities and workers with fluorides. Specifically, huge amounts of extremely toxic hydrogen fluoride and calcium-fluoride, which cause immune cell damage, higher retention of toxic metals, thyroid damage, and cancer. A very similar process involving fluorides from nerve gas decomposition and heavy metals is the prime toxic driver in the Gulf War illnesses. The fluorides and toxic metals damage the mitochondria DNA of immune cells as they biocentrate into the lymph system and the nervous system. The "mysterious diseases" linked to fluoride/metal toxic effects are part of the military / industrial network cover up of the toxic problems. Severe synergisms exist for fluorides and metals that affect the G-proteins in cells and the Gq/11 binding sites. This process sets off cell damage, macrophage and immune activity, thyroid damage, thyroid hormone damage, etc. Fluorides produce an insoluble precipitate of calcium fluoride in the stationary macrophages of the lymph nodes that accumulate because fluorine's electronegativity exceeds oxygen and fluoride calcium seeks. Toxic metals produce insoluble metal oxides in the lymph nodes. This also sets off local Th1 / TNFa cytokine response from the secretory macrophage cells that cause apoptosis in the lymph cells and cytokine signaling confusion in lymph channels. The Th1 in the lymph system is offset by a general Th2 cytokine response for the total body, which enables cancers and virals. The general effect is seen with CFS, MCS, HIV, and environmental diseases of GWI and gas diffusion plant workers. These effects are aggrivated by poor American diets, fluoride in water, pesticides, preservatives, and etc. This effect was discovered by ORNL Sr. Staff person J. E. Phelps in 1986-87 as it applied to gas diffusion HF loses. The high levels of lymph node toxic stress (fluorides, isotopes, metals) cause superoxides, NO, etc. that damage the stationary and mobile macrophage mitochondria that impair the biological DNA digestion leading to immune related disease and cancer. The lymph node cells are the most highly toxically exposed cells in the body and the first to malfunction. The effect is the root cause of CFS, MCS, and the mystery ills, all mechanisms well known in the 1980's and suppressed by Oak Ridge National Lab. Today, the ORNL suppression of this information and mechanism amounts to a crime against humanity. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: jan@cyberzone.net (Jan Aldrich) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 11:02:39 -0800 Here is an incident report from Barry Greenwood's Oak Ridge file.  I suspect it came from the FBI.  Please note the radiation detection. 10 November 1950 On 10 November 1950,-------------, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, employee at-------------, Oak Ridge, Tennessee was interviewed and he stated subtantially as follows:  At approximately 1630 hours on 23 October 1950, while driving on the Benton Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, he observed an object over the Scarboro School (which is in the control area of Oak Ridge) at a distance of one-quarter to three-eighth of a  mile from his position of observations.  The object appeared to be between 1000 and 2000 feet in altitude and was described as an "aluminum flash". It was traveling in a South Southeast direction.  The object was dropping fast as it crossed the road and disappeared over a ridge-------- heard no noise in connection with this object. At approximately the time of this observation, a background (Geiger) counter located in the vicinity of this observation registered a reading for Alpha and Beta particles.  ----------- with the Health and Research Division of Oak Ridge Naitonal Laboratories, has stated that a reading received on this background counter is unexplained. NPTES:  No intentional or accidental releases which would give such a reading were made during month October. The Radar Station, Knoxville, Tennessee, has not reported a radar sighting on the date and time of this observation. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oak Ridge sighting by security patrol, 10/13/50 From: jan@cyberzone.net (Jan Aldrich) Date: Sun, 5 Oct 1997 19:59:15 -0800 Date: Wed, 01 Oct 1997 From: Jerry Washington <skyeking@aye.net> It's been awhile, but I'm back with another casefile from Oak Ridge, Tennessee: my hometown. The "Atomic City" has a long and storied history where the UFO phenomenon is concerned, and this is just one account among many that are available for public consumption, thanks to the Freedom of Information Act, and books by guys such as J. Allen Hynek (CUFOS), and Edward J.Ruppelt (Project Blue Book). Jerry Washington SD KY/MUFON The following account is taken from an FBI document (circa 1950) sent by J. Edgar Hoover to Mr. Francis R. Hammock, Acting Director of the Division of Security of the Atomic Energy Commission in Washington, D.C.:  "On 13 October, 1950, Atomic Energy Security Patrol Trooper, Edward D.Rymer, and a caretaker, John Moneymaker, from the University of Tennessee Research Farm, at Oak Ridge, saw an object at about 12,000 to 15,000 feet above Solway Gate of the "Control Zone." This object appeared to be an aircraft which was starting to make an outside loop, trailing smoke behind. Soon these two men realized that the formerly described smoke behind the aircraft was a tail. This object continued to descend in a controlled dive, and when it approached the ground it leveled off and flew slowly, parallel to the ground. This object came within two hundred and ten (210) feet of the two observers and was paralleling the ground at approximately six (6) feet. Trooper Rymer attempted to approach the object but as he approached the object became smaller and started moving in a southeasterly direction. This object is said to have approached a nine (9) foot cyclone chain link fence and made a controlled movement to clear the fence, then a Willow tree, then a telephone post and wire, after which the object gained momentum and altitude and cleared a hill at approximately one (1) mile away. The object appeared to be pear shaped. When this object was over the hill it was still visible as the same object that was observed when only fifty (50) feet away. (The explanation given was that this object grew larger as it gained altitude and speed.)  Approximately five minutes later the object appeared again having reappeared from approximately the same location from which it had disappeared. The object was seen again five minutes later for approximately ten seconds.  During the above happenings, Mr. John Moneymaker had visual reference of this object during its first [appearance] for approximately seven minutes. Trooper Rymer was interrupted twice during which times he called his headquarters in an attempt to get other observers. Also, during the fantastic flight of this object, Trooper Rymer stopped Mr. E.W. Hightower, who was on the highway in his vehicle, to verify what was being seen. Mr. Hightower's statement substantiates the description as before.  By the time the object appeared the second time, Joe Zarzecki, Captain of the Atomic Energy Commission Security Patrol, was present and also witnessed this phenomenon. Each of the observers describes the object substantially as follows:   a. When the object was first sighted it appeared to be an aircraft trailing smoke, or better described as "smoke writing."   b. When the object was approaching the ground in its descent, it took on the shape of a bullet with a large tail.  c. When the object was sighted on the ground (from app. 210 ft.)  It appeared to be approximately the size of a 2x5 card {from a distance], with a twenty (20) foot ribbon tail. The object and the tail were alternately moving up and down, and the ribbon appeared to be waving in the breeze. The color was a metallic gray.   d. When Trooper Rymer came within fifty (50) feet of the object he described it similar to the above except that the first two and one- half (2 ½) feet of the tail appeared more solid, but the last seventeen and one-half (17 ½) feet of the tail appeared almost transparent and was glowing, intermittently, in sections. The tail appeared to have four or five sections which would glow intermittently.  Trooper Rymer's record is among the best of the troopers at the Atomic Energy Commission Securty Patrol. Mr. John Moneymaker holds badge No.UT-1817, and is employed by the University of Tennessee Agricultural Research Farm as a caretaker for small animals. Mr. E.W. Hightower holds badge No. 6633 and is an employee of the Maxon Construction Company.  The Controller, Capt. W. Akin, of Detachment No. 2…at the Knoxville Airport Radar Site, made a report that he had seen peculiar readings on the radar scopes at approximately 1520 hours. Apparently the radar picture was indefinite, intermittent, and inaccurate, because the objects sighted by radar would only make a short "painting" on the scope and would then disappear only to reappear at another location."  Attached to this Summary are eleven (11) enclosures which tend to clarify information contained in the former two (2) Summaries of Information on SUBJECT. These enclosures are composed of witness statements; background information concerning previous sightings of peculiar objects over Oak Ridge; and radar reports. The most reliable sources available were utilized in the compilation of this report. The employment records and the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports concerning the witnesses were inspected to ascertain their reliability, integrity, and loyalty to the United States Government.  The opinions of the officials of the Security Division, AEC, Oak Ridge; Security Branch, ??PA [partially unreadable] Division, Oak Ridge:   AEC Security Patrol, Oak Ridge; FBI, Knoxville: Air Force Radar and Fighter squadrons, Knoxville; and the OSI, Knoxville, Tennessee, FAIL TO EVOLVE AN ADEQUATE EXPLANATION FOR SUBJECT [emphasis mine] however, the possibilities of practical jokers, mass hysteria, balloons of any description, flights of birds (with or without cobwebs or other objects attached), falling leaves, insect swarms, peculiar weather conditions, reflections, flying kites, objects thrown from the ground, windblown objects, insanity, and many other natural happenings HAVE BEEN REJECTED because of the simultaneous witnessing of the objects with the reported radar sightings; because of the reliability of the witnesses; because of the detailed, similar description of the objects seen by different persons; and BECAUSE OF IMPOSSIBILITY…" (The previous document was declassified in 1983.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9/9/55 (Bluebook) 12 noon. Witness: M.N. Dawkins, using binoculars. One brown, almost square object flew with a circular motion for 10-15 minutes. ALTO 4/5/66 (Magonia) Two men stopped to watch an object hovering above a swamp and tried to follow it, but it flew away. They observed that animals (cows, dogs, horses) were restless in all the areas that the object crossed. A photographic reconstitution by the U.S. Air Force showed an oval object, 30 meters long, flying at 5 meters altitude, between a high-tension line and a row of trees. (Bluebook) 11:55 p.m. Witness: W. Smith. One oval object with a dark top, appeared cone-shaped when moving. It made a high-frequency noise during the 2.5 hour sighting. CHATANOOGA UFO Roundup vol 3 #24 CHATTANOOGA UFO Roundup vol 3 #24 DANDRIDGE UFO Roundup vol 3 #24 FAYETTEVILLE 3/28/66 (Magonia) A man driving at a speed of about 100 km/h suddenly encountered a large lighted object 1 meter above the road on a hilltop. It flew off, as the car engine and headlights died. The bulbs had to be replaced in the lights. The object was oval, 7 meters long, dark gray, and showed about 30 lights along it periphery. GALLATIN UFO Roundup vol 3 #24 GATLINBURG 9/23/54 (Bluebook) 9:45 a.m. Witness: Dave Owenby. Two bright silver, wheel-shaped objects flew from north to south in trail for 2 minutes. GERMANTOWN 3/29/50 (Bluebook) 7 a.m. Witnesses: real estate salesmen Whiteside and Williams. Six-twelve dark objects shaped like 300-lb. bombs, estimated 5 feet long. Flew 500 m.p.h. and descended, making a noise like wind blowing through the trees. MEMPHIS 4/14/52 (Bluebook) 6:34 p.m. Witnesses: U.S. Navy pilots Lt. jg. Blacky, Lt. jg. O'Neil. One inverted bowl, 3' long and 1' high, with vertical slots, flew fast, straight and level, 100 yards from observers' aircraft for 45-60 seconds. MEMPHIS See Filer's Files -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back on the American homefront, on the banks of the Clinch River at Oak Ridge, TN, a huge, black, windowless building was being constructed. In the middle of Sept 1944, this structure, a gaseous diffusion plant, began operation. This unusual factory was designed to prepare quantities of fissionable material for the US' most important secret weapon, the A-bomb. "Shortly after the plant began operations, the area had a vary odd visitor. A strange, metallic looking, tube-like object was spotted hovering over the road near the Oak Ridge plant. The object moved away as a crowd started to gather. The sighting was reported to the FBI (20)." Original Source: Charles Fort. Reference (20) is from Lorenzen, UFOs: The Whole Story. NICAP  Larry Hatch Objects Over Oak Ridge, October 12, 15, 16, 1950 PROTECTION OF VITAL FACILITIES Ramytel October 13, 1950 There is being submitted herewith a copy of two reports made by District Representative of the OSI, 8th District, U.S. Air Force, with regard to the detection of unidentified objects by the means of radar, as set forth in referenced teletype. These reports continue to set forth additional reports concerning unidentified objects in the air space are over Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which to date have not been explained. No investigation is being conducted by the Knoxville Office in this matter, but any further information received from OSI or from CIC representatives will be forwarded immediately. Air Mail (produced for the NICAP site by Francis Ridge) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #1667: 1950/10/20  16:50  10  84:17:0W  35:59:0N  3333  NAM USA TNS  7 8 OAK RIDGE,TN:AEC MAN:MTL "BALLOON" HVRS:CHANGES SHAPE?:RDR CONFIRM:JETS CHASE Ref# 26 FAWCETT+GREENWOOD:  UFO COVERUP.     Page No. 172 MNTNS OBJECTS SIGHTED OVER "Control Zone" Oak Ridge, Tennessee October 20, 1950 FBI Report: At 1655 hours, on 20 October 1950, Mr. Larry P. Riordan, AEC Badge No.522, Superintendent of Security at X-10 in the "Control Zone" at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, while enroute from X-10 to the Oak Ridge residential area, on Benton Valley Road, saw an object in the sky which appeared to be directly over the University of Tennessee Agricultural Research Farm. This object gave the general appearance of an aerial balloon which had lost its "basket." In other words, the object was generally round; appeared to come together at the bottom in wrinkles (rather indistinct), and something was hanging below. The balloon was described as being from eight to ten feet long; of a lead pipe or gunmetal color; and seemed to be approximately one-fourth (¼) mile from the observer, at a thirty (30) degree elevation above the horizon. The object was apparently stationary but since the observer was in a moving vehicle, he did not verify that it was stationary. As the vehicle in which he was travelling changed position, and went around a curve, Mr. Riordan noticed that this object appeared to be thinner. He concludes that by reason of his changing position, or the object changing its altitude, he observed another angle of the object which appeared to be thinner than upon his first sighting. At the time of the observation there was adequate light and the object was plainly visible. Mr.Riordan is a responsible person, as is indicated by his position, and he has been aware of the many instances of reported objects flying in the sky. He is also very familiar with the weather balloons which are sent up hourly each day over Oak Ridge between 6:00 AM of one day until 1:00 AM of the next day. The size of these balloons vary, but generally they are similar to a circus balloon which is about twenty- four (24) inches in diameter. Mr. Riordan is certain that the object was not a weather balloon but his first impression was that this object was an experimental "gab" being utilized by the University of Tennessee Agricultural Research Farm. Mr. Riordan has been the Security Chief of X-10 since 14 July 1943. His vision is normal except that he has negligible impairment of the right eye. Like many of the Atomic Energy Commission officials, Mr. Riordan has hoped for the opportunity to see one of these objects, and under the circumstances, he visualized it as accurately as possible. At 1845 hours, on 24 October 1950, Mr. William B. Fry, Assistant Chief of Security, NEPA Division, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, while attending a Drive- in theater with his wife and child, at Oak Ridge, noticed an object in the sky North-Northwest of his position, at a thirty (30) to forty (40) degree elevation. This object was moving gently in a horizontal plane, back and forth, within thirty (30) degrees of his line of sight. This object emitted a glow, varying in color from red to green, to blue-green, to blue, and to orange. The variations were checked on the vertical window post of Mr. Fry's vehicle and were witnessed by Mr. Fry's wife. The attention of another observer, the Projectionist at the Drive-in theater, was also called to the object and verification of this sighting was made. The object disappeared from his sight at 1920 hours. At 1855 hours, on 24 October, 1950, an Air Force Major, Lawrence Ballweg, NEPA Division, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, also saw from his residence an object which he described similarly. The object disappeared from the sight of Mr. Ballweg at 1920 hours, which coincides with the time of disappearance of the object from Mr. Fry's sight. On 20 October 1950, at 1527 hours, aircraft No. AF-409, Pilot Wolf, 5th AW-Fighter Sqd., took off from the Knoxville Airport for a "local patrol." The Radar Unit at Knoxville Airport received readings on their Radar scope and sent the aircraft after these targets. The aircraft pilot was unable to identify any flying object in the vicinity of the said targets. All targets were between eighteen (18) and twenty-five (25) miles from the Airport at 320 degrees. The aircraft was landed at 1713 hours. (Attention is invited to the fact that these targets were sighted at approximately the same time, and locality, that was reported by Mr. Larry Riordan.) On 24 October 1950, at 1823 hours, several small, slow targets were seen on the Radar screen at the Knoxville Airport Radar Site. These targets appeared in the Southeast sector of the "Restricted Flying Zone" and over the city of Oak Ridge. These targets moved from the city area to and along the East boundary of the area. At 1826 hours, the fighter aircraft was "scrambled" and proceeded to the area where it was vectored among the targets but the pilot reported no visual contact with said targets. At 1920 hours the targets disappeared from the Radar Screen and the fighter was vectored toward another target believed to be one of three (3) aircraft enroute from Andrews Field to Steward Field. (Note: 1920 hours is also the time that the object sighted by Mr. Fry and Major Ballweg disappeared from their view). (Source: FBI, Clear Intent, 172) (produced for the NICAP site by Francis Ridge) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OAK  RIDGE  SIGHTING  BY  SECURITY  PATROL 10/13/50 [From Current Encounters Mailing List] Date: Wed, 01 Oct 1997 From: Jerry Washington <skyeking@aye.net> It's been awhile, but I'm back with another casefile from Oak Ridge, Tennessee: my hometown. The "Atomic City" has a long and storied history where the UFO phenomenon is concerned, and this is just one account among many that are available for public consumption, thanks to the Freedom of Information Act, and books by guys such as J. Allen Hynek (CUFOS), and Edward J.Ruppelt (Project Blue Book). Jerry Washington SD KY/MUFON The following account is taken from an FBI document (circa 1950) sent by J. Edgar Hoover to Mr. Francis R. Hammock, Acting Director of the Division of Security of the Atomic Energy Commission in Washington, D.C.:  "On 13 October, 1950, Atomic Energy Security Patrol Trooper, Edward D.Rymer, and a caretaker, John Moneymaker, from the University of Tennessee Research Farm, at Oak Ridge, saw an object at about 12,000 to 15,000 feet above Solway Gate of the "Control Zone." This object appeared to be an aircraft which was starting to make an outside loop, trailing smoke behind. Soon these two men realized that the formerly described smoke behind the aircraft was a tail. This object continued to descend in a controlled dive, and when it approached the ground it leveled off and flew slowly, parallel to the ground. This object came within two hundred and ten (210) feet of the two observers and was paralleling the ground at approximately six (6) feet. Trooper Rymer attempted to approach the object but as he approached the object became smaller and started moving in a southeasterly direction. This object is said to have approached a nine (9) foot cyclone chain link fence and made a controlled movement to clear the fence, then a Willow tree, then a telephone post and wire, after which the object gained momentum and altitude and cleared a hill at approximately one (1) mile away. The object appeared to be pear shaped. When this object was over the hill it was still visible as the same object that was observed when only fifty (50) feet away. (The explanation given was that this object grew larger as it gained altitude and speed.)  Approximately five minutes later the object appeared again having reappeared from approximately the same location from which it had disappeared. The object was seen again five minutes later for approximately ten seconds.  During the above happenings, Mr. John Moneymaker had visual reference of this object during its first [appearance] for approximately seven minutes. Trooper Rymer was interrupted twice during which tim es he called his headquarters in an attempt to get other observers. Also, during the fantastic flight of this object, Trooper Rymer stopped Mr. E.W. Hightower, who was on the highway in his vehicle, to verify what was being seen. Mr. Hightower's statement substantiates the description as before.  By the time the object appeared the second time, Joe Zarzecki, Captain of the Atomic Energy Commission Security Patrol, was present and also witnessed this phenomenon. Each of the observers describes the object substantially as follows:   a. When the object was first sighted it appeared to be an aircraft trailing smoke, or better described as "smoke writing."   b. When the object was approaching the ground in its descent, it took on the shape of a bullet with a large tail.  c. When the object was sighted on the ground (from app. 210 ft.)  It appeared to be approximately the size of a 2x5 card {from a distance], with a twenty (20) foot ribbon tail. The object and the tail were alternately moving up and down, and the ribbon appeared to be waving in the breeze. The color was a metallic gray.   d. When Trooper Rymer came within fifty (50) feet of the object he described it similar to the above except that the first two and one- half (2 ½) feet of the tail appeared more solid, but the last seventeen and one-half (17 ½) feet of the tail appeared almost transparent and was glowing, intermittently, in sections. The tail appeared to have four or five sections which would glow intermittently.  Trooper Rymer's record is among the best of the troopers at the Atomic Energy Commission Securty Patrol. Mr. John Moneymaker holds badge No.UT-1817, and is employed by the University of Tennessee Agricultural Research Farm as a caretaker for small animals. Mr. E.W. Hightower holds badge No. 6633 and is an employee of the Maxon Construction Company.  The Controller, Capt. W. Akin, of Detachment No. 2…at the Knoxville Airport Radar Site, made a report that he had seen peculiar readings on the radar scopes at approximately 1520 hours. Apparently the radar picture was indefinite, intermittent, and inaccurate, because the objects sighted by radar would only make a short "painting" on the scope and would then disappear only to reappear at another location."  Attached to this Summary are eleven (11) enclosures which tend to clarify information contained in the former two (2) Summaries of Information on SUBJECT. These enclosures are composed of witness statements; background information concerning previous sightings of peculiar objects over Oak Ridge; and radar reports. The most reliable sources available were utilized in the compilation of this report. The employment records and the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports concerning the witnesses were inspected to ascertain their reliability, integrity, and loyalty to the United States Government.  The opinions of the officials of the Security Division, AEC, Oak Ridge; Security Branch, ??PA [partially unreadable] Division, Oak Ridge:   AEC Security Patrol, Oak Ridge; FBI, Knoxville: Air Force Radar and Fighter squadrons, Knoxville; and the OSI, Knoxville, Tennessee, FAIL TO EVOLVE AN ADEQUATE EXPLANATION FOR SUBJECT [emphasis mine] however, the possibilities of practical jokers, mass hysteria, balloons of any description, flights of birds (with or without cobwebs or other objects attached), falling leaves, insect swarms, peculiar weather conditions, reflections, flying kites, objects thrown from the ground, windblown objects, insanity, and many other natural happenings HAVE BEEN REJECTED because of the simultaneous witnessing of the objects with the reported radar sightings; because of the reliability of the witnesses; because of the detailed, similar description of the objects seen by different persons; and BECAUSE OF IMPOSSIBILITYâ €¦" (The previous document was declassified in 1983.)Created: Oct 5, 1997 (produced for the NICAP site by Francis Ridge) --------------------------------------------------------------- UFO INCIDENT AT OAK RIDGE, TN 11/10/1950 Jan Aldrich: Here is an incident report from Barry Greenwood's Oak Ridge file.  I suspect it came from the FBI.  Please note the radiation detection. ========================================================== 10 November 1950 On 10 November 1950,-------------, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, employee at-------------, Oak Ridge, Tennessee was interviewed and he stated subtantially as follows:  At approximately 1630 hours on 23 October 1950, while driving on the Benton Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, he observed an object over the Scarboro School (which is in the control area of Oak Ridge) at a distance of one-quarter to three-eighth of a  mile from his position of observations.  The object appeared to be between 1000 and 2000 feet in altitude and was described as an "aluminum flash". It was traveling in a South Southeast direction.  The object was dropping fast as it crossed the road and disappeared over a ridge-------- heard no noise in connection with this object. At approximately the time of this observation, a background (Geiger) counter located in the vicinity of this observation registered a reading for Alpha and Beta particles.  ----------- with the Health and Research Division of Oak Ridge Naitonal Laboratories, has stated that a reading received on this background counter is unexplained. NPTES:  No intentional or accidental releases which would give such a reading were made during month October.  The Radar Station, Knoxville, Tennessee, has not reported a radar sighting on the date and time of this observation. Created: Sep 23, 1997 (produced for the NICAP site by Francis Ridge) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I was reading the postings on you website at http: //www.burlingtonnews.net/ufotennesseeoakridge. html and wanted to share my own story which also seems to have a connection to Oak Ridge area sightings. One Summer evening in 1978 (exact date lost to memory), when I was 9 years old, my father, mother and sister and I were driving home from a trip to the store via Middlebrook Pike. It was twilight as we headed west toward the intersection of Weisgarber Road and Middlebrook Pike. As we approached the intersection, a large, brilliantly lit craft caught our eyes. It was a slow moving oval shaped craft which appears to be about four to five stories in high and was only a couple of hundred feet in altitude. As it approached from the Northwestern sky, we could see that is had an incredibly bright light shinning upward from the top of the craft like a spot light. There also seemed to be steam coming from the top. The light was so bright in fact that it left a bright spot on the ceiling of clouds above. As it came closer, we could also see that the craft was covered with literally thousands of small lights of every color which seemed to cycle through the color spectrum. It had many long rods protruding from its side which were also covered in these multicolored, dynamic lights. Some of the rods seemed to be moving while others seemed stationary. I asked my father to stop the car so we could get out and watch the craft, but he said no in a nervous voice I was not used to hearing from him. We kept driving. Traffic was heavy, and even slowed a bit because so many commuters were distracted by the object. As we continued our drive home, I did see a few cars pull off the road and into the grass. I even saw one man trying to take a picture of the craft with a camera as he leaned on the roof of his car. When we arrived home, my friends ran into my yard and said, “you’ll never guess what we saw.â €� I told them we had seen it too and they describe the craft exactly. They said it came very low over the neighborhood (Canby Hills Road) crossing Mountain Creek Lane (a Cul-De-Sac) and headed slowly Southeeast. They said it made absolutely no sound as it drifted across the night sky.   For days, my friends and I watched the news hoping to see a report about the incident. However, no report even came. Recently, it occurred to me that I could use the two known points of sighting (1- Middlebrook Pike/Weisgarber Rd and 2- Montain Creek Lane Cul-De-Sac) to plot the possible flight path of the object. After doing this I discovered an interesting possibility. If the object flew in a straight line from the Northwest as it appear to be doing, then it would have passed directly over the restricted airspace of Oak Ridge National Laboratories. Surely, such a sighting would not have gone unnoticed over such a facility. I know many people who still remember the event and can describe it in equal detail. I would be interested in hearing from others, via this site, who may have witnessed what we saw that evening. I find it very strange that an event witnessed by so many people never made it to the news in any form. Greg Allen Mary Sutherland is the author of the following books Living in the Light: Believe in the Magic Mysteries: Exploring the Mysteries of Burlington and Southeastern Wisconsin Revelations: Truths Revealed “There are rare persons in this world who see things others don’t; persons who connect the dots of existence and possess an instinctive talent for linking with kindred souls to reveal otherwise invisible patterns and excavate hidden truths. Such a person is Mary Sutherland. She is a natural- born networker in all she does --- from her Burlington Vortex Conferences and Sci’Fi Café to her public talks and published books. Nowhere, however, is her gift for perception more developed than in her latest title.“  Frank Joseph . Joseph was nominated by Japan's Savant Society as Professor of World Archaeology. He was editor-in-chief of Ancient American Magazine from 1993 to 2007 and has traveled the world collecting research materials for his twenty-seven published books. "Mary Sutherland is not simply a reporter of all these phenomena; she lives them! As readers expect, her studies extend beyond her own experiences. The author and investigator often takes visitors on tours containing an inter-dimensional vortex and hosts yearly conferences and meet ups with many well known speakers on anomalous phenomena." What differentiates her book. Haunted Burlington Wisconsin , is that Sutherland includes her explanations of the unknown realms and phenomena with tips for heightening the reader's own psychic awareness. Readers who complete this dizzying journey may find they can no longer look at Burlington in exactly the same way. Perhaps, then, this book itself may be considered a vortex. and whether or not it actually transports you to another place, it will certainly draw you in." Linda Godfrey , award winning author on strange creatures, people and places. She has been featured guest on dozens of nation TV and radio shows, including Monsterquest, Sean Hannity's America, Lost Tapes, Inside Edition, Sy-fy's Haunted Highway, Monsters and Mysteries, Coast to Coast...and the list goes on!

i don't know

What was the van that Scooby Doo and friends travelled around in called?

Scooby-Doo and the Zombie's Treasure (Scooby-Doo Mysteries): James Gelsey: 9781599618968: Amazon.com: Books Scooby-Doo and the Zombie's Treasure (Scooby-Doo Mysteries) Customers Who Viewed This Item Also Viewed Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 This shopping feature will continue to load items. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading. Page 1 of 1 Start over Sponsored Products are advertisements for products sold by merchants on Amazon.com. When you click on a Sponsored Product ad, you will be taken to an Amazon detail page where you can learn more about the product and purchase it. To learn more about Amazon Sponsored Products, click here . Things You Find in a Dog's Stomach (That Might Be Missing!) Yelena Tebcherani A whimsical rhyme about the silliness of a puppy named Zeus as he learns about the world by eating everything around him. My Dad the Monster Hunter: Shadows in the Night John Cleveland Shadows are lurking, but dad is just a call away. He'll be there to save the night with some fun and his magic box of tricks! Months From Now (Our Imminent Future Series Book 1) Tom Schneider After 'an event' takes down the power grid 
a teen and his sisters struggle to stay alive, stay together and discover the truth. Ad feedback Special Offers and Product Promotions Editorial Reviews About the Author Gelsey, as a boy, used to run hom from school to watch the Scooby-Doo cartoons on television. Today he still enjoys watching them with his wife and daughter. He has a dog named Scooby. Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here , or download a FREE Kindle Reading App . New York Times best sellers Browse the New York Times best sellers in popular categories like Fiction, Nonfiction, Picture Books and more. See more Product Details Age Range: 7 - 10 years Grade Level: 1 - 5 Publisher: Spotlight (MN); Reinforced Lib Bound ed. edition (August 1, 2011) Language: English Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces ( View shipping rates and policies ) Average Customer Review: on May 29, 2007 Format: Spiral-bound Scooby-Doo and the Zombies Treasure is an exciting book creatively written by James Gelsey, who would run home from school to watch Scooby-Doo cartoons on TV only when he finished his homework. This book was published by Scholastic Inc. in the year 2000. Choosing to read a book full of silly monsters, I found that this book was especially thrilling because of jovial Scooby's funny antics. While the length of this Scooby-Doo book, 58 pages, was somewhat short, I found that the book captured my attention all night. The main character that appears in this hilarious book is Scooby Doo. Scooby is a dog that talks. Scooby and his best friend, who is Shaggy, eat a lot of food because they both love food and they almost always have an unlimited stash of food. Cheerfully, the story starts out with Scooby and Shaggy in the back of a van, which is called the Mystery Machine, and they are swiftly gorging on pizza while Fred is driving to a campsite. Fred is another main character along with Velma and Daphne. The gang solves mysteries. After driving they finally arrive at the campsite, which is in a forest, with a mansion nearby. When they get out of the van they meet another main character and his name is Jack who is almost exactly the opposite of rapacious. As soon as you begin to read the engrossing book you will see Shaggy and Scooby going to collect firewood, which they will use to roast marshmallows. Instead of finding firewood they will find a zombie. They get frightened because the zombie is terrifying and they run and hide behind a bush. At the same time Daphne goes on a nature hike and runs into Scooby and Shaggy hiding behind the bush. Daphne walks off and falls into a hole while trying to bravely investigate the scene. Read more ›

Scooby-Doo

Nov 30, 1835 saw the birth of what famed American humorist and novelist, known for works such as The Prince and the Pauper and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, along with some other famous works?

Amazon.com: Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!: The Complete Series: Scooby-Doo: Movies & TV By Alex on April 22, 2013 Format: DVD Verified Purchase There is some false information in the reviews for this. First off, this box set is not missing any episodes of the series "Scooby Doo, Where Are You!" The "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!" series originally ran for two seasons, broadcast from 1969-1970. Both of those seasons are here, amounting to 25 episodes. The success of the series lead to an hour-long series in 1972 called "The New Scooby-Doo Movies." This series is partially available on DVD, but is not included in this set. Scooby-Doo returned in 1976 with 16 new half-hour episodes that were paired with another Hannah-Barbara show (Dynomutt, Dog Wonder) in a series called "The Scooby-Doo/Dynomutt Hour." The 16 episodes were later retitled "The Scooby-Doo Show" for reruns and are sometimes referred to as Season 1 of that series. These episodes aren't included, but are available separately. In 1977, 8 more episodes were produced under a 2-hour package called "Scooby's All-Star Laugh-A-Lympics." These episodes were also rebroadcast as part of "The Scooby-Doo Show" and are referred to as Season 2 of that series. Scoobs also appeared in 16 30-minute segments of the "Laff-A-Lympics" series with other Hannah-Barbara characters. None of these episodes are in this set. Which leads to 1978, when 16 more episodes were produced under the name "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!" 8 of these episodes were broadcast with the original series' opening and closing credits. When the lineup changed, the remaining 8 were aired under a package called "Scooby's All Stars." Like the `76 and `77 episodes, when these episodes were reaired, they were listed as part of "The Scooby-Doo Show" and are often referred to as Season 3 of that series, in addition to being known as Season 3 of the original series. Read more ›

i don't know

Arboreal describes a creature which commonly lives in what?

Basic Arboreal Tarantula Husbandry | TARANTULAS.com Links Arboreal Tarantula Husbandry © 2005-2013, Michael Jacobi and ExoticFauna.com /ARACHNOCULTURE magazine. This article was originally printed as "The Basics of Arboreal Tarantula Husbandry" in ARACHNOCULTURE 1(2) in May 2005. It is presented here in its entirety with only a few minor corrections and additions. The new ARACHNOCULTURE E-ZINE version with photos and some expanded content can be viewed here . Introduction Above the ground we live upon exists a whole different world. While most birds, many insects and one mammal are capable of flight, the majority of the creatures that dwell above land inhabit vegetation, from tall grasses and short bushes to the canopy of the highest trees. The majority of theraphosid spiders, or tarantulas, live in or on the same ground where humans tread. Most dig burrows into the earth where they are protected from predators and live in a micro-environment often cooler and more humid than conditions at ground level. These species are called obligate burrowers. Other terrestrial tarantulas are more opportunistic and find shelter in burrows or scrapes created by other animals, natural crevices in the earth, or beneath leaf litter, fallen branches and other ground cover. Still other tarantulas have adapted to a lifestyle above the ground. These arboreal, or tree-dwelling, species have a lighter build with thinner bodies and longer legs with increased tarsal scopulation. That is, their legs are flatter and have thick setae ("hair") on the edges of their metatarsi and tarsi, the last two segments of their legs. This increased surface area at the ends of their legs allows them to effortlessly climb any surface, while their light build gives them increased agility and protects them from falls. Arboreal tarantulas also differ in habits. Some live in low vegetation such as high grasses, bushes and palm fronds [e.g., Heteroscodra]. Others live in the trees themselves, seeking shelter among the leaves or epiphytic plants like bromeliads [e.g., Avicularia], or live in tree hollows or holes created by birds or insects [e.g., Poecilotheria]. Due to habitat destruction many Poecilotheria, the ornamental tarantulas or tiger spiders, are often found living in dead trees. The specialization of the arboreal tarantulas requires that their captive husbandry be modified from that of obligate burrowing, opportunistic burrowing or terrestrial species. Their housing should be vertically-oriented — tall instead of wide — with retreats that approximate those of their natural habitat. Their habits and reduced tendency to dig or otherwise rearrange their enclosure makes them ideal tarantulas for beautiful naturalistic vivaria with live plants. This article details methods for creating a captive environment appropriate for the care and breeding of arboreal theraphosid spiders. Simple Cage Construction Rearing Containers I raise early instar arboreal theraphosids in 20 or 50 dram clear vials, later moving young of 1.5 in [38 mm] legspan to 32 oz. [1 liter] clear Solo® deli cups. The approximate dimensions of the containers are: 20 dram — 1.5 in [38 mm] diameter x 2.7 in [68 mm] high; 50 dram — 1.9 in [48 mm] x 4.25 in [108 mm]; 32 oz. [1 l] cup — 4.5 in [114 mm] x 5.75 in [146 mm]. (NOTE: Since this article was originally written several years ago I have discontinued using vials for all but the smallest of arboreal tarantula spiders. Now preferred are the insect-lid style deli cups that are used for raising fruit flies. These are like the aforementioned deli cups, but have a ventilated lid with large diameter holes that are covered by a soft fabric. This allows for increased ventilation while preventing spider escape or the entrance of pest flies, etc. When using these well-ventilated containers more careful attention must be paid to maintaining sufficient humidity, but the flip side is that they dry quickly and stagnant conditions are usually prevented. Even for small second instar Avicularia spiderlings, I use the comparatively large 24 oz. insect cup and fill it 1/3-1/2 with substrate like coco coir and then add a layer of damp sphagnum moss. These containers are available from Superior Enterprise and other sources. See the Product Listing at the end of this article.) Elsewhere in this article I write of the use of beneficial organisms living in the substrate, but in the very small confined space of the rearing container I prefer more sterile conditions and use a slightly damp mixture of coconut coir [e.g., T-Rex® Forest Bed™, Zoo Med® Eco Earth™] and horticultural vermiculite [3 parts to 1]. Many young arboreal tarantulas will burrow or create a silken tube that continues below the surface. This mix makes it easy for them to create these retreats. I add substrate to a depth of about 1/4 the container height and tamp it down firmly. A piece of cork bark is situated vertically in the cage and a small leaf or two of silk plant added. I do not use water dishes in these containers, but rather mist a spot away from the spider so that it may drink from the droplets. (See discussion of feeding and watering below.) Plastic Gallon Jars [e.g., Rubbermaid®] Clear plastic half-gallon and gallon jars, such as those made by Rubbermaid®, are excellent inexpensive containers for housing juvenile arboreal tarantulas or adults of some of the smaller species. (Note: The tall and rectangular clear cereal storage boxes are also very popular with arboreal tarantula keepers. They conserve on shelf space for those with large collections, and have handy lids with hinged smaller access doors. ) Drill several ventilation holes in the lid and use a soldering iron to put several holes about 2 in [5 cm] above the jar bottom and another series about 3/4 the jar height up from the bottom on opposite sides of the container. If you have problems with winged pests such as fruit or phorid flies affix microscreen (available from biological supply house across the inside each group of air holes. Alternatively, panty horsy or similar fabric can be used. Insect screening is only effective against larger pests; microscreen can be obtained from biological supply. As an alternative, panty hose or similar fabric can be used. I then add enough moderately moistened substrate to come up to about a half inch below the lower ventilation holes. I personally use garden soil (plain old dirt) or a 3:1 mix of coconut coir and coarse horticultural vermiculite, but top soil, untreated potting soil, sphagnum peat moss and vermiculite alone can also be used. Generally, I will add isopods, wood lice or other "ground cleaners" to the substrate. They will help with prey remnants, fungi, mold, etc. Some dry oak leaves and live moss can be added for both aesthetics and to contribute to the "living soil". I then use a glue gun to affix a 2 oz [60 ml] condiment cup [e.g., Solo® or Dixie®] about 2/3 the jar height from the bottom, just below the upper ventilation holes. Two cups are needed - one will be glued to the side and become the holder, the other will be the actual removable water dish. After sufficient time has passed to allow the glue to set, I add the second water dish and put a silk plant leaf or flat rock inside to prevent prey from drowning. Then I add the finishing touches — the retreats for the spiders. These are made from bamboo, cork bark slabs or tubes and silk plants. The ratio of one to the other depends on the type of arboreal spider housed. For Avicularia I use plenty of silk plant and less wood; for Poecilotheria I primarily use bamboo and cork bark slabs or tubes and just use a touch of silk plant for decoration. A hollow bamboo piece with a round or oval entrance hole cut in the side is perhaps the ideal retreat for Poecilotheria as it resembles the tree holes they naturally inhabit. In between are the half bark/half plant habitats for Psalmopoeus, Tapinauchenius, Heteroscodra, Stromatopelma, etc. This type of jar should provide plenty of ventilation while retaining some level of humidity. It is important to prevent damp conditions and additional air holes should be added as needed to ensure the earth becomes somewhat dry between "watering". Well fed spiders with access to fresh water will survive dry conditions quite well, whereas dampness and stagnant air will quickly lead to trouble. I re-moisten the substrate periodically by either misting or carefully overflowing the water dish when refilling. Misting has gotten a bad reputation in arachnoculture because for most it implies overly wet, stagnant conditions or irritating the spider. However, those are the result of improper or excessive misting. I avoid spraying the spider and lightly mist the side opposite of it and the water that trickles down the jar rehydrates the substrate. When there are silken tube retreats, such as with Avicularia, I try to allow droplets to form on the silk if I can avoid the spider. 10 Gallon Aquaria For spiders in excess of 4 in [10 cm] legspan I use 10 gallon aquaria oriented vertically [stood on end]. For the front I use ESU® screen covers with latching doors [ESU® #22105 (see product listing at end of article)]. I lay the screen top upside down on a table and use heavy duty clear packing tape to neatly cover all of the screen (sticky side out), except for the door. This will help prevent the rapid moisture loss and cover most of the screen, reducing the hazard of "tarsal claws" becoming stuck in the screen. If your tanks are housed in a humid area it might be necessary to remove some of the tape to provide good ventilation. A water dish is added in the same manner as for the gallon jar. That is, it is glued 2/3-3/4 the way up one side so it close to a perching spider. It should also be located towards the front door to enable easy access during refilling or cup replacement. However, for the glass tanks I use All-Glass® aquarium silicone sealant instead of hot glue. Hot glue can still be used and it will allow you to cleanly remove the dish holder if necessary, but eventually the dish will fall because the glue doesn't bond as well to glass as plastic. Often I will find the perfect piece of cork bark and place it in the tank prior to gluing the dish holder so that I can position the dish up against the cork, which will later allow the spider to rest on the bark while drinking. I use the same substrate — usually good old-fashioned dirt — and slope it towards the back so it is shallower in front and doesn't fall out before the cover (which is now the front) is added. Once again, dry leaves, moss and other forest litter can be added and live or silk plants and cork bark can be arranged as you choose. For Poecilotheria I wedge a 19.75 in [50.2 cm] length of 1.5-2 in [3.8-5 cm] diameter bamboo from bottom to top. An oval 1 inch wide and 2 inch high opening is cut into the bamboo about six inches from the top. (See discussion of retreats above.) The final step is to attach the screen cover, which has already been lined from the inside with clear packing tape except for the door. Electrical tape is perfect for this: it stretches tight and blends in with the frame of the cover and the black plastic molding of the aquarium itself. If the taping is done neatly it will hardly be noticeable. Hold the cover tight against the tank and wrap across the top frame and around the tank until you overlap the entire front again and cleanly cut the tape. Repeat this process around the bottom. Refer to my ARACHNOCULTURE E-ZINE CREATING AN ENCLOSURE FOR ARBOREAL TARANTULAS USING A VERTICALLY-ORIENTED 10 GALLON AQUARIUM for an illustrated and more comprehensive guide to creating this type of tarantula housing. NATURALISTIC VIVARIA CONSTRUCTION Whereas I house my Poecilotheria in the aforementioned 10-gallon aquarium setups, with silk plants and no lighting other than that of the room, I often create more elaborate vivaria for New World arboreal tarantulas, particularly Avicularia, which often create silk retreats among bromeliads or other plants and benefit from the natural humidity created by live plants. Live plants require light, and unlike basic cages containing fake plants, the first consideration with naturalistic vivaria will be the addition of a light source. A variety of plants will do well in low light conditions, but some artificial light will be required to keep any flora alive, including live moss ground cover. Because tarantulas are nocturnal and usually shun bright light, it is best to use small compact fluorescent tubes for lighting and use fixtures small enough to allow a darker area in part of the cage. Expensive high ultraviolet fluorescent tubes designed for reptiles are unnecessary for arachnids, and a number of bulbs available at home centers will be sufficient for lighting and plant growth, including plant and aquarium, "sunshine" or "daylight", and cool white bulbs. Incandescent bulbs should be avoided as they waste much of the energy in the form of heat, which is often undesirable for tarantula husbandry. A thorough discussion of using live plants and substrate is beyond the scope of this article. In short, I like to use dirt on the bottom and slope it towards the back of the vivarium. Live plants can either be placed in this soil or left in small pots that will be hidden by the substrate. After adding the plants I cover the soil with a 1/2 in [13 mm] layer of damp orchid moss (sphagnum). On top of the orchid moss base is the third substrate layer — live moss. The orchid moss provides a bedding for the live moss to root in and wick moisture. Live moss placed directly on soil usually does not flourish and may die before long. Numerous plants can be used as long as they are rinsed of any pesticides or insecticides. Unless you have a great deal of experience with terrarium plants I recommend you stick to inexpensive and hardy plants from your local home center. Sansieveria, commonly known as the Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law's Tongue, requires a good deal of light, but has sturdy vertical leaves. Bromeliads such as Neoregelia or Aechmea are good, especially for Avicularia tarantulas. Good plants for lower light conditions include Pothos and Rhododendron. Other decorations for naturalistic vivaria include those used in basic enclosures, such as cork bark, hollow logs and driftwood. When I collect live moss I also find a great deal of nice hollow limbs covered in moss and lichens. Natural-looking water dishes can be found at reptile shops and, with the help of aquarium-safe silicone sealant, attached to the side of the enclosure in a position where it is also supported from below by a vertical log or bark piece. (NOTE: The above photo shows a naturalistic vivarium created using a custom white acrylic arboreal cage from Herpcages.com. Since this article was written both Exo-Terra® and Zoo-Med® have released glass terraria that are also excellent for creating naturalistic homes for arboreal tarantulas and I have extensively used the Exo-Terra® PT-2602 model that is eighteen inches tall and twelve inches square.) Feeding and Watering I list feeding and watering together because I consider them to be two halves of a very important whole. Nourishment and hydration go hand in hand, and animals of all kinds receive much, if not all, of the water their bodies use from what they eat. Feeding often will all but eliminate the risk of dehydration. A frequent error made in arboreal tarantula husbandry is over watering, whether by soaked substrate, heavy misting or reduced ventilation in an attempt to provide "sufficient humidity". Humidity is a measure of moisture contained in the air, not one of substrate wetting or air exchange. Natural humidity comes from live plants and evaporating water dishes, and hydration comes from food and drink. A well fed spider is a hydrated spider. Still, every tarantula large enough to have a dish should have one filled at all times. The housing suggestions above describe different ways of providing elevated water bowls for arboreal tarantulas. Only spiders housed in rearing containers need water provided by other means. Misting, when correctly done, provides a simulation of rainfall and allows the spiders to drink from droplets as they would naturally. There are two things to avoid when misting: spraying the spider and saturating the substrate. A light misting that allows droplets to form on the vivarium sides and contents is all that is needed. If the substrate has not dried 24 hours later, the quantity of water used when misting must be reduced. Arboreal tarantulas will accept most of the standard feeder insects such as roaches and crickets. Catching winged insects, such as katydids and moths, can provide some variety. Many larger arboreal tarantulas will eat lizards (e.g., anoles) and treefrogs, and even descend to the ground to snatch a nestling mouse or rat. As mentioned above, I am a firm believer in keeping tarantulas hydrated by feeding often. Frequency of feeding will depend on the type and size of prey offered, but I like to offer food, in my case primarily roaches, to spiderlings two or three times a week, juveniles once or twice a week, and adults weekly. In general, spiderlings will accept prey the length of their body once they have molted a few times, but should be offered prey slightly smaller than that for the early instar stages, especially for tiny young like Tapinauchenius. Ventilation In an effort to elevate relative humidity many keepers resort to reducing airflow through the vivarium. This is neither good for the spider or any live plants. Moisture can be easily added, but not removed. The use of live plants, full water dishes and appropriate misting will provide natural humidity for tarantulas. Stagnant air with poor ventilation will lead to a host of problems, including mites, flies, fungus and mold. I periodically spray a fair rainfall into my cages, but the substrate is not overly wet the following day. If low humidity is a problem I recommend using a room humidifier to increase the moisture in the air flowing through the vivarium rather than making things wetter within it. Heating My advice for heating vivaria for arboreal tarantulas is the same as that for all tarantulas; only provide supplemental heat if needed. In other words, having a warm room or closet is preferable than using heat tape or pads to provide heat, and as long as your tarantula is feeding well it is probably warm enough. In fact, in most cases, ambient (room) temperature is sufficient, especially if that room contains some reptile cages giving off their own heat. Generally, the hobbyist will have access to an area that fluctuates from 68-80°F [20-27°C]. If additional heat is required and cannot be provided with a space heater around the cages, heat mats or tape sold in reptile shops can be used, but should be controlled by a thermostat. For vertically-oriented tanks I like the small adhesive-backed mats such as the small or medium Exo-Terra™ Heat Wave Rainforest mounted to the middle of the back of the vivarium. A Brief Overview of Species Arboreal tarantulas are popularly considered to be only for experienced keepers due to their supposed delicate nature when young and their speed and temperament With the exception of some species of Avicularia, arboreal tarantulas are best kept with minimal keeper interaction and no handling. It is true that all species are very quick and some are very nervous. It is also true that some have what is believed to be the strongest of all tarantula venom, particularly the tiger spiders of Poecilotheria and their fellow Old World genera Heteroscodra and Stromatopelma. However, with a few considerations in mind most hobbyists will enjoy keeping these spiders. One is that a cage with a number of good retreats will typically result in a calmer spider that will run to hide rather than stand in defense. In a bare cage a startled tarantula may indeed run towards an exit made by opening the cage, but a well-designed cage will provide security that will be chosen over flight. Another is that servicing a cage should be performed with rubber-tipped forceps. Uneaten food, cast skins, and water cups can easily removed from a safe distance with this essential tool. There are a number of other tarantulas that either have arboreal tendencies when young, yet later become terrestrial or burrowing (e.g., Ephebopus, Hysterocrates gigas), and others that are semi-arboreal (Haploclastus, Cyriopagopus schioedtei, C. sp. "Singapore" (Lampropelma violaceopes) or occasional climbers, but they'll have to be covered in a future article. New World Avicularia — This genus contains some considerably docile species, such as A. avicularia and A. metallica, and are recommended for beginner arboreal tarantula keepers. Although jumpy, they are less so than many other congenerics (members of the same genus) and seldom bite when handled gently. Two species that generally have a more defensive nature and might very well bite are Avicularia braunshauseni and A. laeta. Avicularia are commonly referred to as "Pink Toes" or "Avics" and a number of species are available in the hobby including the technicolor A. versicolor and the big, woolly A. huriana. These spiders form silken tube retreats, often among vegetation, and quickly make nests in their cages. Avicularia spiderlings are usually easy to raise with the most common mistake being keeping them too damp. Avicularia may quickly dehydrate, but if they are fed often this risk is all but eliminated. A quick shower of a few droplets onto their silk retreat once or twice a week is recommended as well, but care must be taken to prevent constantly damp substrate. Iridopelma — This genus contains three species. I. hirsutum is the one most prevalent in arachnoculture, but it is far from common. Care and habits are similar to that of its cousin Avicularia. It is a nervous, fast-moving species. Pachistopelma — This genus contains two small species that are not common in captivity. Psalmopoeus — These spiders get large and usually have an attitude to match. From the orange-accented, olive P. cambridgei to the Halloween-colored P. irminia to the smaller and more somberly colored P. pulcher and P. reduncus, these are impressive and beautiful display spiders. If disturbed they will quickly rear-up and not hesitate to strike, but if left alone they tend to settle down and remain in their retreats during cage maintenance. Tapinauchenius — These are some of the fastest of all tarantulas. With the exception of T. gigas, they are generally smaller than other arboreal tarantulas except Pachistopelma and some dwarf species of Avicularia. Lacking the gaudy coloration of some of the other tree-dwelling theraphosids, "Taps" have a velvety sheen that ranges from bronze to silver to mahogany to purple. Spiderlings are small and require close attention. They should be fed often with small insects until they have molted several times. OLD WORLD Encyocratella olivacea (formerly Xenodendrophila gabrieli) — This Tanzanian arboreal has only been recently described and only a small number have entered the hobby. Heteroscodra — Only H. maculata is commonly found in the hobby. This grey ghost tends to build silk retreats towards the bottom of the cage, although some will spend a fair amount of time perched high on a vertical piece of bark. Stromatopelma — Similar to Heteroscodra in habits, albeit a bit more high-strung. The "red" color morph found in the hobby is an incredibly beautiful spider with feathery setae that gives it the common name of "Feather-leg Baboon Spider". Poecilotheria — The queen of arboreals, at least to this keeper. Many keepers fear these spiders because of their reputation for speed and the extremely painful bites reported by a number of hobbyists. P. regalis is the "classic" species of this genus and possibly the best species for the beginner, who should avoid the more easily agitated species like P. fasciata and P. ornata. However, when inside their cages and not provoked these tend to be among the calmer of the arboreals, much more so than Psalmopoeus irminia, for example. These are the largest of the arboreal tarantulas, with Poecilotheria ornata and P. rufilata capable of leg spans in excess of 8 or 9 in [20 or 22.5 cm]. Poecilotheria are among the most hardy of the arboreal tarantulas, tolerating somewhat dry conditions if provided with water and frequent food. Care should be taken that the three montane species [P. rufilata, P. smithi and P. subfusca] rare not kept dry for extended periods and are not exposed to temperatures exceeding that of a comfortable room. Product Listing ESU® screen cover with door, model 22105 — www.esuweb.com Exo-Terra® Glass Terrarium & Heat Mat — www.exo-terra.com EXPERIMENTAL HOUSING FOR MONTANE POECILOTHERIA SUGGESTED READING Allison, M. 1996. The keeping of Avicularia sp. in captivity. Journal of the British Tarantula Society 11(2): 55-57. Gabriel, R. 1998. Avicularia minatrix — some notes on husbandry, breeding & rearing. Journal of the British Tarantula Society 14(2): 47-49. Hull-Williams, V. 1988. Captive management and breeding (Poecilotheria regalis). Journal of the British Tarantula Society 4(2): 23-25. Jacobi, M. 2005. Experimental housing for montane "tiger spiders": Poecilotheria smithi and P. subfusca: a preliminary report with comments on P. rufilata. ARACHNOCULTURE 1(1): 30-41. Ross, L.K. 2001. Captive care and maintenance of arboreal baboon spiders (Stromatopelma and Heteroscodra). Journal of the British Tarantula Society 16(3): 95-102. Quick Info FREE TARANTULA CARE MOVIE! Read A Book! Before you purchase an exotic animal you should read a good concise book on the subject. Whether you are just considering a pet tarantula or already own a few, there are only three books we recommend. We don't sell them, but they are readily available from pet stores, online sellers and your public library. For your convenience we provide links here to Amazon.com's book pages. Be wary of other books, some of which are still found in pet stores but provide inaccurate information. Written by TARANTULAS.com's former manager Michael Jacobi, Animal Planet'sTarantulas is now available and is our first choice for a concise tarantula care book! Also recommended:

Tree

What brand of rum is advertised with the slogan To Life, Love, and Loot, and features a buccaneer?

Olinguito the newest rare mammal species discovery - CNN.com Olinguito the newest rare mammal species discovery By Elizabeth Landau, CNN Updated 12:21 PM ET, Fri August 16, 2013 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. Photos: Photos: Olinguito, new mammal on the block Olinguito, new mammal on the block – The olinguito (Bassaricyon neblina) is the first mammalian carnivore species to be discovered in the Americas in 35 years, scientists at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington said . Hide Caption 1 of 7 Photos: Photos: Olinguito, new mammal on the block Olinguito, new mammal on the block – Smithsonian scientist Kristofer Helgen spent 10 years studying museum specimens and tracking animals in the wild in the cloud forests of Ecuador. The research led to the discovery of the olinguito as its own species. Hide Caption 2 of 7 Photos: Photos: Olinguito, new mammal on the block Olinguito, new mammal on the block – The olinguito used to be mistaken for the olingo, its sister species. Here is an olingo at the private reserve of Paz de las Aves (Peace of the Birds) near Nanegalito, Ecuador. Hide Caption 3 of 7 Photos: Photos: Olinguito, new mammal on the block Olinguito, new mammal on the block – This Western lowland olingo (Bassaricyon medius) can be found in the same general geographic area as the olinguito. Hide Caption 4 of 7 Photos: Photos: Olinguito, new mammal on the block Olinguito, new mammal on the block – The olinguito, shown here, is smaller and has a more rounded face than the olingo. Scientists say it is the smallest member of the raccoon family. Hide Caption 5 of 7 Photos: Photos: Olinguito, new mammal on the block Olinguito, new mammal on the block – Scientists have documented the olinguito in cloud forest habitats in Colombia and Ecuador, but future research could find the species in other South American countries. Hide Caption 6 of 7 Photos: Photos: Olinguito, new mammal on the block Olinguito, new mammal on the block – Both the olingo -- shown here -- and the olinguito live in trees. Hide Caption The olinguito weighs about 2 pounds and is 2.5 feet long This creature lives in cloud forests in Ecuador and Colombia Previously it was mistaken for its sister species, the olingo A small mammal with fluffy red-orange fur, a short bushy tail, and an adorable rounded face has leapt onto the raccoon family tree. Scientists at the Smithsonian in Washington announced Thursday the discovery of a new species of mammal called the olinguito (pronounced oh-lin-GHEE-toe). If you're a fan of long technical names, this one is Bassaricyon neblina. Such a discovery is rare. The olinguito is the first mammalian carnivore species to be newly identified in the Americas in 35 years, according to Kristofer Helgen, curator of mammals at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. His research group's study on the creature is being published in the journal ZooKeys . Researchers argue that the olinguito should be considered the smallest living member of the raccoon family, which includes other animals that make us go "awww" such as coatis and kinkajous . The Smithsonian describes the olinguito's appearance as a cross between a house cat and a teddy bear. Cats, bears, and olinguitos belong to the Carnivora order . JUST WATCHED MUST WATCH Hiding in plain sight 03:14 This animal had been seen before by humans, Helgen said, but it had been "a case of mistaken identity." "It was in museums, it's been in zoos, and its DNA had even been sequenced, but no one had connected the pieces and looked close enough to realize, basically, the significance of this remarkable and this beautiful animal," Helgen said. Previously, scientists had assumed that olinguitos were members of their sister species, the olingos, Helgen said. Olingos are larger, less furry and have longer faces than the newly discovered species. Tracking the olinguito Helgen began his detective work in pursuit of the new species when he set out about a decade ago to comprehensive study of olingos. Behind the scenes at the Chicago Field Museum in 2003, he remembers pulling out a drawer of skins and skulls that didn't look like any animal he had ever seen before, or that had been reported by zoologists. The teeth and skull were smaller and shaped differently than olingos, and the coat was denser. Records indicated to Helgen that such specimens came from the northern Andes about 5,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level, which is much higher than olingo habitats. Helgen and colleagues worked with Miguel Pinto, a zoologist in Ecuador, who had shot a few seconds of video that appeared to depict the animal. They teamed up in Ecuador in 2006, using Pinto's knowledge of cloud forest habitats to pick the best spots to investigate. Cloud forests are "cloaked in fog," Helgen said. On their very first night on the pursuit, the team found a real, living olinguito. Seeing the fluffy tree-dweller for the first time, Helgen felt "sheer elation, just incredible excitement but at the same time almost disbelief. This animal had been missed by everyone." Even people who live in the Andes had the same confusion about olinguitos being olingos, because humans don't hunt them and the creatures stay in the trees, Helgen said. Ancient primate could be a missing link How it lives The researchers found out that the olinguito primarily eats fruits, but also insects and nectar, and its activity is mostly at night. The animal lives in the trees and can jump from one to another. Mothers raise a single baby at a time. At about 2.5 feet long from nose tip to tail tip, the olinguito weighs about 2 pounds and is a little smaller than a house cat. DNA analysis confirmed that while olinguitos and olingos both belong to the raccoon family, they are "sister groups," in the same way that humans are closely related to chimpanzees. The olinguito's misty high-elevation habitats in Colombia and Ecuador, and the tendency for the animal to stay in the trees, have helped keep the species relatively obscure to scientists until now, Helgen said. It turns out, according to Helgen, there are four subspecies of olinguitos, differing in color -- shades of reds, orange and browns -- and size and living in various sections of the Andes. New species of mice, bats and shrews are more commonly discovered, but these animals are tiny and hard to tell apart, Helgen said. Prior to the olinguito, the most recent mammal to be discovered in the Americas was a small weasel from the Andes -- the same area and habitat where the olinguitos live, he said. "It shows us that there's a long way to go to exploring the whole world, but especially maybe these cloud forests," Helgen said. More olinguitos may be found in other South American countries with cloud forests in the future, according to the Smithsonian. The olinguito is not yet considered an endangered species, but there are threats to its home environment, Helgen said. Many have such forests been chopped down. "We also kind of hope that in telling this story to the world about the olinguito, that this beautiful new animal serves as something of an ambassador for those embattled cloud forest habitats." The zoo olinguito Helgen's group has "discovered" the olinguito, but it been evolving as an independent species for about 3 to 4 million years, he said. One olinguito whose history Helgen's group studied was exhibited in the United States during its lifetime as if it were an olingo. The creature came from the mountains of Colombia to the Louisville Zoo in 1967, courtesy of a German couple with a love of raccoon family members, Helgen said. It was also in the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington and the Bronx Zoo, where it passed away. DNA from this olinguito shows that it is clearly not an olingo, Helgen said. The wife of the animal's keeper told Helgen, "We always thought there was something strange about that olingo," he said. She told Helgen this particular animal moved from zoo to zoo because she wouldn't breed with the olingos around her. "It wasn't because she was fussy, it was because she was not at all even the same species," Helgen said. With the olinguito research announcement, the oddball animal's aloofness has been vindicated.

i don't know

Popularized in a speech by Winston Churchill, what was the popular name for the ideological and physical boundary between Western and Eastern Europe during the Cold War?

ncvpsapwh / Chapter 32: Cold War Identifications - Cold War (chapter 32): Tehran, Yalta, and Potsdam Conferences (overview) -  last week - thanks Andrew (from other section)!  - Tehran:  the Big Three (USSR, Britain, and US) agreed on the invasion of Nazi-occupied France over the objections of Churchill, who desired a Mediterranean-based invasion that would give Britain spheres of influence in Eastern Europe following the war’s conclusion (this decision would lead to the creation of the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War); a United Nations Organization was tentatively agreed to; the USSR pledged to support the Pacific Theater campaign after Hitler was defeated    - Yalta:  the three powers agreed to divide Germany into four occupation zones; tensions arose when discussing the future of Eastern Europe as the Western powers foresaw the development of tensions with the USSR; it was confirmed that a United Nations would be created; Roosevelt pressed Stalin for support in its war against Japan    - Potsdam:  the only conference to take place after the war’s conclusion; Truman replaced Roosevelt as the US representative, and Clement Attlee replaced Churchill; Russian forces occupied most of eastern Germany, so it was agreed that the USSR could take over much of eastern Poland; Germany was divided pending a final peace treaty (which would be signed more than 40 years later); treaties were hammered out for Germany’s allies, but the USSR and the US signed separate treaties with Japan    - The stage was set by these three conferences for “decolonization” and the confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union     Partition of Germany - D. Holter After Germany's defeat in World War II, the Allies and the Soviet Union divided its territory into controlled zones, as well as returning captured lands to their original owners. Germany was half occupied by Britain, France, and the US, and half occupied by the Soviet Union, with Berlin being split up in a similar fashion, despite being inside the Soviet zone.    - Soviet forces kept a tight watch on border control and German emigration. - The Berlin Wall was built to further divide Germany. - Allied Berlin was surrounded on all sides by Soviets. - Germany was officially reuinified on October 3, 1990.   Division of Europe/Iron Curtain Speech - Jordan Hubbard ·         The Iron Curtain was a symbolic, ideological, and physical boundary dividing Europe after the end of WWII in 1945 until the end of the Cold War in 1991. ·         The Iron Curtain divided Europe into East and West. ·         Eastern Europe consisted of the Soviet Union which annexed Eastern Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, part of eastern Finland, northern Romania. The Soviet Union made East Germany, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Albania satellite states. ·         The communist Eastern Bloc had military and economic alliances such as COMECON and the Warsaw pact while Western Europe had NATO. ·         Winston Churchill popularized the phrase “iron curtain” in his “Sinews of Peace” speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri on March 5, 1946. ·         A famous quote from his speech is, “from Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent." ·         "Iron Curtain." Wikipedia. 2 Apr 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Curtain>. This is a political cartoon of Winston Churchill looking under the Iron Curtain.   United Nations (1950s) – Andrew Steiner     -        The idea to create a United Nations organization was confirmed at the Yalta Conference, the last of the wartime conferences between the US, Britain, and the USSR -        The goal of this new organization was to be more representative of the world’s peoples and create a more lasting peace without the blatant disregard for the losers that existed in the Treaty of Versailles -        51 countries were original members of this body, either by actively fighting against the Axis powers or by signing declarations of alliances with the Allied Nations towards the beginning of 1945 -        The US, Britain, France, USSR, and China comprised the UN Security Council’s permanent nations; each retained a veto power to maintain control over UN actions and moderate the intentions of opposing factions (i.e. the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War would veto policies overly favorable to the other) -        Has helped to reduce violent conflict and provide refugee relief around the world -        Has sponsored conferences critical to shaping policies affecting child labor, women’s rights, and environmental protection   The United Nations headquarters on the East River in New York City.   "History of the United Nations." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.. 2 Apr 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_United_Nations>. Stearns, Adas, Schwartz, and Gilbert, World Civilizations: The Global Experience. 4th. Pearson Education, Inc., 2005.   Berlin Blockade and Airlift – Cameron Tripp The USSR was afraid of a strong Germany They had been invaded by Germany twice They blocked off all land and rail routes into West Berlin People had to rely on stored food or else starve to death The Soviets thought the plan was working The Western powers began an enormous airlift effort They brought 5,000 tons of supplies a day The plan backfired in three ways: It made the West wary of the USSR It accelerated the Allied powers plans for an independent West Germany It helped create NATO, an American-Western European Military Alliance   "Berlin Blockade." PBS. PBS. 4 Apr 2009 http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/bomb/peopleevents/pandeAMEX49.html . The Berlin Airlift saved many people from dying of starvation, Truman Doctrine -Rebecca Overcash   The Truman Doctrine arose from a speech delivered by President Truman before a joint session of Congress on March 12, 1947. President Harry S. Truman established that the United States would provide political, military and economic assistance to all democratic nations under threat from external or internal authoritarian forces. The immediate cause for the speech was a recent announcement by the British Government that it would no longer provide military and economic assistance to the Greek Government in its civil war against the Greek Communist Party. Because of this, Truman felt like it was the United States duty to defend and help out nations that needed it. Truman asked for $400,000,000 for this aid program, mostly for Greece and Turkey.   President Truman delivering his speech later known as the Truman Doctrine.   "The Truman Doctrine, 1947." U.S. Department of State. 13 Apr 2009 <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/cwr/82210.htm>.   Marshall Plan- JC Bunch The Marshall Plan was the primary plan of the United States for rebuilding and creating a stronger foundation for the countries of Western Europe, and repelling communism after World War II.  The initiative was named for Secretary of state George Marshall and was largely the creation of State Department officials, especially William L. Clayton and George F. Kenna George Marshall NATO and Warsaw Pact -  Taylor McAlister -NATO stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed in 1949 under the leadership of the U.S. if one was attacked, all in NATO would defend it purpose was to group most Western European powers and Canada in a defensive alliance against possible USSR aggression. used to rearm West Germany for resisitance to communism also allowed the placing of U.S. military in NATO nations and West Germany was leading forces in Korean War and Vietnam War Members: U.S., Canada, Great Britian, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Italy, Turkey, Greece, West Germany, and others small countries Is still around to this day   the response to the NATO alliance Soviet Union formed this among its Eastern European countries signed together in Warsaw, Poland in 1955 if one country was attacked, all would help it consisted of Albania (withdrew in 1961, formally in 1968), Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, East Germany, Poland (of course), Romania, and the USSR dissolved in 1991 at the last meeting in Prague   This represents the countries that were in the NATO and Warsaw Pact alliances.  NATO=blue.  Warsaw Pact=red. "Warsaw Pact." Wikipedia 2 Apr 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warsaw_Pact>.   Containment Policy and Domino Theory- Toomey ·         The  “containment” notion was born off of the Domino Theory ·         The Domino Theory consisted of the belief that if one country became communist, the surrounding ones would too. ·         containment defined the Truman Doctrine ·         American intervention in the Greek Civil War resulted in the Truman Doctrine, the policy of aiding nations defending themselves against communist forces. ·         What became known as the Domino Theory  was soon created. ·         Congress was persuaded to accept responsibility for supporting countries under communist pressure, i.e. containment.   "The Domino Theory." Travel & History. 2 Apr 2009 <http://www.u-s-         history.com/pages/h1965.html>.   Korean War (basic, broad overview) - Evan Hoke The Korean War was a conflict between Communist and non-communist forces in Korea from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953. This conflict took place from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953. Korea was divided at the 38th parallel into Soviet (North Korean) and U.S. (South Korean) zones of occupation at the end of WWII. Rival governments were established in 1948. The Republic of Korea was proclaimed in the South and the People's Democratic Republic of Korea in the North. The Korean War did prove to be a long and bloody war, though it did not escalate into a world war. The greatest burden of the war fell on the shoulders of the United States. Photos of the Korean War Veterans Memorial.   Photo: "12 Monuments Dedicated to Death and Destruction: From War Memorials to Military Sculptures." 08 MAY 2008 6 Apr 2009. Info: "Korean War - 1950-53." (1998) 6 Apr 2009.   Vietnam War (basic, broad overview) - Will Boggs The Vietnam War has many different names depending on your location. Some parts of the world refer to the Vietnam War as the Second IndoChina War. However the people in Vietnam call the war the American War. The war occurred in Laos and Cambodia from 1955 to 1975. The war was between North Vietnam supported by its communist allies and South Vietnam           which was supported by the United States and members of the SEATO. The Vietcong, the forces of South Vietnam, fought a largely guerilla warfare tactics style. They also relied mainly on the superior air power. The North Vietnam army fought a more conventional war style dedicating many troops to its attacks. The reason that the United States entered the war was to continue its plan of containment.  THey did not want communist forces to take over South Korea. In January 1973 there was a treaty signed however fighting still existed. Eventually in 1975 North Korea captured Saigon and this reunited South and North Korea. In the Vietnam war between 3 to 4 million Vietnamese people were killed, 1.5 to 2 million Laotians and Cambodians, and 58,189 United States soldiers.   This is a South Vietnamese air force. The South Vietnamese relied heavily on their aerial dominance in this war.   "Vietnam War." Wikipedia. 1 Apr 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_War>.     Born in Kaliknovka on April 15, 1894 to peasant parents Served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1964, following the death of Josef Stalin Helped facilitate the “de-Stalinization” of the Soviet Union and inspired a few liberal reforms in agriculture and foreign policy In 1961, he approved the plans for the Berlin wall, and construction began later the same year He was resigned from office in 1964 Khrushchev died on September 11, 1971 of a heart attack   A photograph of Nikita Khrushchev in his uniform. He looks kind of goofy.   "Nikita Khrushchev." Wikipedia. 1 Apr 2009. 1 Apr 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikita_Krushchev>.   Nuclear Arms Race  (basic, broad overview) - MAD and deterrence -    Soviet Invasion of Hungary-Abby Pardue Began with a Hungarian student rally in Budapest in favor of Polish efforts to win autonomy from Soviet forces. When the police attacked, rallying students fought back by destroying Soviet symbols. Soviet troops entered Hungary on October 24 and on November 1, they surrounded the borders and closed the country.   This is a picture of Soviet Soldiers. "Soviet Invasion of Hungary." Global Security. Global Security. 2 Apr 2009 <http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/hungary.htm>. Suez Crisis -  Suez Crisis – R Stewart ·         Began July 26, 1956 when Egyptian President, Gamal Abdel Nasser, decided to nationalize the Suez Canal   ·         France and Britain planned to intervene, while Israel planned an invasion of Egypt   ·         Against the urging of US President Eisenhower, Israel proceeded to attack Egypt on Oct. 29   ·         Britain and France mobilized their forces with intentions of occupation, demanding that Egypt and Israel move their forces at least 10 miles from the Canal   ·         British and French forces began attacking Egypt with air raids on October 31   ·         To this point, the United States had mobilized three attack carries and was primarily concerned with the safe evacuation of US nationals from the area   ·         On November 5th, the Soviet Union became involved saying that they would use whatever force necessary to maintain peace   -Built on August 13, 1961 -Divided West Berlin (democratic) and East Berlin (Communist) -West Berlin was run by the Americans, British, and French and East Berlin was run by the Soviet Union -96 mi barbed wire barricade and concrete wall with an average height of 11.8 ft -Three checkpoints: Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie -Main function of the checkpoint was to register and inform members of the Western Military Forces before entering East Berlin -Mass demonstrations against the government in East Germany began at the end of September until November 1989 -At 10:30 pm November 9, 1989 at the Bornholmer Strasse, East Berliners demanded passageway and it was granted, ending the Berlin Wall and the separation of East and West Berlin -Pieces of the Wall remain still remain though only for historical reasons On the East side of the Berlin Wall people were not able to get up close to the wall but on the West, as you can see, Berliners took great joy in spray painting the Wall. Dailysoft: IT-Consulting, Photography, Berlin and Berlin Wall information. 14 Apr. 2009 <http://www.dailysoft.com/berlinwall/>. Cuban Missile Crisis - Meghan Edwards   -confrontation between United States, Soviet Union, and Cuba in early 1960s   -also referred to as "Carribbean Crisis" and "October Crisis"   -Khrushev (Soviet Union) placed military missiles in Cuba.    -Kennedy's response was to set up a naval blockade and have Khrushev remove the missiles.   -United States feared Soviet communisitc expansion into Cuba   -"Operation Mongoose" was a series of covert operations against Castro's government   -this is the closest that the world has ever come to nuclear war   Prague Spring and the Soviet Invasion of Czechoslovakia -  Brezhnev Doctrine -   John Caudle Soviet foreign policy to justify their invasion of Czechoslovakia It went against some earlier Soviet military expeditions The policy uplifted socialist efforts and condemned capitalist ones They hoped to maintain the eastern bloc as a buffer from the West Preserve the Warsaw Pact so that the Soviet Union would be supported by other communist regions This policy designated the rights of the Soviet Union to define communism and socialism and to uphold them Treaties followed the passage of the policy to ensure Soviet communist power over other communist states   This is a map of what the Brezhnev Doctrine justified for the Soviet Union.  They used over 500,000 troops when invading Czechoslovakia.   Halsall, Paul. "Modern History Book: The Brezhnev Doctrine, 1968." 1997. Fordham. 1 Apr 2009 <http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1968brezhnev.html>.   Wilde, Robert. "Brezhnev Doctrine." About.com. 2008. About.com. 1 Apr 2009 <http://europeanhistory.about.com/od/glossary/g/glbrezhnevdoct.htm>    Detente - Dalyn Bellingham French term meaning " the relaxation of strained relations or tensions" Applied to international situations where previously hostile nations not involved in an open war relax tensions through diplomacy and policies Generally refers to the de-escalation of hostility between the Soviet Union and United States and the closing of the Cold War from 1960s to 1980s      Reasons for Relaxing Tensions Soviet leadership felt that the economic burden of the nuclear arms race was too much America was facing economic trouble through their involvement in Vietnam and Lyndon Johnson sought to improve the government welfare state Reagan and Gorbachev meeting in 1985 "Cold War." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 29 Mar 2009, 23:23 UTC. 2 Apr 2009 < http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cold_War&oldid=280524939 >. "Détente." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 18 Mar 2009, 06:51 UTC. 2 Apr 2009 < http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=D%C3%A9tente&oldid=278051780 >. Afghan War - Josh Broach The Soviet conflict in Afghanistan was sparked when the Soviet’s invaded supporting the Marxist   mujahideen rebels were supported by several Muslim nations and the United States.   Occupation by the Soviets began in 1979 with the occupation of Kabul and major urban centers. Their objective was to remove the rebels from the country and establish the communist government as dominant.   The CIA and Jimmy Carter had undergone the secret signing of operations to traffic in weapons to the communist fighters.   Mainly Guerilla warfare ensued and the terrain, foreign assistance, and shear size of the country made it impossible for the Soviets to tame all corners of the nation.   Operation Cyclone, the funding by the US to Pakistan to fight the Soviets was a total success as other nations including the UK and the PRC contributed greatly to the war effort, over a billion dollars a year was supplied to the fighters from all foreign nations considered. Around 1987 the Soviets had been defeated in almost every aspect that they began the withdrawal. Overall it was peaceful because they came to terms with local mujahideen who allowed them safe passage back home by 1989.    The end of the war signaled the end of détente and the Geneva Accords guaranteed total soviet withdrawal and the peace in Pakistan and Afghanistan.   The government however still laid in ruin as there was still civil strike between the two original groups.   The war was commonly compared to the United State's Vietnam because a much smaller and less resourcesful nation dominated a superpower.   "Soviet war in Afghanistan." Wikipedia. Wikipedia. 6 Apr 2009.   Soviet modernization and industrialization of Eastern Europe - Andrei Sakharov, Alexander Sozhenitsyn, and the Soviet dissident movement -  Lech Walesa and Solidarity - Kim Martinez Lech Walesa – Polish politician & co-founder of Solidarity   ·                     1980 - Led occupational strike of 17,000 shipbuilders at Gdansk Shipyard – this constituted foundation of Solidarity   ·                     Solidarity was 1st non-communist trade union in a communist country   o       Advocated non-violence   o       The strike & subsequent Solidarity led to imposition of martial law as an attempt of the communist government to crush political opposition against communist control in Poland – Walesa was arrested and imprisoned 11 months   o       Ideas of Solidarity spread throughout Poland and Eastern block countries – influenced strengthening of anti-communist ideals and movements, which in turn caused weakening of communist governments and ultimately contributed to the collapse of the Soviet  Union   ·                     1983 – Walesa awarded Nobel Peace Prize   ·                     1989 – Walesa awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom   ·                     1990 – 1995 – Walesa served as President of Poland    Lech Walesa with world leaders "Lech Walesa ." Wikipedia. Wikipedia. 3 Apr 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lech_Wa%C5%82%C4%99sa>.   Collapse of the Soviet Union (basic, broad overview) - Andrew Craver         Started collapsing in 1985         There were many failed attempts at reform due to people being unsatisfied with the government, but the government was still too strong for the people to overturn.         SU was likely spread too thin.  The government was no longer capable of providing their people with the proper day-to-day needs.         Finally after finally, realizing they had lost power, the Communist power gave up control on 07 February 1990.         15 SSR republics held there first elections over the next few weeks.         After this the SU slowly began to deteriorate, eventually falling into failure by 31 December 1991.  (All Communist Soviet Union officials were removed by this date)   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collapse_of_Soviet_Union ending it http://images.ask.com/fr?q=USSR+Collapse&desturi=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azer.com%2Faiweb%2Fcategories%2Fmagazine%2F43_folder%2F43_articles%2F43_poster.html&fm=i&ac=13&ftURI=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.ask.com%2Ffr%3Fq%3DUSSR%2BCollapse%26desturi%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.azer.com%252Faiweb%252Fcategories%252Fmagazine%252F43_folder%252F43_articles%252F43_poster.html%26imagesrc%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.azer.com%252Faiweb%252Fcategories%252Fmagazine%252F43_folder%252F43_photos%252F43_poster4.jpg%26thumbsrc%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fimgtn2.ask.com%252Fts%253Ft%253D772551172621650249%2526pid%253D23296%2526ppid%253D6%26o%3D0%26l%3Ddir%26initialURL%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.ask.com%252Fpictures%253Fl%253Ddir%2526o%253D0%2526q%253DUSSR%252520Collapse%2526qsrc%253D0%2526qid%253D63ECFB10FB323ABE12E077DBDC70FC26%2526pstart%253D18%2526page%253D2%26thumbuselocalisedstatic%3Dfalse%26fn%3D43_poster4.jpg%26imagewidth%3D147%26imageheight%3D216%26fs%3D23%26ft%3Djpg%26f%3D2%26fm%3Di%26ftbURI%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.ask.com%252Fpictures%253Fq%253DUSSR%252BCollapse%2526page%253D2%2526o%253D0%2526l%253Ddir%2526pstart%253D18&qt=0     *****EXTRA CREDIT opportunity**: There are more terms/concepts this week than students in the class. I need your help completing the extra terms/concepts. You can claim ONE additional term/concept to complete - it's first come, first serve. You will receive up to 25 extra credit points towards this assignment (classwork/homework category) for the extra effort.   - April 26, 1986, Ukraine, then part of the USSR - Considered worst Nuclear power plant disaster in history   - USSR didn't admit the accident until nuclear alarms detected the radiation were set off in SWEDEN   - Reactory #4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power plant exploded   - Only 2 people died from the actual explosion, but the cloud sent out a massive amount of radioactive fallout           - over 400 times as much as the atomic bomb on Hiroshima released -reactor 4 suffered a massive power excursion, resulting in a steam explosion, that tore the top from the reactor, and dispersed large amounts of radioactive particulate and gaseous debris mostly Cesium-137 and Strontium-90   - World Health Organization attributed 56 direct deaths and estimated that there may be 4,000 extra cancer deaths   - light nuclear rain fell as far away as Ireland   - resulting in the evacuation and resettlement of over 336,000 people   - City near Chernobyl called Pripyat was also evacuated   - certain limited areas remain off limits, the majority of affected areas are now considered safe for settlement and economic activity   This map shows the radiation zones surrounding the Plant   Supported by the consolidation of democracy Basic premise of the modern welfare state established in Western Europe by 1948 Variety of government programs to help people after World War II The U.S. soon followed by adding welfare measures to President Johnson’s programs Assist the poor and elderly Helped with medical care and insurance programs Britain nationalized healthcare after the welfare state was established Increased contacts between government and citizens The welfare state provided great help for those in need, but was also as a great expense It channeled tax money to different areas and enlarged the bureaucracy Although countries use a welfare program it took many years to develop a system to stabilize the monetary issues it involves     Poster showing the need for a welfare system in the mid 1900s.   ·                     economic and political union of 27 member states (currently – three are candidates for admission)   ·                     Began in 1993 as a predecessor to European Coal & Steel Community and European Economic Commission – these prior two organizations were started after WWII as a move toward European integration and an effort to block future imperialistic aims of countries   ·                     Motto: “ United in Diversity” and Anthem: “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven   ·                     European Union has developed a single market with standardized laws – freedom of movement of people, goods, services & capitals throughout its domain   ·                     Has developed common policies on trade and regional development   ·                     For a country to join EU, must adhere to Copenhagen Criteria   o       Have stable democracy which represents human rights & rule of law   o       Have functioning market economy   o       Accept EU laws and guidelines   ·                     16 of the member states use common currency (Euro)   ·                     EU made of 500 million citizens   ·                     EU comprises 30% of Gross World Product   "European Union." Wikipedia. Wikipedia. 2 Apr 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union>.  

Iron Curtain

What school does Harry Potter attend?

Iron Curtain - The Full Wiki The Full Wiki More info on Iron Curtain   Wikis       Note: Many of our articles have direct quotes from sources you can cite, within the Wikipedia article! This article doesn't yet, but we're working on it! See more info or our list of citable articles . Related top topics For other uses, see Iron Curtain (disambiguation) . Warsaw Pact countries to the east of the Iron Curtain are shaded red; NATO members to the west of it shaded blue. Militarily neutral countries shaded grey. Yugoslavia , although communist-run, was independent of the Eastern Bloc and is shaded dark grey. Similarly, communist Albania broke with the Soviet Union in the early 1960s, aligning itself with the People's Republic of China after the Sino-Soviet split and is shaded grey. Fence along the East/West border in Germany The concept of the Iron Curtain symbolized the ideological and physical boundary dividing Europe into two separate areas from the end of World War II in 1945 until the end of the Cold War in 1991. On either side of the Iron Curtain, states developed their own international economic and military alliances: the European Community and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on the west and south, with the United States of America as the area's military powerhouse Physically, the Iron Curtain took the shape of border defenses between the countries of Western and Eastern Europe , most notably the Berlin Wall , which served as a longtime symbol of the Curtain as a whole. [1] Demolition of the Iron Curtain started in Hungary during the summer of 1989 (for example: removal of Hungary's border fence and the Pan-European Picnic ) when thousands of East Germans began to emigrate to West Germany via Hungary on September 11, foreshadowing the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989. Contents Further information: Origins of the Cold War  and  Cold War (1947–1953) The antagonism between the Soviet Union and the West that led to what Goebbels, and later Churchill, described as the "iron curtain" had various origins. The United Kingdom , France , Japan , Canada , the United States and several other countries had backed the White movement against the Bolsheviks during the 1918–1920 Russian Civil War , and the Soviets had not forgotten the fact. During the summer of 1939, after conducting negotiations both with a British-French group and with Germany regarding potential military and political agreements, [2] the Soviet Union and Germany signed a Commercial Agreement providing for the trade of certain German military and civilian equipment in exchange for Soviet raw materials [3] [4] and the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact , commonly named after the foreign secretaries of the two countries ( Vyacheslav Molotov and Joachim von Ribbentrop ), which included a secret agreement to split Poland and Eastern Europe between the two states. [5] [6] The Soviets thereafter invaded Eastern Poland , Latvia , Lithuania , northern Romania , Estonia and eastern Finland . From August 1939, relations between the West and the Soviets deteriorated further when the Soviet Union and Germany engaged in an extensive economic relationship by which the Soviet Union sent Germany vital oil, rubber, manganese and other materials in exchange for German weapons, manufacturing machinery and technology. [7] [8] This ended in June 1941 when Germany broke the Pact and invaded the Soviet Union . In the course of World War II, Stalin determined[citation needed] to acquire a similar buffer against Germany, with pro-Soviet states on its border in an Eastern bloc . Stalin's aims led to strained relations at the Yalta Conference (February 1945) and the subsequent Potsdam Conference (August 1945). [9] People in the West expressed opposition to Soviet domination over the buffer states, and the fear grew that the Soviets were building an empire that might be a threat to them and their interests. Nonetheless, at the Potsdam Conference , the Allies ceded parts of Poland, Finland, Romania, Germany, and the Balkans to Soviet control. In return, Stalin promised the Western Allies that he would allow those territories the right to national self-determination . Despite Soviet cooperation during the war, these concessions left many in the West uneasy. In particular, Churchill feared that the United States might return to its pre-war isolationism , leaving the exhausted European states unable to resist Soviet demands. President Franklin D. Roosevelt had announced at Yalta that after the defeat of Germany, U.S. forces would withdraw from Europe within two years. [10] “ Stalin is not that kind of man. . . He doesn't want anything but security for his country, and I think that if I give him everything I possibly can, and ask nothing from him in return, noblesse oblige, he won't try to annex anything and will work with me for a world of democracy and peace. ” Advertisements Reactions At first, many countries in the West widely[citation needed] condemned the speech. Much of the Western public still regarded the Soviet Union as a close ally in the context of the recent defeat of Nazi Germany and of Japan . Many saw Churchill's speech as warmongering and unnecessary. In light of the subsequent opening of Soviet archives, some historians have revised their opinions. [12] Although not well received at the time, the phrase "iron curtain" gained popularity as a short-hand reference to the division of Europe as the Cold War strengthened. The Iron Curtain served to keep people in and information out, and people throughout the West eventually came to accept and use the metaphor. [13] Political, economic and military realities The Eastern Bloc Main article: Eastern Bloc While the Iron Curtain remained in place, certain countries of Eastern Europe and many in Central Europe (except West Germany , Liechtenstein , Switzerland and Austria ) found themselves under the hegemony of the Soviet Union . The Soviet Union annexed: the People's Republic of Albania , [23] (which re-aligned itself in the 1960s away from the Soviet Union and towards the People's Republic of China ) Soviet-installed governments ruled the Eastern Bloc countries, with the exception of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia , which retained its full independence. The majority of European states to the east of the Iron Curtain developed their own international economic and military alliances, such as COMECON and the Warsaw Pact . West of the Iron Curtain Fence along the East/West border in Germany (near Witzenhausen-Heiligenstadt) To the west of the Iron Curtain, the countries of Western Europe , Northern Europe and Southern Europe — along with Austria , West Germany , Liechtenstein and Switzerland — operated market economies . With the exception of a period of fascism in Spain (until the 1970s) and Portugal (until 1974) and military dictatorship in Greece (1967–1974), democratic governments ruled these countries. Most states to the west of the Iron Curtain — with the exception of neutral Switzerland , Liechtenstein , Austria , Sweden , Finland and Ireland — allied themselves with the United States and Canada within NATO . Economically, the European Community and the European Free Trade Association were the Western counterparts to COMECON , though even the nominally neutral states were economically closer to the United States than they were to the Warsaw Pact . Further division in the late 1940s Further information: Marshall Plan ,  Falsifiers of History ,  Berlin Airlift , and  Czechoslovak coup d'état of 1948 In January 1947, Truman appointed General George Marshall as Secretary of State, scrapped Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) directive 1067, which embodied the Morgenthau Plan and supplanted it with JCS 1779, which decreed that an orderly and prosperous Europe requires the economic contributions of a stable and productive Germany." [24] Administration officials met with Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov and others to press for an economically self-sufficient Germany, including a detailed accounting of the industrial plants, goods and infrastructure already removed by the Soviets. [25] After six weeks of negotiations, Molotov refused the demands and the talks were adjourned. [25] Marshall was particularly discouraged after personally meeting with Stalin, who expressed little interest in a solution to German economic problems. [25] The United States concluded that a solution could not wait any longer. [25] In a 5 June 1947 speech, [26] Marshall announced a comprehensive program of American assistance to all European countries wanting to participate, including the Soviet Union and those of Eastern Europe, called the Marshall Plan . [25] Stalin opposed the Marshall Plan. He had built up the Eastern Bloc protective belt of Soviet controlled nations on his Western border, [27] and wanted to maintain this buffer zone of states combined with a weakened Germany under Soviet control. [28] Fearing American political, cultural and economic penetration, Stalin eventually forbade Soviet Eastern bloc countries of the newly formed Cominform from accepting Marshall Plan aid. [25] In Czechoslovakia , that required a Soviet-backed Czechoslovak coup d'état of 1948 , [29] the brutality of which shocked Western powers more than any event so far and set in a motion a brief scare that war would occur and swept away the last vestiges of opposition to the Marshall Plan in the United States Congress. [30] Relations further deteriorated when, in January 1948, the U.S. State Department also published a collection of documents titled Nazi-Soviet Relations, 1939–1941: Documents from the Archives of The German Foreign Office, which contained documents recovered from the Foreign Office of Nazi Germany [31] [32] revealing Soviet conversations with Germany regarding the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact , including its secret protocol dividing eastern Europe, [33] [34] the 1939 German-Soviet Commercial Agreement , [33] [35] and discussions of the Soviet Union potentially becoming the fourth Axis Power . [36] In response, one month later, the Soviet Union published Falsifiers of History , a Stalin edited and partially re-written book attacking the West. [31] [37] After the Marshall Plan, the introduction of a new currency to Western Germany to replace the debased Reichsmark and massive electoral losses for communist parties, in June 1948, the Soviet Union cut off surface road access to Berlin , initiating the Berlin Blockade , which cut off all non-Soviet food, water and other supplies for the citizens of the non-Soviet sectors of Berlin. [38] Because Berlin was located within the Soviet-occupied zone of Germany, the only available methods of supplying the city were three limited air corridors. [39] A massive aerial supply campaign was initiated by the United States, Britain, France and other countries, the success of which caused the Soviets to lift their blockade in May 1949. Emigration restrictions Main article: Eastern Bloc emigration and defection Migration from east to west of the Iron Curtain, except under limited circumstances, was effectively halted after 1950. Before 1950, over 15 million people emigrated from Soviet-occupied eastern European countries to the west in the five years immediately following World War II . [40] However, restrictions implemented during the Cold War stopped most East-West migration, with only 13.3 million migrations westward between 1950 and 1990. [41] More than 75% of those emigrating from Eastern Bloc countries between 1950 and 1990 did so under bilateral agreements for "ethnic migration." [41] About 10% were refugees permitted to emigrate under the Geneva Convention of 1951. [41] Most Soviets allowed to leave during this time period were ethnic Jews permitted to emigrate to Israel after a series of embarrassing defections in 1970 caused the Soviets to open very limited ethnic emigrations. [42] The fall of the Iron Curtain was accompanied by a massive rise in European East-West migration. [41] As a physical entity Further information: Inner German border  and  Czechoslovakian border fortifications during the Cold War Preserved section of the border between East Germany and West Germany called the "Little Berlin Wall" at Mödlareuth The Iron Curtain took physical shape in the form of border defences between the countries of the western and eastern Europe. These were some of the most heavily militarized areas in the world, particularly the so-called " inner German border "—commonly known as die Grenze in German—between East and West Germany. The inner German border was marked in rural areas by double fences made of steel mesh (expanded metal) with sharp edges, while near urban areas a high concrete barrier similar to the Berlin Wall was built. The barrier was always a short distance inside East German territory to avoid any intrusion into Western territory. The actual borderline was marked by posts and signs and was overlooked by numerous watchtowers set behind the barrier. The strip of land on the West German side of the barrier—between the actual borderline and the barrier—was readily accessible but only at considerable personal risk, because it was patrolled by both East and West German border guards. Several villages, many historic, were destroyed as they lay too close to the border, for example Erlebach . Shooting incidents were not uncommon, and a total of 28 East German border guards and several hundred civilians were killed between 1948–1981 (some may have been victims of " friendly fire " by their own side). Elsewhere (i.e. at the Western borders of Czechoslovakia and Hungary), the border defences between West and East were similar to the German version. During the Cold War, in Hungary the border zone started 15 kilometers from the border inside the country and citizens could only enter it if they lived in the zone or had a passport valid for traveling out. Traffic control points and patrols enforced this regulation. Even living inside the border zone, people needed special permissions to enter the next strip (5 kilometers from the border). The border was very difficult to approach but nevertheless it was heavily fortified. In the 1950s and 1960s, there was a double barbed-wire fence installed some 50 meters from the border and between them there was a strip full of landmines. Later the minefield was replaced with an electric signal fence (about 1 kilometer from the border) and a barbed wire fence, complete with guard towers and sand strip for border violation tracking. Regular patrols (even cars and mounted units), guards and K-9 units were watching the border 24/7 and were ready to prevent any escape attempt, even using their weapons to stop escapees. The outer wire fence was carefully and irregularly (i.e not parallel) placed far from the actual border (which was marked by border stones only), thus an escapee sometimes had to run 400 meters or more in the right direction to reach and cross the actual border. Not knowing this, several attempts failed as being stopped after crossing the outer fence. The outer fence became the first part of the Iron Curtain to be dismantled in 1989. On 27 June 1989, the foreign ministers of Austria and Hungary, Alois Mock and Gyula Horn , ceremonially cut through the border defences separating their countries. (The border fortifications actually were dismantled earlier already at the ceremonial place so the border authorities had to reinstall a section of the fence to be cut through.) In parts of Czechoslovakia, the border strip became hundreds of meters wide, and an area of increasing restrictions was defined as the border was approached. Only people with the appropriate government permissions were allowed to get close to the border. The creation of these highly militarized no-man's lands led to de facto nature reserves and created a wildlife corridor across Europe; this helped the spread of several species to new territories. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, several initiatives are pursuing the creation of a European Green Belt nature preserve area along the Iron Curtain's former route. The term "Iron Curtain" was only used for the fortified borders in central Europe; it was not used for similar borders in Asia between communist and capitalist states (these were, for a time, dubbed the Bamboo Curtain ). The border between North Korea and South Korea is very comparable to the former inner German border, particularly in its degree of militarization, but it has never conventionally been considered part of the Iron Curtain. Fall of the Iron Curtain East German border guards look through a hole in the Berlin Wall in 1990 Further information: Eastern Bloc ,  Revolutions of 1989 , and  Collapse of the Soviet Union Following a period of economic and political stagnation , the Soviet Union decreased intervention in Eastern Bloc politics . Mikhail Gorbachev decreased adherence to the Brezhnev Doctrine , [43] which held that if socialism were threatened in any state then other socialist governments had an obligation to intervene to preserve it, in favor of the " Sinatra Doctrine ." He also initiated the policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (economic restructuring). A wave of Revolutions occurred throughout the Eastern Bloc . [44] Major reforms occurred in the People's Republic of Hungary in 1988. [45] In April 1989, the Solidarity organization was legalized in the People's Republic of Poland and captured 99% of available parliamentary seats. [46] In November 1989, following mass protests in East Germany and the relaxing of border restrictions in Czechoslovakia, tens of thousands of East Berliners flooded checkpoints along the Berlin Wall , crossing into West Berlin . [47] In the People's Republic of Bulgaria , the day after the mass crossings across the Berlin Wall, leader Todor Zhivkov was ousted. [48] In the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic , following protests of an estimated half-million Czechs, the government permitted travel to the west and abolished provisions guaranteeing the ruling Communist party its leading role, preceding the Velvet Revolution . [49] In the Socialist Republic of Romania , the Romanian military sided with protesters and turned on Communist ruler Nicolae Ceauşescu , who was executed after a brief trial three days later. [50] In the People's Socialist Republic of Albania , a new package of regulations went into effect on 3 July 1990 entitling all Albanians over the age of 16 to own a passport for foreign travel. Meanwhile, hundreds of Albanian citizens gathered around foreign embassies to seek political asylum and flee the country. The Berlin Wall officially remained guarded after 9 November 1989, although the inter-German border had become effectively meaningless. The official dismantling of the Wall by the East German military did not begin until June 1990. In July 1990, the day East Germany adopted the West German currency, all border controls ceased and West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl convinced Gorbachev to drop Soviet objections to a reunited Germany within NATO in return for substantial German economic aid to the Soviet Union. Earlier uses of the term Swedish book "Behind Russia's iron curtain" from 1923 There are various earlier usages of the term "iron curtain" ( Russian : Железный занавес Zheleznyj zanaves; German : Eiserner Vorhang; Czech : Železná opona; Hungarian : Vasfüggöny; Italian : Cortina di ferro, Serbian : Гвоздена завеса Gvozdena zavesa) pre-dating Churchill. The usage of the term goes back to the Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Sota 38b, which refers to a "mechitza shel barzel," an iron barrier or divider: "אפילו מחיצה של ברזל אינה מפסקת בין ישראל לאביהם שבשמים" (Even an iron barrier cannot separate [the people of] Israel from their heavenly father). Some suggest the term may have first been coined by Queen Elisabeth of the Belgians after World War I to describe the political situation between Gingers and Anti-Gingers, in 1914. Nora Buvarp Lavvik was the leader of the Gingers, Andreas Helset was her assistant. [51] The first recorded use of the term iron curtain was derived from the safety curtain used in theatres and first applied to the border of communist Russia as "an impenetrable barrier" in 1920 by Ethel Snowden , in her book Through Bolshevik Russia. [52] The term also appears in the 1933 satirical novel England, Their England ; used there to describe the way an artillery barrage protected the infantry from an enemy assault: "...the western sky was a blaze of yellow flame. The iron curtain was down." An iron curtain, or eiserner Vorhang, was an obligatory precaution in all German theatres to prevent the possibility of fire from spreading from the stage to the rest of the theater. Such fires were rather common because the decor often was very flammable. In case of fire, a metal wall would separate the stage from the theater, secluding the flames to be extinguished by firefighters. Douglas Reed used this metaphor in his book Disgrace Abounding ( Jonathan Cape , 1939, page 129): "The bitter strife [in Yugoslavia between Serb unionists and Croat federalists] had only been hidden by the iron safety-curtain of the King's dictatorship." The German Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels wrote in his weekly newspaper Das Reich of a Soviet-formed "iron curtain" that would arise because of agreements made by Stalin , Roosevelt and Winston Churchill at the Yalta Conference : "An iron curtain would fall over this enormous territory controlled by the Soviet Union, behind which nations would be slaughtered." [53] [54] It was later used by Count Lutz Schwerin von Krosigk in the last days of the war. The first oral intentional mention of an Iron Curtain in the Soviet context was in a broadcast by Schwerin von Krosigk to the German people on 2 May 1945: "In the East the iron curtain behind which, unseen by the eyes of the world, the work of destruction goes on, is moving steadily forward."   The first recorded occasion on which Churchill used the term "iron curtain" was in a 12 May 1945 telegram he sent to U.S. President Harry S. Truman regarding his concern about Soviet actions, stating "[a]n iron curtain is drawn down upon their front. We do not know what is going on behind." [55] He was further concerned about "another immense flight of the German population westward as this enormous Muscovite advance towards the center of Europe." [55] Churchill concluded "then the curtain will descend again to a very large extent, if not entirely. Thus a broad land of many hundreds of miles of Russian-occupied territory will isolate us from Poland." [55] [56] Churchill repeated the words in a further telegram to President Truman on 4 June 1945, in which he protested against such a U.S. retreat to what was earlier designated as, and ultimately became, the U.S. occupation zone, saying the military withdrawal would bring "Soviet power into the heart of Western Europe and the descent of an iron curtain between us and everything to the eastward." [55] At the Potsdam Conference , Churchill complained to Stalin about an "iron fence" coming down upon the British Mission in Bucharest. The first American print reference to the "Iron Curtain" occurred when C.L. Sulzberger of the New York Times first used it in a dispatch published on 23 July 1945. He had heard the term used by Vladimir Macek, a Yugoslav opposition leader who had fled his homeland for Paris in May 1945. Macek told Sulzberger, "During the four years while I was interned by the Germans in Croatia I saw how the Partisans were lowering an iron curtain over Jugoslavia [Yugoslavia] so that nobody could know what went on behind it." [57] The term was first used in the British House of Commons by Churchill on 16 August 1945 when he stated "it is not impossible that tragedy on a prodigious scale is unfolding itself behind the iron curtain which at the moment divides Europe in twain." [58] Allen Dulles used the term in a speech on 3 December 1945, referring to only Germany , following his conclusion that "in general the Russians are acting little better than thugs", had "wiped out all the liquid assets", and refused to issue food cards to emigrating Germans, leaving them "often more dead than alive." Dulles concluded that "[a]n iron curtain has descended over the fate of these people and very likely conditions are truly terrible. The promises at Yalta to the contrary, probably 8 to 10 million people are being enslaved." Monuments There is an Iron Curtain monument in the southern part of the Czech Republic at approximately 48°52′33″N 15°52′25″E / 48.87583°N 15.87361°E / 48.87583; 15.87361 . A few hundred meters of the original fence, and one of the guard towers, has remained installed. There are interpretive signs in Czech and English that explain the history and significance of the Iron Curtain. This is the only surviving part of the fence in the Czech Republic, though several guard towers and bunkers can still be seen. Some of these are part of the Communist Era defences, some are from the never-used Czechoslovak border fortifications in defence against Hitler, and some towers were, or have become, hunting platforms. Another monument is located in the village of Devín , now part of Bratislava , Slovakia , at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers. There are several open air museums in parts of the former inner German border, as for example in Berlin and in Mödlareuth , a village that has been divided for several hundred years. The memory of the division is being kept alive in many other places along the Grenze. Analogous terms Throughout the Cold War the term "curtain" would become a common euphemism for boundaries, physical or ideological, between communist and capitalist states. A variant of the Iron Curtain, the Bamboo Curtain , was coined in reference to the People's Republic of China . As the standoff between the West and the countries of the Iron and Bamboo curtains eased with the end of the Cold War, the term fell out of any but historical usage. The short distance between Russia and the U.S state of Alaska in the Bering Sea became known as the " Ice Curtain " during the Cold War. A field of cacti surrounding the U.S. Naval station at Guantanamo Bay planted by Cuba was occasionally termed the "cactus curtain". [59] [60] See also ^ Yankees Besieged - TIME References Beschloss, Michael R (2003), The Conquerors: Roosevelt, Truman and the Destruction of Hitler's Germany, 1941-1945, Simon and Schuster, ISBN  0743260856  Böcker, Anita (1998), Regulation of Migration: International Experiences, Het Spinhuis, ISBN  9055890952  Churchill, Winston (1953), The Second World War, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ISBN  0395410568  Cook, Bernard A. (2001), Europe Since 1945: An Encyclopedia, Taylor & Francis, ISBN  0815340575  Crampton, R. J. (1997), Eastern Europe in the twentieth century and after, Routledge, ISBN  0415164222  Ericson, Edward E. (1999), Feeding the German Eagle: Soviet Economic Aid to Nazi Germany, 1933–1941, Greenwood Publishing Group, ISBN  0275963373  Grenville, John Ashley Soames (2005), A History of the World from the 20th to the 21st Century, Routledge, ISBN  0415289548  Grenville, John Ashley Soames; Wasserstein, Bernard (2001), The Major International Treaties of the Twentieth Century: A History and Guide with Texts, Taylor & Francis, ISBN  041523798X  Henig, Ruth Beatrice (2005), The Origins of the Second World War, 1933-41, Routledge, ISBN  0415332621  Krasnov, Vladislav (1985), Soviet Defectors: The KGB Wanted List, Hoover Press, ISBN  0817982310  Lewkowicz, N., (2008) The German Question and the Origins of the Cold War (IPOC:Milan) ISBN 88-95145-27-5 Miller, Roger Gene (2000), To Save a City: The Berlin Airlift, 1948-1949, Texas A&M University Press, ISBN  0890969671  Roberts, Geoffrey (2006), Stalin's Wars: From World War to Cold War, 1939–1953, Yale University Press, ISBN  0300112041  Roberts, Geoffrey (2002), Stalin, the Pact with Nazi Germany, and the Origins of Postwar Soviet Diplomatic Historiography, 4  Shirer, William L. (1990), The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany, Simon and Schuster, ISBN  0671728687  Soviet Information Bureau (1948), Falsifiers of History (Historical Survey), Moscow: Foreign Languages Publishing House, 272848  Wettig, Gerhard (2008), Stalin and the Cold War in Europe, Rowman & Littlefield, ISBN  0742555429  External links

i don't know

How many players per team are there in a game of beach volleyball?

The Game The Game - Volleyball About the sport   Volleyball is a complex game of simple skills. The ball is spiked from up to 60 cm above the height of a basketball hoop (about 3.65 metres) and takes fractions of a second to travel from the spiker to the receiver. That means the receiver must assess incoming angle, decide where to pass the ball and then control their pass in the blink of an eye. A purely rebound sport (you can't hold the ball), Volleyball is a game of constant motion.  A team can touch the ball three times on its side of the net. The usual pattern is a dig (an underarm pass made with the forearms), a set (an overhead pass made with the hands) and a spike (the overhead attacking shot). The ball is served into play. Teams can also try to block the opponent's spike as it crosses the net. A block into your own court counts as one of your three touches in Beach Volleyball, but not in Volleyball.  Power and height have become vital components of international teams, but the ability of teams and coaches to devise new strategies, tactics and skills has been crucial for continued success.  There are six players on court in a Volleyball team, who each must rotate one position clockwise every time their team wins back service from the opposition. Only the three players at the net positions can jump and spike or block near the net. The backcourt players can only hit the ball over the net if they jump from behind the attack line, also known as the three-metre line, which separates the front and back part of the court.  Volleyball has developed into a very specialised sport. Most teams will include in their starting line-up a setter, two centre blockers, two receiver-hitters and a universal spiker. Only certain players will be involved with service reception. Players will also have specialist positions for attack and defence. Substitutions are allowed during the game.  From 1998, Volleyball used a new scoring system. Teams scored a point on every rally (rally point system), regardless of which team served. Formerly, a team could only win a point if it served the ball. Winning the serve back from the opposition was known as a side-out.  Matches are played best of five sets. The first four sets are played to 25 points, with the final set being played to 15 points. A team must win a set by two points. There is no ceiling, so a set continues until one of the teams gains a two-point advantage. Previously, all sets were to 15 points, with the first four sets having a ceiling of 17 and the final set requiring at least a two-point winning advantage.  From 1996, the FIVB introduced a new specialist role: the libero. This player wears a different coloured uniform from the rest of the team and can be substituted in backcourt for any player on the team. The libero cannot serve, spike the ball over the net or rotate into the front-line positions, but plays a vital role for the team in serve reception and backcourt defence. There must be at least one point played between a libero substituting off for a player and going back on the court for another player – hence he/she cannot be on the court for the whole game. The libero has added an extra dimension to backcourt defence, improving the reception of teams, lengthening the rallies and giving a vital role to shorter players. Service  A serve begins each rally. A player must hit the ball with his or her hand over the net to land inside the lines of the court. Players may serve underarm or overarm (hardly anyone at elite level would offer an underarm serve). A popular serve is the "jump" or "spike" serve: the player jumps and serves the ball while airborne.  Each player gets only one chance to serve. The serve can touch the net and continue into the opponent's court. Before this rule was introduced, a net touch on service ended the rally and the point was awarded to the receiving team.  When the serving team loses a rally, it loses the right to serve. The receiving team then rotates one position on the court.  Dig  The "dig" is a forearm pass that is used to control the ball and pass it to the setter at the net. It is usually the first contact by the team and an effective shot to use in defence, such as when receiving a spike. The "libero" handles much of the team's serve reception and is pivotal in backcourt defence.  Set The "set" is an overhead pass used to change the direction of the dig and put the ball in a good position for the spiker.  It is usually the team's second contact. Setting is the tactical centre of Volleyball. A setter must be good enough to keep the big blockers from dominating the net. The setter must feed his or her best hitters while also looking for opponent's blocking weaknesses (such as a short player on the front line or a slow centre blocker).  Spike The "spike" is when the ball is hit or smashed across the net. It is the most powerful shot in Volleyball – and the most effective way to win a rally.  Block This is the first line of defence in Volleyball. The objective of the "block" is to stop the spiked ball from crossing the net or to channel the spike to defenders. The three front-court players share blocking. Teams usually opt for a "read and react" block (whereby they try to react to the ball leaving the setter's hands) or for a "commit" block (whereby they decide before the point whether to jump on the quick middle balls). The key to good blocking is penetration – the best blockers reach well over the net and into the opponent's court rather than reaching straight up, when the block can be easily penetrated by quality hitters.  The Ball After testing many colours, the FIVB introduced a ball with yellow, blue and white panels at the World Championships in Japan in 1998. It replaced the traditional all-white ball.  The Rally Point System  In 1998 the FIVB also tried some different scoring systems. At its World Congress in October 1998, the FIVB ratified the "rally point system." Every rally would now earn a point. The first four sets are played to 25, but the winning team must be ahead by at least two points. The fifth set is played to 15 – and again the winner must have a two-point margin. The system was designed to make the scoring system easier to follow and games faster and more exciting.  The Libero  The FIVB introduced a new specialised defensive player, the "libero," in 1996. The libero can perform only as a backcourt player and may not play an attacking shot (when the ball is hit back across the net), serve or block. If the libero makes an overhead set of the ball in front of the 3-metre attack line, the ball may not be spiked over by the team. If the libero makes the same action behind the front zone, the ball may be freely attacked. The libero must wear a jersey with a different colour or design than those of other team members. Rotation  Each of the six players on an indoor team rotates a position after winning back service from the opponent. This is the key to the tactics of indoor Volleyball – you cannot simply keep your best blockers and spikers at the net or your best defenders in backcourt.  After serving from position one, players rotate to position six (middle back), then position five (left back), position four (left front), position three (middle front) and position two (right front) before returning to serve.  A team must be in correct rotation order before the serve is put into play. Once the ball is served, the players can move positions but backcourt players cannot move to the net to block or spike. They must make all attacking actions from behind the attack line (hence the advent of the backcourt attack to have great spikers participating in all six rotations). The rotation rule explains why a setter often appears to be "hiding" behind his or her players before a point. The setter must be in proper rotation order before sprinting to the net or a point is given to the opposition.  

2

By assets and market capitalization, what is the largest bank in the US?

Volleyball : AIS : Australian Sports Commission Body Size and Shape Characteristics of the Sport Indoor volleyball is a dynamic, fast paced game.  Matches are generally played to the best of five sets with the first four sets played to 25 and the final set played to 15. Points can be scored regardless of which team has served. Six players are on court at a time. Six substitutions are allowed per set but substitutes can only enter the game once per set, can only replace a starting player and can only be replaced by the same player. The exception is the libero, a defensive specialist who can substitute into the back-court at any time during the game. Indoor volleyball is a game of explosive strength, agility, skill and concentration. The game relies highly on the anaerobic energy system though aerobic endurance is important for recovery between points, stamina and tolerance to heat.  Training At the elite level, players train for 30+ hours per week. Training includes skill, strength and conditioning programs. In addition, athletes may undertake extra individual skill or conditioning sessions. For the elite player, indoor volleyball is a year-round sport. At lower levels, volleyball tends to be a winter sport although short summer rosters may also be run. Many players may play a combination of indoor and beach volleyball throughout the year. Training levels vary from twice daily at the elite level to no training for those playing in recreational or mixed rosters.  Competition Elite indoor volleyball players require frequent match practice. In Australia, this requires regular overseas tours to find quality opponents. Elite players contest around 50 International matches per year. The majority of indoor volleyball players participate in rosters that involve a weekly match. Weekend tournaments may also be scheduled throughout the year.  The main professional indoor volleyball competitions are in Europe.  Most elite Australian players spend the Australian summer on contract to professional teams in Europe.  Physical Characteristics Height is an obvious advantage for indoor volleyball players. In addition, having reduced body-fat levels can help optimise speed, agility and jumping ability. Indoor volleyball players need powerful legs to assist with jumping and strong upper bodies to develop power for spiking, serving and blocking. Players need to balance strength and lean muscle mass with the ability to jump and land repeatedly. Common Nutrition Issues Training Nutrition Young volleyball players tend to have large energy needs to support growth and lean tissue development.  Add the carbohydrate requirements of a heavy training schedule and the extra carbohydrate required for building muscle, and elite volleyball players end up with a large daily requirement for carbohydrate. All volleyball players need to consume suitable amounts of nutrient-dense carbohydrate foods such as pasta, rice, bread, cereal, vegetables, fruit and sweetened dairy products. Players in heavy training need to start recovery nutrition tactics immediately after each training session. Ideally, players should aim for nutrient dense carbohydrate foods that contain protein to help facilitate muscle tissue growth and repair. Recovery snacks should be combined with fluid to replace any fluid lost during the session. Bulking Up Players trying to increase muscle size and strength need a high-energy diet in addition to a quality training program which includes resistance or weights training. The nutritional requirements for increasing muscle bulk and strength include not only the protein needed to form new muscle tissue, but sufficient energy  to fuel the training needed to stimulate muscle growth. Other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals may also be needed. In short, increased energy from nutrient-rich foods is required. Achieving a high-energy intake is not as easy as it sounds. It requires organisation and commitment. The following tips will help: Be organised. Have suitable foods available at all times. Make use of portable foods such as cereal bars, fruit, dried fruit, fruit buns, juice and milk in tetra packs etc. Increase the number of times you eat rather than the size of meals. Add extra kilojoules to meals without adding bulk by using foods such as jam, honey, syrup and sugar. Avoid excessive intake of fibre, and make use of foods with less bulk (white bread, Cornflakes, Rice Bubbles, tinned fruit). Drink high-energy fluids such as smoothies, milkshakes and liquid meal supplements such as PowerBar Protein Plus powder. Include a protein containing food as part of your pre and post-resistance training snack. Fluids during Training and Games High-intensity exercise in a controlled atmosphere stadium can lead to large sweat losses - especially in large players. Volleyball players need to make the most of opportunities to hydrate during matches - time outs, time spent on the bench, breaks between sets. During training, frequent breaks should be scheduled to allow players to grab a quick drink. Each player should keep their own drink bottle nearby so they can drink whenever the opportunity arises. Water is a suitable fluid, but a sports drink may promote better performance by topping up fuel stores for both the muscle and brain. Game Preparation - The Pre-Event Meal The pre-game meal should fuel and hydrate players, but leave them feeling comfortable for the game. Ideally, the menu calls for a high-carbohydrate choice eaten at least 2-3 hours before a game. Pasta with low-fat sauces, rolls or sandwiches, baked potatoes with low-fat fillings, creamed rice, and fruit salad with yoghurt, are all examples of suitable choices. Each player or team should experiment to find the routines that work best for their situation. Eating together as a team can be a great way to raise team morale and get focused for the game. It also ensures that all players have their pre-game nutrition needs looked after. Post-Game Recovery Tactics Effective recovery focuses on foods that help refuel the muscle, repair and regenerate the muscle tissue, rehydrate the body and revitalize the body . This means foods that contain fluid, carbohydrate, protein and plenty of vitamins and minerals.  Left to chance, recovery eating may take a back seat to the post-game meetings, stretching and injury treatment, drug testing, media interviews, or the trip back to home or the team hotel. Many teams organise post-game recovery snacks that can be consumed simultaneously with these activities - sports drinks, liquid meal supplements, fruit, sandwiches and cereal bars are some of the many quick options. Depending on the time of the game and the athlete's appetite, this post-game snack may be supplemented by a later meal. Tournament Nutrition and Road Trips As soon as the match schedule is known, plan a meal routine that schedules appropriate pre-event meals and recovery strategies. When several games are played in succession over as many days, pro-active recovery techniques will be important in maintaining performance right through the end of the schedule. If you are playing away from home, plan where you will be eating meals, and organise the menus in advance. It is stress-free when a hungry team arrives at a restaurant to find buffet-style meals waiting, tailor-made to their special needs. Similarly, take control of meals eaten on planes, buses and other travel options. Always carry some high-carbohydrate snacks such as cereal bars, fruit and yoghurt for emergencies. In hotels, empty the mini bars to make room for more nutritious snacks and drinks. This fact sheet is based on National team athletes and is therefore specific to these athletes. Written by AIS Sports Nutrition, last updated October 2013. © Australian Sports Commission.

i don't know

On a traditional statue of the courtroom standard Lady Justice, she holds a set of scales in her left hand and what item in the other?

Online Shopping for Unique Lawyer Gifts Priced Under $100 - The Netique Gift Boutique View Larger Image Legal Marble Desktop Phone/Tablet Cradlex This stately "tiger eye" marble cradle provides the perfect place for the lawyer to rest a cell phone or tablet for viewing or charging. The base of the cradle has a convenient pass-through for the charging cord. A golden scales of justice medallion decorates the base. A plate with engraving may be attached to the sloping rest area. 4-1/2" high x 3-1/2" wide x 2-1/2" deep. (Item #2551) $47.50 View Larger Image Legal Marble Bookends Sure to occupy a prominent place in any attorney's office, these dark gray, polished marble bookends provide a stately, decorative way to support legal reference books. An antiqued, brass scale of justice symbol decorates each bookend. 6-1/2" high x 4" wide x 2" deep. The pair weigh 11 pounds. (Item #1415) $74.00 per pair View Larger Image Lady Justice With Scales Statue Symbolizing impartiality, virtue, strength and the quest for justice, this exquisite statue of Lady Justice is a perfect gift for the lawyer or judge. Since ancient Greek and Roman times, this iconic figure has represented the most noble aspirations of world-wide cultures seeking to find balanced and fair-minded ways to govern. The blindfolded figure holds the scales of justice in one hand and a sword in the other. Made of cold cast bronze, the statue stands 11-1/2" high atop a base measuring 3-1/4" square x 1/2" high. There is room on the base to attach a plate engraved with a name or short phrase. (Item #2535) $65.00 View Larger Image Dalvey Ambassador Classic Card Case Amid the electronic office gadgetry and mobile phones of today, the Dalvey Business Card Case sets its owner apart. Elegantly slim, lightweight, yet robust, it is a splendid decorative and practical personal accessory. Inspired by Victorian and Edwardian originals, the design is unique - from the hinged lid that protects business cards, to the oval, gold-plated engraving plate embossed with the classic, oak-leaf design, Dalvey logo. Precision engineered and hand-finished, the highly polished, shiny, stainless steel card case is packaged in an elegant presentation box. Measuring approximately 4-1/4" x 2-1/4", the card case holds approximately 15 standard business cards or 5 credit cards. (Item #DAL-CLASSIC-BCC) $90.00 View Larger Image Del Marco Executive Tablet Carrying Case Designed to protect and transport an iPad or other tablet device, this sleek and stylish carrying case also includes spaces for organizing other items that the busy professional may wish to keep close at hand. The zippered compartment for storing the tablet is lined with a soft, protective, velvet-like material and is divided into two compartments. An outer flap, which is held in place by a leather strap, opens to reveal leather slots for ID cards, business cards or credit cards and flaps that may be used to hold a passport or papers in place. Made of black, ballistic nylon with a pebbled texture, the case has a tan-colored leather handle, straps, zipper pull and accents. The zipper and other hardware are silver-colored. Measures 10-1/2" x 8-1/2" x 1-1/2" when zipped closed. (Item #2386) $74.00 View Larger Image Gyro Globe Clock This artfully designed and functional desk accessory features a magnified, gyroscopic clock mounted between golden pillars on a piano-finish, rosewood base. The clear sphere in the center of the gyroscope has a clock on one side and a world map on the opposite side, which may be replaced with a custom picture or logo. Both sides of the sphere are fitted with dome magnifiers. The clock has a gold-tone face with black Roman numerals. Felt lines the bottom of the base. Measures 5-1/2" high x 6-1/2" in diameter, with the sphere containing the clock and globe measuring 3" in diameter. Includes an oval, gold-tone engraving plate. (Item #2418) $89.00 View Larger Image Gemstone Globe Wine Stoppers in Rosewood Box A stunning gift, these wine stopper sets feature 3 gemstone globes atop silver-tone metal, cone-shaped stoppers, presented in a rosewood box. The 3 globe stoppers will be one each of black onyx, white howlite, blue lapis, aqua blue, or red jasper, depending upon availability. The gemstone globes are impeccably designed and hand-crafted with semiprecious gemstones of varying colors and textures representing the continents. Gold or silver latitude and longitude lines add the finishing touch. The globes are each approximately 1-1/8" in diameter and each wine stopper is 3-7/8" in length. The rosewood box is lined with ivory-colored, suede-like material (instead of blue lining, as pictured in the photo), closes with a brass latch and measures 5-1/2" x 6-3/8" x 2-3/8". (Item #2306) $65.00 View Larger Image Dresden Clock With Pens Both stylish and functional, this desk accessory is an ideal choice for creating a classic, professional look for the desktop. The mahogany, piano finish with silver-tone accents blends well with both traditional and contemporary decors. The circular clock mounted in the center is easy to read, with black Roman numerals against the white face. Pen holders on each side of the clock hold silver-tone ballpoint pens. Includes an engraving plate that may be personalized and mounted on the sloping edge of the trapezoid base. The desk accessory measures 9" x 5" x 1-1/2". The clock is 3-7/8" in diameter and the pens each measure 6-1/2" long . (Item #2130) $89.00 View Larger Image Black Valencia Double-Sided Card Case This cleverly designed card case has two separate compartments for storing business cards (your own and those of people you meet) and/or credit or ID cards. The compartments open with magnetized flaps on opposite sides of the case. You can tell the difference between the two compartments because the flap on one side is edged with a shiny metal strip, which can be engraved. The black leatherette case features a tooled design of leaves and large-petaled flowers. Each compartment is lined with black felt and holds approximately 10 business cards or 3 credit/ID cards. The exterior of the case measures 3-11/16" wide x 2-1/2" high x 5/8" deep. (Item #2415) $26.00 View Larger Image Mahogany Desk Organizer With Calculator A desk accessory that performs multiple functions, while adding a stylish touch to the desk top, this desk organizer has a beautiful mahogany piano finish. The top of the organizer includes a frame for a 3" x 5" photo, a built-in calculator, and an open holder that may be used for smaller cell phones (up to 2-1/8" wide), glasses, business cards, paper clips or other desk items. Lift the lid to reveal a felt-lined storage compartment for pens, memo paper, business cards, or other desk essentials. 8" x 7" x 2-3/8". (Item #1549) $68.00 View Larger Image Old World Map Decorative Box Created using a centuries-old lacquering technique, this hand-crafted wooden box features an Old World map inlaid on the lid. Surrounding the hemispheres on the map are representations of the four elements: Fire, by Apollo driving the Sun’s chariot across the sky; Aeros, the goddess of Air, surrounded by clouds and birds; Mother Earth, surrounded by animals and the earth’s bounty; and Water represented by a Siren and sea monsters. Four portraits fill the corners of the map - Julius Caesar, Claudius Ptolemy, Jodocus Hondius and Gerard Mercator. Black felt lines the interior of the box and provides protection on the underside of the box. 8" wide x 5-7/8" deep x 3-1/4" high. (Item #2187) $89.00 View Larger Image Veneto Leather Wine Journal The perfect gift for the wine connoisseur, this sturdy, bound wine journal is made of brown, mottled leather with "WINE" embossed on the cover and a ribbed spine that looks elegant on the bookshelf. Inside, ivory-colored pages embellished with grape designs contain space for recording details regarding approximately 75 different bottles of wine. With 2 pages for each bottle, space is allocated for attaching the wine label and recording details regarding the wine. Prompts written in both Italian and English request information regarding the name and origin of the wine; production details; price, year, and serving suggestions; and details of tastings. A golden ribbon may be used to mark a page to which the user wants to return. 9-7/8" x 7" x 7/8". (Item #2038) $98.00 View Larger Image Metroscape Pendulum Clock This sleek pendulum clock combines contemporary style with a pendulum movement reminiscent of days when time seemed to move at a slower pace. With an elongated trapezoid shape, the housing of the clock is made of mahogany with a matte finish. The cylindrical pendulum, the rim around the clock face and the four curved pedestal feet that support the clock are all made of silver-tone metal with a matte finish. The pendulum swings back and forth inside the clock base and is viewable through a trapezoid-shaped opening on the front of the clock underneath the clock face. The second hand rounds the clock face with a muted ticking sound. Roman numerals mark the hours. Battery operated. 11-1/2" high x 6-3/4" wide x 2-7/8" deep. (Item #2309) Was $110.00 View Larger Image Mahogany Pillar Clock The brass-bezeled clock mounted on a plexiglas plate appears suspended in space between the gold-tone pillar supports rising from the piano-finish, mahogany base. The clock face is gold-tone with black Roman numerals. Includes a brass engraving plate. 5-1/4 " x 2-1/2" x 4-1/2 " high. (Item #1086) $55.00 More Desk Clocks Captain's Box With Compass and Clock Made of piano finish, mahogany-colored wood, this diminutive captain's box contains a clock and a compass, each framed with brass bezels. The box measures 3" x 3" x 2-3/4" tall and the clock and compass each measure 1-1/4" in diameter. The underside of the box is covered with felt. (Item #0688)

Sword

Not counting hybrid clubs, a standard golf club bag includes Woods, wedges, chippers, putters, and what?

Online Shopping for Unique Lawyer Gifts Priced Under $100 - The Netique Gift Boutique View Larger Image Legal Marble Desktop Phone/Tablet Cradlex This stately "tiger eye" marble cradle provides the perfect place for the lawyer to rest a cell phone or tablet for viewing or charging. The base of the cradle has a convenient pass-through for the charging cord. A golden scales of justice medallion decorates the base. A plate with engraving may be attached to the sloping rest area. 4-1/2" high x 3-1/2" wide x 2-1/2" deep. (Item #2551) $47.50 View Larger Image Legal Marble Bookends Sure to occupy a prominent place in any attorney's office, these dark gray, polished marble bookends provide a stately, decorative way to support legal reference books. An antiqued, brass scale of justice symbol decorates each bookend. 6-1/2" high x 4" wide x 2" deep. The pair weigh 11 pounds. (Item #1415) $74.00 per pair View Larger Image Lady Justice With Scales Statue Symbolizing impartiality, virtue, strength and the quest for justice, this exquisite statue of Lady Justice is a perfect gift for the lawyer or judge. Since ancient Greek and Roman times, this iconic figure has represented the most noble aspirations of world-wide cultures seeking to find balanced and fair-minded ways to govern. The blindfolded figure holds the scales of justice in one hand and a sword in the other. Made of cold cast bronze, the statue stands 11-1/2" high atop a base measuring 3-1/4" square x 1/2" high. There is room on the base to attach a plate engraved with a name or short phrase. (Item #2535) $65.00 View Larger Image Dalvey Ambassador Classic Card Case Amid the electronic office gadgetry and mobile phones of today, the Dalvey Business Card Case sets its owner apart. Elegantly slim, lightweight, yet robust, it is a splendid decorative and practical personal accessory. Inspired by Victorian and Edwardian originals, the design is unique - from the hinged lid that protects business cards, to the oval, gold-plated engraving plate embossed with the classic, oak-leaf design, Dalvey logo. Precision engineered and hand-finished, the highly polished, shiny, stainless steel card case is packaged in an elegant presentation box. Measuring approximately 4-1/4" x 2-1/4", the card case holds approximately 15 standard business cards or 5 credit cards. (Item #DAL-CLASSIC-BCC) $90.00 View Larger Image Del Marco Executive Tablet Carrying Case Designed to protect and transport an iPad or other tablet device, this sleek and stylish carrying case also includes spaces for organizing other items that the busy professional may wish to keep close at hand. The zippered compartment for storing the tablet is lined with a soft, protective, velvet-like material and is divided into two compartments. An outer flap, which is held in place by a leather strap, opens to reveal leather slots for ID cards, business cards or credit cards and flaps that may be used to hold a passport or papers in place. Made of black, ballistic nylon with a pebbled texture, the case has a tan-colored leather handle, straps, zipper pull and accents. The zipper and other hardware are silver-colored. Measures 10-1/2" x 8-1/2" x 1-1/2" when zipped closed. (Item #2386) $74.00 View Larger Image Gyro Globe Clock This artfully designed and functional desk accessory features a magnified, gyroscopic clock mounted between golden pillars on a piano-finish, rosewood base. The clear sphere in the center of the gyroscope has a clock on one side and a world map on the opposite side, which may be replaced with a custom picture or logo. Both sides of the sphere are fitted with dome magnifiers. The clock has a gold-tone face with black Roman numerals. Felt lines the bottom of the base. Measures 5-1/2" high x 6-1/2" in diameter, with the sphere containing the clock and globe measuring 3" in diameter. Includes an oval, gold-tone engraving plate. (Item #2418) $89.00 View Larger Image Gemstone Globe Wine Stoppers in Rosewood Box A stunning gift, these wine stopper sets feature 3 gemstone globes atop silver-tone metal, cone-shaped stoppers, presented in a rosewood box. The 3 globe stoppers will be one each of black onyx, white howlite, blue lapis, aqua blue, or red jasper, depending upon availability. The gemstone globes are impeccably designed and hand-crafted with semiprecious gemstones of varying colors and textures representing the continents. Gold or silver latitude and longitude lines add the finishing touch. The globes are each approximately 1-1/8" in diameter and each wine stopper is 3-7/8" in length. The rosewood box is lined with ivory-colored, suede-like material (instead of blue lining, as pictured in the photo), closes with a brass latch and measures 5-1/2" x 6-3/8" x 2-3/8". (Item #2306) $65.00 View Larger Image Dresden Clock With Pens Both stylish and functional, this desk accessory is an ideal choice for creating a classic, professional look for the desktop. The mahogany, piano finish with silver-tone accents blends well with both traditional and contemporary decors. The circular clock mounted in the center is easy to read, with black Roman numerals against the white face. Pen holders on each side of the clock hold silver-tone ballpoint pens. Includes an engraving plate that may be personalized and mounted on the sloping edge of the trapezoid base. The desk accessory measures 9" x 5" x 1-1/2". The clock is 3-7/8" in diameter and the pens each measure 6-1/2" long . (Item #2130) $89.00 View Larger Image Black Valencia Double-Sided Card Case This cleverly designed card case has two separate compartments for storing business cards (your own and those of people you meet) and/or credit or ID cards. The compartments open with magnetized flaps on opposite sides of the case. You can tell the difference between the two compartments because the flap on one side is edged with a shiny metal strip, which can be engraved. The black leatherette case features a tooled design of leaves and large-petaled flowers. Each compartment is lined with black felt and holds approximately 10 business cards or 3 credit/ID cards. The exterior of the case measures 3-11/16" wide x 2-1/2" high x 5/8" deep. (Item #2415) $26.00 View Larger Image Mahogany Desk Organizer With Calculator A desk accessory that performs multiple functions, while adding a stylish touch to the desk top, this desk organizer has a beautiful mahogany piano finish. The top of the organizer includes a frame for a 3" x 5" photo, a built-in calculator, and an open holder that may be used for smaller cell phones (up to 2-1/8" wide), glasses, business cards, paper clips or other desk items. Lift the lid to reveal a felt-lined storage compartment for pens, memo paper, business cards, or other desk essentials. 8" x 7" x 2-3/8". (Item #1549) $68.00 View Larger Image Old World Map Decorative Box Created using a centuries-old lacquering technique, this hand-crafted wooden box features an Old World map inlaid on the lid. Surrounding the hemispheres on the map are representations of the four elements: Fire, by Apollo driving the Sun’s chariot across the sky; Aeros, the goddess of Air, surrounded by clouds and birds; Mother Earth, surrounded by animals and the earth’s bounty; and Water represented by a Siren and sea monsters. Four portraits fill the corners of the map - Julius Caesar, Claudius Ptolemy, Jodocus Hondius and Gerard Mercator. Black felt lines the interior of the box and provides protection on the underside of the box. 8" wide x 5-7/8" deep x 3-1/4" high. (Item #2187) $89.00 View Larger Image Veneto Leather Wine Journal The perfect gift for the wine connoisseur, this sturdy, bound wine journal is made of brown, mottled leather with "WINE" embossed on the cover and a ribbed spine that looks elegant on the bookshelf. Inside, ivory-colored pages embellished with grape designs contain space for recording details regarding approximately 75 different bottles of wine. With 2 pages for each bottle, space is allocated for attaching the wine label and recording details regarding the wine. Prompts written in both Italian and English request information regarding the name and origin of the wine; production details; price, year, and serving suggestions; and details of tastings. A golden ribbon may be used to mark a page to which the user wants to return. 9-7/8" x 7" x 7/8". (Item #2038) $98.00 View Larger Image Metroscape Pendulum Clock This sleek pendulum clock combines contemporary style with a pendulum movement reminiscent of days when time seemed to move at a slower pace. With an elongated trapezoid shape, the housing of the clock is made of mahogany with a matte finish. The cylindrical pendulum, the rim around the clock face and the four curved pedestal feet that support the clock are all made of silver-tone metal with a matte finish. The pendulum swings back and forth inside the clock base and is viewable through a trapezoid-shaped opening on the front of the clock underneath the clock face. The second hand rounds the clock face with a muted ticking sound. Roman numerals mark the hours. Battery operated. 11-1/2" high x 6-3/4" wide x 2-7/8" deep. (Item #2309) Was $110.00 View Larger Image Mahogany Pillar Clock The brass-bezeled clock mounted on a plexiglas plate appears suspended in space between the gold-tone pillar supports rising from the piano-finish, mahogany base. The clock face is gold-tone with black Roman numerals. Includes a brass engraving plate. 5-1/4 " x 2-1/2" x 4-1/2 " high. (Item #1086) $55.00 More Desk Clocks Captain's Box With Compass and Clock Made of piano finish, mahogany-colored wood, this diminutive captain's box contains a clock and a compass, each framed with brass bezels. The box measures 3" x 3" x 2-3/4" tall and the clock and compass each measure 1-1/4" in diameter. The underside of the box is covered with felt. (Item #0688)

i don't know

Used to carry oxygen throughout your body, you create billions of new red blood cells every day. Where in your body are those red blood cells created?

Blood Blood La sangre Why We Need It Just about everyone knows that we can't live without blood. And that the blood in our bodies is pumped by the heart through a network of arteries and veins. But beyond those blood basics, what do you know about that red stuff beneath your skin? Blood is essential for good health because the body depends on a steady supply of fuel and oxygen to reach its billions of cells. Even the heart couldn't survive without blood flowing through the vessels that bring nourishment to its muscular walls. Blood also carries carbon dioxide and other waste materials to the lungs, kidneys, and digestive system; from there they are removed from the body. Without blood, we couldn't keep warm or cool off, we couldn't fight infections, and we couldn't get rid of our own waste products. So how exactly does blood do these things? How is it made, and what's in it? How does blood clot? It's time to learn a little about the mysterious, life-sustaining fluid called blood. What Is Blood and What Does It Do? Two types of blood vessels carry blood throughout our bodies: The arteries carry oxygenated blood (blood that has received oxygen from the lungs) from the heart to the rest of the body. The blood then travels through the veins back to the heart and lungs, so it can receive more oxygen to be sent back to the body via the arteries. As the heart beats, you can feel blood traveling through the body at your pulse points — like the neck and the wrist — where large, blood-filled arteries run close to the surface of the skin. The blood that flows through this network of veins and arteries is called whole blood. Whole blood contains three types of blood cells: red blood cells white blood cells platelets In babies and young children, blood cells are made in the bone marrow of many bones throughout the body. But as kids get older, blood cells are made mostly in the bone marrow of the vertebrae (the bones that make up the spine), ribs, pelvis, skull, sternum (the breastbone), and parts of the humerus (the upper arm bone) and femur (the thigh bone). Blood cells travel through the circulatory system suspended in a yellowish fluid called plasma. Plasma is 90% water and contains nutrients, proteins, hormones, and waste products. Whole blood is a mixture of blood cells and plasma. continue Red Blood Cells Red blood cells (RBCs, and also called erythrocytes, pronounced: ih-RITH-ruh-sytes) are shaped like slightly indented, flattened disks. RBCs contain an iron-rich protein called hemoglobin (pronounced: HEE-muh-glow-bun). Blood gets its bright red color when the hemoglobin in RBCs picks up oxygen in the lungs. As the blood travels through the body, the hemoglobin releases oxygen to the tissues. The body contains more RBCs than any other type of cell, and each has a life span of about 4 months. Each day, the body produces new RBCs to replace those that die or are lost from the body. White Blood Cells White blood cells (WBCs, and also called leukocytes, pronounced: LOO-kuh-sytes) are a key part of the body's immune system, which is the body’s defense system against infection. WBCs can move in and out of the bloodstream to reach affected tissues. The blood contains far fewer white blood cells than red cells, although the body can increase production of WBCs to fight infection. There are several types of white blood cells, and their life spans vary from a few days to months. New cells are constantly being formed in the bone marrow. Several different parts of blood are involved in fighting infection. White blood cells called granulocytes (pronounced: GRAN-yuh-low-sytes) and lymphocytes (pronounced: LIM-fuh-sytes) travel along the walls of blood vessels. They fight germs such as bacteria and viruses and may also attempt to destroy cells that have become infected or have changed into cancer cells. Certain types of WBCs produce antibodies, special proteins that recognize foreign materials and help the body destroy or neutralize them. Someone with an infection will often have a higher white cell count than when he or she is well because more WBCs are being produced or are entering the bloodstream to battle the infection. After the body has been challenged by some infections, lymphocytes "remember" how to make the specific antibodies that will quickly attack the same germ if it enters the body again. Platelets Platelets (also called thrombocytes, pronounced: THROM-buh-sytes) are tiny oval-shaped cells made in the bone marrow. They help in the clotting process. When a blood vessel breaks, platelets gather in the area and help seal off the leak. Platelets survive only about 9 days in the bloodstream and are constantly being replaced by new cells. Blood also contains important proteins called clotting factors, which are critical to the clotting process. Although platelets alone can plug small blood vessel leaks and temporarily stop or slow bleeding, the action of clotting factors is needed to produce a strong, stable clot. Platelets and clotting factors work together to form solid lumps to seal leaks, wounds, cuts, and scratches and to prevent bleeding inside and on the surfaces of our bodies. The process of clotting is like a puzzle with interlocking parts. When the last part is in place, the clot happens — but if only one piece is missing, the final pieces can't come together. When large blood vessels are severed (or cut), the body may not be able to repair itself through clotting alone. In these cases, dressings and stitches are used to help control bleeding. In addition to the cells and clotting factors, blood contains other important substances, such as nutrients from the food that has been processed by the digestive system. Blood also carries hormones released by the endocrine glands and carries them to the body parts that need them. An interesting thing about blood is that blood cells and some of the special proteins blood contains can be replaced or supplemented by giving a person blood from someone else. This process is called a transfusion . In addition to receiving whole-blood transfusions, people can also receive transfusions of a particular component of blood that they need. For example, someone can receive only platelets, red blood cells, or a clotting factor. When people donate blood , the whole blood can be separated into its different parts and used in this way. previous continue Things That Can Go Wrong With Blood Most of the time, blood functions normally, but sometimes, blood disorders or diseases can cause problems. Diseases of the blood that commonly affect young people can involve any or all of the three types of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets) or the proteins and chemicals in the plasma that are responsible for clotting. Some of the diseases and conditions involving the blood include: Diseases of the Red Blood Cells The most common condition affecting the red blood cells of teens is anemia , a lower-than-normal number of red cells in the blood. Anemia is accompanied by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin present in the blood. Anemia symptoms — such as pale skin, weakness, and a fast heart rate — happen because of the blood's reduced capacity for carrying oxygen. Causes of anemia can be grouped into two categories: anemia caused by insufficient RBC production and anemia caused by RBCs being destroyed too soon. Anemia due to inadequate red blood cell production: Several conditions can cause a reduced production of red blood cells, including: Iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia and can affect people who have a diet low in iron or who've lost a lot of RBCs (and the iron they contain) through bleeding. Premature babies, infants with poor nutrition, menstruating teenage girls, and those with ongoing blood loss due to illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease are especially likely to have iron deficiency anemia. Anemia due to chronic disease. People with chronic diseases (such as cancer or human immunodeficiency virus infection [HIV]) often develop anemia as a complication of their illness. Anemia due to kidney disease. The kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates production of red cells in the bone marrow. Kidney disease can interfere with the production of this hormone. Anemia due to unusually rapid red blood cell destruction: When red blood cells are destroyed more quickly than normal by disease (this process is called hemolysis, pronounced: hih-MOL-uh-sus), the bone marrow will make up for it by increasing production of new red cells to take their place. But if RBCs are destroyed faster than they can be replaced, a person will develop anemia. Several causes of increased red blood cell destruction can affect teens: G6PD deficiency. G6PD is an enzyme that helps to protect RBCs from the destructive effects of certain chemicals found in foods and medications. When the enzyme is deficient, these chemicals can cause red cells to hemolyze, or burst. G6PD deficiency is a common hereditary disease among people of African, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asian descent. Hereditary spherocytosis (pronounced: sfeer-o-sye-TOE-sus). In this inherited condition, RBCs are misshapen (like tiny spheres, instead of disks) and especially fragile because of a genetic problem with a protein in the structure of the red blood cell. This fragility causes the cells to be easily destroyed. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Sometimes — because of disease or for no known reason — the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys red blood cells. Sickle cell disease . Most common in people of African descent, sickle cell disease (also called sickle cell anemia) is a hereditary disease that results in the production of abnormal hemoglobin. The RBCs become sickle shaped, cannot carry oxygen adequately, and are easily destroyed. The sickle-shaped cells also tend to abnormally stick together, causing obstruction of blood vessels. This blockage in the blood vessels can seriously damage organs and cause bouts of severe pain. previous continue Diseases of the White Blood Cells Neutropenia (pronounced: new-truh-PEE-nee-uh) occurs when there aren't enough of a certain type of white blood cell to protect the body against bacterial infections. People who take certain chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer may develop neutropenia. These people are at higher risk of bacterial infection. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks certain types of white blood cells (lymphocytes) that work to fight infection. Infection with the virus can result in AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), leaving the body prone to infections and certain other diseases. Teens and adults can get the disease from sexual intercourse with an infected person or from sharing contaminated needles used for injecting drugs or tattoo ink. Leukemias are cancers of the cells that produce white blood cells. These cancers include acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The most common types of leukemia affecting kids are ALL and AML. Scientists have made great advances in treating several types of childhood leukemia, most notably certain types of ALL. Diseases of Platelets Thrombocytopenia (pronounced: throm-buh-syte-uh-PEE-nee-uh), or a lower than normal number of platelets, is usually diagnosed because a person has abnormal bruising or bleeding. Thrombocytopenia can happen when someone takes certain drugs or develops infections or leukemia or when the body uses up too many platelets. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys platelets. Diseases of the Clotting System The body's clotting system depends on platelets as well as many clotting factors and other blood components. If a hereditary defect affects any of these components, a person can have a bleeding disorder. Common bleeding disorders include: Hemophilia (pronounced: hee-muh-FIL-ee-uh), an inherited condition that almost exclusively affects guys, involves a lack of particular clotting factors in the blood. People with severe hemophilia are at risk for excessive bleeding and bruising after dental work, surgery, and trauma. They may experience episodes of life-threatening internal bleeding, even if they haven't been injured. von Willebrand disease , the most common hereditary bleeding disorder, also involves a clotting-factor deficiency. It affects both guys and girls. Other causes of clotting problems include chronic liver disease (clotting factors are produced in the liver) and vitamin K deficiency (the vitamin is necessary for the production of certain clotting factors).

Bone marrow

From the Latin ferrum, what element, with an atomic number 26, uses the symbol Fe?

Human Physiology/Cell physiology - Wikibooks, open books for an open world Human Physiology/Cell physiology Cell Structure and Function[ edit ] What is a Cell?[ edit ] A cell is a structure as well as a functional unit of life. Every living thing has cells: bacteria, protozoans, fungi, plants, and animals are the main group of living things. Some organisms are made up of just one cell are called uni cellular. (e.g. bacteria and protozoans), but animals, including human beings, are multi-cellular. An adult human body is composed of about 100,000,000,000,000 cells! Each cell has basic requirements to sustain it, and the body's organ systems are largely built around providing the many trillions of cells with those basic needs (such as oxygen, food, and waste removal). There are about 200 different kinds of specialized cells in the human body. When many identical cells are organized together it is called a tissue (such as muscle tissue, nervous tissue, etc). Various tissues organized together for a common purpose are called organs (e.g. the stomach is an organ, and so is the skin, the brain, and the uterus). Ideas about cell structure have changed considerably over the years. Early biologists saw cells as simple membranous sacs containing fluid and a few floating particles. Today's biologists know that cells are inconceivably more complex than this. Therefore, a strong knowledge of the various cellular organelles and their functions is important to any physiologist. If a person's cells are healthy, then that person is healthy. All physiological processes, disease, growth and development can be described at the cellular level. Specialized Cells of the Human Body[ edit ] Although there are specialized cells - both in structure and function - within the body, all cells have similarities in their structural organization and metabolic needs (such as maintaining energy levels via conversion of carbohydrate to ATP and using genes to create and maintain proteins). Here are some of the different types of specialized cells within the human body. Nerve Cells: Also called Neurons, these cells are in the nervous system and function to process and transmit information (it is hypothesized). They are the core components of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. They use chemical synapses that can evoke electrical signals, called action potentials, to relay signals throughout the body. Epithelial cells: Functions of epithelial cells include secretion, absorption, protection, transcellular transport, sensation detection, and selective permeability. Epithelium lines both the outside (skin) and the inside cavities and lumen of bodies. Exocrine cells: These cells secrete products through ducts, such as mucus, sweat, or digestive enzymes. The products of these cells go directly to the target organ through the ducts. For example, the bile from the gall bladder is carried directly into the duodenum via the bile duct. Endocrine cells: These cells are similar to exocrine cells, but secrete their products directly into the bloodstream instead of through a duct. Endocrine cells are found throughout the body but are concentrated in hormone-secreting glands such as the pituitary. The products of the endocrine cells go throughout the body in the blood stream but act on specific organs by receptors on the cells of the target organs. For example, the hormone estrogen acts specifically on the uterus and breasts of females because there are estrogen receptors in the cells of these target organs. Blood Cells: The most common types of blood cells are: red blood cells (erythrocytes). The main function of red blood cells is to collect oxygen in the lungs and deliver it through the blood to the body tissues. Gas exchange is carried out by simple diffusion. various types of white blood cells (leukocytes). They are produced in the bone marrow and help the body to fight infectious disease and foreign objects in the immune system. White cells are found in the circulatory system, lymphatic system, spleen, and other body tissues. Cell Size[ edit ] Cells are the smallest structural & functional living units within our body, but play a big role in making our body function properly. Many cells never have a large increase in size like eggs, after they are first formed from a parental cell. Typical stem cells reproduce, double in size, then reproduce again. Most Cytosolic contents such as the endomembrane system and the cytoplasm easily scale to larger sizes in larger cells. If a cell becomes too large, the normal cellular amount of DNA may not be adequate to keep the cell supplied with RNA. Large cells often replicate their chromosomes to an abnormally high amount or become multinucleated. Large cells that are primarily for nutrient storage can have a smooth surface membrane, but metabolically active large cells often have some sort of folding of the cell surface membrane in order to increase the surface area available for transport functions. Cellular Organization[ edit ] Several different molecules interact to form organelles within our body. Each type of organelle has a specific function. Organelles perform the vital functions that keep our cells alive. Cell Membranes[ edit ] The boundary of the cell, sometimes called the plasma membrane, separates internal metabolic events from the external environment and controls the movement of materials into and out of the cell. This membrane is very selective about what it allows to pass through; this characteristic is referred to as "selective permeability." For example, it allows oxygen and nutrients to enter the cell while keeping toxins and waste products out. The plasma membrane is a double phospholipid membrane, or a lipid bilayer, with the nonpolar hydrophobic tails pointing toward the inside of the membrane and the polar hydrophilic heads forming the inner and outer surfaces of the membrane. The molecular structure of the cell membrane. 22 Protein and Cholesterol[ edit ] Proteins and cholesterol molecules are scattered throughout the flexible phospholipid membrane. Peripheral proteins attach loosely to the inner or outer surface of the plasma membrane. Integral proteins lie across the membrane, extending from inside to outside. A variety of proteins are scattered throughout the flexible matrix of phospholipid molecules, somewhat like icebergs floating in the ocean, and this is termed the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane. The phospholipid bilayer is selectively permeable. Only small, uncharged polar molecules can pass freely across the membrane. Some of these molecules are H2O and CO2, hydrophobic (nonpolar) molecules like O2, and lipid soluble molecules such as hydrocarbons. Other molecules need the help of a membrane protein to get across. There are a variety of membrane proteins that serve various functions: Channel proteins: Proteins that provide passageways through the membranes for certain hydrophilic or water-soluble substances such as polar and charged molecules. No energy is used during transport, hence this type of movement is called facilitated diffusion. Transport proteins: Proteins that spend energy (ATP) to transfer materials across the membrane. When energy is used to provide passageway for materials, the process is called active transport. Recognition proteins: Proteins that distinguish the identity of neighboring cells. These proteins have oligosaccharide or short polysaccharide chains extending out from their cell surface. Adhesion proteins: Proteins that attach cells to neighboring cells or provide anchors for the internal filaments and tubules that give stability to the cell. Receptor proteins: Proteins that initiate specific cell responses once hormones or other trigger molecules bind to them. Electron transfer proteins: Proteins that are involved in moving electrons from one molecule to another during chemical reactions. Passive Transport Across the Cell Membrane[ edit ] Passive transport describes the movement of substances down a concentration gradient and does not require energy use. Bulk flow is the collective movement of substances in the same direction in response to a force, such as pressure. Blood moving through a vessel is an example of bulk flow. Simple diffusion, or diffusion, is the net movement of substances from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. This movement occurs as a result of the random and constant motion characteristic of all molecules, (atoms or ions) and is independent from the motion of other molecules. Since, at any one time, some molecules may be moving against the gradient and some molecules may be moving down the gradient, although the motion is random, the word "net" is used to indicate the overall, eventual end result of the movement. Facilitated diffusion is the diffusion of solutes through channel proteins in the plasma membrane. Water can pass freely through the plasma membrane without the aid of specialized proteins (though facilitated by aquaporins). Osmosis is the diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane. When water moves into a body by osmosis, hydrostatic pressure or osmotic pressure may build up inside the body. Dialysis is the diffusion of solutes across a selectively permeable membrane. Active Transport Across the Cell Membrane[ edit ] Active transport is the movement of solutes against a gradient and requires the expenditure of energy, usually in the form of ATP. Active transport is achieved through one of these two mechanisms: Protein Pumps[ edit ] Transport proteins in the plasma membrane transfer solutes such as small ions (Na+, K+, Cl-, H+), amino acids, and monosaccharides. The proteins involved with active transport are also known as ion pumps. The protein binds to a molecule of the substance to be transported on one side of the membrane, then it uses the released energy (ATP) to change its shape, and releases it on the other side. The protein pumps are specific, there is a different pump for each molecule to be transported. Protein pumps are catalysts in the splitting of ATP → ADP + phosphate, so they are called ATPase enzymes. The sodium-potassium pump (also called the Na+/K+-ATPase enzyme) actively moves sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell. These pumps are found in the membrane of virtually every cell, and are essential in transmission of nerve impulses and in muscular contractions. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that results in a mutated chloride ion channel. By not regulating chloride secretion properly, water flow across the airway surface is reduced and the mucus becomes dehydrated and thick. Vesicular Transport[ edit ] Vesicles or other bodies in the cytoplasm move macromolecules or large particles across the plasma membrane. Types of vesicular transport include: Exocytosis, which describes the process of vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane and releasing their contents to the outside of the cell. This process is common when a cell produces substances for export. Endocytosis, which describes the capture of a substance outside the cell when the plasma membrane merges to engulf it. The substance subsequently enters the cytoplasm enclosed in a vesicle. There are three kinds of endocytosis: Phagocytosis or cellular eating, occurs when the dissolved materials enter the cell. The plasma membrane engulfs the solid material, forming a phagocytic vesicle. Pinocytosis or cellular drinking occurs when the plasma membrane folds inward to form a channel allowing dissolved substances to enter the cell. When the channel is closed, the liquid is encircled within a pinocytic vesicle. Receptor-mediated endocytosis occurs when specific molecules in the fluid surrounding the cell bind to specialized receptors in the plasma membrane. As in pinocytosis, the plasma membrane folds inward and the formation of a vesicle follows. Note: Certain hormones are able to target specific cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Parts of the Cell[ edit ] Cytoplasm[ edit ] The gel-like material within the cell membrane is referred to as the cytoplasm. It is a fluid matrix, the cytosol, which consists of 80% to 90% water, salts, organic molecules and many enzymes that catalyze reactions, along with dissolved substances such as proteins and nutrients. The cytoplasm plays an important role in a cell, serving as a "molecular soup" in which organelles are suspended and held together by a fatty membrane. Within the plasma membrane of a cell, the cytoplasm surrounds the nuclear envelope and the cytoplasmic organelles. It plays a mechanical role by moving around inside the membrane and pushing against the cell membrane helping to maintain the shape and consistency of the cell and again, to provide suspension to the organelles. It is also a storage space for chemical substances indispensable to life, which are involved in vital metabolic reactions, such as anaerobic glycolysis and protein synthesis. The cell membrane keeps the cytoplasm from leaking out. It contains many different organelles which are considered the insoluble constituents of the cytoplasm, such as the mitochondria, lysosomes, peroxysomes, ribosomes, several vacuoles and cytoskeletons, as well as complex cell membrane structures such as the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus that each have specific functions within the cell. Cytoskeleton Threadlike proteins that make up the cytoskeleton continually reconstruct to adapt to the cell's constantly changing needs. It helps cells maintain their shape and allows cells and their contents to move. The cytoskeleton allows certain cells such as neutrophils and macrophages to make amoeboid movements. The network is composed of three elements: microtubules, actin filaments, and intermediate fibers. Microtubules Microtubules function as the framework along which organelles and vesicles move within a cell. They are the thickest of the cytoskeleton structures. They are long hollow cylinders, composed of protein subunits, called tubulin. Microtubules form mitotic spindles, the machinery that partitions chromosomes between two cells in the process of cell division. Without mitotic spindles cells could not reproduce. Microtubules, intermediate filaments, and microfilaments are three protein fibers of decreasing diameter, respectively. All are involved in establishing the shape or movements of the cytoskeleton, the internal structure of the cell. A photograph of microfilaments. Microfilaments Microfilaments provide mechanical support for the cell, determine the cell shape, and in some cases enable cell movements. They have an arrow-like appearance, with a fast growing plus or barbed end and a slow growing minus or pointed end. They are made of the protein actin and are involved in cell motility. They are found in almost every cell, but are predominant in muscle cells and in the cells that move by changing shape, such as phagocytes (white blood cells that scour the body for bacteria and other foreign invaders). Organelles[ edit ] Organelles are bodies embedded in the cytoplasm that serve to physically separate the various metabolic activities that occur within cells. The organelles are each like separate little factories, each organelle is responsible for producing a certain product that is used elsewhere in the cell or body. Cells of all living things are divided into two broad categories: prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Bacteria (and archea) are prokaryotes, which means they lack a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotes include all protozoans, fungi, plants, and animals (including humans), and these cells are characterized by a nucleus (which houses the chromosomes) as well as a variety of other organelles. Human cells vary considerably (consider the differences between a bone cell, a blood cell, and a nerve cell), but most cells have the features described below. A comparison of Eukaryote and Prokaryote cells. Nucleus[ edit ] Controls the cell; houses the genetic material (DNA). The nucleus is the largest of the cells organelles. Cells can have more than one nucleus or lack a nucleus all together. Skeletal muscle cells contain more than one nucleus whereas red blood cells do not contain a nucleus at all. The nucleus is bounded by the nuclear envelope, a phospholipid bilayer similar to the plasma membrane. The space between these two layers is the nucleolemma Cisterna. The nucleus contains the DNA, as mentioned above, the hereditary information in the cell. Normally the DNA is spread out within the nucleus as a threadlike matrix called chromatin. When the cell begins to divide, the chromatin condenses into rod-shaped bodies called chromosomes, each of which, before dividing, is made up of two long DNA molecules and various histone molecules. The histones serve to organize the lengthy DNA, coiling it into bundles called nucleosomes. Also visible within the nucleus are one or more nucleoli, each consisting of DNA in the process of manufacturing the components of ribosomes. Ribosomes are shipped to the cytoplasm where they assemble amino acids into proteins. The nucleus also serves as the site for the separation of the chromosomes during cell division. A cross-sectional diagram of a cell. Chromosomes A rough sketch of a chromosome. Inside each cell nucleus are chromosomes. Chromosomes are made up of chromatin, which is made up of protein and deoxyribonucleic acid strands. Deoxyribonucleic acid is DNA, the genetic material that is in the shape of a twisted ladder, also called the double helix. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Down Syndrome and Cri du Chat Syndrome result from having an abnormal number of chromosomes. Centrioles[ edit ] Centrioles are rod like structures composed of 9 bundles which contain three microtubules each. Two perpendicularly placed centrioles surrounded by proteins make up the centrosome. Centrioles are very important in cellular division, where they arrange the mitotic spindles that pull the chromosome apart. Centrioles and basal bodies act as microtubule organizing centers. A pair of centrioles (enclosed in a centrosome) located outside the nuclear envelope gives rise to the microtubules that make up the spindle apparatus used during cell division. Basal bodies are at the base of each flagellum and cilium and appear to organize their development. Ribosomes[ edit ] Ribosomes play an active role in the complex process of protein synthesis, where they serve as the structures that facilitate the joining of amino acids. Each ribosome is composed of a large and small subunit which are made up of ribosomal proteins and ribosomal RNAs. They can either be found in groups called polyribosomes within the cytoplasm or found alone. Occasionally they are attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. A cutaway view inside a mitochondria. Mitochondria[ edit ] Mitochondria are the organelles that function as the cell "powerhouse", generating ATP, the universal form of energy used by all cells. It converts food nutrients such as glucose, to a fuel (ATP) that the cells of the body can use. Mitochondria are tiny sac-like structures found near the nucleus. Little shelves called cristae are formed from folds in the inner membrane. Cells that are metabolically active such as muscle, liver and kidney cells have high energy requirements and therefore have more mitochondria. Mitochondria are unique in that they have their own mitochondrial DNA (separate from the DNA that is in the nucleus). It is believed that eukaryotes evolved from one cell living inside another cell, and mitochondria share many traits with free-living bacteria (similar chromosome, similar ribosomes, etc). Endoplasmic Reticulum[ edit ] Endoplasmic means "within the plasm" and reticulum means "network". A complex three dimensional internal membrane system of flattened sheets, sacs and tubes, that play an important role in making proteins and shuttling cellular products; also involved in metabolisms of fats, and the production of various materials. In cross-section, they appear as a series of maze-like channels, often closely associated with the nucleus. When ribosomes are present, the rough ER connects polysaccharide groups to the polypeptides as they are assembled by the ribosomes. Smooth ER, without ribosomes, is responsible for various activities, including the synthesis of lipids and hormones, especially in cells that produce these substances for export from the cell. Rough endoplasmic reticulum has characteristic bumpy appearance due to the multitude of ribosomes coating it. It is the site where proteins not destined for the cytoplasm are synthesized. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum provides a variety of functions, including lipid synthesis and degradation, and calcium ion storage. In liver cells, the smooth ER is involved in the breakdown of toxins, drugs, and toxic byproducts from cellular reactions. Golgi Apparatus[ edit ] "Packages" cellular products in sacs called vesicles so that the products can cross the cell membrane and exit the cell. The Golgi apparatus is the central delivery system for the cell. It is a group of flattened sacs arranged much like a stack of bowls. They function to modify and package proteins and lipids into vesicles, small spherically shaped sacs that bud from the ends of a Golgi apparatus. Vesicles often migrate to and merge with the plasma membrane, releasing their contents outside the cell. The Golgi apparatus also transports lipids and creates lysosomes and organelles involved in digestion. Vacuoles[ edit ] Spaces in the cytoplasm that sometimes serve to carry materials to the cell membrane for discharge to the outside of the cell. Vacuoles are formed during endocytosis when portions of the cell membrane are pinched off. Lysosomes[ edit ] Lysosomes are sac-like compartments that contain a number of powerful degradative enzymes. They are built in the Golgi apparatus. They break down harmful cell products and waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign invaders such as bacteria, and then force them out of the cell. Tay-Sachs disease and Pompe's disease are just two of the malfunctions of lysosomes or their digestive proteins. Peroxisomes[ edit ] Organelles in which oxygen is used to oxidize substances, breaking down lipids and detoxifying certain chemicals. Peroxisomes self replicate by enlarging and then dividing. They are common in liver and kidney cells that break down potentially harmful substances. Peroxisomes can convert hydrogen peroxide, a toxin made of H2O2 to H2O. Extracellular structures[ edit ] Extracellular matrix Human cells, like other animal cells, do not have a rigid cell wall. Human cells do have an important and variable structure outside of their cell membrane called the extracellular matrix. Sometimes this matrix can be extensive and solid (examples = calcified bone matrix, cartilage matrix), while other times it consists of a layer of extracellular proteins and carbohydrates. This matrix is responsible for cells binding to each other and is incredibly important in how cells physically and physiologically interact with each other. Flagella Many prokaryotes have flagella, allowing, for example, an E. coli bacteria to propel its way up the urethra to cause a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). Human cells, however (and in fact most eukaryotic cells) lack flagella. This makes sense since humans are multicellular, and individual cells do not need to swim around. The obvious exception to this is with sperm, and indeed each sperm is propelled by a single flagellum. The flagellum of sperm is composed of microtubules. Cilia Cilia are especially notable on the single-celled protozoans, where they beat in synchrony to move the cells nimbly through the water. They are composed of extensions of the cell membrane that contain microtubules. When present in humans they are typically found in large numbers on a single surface of the cells, where rather than moving cells, they move materials. The mucociliary escalator of the respiratory system consists of mucus-secreting cells lining the trachea and bronchi, and ciliated epithelial cells that move the mucus ever-upward. In this manner mold spores, bacteria, and debris are caught in the mucus, removed from the trachea, and pushed into the esophagus (to be swallowed into a pit of acid). In the oviducts cilia move the ovum from the ovary to the uterus, a journey which takes a few days. A magnified view of several cells, with visible cilia. Cell Junctions[ edit ] The plasma membranes of adjacent cells are usually separated by extracellular fluids that allow transport of nutrients and wastes to and from the bloodstream. In certain tissues, however, the membranes of adjacent cells may join and form a junction. Three kinds of cell junctions are recognized: Desmosomes are protein attachments between adjacent cells. Inside the plasma membrane, a desmosome bears a disk shaped structure from which protein fibers extend into the cytoplasm. Desmosomes act like spot welds to hold together tissues that undergo considerable stress, such as our skin or heart muscle. Tight junctions are tightly stitched seams between cells. The junction completely encircles each cell, preventing the movement of material between the cell. Tight junctions are characteristic of cells lining the digestive tract, where materials are required to pass through cells,rather than intercellular spaces, to penetrate the bloodstream. Gap junctions are narrow tunnels that directly connect the cytoplasm of two neighbouring cells, consisting of proteins called connexons. These proteins allow only the passage of ions and small molecules. In this manner, gap junctions allow communication between cells through the exchange of materials or the transmission of electrical impulses. Cell Metabolism[ edit ] Cell metabolism is the total energy released and consumed by a cell. Metabolism describes all of the chemical reactions that are happening in the body. Some reactions, called anabolic reactions, create needed products. Other reactions, called catabolic reactions, break down products. Your body is performing both anabolic and catabolic reactions at the same time and around the clock, twenty four hours a day, to keep your body alive and functioning. Even while you sleep, your cells are busy metabolizing. Catabolism: The energy releasing process in which a chemical or food is used (broken down) by degradation or decomposition, into smaller pieces. Anabolism: Anabolism is just the opposite of catabolism. In this portion of metabolism, the cell consumes energy to produce larger molecules via smaller ones. Energy Rich Molecules[ edit ] Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)[ edit ] Chemical diagram of an ATP molecule. ATP is the currency of the cell. When the cell needs to use energy such as when it needs to move substances across the cell membrane via the active transport system, it "pays" with molecules of ATP. The total quantity of ATP in the human body at any one time is about 0.1 Mole. The energy used by human cells requires the hydrolysis of 200 to 300 moles of ATP daily. This means that each ATP molecule is recycled 2000 to 3000 times during a single day. ATP cannot be stored, hence its consumption must closely follow its synthesis. On a per-hour basis, 1 kilogram of ATP is created, processed and then recycled in the body. Looking at it another way, a single cell uses about 10 million ATP molecules per second to meet its metabolic needs, and recycles all of its ATP molecules about every 20-30 seconds. Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD)[ edit ] When two hydrogen atoms are bonded, FAD is reduced to FADH2 and is turned into an energy-carrying molecule. FAD accommodates two equivalents of Hydrogen; both the hydride and the proton ions. This is used by organisms to carry out energy requiring processes. FAD is reduced in the citric acid cycle during aerobic respiration Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)[ edit ] Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) are two important cofactors found in cells. NADH is the reduced form of NAD+, and NAD+ is the oxidized form of NADH. It forms NADP with the addition of a phosphate group to the 2' position of the adenosyl nucleotide through an ester linkage. NAD is used extensively in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle of cellular respiration. The reducing potential stored in NADH can be converted to ATP through the electron transport chain or used for anabolic metabolism. ATP "energy" is necessary for an organism to live. Green plants obtain ATP through photosynthesis, while other organisms obtain it by cellular respiration. NADP is used in anabolic reactions, such as fat acid and nucleic acid synthesis, that require NADPH as a reducing agent. In chloroplasts, NADP is an oxidising agent important in the preliminary reactions of photosynthesis. The NADPH produced by photosynthesis is then used as reducing power for the biosynthetic reactions in the Calvin cycle of photosynthesis. Chemical diagram of an NADH molecule. MH2 + NAD+ → NADH + H+ + M: + energy, where M is a metabolite. Two hydrogen ions (a hydride ion and an H+ ion) are transferred from the metabolite. One electron is transferred to the positively-charged nitrogen, and one hydrogen attaches to the carbon atom opposite to the nitrogen. The human body synthesizes NAD from the vitamin niacin in the form of nicotinic acid or nicotinamide. Cellular Respiration[ edit ] Cellular respiration is the energy releasing process by which sugar molecules are broken down by a series of reactions and the chemical energy gets converted to energy stored in ATP molecules. The reactions that convert the fuel (glucose) to usable cellular energy (ATP) are glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (sometimes called the citric acid cycle), and the electron transport chain. Altogether these reactions are referred to as "cellular respiration" or "aerobic respiration." Oxygen is needed as the final electron acceptor, and carrying out cellular respiration is the very reason we breathe and the reason we eat. Flowchart of cellular respiration. Glycolysis[ edit ] The glycolytic pathway (glycolysis) is where glucose, the smallest molecule that a carbohydrate can be broken into during digestion, gets oxidized and broken into two 3-carbon molecules (pyruvates), which are then fed into the Kreb's Cycle. Glycolysis is the beginning of cellular respiration and takes place in the cytoplasm. Two molecules of ATP are required for glycolysis, but four are produced so there is a net gain of two ATP per glucose molecule. Two NADH molecules transfer electrons (in the form of hydrogen ions) to the electron transport chain in the mitochondria, where they will be used to generate additional ATP. During physical exertion when the mitochondria are already producing the maximum ATP possible with the amount of oxygen available, glycolysis can continue to produce an additional 2 ATP per glucose molecule without sending the electrons to the mitochondria. However, during this anaerobic respiration lactic acid is produced, which may accumulate and lead to temporary muscle cramping. Krebs Cycle[ edit ] The Krebs cycle was named after Sir Hans Krebs (1900-1981), who proposed the key elements of this pathway in 1937 and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for its discovery in 1953. Two molecules of pyruvate enter the Krebs cycle, which is called the aerobic pathway because it requires the presence of oxygen in order to occur. This cycle is a major biological pathway that occurs in humans and every plant and animal. After glycolysis takes place in the cell's cytoplasm, the pyruvic acid molecules travel into the interior of the mitochondrion. Once the pyruvic acid is inside, carbon dioxide is enzymatically removed from each three-carbon pyruvic acid molecule to form acetic acid. The enzyme then combines the acetic acid with an enzyme, coenzyme A, to produce acetyl coenzyme A, also known as acetyl CoA. Once acetyl CoA is formed, the Krebs cycle begins. The cycle is split into eight steps, each of which will be explained below. Step 1: The acetic acid subunit of acetyl CoA is combined with oxaloacetate to form a molecule of citrate. The acetyl coenzyme A acts only as a transporter of acetic acid from one enzyme to another. After Step 1, the coenzyme is released by hydrolysis so that it may combine with another acetic acid molecule to begin the Krebs cycle again. Step 2: The citric acid molecule undergoes an isomerization. A hydroxyl group and a hydrogen molecule are removed from the citrate structure in the form of water. The two carbons form a double bond until the water molecule is added back. Only now, the hydroxyl group and hydrogen molecule are reversed with respect to the original structure of the citrate molecule. Thus, isocitrate is formed. Step 3: In this step, the isocitrate molecule is oxidized by a NAD molecule. The NAD molecule is reduced by the hydrogen atom and the hydroxyl group. The NAD binds with a hydrogen atom and carries off the other hydrogen atom leaving a carbonyl group. This structure is very unstable, so a molecule of CO2 is released creating alpha-ketoglutarate. Step 4: In this step, our friend, coenzyme A, returns to oxidize the alpha-ketoglutarate molecule. A molecule of NAD is reduced again to form NADH and leaves with another hydrogen. This instability causes a carbonyl group to be released as carbon dioxide and a thioester bond is formed in its place between the former alpha-ketoglutarate and coenzyme A to create a molecule of succinyl-coenzyme A complex. Step 5: A water molecule sheds its hydrogen atoms to coenzyme A. Then, a free-floating phosphate group displaces coenzyme A and forms a bond with the succinyl complex. The phosphate is then transferred to a molecule of GDP to produce an energy molecule of GTP. It leaves behind a molecule of succinate. Step 6: In this step, succinate is oxidized by a molecule of FAD (Flavin adenine dinucleotide). The FAD removes two hydrogen atoms from the succinate and forces a double bond to form between the two carbon atoms, thus creating fumarate. Step 7: An enzyme adds water to the fumarate molecule to form malate. The malate is created by adding one hydrogen atom to a carbon atom and then adding a hydroxyl group to a carbon next to a terminal carbonyl group. Step 8: In this final step, the malate molecule is oxidized by a NAD molecule. The carbon that carried the hydroxyl group is now converted into a carbonyl group. The end product is oxaloacetate which can then combine with acetyl-coenzyme A and begin the Krebs cycle all over again. Summary: In summary, three major events occur during the Krebs cycle. One GTP (guanosine triphosphate) is produced which eventually donates a phosphate group to ADP to form one ATP; three molecules of NAD are reduced; and one molecule of FAD is reduced. Although one molecule of GTP leads to the production of one ATP, the production of the reduced NAD and FAD are far more significant in the cell's energy-generating process. This is because NADH and FADH2 donate their electrons to an electron transport system that generates large amounts of energy by forming many molecules of ATP. To see a visual summary of "Kreb Cycle" please click here . Electron Transport System[ edit ] The most complicated system of all. In the respiration chain, oxidation and reduction reactions occur repeatedly as a way of transporting energy. The respiratory chain is also called the electron transport chain. At the end of the chain, oxygen accepts the electron and water is produced. Redox Reaction[ edit ] This is a simultaneous oxidation-reduction process whereby cellular metabolism occurs, such as the oxidation of sugar in the human body, through a series of very complex electron transfer processes. The chemical way to look at redox processes is that the substance being oxidized transfers electrons to the substance being reduced. Thus, in the reaction, the substance being oxidized (aka. the reducing agent) loses electrons, while the substance being reduced (aka. the oxidizing agent) gains electrons. Remember: LEO (Losing Electrons is Oxidation) the lion says GER (Gaining Electrons is Reduction); or alternatively: OIL (Oxidation is Loss) RIG (Reduction is Gain). The term redox state is often used to describe the balance of NAD+/NADH and NADP+/NADPH in a biological system such as a cell or organ. The redox state is reflected in the balance of several sets of metabolites (e.g., lactate and pyruvate, β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate) whose interconversion is dependent on these ratios. An abnormal redox state can develop in a variety of deleterious situations, such as hypoxia, shock, and sepsis. Cell Building Blocks[ edit ] Lipids[ edit ] The term is more-specifically used to refer to fatty-acids and their derivatives (including tri-, di-, and mono-glycerides and phospholipids) as well as other fat-soluble sterol-containing metabolites such as cholesterol. Lipids serve many functions in living organisms including energy storage, serve as structural components of cell membranes, and constitute important signaling molecules. Although the term lipid is sometimes used as a synonym for fat, the latter is in fact a subgroup of lipids called triglycerides and should not be confused with the term fatty acid. Carbohydrates[ edit ] Carbohydrate molecules consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They have a general formula Cn(H2O)n. There are several sub-families based on molecular size. Carbohydrates are chemical compounds that contain oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon atoms, and no other elements. They consist of monosaccharide sugars of varying chain lengths. Certain carbohydrates are an important storage and transport form of energy in most organisms, including plants and animals. Carbohydrates are classified by their number of sugar units: monosaccharides (such as glucose and fructose), disaccharides (such as sucrose and lactose), oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides (such as starch, glycogen, and cellulose). The simplest carbohydrates are monosaccharides, which are small straight-chain aldehydes and ketones with many hydroxyl groups added, usually one on each carbon except the functional group. Other carbohydrates are composed of monosaccharide units and break down under hydrolysis. These may be classified as disaccharides, oligosaccharides, or polysaccharides, depending on whether they have two, several, or many monosaccharide units. Proteins[ edit ] All proteins contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. Some also contain phosphorus and sulfur. The building blocks of proteins are amino acids. There are 20 different kinds of amino acids used by the human body. They unite by peptide bonds to form long molecules called polypeptides. Polypeptides are assembled into proteins. Proteins have four levels of structure Primary Primary structure is the sequence of amino acids bonded in the polypeptide. Secondary The secondary structure is formed by hydrogen bonds between amino acids. The polypeptide can coil into a helix or form a pleated sheet. Tertiary The tertiary structure refers to the three-dimensional folding of the helix or pleated sheet. Quaternary The quaternary structure refers to the spatial relationship among the polypeptide in the protein. Hexagonary Enzymes[ edit ] A biological molecule that catalyzes a chemical reaction. Enzymes are essential for life because most chemical reactions in living cells would occur too slowly or would lead to different products without enzymes. Most enzymes are proteins and the word "enzyme" is often used to mean a protein enzyme. Some RNA molecules also have a catalytic activity, and to differentiate them from protein enzymes, they are referred to as RNA enzymes or ribozymes. Answers for these questions can be found here 1. List 2 functions of the cell membrane: Questions 2 - 6 Match the following organelles with their function: 2. Mitochondria 3. Vacuoles 4. Cilia 5. Smooth ER 6. Golgi Apparatus A. Movement of the cell B. Lipid synthesis and transport C. "Powerhouse" of the cell, makes ATP D. Storage areas, mainly found in plant cells E. Packages and distributes cellular products 7. The diffusion of H2O across a semi permeable or selectively permeable membrane is termed A. Active transport 13. What is a cell? a. The largest living units within our bodies. b. Enzymes that "eat" bacteria c. Microscopic fundamental units of all living things. d. All of the above. Active Transport: the movement of solutes against a gradient and requires the expenditure of energy Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): a cell’s source of energy Bulk Flow: the collective movement of substances in the same direction in response to a force Cells: the microscopic fundamental unit that makes up all living things Cell Membrane: boundary of the cell, sometimes called the plasma membrane Cytoplasm: a water-like substance that fills cells. The cytoplasm consists of cytosol and the cellular organelles, except the cell nucleus. The cytosol is made up of water, salts, organic molecules and many enzymes that catalyze reactions. The cytoplasm holds all of the cellular organelles outside of the nucleus, maintains the shape and consistency of the cell, and serves as a storage place for chemical substances. Cytoskeleton: made of threadlike proteins, helps cells maintain their shape and allows cells and their contents to move Dialysis: the diffusion of solutes across a selectively permeable membrane. Most commonly heard of when a patient has had renal failure. In medicine, dialysis is a type of renal replacement therapy which is used to provide an artificial replacement for lost kidney function due to renal failure. It is a life support treatment and does not treat any kidney diseases. Endocrine cells: similar to exocrine cells, but secrete their products directly into the bloodstream instead of through a duct Endocytosis: the capture of a substance outside the cell when the plasma membrane merges to engulf it Endoplasmic Reticulum: organelle that play an important role in making proteins and shuttling cellular products; also involved in metabolisms of fats, and the production of various materials Epithelial Cells: cells that aid in secretion, absorption, protection, trans-cellular transport, sensation detection, and selective permeability Exocrine Cells: cells that secrete products through ducts, such as mucus, sweat, or digestive enzymes Exocytosis: the process of vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane and releasing their contents to the outside of the cell Facilitated Diffusion: the diffusion of solutes through channel proteins in the plasma membrane Golgi Apparatus: "packages" cellular products in sacs called vesicles so that the products can cross the cell membrane and exit the cell Glycolysis: process in which sugars (glucose) are converted to acid Lysosomes: sac-like compartments that contain a number of powerful degradative enzymes Microfilaments: provide mechanical support for the cell, determine the cell shape, and in some cases enable cell movements Microtubules: function as the framework along which organelles and vesicles move within a cell Mitochondria: the organelles that function as the cell "powerhouse", generating ATP Nucleus: controls the cell; houses the genetic material Organelles: bodies embedded in the cytoplasm that serve to physically separate the various metabolic activities that occur within cells Osmosis: the diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of high solute concentration to an area of low solute concentration. Passive Transport: the movement of substances down a concentration gradient and does not require energy use Peroxisomes: organelles in which oxygen is used to oxidize substances, breaking down lipids and detoxifying certain chemicals Phagocytosis: a form of endocytosis wherein large particles are enveloped by the cell membrane of a (usually larger) cell and internalized to form a phagosome, or "food vacuole." In animals, phagocytosis is performed by specialized cells called phagocytes, which serve to remove foreign bodies and thus fight infection. In vertebrates, these include larger macrophages and smaller granulocytes, types of blood cells. Bacteria, dead tissue cells, and small mineral particles are all examples of objects that may be phagocytosed. Pinocytosis: also called cellular drinking, is a form of endocytosis, a process in which small particles are taken in by a cell by splitting into smaller particles. The particles then form small vesicles which subsequently fuse with lysosomes to hydrolyze, or to break down, the particles. This process requires adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Receptor-mediated Endocytosis: occurs when specific molecules in the fluid surrounding the cell bind to specialized receptors in the plasma membrane Red Blood Cells (erythrocytes): cells that collect oxygen in the lungs and deliver it through the blood to the body tissues Ribosomes: play an active role in the complex process of protein synthesis, where they serve as the structures that facilitate the joining of amino acids Simple Diffusion: the net movement of substances from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration Vacuoles: spaces in the cytoplasm that sometimes serve to carry materials to the cell membrane for discharge to the outside of the cell White Blood Cells (leukocytes): produced in the bone marrow and help the body to fight infectious disease and foreign objects in the immune system

i don't know

Consisting of 20 quires of 25 sheets, the ream is a common retail unit of what product?

What is a Paper Ream? (with picture) What is a Paper Ream? Last Modified Date: 09 January 2017 Copyright Protected: These 10 animal facts will amaze you A paper ream is a package of 500 sheets of paper of the same quality and style that have been cut to the same size. Consumers often purchase paper in the form of reams, while printers may work in even bigger volumes. This amount is also used as unit of base measurement for calculating the weight of paper, which is a reference to its density. Weight is usually indicated with the pound symbol (#), often on the endcap of a ream so that consumers can refer to this information when selecting paper. Originally, a paper ream was made up of 20 quires, sheaves consisting of 24 sheets of paper, meaning that a ream actually contained 480 sheets. The definition of “quire” itself has also changed through the ages, but this is an entirely separate issue. To add to the chaos, printers usually purchased reams that contained 516 sheets of paper, to account for potential wastage. Ultimately, many paper companies adopted a 500 sheet standard to reduce confusion. Ad It is still possible to find a so-called “short ream” of only 480 sheets, however. Short reams are more common with fine or unique papers, but they do crop up in the realm of office supplies as well. Consumers should check for a label that will indicate whether or not a package of paper is a short ream. This can become especially critical for shoppers who are purchasing paper by the case, as a case of ten short reams will fall short of the 5,000 sheets of paper one would expect. As discussed above, the paper ream is also used to measure paper density. When writing paper is labeled as 20#, for example, it means that a stack of 500 sheets that measure 17 by 22 inch (36 by 56 centimeter) weighs 20 pounds (9 kilograms). Other types of paper use different base sizes. In countries that use the metric system, many paper companies standardize this measurement, using 1 square meter as the basis size for a ream when determining weight, no matter what kind of paper it is. Weights can get confusing, since the paper is often cut after its weight has determined; this explains why a ream of 35# bond , for example, does not actually weigh 35 pounds (16 kilograms). The weight of paper is an important concern for many people. Some weights, for example, will not fit through regular office printers, while others are too flimsy for certain tasks. Many paper companies offer base styles in a number of weights, allowing people to choose the one most suited to their purpose, whether it is a formal wedding invitation or a business letter. Ad

Paper

What can be a plot, a projectile propellant, and a type of green tea?

Writing in the urban world Dossiê: Escritos e Imagens do Mundo Luso-Brasileiro (Séculos XIII-XVIII) Writing in the urban world Maria Helena da Cruz Coelho 2Department of History, European Studies, Archeology and Arts, Languages program, University of Coimbra, Contact: coelhomh@gmail.com ABSTRACT After presenting and describing the cities, we analyze a number of aspects related to the writing that was produced by an urban center. We focus on the writing produced by the urban bodies and powers, and not on its use by the inhabitants of the city. We also focus on the materials involved in the writing, the agents of the act of writing, and above all, the written documents themselves. We investigate the documents in greater depth, pointing out some isolated documents, written on parchment or paper, and their typological diversity. In particular, we emphasize the strategies used by the urban authorities that rely on more elaborate processes of writing, such as the composition of books and property records, true mini-archives; the management of lists and inventories, in which a serial writing is formed, that enabled them to control people and goods; their concern with filing the documents, as a basis for memory, legitimation and exercise of power; and the articulation with orality, in a society where most of the population were illiterate, to promulgate their orders and see them carried out; as well as the requirement to circulate documents, notices and messages with other superior authorities, or parallel authorities. The aim of this study is to give well-based evidence for the use of writing as a means, a product, and an end of the exercise of governance, and as a testimony of the demarcation of urban powers. Key words: the city and the act of writing; the city and the written documents; writing and urban power In the density and polymorphism of the networks of medieval settlements, the city becomes a center of concentration and a centripetal force. It can be distinguished in the landscape usually by the castle and walls that protect it or by some other dominant building, be it a Monastery or a Church, around which an urban settlement has developed. It is known for its population concentration, its more organic or linear urban layout, and its monumental and prestigious architecture. It offers multiple activities, from crafts and trade to monetary and credit operations. It exerts an attraction and dominion over the periurban and rural areas around it, channeling the agricultural production from these surroundings to the domestic and external markets, providing security and various services to its inhabitants, but also dominating them and burdening them with taxes and services. In the religious sphere, it is distinguished by the large number of parishes, by the mother churches, some of them even cathedral or collegiate churches, and by the monasteries of various orders, namely the mendicant ones, from the thirteenth century on. For all of the above reasons, the city attracts merchants, travellers and pilgrims, but also the poor, vagabonds and criminals. The urban center offers its residents, or passing travellers, social or welfare institutions, including shelters, hospitals, leper hospitals, mercy houses or fraternities. In addition to all this, the city becomes a center of powers and services. Within the city, central power, in the form of delegated officials of the royal power, acting in various regional districts, intersects the local authority of the urban elite and elected officials. These powers unfold into a number of spheres of action and services, including legal, administrative, tax, and military ones. 1 This intertwined economic and social network that is an urban center, especially the powers that flow through it, required writing and writings. In fact, knowing that the majority of the urban population were illiterate, although the literate proportion of the population was increasing among the elite classes at the end of the Middle Ages ( COELHO, 2004 , p. 328-333; COELHO, 2005, p. 49-74), we easily understand that writing must be connected, in an intrinsic way, to the power or powers of governance and control. It is in this dual role of writing, both as a power and a service to the powers, that we develop the text that follows. We focus, nevertheless, on a specific time period - the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries - during which the explosion of writing and the agents thereof was already occurring at a significant rate. The written message overcomes the linearity and volatility of oral communication and discourse, enabling the establishment of an elaborate and rational text that is likely to last a long time and become part of the memory, as Jacques Le Goff (1984 , p. 24-33) points out. The mastering of writing is, in itself, an instrument of power. That is why writing, and the agents of writing, are linked to the highest powers of the religious or secular spheres. The growing accessibility of writing, over the centuries, did not untie it from this original characteristic, although the spectrum of powers that claimed and controlled it was extended, in line with the increasing number of those who mastered the skills, the knowledge and the art of writing. Even so, writing remained, for a long time, a technique mastered by only a small number of experts, at the service of various elites, always few in number, as it is intrinsic to the very definition of any segment of elites. Due to the need to circumscribe the theme of this study, we shall reflect only on writing at the service the ruling elites in urban centers, and on the writings that defined their various powers. We will not address, as was our original intention, the use of writing by the citizens through the agents of writing, or the production of deeds that originated from this. Such deeds give us a broad notion of the individual multifunctionality of writings and the permeability of men to the value of writing in the most public events of their lives, relationships and work, or their most private personal or family moments. Those will be the subjects of another text that we propose to write on another occasion. As a major premise, already enunciated, we shall restrict our report to the centuries in which there was a significant explosion of written documentation. This corresponds to a larger number of documents, which was already increasing in the urban world of the 12th and 13th centuries, but which grew exponentially in the 14th and 15th centuries. Simultaneously, the types of documents also diversified, along with the powers from which they emanated. 2 But, in particular, in the words of Attilio Langeli (2004 , p. 93-102), there was a "documentary revolution" in which an "elementary" support of these documents became a "complex" one. There is an evolution from letters, isolated documents, to documents in the form of books, with serial records. This evolution took place alongside a process of political reorganization. During the construction of the political unity of the kingdoms, it was not only imperative to broaden the territory, but to reinforce the royal power, in terms of coordination and subordination of the fiefdoms, the extension of legal sovereign power, and the reinforcement of central and peripheral government bodies, seeking to strengthen financial resources and use law as a unitary and regulating principle of collective relationships. The increasing value attributed to writing, and the expansion of written documents, sought to fully rationalize and control political, patrimonial, legal and tax relations, among others. The records of the royal chancelleries emerged almost simultaneously in France, with Felipe Augusto (1180-1223), and in Portugal, with D. Afonso II. 3 Local government also made use of these kinds of documentary records and books, which allowed it to easily manage a large volume of accumulated information in a relatively confined space, building true mini-archives, and at the same time, allowing for the full rationalization of government practices and for the management and control of individual an collective situations. We shall return to our topic. 1. But before we come to the documents, we ask the question: who wrote them and how were they written? In reality, the municipalities, which had been legally legitimized since the eleventh century, through charter letters, were an administrative institution that had a chancellery, 4 which produced their documents. 5 1.1 At the beginning of their political life, particularly in the 11th and 12th centuries, the councils inevitably had to ask for the help from the ecclesiastics, members of the regular or secular clergy who held both the knowledge of and monopoly over writing. 6 In fact, as we well know, the chancellery of the county itself, and later on the royal chancellery, recruited these religious experts and scholars to write and validate public acts for a long period of time ( COSTA, 1975 ). It was only after mid-13th century, with the definitive institution of notaries, 7 that the councils were able to use these agents, who wrote the documents, and certified them by affixing their seal. But while the councils, in the beginning, did not have specific writing officials, they did have their own seals that validated their authority. More than twenty municipal seals from the thirteenth century have survived up to this day, but many more were undoubtedly lost by the vicissitudes of time and the action of men. We know several documents that refer to the affixing of the council seals, and in others we still find traces of where they were hung, and sometimes, just the holes that were made to hang them. And in these seals, by word and iconography, meanings and signifiers, the identifying values and collective memories of each municipality were recorded. The words of the caption were almost invariably: Sigilum concilii de [...]. The images were rich and varied, depicting the military might of the city, with drawings of castles, city walls, arms or horsemen; or their strategic geographical position, depicted in boats and bridges; or their economic, agricultural or trading wealth, as suggested by trees, vineyards, water and ships. In other cases, simbolyc animals such as eagles and pelicans, or the figure of women, carried messages of aggression and power, hospitality and good fortune, fertility and fecundity. Others recorded the legend of the patron saint that testified to the sacred protection of the area of land within the boundaries of the council and the faith and devotion that its residents dedicated to their holy protector. 8 A specialist in writing, specifically linked to the council, therefore a scribe of the council, would have emerged associated to the treasurer, meaning that this position was required by the financial bureaucracy. The scribe, then, would assist this official and record the municipal revenues, expenses, loans and debts. After the "regimento dos corregedores" - rules for the chief magistrates of judicial districts -, in 1340, a clerk of the chamber was also instituted, in most cases differentiated from the scribe of the council, gradually demarcating the separation between legal and administrative writing. 9 And with the explosion of writing in the urban world of the 14th and 15th centuries, writing professionals would become increasingly segmented, with the emergence in the municipalities of scribes of the almotaçaria (inspection of weights and measures) ( ACTAS, 2004 , p. 38-40), the scribes of the orphans ( DOCUMENTOS, 1980 , p. 215, 380, 392, 419), scribes of the city hospitals 10 or the scribes of lodgement, 11 in a huge demonstration of writing specialization and a complete body of chancellery officials who accompanied the various officials and functionalities of the municipal government. We see, through the municipal decrees of the city of Porto, that as specific situations emerged in the life of the city, men are chosen to execute those decrees, as well as scribes to assist them, whenever necessary. Thus, we find references to a scribe of the city wall, who certainly would have the responsibility of registering the accounts of that construction site. Curiously, we know that at a certain point in time, maybe at the end of his life, he was poor and blind - his profession is believed to have influenced his disability - therefore the council gave him a small amount of money (DOCUMENTOS, 1980, p. 50). There was also a scribe assigned to the Matosinhos bridge, assistant to the master of the works, to record the revenues and expenses of the project (DOCUMENTOS, 1980, p. 237). Notice that this man was a butcher, which brings us to the skill of some tradesmen in terms of commercial accounting, which would have been very useful in their professions. We also read of a scribe of the inspector and treasurer responsible for the project of Rua Nova (DOCUMENTOS, 1985, p. 64), which was being opened in the city of Porto, 12 and of a scribe of the stock exchange, created by merchants of Porto to pay the costs of a letter of royal privilege that a citizen had brought from England. 13 It is also noted that there was a scribe of the taracenas (harbour warehouses) who was most certainly responsible for the registration of tax duties collected by the municipality from the ships coming in (DOCUMENTOS, [s/d], p. 65). But we should also bear in mind that, especially in the larger trading centers of local power, alongside the local officials, whether continuously or sporadically, there were delegated officers of the Crown, who acted mostly in the peripheries, many of them even having their own scribes. Thus, we find in Porto, among other cities, the "escrivão dos resíduos" - registrar of the remnants of last wills - ( (DOCUMENTOS, 1985, p. 62), the scribe of accounts (DOCUMENTOS, 1985, p. 273, 289, 356, 371, 422), the "escrivão da correição" - assisting the judicial chief magistrate in his inspections - (DOCUMENTOS, [s/d], p. 242; DOCUMENTOS, 1985, p. 135), the scribe of Ceuta (DOCUMENTOS, 1985, p. 59 and 62) and the scribe of customs (DOCUMENTOS, 1980, p. 54, 58, 61, 324, 350, 362, 374, 375, 400, 402, 474; DOCUMENTOS, 1985, p. 39). It is often difficult to tell whether these scribes were municipal or royal officials, since the appointments to certain offices were hotly contested between the royal and local authorities. For example, we know that Heitor de Teives managed to obtain a royal letter appointing him as scribe of orphans, Jews and sisas (sales taxes). This letter was honored by the city, but with one proviso: that upon the death of the office holder, his duties would revert back to the city (DOCUMENTOS, 1980, p. 392). The same specialization and permeability of urban writing is clear in the Algarvian center of Loulé where, along with the scribes of the council and clerks of the chamber, there emerged scribes of the almotacé (inspector of weights and measures) (ACTAS, 2004, p. 38-40), scribes of the orphans (ACTAS, 2004, p. 88 and 97), scribes of the fraternities (ACTAS, 2004, p. 189), scribes of the sisas (sales taxes) (ACTAS, 1999-2000, p. 225-227), scribes for income assessment of the local residents 14 and, notably, a scribe for the construction works of the church of S. Clemente (ACTAS, 1999-2000, p. 153 and 158). The 14th century also saw the emergence, in the municipalities, of the position of chancellor, who safeguarded and applied the seal of the councils. The position already existed in Porto in 1324, and remained throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, as the records of proceedings show. (COELHO, 2009, p. 170-171). 1.2 Documents issued by the councils required, for their production, not only agents but also writing materials such as parchment, paper, ink, pens, and any supporting furniture for the act of writing. 15 The books of revenues and expenses of the councils often show the amounts spent on these materials, adding references of greater interest. We know, for example, that Montemor-o-Novo, in the year 1422-1423, purchased three quires (a quire is about 25 sheets) of paper for books and letters, for 56 reais , one parchment skin for binding two books, for 7 reais , one wooden inkwell, for 80 reais, three pints of writing ink, for 30 reais, wax for seals, for 60 reais, and two desks, costing 210 and 68 reais. 16 The dynamic trading city of Porto spent, in the year 1450-1451, on one ream of paper for three books, 180 reais, and 17 some parchment skins for covering the books, 24 reais. 18 It also purchased another three quires of paper for 90 reais, 19 and another six parchment skins for binding and one for writing permits, for a total of 50 reais. 20 The expenditure on writing materials, in the year 1461-1462, was even greater, consisting of 101 reais to buy six quires of paper for books, two parchment skins to cover them, and also for their production. 21 For the registration of emphyteutic properties, three parchment skins were acquired for 27 reais 22 and 140 reais more were spent on 11 quires of paper, 23 with unit prices of 11, 12 and 15.5 reais. It is also known that a canada of writing ink was purchased, for 40 reais. 24 In the year 1474-1475, a ream of paper, which was to be used for writing the town council books, agreements and income and expenses, as well as to specifically be used by the officials, cost the council 300 reais, 25 and three parchment skins for binding the books further increased the costs by 36 reais. 26 Other six quires of paper for writing were also acquired in that council year, amounting to 85 reais. 27 And, in the following council years, the acquisition of writing materials remained a constant. 28 Thus, the world of writing, and of the written texts, was revealed in the municipalities. Paper was bought to write council books, revenue and expense books, agreements, and various letters. Parchment skin was acquired to give them strong covers, so that the relatively perishable material, i.e. paper, would not be damaged. But skins were also bought to write registers of emphyteutic properties, whose information was meant to be long-lasting, as proof of assets and income. And as this was a costly material, parchment previously written on was even erased, so that it could be reused. 29 Inkwells were purchased, and at the same time, obviously, the ink, which in the urban world was bought ready-made. And to facilitate the act of writing, desks were purchased, an asset so coveted that they were sometimes even stolen. 30 2. The council scribes and notaries, called by the chamber officials, laboriously wrote ad-hoc documents of all kinds - powers of attorney, inquiries, confirmations, notes, libels, appeals, prisoner reports, permits, and copies of sentences - but also books. In the complex municipal writing of the 14th and 15th centuries, not only were isolated acts written, to facilitate the administrative, financial or judicial functions of the council, but also records, serial documents, and books that constitute true mini-archives. 31 The governors shaped the various powers through these written acts, which gave form to their government orders and control over citizens. 32 Recorded memory becomes imperative for a government that has to manage multiple functionalities, impose internal order, articulate various social bodies, regulate conflicting economic interests, resolve conflicts, or suppress violence. At the beginning of each council year, as we see in Porto, paper was purchased to write the registration book of the minutes of the chamber, the revenues and expenditure of the year, and the local agreements, as the cost of parchment for this everyday, serial, voluminous writing was unaffordable. However, they wrote in books, not on loose sheets of paper, the longevity of which was reinforced by binding, to ensure the possibility of using them as the basis and proof of good governance, allowing for the possibility of appealing to them as a source and memory on governance duties. The council books also contain series of information that reflect a new way of governing based on lists. From the beginning, names, patronymics, and sometimes even nicknames and professions of magistrates, officers and councilors who were present at the sessions were written down, thus making known the ruling elite. It is known that in the municipalities, at least since 1391, with the introduction of the "lei dos pelouros", regulating municipal elections, there are lists of the urban patriciate that were considered to be capable of performing the main municipal offices of judges, councilors, attorneys or chancellors. The names of the twenty-four annual inspectors of weights and measures (almotacés), 33 as well as urban militia members, are also recorded. 34 The restricted, closed, aristocratic group of the governance optimates was encoded in writing, and was very inflexible to openings or social permeability, causing frequent internal rivalries. 35 In addition, this elite of the landowners, merchants and gentry, who never wanted to open up to artisans, far less to farmers, in order to be able to levy taxes on the price of food and products, controlled the other social bodies by listing them. Thus, they did not hesitate to call to the council butchers (DOCUMENTOS, 1985, p. 126-129) and shoemakers (DOCUMENTOS, 1980, p. 13-15, 28-29), to fix the price of meat or various types of footwear, and list their names. In the same way, female bakers had to be recognized by the municipal authorities as honorable women of good repute, and their names were recorded (DOCUMENTOS, 1980, p. 192-193). 36 Other lists of producers were also recorded, such as the wine producers (DOCUMENTOS, 1980, p. 192-193). From that time on, their names began to be recorded, one after the other, and with these written lists of professionals, it became possible for the town council to quickly check whether orders were being fulfilled, or who the transgressors were. Power was transformed into an effective command, executed and liable to penalties if not complied with, and it became easier to find out and fine the transgressors. These inventories, this vertical writing, as Anna Airò terms it, which was opposed to the radial writing of the books, and which reveals the true "genome of place" (AIRÒ, 2008, p. 33 and 36), became a means of fiscal, military, administrative and political control, dominated by all the powers, from the royal to the ecclesiastical, from the manorial to the municipal. However, if the governors, beyond the writing of a current administration, needed a more lasting memory to ensure the rights and duties, they resorted to other mechanisms and did not hesitate to spend more money. They bought, then, parchment to write, for example, a record of emphyteutic contracts that guaranteed, in the present and for the future, the registration of the council's properties and of the income generated from their exploitation (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fls. 69 and 242v). But, regardless of the supporting material, new property records are elaborated or older ones are copied, establishing a permanent memory of the council's assets and of its privileges and freedoms, so that these books became true written mini-archives of the council documentation. So, for their preservation, and to make them easier to handle, these writings are kept in chests, which were the main items of furniture of several medieval institutions, from the Estudo Geral (the university) to the municipalities. In the chest of the council of Montemor-o-Novo in 1443, for example, there was a book of assets, a book of property taxes, a book of fines, 14 books of revenues and expenses and 13 council books, 2 books of attorneys which contained together council decisions and income and expenses, two sealed letters with resolutions of the Cortes, 67 sealed documents with wax and lead seals in a cloth bag, a royal permit, a charter, and 46 hospital books ( FONSECA, 1998 , p. 109-112). In the town of Elvas, in the year 1432-1433, the attorney of the previous year handed over to his successor a large chest with two locks, and a small chest, also with two locks and a key, which contained, the pelouros (small wax balls used in the election) and as such, the list of eligible councilors (ARQUIVO, [s/d]a, fls. 3-5v). 37 Then followed a detailed list of the documentation - certainly stored in the large chest - which essentially consisted of royal letters received, although their provenance is not always specified. These letters would be summarized in a way that enabled them to be identified, making them readily available, and demonstrating their usefulness in the municipal governance, serving as proof and memory of privileges, exemptions, sentences, regulations, rules and provisions. A no less important aspect of these letters is that they testified the maturity of the municipal chancellery in the 14th century, as an issuing and receiving body, and as an archive in its own right, safeguarding the documents, which were carefully stored in cloth bags, accessible for consultation and identifiable through abstracting and archiving systems. Altogether, there are about 78 texts, one designated as a testament, most of them letters, some agreements, and few relating to privileges. It is detailed that some are in Latin, which would be proof of their antiquity, and one of them is described as "old". Some royal letters are indicated as validated with their seals, whether the royal seal of red wax, or the lead seal, affixed in a book of chapters and privileges of D. Afonso. The summaries of the documentation essentially report the subject matter, although in rare cases, they may also allude to the author - King, Infante, lord or council. As for the kings, D. Afonso is the only one mentioned, but without chronology, we cannot individualize. The royal letters deal with multiple issues - some are privileges, some general and others more specific, of an economic, military or fiscal nature; a few relate to the activities of official delegates of royal power in the peripheries, curtailing abuses and specifying regulations; letters involving corregedores, justice ministers, alcaides (military governors), juízes dos resíduos (judges dealing with last will matters), anadéis (commanders of crossbowmen) or collectors of sisas; many of them contain judicial decisions, settling legal disputes involving lay or ecclesiastical lords, or council disputes; some of them establish superior regulations relating to the activities of inspection of weights and measures, chapels, hunting grounds, criminals, land problems, farmers and labourers, or merchants; a specific section separated from the others, reports on the chapters of Cortes, which consisted of documents from the royal chancery that, as we know, included the requests of the municipalities as well as the responses of the king; one in particular relates the pledge of allegiance to the king, demonstrating the ceremonial and symbolic importance of the Cortes. But as we mentioned before, letters were also found emanating from the councils - of Beja, Arronches, Monforte and Vila Viçosa - or issued by lords, such as Rui Gonçalves de Abreu, or the six letters from Martim Afonso de Melo. As documents produced in the municipal chancellery were also kept chapters of Cortes sent to the Infantes, certain letters on the measures of grain, wine and oil, 18 books and notebooks of past attorneys, and a "boracho" book, whose meaning is unknown, 38 but to which much importance was attributed, given that it was secured by a thin iron chain. 39 As we know, in the monasteries and churches, there were libri catenati that is to say rare codices that were bound and so consulted preventing undue appropriation. What secrets could this manuscript contain? We also add that together with these manuscripts and letters were preserved in the chest a big lock and a key, chains for prisoners, and an "old flag of cendall (a thin transparent cloth), an ensign that was assumed to be one of the symbols of identity and representation of the council, together with its seal and the pelourinho (a stone pillar symbolizing the judicial power of the municipality). In fact, the chests were furniture that guarded the treasures, whether written treasures or certain assets, or even the treasury of coins, which were also kept in another council chest. 40 These chests containing books and letters, usually locked with several keys that certain local council officers kept in their protection, 41 were the county's memory, the archives of its uses and customs, of its individuality and administration. They were its locus credibilis, granting all the strength and absolute legitimacy to the acts of the institution and its respective governors. The perpetuity of writing offered them durability over time. In those times, however, they served to demarcate powers, to supervise and inspect, ensuring a power in exercise, capable of basing itself on records of administrative and judicial acts, registration of land and incomes, lists of men and women, or legislation, regulations and norms of various origins and natures. It should be kept in mind, however, that alongside the important documents that were preserved and archived, the municipal chancellery also received and produced a much more abundant day-to-day documentation, which would be destroyed within a few years after it was no longer valid, and was considered as having no practical effects. The municipal writings, today invisible and only perceptible, would have formed a much more voluminous mass of documents than those available for us today, both in its content and in its denomination. Rough drafts of notes and minutes were made, which were unnecessary after the definitive document had been written. Several permits were written, establishing orders with a certain expiry date, which were destroyed after that period had elapsed. The same was true for powers of attorney, which were passed to officials of municipalities or other persons to act on behalf of the municipality in a given situation. The inquiries, statements of witnesses, interlocutory instruments, libels, records, or many other acts of any judicial litigation would be of little use after the final sentence had been pronounced. The grievances also lost their usefulness, having been drawn up in the council to be taken to the Cortes, as the documents of the royal chancellery contained their content, and the response of the king. Moreover, there were also documents written in the municipal chancellery, but sent to different recipients. This was the case of letters sent to the king, lords, or other councils. Let us not forget that in the same way, these powers sent written texts to the councils, often to give them orders that should be promptly obeyed, and these texts would have been destroyed after their execution. 3. This theme brings us to the internal and external mobility of the written acts, and to the vast network of municipal communications, whether directed upwards, outwards, or downwards. An upward vertical communication channeled the documents to higher powers, first the king and the royal officers, and then the lords and clergymen, such as archbishops, bishops, superiors of monasteries or of military orders, or even the Roman Curia. 42 When writing to the king, as was demonstrated, the councilors looked for a writing professional who best knew "the art of writing well", given that the document was, at the same time, a material act and a symbolic act of power of those that issued it (FONSECA, 1998, p. 177). In line with the above, the political network claimed horizontal communications with other powers, whether under the authority of nobles, clerics or councils. Communications between councils, like those that occurred among the other lords, were intensified in times of war, but even in common daily life, the pressing requirements of supply, or the crucial trade movements, required no less exchanges of correspondence (COELHO, 2000, p. 85-89). Depending on the interest of the message, in terms of its content and its rapid resolution, the councils chose simple carriers, such as walkers, cart drivers, mule drivers, horse riders and boatmen, or accredited messengers, between officials and experienced men, those who knew the intricacies of bureaucracy and knew how to orally defend what was written in the texts (COELHO, 2000, p.76-81). In a third aspect of communication, it is necessary to bear in mind that the council deliberated, establishing, in writing, local ordinances that had to be divulged from the top down, and followed by neighbors, in a relationship that reveals the dialectic between writing and orality. Even an author like Jack Goody, who analyzed the oppositions between the verbal statement and the text, between the oral and the written, between the wild and the tamed, revealed that in all societies "literate people communicate with a public who can't read" ( GOODY, 1988 , p. 169). Likewise, Roland Barthes and Eric Marty alert us to the specificity, but also the inter-recurrence, between the oral, the written, communication and power (BARTHES; MARTY, 1987 , p. 33-57). Naturally, most people in those days, even in the urban centers, were illiterate, even though a certain degree of literacy - even if that meant simply writing their names or mastering rudimentary accounting and writing - through to studies of the liberal arts, was increasing in the 14th and 15th centuries. 43 In fact, the working masses communicated mostly orally. And mediators were needed, between the mandates of the municipal authorities, established in writing in the form of ordinances, and those who had to comply with them. These were the pregoeiros, criers or heralds who announced the council's orders, in a loud voice, from atop the city walls or in the public squares. 44 They announced the council meetings, especially those concerning elections, or those requiring the presence of some neighbors in particular. They auctioned assets or rights that the council wanted to lease or yield by auction. They announced local ordinances related to administrative, economic, policing, hygiene and public health matters, and the respective fines for those who broke the law. But they could also give voice to royal orders or orders from the delegated officials of the central power, such as the corregedores (COELHO, 2000, p. 68-72). Thus, they publicized and made accessible, by voice and by gesture, the encoded signs and signals of the written text. Conclusion The history of the technique and the art of writing in service to the municipal authority has ably demonstrated how it became an instrument of power, and a means of effectively exercising that power. The ruling elites, in their administration, used records and serial writing of lists and inventories, which allowed them to establish decisions, orders, income and payments, facilitating an effective control over men, through a knowledge of their names, their professions, and their compliance or non-compliance with the council regulations. At the same time they ordered books to register property, revenues or rights that guaranteed for them a lasting memory of their assets and income. They were also concerned with archiving the documents issued and received, duly classified and identified, so that they could be used as the basis of their freedoms and privileges, and as a link for transmitting continuity in the municipal management. They knew how to articulate writing with orality, in order to implement their legislation and systems. In the 14th and 15th centuries it became clear that municipal authorities, like the other authorities, integrated writing and the writings into the objectives and means of their government policies. And while this was true in the kingdom of Portugal, in the chain of transpositions and adaptabilities of Portuguese institutions to the New World, it was also true in other places, such as Brazil. The theme of writing and writings, as a vehicle and expression of urban and municipal power, is still open and should invite the scholars on either side of the Atlantic to exchange dialog. References ACTAS de Vereação de Loulé no século XV. Ed. de Luís Miguel Duarte, suplemento de Al-Ulya. Revista do Arquivo Histórico Municipal de Loulé, 10, 2004. [  Links  ] ACTAS de Vereação de Loulé. Séculos XIV-XV. Ed. de Luís Miguel Duarte, João Alberto Machado, Maria Cristina Cunha, suplemento de Al-Ulya. Revista do Arquivo Histórico Municipal de Loulé, 7, 1999-2000. [  Links  ] AIRÒ, Anna. Cum omnibus eorum cautelis, libris et scripturis. Privilegi di dedizione, scritture di conti, rendicontazioni e reti informative nella dissoluzione del Principato di Taranto (23 giugno 1464 - 20 febbraio 1465). Reti Medievali Rivista - Scritture e potere. Pratiche documentarie e forme di governo nell'Italia tardomedievale (XIV-XV secolo). Firenze: University Press, 2008. [  Links  ] AMARAL, Luís Carlos; DUARTE, Luís Miguel Duarte. Os homens que pagaram a Rua Nova. Fiscalidade, sociedade e ordenamento territorial no Porto quatrocentista. Actas das Jornadas sobre o município na Península Ibérica (sécs. XII a XIX), Sep. l., 1993. [  Links  ] ARQUIVO Histórico Municipal de Elvas. Câmara Municipal/Serviços Financeiros, 1072/82, [s/d]a. [  Links  ] ARQUIVO Histórico Municipal do Porto. Cofre dos Bens do Concelho, Livro 1, [s/d]b. [  Links  ] AZEVEDO, Ruy de. O livro de registo da chancelaria de D. Afonso II de Portugal (1217-1221). Anuario de Estudios Medievales, 4, 1967. [  Links  ] BARTHES, Roland; MARTY, Eric. Oral/escrito. In: Enciclopédia Einaudi - Oral/escrito. Argumentação. Lisboa: Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda, 1987. v. 11. [  Links  ] BEIRANTE, Maria Ângela Rocha. Évora na Idade Média. Lisboa: FCG-JNICT, 1995. [  Links  ] BOTÃO, Maria de Fátima. A construção de uma identidade urbana no Algarve medieval. O caso de Loulé. Casal de Cambra: Caleidoscópio, 2009. [  Links  ] BRAUNSTEIN, Philippe. Pour une histoire des élites urbaines: vocabulaire, réalités et représentations. In: Les Élites Urbaines au Moyen Âge. XXVII Congrès de la Société des Historiens Médiévistes de l'Énseignement Supérieur Public. Paris: Publications de la Sorbonne, 1997. [  Links  ] COELHO, Maria Helena da Cruz. A mulher e o trabalho nas cidades medievais portuguesas. In: Homens, Espaços e Poderes. Séculos XI-XVI, I - Notas do Viver Social. Lisboa: Livros Horizonte, 1990. [  Links  ] COELHO, Maria Helena da Cruz. A rede de comunicações concelhias nos séculos XIV e XV. In: As Comunicações na Idade Média. Coord. de Maria Helena da Cruz Coelho. Lisboa: Fundação Portuguesa das Comunicações, 2000. [  Links  ] COELHO, Maria Helena da Cruz. Concelhos. In: Nova História de Portugal: Portugal em Definição de Fronteiras. Do Condado Portucalense à crise do século XIV. Ed. Joel Serrão e A. H. de Oliveira Marques. Coord. de Maria Helena da Cruz Coelho, Armando Luís de Carvalho Homem. Lisboa: Presença, 1996. [  Links  ] COELHO, Maria Helena da Cruz. Considerações em torno das Chancelarias Municipais. In: Olhares sobre a História. Estudos oferecidos a Iria Gonçalves. Lisboa: Caleidoscópio, 2009. [  Links  ] COELHO, Maria Helena da Cruz. Les Élites Municipales. In: Anais - Série História, II. Lisboa, UAL, 1995. [  Links  ] COELHO, Maria Helena da Cruz. Les relations du Savoir et du Pouvoir dans le Portugal médiéval (XIVe et XVe siècles). In: Europa und die Welt in der Geschichte. Festschrift zum 60. Geburtstag von Dieter Berg. Ed. Raphaela Averkorn, Winfried Eberhard, Raimund Haas und Bernd Schmies. Bochum: Winkler, 2004. [  Links  ] COELHO, Maria Helena da Cruz. No palco e nos bastidores do poder local. In: O poder local em tempo de globalização. Uma história e um futuro. Coord. de Fernando Taveira da Fonseca. Coimbra: Imprensa da Universidade, 2005. [  Links  ] COELHO, Maria Helena da Cruz. O Estado e as Sociedades Urbanas. In: A génese do Estado Moderno no Portugal tardo-medievo (séculos XIII-XV). Coord. De Maria Helena da Cruz Coelho e Armando Luís de Carvalho Homem. Lisboa: UAL, 1999. [  Links  ] COELHO, Maria Helena da Cruz. Os Tabeliães em Portugal. Perfil Profissional e Sócio-Económico. In: Estudos de Diplomática Portuguesa. Lisboa: Edições Colibri-FLUC, 2001. [  Links  ] COSTA, Adelaide Lopes Pereira Millan da. "Vereação" e "Vereadores". O governo do Porto em finais do século XV. Porto: Câmara Municipal do Porto, 1993. [  Links  ] COSTA, Adelaide Lopes Pereira Millan da. Prosopografia das elites concelhias e análise racional: a intersecção de duas abordagens. In: Elites e Redes Clientelares na Idade Média. Problemas metodológicos. Ed. de Filipe Themudo Barata. Évora: Edições Colibri, 2001. [  Links  ] COSTA, Avelino de Jesus da. La chancellerie royale portugaise jusqu'au milieu du XIIIe siècle. Revista Portuguesa de História, XV, 1975. [  Links  ] DERVILLE, Alain. Les élites urbaines en Flandre et en Artois. In: Les Élites Urbaines au Moyen Âge. XXVII Congrès de la Société des Historiens Médiévistes de l'Énseignement Supérieur Public. Paris: Publications de la Sorbonne, 1997. [  Links  ] DOCUMENTOS e Memórias para a História do Porto, II, Vereaçoens. Anos de 1390-1395. Comentário e notas de A. de Magalhães Basto. Porto: Câmara Municipal, [s/d]. [  Links  ] DOCUMENTOS e Memórias para a História do Porto, XL, Vereaçoens. Anos de 1401-1449. Nota prévia de J. A. Pinto Ferreira. Porto: Câmara Municipal, 1980. [  Links  ] DOCUMENTOS e Memórias para a História do Porto, XLIV, Vereaçoens. Anos de 1431-1432. Liv. 1, leitura, índices e notas de João Alberto Machado e Luís Miguel Duarte. Porto: Câmara Municipal, 1985. [  Links  ] DUARTE, Luís Miguel. Os melhores da terra (um questionário para o caso português). In: Elites e Redes Clientelares na Idade Média. Problemas metodológicos. Ed. de Filipe Themudo Barata. Évora: Edições Colibri, 2001. [  Links  ] FARELO, Mário Sérgio da Silva. A Oligarquia camarária de Lisboa (1325-1433). Tese (Doutorado) - Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 2008. [  Links  ] FONSECA, Jorge. Montemor-o-Novo no século XV. Montemor-o-Novo: Câmara Municipal, 1998. [  Links  ] GOICOLEA JULIÁN, Fco. Javier. Sociedade y poder Concejil. Una aproximación a la elite dirigente urbana de la Rioja Alta Medieval. Studia Historica, 17, Salamanca, 1999. [  Links  ] GOMES, Rita Costa. As elites urbanas no final da Idade Média. Três pequenas cidades do interior. In: Estudos e Ensaios de Homenagem a Vitorino Magalhães Godinho. Lisboa: Livraria Sá da Costa Editora, 1988. [  Links  ] GOMES, Saul António. Ideologia e representação nas práticas das chancelarias concelhias medievais portuguesas. In: O poder local em tempo de globalização. Uma história e um futuro. Comunicações. Viseu: Palimage, 2005. [  Links  ] GOODY, Jack. Domesticação do pensamento selvagem. Lisboa: Editorial Presença, 1988. [  Links  ] HISTÓRIA da Universidade em Portugal. T. I - 1290-1536. Coimbra: Universidade de Coimbra; Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, 1997. v. I. [  Links  ] HOMEM, Armando Luís de Carvalho. O Desembargo Régio (1320-1433). Porto: Instituto Nacional de Investigação Científica; Centro de História da Universidade do Porto, 1990. [  Links  ] JANSEN, Philippe. Élites urbaines, service de la commune et processus d'aristocartisation: le cas de Macerata aux XIVe-XVe siècles. In: Les Élites Urbaines au Moyen Âge. XXVII Congrès de la Société des Historiens Médiévistes de l'Énseignement Supérieur Public. Paris: Publications de la Sorbonne, 1997. [  Links  ] LANGELI, Attilio Bratoli. Strategie documentarie. La documentazione in registro come strumento di governo. In: Il governo dela città. Modelli e pratiche (secoli XIII-XVIII). Atti del colloquiio di Perugia, 15-17 set. 1997, a cura di Attilio Bratoli Langeli, Vittorino Comparato, Robert Sauzet. Napoli: Edizione Scientische Italaine, 2004. [  Links  ] LE GOFF, Jacques. Memória. In: Enciclopédia Einaudi - Memória-História. Lisboa: Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda, 1984. v. 11. [  Links  ] MARQUES, José Marques; COELHO, Maria Helena da Cruz; HOMEM, Armando Luís de Carvalho. Diplomatique municipale portugaise (XIII-XV siècles). In: La diplomatique urbaine en Europe au Moyen Âge. Actes du Congrès de la Commission Internationale de Diplomatique, Gand, 25-29 août 1998, publiés par W. Prevenier et Th. de Hemptinne. Louvain-Apeldoom: Garant, 2000. [  Links  ] MARTINS, Miguel Gomes. A família Palhavã (1253-1357). Elementos para o estudo das elites dirigentes da Lisboa Medieval. Revista Portuguesa de História, t. XXXII, Coimbra, 1997-1998. [  Links  ] MARTINS, Miguel Gomes. Estêvão Cibrães e João Esteves: A família Pão e Água em Lisboa (1269-1342). In: Arqueologia e História. Lisboa: Associação dos Arqueólogos Portugueses; Colibri, 2001. [  Links  ] MARTINS, Miguel Gomes. Os Alvernazes. Um percurso familiar e institucional entre finais de Duzentos e inícios de Quatrocentos. In: Cadernos do Arquivo Municipal. Lisboa: Câmara Municipal, 2002. [  Links  ] MATTOSO, José. Identificação de um país. Ensaio sobre as origens de Portugal. 1096-1325. I -Oposição. Lisboa: Editorial Estampa, 1985. [  Links  ] NOGUEIRA, Bernardo de Sá. Tabelionado e Instrumento Público em Portugal. Génese e Implantação (1212-1279). Lisboa: Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda, 2008. 3 v. [  Links  ] PASCIUTA, Beatrice. Scritture giudiziarie e scritture amministrative: la cancelleria citadina a Palermo nel secolo XIV. Reti Medievali Rivista, IX, 2008. Disponível em: http://www.retimedievali.it . [  Links  ] QUESADA, Miguel Ángel Ladero. Ciudades de la España Medieval. Madrid: Dykinson, 2010. [  Links  ] ROLDÃO, Ana Filipa Firmino Sequeira Pinto. A memória da cidade: Administração urbana e prática da escrita em Évora (1415-1536). Tese (Doutorado) - Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 2011. [  Links  ] ROLDÃO, Ana Filipa Firmino Sequeira Pinto. Escrita e Poderes Urbanos nos concelhos de Coimbra, Santarém e Lisboa (1179-1325). Lisboa: Faculdade de Letras, 2006. [  Links  ] ROMÃO, João Maio. Tabelionado e tabeliães nos livros de chancelaria de D. Afonso V. Dissertação (Mestrado) - Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 2013. [  Links  ] SAMEIRO, Pedro. A Heráldica Autárquica em Portugal. Almansor-Revista de Cultura, 4, 1986. [  Links  ] SANTOS, Maria do Rosário; VIEGAS, Inês Morais (coord.). A evolução municipal de Lisboa. Pelouros e Vereações. Investigação e textos de Miguel Gomes Martins. Lisboa: Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, 1996. [  Links  ] STIENNON, Jacques. Paleographie du Moyen Âge. Paris: Armand Colin, 1973. [  Links  ] TÁVORA, Luís Gonzaga de Lancastre (Marquês de Abrantes e de Fontes). O estudo da sigilografia medieval portuguesa. Lisboa: Ministério da Educação, 1983. [  Links  ] VAL VALDAVIESO, Maria Isabel del. Elites urbanas en la Castilla del siglo XV (Oligarquía y Común). In: Elites e Redes Clientelares na Idade Média. Problemas metodológicos. Ed. de Filipe Themudo Barata. Évora: Edições Colibri, 2001. [  Links  ] VOCABULAIRE International de la Diplomatique. Ed. Mª Milagros Cárcel Ortí. València: Universitat de València, 1997. [  Links  ] 1 A descriptive summary of the city can be found in a study by Miguel Ángel Ladero Quesada (2010). 2 For Portugal, the types of royal letters, notary acts, or municipal documentation are presented, in the studies of Armando Luís de Carvalho Homem (1990, p. 63-91); Maria Helena da Cruz Coelho (2001, p. 131-137); José Marques, Maria Helena da Cruz Coelho and Armando Luís de Carvalho Homem (2000, p. 289-301), respectively. 3 A first book was composed between 1217 and 1221, and a second between 1222 and 1223 (AZEVEDO, 1967, p. 35-73; COSTA, 1975, p. 143-169). 4 We clarify that we use this term according to the Vocabulaire International de la Diplomatique (1997, p. 69), which defines it as a service that was tasked with drafting, writing and validating the acts that were ordered by the authority on which it depended. We should add that the term is also used herein as a service that did not initially have a chancellor. 5 The main evolutionary traits are presented in the study of Maria Helena da Cruz Coelho (2009, p. 165-172). See also Saul António Gomes (2005, p. 435-501). 6 A master's degree thesis about writing in the three main cities of the kingdom, from the 12th twelfth century to the beginning of the 14th century, is presented by Ana Filipa Firmino Sequeira Pinto Roldão (2006). 7 The public notaries were created during the rule of D. Afonso II, but only appeared systemically with D. Afonso III see Nogueira (2008). 8 On the municipal sigillography, see: TÁVORA, 1983; MATTOSO, 1985, p. 379-380; COELHO, 1996, p. 583-585; SAMEIRO, 1986, p. 77-117; GOMES, 2005, p. 466-475. 9 Thus, there was a scribe of the council in Lisbon in 1339, and a clerk of the chamber in 1356, a scribe of the council in Alenquer in 1368, a clerk of the chamber in Évora in 1383, a scribe of the council in Loulé in 1385 and an clerk of the chamber in Porto in 1390. See Coelho (2009, p. 168). A recent master's degree thesis by João Maio Romão (2013), Table 1, shows that many notaries were indeed given specific functions within the chambers - thus, in 1469, Fernão Garcia, notary of the council chamber of Santarém and also of the homiziados (fugitive convicts) (n. 128); in 1483, Jorge de Contreiras, notary before the judges, council and councilors of Tavira (n. 273); in 1466, Josepe Cofem, notary of the chamber of the city of Lisbon (n. 274); in 1472, Judas Barrocas, notary of the chamber of the city of Évora (n. 276); in 1445, Lourenço Afonso de Beja, notary and scribe of the chamber of Santiago do Cacém (n. 295); and in 1481, Salamão Belhamim, notary of the chamber of the city of Évora (n. 437). 10 Thus, we have the scribes of the D. Maria de Aboim Hospital, in Lisbon: Gonçalo Esteves, Afonso Bacias, Afonso Anes; and of the Hospital do Conde D. Pedro: João Afonso de Óbidos; or the scribe of the Casa de S. Lázaro: Gonçalo Rodrigues (SANTOS; VIEGAS, 1996, p. 46, 47, 50, 55). 11 In 1464, João Braga was the scribe of the treasurer and of lodgement and in 1468, he is said to have been the only scribe of lodgement (SANTOS; VIEGAS, 1996, p. 55-56). 12 A study of the payment of this street is owed to Luís Carlos Amaral and Luís Miguel Duarte (1993). 13 This scribe was assistant to a treasurer, appointed for the same purpose (DOCUMENTOS, 1985, p. 87). 14 It is noted that this scribe, chosen by the council in 1385, was also a notary (ACTAS, 1999-2000, p. 35). 15 For more about this context, see Jacques Stiennon (1973, p. 7-18, 137-163), among many other classical works. 16 FONSECA, 1998, p. 156 (2 quires of paper for 36 reais), p. 173 (one quire of for 20 reais); p. 156 (parchment); p. 171 (inkwell); p. 174 (ink); p. 174 (wax); p. 173 and 179 (desks). 17 "Entry for payment of batch of paper from which three books were made, one for the agreements of the council another for the revenue and expenses of the city, and another to register his accounts, and whatever is left to the scribes of the chamber, which cost CLXXX reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 25). We thank Diogo Faria, who transcribed these previously unpublished books of revenues and expenses of the city of Porto, for these indications. 18 "Entry for payment of three parchment skins for these books, costing eight reais each, making a total of XXIIII reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 25). 19 "Entry on September IX by the said Joham Santos [...] for payment of [...] quires of paper purchased from the day of Saint John until the present day, for which he paid thirty reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 25v); "Entry for six quires of paper for the books of [...] sixty reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 34). 20 "Entry for six parchment skins for covering said books, forty two reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 34) - refers to the books for which six paper quires were bought; "Item paid for parchment skin for permits to guard the gates for the passage of loads, BIII reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 25v). One book of revenues in the same year, of the Algarvian council of Loulé, also noted significant spending of 150 reais on paper, 46 reais on wax and other ingredients for making the seal, and 30 reais for ink (BOTÃO, 2009, p. 335, 336, 337, 342). 21 "Entry for BI quires of paper for the books of income and expenditure, and two parchment skins for these and the cost of their production, for one hundred and one reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 68). 22 "Entry for three parchment skins to make a registration book of the city's emphyteutic properties, XXBII reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 69). 23 "Entry for the councilmen four quires of paper, one for the registrar and another for the attorney, costing LXBI reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 69v); "entry for paper for the enquiries of the city and its district, for four quires of paper, sixty-two reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 78); "Entry for one quire of paper to recording the bread and chicken and [...] XII reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 80). 24 "Another entry gave to the scribe one canada of ink, forty reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 89v). 25 "Entry for purchase by said attorney; one ream of paper for the books of income and expenses and for the book of agreements, and for the expenses of the scribe and to give to the officials, i.e. judges and councilors, each one quire, costing a total of three hundred reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 145). 26 "Entry for purchase for three parchment skins to cover the books XII reais each, XXXBI reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 145). 27 "Entry [...] for five quires of paper bought for [black spot] for the chamber registrar LXX reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 152V); "Item gave for purchase of one quire of paper for the registrar of the chamber XB reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 156v). This time, the unit cost of one quire of paper was between 14 and 15 reais. 28 In the year 1482-83, 7 quires of paper were purchased for 140 reais (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 199). In the year 1485-86, a ream of paper was purchased for the regular annual books of the council, 300 reais (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 239), a parchment skin to cover them, 22 reais (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 253) 8 parchment skins for the city's propertiy register, and a book, 220 reais (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 242v). 29 In the year 1485-1486, the Porto council spent, on this operation of "respansar" (recycling) the parchment, 23 reais: "Given to Joham for erasing three skins in order to make a property register - BIII reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 253); "Given to said Joham [...] for erasing B parchment skins for said book, XB reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 253v). 30 In fact, a desk was stolen from the City Chamber in Montemor-o-Novo (FONSECA, 1998, p. 179). 31 For the Italian cities, Beatrice Pasciuta, after acknowledging the evolution of urban power in Messina and Palermo, the model for so many other cities of the island, focuses on the study of judicial and administrative documentation of the city of Palermo, specifying the typological diversity produced in various urban centers of power (PASCIUTA, 2008). 32 The doctoral thesis of Ana Filipa Firmino Sequeira Pinto Roldão (2011) is developed around this written urban memory. 33 As an example (DOCUMENTOS, 1980, p. 471-472). 34 As an example (DOCUMENTOS, 1980, p. 310-312). 35 For a discussion of the definition and social composition of these elites in various European countries, see, among other authors, Philippe Braunstein (1997, p. 29-38); Alain Derville (1997, p. 119-200); Philippe Jansen (1997, p. 201-223); Francisco Javier Goicolea Julián (1999, p. 87-112); Maria Isabel del Val Valdavieso (2001, p. 71-89). For the Portuguese case, see Maria Helena da Cruz Coelho (1995, p. 51-56; 1999, p. 269-292); Adelaide Lopes Pereira Millan da Costa (1993; 2001, p. 63-70); Maria Ângela Rocha Beirante (1995, p. 563-568); Rita Costa Gomes (1988, p. 229-237); Miguel Gomes Martins (1997-1998, p. 35-93; 2001, p. 67-74; 2002, p. 10-43); Luís Miguel Duarte (2001, p. 91-106); and Mário Sérgio da Silva Farelo (2008). 36 Other listings are referred to in the study by Maria Helena da Cruz Coelho (1990, p. 44). 37 We owe this information to the kind concession of the transcription of the source by Joana Sequeira and Sérgio Ferreira, to whom we are indebted for providing these references. Also in Loulé, at the session held on May 1, 1495, after the council elections, the wax balls with the names of the officers were placed in a linen bag, which, in turn, was placed in a safe that was closed by corregedor, who kept the keys, after the documents had been placed in the council's chest (ACTA, 2004, p. 200). 38 We only find a plausible allusion to "borracho" as a cake made of flour and eggs, kneaded with wine, which is made in Alentejo. But, it is unlikely that a book containing one (or perhaps several) recipes would have been so well guarded. 39 "A thin iron chain to keep the Boracho book secured" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]a, fl. 5v). 40 In the city council deliberations, there are references to taking money or paying certain amounts to the "county chest" (ACTAS, 2004, p. 91 and 117). 41 And we know that great care was taken to keep the locks in good condition, because an expense is itemized in the Book of Revenues and Expenses of Porto, for the year 1460-1461: "Entry states that a lock from the chest of documents was repaired - BI reais" (ARQUIVO, [s/d]b, fl. 69). 42 For the development of this topic, we cite the study of Maria Helena Cruz Coelho (2000, p. 80-85). 43 For this, we cannot forget that an Estudo Geral (university) was created in Portugal between 1288-1290. (On the medieval period of the University, studied under several aspects, see HISTÓRIA, 1997. 44 As examples, see ACTAS, 2004, p. 104-112. Received: December 11, 2014; Accepted: March 02, 2015 Maria Helena da Cruz COELHO. Professor and Researcher in Medieval Studies at the University of Coimbra since 1986, having obtained the permanent appointment of Full Professor of the 2nd Section of the 5th Group (History) in 1991. She has written several publications, including books, articles, prefaces, book reviews, notices, dictionary entries, and more than two hundred studies, some translated to Russian, Spanish, French, Italian and German. She has received the Science Award of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the Laranjo Coelho, Costa Veiga, Pedro Cunha Serra, História awards. Calouste Gulbenkian. Regional and Local History (twice), António de Almeida Foundation Award. Dr. Joaquim Veríssimo Serrão of the Portuguese Academy of History and the Medal of Merit, Gold Level, of the Municipal Chamber of Arouca. Among her published works, we highlight the following: Homens, Espaços e Poderes. Séculos XI-XVI (Lisbon, 1990, 2 v.); História Medieval de Portugal. Guia de Estudo (Porto, 1991); A Génese do Estado Moderno no Portugal Tardo-Medievo (sécs. XIII-XV) (Lisbon, 1999); D. João I (Lisboa, Círculo de leitores, 2005; Lisboa, Temas e Debates, 2008).  This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License, which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.   Faculdade de Ciências Humanas e Sociais, Campus de Franca 14409-160 - Franca - São Paulo - Brasil Tel: (55 16) 3706-8700

i don't know

In what US city did seamstress Rosa Parks refuse to give up her seat on a bus to a white man, thereby getting arrested and starting a year long bus boycott?

Montgomery Bus Boycott - Black History - HISTORY.com Montgomery Bus Boycott A+E Networks Introduction The Montgomery Bus Boycott, in which African Americans refused to ride city buses in Montgomery, Alabama, to protest segregated seating, took place from December 5, 1955, to December 20, 1956, and is regarded as the first large-scale demonstration against segregation in the U.S. On December 1, 1955, four days before the boycott began, Rosa Parks, an African-American woman, refused to yield her seat to a white man on a Montgomery bus. She was arrested and fined. The boycott of public buses by blacks in Montgomery began on the day of Parks’ court hearing and lasted 381 days. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ordered Montgomery to integrate its bus system, and one of the leaders of the boycott, a young pastor named Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-68), emerged as a prominent national leader of the American civil rights movement in the wake of the action. Google Montgomery Bus Boycott: Parks Refuses to Yield Bus Seat In 1955, African Americans were still required by a Montgomery, Alabama , city ordinance to sit in the back half of city buses and to yield their seats to white riders if the front half of the bus, reserved for whites, was full. On December 1, 1955, African-American seamstress Rosa Parks (1913-2005) was returning home from her job at a local department store on the Cleveland Avenue bus. She was seated in the front row of the “colored section.” When the white seats filled, the driver, J. Fred Blake (1912-2002), asked Parks and three others to vacate their seats. The other African-American riders complied, but Parks refused. She was arrested and fined $10, plus $4 in court fees. This was not Parks’ first encounter with Blake. In 1943, she had paid her fare at the front of a bus he was driving, then exited so she could re-enter through the back door, as required. Blake pulled away before she could re-board the bus. Did You Know? Nine months before Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to give up her bus seat, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin (1939-) was arrested in Montgomery for the same act. The city's black leaders prepared to protest, until it was discovered Colvin was pregnant and deemed an inappropriate symbol for their cause. Although Parks has sometimes been depicted as a woman with no history of civil rights activism at the time of her arrest, she and her husband, Raymond (1903-77), were, in fact, active in the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ( NAACP ), and Parks served as its secretary. Upon her arrest, Parks called E.D. Nixon (1899-1987), a prominent black leader, who bailed her out of jail and determined she would be an upstanding and sympathetic plaintiff in a legal challenge of the segregation ordinance. African-American leaders decided to attack the ordinance using other tactics as well. The Women’s Political Council (WPC), a group of black women working for civil rights, began circulating flyers calling for a boycott of the bus system on December 5, the day Parks would be tried in municipal court. Montgomery Bus Boycott: African Americans Mobilize As news of the boycott spread, African-American leaders across Montgomery, Alabama’s capital city, began lending their support. Black ministers announced the boycott in church on Sunday, December 4, and the Montgomery Advertiser, a general-interest newspaper, published a front-page article on the planned action. Approximately 40,000 African-American bus riders–the majority of the city’s black bus riders–boycotted the system the next day. On the afternoon of December 5, black leaders met to form the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA). The group elected Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-68), the 26-year-old-pastor of Montgomery’s Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, as its president, and decided to continue the boycott until the city met its demands. Initially, the demands did not include changing the segregation laws; rather, the group demanded courtesty, the hiring of black drivers, and a first-come, first-seated policy, with whites entering and filling seats from the front and African Americans from the rear. Ultimately, however, a group of five Montgomery women, represented by attorney Fred D. Gray (1932-) and the NAACP, sued the city in U.S. District Court, seeking to have the busing segregation laws invalidated. Although African Americans represented at least 75 percent of Montgomery’s bus ridership, the city resisted complying with the MIA’s demands. To ensure the boycott could be sustained, black leaders organized carpools, and the city’s African-American taxi drivers charged only 10 cents–the same price as bus fare–for African-American riders. Many black residents chose simply to walk to work and other destinations. Black leaders organized regular mass meetings to keep African-American residents mobilized around the boycott. Montgomery Bus Boycott: Integration at Last On June 5, 1956, a Montgomery federal court ruled that any law requiring racially segregated seating on buses violated the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. That amendment, adopted in 1868 following the American Civil War (1861-65), guarantees all citizens, regardless of race, equal rights and equal protection under state and federal laws. The city appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which upheld the lower court’s decision on December 20, 1956. Montgomery’s buses were integrated on December 21, 1956, and the boycott ended. It had lasted 381 days. Integration met with significant resistance and even violence. While the buses themselves were integrated, Montgomery maintained segregated bus stops. Snipers began firing into buses, and one shattered both legs of a pregnant African-American passenger. In January 1957, four black churches and the homes of prominent black leaders were bombed; a bomb at King’s house was defused. On January 30, 1957, the Montgomery police arrested seven bombers; all were members of the Ku Klux Klan , a white supremacist group. The arrests largely brought an end to the busing-related violence. Boycott Puts King in Spotlight The Montgomery Bus Boycott was significant on several fronts. First, it is widely regarded as the earliest mass protest on behalf of civil rights in the U.S., setting the stage for additional large-scale actions outside the court system to bring about fair treatment for African Americans. Second, in his leadership of the MIA, Martin Luther King emerged as a prominent national leader of the civil rights movement while also solidifying his commitment to nonviolent resistance. King’s approach remained a hallmark of the civil rights movement throughout the 1960s. Shortly after the boycott’s end, he helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), a highly influential civil rights organization that worked to end segregation throughout the South. The SCLC was influential in the civil rights campaign in Birmingham, Alabama, in the spring of 1963, and the March on Washington in August of that same year, during which King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. The boycott also brought national and international attention to the civil rights struggles occurring in the U.S., as more than 100 reporters visited Montgomery during the boycott to profile the effort and its leaders. Rosa Parks, while shying from the spotlight throughout her life, remained an esteemed figure in the history of American civil rights activism. In 1999, the U.S. Congress awarded her its highest honor, the Congressional Gold Medal. Tags

Montgomery, Alabama

According to the song, who left Kenny Rogers with four hungry children and crops in the field?

Civil Rights Movement 1955-1965: The Montgomery Bus Boycott -- Mother Pollard [1] The Montgomery Bus Boycott officially started on December 1, 1955. That was the day when the blacks of Montgomery, Alabama, decided that they would boycott the city buses until they could sit anywhere they wanted, instead of being relegated to the back when a white boarded. It was not, however, the day that the movement to desegregate the buses started. Perhaps the movement started on the day in 1943 when a black seamstress named Rosa Parks paid her bus fare and then watched the bus drive off as she tried to re-enter through the rear door, as the driver had told her to do. Perhaps the movement started on the day in 1949 when a black professor Jo Ann Robinson absentmindedly sat at the front of a nearly empty bus, then ran off in tears when the bus driver screamed at her for doing so. Perhaps the movement started on the day in the early 1950s when a black pastor named Vernon Johns tried to get other blacks to leave a bus in protest after he was forced to give up his seat to a white man, only to have them tell him, "You ought to knowed better." [2] The story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott is often told as a simple, happy tale of the "little people" triumphing over the seemingly insurmountable forces of evil. The truth is a little less romantic and a little more complex. The simple version of the story leaves out some very important people, such as Jo Ann Robinson, of whom Martin Luther King, Jr., would later write, "Apparently indefatigable, she, perhaps more than any other person, was active on every level of the protest." [3] She was an educated woman, a professor at the all-black Alabama State College, and a member of the Women's Political Council in Montgomery. After her traumatic experience on the bus in 1949, she tried to start a protest but was shocked when other Women's Political Council members brushed off the incident as "a fact of life in Montgomery." After the Supreme Court's Brown decision in 1954, she wrote a letter to the mayor of Montgomery, W.A. Gayle, saying that "there has been talk from 25 or more local organizations of planning a city-wide boycott of buses." By 1955, the Women's Political Council had plans for just such a boycott. Community leaders were just waiting for the right person to be arrested, a person who would anger the black community into action, who would agree to test the segregation laws in court, and who, most importantly, was "above reproach." When fifteen year old Claudette Colvin was arrested early in 1955 for refusing to give up her seat, E.D. Nixon of the NAACP thought he had found the perfect person, but Colvin turned out to be pregnant. Nixon later explained, "I had to be sure that I had somebody I could win with." [4] Enter Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks is probably the most romanticized personage in the Montgomery cast of characters. She is often portrayed as a simple seamstress who, exhausted after a long day at work, refused to give up her seat to a white person. While this is not untrue, there is more to the story. Parks was educated; she had attended the laboratory school at Alabama State College because there was no high school for blacks in Montgomery at that time, but had decided to become a seamstress because she could not find a job to suit her skills. She was also a long-time NAACP worker who had taken a special interest in Claudette Colvin's case. When she was arrested in December 1955, she had recently completed a workshop on race relations at the Highlander Folk School in Monteagle, Tennessee. And she was a well-respected woman with a spotless record. On Thursday, December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks boarded a city bus and sat with three other blacks in the fifth row, the first row that blacks could occupy. A few stops later, the front four rows were filled with whites, and one white man was left standing. According to law, blacks and whites could not occupy the same row, so the bus driver asked all four of the blacks seated in the fifth row to move. Three complied, but Parks refused. She was arrested. When E.D. Nixon heard that Parks had been arrested, he called the police to find out why. He was told that it was "[n]one of your damn business." He asked Clifford Durr, a sympathetic white lawyer, to call. Durr easily found out that Parks had been arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus. [5] Nixon went to the jail and posted bond for Parks. Then he told her, "Mrs. Parks, with your permission we can break down segregation on the bus with your case." [6] She talked it over with her husband and her mother, then agreed. That night, Jo Ann Robinson put plans for a one-day boycott into action. She mimeographed handouts urging blacks to stay off the city buses on Monday, when Parks' case was due to come up. She and her students distributed the anonymous fliers throughout Montgomery on Friday morning. That evening, a group of ministers and civil rights leaders had a meeting to discuss the boycott. It did not go well. Many ministers were put off by the way Rev. L. Roy Bennett took control of the meeting. Some left and others were about to leave. [7] Those remaining, however, agreed to spread word of the boycott through their sermons on Sunday, then meet again on Monday night if the boycott went well to decide whether or not to continue it. [8] Martin Luther King, Jr., minister at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, thought that "if we could get 60 percent cooperation the protest would be a success." He was pleasantly surprised when bus after empty bus rolled past his house that morning. "A miracle had taken place," King would later write. "The once dormant and quiescent Negro community was now fully awake." [9] The group from Friday night met again that afternoon and decided to call themselves the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA). They elected King as president. The next decision was whether or not to end the boycott. Some ministers wanted to end it as a one-day success. Then E.D. Nixon rose to speak: What's the matter with you people? Here you have been living off the sweat of these washerwomen all these years and you have never done anything for them. Now you have a chance to pay them back, and you're too damn scared to stand on your feet and be counted! The time has come when you men is going to have to learn to be grown men or scared boys. [10] The MIA decided to let the people vote on whether or not to continue the boycott at the mass meeting that night. There, the decision was unanimous. The boycott would continue. When the boycott began, no one expected it to last for very long. There had been boycotts of buses by blacks before, most recently in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1953. A one-day boycott, followed three months later by a week-long boycott, resulted in buses that were more desegregated but that still had some seats reserved for whites as well as some for blacks. On Thursday, December 8, the fourth day of the boycott, King and other MIA officials met with officials and lawyers from the bus company, as well as the city commissioners, to present a moderate desegregation plan similar to the one already implemented in Baton Rouge and other Southern cities, including Mobile, Alabama. The MIA was hopeful that the plan would be accepted and the boycott would end, but the bus company refused to consider it. In addition, city officials struck a blow to the boycott when they announced that any cab driver charging less than the 45 cent minimum fare would be prosecuted. Since the boycott began, the black cab services had been charging blacks only 10 cents to ride, the same as the bus fare, but this service would be no more. Suddenly the MIA was faced with the prospect of having thousands of blacks with no way to get to work, and with no end to the boycott in sight. In response, the MIA worked out a "private taxi" plan, under which blacks w ho owned cars picked up and dropped off blacks who needed rides at designated points. The plan was elaborate and took a great deal of planning; consequently, the MIA appointed a Transportation Committee to oversee it. The service worked so well so quickly that even the White Citizens Council (whose membership doubled during one month of the boycott) had to admit that it moved with "military precision." [11] Whites tried to end the boycott in every way possible. One often-used method was to try to divide the black community. On January 21, 1956, the City Commission met with three non-MIA black ministers and proposed a "compromise," which was basically the system already in effect. The ministers accepted, and the commission leaked (false) reports to a newspaper that the boycott was over. The MIA did not even hear of the compromise until a black reporter in the North who received a wire report phoned to ask if the Montgomery blacks had really settled for so little. By that time it was Saturday night. On Sunday morning Montgomery newspapers were going to print the news that the boycott was over and the city's blacks were going to believe it. To prevent this from happening, some MIA officials went bar-hopping to spread the word that the stories were a hoax, that the boycott was still on. Later, the black ministers told King that they hadn't understood the proposal. When that effort to break up the boycott failed, whites turned to violence. King's home was bombed on January 30, and Nixon's home was bombed on February 1. Next, whites turned to the law. On February 21, 89 blacks were indicted under an old law prohibiting boycotts. King was the first defendant to be tried. As press from around the nation looked on, King was ordered to pay $500 plus $500 in court costs or spend 386 days in the state penitentiary. Whites also tried to break down the "private taxi" system that many blacks relied on as their only means of transportation to and from work. Some churches had purchased station wagons, usually called "rolling churches," to be used in the private taxi service. Liability insurance was canceled four times in four months before King found insurance through a black agent in Atlanta, underwritten by Lloyd's of London. The police also arrested drivers for minor traffic offenses. When King dropped by a pickup point to help transport blacks waiting there, he was arrested for driving thirty miles per hour in a twenty-five mile per hour zone. Despite all the pressures to end the boycott, blacks continued to stay off the buses. One white bus driver stopped to let off a lone black man in a black neighborhood. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw an old black woman with a cane rushing towards the bus. He opened the door and said, "You don't have to rush auntie. I'll wait for you." The woman replied, "In the first place, I ain't your auntie. In the second place, I ain't rushing to get on your bus. I'm jus' trying to catch up with that nigger who just got off, so I can hit him with this here stick." By this point, some members of Montgomery's business community were becoming frustrated with the boycott, which was costing them thousands of dollars because blacks were less likely to shop in downtown stores. Although they were as opposed to integration as the next white Montgomery resident, they realized that the boycott was bad for business and therefore wanted the boycott to end. They formed a group called the Men of Montgomery and tried negotiating directly with the boycotters. Eventually, however, these discussions broke down, and the boycott continued. But blacks had already begun to fight to end the boycott in court. They would no longer settle for the moderate desegregation plan that they had first proposed. Now, they would accept nothing less than full integration. The city was fighting a losing battle. The blacks were armed with the Brown decision, less than two years old, which said that the "separate but equal" doctrine had no place in public education. Surely it must follow that the doctrine had no place in any public facilities. In addition, the city was not in the prejudiced local courts but in federal court, where even a black man could hope to have a fair trial. When the city defended segregation by saying that integration would lead to violence, Judge Rives asked, "Is it fair to command one man to surrender his constitutional rights, if they are his constitutional rights, in order to prevent another man from committing a crime?" [12] The federal court decided 2-1 in favor of the blacks, with the lone dissent coming from a Southern judge. The city, of course, appealed the ruling, but on November 13, 1956, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the federal court's ruling, declaring segregation on buses unconstitutional. The Montgomery Bus Boycott was officially over. Blacks continued, however, to stay off the city buses until the mandate from the Supreme Court arrived. During that time, MIA officials tried to prepare blacks as best they could for integrated buses. But, as Martin Luther King, Jr., noted wryly, "not a single white group would take the responsibility of preparing the white community." [13] Blacks returned to the buses on December 21, 1956, over a year after the boycott began. But their troubles were not over. Snipers shot at buses, forcing the city to suspend bus operations after 5 P.M. A group tried to start a whites-only bus service. There was also a wave of bombings. The homes of two black leaders, four Baptists churches, the People's Service Station and Cab Stand, and the home of another black were all bombed. In addition, an unexploded bomb was found on King's front porch. Seven white men were arrested for the bombings, and five were indicted. The first two defendants, Raymond D. York and Sonny Kyle Livingston, were found not guilty, even though they had signed confessions. The remainder of the bombers were set free under a compromise that also canceled the cases of blacks arrested under the anti-boycott laws, although King still had to pay his $500 fine. The KKK also tried to scare the blacks, but "it seemed to have lost its spell," King wrote. "...[O]ne cold night a small Negro boy was seen warming his hands at a burning cross." [14] The violence died down after several prominent whites spoke out against it, and the integration of the Montgomery buses was ultimately successful. On January 10 and 11, 1957, ministers from the MIA joined other ministers from around the South in Atlanta, Georgia. They founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and elected Martin Luther King, Jr., as president. SCLC would continue to work in various areas of the South for many years, continuing the nonviolent fight for civil rights started in Birmingham. Although the gains of the Montgomery Bus Boycott were small compared with the gains blacks would later win, the boycott was important start to the movement. The lasting legacy of the boycott, as Roberta Wright wrote, was that "It helped to launch a 10-year national struggle for freedom and justice, the Civil Rights Movement, that stimulated others to do the same at home and abroad." [15]

i don't know

Who's missing: Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha Jones, Charlotte York

Sex and the City 2 (2010) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error Sex and the City 2 ( 2010 ) R | From $2.99 (SD) on Amazon Video ON DISC While wrestling with the pressures of life, love, and work in Manhattan, Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte join Samantha for a trip to Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), where Samantha's ex is filming a new movie. Director: a list of 40 titles created 27 Apr 2011 a list of 30 titles created 05 Sep 2011 a list of 25 titles created 16 Oct 2013 a list of 23 titles created 23 Oct 2013 a list of 22 titles created 24 Nov 2013 Title: Sex and the City 2 (2010) 4.3/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. 8 wins & 8 nominations. See more awards  » Videos A New York writer on sex and love is finally getting married to her Mr. Big. But her three best girlfriends must console her after one of them inadvertently leads Mr. Big to jilt her. Director: Michael Patrick King Four female New Yorkers gossip about their sex lives (or lack thereof) and find new ways to deal with being a woman in the '90s. Stars: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis Secrets and truths unfold through the lives of female friends in one suburban neighborhood, after the mysterious suicide of a neighbor. Stars: Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross A smart but sensible new graduate lands a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly, the demanding editor-in-chief of a high fashion magazine. Director: David Frankel Edit Storyline Two years have passed since Carrie Bradshaw finally bagged John "Mr. Big" Preston, the man she was always meant to be with. Just as her friend Charlotte must deal with her young daughter's "terrible two's", Carrie must deal with her relationship taking a turn for the worse - Big likes to watch old black-and-white movies on TV and eat take-out food, which prevents Carrie from feeling like the free-wheeling party girl she used to be. Meanwhile, Miranda copes with a new boss that can't handle an intelligent, powerful woman, and Samantha works a public relations angle that gets the fashionable foursome an all-expense-paid trip to Abu Dhabi. Written by The Massie Twins Rated R for some strong sexual content and language | See all certifications  » Parents Guide: 27 May 2010 (USA) See more  » Also Known As: Seks i grad 2 See more  » Filming Locations: £6,142,718 (UK) (28 May 2010) Gross: Did You Know? Trivia In May 2015, Sarah Jessica Parker posted a teasing photo of her with a shopping bag, in order to promote her collaboration with Bloomingdales. However, the photo went viral, when it proved so ambiguous, that several fans believed the photo teased a potential third 'Sex and the City' movie. Several online outlets reported the announcement and an unaware and puzzled Cynthia Nixon, co-star of the show, was asked about it during a live interview. In the end, Warner Bros. Studios had to make an official statement that there was no plans for a 'Sex and the City 3'. See more » Goofs From the time we first see Carrie in her "best man" outfit to the time she and Big arrive at the wedding, Carrie's hairstyle changes. It is not slicked back and she does not have a braid. Perhaps we are meant to think she changed it, maybe opting for a simpler style (something easier to redo) after she and Big spent the hour in bed, but it is not addressed in the film. See more » Quotes Miranda Hobbes : Sometimes, as much as I love Brady, being a mother just isn't enough. I miss my job.

Miranda Hobbes

What is the most populous city in the great state of Alaska?

Carrie Bradshaw, Charlotte York, Samantha Jones and Miranda Hobbes, the four protagonists of Sex And The City (SATC), which dealt with women and their lives in upmarket New York, became household favourites and also pop fashion icons - Photogallery /tv/shows/sex-and-the-city-turns-15/eventshow/20574094.cms 02 Carrie Bradshaw, Charlotte York, Samantha Jones and Miranda Hobbes, the four protagonists of Sex And The City (SATC), which dealt with women and their lives in upmarket New York, became household favourites and also pop fashion icons. Carrie Bradshaw, Charlotte York, Samantha Jones and Miranda Hobbes, the four protagonists of Sex And The City (SATC), which dealt with women and their lives in upmarket New York, became household favourites and also pop fashion icons. 

i don't know

What is the name of the whaling ship that is the focus of the classic Moby Dick?

The True-Life Horror That Inspired Moby-Dick | History | Smithsonian The True-Life Horror That Inspired Moby-Dick The whaler Essex was indeed sunk by a whale—and that's only the beginning smithsonian.com March 1, 2013 In July of 1852, a 32-year-old novelist named Herman Melville had high hopes for his new novel, Moby-Dick; or, The Whale, despite the book’s mixed reviews and tepid sales. That month he took a steamer to Nantucket for his first visit to the Massachusetts island, home port of his novel’s mythic protagonist, Captain Ahab, and his ship, the Pequod. Like a tourist, Melville met local dignitaries, dined out and took in the sights of the village he had previously only imagined. From This Story How Nantucket Came to Be the Whaling Capital of the World And on his last day on Nantucket he met the broken-down 60-year-old man who had captained the Essex, the ship that had been attacked and sunk by a sperm whale in an 1820 incident that had inspired Melville’s novel. Captain George Pollard Jr. was just 29 years old when the Essex went down, and he survived and returned to Nantucket to captain a second whaling ship, Two Brothers. But when that ship wrecked on a coral reef two years later, the captain was marked as unlucky at sea—a “Jonah”—and no owner would trust a ship to him again. Pollard lived out his remaining years on land, as the village night watchman. Melville had written about Pollard briefly in Moby-Dick, and only with regard to the whale sinking his ship. During his visit, Melville later wrote, the two merely “exchanged some words.” But Melville knew Pollard’s ordeal at sea did not end with the sinking of the Essex, and he was not about to evoke the horrific memories that the captain surely carried with him. “To the islanders he was a nobody,” Melville wrote, “to me, the most impressive man, tho’ wholly unassuming, even humble—that I ever encountered.” Pollard had told the full story to fellow captains over a dinner shortly after his rescue from the Essex ordeal, and to a missionary named George Bennet. To Bennet, the tale was like a confession. Certainly, it was grim: 92 days and sleepless nights at sea in a leaking boat with no food, his surviving crew going mad beneath the unforgiving sun, eventual cannibalism and the harrowing fate of two teenage boys, including Pollard’s first cousin, Owen Coffin. “But I can tell you no more—my head is on fire at the recollection,” Pollard told the missionary. “I hardly know what I say.” The trouble for Essex began, as Melville knew, on August 14, 1819, just two days after it left Nantucket on a whaling voyage that was supposed to last two and a half years. The 87-foot-long ship was hit by a squall that destroyed its topgallant sail and nearly sank it. Still, Pollard continued, making it to Cape Horn five weeks later. But the 20-man crew found the waters off South America nearly fished out, so they decided to sail for distant whaling grounds in the South Pacific, far from any shores. To restock, the Essex anchored at Charles Island in the Galapagos, where the crew collected sixty 100-pound tortoises. As a prank, one of the crew set a fire, which, in the dry season, quickly spread. Pollard’s men barely escaped, having to run through flames, and a day after they set sail, they could still see smoke from the burning island. Pollard was furious, and swore vengeance on whoever set the fire. Many years later Charles Island was still a blackened wasteland, and the fire was believed to have caused the extinction of both the Floreana Tortoise and the Floreana Mockingbird. Essex First Mate Owen Chase, later in life. Photo: Wikimedia Commons By November of 1820, after months of a prosperous voyage and a thousand miles from the nearest land, whaleboats from the Essex had harpooned whales that dragged them out toward the horizon in what the crew called “Nantucket sleigh rides.” Owen Chase, the 23-year-old first mate, had stayed aboard the Essex to make repairs while Pollard went whaling. It was Chase who spotted a very big whale—85 feet in length, he estimated—lying quietly in the distance, its head facing the ship. Then, after two or three spouts, the giant made straight for the Essex, “coming down for us at great celerity,” Chase would recall—at about three knots. The whale smashed head-on into the ship with “such an appalling and tremendous jar, as nearly threw us all on our faces.” The whale passed underneath the ship and began thrashing in the water. “I could distinctly see him smite his jaws together, as if distracted with rage and fury,” Chase recalled. Then the whale disappeared. The crew was addressing the hole in the ship and getting the pumps working when one man cried out, “Here he is—he is making for us again.” Chase spotted the whale, his head half out of water, bearing down at great speed—this time at six knots, Chase thought. This time it hit the bow directly under the cathead and disappeared for good. The water rushed into the ship so fast, the only thing the crew could do was lower the boats and try fill them with navigational instruments, bread, water and supplies before the Essex turned over on its side. Pollard saw his ship in distress from a distance, then returned to see the Essex in ruin. Dumbfounded, he asked, “My God, Mr. Chase, what is the matter?” “We have been stove by a whale,” his first mate answered. Another boat returned, and the men sat in silence, their captain still pale and speechless. Some, Chase observed, “had no idea of the extent of their deplorable situation.” The men were unwilling to leave the doomed Essex as it slowly foundered, and Pollard tried to come up with a plan. In all, there were three boats and 20 men. They calculated that the closest land was the Marquesas Islands and the Society Islands, and Pollard wanted to set off for them—but in one of the most ironic decisions in nautical history, Chase and the crew convinced him that those islands were peopled with cannibals and that the crew’s best chance for survival would be to sail south. The distance to land would be far greater, but they might catch the trade winds or be spotted by another whaling ship. Only Pollard seemed to understand the implications of steering clear of the islands. (According to Nathaniel Philbrick, in his book In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex, although rumors of cannibalism persisted, traders had been visiting the islands without incident.) Thus they left the Essex aboard their 20-foot boats. They were challenged almost from the start. Saltwater saturated the bread, and the men began to dehydrate as they ate their daily rations. The sun was ravaging. Pollard’s boat was attacked by a killer whale. They spotted land—Henderson Island—two weeks later, but it was barren. After another week the men began to run out of supplies. Still, three of them decided they’d rather take their chances on land than climb back into a boat. No one could blame them. And besides, it would stretch the provisions for the men in the boats. Herman Melville drew inspiration for Moby-Dick from the 1820 whale attack on the Essex. Photo: Wikimedia Commons By mid-December, after weeks at sea, the boats began to take on water, more whales menaced the men at night, and by January, the paltry rations began to take their toll. On Chase’s boat, one man went mad, stood up and demanded a dinner napkin and water, then fell into “most horrid and frightful convulsions” before perishing the next morning. “Humanity must shudder at the dreadful recital” of what came next, Chase wrote. The crew “separated limbs from his body, and cut all the flesh from the bones; after which, we opened the body, took out the heart, and then closed it again—sewed it up as decently as we could, and committed it to the sea.” They then roasted the man’s organs on a flat stone and ate them. Over the coming week, three more sailors died, and their bodies were cooked and eaten. One boat disappeared, and then Chase’s and Pollard’s boats lost sight of each other. The rations of human flesh did not last long, and the more the survivors ate, the hungrier they felt. On both boats the men became too weak to talk. The four men on Pollard’s boat reasoned that without more food, they would die. On February 6, 1821—nine weeks after they’d bidden farewell to the Essex—Charles Ramsdell, a teenager, proposed they draw lots to determine who would be eaten next. It was the custom of the sea, dating back, at least in recorded instance, to the first half of the 17th century. The men in Pollard’s boat accepted Ramsdell’s suggestion, and the lot fell to young Owen Coffin, the captain’s first cousin. Pollard had promised the boy’s mother he’d look out for him. “My lad, my lad!” the captain now shouted, “if you don’t like your lot, I’ll shoot the first man that touches you.” Pollard even offered to step in for the boy, but Coffin would have none of it. “I like it as well as any other,” he said. Ramsdell drew the lot that required him to shoot his friend. He paused a long time. But then Coffin rested his head on the boat’s gunwale and Ramsdell pulled the trigger. “He was soon dispatched,” Pollard would say, “and nothing of him left.” By February 18, after 89 days at sea, the last three men on Chase’s boat spotted a sail in the distance. After a frantic chase, they managed to catch the English ship Indian and were rescued. Three hundred miles away, Pollard’s boat carried only its captain and Charles Ramsdell. They had only the bones of the last crewmen to perish, which they smashed on the bottom of the boat so that they could eat the marrow. As the days passed the two men obsessed over the bones scattered on the boat’s floor. Almost a week after Chase and his men had been rescued, a crewman aboard the American ship Dauphin spotted Pollard’s boat. Wretched and confused, Pollard and Ramsdell did not rejoice at their rescue, but simply turned to the bottom of their boat and stuffed bones into their pockets. Safely aboard the Dauphin, the two delirious men were seen “sucking the bones of their dead mess mates, which they were loath to part with.” The five Essex survivors were reunited in Valparaiso, where they recuperated before sailing back for Nantucket. As Philbrick writes, Pollard had recovered enough to join several captains for dinner, and he told them the entire story of the Essex wreck and his three harrowing months at sea. One of the captains present returned to his room and wrote everything down, calling Pollard’s account “the most distressing narrative that ever came to my knowledge.” Years later, the third boat was discovered on Ducie Island; three skeletons were aboard. Miraculously, the three men who chose to stay on Henderson Island survived for nearly four months, mostly on shellfish and bird eggs, until an Australian ship rescued them. Once they arrived in Nantucket, the surviving crewmen of the Essex were welcomed, largely without judgment. Cannibalism in the most dire of circumstances, it was reasoned, was a custom of the sea. (In similar incidents, survivors declined to eat the flesh of the dead but used it as bait for fish. But Philbrick notes that the men of the Essex were in waters largely devoid of marine life at the surface.) Captain Pollard, however, was not as easily forgiven, because he had eaten his cousin. (One scholar later referred to the act as “gastronomic incest.”) Owen Coffin’s mother could not abide being in the captain’s presence. Once his days at sea were over, Pollard spent the rest of his life in Nantucket. Once a year, on the anniversary of the wreck of the Essex, he was said to have locked himself in his room and fasted in honor of his lost crewmen. By 1852, Melville and Moby-Dick had begun their own slide into obscurity. Despite the author’s hopes, his book sold but a few thousand copies in his lifetime, and Melville, after a few more failed attempts at novels, settled into a reclusive life and spent 19 years as a customs inspector in New York City. He drank and suffered the death of his two sons. Depressed, he abandoned novels for poetry. But George Pollard’s fate was never far from his mind. In his poem Clarel he writes of A night patrolman on the quay Watching the bales till morning hour Through fair and foul. Never he smiled; Call him, and he would come; not sour In spirit, but meek and reconciled: Patient he was, he none withstood; Oft on some secret thing would brood. Sources Books: Herman Melville, Moby-Dick; Or, The Whale, 1851, Harper & Brothers Publishers. Nathaniel Philbrick, In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex, 2000, Penguin Books. Thomas Nickerson, The Loss of the Ship Essex, Sunk by a Whale, 2000, Penguin Classics. Owen Chase, Narrative of the Whale-Ship Essex of Nantucket, 2006, A RIA Press Edition. Alex MacCormick, The Mammoth Book of Maneaters, 2003, Carroll & Graf Publishers. Joseph S. Cummins, Cannibals: Shocking True Tales of the Last Taboo on Land and at Sea, 2001, The Lyons Press. Evan L. Balkan, Shipwrecked: Deadly Adventures and Disasters at Sea, 2008, Menasha Ridge Press. Articles: “The Whale and the Horror,” by Nathaniel Philbrick, Vanity Fair, May, 2000. “Herman Melville: Nantucket’s First Tourist?” by Susan Beegel, The Nantucket Historical Association, http://www.nha.org/history/hn/HN-fall1991-beegel.html. ”Herman Melville and Nantucket,” The Nantucket Historical Association, http://www.nha.org/history/faq/melville.html. Into the Deep: America, Whaling & the World, “Biography: Herman Melville,” American Experience, PBS.org, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/biography/whaling-melville/. “No Moby-Dick: A Real Captain, Twice Doomed,” by Jesse McKinley, New York Times, February 11, 2011. “The Essex Disaster,” by Walter Karp, American Heritage, April/May, 1983, Volume 34, Issue 3. “Essex (whaleship),” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essex_(whaleship). ”Account of the Ship Essex Sinking, 1819-1821., Thomas Nickerson, http://www.galapagos.to/TEXTS/NICKERSON.HTM Like this article?

Pequod

What nursery rhyme concludes with Violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you?

Herman Melville . Into the Deep: America, Whaling & the World . WGBH American Experience | PBS Other Biographies When Herman Melville died in 1891, his death was noted in only one local newspaper, which carried a brief description of the "long forgotten" author. Not until the early 20th century was Melville's novel Moby Dick first recognized as a literary masterpiece and touted as a cornerstone of modern American literature. Born to a New York City merchant in 1819, Melville fought for a greatness that would not be realized during his lifetime. Melville's father supported his seven children importing French dry goods, but in 1830 he decided to try his luck in the fur business in Albany, NY. Within two years, the family was bankrupt and Herman's father died suddenly. Melville and his siblings left school to work in the family fur and cap business, with Melville working several other jobs as well -- filling in teaching positions at local schools, working on his uncle's farm, and clerking in a local bank. Despite these difficulties, Herman Melville read extensively on his own, consuming mythology, anthropology, and history. He was fascinated with Shakespeare's poetic devices and their ability to capture an audience. He was also raised hearing the thrilling story of the whaleship Essex, which was attacked by a whale and sunk when Melville was just a year old. Melville's captivation with the terrifying grandeur of whales, the audacity of whalers, and the relationship between the two would be a motivating factor behind his writing. In 1839, at the age of 20, Melville took his first voyage across the Atlantic sea as a cabin boy on the merchant ship the St. Lawrence. After this expedition and a year exploring the West, Melville joined the crew of the whaling ship Acushnet in January of 1841. The thrilling adventure that occurred during the next three years would satiate his desire for excitement and provide him with his material for his first three novels. After a year and a half aboard the Acushnet, Melville and a fellow seaman deserted the ship, only to be captured by cannibals in the Marquesas Islands, the Typee. Although Melville was treated well, he sought rescue on the Australia whale ship Lucy Ann when it arrive on the Marquesas a month after his capture. On the Lucy Ann Melville traveled to Tahiti, where his unusual journey continued when he, along with the crew, committed mutiny by refusing their duty. Briefly jailed, Melville escaped and sailed to the nearby island Eimeo, where he worked on a potato farm. More than five months after deserting the Acushnet, Melville's adventures were not over. Tiring of life on Eimeo, he joined the crew of whaler Charles and Henry, where he worked as harpooner. When the Charles and Henry anchored in Maui Island five months later in April of 1843, Melville took up work as a clerk and bookkeeper in a general store in Honolulu. In August, 1843, Melville enlisted in the US Navy and embarked on the final leg of his journey, working as a seaman on the Navy ship United States through the Pacific. In October 1844, Melville returned to his mother's house determined to write about his adventures. His subsequent writings borrowed from his own experiences as well as other peoples' fantastic stories that he heard during his travels. Because of his extensive experience as a seaman and a whaler, his descriptions of life out at sea were comprehensive and unflinchingly accurate. Melville was also able to communicate the fear and terror of a whale hunt, a feat that would make his greatest work, Moby Dick, a literary tribute to the whaling industry. His first manuscript, a tale in which the narrator, Tommo, is captured by Typee cannibals, was initially rejected in the United States because publishers refused to believe the validity of the story. The story was finally accepted in London, where Melville's older brother, Gansevoort, was working for the American Legation. Typee was published in Britain in February of 1846 to favorable reviews. Lauded for its ethnographic focus exploring the relationship between a New Englander and a foreign culture, Melville's story gained even more popularity after one of Herman's former crewmates came forward to validate its factual base. This new based-on-a-true-story status coupled with Americans' high interest in maritime adventures, helped Typee sell over 6,000 copies in two years when it was published in the U.S. In the midst of his initial years as a profitable author, Melville married Elizabeth Shaw, daughter of the chief justice of Massachusetts and a close family friend. The chief justice, Lemuel Shaw, would later support Melville in the late 1850s during his financial struggles. With his new bride, Melville moved to New York City to live with his younger brother, mother, and four sisters in late 1847. Despite these crowded quarters, Melville was able to continue writing, and he finished two more novels within two years. Encouraged by his success with Typee, Melville published Omoo in 1847, a story inspired by his time in the Polynesian Islands of Tahini and Eimeo. Omoo was just as successful as Typee, and Melville immediately began work on his third installment of his maritime adventures, Mardi and a Voyage Thither. Published in 1849, Mardi was not as successful as his previous two books, a fact credited largely to his increased use of allegory and a more farfetched storyline. From 1849 to 1850, Melville wrote two more novels, Redburn and White-Jacket, both of which he later claimed to write simply for the money and the prestige. These attempts to inflate his image as an author won him general acclaim and the novels were modest hits. Melville moved on to his most prolific endeavor yet -- a story about one man's need to conquer and kill a great white whale. Melville had first thought of the idea after reading a 1839 article by Jeremiah N. Renolds entitled "Mocha Dick: Or, the White Whale of the Pacific." While he drafted what would become the novel Moby Dick, Melville met and befriended Nathaniel Hawthorne, who had recently published the literary masterpiece The Scarlet Letter. Hawthorne provided Melville with precious feedback on his manuscript, and encouraged him to change his current draft, a detailed account of whaling, into an allegorical novel. In October 1851, The Whale, printed later as Moby Dick, was published in London. The allegorical undertones that Melville cultivated throughout the novel picked up on the link between whaling and a mid-19th century emerging American identity. The story centers around the narrator Ishmael, a sailor on the whaleship Pequod. The ship captain, Ahab, has lost his leg to Moby Dick on a previous expedition, and he is motivated to the point of derangement by revenge for the whale's life. Powered by this plot, Melville's Moby Dick spun the parable of the hunt for the great white whale as an emblem of the human condition and the reckless expansion of the American republic. Despite Melville's high expectations for Moby Dick, literary critics largely disregarded the novel. Many critics were impressed with the detailed account of whaling voyages, but during Melville's entire lifetime, the book sold only 3,000 copies. Interest in maritime adventures was dwindling as Americans were setting their imaginations towards the potential in the West. After the disappointment of Moby Dick's reception, Melville faced a battle against obscurity and financial ruin for the remainder of his life. In 1852, he wrote Pierre, a psychological romance based on his own childhood, but a negative critical reception and a poor sales performance cost him a significant amount of his savings. He turned to short pieces and poetry, publishing several pieces in Putnam's Monthly Magazine from 1853 to 1854. The general public ignored his short novel Israel Potter: His Fifty Years of Exile (1855), and Melville entered a period of darkness and depression. A trip to Europe to visit his friend Hawthorne in October 1856 did little to lighten his melancholy over a lost dream of literary fame. He toured the country from 1857 to 1860, giving lectures on various topics such as "Statues in Rome," "The South Seas," and the vague subject of "Traveling." In 1863, Melville moved back to New York City where he later found a job as a customs inspector on the New York docks. Throughout his following 20 years as a dock worker, Melville continued writing, publishing the poem Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War in 1866. The chronological piece included depictions of all types of soldiers from both sides of the war, rendered accurately from a trip to the war front to visit his cousin the year before. Despite being considered among the best poems of the 19th century, Battle-Pieces sold a meager 486 copies. Further heartache befell Melville when his oldest son, Malcolm, committed suicide in 1867. Again Melville turned to travel to gain perspective and possible writing material. His 1876 poem Clarel: A Poem and Pilgrimage in the Holy Land drew upon his experiences in Europe and the Holy Land and set a baseline for a theme of religious crisis. Melville continued to pen poetry throughout these later years, printing John Marr and Other Sailors privately for friends and family in 1888. Melville was working on the manuscript of Billy Budd, Foretopman, a story about a sailor falsely accused of involvement in mutiny, when he died of a heart attack on September 28, 1891. In the 1920s, literary scholars began to identify Moby Dick as a work that commented upon larger issues of the American experience in the 19th century. Critics increasingly recognized Moby Dick as one of the greatest pieces of American literature, and they began to discuss the allegorical implications at long last. The novel has been described as both an allegory to the push west (the prairie being the sea) and the Gold Rush (the gold being the whale), and it has been taught in classrooms worldwide for its successful combination of philosophical speculation, Shakespearean rhetoric and dramatic staging while moving an intelligent and authentic, albeit fantastic, plot. Today, Moby Dick is a staple of many high school curriculum reading lists, and a 1956 film version by John Huston introduced the story into popular culture. In Moby Dick and his other works, Melville was able to incorporate stories of adventure with examinations of many inherently American themes: religion versus science, human limitations and emerging technology, and truth versus American myth. The ramifications that Americans can take from reading Melville center around the immoral manifestation of the democratic ideal that Americans were facing during the height of the whaling industry and one that we still battle with today. 

i don't know

Taught to children, what are the 3 recommended steps one takes when one spontaneously catches on fire?

Home Fire Safety for Kids - InsuranceQuotes.org Home Resources Center Home Fire Safety for Kids Staring at dancing flames and listening to the crackle and pop of a campfire can be a relaxing and fun way to spend an evening. But while such fires can be a great opportunity for family bonding, fire is of course a deadly force, and its capacity for destruction should never be underestimated. For a fire to exist, three elements must always be present: fuel, a heat source, and oxygen. The exothermic chemical reaction that results from this trio sustains a fire and allows it to spread. If any one of the three elements is removed, a fire can be extinguished. Unfortunately, many house fires spread so rapidly that escape takes priority over extinguishment. All families, particularly those with young children, should be prepared for the possibility of a house fire. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), more than 3,400 U.S. residents die in fires every year . Ninety percent of these deaths occur in home fires . And perhaps most tragically, when the source of a fire is attributed to “playing with a heat source,” children under the age of 10 make up 93% of related deaths . Children under age 5 are especially at risk; their natural curiosity about fire and their inability to escape from one without adult assistance makes for a deadly combination. Of all children under age 14 who die in home fires, more than half of them are under 5. These alarming statistics point to a need for families to take steps to prevent a fire, teach their children what to do in a fire, and prepare the entire family for the possibility of a fire. Some time spent in preparation can make the difference between life and death in the future. Creating a Fire Escape Plan While the idea of escaping a home during a fire may seem self-explanatory, it’s easy to underestimate how quickly a fire can spread, panicking family members caught unaware. Experts in fire safety recommend a written or drawn exit plan that has been practiced by the family as a group. Fire escape plans will vary between individual homes, but all of them should have the following three elements: Every room in the home should be clearly marked; ensure that pre-reading children understand that the escape route differs from different room to room. Two exits from every room should be identified. This is crucial, because a blocked hallway is not uncommon in house fires. Secondary exits are usually windows or doors into another room. A pre-designated meeting spot for the family outside of the house. This should be clearly identified; younger children may better understand landmarks like an oak tree near the curb or a neighbor’s mailbox. The meeting place should be where emergency responders can easily see you, but far enough from a burning home to be safe. Some families need to consider other factors depending on their living situation. Infants, toddlers or disabled family members need assistance getting out of the home; some families assign one adult to each family member who needs help. A backup adult in case the whole family isn’t home is also a thoughtful step. Homes with second stories should be equipped with drop ladders from each window in the event that a secondary exit is necessary. High-rise condominiums may have security bars over the windows; ensure that these have quick-release capability in case of emergency. Drawing out a fire escape plan helps children to visualize what to do and may help you discover alternate escape routes you may not have noticed before. Predefined templates for this purpose are useful, as are smartphone apps that can help you devise your plan. Even the most thorough escape plan is unlikely to be useful if it’s not practiced. Ideally, families with young children will practice their escape routes a couple of times a year. Escapes should be modeled from each room in the house and using both primary and secondary exits. It’s also wise to practice as though an actual fire is in progress; this means keeping low to the floor to escape toxic smoke, closing doors as you pass through them to slow the fire’s spread, and checking closed doors for heat or flames before they’re opened. Children can be taught to operate drop ladders on first-story windows. Lastly, time your exit practices with a stopwatch, practice escaping as quickly as possible. Best Practices for Your Family’s Safety Preparing your family for the actuality of a home fire goes beyond creating an escape plan. Fire safety experts also offer these tips on quickly exiting the home without further endangering life and limb. Be aware that young children naturally hide in scary situations, and seeing a firefighter dressed in full fire gear in a dark, smoky house can be terrifying to them. Teach them that emergency responders are the good guys and are there to help them escape. Familiarize them with firefighters’ uniforms. Demonstrate and practice Stop, Drop and Roll in the event that clothing catches fire. Make your family aware that fire can spread very quickly, and you may have only minutes to exit the building safely. Understand that children are naturally fascinated by fire; make it very clear how dangerous it actually is. Show each family member how to check whether it’s safe to open a closed door by feeling the doorknob and hinges for heat. Clarify that most fire dangers are not from burns, but from smoke inhalation. Have family members practice holding a towel or piece of clothing over their mouths (moist, if possible), and keep to the cleaner air that’s closer to the floors. In the event that someone gets stuck in a room, practice covering the cracks around the door to prevent smoke and toxic fumes from entering. If the secondary exit is unusable (such as in a high-rise building or where there is no drop ladder), he or she should wait by a window and wave a light-colored item that firefighters can see. Stress that everyone’s first priority is exiting the home. Phone calls to the fire department should be made after exiting, and no one should ever re-enter a burning home. It’s best to assume that no child should attempt to put out a fire, but instead should run and call for help. Sometimes, older children or teens can be taught the proper methods for putting out small fires. Fire extinguishers work best in small, contained areas, like a wastebasket or inside an oven. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends a mnemonic acronym for fire extinguisher usage: PASS . To properly use a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin Sweep the nozzle from side to side. Water should never be used on a grease fire or electrical fire. Identifying Fire Hazards in the Home Examining your home carefully for potential fire hazards can save your children’s lives, not to mention prevent the loss and rebuilding of the family’s home and belongings. The protection provided by smoke detectors is essential. Smoke detectors should be installed in or just outside every bedroom, and throughout the rest of the home. Acquaint your children with the alarm sound so they’ll recognize it if the time comes. Test the batteries often and change them twice a year; many families use the Daylight Savings Time switch as a reminder for this task. Every kitchen should have a fire extinguisher. Young children should not be allowed to cook unsupervised ; likewise, pots and pans on the stovetop should be turned inward so that curious toddlers cannot reach the handles. Many families also store cleaning supplies in the kitchen; take care to keep flammable liquids away from heat sources. Space heaters, a common culprit in home fires, should be placed 3 feet away from any flammable item and should always be turned off when not in use. Frayed cords from appliances or extension cords should be replaced, and electrical outlets should be covered in homes where toddlers live. Resist the temptation to overload extension cords, especially with high-amperage appliances. Fireplaces should be screened, and only slow-burning hardwoods should be used inside the home. Garages are typically used to store vehicles, their accessories, and items from household projects like paint. Gasoline should be covered tightly in plastic containers, and paint must be stored in its original paint can. Oily or greasy rags should be stored in a sealed container. As with kitchens, flammable liquids should be kept away from heat sources. Do not store old newspapers; warm, damp newsprint can spontaneously combust. Consider an attached garage as an exit strategy, and keep a pathway clear of obstructions in case your family needs to evacuate suddenly. Holiday seasons bring their own brand of fire hazards; the NFPA reports that fires originating from lit candles doubles during December. Burn decorative candles with care, and blow them out when leaving a room. If you have a freshly-cut Christmas tree, water it frequently. Dried evergreen needles, perhaps having been sparked by old and frayed tree lights, can become a blazing fire with amazing speed. Don’t overlook the outdoor areas of your home, where fire hazards may also lurk. Remove any dead shrubbery or plant life that is near the home’s foundation. Store your gas or charcoal grill well away from the home, and store lawnmowers away from heat sources when not in use. Lastly, ensure that the roofing materials used on your home are flame-retardant. When You Need to Call for Help Most children, even young children, can memorize the numbers 9-1-1. Teaching kids when to call can be a bit more difficult, but it’s important that your children know that if ever in doubt, calling is appropriate . If a child is in an emergency, he or she will understandably be frightened and panicky. Fortunately, fire dispatch professionals are trained to calm excited children and work with them to send assistance. Nearly all 911 call centers are equipped with locator technology, so it’s not entirely necessary that your child know your street address. It’s still a good idea, however; some families teach children a song that contains their name, address and phone number. A scared child may not remember his parent’s first name, but may still be able to sing the song if encouraged. Distinguish between giving personal details to strangers and answering questions from a 911 dispatcher or emergency first responder. Recognize that many children feel as though they are being quizzed if they are asked a series of questions, which may prompt them to invent perceived “right” answers. Explain that it’s permissible to tell a dispatcher that he or she doesn’t know the answer. Emergency dispatchers typically ask a series of questions about location, the type of emergency and whether anyone in the house needs immediate assistance. Dispatchers also keep callers on the line until first responders arrive, so make sure your child understands not to hang up. Role-playing can be an especially useful way to coach children in how to properly call for help when an adult is not present. Christie Sims, a dispatcher for Tompkins County in New York, says that children older than about 4 can be taught to call 911 ; younger children are unlikely to grasp the concept of an emergency or how to respond to one. The Aftermath of a Home Fire Even if your family escaped injury, a home fire can have devastating emotional and financial consequences. Children, especially younger children who may not fully understand what happened, are sometimes quite traumatized by the experience. Not surprisingly, parents are also overwhelmed by mountains of paperwork, insurance claims, and the temporary housing search. If you’ve just gone through such an experience, remember that the enormous administrative tasks you face should not overshadow your child’s emotional reaction to a house fire. The distress your child may experience could originate from being dislocated from their home, the loss of a pet or beloved toys, the absence of typical routine or worry about injury or injured family members. The family could even be temporarily broken up immediately after a fire. Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are not unusual in children in these situations; such symptoms can include: Fear of another fire Strong reaction to sirens or fire engines Separation anxiety or clinginess Increased worry about other friends and relatives Irritability or depression Nightmares or insomnia Exacerbated pre-existing medical conditions Recovering from emotional trauma is often a matter of time. A regular schedule, plenty of sleep, and good nutrition in the absence of home-cooked meals are all good steps toward helping your child rebound. Writing thoughts in a diary may be beneficial, and sometimes therapy is necessary. If your child is experiencing trauma from a home fire, continue to reassure him or her that life will eventually return to normal. Additional Fire Safety Resources You may find these resources helpful in teaching your children to respect fire and in educating them about the potential of a home fire. USFA Kids: FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration for Kids page explains fire safety in the home, smoke alarms and how to escape from a fire in easy-to-understand language. Games like crossword puzzles and matching games help younger children grasp the concept of fire safety. Sparky.org: This entertaining and interactive site offers games, cartoons and fun activities for children as Sparky the Fire Dog explains fire safety. Fire Safe Kids!: This site focuses on the practical application of fire safety. Games, activity worksheets and coloring pages allow children to “practice” proper escape techniques and understand fires, and an Ask a Firefighter feature puts kids in direct contact with a firefighter. Arthur’s Fire Safety Tips: This popular PBS cartoon character addresses kids directly about fire hazards and preparation for a potential fire. Games, video, activity pages and a friends community round out Arthur’s advice. Kids Fire Safety Tips: Animated characters Buzzy the Smoke Detector, Reddy the Fire Extinguisher and Squirt the Water Drop illustrate safety tips for children in a home fire. Dalmatian: The history of the lovable spotted Dalmatian and its association with firefighters is explained in detail. Parents who have children who are overly curious about fire may also find these resources to be helpful: Children Playing with Fire: This video from the NFPA discusses the rules and consequences that must be established for children who light fires. Counseling Children Who Play with Fire: Directed toward school counselors who may be called to work with fire-setting children, this article explores the motivations of fireplay and methods by which it can be discouraged. Types of Fire-setters: The American Psychological Association has identified six reasons that children may be motivated to start fires. A link to treatment methodology for these children is also included. What to Do if Your Child Sets Fires: The Portland, OR Fire Department has created this resources for parents of fire-setting children and adolescents. Common myths about the motivations behind fire-setting and detailed profiling of fire-setters are explained. Kids and Fire Setting: The Burn Center at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado offers this resource to parents. Tips on how to know when a child has crossed from curious to dangerous behavior and warning signs of deliberate fire-setters are included. Share this article

Stop, drop and roll

The 4th largest fast food chain, and second largest hamburger chain (by store numbers), what company opened its first store in Miami, Fla on December 4, 1954?

Public Education | Roanoke, VA Public Education Seasonal Safety Winter Safety As the temperatures dip into the teens, it's important to remember to take special precautions to protect yourself from the cold weather. Roanoke Fire-EMS and the Centers for Disease Control want to remind you how to keep you and your family safe during the winter months: • Dress warmly. Adults and children should wear a hat (nearly half of all body heat is lost through the head), scarf, sleeves that are snug at the wrist, mittens/gloves, water resistant coat and boots, plus several layers of loose fitting clothing. • Limit your time outdoors. • Stay dry. Wet clothing chills the body rapidly. • Avoid exertion. Cold weather puts extra strain on the heart. • Understand wind chill. The wind chill index is the temperature your body feels when the air temperature is combined with the wind speed. • Avoid walking on ice. • Be safe during recreation, ie: skiing, snowboarding, sledding. Wear proper protective equipment (such as a helmet). Avoid perspiring or becoming overtired. • Do not step on to thin ice, you can easily fall through! Watch children near frozen bodies of water. • Take care when traveling. Listen to travel advisories and keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent your gas line from freezing. Make sure to have food and water along with blankets in your car for emergencies. Cold Weather Health Emergencies Hypothermia When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body's stored energy. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. Waring signs of hypothermia are: Adults: • Very low energy What to Do If you notice any of these signs, take the person's temperature. If it is below 95 degrees, the situation is an emergency - get medical attention immediately! Frostbite Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures. Signs of frostbite are: • A white or grayish-yellow skin area • Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy • Numbness A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb. What to Do If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, first determine whether the victim also shows signs of hypothermia, as described above. Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and requires emergency medical assistance. If there is frostbite but no sign of hypothermia and immediate medical care is not available, proceed as follows: • Get into a warm room as soon as possible. • Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes - this increases the damage. • Immerse the affected area in warm, not hot, water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body). • Warm the affected area using body heat if you don't use water. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers. • Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage. • Don't use a heating pad, heat lamp or the heat of a stove, fireplace or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned. Safety Around the Yard Lawn Mowers Many of us don't think about lawn mowers as occupational hazards. We start using them at a very young age, and we certainly don't need a license to mow the lawn. Here are a few simple precautions to ensure your safety - please read them carefully: • Inspect the lawn mower - this should be done prior to starting! o Make sure that the blade is sharp and secure. Thin or worn blades should be replaced right away. o Ensure that the shields and other guards, such as rear drag shields and discharge deflectors, are in place and working properly. o Wear protective equipment. Wear non-slip footwear and hearing protection. • Be prepared for obstacles. o Keep people away from the work area - mowers can throw objects in any direction. o Clear the work area of rocks, bottles and debris that might be thrown by the blades. o Watch for hidden hazards, such as holes, roots, drain pipes and insect nests. o Proceed slowly into tall, heavy grass to avoid choking the mower or stalling the motor. o Use caution around low hanging branches and shrubs. o Set mower at the highest cutting level when operating on rough ground. o Do not leave blades rotating when crossing graveled areas. • Don't touch! o Keep hands away from the blades at all times. o Expose the underside of a mower for maintenance only after shutting off. • Never reach under the machine o Disconnect the spark plug or unplug an electric mower before sharpening, replacing or cleaning. o Mow away from the cord when using an electric lawn mower. o Do not touch hot motor parts. o Do not spray cold water on a hot engine. o Do not make wheel height adjustments while the motor is running. o Do not refuel the mower while the engine is running. o Mow across slopes so that your feet are less likely to slide under the mower, and the mower cannot roll back - always mow standing up, not bent over. o Do not mow surfaces that are slippery. • Finally - know the controls and how to stop the mower quickly and never leave a running mower unattended Gasoline Storage You should only store enough gasoline to power your gasoline-fueled equipment. This gasoline should be stored outdoors, in a shed for example - gasoline should never be stored in your home or attached garage. Gasoline should be stored in an approved and clearly labeled container and should be well away from any sources of heat or flame. Gasoline should only be used as motor fuel and never as: • A stain remover • Grease cleaner • Automotive parts cleaner, etc. To transport gasoline in an automobile to and from a filling station, place the sealed, approved container in the trunk and leave the trunk lid open slightly. Never store gasoline in a car - drive directly to and from the filling station. Never smoke when using gasoline or refilling gas powered equipment, and always turn equipment off before adding fuel. Pool Chemicals Liquid and solid chlorine-based oxidizers are commonly sold for home pool care as hydrogen chloride products. These chemicals can spontaneously combust if contaminated by organic materials, such as body fluids, rain, hydrocarbon liquids such as fuel oil or motor oil. This type of fire will result in toxic fumes that can be extremely dangerous, and require resident evacuation. • Store and use pool chemicals according to manufacturer's recommendations. • Containers should be kept in a dry place. • Never store pool chemicals in the home, near sources of heat or flame, and never in direct sunlight. It's possible to enjoy a sizzling-hot summer without getting burned! By following these quick and simple steps, we can all keep summer activities fun and fire-safe. Summer Safety Grilling: • Keep barbecue grills far away from anything that can burn -- your home, cars, dry vegetation, etc. Stay with the grill when lit, and keep children and pets well away from the area. When barbecuing, protect yourself by wearing a heavy apron and an oven mitt that fits over your forearm. If you get burned, run cool water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes. If you receive a serious burn, seek medical attention promptly. • Barbecue grills must never be used inside the home because, in addition to the fire hazard of indoor grilling, the grill can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If lightning appears while you're grilling, seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass. • Use only a limited amount of starter fluid (never gasoline) before lighting a charcoal grill. If the fire is too slow, rekindle with dry kindling and add more charcoal if necessary. After use, soak the coals with water before you discard them and leave the grill away from the house until completely cool. For gas grills, always store the gas cylinder outside, away from structures, and turn off the valves when not in use. Camping • Pitch your flame-retardant tent well away from your campfire. • Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent or other close space. • Build your campfire away from your tent, clearing away all vegetation and digging a pit surrounded by rocks. • Look for signs of potential fire hazards in national forests and campgrounds, and always obey park service regulations. • Pour water over or cover the fire with dirt before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. Heat Stroke & Other Heat-Related Illness When the temperature rises, the risk of a heat-related injury rises as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Red Cross, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to summer's heat and humidity. Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Here are some tips: • Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella. • Drink plenty of water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. • Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat. • Take it easy. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning before 7 a.m. • Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning. • Remember - never leave a child inside of a car - temperatures can heat up to over 120 degrees within minutes. • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels). General Care for Heat Emergencies Heat Cramps or Heat Exhaustion If someone you know is suffering from heat cramps or heat exhaustion get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. Call 911 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness. Heat Stroke Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink. Firework Safety Nothing says 4th of July like fireworks! But you must make sure to exercise extreme caution around fireworks to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. Sparklers are also a popular way to help celebrate, but they can be very dangerous. Over 50% of sparkler related injuries happen to kids under the age of 14! Roanoke Fire-EMS, The National Council on Fireworks Safety and The Consumer Product Safety Commission want to share some safety tips to help you and your family enjoy a happy and safe 4th of July: • Always buy from reliable sellers. Never buy illegal fireworks such as M-80s,M-100s, quarterpounders and blockbusters. These are federally banned explosives. Illegal fireworks are classified as any firecracker, torpedo, skyrocket or other substance or object, of whatever form or construction, that contains any explosive or inflammable compound or substance, and is intended, or commonly known, as fireworks that explode, rise into the air or travel laterally, or fires projectiles into the air. • Always read and follow label directions. • Always have an adult present. • Use all fireworks and sparklers outdoors only. Keep them away from clothing and flammable objects. • Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket). • Light only 1 firework or sparkler at a time. • Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water). • Never give fireworks or sparklers to small children. Children under the age of 12 should not handle sparklers. They can reach up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit! • Dispose of fireworks and sparklers properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan. • Never throw or point fireworks or sparklers at other people. Be sure that everyone is out of range before lighting fireworks. • Never carry fireworks in your pocket. • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers. • The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework. Fireworks can cause serious burns or eye injuries. • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Be responsible. • When watching a public fireworks display, always obey all ushers or monitors and respect the safety barriers set up to allow the trained operator room to safely to their job. • If you find a firework that falls to the ground without exploding, do not touch it - contact the local fire or police department. • Leave the pets at home if visiting a fireworks show - they have very sensitive ears and the booms and bangs associated with fireworks  Halloween Safety Planning ahead can help make Halloween a fire-safe holiday! Taking simple fire safety precautions, like making sure fabrics for costumes and decorative materials are flame-resistant, can prevent fires. Safety Tips • Purchase only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. When creating a costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame. Avoid billowing or long trailing features. • Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs, heaters, etc. • Use extreme caution when decorating with candles, and supervise children at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside Jack-O-Lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches and be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from all combustible items. Pumpkins can also be illuminated with small, inexpensive flashlights. • Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, ensuring nothing blocks escape routes. • Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. Flashlights are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting. • Instruct children to stay away from open flames or other heat sources. Be sure children know how to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothing catches fire (stop immediately, drop to the ground, covering your face with your hands, and roll over and over to extinguish flames). • Instruct children who are attending parties at others' homes to locate the exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency. • Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting or as part of their costume.  Fire & Life Safety Smoke Alarms Smoke alarms are credited with saving lives each and every year.  But did you know that many homes still do not have working smoke alarms? Here are some safety tips: • Install at least 1 smoke alarm on every floor of your home (including the basement & attic) and outside each sleeping area. • If you sleep with the door closed, install smoke alarms inside of the room.  In new homes, smoke alarms are required in all sleeping rooms according to the National Fire Alarm Code.   • Ensure that all members of your family can hear the smoke alarm – especially the children.   • If someone is hearing impaired, install smoke alarms that flash a strobe light as well as sound the alarm or shake the bed.  While smoke alarms alert people to fires, families still need to develop and practice home fire escape plans so that they can get out quickly. • Because smoke rises, alarms should be mounted high on walls or ceilings. Wall-mounted alarms should be positioned 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling; ceiling-mounted alarms should be positioned 4 inches away from the nearest wall. On vaulted ceilings, be sure to mount the alarm at the highest point of the ceiling. • Smoke alarms should not be installed near a window, door or forced-air register where drafts could interfere with their operation. • Be sure that the smoke alarm you buy carries the label of an independent testing lab. • Alarms that are hard-wired to the home's electrical system should be installed by a qualified electrician. Maintaining Your Smoke Alarm • Test smoke alarms at least once a month, by using the alarm's "test button," and clean the units in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. • Clean smoke alarms using a vacuum cleaner without removing the alarm's cover. • Install new batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year, for example, on the day you change your clocks or when the alarm chirps (warning that the battery is dying). • Replace all smoke alarm batteries immediately upon moving into a new home. • Keep batteries in smoke alarms; do not borrow them for other purposes. Nuisance activation can be addressed by moving an alarm farther away from kitchen smoke or bathroom steam and by more frequent cleaning. If the problem persists, replace the alarm. • Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. Home Fire Escape Planning Everyone can be taught the basics of home fire escape. Developing and practicing a home fire escape plan is the key to survival should a fire occur in your home. In the event of a fire, time is the biggest enemy and every second counts. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. Escape plans can help you get out of your home quickly. That is why every home needs to practice E.D.I.T.H. (exit drills in the home).  Remember: • Plan and practice your plan. • If your home catches on fire: stay low, get out and stay out! • If your clothes catch fire: stop, drop, and roll until the flames are put out. Practice Your Plan • Plan your escape and practice it at least twice a year. • Draw a floor plan of your home. • Show 2 ways out of every room - if fire or smoke blocks the primary exit, you will need another way out (i.e., a window). You can also buy an approved collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows. • Practice escaping from every room in the home. • Agree on a meeting place where everyone will gather after you have escaped. • Designate 1 person to go to a neighbor's house to call 911. • Make sure that windows are not stuck and that screens can be taken out quickly. • Provide alternatives for anyone with a disability. Things to Remember & Include in Your Escape Plan A proper escape plan includes:  • Working smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside all sleeping areas • 2 ways out of each room • Unobstructed and easy-to-use exits • A posted emergency phone number for the fire department • Practicing the plan at least twice a year with every member of the household • If there are infants or family members with mobility limitations, someone in the household should plan to assist them. • Make sure that doors needed for escape can be opened easily and that windows are not nailed or painted shut. • To make sure the fire is not on the other side of the door, use the back of your hand to feel a closed door, the doorknob and the crack between the door and door frame. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully. If heat and smoke come in, slam the door and make sure that it is securely closed, then use your alternate escape route. • As you leave the home, shut the doors behind you. • React immediately to the sound of a smoke alarm and make getting out your top priority. Do not waste any time trying to save property. Take the safest exit route, but if you must escape through smoke, remember to crawl low under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. Close doors as you escape to slow the spread of the fire. • Escape FIRST, then call 911.  Never go back inside the home for any reason. • Teach children not to hide from firefighters.  If someone is missing from your meeting place, tell a firefighter.  They are equipped and trained to perform rescues safely.   Cooking Safety Cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. The majority of cooking equipment fires start with the ignition of common household items (i.e., wall coverings, paper or plastic bags, curtains, etc.).  Safety Tips • When cooking food on a stove top, never leave it unattended. Also, keep a close eye on food cooking inside the oven. • Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles (i.e., potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging). • Keep children and pets away from cooking areas by creating a 3-foot (1-meter) "kid-free zone" around the stove. • Turn pot handles inward so they can't be bumped and children can't grab them. • Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire. • Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt is heated. • Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until it is completely cool. Never pour water on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire, as it can spray or shoot burning grease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire. • If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing. • If there is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Call the fire department and make sure to have the oven serviced before you use it again. Food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot. Remove the lids or other coverings from micro waved food carefully to prevent steam burns. Smoking Safety Did you know that smoking is the number one cause of fatal fire? Here are some tips to keep you safe: • If you smoke, use fire safe cigarettes. • Use fire safe cigarettes. If you do smoke, smoke outside – never in bed or in a chair. • Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and keep them from anything that can burn. • Make sure to always wet your ashes before disposing of them.  • Keep cigarettes, matches & lighters out of the reach of children. • Never smoke while on oxygen.  Carbon Monoxide Alarms Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are possible sources of CO. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage also can produce dangerous levels of CO. You can protect yourself again CO poisoning by properly installing, using, venting, and maintaining your heating and cooking equipment; by installing CO alarms inside your home; and by being cautious with vehicles or generators in attached garages. How to protect yourself: • Have at least 1 audible carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home to provide early warning of accumulating CO. However, a CO alarm is no substitute for safe practices. • The best defenses against CO poisoning are safe use of vehicles (particularly in attached garages) and proper installation, use, venting and maintenance of household cooking and heating equipment. • Choose an alarm that has Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. listed. Look for the UL logo on the package. • Have a qualified appliance technician check all fuel-burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimney system at least once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer. How Carbon Monoxide Alarms Work Carbon monoxide alarms sound based on the exposure to CO over time. They are designed to sound an alarm before the average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. Remember, it is the exposure to carbon monoxide over time that poses a threat. Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Smoke alarms give earlier warning of a fire, providing more time to escape. Know the difference between the sound of the smoke alarm and the sound of the CO alarm! What Do I Do If The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off? • Do not panic! • Have everyone move to an area with fresh (outside) air. Do not open windows until firefighters arrive to get an accurate reading of CO levels in the home.  • Call 911. • Do not re-enter your home until the emergency responder has arrived, your home is aired out, and your carbon monoxide alarm returns to normal operation. • Call a qualified technician to inspect all equipment. Fire Extinguishers A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the #1 priority for residents is to get out safely. Here are some tips: • Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing. Make sure everyone has exited the building, 911 has been called or is being called, and the room is not filled with smoke. • To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS. o Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism. o Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. o Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. o Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side. • For your home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle. • Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory. • Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. • Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately. Fire & Fall Prevention For Older Adults Ah, the senior years. These are supposed to be the days of relaxing, enjoying your grandchildren and just plain enjoying life, but according to the Virginia Department of Health and National Fire Protection Association, each year many older adults die or experience permanent disabilities after a home fire or fall. Adults age 65 are twice as likely to be killed or injured by falls or fires, compared to the population at large. By the age of 75, that risk increases to 3 times that of the general population, 4 times at age 85. In 2002, 2,300 senior citizens were injured or killed in residential fires. This is a staggering statistic. So, take a moment and read the below tips to keep you and your loved ones safe. Prevent Fires • Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home. Make sure to also have a smoke alarm near the bedroom. • Check your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries twice a year. • Keep yourself and anything that can burn at least 3 feet from space heaters, portable heaters and wood stoves. Turn off and unplug heaters when you leave your home or go to bed. • If you smoke, use large, deep ashtrays and wet cigarette butts and ashes before emptying them into the trash. • Never smoke when drowsy, lying down or in bed. • When cooking, wear tight-fitting or rolled up sleeves. Use oven mitts to handle hot pans and never leave cooking unattended. • "Stop, drop and roll" if your clothes catch on fire. • If you have a grease fire on the stove, cover it with a lid. Never put water on the fire. • Immerse burns in cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. If burn is severe, get medical attention. Never put butter or grease on a burn. • Know 2 ways out of each room. Plan and practice your fire escape. In a fire, get out and stay out! • If there is a fire, never call 911 from your home. Call from a neighbors house after you have escaped. Prevent Falls • Exercise regularly to build strength and improve balance and coordination. • Keep stairs and walkways clear of tripping hazards. • See an eye specialist once a year. • Improve the lighting in your home. Turn on the lights before using the stairs and install a night-light along the path between the bedroom and bathroom. • Use non-slip mats in the tub or shower. • Use only throw rugs with rubber, non-skid backing. • Install handrails along both sides of the stairs. • Wear sturdy, well-fitted, low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles. • Have a pharmacist review all of your medication.   Heating Safety The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many people to search for alternate sources of home heating. The use of wood burning stoves is growing and space heaters are selling rapidly, or coming out of storage. Fireplaces are burning wood and man-made logs. All these methods of heating may be acceptable. They are, however, a major contributing factor in residential fires. Many of these fires can be prevented. The following fire safety tips can help you maintain a fire safe home this winter. Kerosene Heaters • Be sure your heater is in good working condition. Inspect exhaust parts for carbon buildup. Be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in case it is tipped over. • Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting. Burning fuel (coal or kerosene or propane, for example) can produce deadly fumes. • Use only the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer.Never introduce a fuel into a unit not designed for that type fuel. • Keep kerosene or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal containers, in well ventilated storage areas, outside of the house. • Never fill the heater while it is operating or hot. When refueling an oil or kerosene unit, avoid overfilling. Do not use cold fuel for it may expand in the tank as it warms up. • Refueling should be done outside of the home (outdoors). • Keep young children away from space heaters - especially when they are wearing night gowns or other loose clothing that can be easily ignited. • When using a fuel burning appliance in the bedroom, be sure there is proper ventilation to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide. Wood Stoves & Fireplaces • Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (36 inches) from combustible surfaces, and proper floor support and protection. • Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design, and should be UL Listed. • Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time. • Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire. • Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from jumping our, unwanted material from going in, and help prevent the possibility of burns. • The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15 to 30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup. • Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire. • Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide. • Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite these materials. • Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house. • If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package. Never break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than 1 log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide. Furnace Heating

i don't know