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2020 Oscar noms
Oscar nominations are being announced at 5:18 AM Pacific time on Monday, 13 January.
Last year, geeky movies didn't have the strength in noms that they had the previous year. 2020 does look like there will be a Best Actor nom (for Joaquin Phoenix in Joker), but beyond that? There are some possibilities, but my feeling is that it's going to be muggle-heavy. When we get to wins, I could see special effects going to The Irishman (as I write this, we don't even know the nominees) and make-up going to Bombshell…not that those awards always go to geeky movies, but "de-aging" in dramas certainly gives the Academy the opportunity to award muggle movies in potentially geeky categories.
This years, I'm going to list what I think are possible geeky noms ahead of time. I'll do that in italics. Then, I'll try to update this live during the announcement, moving those that actually get noms up.
As always this year, I plan to do my BOPMadness (Bufo's Oscar Prediction Madness), where anyone can predict the nominees. In the aggregate, we've done pretty well during the decades of playing. I did use Gold Derby to help me see what had "buzz". I'm grouping them based on what I consider likely, mostly to make it easier for me to move ones which do get nominated (if I'm right, of course).
A couple notes on what I qualified as geeky:
* I debated Once Upon a Time in Hollywood…I generally consider alternative history to be geeky, but I decided not to include this, that it wasn't the intent
* I did count A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood is a fantasy show, and for noms, I count biographies of geeky figures (and documentaries on makers of geeky works)
My guess? Joker gets some Big Six noms. Us get recognized, and could in the Big Six (as well as original screenplay). Cats could get nommed, which would get pushback. Best Animated Feature may not have the big studios, which would get noted. Otherwise? We'll know soon. 😉
UPDATE: 1st reactions…well, I probably shouldn't have cut and pasted some of my nominees, because I did okay picking possible ones. Joker did very well, even better than I might have thought. Us was shut-out. JoJo Rabbit surprised me with how well it did (6 noms) and Parasite also got 6 noms. A Marvel star got two (!) noms: Scarlett Johansson got supporting for JoJo Rabbit and lead for Marriage Story. Margot Robbie got supporting for Bombshell. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil getting nommed may surprise people. Oh, 1917 got 10 noms and may "take away" some wins from possible geeky pictures. Frozen II was perhaps underrepresented.
Avengers:Endgame
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywaler
Todd Phillips (Joker)
Lupita Nyong'o (Us)
Joaquin Phoenix (Joker)
Brad Pitt (Ad Astra)
Ewan McGregor (Doctor Sleep)
Tom Hanks (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood)
I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away (Toy Story 4)
Into the Unknown (Frozen II)
Spirit (The Lion King)
Never Too Late (The Lion King)
Speechless (Aladdin)
Catchy Song: The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
Alita:Battle Angel
Missing Lin
Bunuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles
Best Doc Feature
Best Doc Short
Best International Film
Complete list of nominees from the Academy website:
http://oscar.go.com/nominees (note: at time of writing they hadn't updated it yet with the 2020 noms)
Stay tuned for our annual BOPMadness (Bufo's Oscar Prediction Madness) if you want to predict the winners!
Note: at time of writing, Slashfilm had gotten at least most (if not all) of the nominations up: https://www.slashfilm.com/2020-oscar-nominations/
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Posted in Awards, Movies, Pop Culture | Leave a Comment »
The 2020s: the decade our tech learns to understand us
I do an annual prediction post on my I Love My Kindle blog (The Year Ahead ), and honestly, I have a decent track record (I hit all 3 of my big predictions for 2019, for example).
I started to think about how tech in general might change in this decade, the 2020s.
Obviously, there will be a lot of change in a lot of areas, and I'm sure some of it will surprise me.
However, I do feel confident about one change that we'll all wonder how we didn't have it earlier…and that people who grow up with it will hardly notice.
Our tech will begin to understand us much better.
I don't mean the literal meaning of our conversation, but that will come, too.
I mean that it will know how we feel and guess our intent.
That may sound like science fiction, but it's already happening.
I have a free app from Microsoft
Seeing AI
intended for people with visual challenges. I can point my phone at someone, and it will give me a broad sense of how they are feeling: "35-year old female with glasses looking angry."
There are apps to help people on the autism spectrum, who sometimes have a hard time interpreting other people's feelings, determine just that.
It's not that hard. Oh, it's possible to get it wrong, but looking at a person and determining if they are happy or sad is usually pretty simple for humans to do and will be for our tech to do by the end of the decade.
I recently got the
Anki Vector robot (at AmazonSmile*)
as a gift.
It's easy to tell "how it is feeling"…and its entire face is just two eyes. It does have other body language (it can get sort of "hopping mad", for example), but even without eyebrows, which help to communicate, you can tell.
This ability for tech to understand how we feel isn't artificial intelligence (which will improve a lot also): it's called "artificial empathy".
It will use artificial intelligence to achieve it, and there are similarities. There are three main elements:
What can they sense?
How can they process it?
What can they do with that conclusion?
Vision sensors are part of the first one: that will give them facial recognition, but also things like gestures. Gestures are less universal, though. When they get precise enough to tell things like dilating pupils, they'll be able to get past more cultural habits.
Another major sense will be hearing. We can tell on an audio phone call if someone is happy or angry, and we can hear it in radio dramas and podcasts. That's going to help and that tech undoubtedly exists, although not necessarily in the general market (I'd be very surprised if law enforcement and the military don't both have something which does that with, oh, 75% accuracy).
People talk about "smelling fear". Tech is less far along with scent then with vision or hearing…I'm not sure that will be effective in the next ten years.
Those are all senses we have.
Tech will have some that we really can't utilize. For example, it might be able to monitor blood flow at a distance, or cortisol levels (to detect stress).
That all has to do with detecting our emotions, and that's one part of what I expect.
The other big part is context.
Our tech will begin to understand what the situation is, and what types of information we want in it (and what actions we may want it to take).
I just ran into a situation like that today.
I was writing about the debutday of the Adam West Batman series in 1966. I could have done the math in my head as to how long ago it was, but decided to use the calculator on my computer so I wasn't trusting to my (usually reliable) math skills.
Well, I didn't notice that I had accidentally typed 2010-1966 instead of 2020. So, I tweeted out 44 years instead of 54 years.
I fully expect that within ten years, it would have known I was probably trying to do a year calculation, and asked me if that's what I meant.
Context will include things like:
Are you in the car?
Are you at work?
What time of day is it?
What day of the week is it?
Are you on vacation?
To whom are you speaking? Your Significant Other? Your child? Your boss? Your coworker?
The combination of these two things, being able to understand what we are likely to want in a given situation, and to tell in the moment how we are feeling, will eliminate a lot of the frustration we have now with tech. Our digital assistants will know when to respond with a joke or a true apology. They'll play music which makes us, as individuals, feel better…or that gets us energized for a challenge. It may suggest that we talk to someone we haven't in a while…and let it go if we don't like that idea.
Yes, I think that will be the most significant change in tech in the next ten years…bigger than augmented reality, bigger than autonomous vehicles, at least in how it affects us personally. It doesn't matter what the tech is: this will change our relationship and interactions with it.
What do you think? Am I overestimating what our tech will be able to do? How important it will be for us? Is there some other tech change you think will be more important? Feel free to let me and my readers know by commenting on this post.
Posted in Pop Culture, Tech, Thoughtabouts | 1 Comment »
Ends in 0: geeky anniversaries in 2020
Hey, little Ten Toes! Humans (at least those using the decimal system) like to observe anniversaries by the decade. This is a brief list of some of the geeky anniversaries happening this year. It is in no way comprehensive, and we certainly may add to it (and invite you to make suggestions by commenting on the post).
We arrange them by the day of the year, rather by the length of the anniversary. While I like pointing out the number of geek-friendly movie favorites released in 1960, for example, I think it will be easier for people to be aware of an anniversary based on the day of the year. I'll try to highlight the big ones. Let me know if you like it this way better…
Oh, and after internal debate in 2018, I decided not to list the birthdates of living celebrities. Some of them may not like having their ages highlighted in this way.
I'll call out a few I think could get media coverage, then give you a fuller list:
The word "robot" in the play R.U.R.: 100 years
Star Trek: Voyager TV series debut: 25 years
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari opens: 100 years
Sliders TV series debut: 25 years
Adventure Time TV series debut: 10 years
Daredevil TV series debut: 5 years
Dune published: 55 years
Inception: 10 years
X-Men opens: 20 years
Comic-Con 1st held 50 years
Ray Bradbury born: 100 years
Supergirl TV series debut: 5 years
Toy Story opens: 25 years
The Walking Dead TV series debut: 10 years
Day of the year not known:
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz published (1900: 120 years)
R.U.R. published by Karel Capek (introducing the word "robot") (1920: 100 years)
Bill, the Galactic Hero published (1965: 55 years)
Ender's Game published (1985: 35 years)
January: Astounding Stories of Super-Science #1 published (1930: 90 years)
6 January: Agent Carter TV series debut (2015: 5 years)
11 January: Rod Taylor (The Time Machine) born (1930: 90 years)
15 January: The Man in the High Castle TV series debut (2015: 5 years)
16 January: Star Trek: Voyager TV series debut (1995: 25 years)
1 February: Samurai Pizza Cats series debut (1990: 30 years)
4 February: George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead) born (1940: 80 years)
12 February: Lorne Greene (Battestar Galactica) born (1915: 105 years)
19 February: Fred Freiberger (Star Trek) born (1915: 105 years)
20 February: Robot Chicken TV series debut (2005: 15 years)
27 February: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari opens (1920: 100 years)
3 March: Mutiny in Outer Space opens (1965: 55 years)
15 March: 2000 Plus radio show debuts (1950: 70 years)
16 March: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (John Barrymore) opens (1920: 100 years)
22 March: Sliders TV series debut (1995: 25 years)
26 March: Hot Tub Time Machine opens (2010: 10 years)
30 March: John Astin (The Addams Family) born (1930: 90 years)
31 March: Tank Girl opens (1995: 25 years)
5 April: Adventure Time TV series debut (2010: 10 years)
8 April: Colossus: The Forbin Project premieres in New York (1970: 50 years)
10 April: Daredevil TV series debut (2015: 5 years)
15 April: Buck Rogers TV series debuts (1950: 70 years)
16 April: Charlie Jade series debut in Canada (2005: 15 years)
27 April: Flash Gordon radio series debuts (1935: 85 years)
1 May: Avengers: Age of Ultron opens (2015: 5 years)
6 May: Freaky Friday (Shelley Long) debuts (1995: 25 years)
9 May: Friday the 13th opens (1975: 45 years)
13 May: Werewolf of London opens (1935: 85 years)
15 May: Mad Max: Fury Road opens (2015: 5 years)
26 May: Beneath the Planet of the Apes opens (1970: 50 years)
June: Dune published (1965: 55 years)
1 June: Blue Bolt 1st comic appearance (1940: 80 years)
1 June: Total Recall opens (1990: 30 years)
7 June: The Adventures of Topper radio series debut (1945: 75 years)
12 June: Jurassic World opens (2015: 5 years)
15 June: The Beast with 1,000,000 Eyes opens (1955: 65 years)
15 June: Batman Begins opens (2005: 15 years)
22 June: The Lost World opens (1925: 95 years)
22 June: Paul Frees (Boris Badenov) born (1920: 100 years)
July: The Circus of Dr. Lao published (1935: 85 years)
July: Out of this World Adventures comic debuts (1950: 70 years)
3 July: Back to the Future (1985: 35 years) (2005: 15 years)
6 July: How It Should Have Ended debuts (2005: 15 years)
8 July: Fantastic Four opens (2005: 15 years)
14 July: X-Men opens (2000: 20 years)
15 July: Gremlins 2 opens (1990: 30 years)
16 July: Inception opens (2010: 10 years)
28 July: Waterworld opens (1995: 25 years)
1 August: San Diego's Golden State Comic-con (later San Diego Comic-Con) first held (1970: 50 years)
2 August: Weird Science opens (1985: 35 years)
4 August: Virtuosity opens (1995: 25 years)
5 August: Last Women on Earth opens (1960: 60 years)
14 August: The Rocky Horror Picture Show opens in the UK (1975: 45 years)
16 August: Robert Culp (The Greatest American Hero) born (1930: 90 years)
17 August: Animal Farm by George Orwell published (1945: 75 years)
17 August: The Time Machine opens (1960: 60 years)
20 August: H.P. Lovecraft born (1890: 130 years)
22 August: Black Scorpion opens (1995: 25 years)
22 August: Ray Bradbury born (1920: 100 years)
23 August: Fear the Walking Dead TV series debut (2015: 5 years)
24 August: James Tiptree Jr. born (1915: 105 years)
24 August: Darkman opens (1990: 30 years)
27 August: The Last Exorcism opens (2010: 10 years)
September: Challenge of the Unknown comic debut (1950: 70 years)
1 September: Edgar Rice Burroughs born (1875: 145 years)
5 September: Batman radio show is broadcast (1950: 70 years)
7 September: Dario Argento (Suspiria) born (1940: 80 years)
13 September: Supernatural TV series debuts (2005: 15 years)
23 September: Ghost Whisperer opens (2005: 15 years)
1 October: The Five Children and It published (1905: 115 years)
2 October: Tom Corbett Space Cadet debuts (1950: 70 years)
3 October: Dark Angel series debut (2000: 20 years)
4 October: Thundarr the Barbarian debuts (1980: 40 years)
4 October: One Punch Man TV series debut in Japan (2015: 5 years)
11 October: The Bugs Bunny Show debuts (1960: 60 years)
14 October: The Fog (remake) opens (2005: 15 years)
24 October: Trog opens (1970: 50 years)
26 October: Supergirl TV series debut (2015: 5 years)
27 October: Planet of the Vampires opens in the USA (1965: 55 years)
29 October: The Golem premieres (1920: 100 years)
30 October: A Midsummer Night's Dream opens (1935: 85 years)
31 October: The Walking Dead TV series debut (2010: 10 years)
November: The Beyond comic debuts (1950: 70 years)
November: Strange Worlds comic debuts (1950: 70 years)
1 November: A Midsummer Night's Dream (1600: 420 years)
4 November: The Wizard of the Nile Operetta opens on Broadway (1895: 125 years)
4 November: Chicken Little opens (2005: 15 years)
9 November: Child's Play 2 opens (1990: 30 years)
14 November: Shadowchasers series debut (1985: 35 years)
15 November: Once Bitten opens (1985: 35 years)
22 November: Toy Story opens (1995: 25 years)
22 November: Unbreakable opens (2000: 20 years)
23 November: The Expanse series debut (2015: 5 years)
26 November: Young Justice series debut (2010: 10 years)
5 December: Flash Gordon remake opens (1980: 40 years)
13 December: Mysterious Doctor Satan serial 1st chapter opens (1940: 80 years)
15 December: Dude, Where's My Car? opens (2000: 20 years)
17 December: TRON: Legacy opens (2010: 10 years)
18 December: Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015: 5 years)
22 December: Dracula 2000 opens (2000: 20 years)
Posted in Anniversaries, Ends in..., Pop Culture | Leave a Comment »
AFD News: Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani join The Rock in live-action Disney Toy Story
December 27, 2019 (AFD News)
by Oihc Conip
Blake Shelton will play Woody and Gwen Stefani will be Bo Peep in the DisneyPlus live action re-imagining of Toy Story (being simultaneously released in movie theatres), Disney announced today.
They will be joining Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Buzz Lightyear. Announced earlier: The Walking Dead's Cailey "Judith Grimes" Fleming as Andi, Akwafina as Slinky Dog, Ken Jeong as Mr. Potato Head, and, reprising his role from the Pixar movies, John Ratzenberger as Hamm.
Jon Favreau is directing with a script by Kumail Nanjani, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler.
No release date was announced, but it is assumed that they will wait until Johnson is available, which should put it some time in the early 2030s.
Note: this is a joke. I use the tag "AFD News" on this and my I Love My Kindle blog, short for "April Fools' Day News". It just struck me as a funny idea that they would do a live action Toy Story. The byline this time is Pinocchio backwards, with the theme of turning something "pretend" into something "real".
Posted in Disney, Disney+, Humor | Leave a Comment »
2019 In Memoriam
We regularly report the passing of people who have contributed to geek pop culture. In this year's
we have recognized the work of well over 150 people at time of writing.
Those listings are necessarily short, basically just a listing of what brings them into the family of geek-friendly creators.
In this post, I want to do more of a narrative, to tell the stories of some. This isn't to judge them as more important than the others: a hallmark of geeky fandom is that we recognize everyone. In this, it may simply be people for whom I can best tell the tale.
For the others, and for more detail on these, see that 2019 Geeky Good-Byes page.
These are presented in their reported chronological order.
William Morgan Sheppard had a rich and diverse career, with nearly 200 screen credits. He appeared both onscreen and as a voice. Not many actors appeared in the Star Trek universe, Star Wars, the Transformers, DC (in Young Justice), Marvel (as Dum Dum Dugan in the 1994 Iron Man series), Doctor Who, Max Headroom (Blank Reg), Babylon 5, Disney (Gargoyles), Biker Mice from Mars (Lawrence Limburger), and menacing Elvira. He was the epitome of a character actor, reliably enhancing every scene he was in.
Carol Channing was certainly better known for muggle roles, especially in Hello, Dolly! (Tony Award) and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. However, her unique voice, both raspy and welcoming, led to geeky voicework. She voiced Grandmama Addams on the 1992 The Addams Family Cartoon and Fanny in The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars.
While James Frawley had been an actor in The Twilight Zone, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, and My Favorite Martian, it was as a director that he had his biggest impact. When I watched The Monkees, which did have geeky episodes, I'd perk up when I saw his name. I could count on the episode being a bit more out there. For example, he directed Monstrous Monkee Mash, where in a certain Transylvanian count, the Frankenstein monster, and a wolfman all make appearances. Other GF shows he directed include Ghost Whisperer, Smallville, and Earth 2. On the muggle side, he directed Scarecrow and Mrs. King episodes, Cagney & Lacey, Columbo, and many more. Peter Tork of The Monkees also died this year.
Directors clearly liked working with Dick Miller and audience liked him seeing him! Roger Corman directed him more than 15 times (including the role that probably comes first to my mind, Walter Paisley in A Bucket of Blood), as did Joe Dante. He never played the "big man" in the movies, but was never small in his parts. A documentary about him, That Guy Dick Miller, was released in 2014.
While Julie Adams did appear in other geek-friendly roles, it's her iconic performance as scientist Julie Adams in Creature from the Black Lagoon for which she will be forever remembered.
Albert Finney's five Oscar nominations in four decades were all for muggle roles, but he played Scrooge (one of the fantasies that is considered classic literature), appeared in Wolfen & Looker, played Kilgore Trout, and Daddy Warbucks (there is minor magic in the version in which he appeared).
The average person probably can't name Carmen Argenziano, but might recognize the character actor from decades of appearances. Gaters definitely can put a name to the face, even if that name might be Selmak rather than Carmen.
Jan-Michael Vincent had success early on as "Link" Simmons on The Banana Splits Adventure Hour. He starred in The World's Greatest Athlete & parried with George Peppard in Damnation Alley (based on a Roger Zelazny book). He was best known to geeks as Stringfellow Hawke in over 50 episodes of the supertech series, Airwolf.
Beverley Owen was the original Marilyn Munster, the "normal" appearing niece of Lily Munster.
Hollywood musicals can certainly feel like fantasies, and director Stanley Donen made some of the best…On the Town, Singin' in the Rain, Seven Brides for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and more. One of them, Damn Yankees, clearly fits our criteria, featuring the inimitable Ray Walston as the devil (Mr. Applegate). Speaking of the Devil, Donen directed my favorite portrayal, 1967's original Bedazzled. He also did The Little Prince, and stepped in to direct Saturn 3.
One of the most intense guest stars on Star Trek: The Original Series was Morgan Woodward…and not just once, but twice: Dr. Sam van Gelder in the Dagger of the Mind, and Captain Tracey in The Omega Glory. He appeared in 3 episodes of the Logan's Run TV series, and made many guest appearances (including The X-Files and The Incredible Hulk).
Soap's Katherine Helmond might be best-known for comedy TV, but had an unforgettable role in Terry Gilliam's Brazil. She also appeared on both The Six Million Dollar Man & The Bionic Woman, worked with Elvira, got into the DC universe as Aunt Minerva on Batman: TAS…and voiced Lizzie in the Cars movies for Disney.
Lisa Sheridan was a 21st Century geek-friendly TV star. From Chloe Tanner on FreakyLinks to Larkin on Invasion and Dr. Sanchez on Journeyman, she was a familiar sight.
No question, Luke Perry will be best remembered for playing Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210. He will also be associated with Riverdale, having played Archie's dad, Fred. Additionally, he starred in the post-Apocalyptic Jeremiah series, and did a fair amount of voicework: Napoleon Brie on Biker Mice from Mars; Sub-Zero on Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm; and Marvel's Rick Jones on The Incredible Hulk.
Larry Cohen had a truly unique artistic vision. He was a writer, director, and producer on cult favorites, suffused with humor and twisted body images. The killer baby trilogy that began with It's Alive might be the most memorable, but for me, I think of God Told Me To, Q, and the consumerist satire The Stuff. He directed the Stephen King inspired A Return to Salem's Lot.
Thunderbirds are go! Shane Rimmer voiced Scott Tracy on the Andersons' Supermarionation show, and worked with on other shows as well. He appeared, often in small roles, in many geek-friendly productions: Live and Let Die, Rollerball, The People That Time Forgot, the Christopher Reeve Superman movies, Batman Begins, and Louis on The Amazing World of Gumball.
I shook hands with Peter Mayhew at an event. His smile was charming, although he must have done the same thing thousands of times before with other Star Wars fans. He clearly risked a lot to come back as the best co-pilot ever, and did it partly for us.
I think of Billy Drago first for Nitti the Enforcer in the Kevin Costner version of The Untouchables, but he was one of those actors who was always recognizable, even in more than 100 roles. He appeared in seven episodes of the original Charmed series as Barbas, and was John Bly on The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr..
Sure, Arte Johnson was great on Laugh-In, but he also played Renfield in the George Hamilton Dracula spoof, Love at First Bite. He guested on Bewitched and Lost in Space. While his physicality was often part of his roles, by the 1970s he was doing regular voicework (Tyrone on Baggy Pants & the Nitwits, Weerd on The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo, Devil Smurf, Top Cat on Yo Yogi, and he got into the DC Universe as Virman Vundabar on Justice League Unlimited).
Cameron Boyce was a current and rising star, in part because of plaing Cruella de Vil's son, Carlos, in The Descendants. He voiced Jake in Jake and the Never Land Pirates, and voiced Shocker on Spider-Man.
In nearly 60 years on screen, Freddie Francis was a looming presence in Hammer movies (Professor Richter in Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed, Professor Keeley in The Satanic Rites of Dracula…) and in the 1980s, was in Krull, Firestarter, and played Thufir Hawat in Dune.
30 years after playing Nathan Bryce in The Man Who Fell to Earth, Rip Torn played Agent Zed in Men in Black (he'd repeat the role). It seemed particularly appropriate when he voiced Zeus in Disney's Hercules: he often played the authority figure who could be exasperated with his underlings.
As a child, Denise Nickerson had done more than 70 episodes of Dark Shadows, but she'll be remembered forever as Violet Beuregarde in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
David Hedison always had a special earnestness on screen, whether it was in the original version of The Fly, as Ed Malone in The Lost World, or in over 100 episodes of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea as Captain Lee Crane. He played James Bond's CIA contact, Felix Leiter in a couple of movies, including one of the geekiest, Live and Let Die.
If you think about moving scenes from geeky movies, Rutger Hauer's rain speech from Blade Runner has to be up there. He followed that up with Ladyhawke, and then simmered for more than thirty years. Smallville, Salem's Lot, Batman Begins, Dracula 3D: he became part of so many of our universes.
Yes, Peter Fonda was best known for Easy Rider, but he played Chuck Browning in the Westworld sequel, Futureworld, Mephistopheles in Ghost Rider, and others.
Many people have contributed to Doctor Who's success and longevity, but Terrance Dicks would make anyone's short list. As screenwriter, Script Editor, and author of books, he was involved with fleshing out the Time Lords, what the TARDIS can do, the term regeneration (and more than 1 doctor appearing at the same time), and Sarah Jane Smith.
Aron Eisenberg appeared in several Star Trek works, but his most memorable role is probably Nog on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Ah, Sid Haig! He often played menacing parts, and his work stretched from Batman '66 and the original Star Trek to repeated appearances as "Captain Spaulding" and beyond.
Rip Taylor will always be thought of as the confetti throwing comedian, yet he had extensive geek-friendly performances. He was Sheldon the Sea Genie on Sigmund and the Sea Monsters (and actually played genies multiple times), the voice of Uncle Fester on the 1992 animated The Addams Family, The Royal Recordkeeper/The Royal Judge on Disney's The Emperor's New Groove series, and others in more than 40 years of work.
You could count on Robert Forster to bring the gravitas. I probably first think of him as Arthur Petrelli on Heroes, but for many, his Sheriff Truman on Twin Peaks is likely to be their first association.
Virginia Leith had more than 25 screen credits, but she's best known as lead character Jan Crampton ("Jan in the Pan") in The Brain That Wouldn't Die.
Probably more famous outside of the USA, Maria Perego created Topo Gigio, who mischievously caused trouble for Ed Sullivan in his appearances on that show.
A staple in UK telly (Father MacAnally on Ballykissangel for one), Niall Toibin had some geek-friendly roles, including Reverend Coot in Rawhead Rex.
He was British Eddy on James Cameron's Dark Angel, appeared in The Dead Zone, Battlestar Galactica, Stargate SG-1, and was John Mann did six episodes of Haunted as Simon.
Michael J. Pollard often played characters with a mischievous half-smile, which served him well as Superboy's impish enemy, Mr. Mxyzptlk. That's not to suggest that he wasn't an actor capable of range: he got an Supporting Oscar nomination for Bonnie and Clyde. He appeared on Lost in Space, and on Star Trek: The Original Series as Jahn in Miri. In the 90's, he voiced Psycho on Troma's Toxic Crusaders.
Nobody drew bizarre comics like Gahan Wilson. He often needed just one panel to show off his macabre humor…Playboy was one of the magazines that featured his work.
Joan Staley played Okie Annie in an Adam West Batman two-parter.
Japanese live-action sci-fi is really unique, and Nobuo Yajima brought his special effects flair to several series, including johnny Sokko, Spectreman, and Kamen Rider Black.
It was a difficult year for Star Trek fans, especially in December. D.C. Fontana was absolutely crucial to the development of the Star Trek universe as we know it. She wrote 11 episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series, including introducing Spock's family. She wrote for other Star Trek series, but wasn't limited to just the Trekverse. She wrote for The Six Million Dollar Man, Buck Rogers, and He-Man, among others.
Robert Walker Jr. won praise for the title role in the muggle Ensign Pulver, but was unforgettable as Charlie X on Star Trek: The Original Series.
It's especially hard to write about Rene Auberjonois' passing. He just always seemed like someone you would want to know, and that's how castmates have responded. He could go easily from muggle to geek-friendly: for us, he did 173 episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as Odo.
Big Bird never lost his naivete on Sesame Street, that charming innocence. Muppeteer Carrol Spinney brought him into our lives for decades. Spinney wasn't all sweetness and light, though: he also played a lot of kids' favorite grouch, Oscar.
We celebrate each and every one of them and thank them for their contributions to our entertainment. That also goes for those not listed here, but at 2019 Geeky Good-Byes and the ones we will unfortunately inevitably miss. Thank you also to all those who knew them and enabled them to share their creativity with us.
Posted in In Memoriam, Pop Culture | Leave a Comment »
2019 Cyber Monday! Great deals & gift recommendations
I'm not arguing, of course, but it amuses me that Cyber Monday is still such a thing.
Its origins come from when people didn't have powerful computers at home, but did at work. So, they would shop at work on the Monday following Black Friday. Now, of course, we have super powerful computers in our pockets via SmartPhones, so we don't need those work resources. Still, websites make a big deal about it, and speaking of deals, genuine ones are available.
That doesn't mean that additional deals won't come between now and the end of the year, they clearly will. However, today is very competitive…and my guess is that many people have completed the majority of their holiday shopping after Cyber Monday, which changes the dynamics (worth noting at this point that I'm a former brick-and-mortar store manager…primarily bookstores and a gamestore).
Let's check on that:
First, here's my previous post in my ILMK blog for Black Friday this year…many things go on sale on Black Friday and then back on Cyber Monday:
2019 ILMK Amazon Black Friday & Gift Guide
and this one from my The Measured Circle blog:
5 practical (but cool) gifts for under $30 each
I debated, but decided to post this here in The Measured Circle, since I may range far away from the typical ILMK topics…and this blog can cover anything. 🙂
NOTE: ALL PRICES ARE ACCURATE FOR WHAT I SEE AT THE TIME OF WRITING. PRICES MAY GO UP OR SALES MAY END BEFORE YOU SEE THIS. THEY ALSO MAY NEVER APPLIED TO YOUR MARKET.
Lemostaar Dust Mop Shoes Slippers (at AmazonSmile: benefit a non-profit of your choice by shopping*) $11.45 at time of writing
While we haven't had these long, so I can't say how durable they are, my Significant Other says they worked well in the kitchen. Yes, this one is goofy, but it's not a gag gift.
Unisex LED Beanie Hat with Light (at AmazonSmile*) $7.89 at time of writing
These are great! We had a different, but similar, brand get broken and wanted to replace it right away. It's got a USB chargeable light on a knit cap. If you go out in the dark and cold (we do that at the dog park), these are perfect…hands free light, warm ears. We get asked about it by other people.
Luci Outdoor 2.0 – Inflatable Solar Light (at AmazonSmile*) $15.75 at time of writing
This is the best solution if your lights go out. Many "emergency" lights are just blindingly bright for me (I have good night vision). Also, we're not fond of having to use batteries, although we will with some things. We literally just keep these sitting on a windowsill that gets outside sunlight (it doesn't have to be direct). If the power goes out, you can inflate them (you can do it with your mouth…it's not hard), and one of these can light a room with a diffuse light for hours…just from solar power. I would keep one in your "go bag", and they are good for people who camp (or maybe something like a treehouse or playhouse).
Kangaroo Home Security Motion Sensor (at AmazonSmile*) $9.90 at time of writing
We were going away for a week (we're back now), and while our front door is nicely protected with a doorcam, we have a sliding glass door I wanted to cover. This was a very simple set-up: you don't have to pay a monthly fee (you can for more options) or have a security system (but it can work with them). What it will do is alert you on the phone when it detects motion (you can set it in such a way it's not likely to trigger on your pets). It doesn't shine a light or set off a siren, but if you have, say, an Echo Show in your home (we do), you could then check on the room. Unless someone is already all set up with security, they can use it…and I'm thinking of getting one for my office at work.
Ultrasonic Pest Repeller (at AmazonSmile*) $27.95 for a two pack at time of writing
Your mileage may vary (YMMV) but this works very well for us (and we've tried different things). It's just plugged into a power outlet in the kitchen, and we see no bugs or evidence of rodents. We have dogs who are clearly completely unaware of the ultrasonic sounds it puts out. You want one where the sound fluctuates (so they can't get used to it), and this one does. The message isn't that you think they have bugs, it's that you don't want them to get them. It's good for people who want to avoid chemicals or who don't want to kill animals (even bugs).
UPDATE: I'm going beyond five, because I did really want to include this one:
Asgens "power tower" (at AmazonSmile*) $24.99 at time of writing
I have one of these for work and one of these next to the couch at home. At work, I do plug several things into power when I go to a meeting…but I always say, I bring more outlets than I use. 😉 Others plug into my tower on the table, rather than perhaps crawling around to get to one. These have both USB and "wall" outlets and are surprisingly light. I used to carry a traditional powerstrip, but this also fits into my laptop case and has a smaller footprint on the table. I took one with us when we recently went on a trip (again, I used to take a traditional powerstrip to a hotel, but this was better). People often comment on it. One drawback: I bought my first one partially for the retractable cord, and that eventually just stopped working. I think it's like a garden hose getting twisted if you have a reel..it's possible I could have done something different in my winding technique, but it's not a dealbreaker.
iTD Gear Wall Outlet Coverplate w/ LED Night Lights (Auto on/off) at iTECH DEALS $2.99…I haven't tried this one, but the reviews are good and it looks cool. I have bought from this site
SITE WIDE SALES
Baxter Boo dog clothes: 25% off & free shipping with coupon code CYBERSALE
Gifts For You Now customized products: 30% off with coupon code BEST30BPM
BOOKS-A-MILLION: 20% off online purchase of $50+ with coupon code 20CYBER; more codes with bigger purchases
PAGE * A * DAY: 25% off with coupon code CYBER19
HearthSong: 30% off + free shipping on $49+ with coupon code CYBER19
Join thousands of readers and try the free ILMK magazine at Flipboard!
All aboard The Measured Circle's Geek Time Trip at The History Project!Bufo's Alexa Skills
* I am linking to the same thing at the regular Amazon site, and at AmazonSmile. When you shop at AmazonSmile, half a percent of your purchase price on eligible items goes to a non-profit you choose. It will feel just like shopping at Amazon: you'll be using your same account. The one thing for you that is different is that you pick a non-profit the first time you go (which you can change whenever you want)…and the good feeling you'll get.
Shop 'til you help!
Posted in Gift ideas | Leave a Comment »
2019 Black Friday: deals & gift suggestions (updated throughout the weekend)
For my readers in the USA (and it's extended beyond), today, Friday 29 November, is "Black Friday", one of the biggest shopping days of the year. I'm not going to write a lot about the history or anything in this post…I just wanted to put deals that catch my eye and make some suggestions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: the price that I show will be for the USA at the time of writing. Today is volatile: prices will change quickly, and by the time you see this, the price may no longer be valid. Always check the Buy button before you click/tap/voice select/eye gaze…the price could be different. Just because you missed the deal doesn't mean you should just pass on it: some of these are worth it at the regular price, in my opinion. Let's start with a few quick resources, then get into it!
Black Friday FM (my favorite resource for seeing the ads, the hours, and searching for deals
Brad's Deals (good all year long)
camelcamelcamel (Amazon price tracker and price alerts)
(my post) 2019 ILMK Amazon Black Friday & Gift Guide
(my post) 5 practical (but cool) gifts for under $30 each
Okay, here we go! Remember these prices can change at any time…happy gifting!
Oculus Go Standalone Virtual Reality Headset – 32GB (at AmazonSmile: benefit a non-profit of your choice by shopping*) $149.99 at time of writing, 1:00 PM Pacific (still valid 10:30 AM Pacific on Saturday 30 November) ($50 off) | 64GB model also available, also $50 off…the lowest price that's been listed at camelcamelcamel
I'm in VR several days a week. This is an easy way to get involved, a stand-alone. That means your phone doesn't have to power it and it doesn't need to be connected to a computer.
Echo Auto $29.99 at time of writing (still valid at 10:30 AM Pacific on Saturday 30 November), $20 off
This is my favorite gift of the holiday season, and this is a great price! We have two and use them all the time.
Kindle Paperwhite (at AmazonSmile*) $84.99 ($45.00 off) (still valid at 10:30 AM Pacific on Saturday 30 November, except that you got a $5 credit for e-books on Black Friday, I think that's gone)
I've been writing about Kindles for more than ten years in my ILMK blog, and this is my favorite model. It's a great gift.
Instant Pot Duo 80at AmazonSmile* $99.00 ($40.95 off) at 10:30 AM Pacific on Saturday 30 November | It was cheaper on Black Friday
Syuan Two Way Easy Trans Smart Language Translator Device Electronic Pocket Voice Bluetooth 52 Languages (at AmazonSmile*) $99.99 (save $100.00) | valid at 10:30 AM Pacific Saturday 30 November…it was cheaper on Black Friday
When you were a kid, you probably didn't want a "practical" gift…you wanted toys!
As adults, though, it can be different. A lot of people are trying to reduce the number of things they own; they may want new things in their lives to justify their existence more than just fun (fun has a purpose, but that's for another time).
Especially for gift exchanges at work, or for people you don't know well, a practical gift can be perfect.
While I've written a lot about Black Friday (and where to find deals) in the past, and even this year on my ILMK blog
I thought I'd focus this post on things I actually own and have used in a practical way this year. Being in California, one thing that became a lot bigger issue is dealing with a power shutdown. Power outages have always been possible here, but a complete shutoff for days is new. Naturally, it's true across the country that power might go out. Some people also choose to be without power (by camping, for example). That will undoubtedly influence this listing. Again, these are things we've actually used and found useful in 2019, and I'm keeping to a low price point.
There you go! Fun gifts are great, too, but these can make people's lives better as well as happier. 🙂
Recasting the Avengers with Classic Film Stars #ClassicFilmAvengers
I've been having fun with this one on Twitter!
I saw an image of Vincent Price as Dr. Strange in a tweet, and that inspired me to think…what if we recast the Avengers with Classic Film stars? So, I tweeted it!
I set it up this way:
"let's say you were casting the Avengers with classic hollywood stars…who else would you pick? You can pick them at any of their ages, they don't have to align chronologically."
I'm going to put my current version (with understudies in parentheses) at the top, then you can read how I got there. It may shift often, as I think of (or am convinced of) other roles and castings.
CURRENT (retro) CAST | IN PROGRESS (taking me a while to transfer the suggestions into the right spots)
The Avengers (and other Marvel characters)
Dr. Strange: Vincent Price
Iron Man: young Orson Welles
Black Widow: Lauren Bacall
Captain America: Buster Crabbe (Troy Donahue, Gary Cooper, Burt Lancaster)
Hawkeye: Jimmy Cagney
Bruce Banner: Jimmy Stewart
Hulk: Lon Chaney Jr. (Ernest Borgnine, Rondo Hatton)
Thor: Kirk Douglas (Burt Lancaster, Johnny Weissmuller)
Ant-Man: Donald O'Connor (Mickey Rooney)
The Wasp: Hedy Lamarr (Myrna Loy)
Scarlet Witch: Judy Garland (Janice Rule)
Quicksilver: Mickey Rooney
Black Panther: Paul Robeson
Shuri: Rita Rio
Ramonda:Lena Horne
Klaw: Barton Maclaine
Everett K. Ross: Roddy McDowall
Nick Fury: Humphrey Bogart (John Wayne)
Professor X: Fred MacMurray
Magneto: Basil Rathbone
Spider-Man: Jackie Cooper (Harold Lloyd, Fred Astaire)
J. Jonah Jameson: Edward G. Robinson
Doc Ock: Peter Lorre
Doctor Doom: Bela Lugosi
Thanos: Boris Karloff
Ben Grimm, The Thing: Ernest Borgnine
The Green Goblin: Joseph Cotten (Danny Kaye, Donald O'Connor)
Red Skull: Erich Von Stroheim (Otto Preminger)
Arnim Zola: Donald Pleasance
Maria Hill: Rosalind Russell
Reed Richards:(Robert Ryan)
Superman: (Rock Hudson)
Green Lantern: (George Segal)
Supergirl: Lee Remick
This was my first set (it was all that fit in a tweet, really):
Black Widow: Ginger Rogers
Captain America: Buster Crabbe
Ant-Man: Mickey Rooney
Nick Fury: Humphrey Bogart
I asked people to respond…and they did! They probably will continue to do so over the next few days. They suggested alternative actors for the above, and added new roles, even going beyond Marvel. I'll add the others below. I'll put who suggested it in [brackets]
Spider-Man:Harold Lloyd [John Whatley @jbw4926]
Superman: Rock Hudson [John Whatley @jbw4926]
The Green Goblin : Joseph Cotten (resemblance to Norman Osborn maybe not coincidental). [John Whatley @jbw4926]
Green Lantern: George Segal [John Whatley @jbw4926]
Supergirl: Lee Remick [John Whatley @jbw4926]
Captain America: Troy Donahue [John Whatley @jbw4926]
Scarlet Witch: Janice Rule [John Whatley @jbw4926]
Reed Richards: Robert Ryan [John Whatley @jbw4926]
Hulk: Ernest Borgnine [John Whatley @jbw4926]
Nick Fury: John Wayne [Snowy Dave @quigonusa] (I'd still go with Bogey on this one)
Loki: Danny Kaye (I did this one @bufocalvin…he would certainly bring the God of Mischief part of it.)
Magneto: Basil Rathbone (me…I considered Professor X, but this is better!)
Captain America: Gary Cooper [Jeffs Comics @jeffs_comics] (he also praised Buster Crabbe…I'm staying with Crabbe)
Black Widow: Lauren Bacall [@jeffs_comics] (On reflection, this seems like a better choice. I'd switch. I was looking for someone with movement skills and confidence, but you can just see Bacall playing this)
Captain America: John Wayne or Burt Lancaster [Donovan.morgan @bigdwloz] (I still prefer Buster Crabbe, although I can see Lancaster more than Wayne)
Thor: Burt Lancaster (me, because he could be funny, but you know who would be better? Kirk Douglas! He could really be funny when appropriate, but operatically intense as well. Not as muscled, but they could work with that)
J. Jonah Jameson: Edward G. Robinson [Donovan.morgan @bigdwloz] (I like this one!)
Spider-Man: Fred Astaire (because he'd seen him dance on walls…a good reason 😉 ) [Donovan.morgan @bigdwloz]
Doc Ock: Peter Lorre [Donovan.morgan @bigdwloz] (again, I think this is a good choice)
Doctor Doom: Boris Karloff [Donovan.morgan @bigdwloz]
The Green Goblin: Danny Kaye [@jeffs_comics]
The Green Goblin: Donald O'Connor [@jeffs_comics]
Mysterio: Fred MacMurray [@jeffs_comics]
The Sandman: Ernest Borgnine
Electro (Gabby Hayes)
Doctor Doom (Bela Lugosi)
Thanos (Boris Karloff)
The Wasp: Myrna Loy [ComicsintheGoldenAge @ComicsInTheGA] (I've since noticed someone in another thread suggested the same thing. However, I like Hedy Lamarr for the Wasp: why not have an actual genius inventor in the part?)
I'll keep adding, and I'm posting this before I got them all in there. You can add more on Twitter (please use #ClassicFilmAvengers), or by commenting on this post.
Posted in Comics, Movies, Pop Culture | Leave a Comment »
Disney+ on Fire TV: 1st impressions
I've been so excited about Disney+, and got to be even more so when Amazon and Disney worked out the deal to put it on the
Fire TV family (at AmazonSmile: benefit a non-profit of your choice by shopping*)
I'm watching it this morning on our
Fire TV Cube (at AmazonSmile: benefit a non-profit of your choice by shopping*)
I normally watch the news for a while first thing in the morning, but wanted to give my readers my first impressions. I've talked before about the content
Disney+: a deeper dive
and even though a lot has been added since then, this post will focus more on the experience of using it. I'll go with simple bullet points: if you have specific questions, you can ask me by commenting.
Note: for the readers of my most popular blog,
I Love My Kindle
where I've been writing about e-books, EBRs (E-Book Readers), and Amazon generally for over 10 years, I'll link to this post. I have some other catching up to do there (I intend to do one of my round-up posts today) and while this is about watching content on an Amazon device, I didn't want this to dominate that blog today.
I subscribed yesterday by going to Disney+ on the web. Honestly, that was a bit clunky. It kept taking me to a place to enter a redemption code for a limited tie offer, but I didn't get one. I suspect that might be because I did the year subscription instead of month to month. It also didn't link me in any way to our long time Hulu account, at least as far as I could see. Again, maybe the yearly subscription makes it better than the bundle, but it would have been nice for them to tell me. They are supposed to link them through our e-mail addresses, based on stories I've read
There was no link on the Fire TV home screen that I saw. I searched for Disney+ (it came up as Disney Plus) while I was typing. Amazon may not have had time to put something together, but I hope they fully embrace Disney+: this is a symbiotic relationship, and I don't think they'll lose much Prime Video membership over it…viewership initially, perhaps, but I'm sure the vast majority of people watch PV as part of their Prime Memberships and don't pay extra for it. Update: it timed out while I was writing this, and then there was a splash in the slideshoeat the top of the FTV home screen
There were zero reviews! I was seeing it at about 2:00 Pacific (my local time)
It took about a minute to download and install: nice!
Excitingly, it suggest that the app could automatically log me into it when I had the Disney+ app open on my phone (saving me, presumably, from entering my password, which can be tedious with a remote), if I was on the same network. However, after I downloaded the app, got the confirmation code, entered that on my phone…nothing. Maybe I had to be logged into the account on the phone when I opened Disney+ on the streamer…I'll try that later today on another FTV
There was a collage character portraits of Maui from Moana, Elastigirl from The Incredibles, Captain America, Rey from Star Wars, and Jeff Goldblum from…well, it's never been quite clear where he's from, but we're always glad to visit his world. 😉 He has a new show on D+, part of the National Geographic brand. They didn't label or brand these
They did brand at the bottom: Disney/Pixar/Marvel/Star Wars/NatGeo
Further in, there were different character portraits, and with the brands in a different order: Iron Man, Darth Vader, hello again Elastigirl, Moana from Moana…and Jeff Goldblum
Once I was logged into the app, they had a slideshow. They promoted: The Mandalorian, Avengers: Endgame, Lady and the Tramp (the new "live" version), High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, The Simpsons, Avatar, Encore!, Captain Marvel, The World According to Jeff Goldblum, the Dumbo live action remake. So, that's five D+Os (Disney+ Originals), two Marvel theatrical hits…Dumbo is an interesting choice, given that it wasn't their biggest box office hit
What I'm not seeing so far promoted at all is Disney backlist (that's what I most want to see…movies/TV more than, oh, I'll go with more than thirty years old). Mickey Mouse hasn't shown up at all yet, for example. That's interesting to me: this should be a great service for movie/TV buffs and older fans, but I'd say it's pretty clearly marketed at parents of kids and younger fans
5 clickable tiles for Disney-Pixar-Marvel-Star Wars-National Geographic. One sort of cool thing is that when you scroll to one of those, you get an animated thumbnail, just for that one
Below that (I'll start top to bottom):
Recommended for You (hmm…they don't know me yet, presumably, so this must be a generic "me" at first): Avengers Endgame, The Simpsons, Dumbo, Captain Marvel, Free Solo, Lady and the Tramp, Expanding the Universe (Marvel), The Mandalorian, HSM:TM:TS (High School Musical…I'm not going to keep typing out that long title!), Marvel Hero Project, Frozen, Encore!, a Toy Story tile…but I'll admit, I can't read it from here (there may be a way to increase the size of the images, haven't checked yet…something about money), that Jeff Goldblum series, The Imagineering Story, Avatar, Pixar in Real Life, Float, The Force Awakens, Noelle, The Sound of Music (part of the Fox acquisition: yay!), Cars, Clone Wars, The Family something, Moana,
Hit Movies: Avatar, Frozen, Toy Story 3, Avengers Endgame, The Force Awakens, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Finding Dory, The Avengers, Rogue One, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Finding Nemo, The Avengers Age of Ultron, The Phantom Menace, Alice in Wonderland (Johnny Depp version), Inside Out…I'm going to stop listing individual titles or this will take too long!
Trending (The Simpsons is #1, if they are in order)
Out of the Vault: they do go beyond The 90s wave, including The Jungle Book, Cinderella, Snow White…
Inspired by True Stories
Ultra HD and HDR
Disney Channel Favorites
Throwbacks: Hannah Montana, Boy Meets World, That's So Raven, Darkwing Duck, Gargoyles, The Sandlot, Hocus Pocus, 10 Things I Hate About You…
Beasts and Monsters
Nostalgic Movies: here we go! Tron, the original The Parent Trap, The Rocketeer, the original The Love Bug, Return to Oz (if you haven't seen it, be prepared to be creeped out!)…
Disney Junior Series
Feel Good Sports Movies
MIckey Mouse Through the Years (Hi, Mickey!)
Fun Mysteries: Zootopia, The Great Mouse Detective, Sister Act…
Animal and Nature
Profiles (Hi again, Mickey)…when I went to edit, I found that a bit difficult–just getting to the right places. Lots of icon choices, though, including Featured, Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Nat Geo, Mickey Mouse and Friends, Disney Classics, a separate category for Disney Princess (why no plural?), Villains, Disney Channel | Autoplay | Background Video (on or off) } App Language (English UK, English US, Espanol (Latinoamericano), Francais (Candien), and Nederlands)
Search: title, character, or genre (no actor search? When I tried to search for Kurt Russell, it showed me appropriate choices when I typed Kurt, but by the time I added the R, it found nothing). Search also had "Collections", like Through the Decades, Star Wars, and Spider-Man
Settings: Account, Help, Legal, Log Out…I don't see any accessibility settings (I checked under Account) to make it bigger, for example
UPDATE: Oh, oh, here's a problem! I stopped watching a movie in the middle. When I went back into Disney+ it showed at first…that's fine. When I deliberately went to home after that, I can't find where it went! I figured they would add a navigation for incomplete viewings, but I don't see anything. I checked under watchlist. I've scrolled through Home. I reselected my profile…nothing. They need an incomplete and/or recent part to the navigation
UPDATE: JustWatch, my favorite app/website to search streaming offerings, is already listing Disney+
That's enough to get you started! I may add more to this later, but that's a good introduction.
Overall? The interface looks cool, but could use some smoothing. For example, why do I have to delete the word "profile" to enter a name for a profile? Why, when there is an arrow pointing to my right, does the arrow on my remote not work (you have to click select instead)? Discovery seems okay, but will get better, I'm sure.
Enjoy! If you have questions, feel free to comment…but I might not respond right away! I'm off to Medfield College (a fictional Disney location used in quite a few of their movies).
Posted in Disney+, Pop Culture, TV | Leave a Comment »


text:
Affordable Cremations and Burial
Plant a Tree for JO ANN
JO ANN HILTZ WILCUTT
Jo Ann Hiltz (Smith) Wilcutt, 86, of Phelan, CA, died Dec. 4, 2020 in Desert Valley Medical Center, Victorville, CA, from complications of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19).
She was born Dec. 29, 1933 in Mexico, ME. In 1972, while living in Portland, ME, she decided to move her family to Torrance, CA, where she completed school and became a Registered Respiratory Therapist. While in Torrance, she met and married John Wilcutt on June 13, 1975. She enjoyed working as an RRT for over a decade before retiring with her husband so they could travel the U.S. in their motorhome. Eventually they bought a home in Sparta, MO, later moving to West Plains, MO. She also had lived in Calhoun, GA and Panama City Beach, FL.
She had been a lifetime member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. She loved music, singing, playing the piano, and painting. She was an avid reader, often reading multiple books at the same time. She loved her little dogs. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who called her "Memere". She never met a stranger.
She was preceded in death by her 5 siblings: Jeanne, Joyce (Skippy), Shirley, Richard (Dicky), and Robert (Bobby). She was also preceded in death by her husband John on May 17, 2004, in West Plains, MO.
She is survived by her 5 children, Victoria Adele Khaki (Ali), Michael Vernon Smith, Nancy Jean Coyle, Rebecca Jo Ann Long (David), and Barbara Joyce Parrish (Jerry), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, and friends.
Due to the Pandemic Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Cremation was under the direction of Justin Wydryck.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of JO ANN HILTZ WILCUTT, please visit our floral store.
You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of JO ANN HILTZ WILCUTT
© 2021 Affordable Cremations and Burial. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Ghatshila
Chapri - Purbi Singhbhum
Chapri Population - Purbi Singhbhum, Jharkhand
Chapri is a medium size village located in Ghatshila Block of Purbi Singhbhum district, Jharkhand with total 215 families residing. The Chapri village has population of 931 of which 459 are males while 472 are females as per Population Census 2011.
In Chapri village population of children with age 0-6 is 119 which makes up 12.78 % of total population of village. Average Sex Ratio of Chapri village is 1028 which is higher than Jharkhand state average of 948. Child Sex Ratio for the Chapri as per census is 1125, higher than Jharkhand average of 948.
Chapri village has lower literacy rate compared to Jharkhand. In 2011, literacy rate of Chapri village was 63.92 % compared to 66.41 % of Jharkhand. In Chapri Male literacy stands at 78.41 % while female literacy rate was 49.63 %.
As per constitution of India and Panchyati Raaj Act, Chapri village is administrated by Sarpanch (Head of Village) who is elected representative of village. Our website, don't have information about schools and hospital in Chapri village.
Chapri Data
Total No. of Houses 215 - -
Population 931 459 472
Child (0-6) 119 56 63
Schedule Caste 7 3 4
Schedule Tribe 487 232 255
Literacy 63.92 % 78.41 % 49.63 %
Total Workers 309 263 46
Main Worker 295 - -
Marginal Worker 14 8 6
In Chapri village, most of the village population is from Schedule Tribe (ST). Schedule Tribe (ST) constitutes 52.31 % while Schedule Caste (SC) were 0.75 % of total population in Chapri village.
In Chapri village out of total population, 309 were engaged in work activities. 95.47 % of workers describe their work as Main Work (Employment or Earning more than 6 Months) while 4.53 % were involved in Marginal activity providing livelihood for less than 6 months. Of 309 workers engaged in Main Work, 122 were cultivators (owner or co-owner) while 67 were Agricultural labourer.
High Density State
Density / Km2
1 Delhi 11,320
2 Chandigarh 9,258
3 Puducherry 2,547
4 Daman and Diu 2,191
5 Lakshadweep 2,149


Country List is a package for Laravel 4 which lists all countries with names and ISO 3166-1 codes in all languages and data formats.
One of the best ways to learn Laravel is looking at the source code of good built apps. Here is a list of premium scripts that you can get to learn, or use them for your production sites.
Learn how to use illuminate\routing package outside Laravel 4.


text:
'So many good things are happening' - Why Evangelos Marinakis is the owner who keeps on giving
Reds legend Garry Birtles has taken time out to praise the man who is overseeing Forest revival on and off the pitch
Barry CooperFootball Writer
Sign up to FREE daily email alerts from NottinghamshireLive - Weekday Nottingham Forest FC
The exciting redevelopment of Nottingham Forest's City Ground has again moved a step closer this week after the club confirmed plans for a public consultation.
It's the next step along the road towards the stadium becoming what we all hope will be one of the best in the country and a great step forward.
What I would say is that the development plans, which look incredible, are a further sign about Evangelos Marinakis' commitment to make this club the very best it can be.
I know we talk about it quite a bit, but that's the right thing to do. You have to keep banging the drum and raising awareness that Forest have an owner that keeps on giving.
Mr Marinakis wants to involve the supporters where he can and that's brilliant.
An artist's impression of the new-look City Ground, developed by Benoy (Image: Benoy)
You also have to give credit to the staff behind the scenes, too.
Garry Birtles - Why there can only one way to reward Forest's Luton victors
It was backroom staff which were giving away food after the Reading game was postponed, it's they who go to community events and put themselves out there.
Developing the City Ground isn't the only thing bubbling away at the club, though.
Forest's players dined with owner Evangelos Marinakis in Athens (Image: Intime Sports)
There are so many good things happening which makes you proud to be involved with the football club, whether it be work with the food bank or the Dream Big project which I've been involved in, it really does emphasis the desire to improve.
Why Forest will have more than just Derby County to overcome at the City Ground
I can't be ignored that the club continue to do as much for the fans as possible and in fairness to them, they are responding by selling out at home and taking big support on the road.
It's brilliant to see a club that cares about its fans.
Evangelos Marinakis
Nottingham Forest FCNottingham Forest transfer news: Jota linked, Dwight Gayle latest, striker on the moveAll the latest news, views and transfer talk involving the Reds and their Sky Bet Championship rivals
Nottingham Forest FCHow guest of honour Sabri Lamouchi spent a rare Saturday off revealedNottingham Forest news | The Reds boss will be back in the City Ground dugout when his team take on Luton on Sunday
Football NewsNotts County extend unbeaten run but frustrated in Dover drawNeither side could find the breakthrough in stalemate at Meadow Lane


This is a "use it or lose it moment in economic history."
A deep dive into the key opportunities and stumbling blocks that are set to shape this week's U.N. Climate Summit in Poland.
What does the next decade look like for the U.N.'s former executive secretary of the Convention on Climate Change?
Legally, it could take the United States at least three years to pull out of the international treaty on mitigating climate change. During the interim, the country may cede valuable opportunities for new low-carbon businesses.
A tenfold increase in the pace of clean tech deployment is required to meet the Paris Agreement goals.


This slim, sleek profile Bi-fold wallet is designed to hold all of your daily necessities in a compact and streamlined design. The Square Bi-Fold wallet has four vertically placed card slots. The Square Bi-Fold wallet has a unique design that when upon opening, allows the bill holder compartment to spread wider apart. The unique convex bottom corners lets you easily slip in cash. Upon closing, the bill holder tightens around the top opening- thereby sealing your bills in a secure compartment. The Square Bi-Fold wallet is handmade from full grain oil tanned leather. It is handstitched with a heavy duty waxed thread and edge burnished. Handmade in the USA, from American leather.


Located on either side of the Royal Exhibition Building, from Rathdowne and Nicholson Streets respectively, the Eastern and Western Forecourts are landscaped spaces adjoin Carlton Gardens, Museum Plaza and Southern Drive.
From the light and breezy mezzanine Gallery Level, you can look down over the balcony and gaze across the floor or up towards the starry sky of the Dome with its exquisitely painted Renaissance-like murals beneath.
The ground floor of the Royal Exhibition Building is immediately impressive. No matter which triumphal portico you enter, as soon as you look up you'll be struck by the breathtaking ceilings.
Museum Plaza most often used as public event space or for outdoor exhibitions, this immense area is an exciting platform for any number of events – the possibilities are endless!
This large, flexible space within Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, dedicated to Victoria's Indigenous peoples, is named for the Boon Wurrung and Woi Wurrung word for the Yarra River.
The Children's Gallery is a fantastic space for all sorts of events – we're thinking book launches, start-of-school celebrations, family days and much more!
Kalaya, a Wamba Wamba word meaning to ask questions, is an activities area, and performance space.
Melbourne Museum is celebrated for its striking architecture, on full display in our Main Foyer and Walk.
The Melbourne Story is an immersive display of some of the most fascinating elements of what makes Melbourne marvellous. What a talking point for a corporate dinner or cocktail party!
Mind and Body Gallery provides a really different and memorable option for a dinner or cocktail party.
Our Museum Theatre is a brilliant contemporary venue space, purpose-built with a large stage, two screen options and engineered sound system.
North Terrace is a unique outdoor space surrounded by different natural environments.
Te Pasifika Gallery is light and bright filled space with remarkable objects that celebrate the traditions of Pacific Island life.
Floor-to-ceiling glass envelops our magical Treetops space, allowing beautiful views over historic Carlton Gardens.
An intimate venue ideal for small seminars, workshops, presentations and meetings.
Our Atrium is a beautiful glass conservatory at the rear of Old Customs House, connecting the main building to the Courtyard.
Our sun-drenched Courtyard, a tranquil haven in the middle of the CBD.
The Grand Foyer is on the first floor and is accessible by an elegant, ornate staircase, creating a wonderful sense of anticipation on arrival at your event.
Our Long Room is inspiring in its size. Originally a thriving hub of trade activity, it has remained an important commercial location for over one hundred years.
A reimagined space behind the historic Customs House, nine steps from the historic Market Street.
We are always excited to welcome guests to the heritage-listed Pumping Station – its impressive industrial architecture and unique history always makes for a memorable occasion.
Melbourne Planetarium is an extraordinary space. Sit back beneath a horizontal dome 16 metres high and see the night sky revealed like never before!
Our Arena presents a unique opportunity to hire a massive oval for any number of uses – just let your imagination be your guide. Perfect for Corporate Family Days!
Perfect for giving your event an electrifying atmosphere!
Our Conference Room is a great option for small to mid-scale meetings, leadership planning and team-building workshops.
The Helen R Quinn Energy Lab is a fully-equipped auditorium perfect for dynamic presentations.
Imagine having the enormous IMAX screen at your disposal for your presentation, product launch or big announcement.


text:
// ========================================================================
// SproutCore
// copyright 2006-2008 Sprout Systems, Inc.
// ========================================================================

require('views/view') ;
require('mixins/control') ;

lc_cnt = 0 ;

SC.IMAGE_STATE_NONE = 'none';
SC.IMAGE_STATE_LOADING = 'loading';
SC.IMAGE_STATE_LOADED = 'loaded';
SC.IMAGE_STATE_FAILED = 'failed';

/**
  URL to a transparent GIF.  Used for spriting.
*/
SC.BLANK_IMAGE_URL = static_url('blank.gif');

/**
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  Displays an image in the browser.

  The ImageView can be used to efficiently display images in the browser.
  It includes a built in support for a number of features that can improve
  your page load time if you use a lot of images including a image loading
  queue and automatic support for CSS spriting.

  @extends SC.View
  @extends SC.Control
  @author Charles Jolley
*/
SC.ImageView = SC.View.extend(SC.Control,
/** @scope SC.ImageView.prototype */ {

  /** Image views contain an img tag. */
  emptyElement: '<img src="%@" class="sc-image-view" />'.fmt(SC.BLANK_IMAGE_URL),

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    Current load status of the image.

    This status changes as an image is loaded from the server.  If spriting
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  */
  status: SC.IMAGE_STATE_NONE,

  /**
    A url or CSS class name.

    This is the image you want the view to display.  It should be either a
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    contentValueKey properties to have this value extracted
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    If you want to use CSS spriting, set this value to a CSS class name.  If
    you need to use multiple class names to set your icon, separate them by
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  value: null,
  _value: null,

  /**
    Invoked whenever the content or value changes. (To be removed in
    SproutCore 1.0)

    This method is no longer necessary since we have the standard SC.Control
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    @deprecated
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    @returns {String} the URL or CSS class name
  */
  transform: function(content) { return content; },

  valueObserver: function() {

    // get the new URL.
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    // invoke the old transform method if it is defined
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    // if the value has not changed, do nothing.
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    // if the old value was a class name, then we need to remove it.
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      var idx = classNames.length ;
      while(--idx >= 0) {
        this.removeClassName(classNames[idx]);
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      this.removeClassName('sc-sprite') ;
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    this._value = value ;

    // if the new value is empty, just clear the img.
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      this.rootElement.src = SC.BLANK_IMAGE_URL;
      this.set('status', SC.IMAGE_STATE_NONE) ;
      this._imageUrl = null; //clear

    // if a new value was set that is a URL, load the image URL.
    } else if (SC.ImageView.valueIsUrl(value)) {
      this.beginPropertyChanges() ;
      this.set('status', SC.IMAGE_STATE_LOADING) ;
      this._imageUrl = value ; // save to verify later.
      SC.imageCache.loadImage(value, this, this._onLoadComplete) ;
      this.endPropertyChanges() ;

    // if the new is a CSS class name, set an empty image and add class name
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      var classNames = value.split(' ');
      var idx = classNames.length ;
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      this.addClassName('sc-sprite') ;
      this.rootElement.src = SC.BLANK_IMAGE_URL ;
      this.set('status', SC.IMAGE_STATE_LOADED) ;
    }
  }.observes('value'),

  /**
    Invoked once an image loads.  If an image has already been loaded,
    this method will be invoked immediately.
  */
  _onLoadComplete: function(url, status, img) {

    // sometimes this method gets called later after the url has already
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    if (url !== this._imageUrl) return ;

    this.beginPropertyChanges() ;
    this.set('imageWidth', parseInt(img.width,0)) ;
    this.set('imageHeight', parseInt(img.height,0)) ;
    this.set('status',status) ;
    this.endPropertyChanges() ;

    if (status == SC.IMAGE_STATE_LOADED) {
      if (this.imageDidLoad) this.imageDidLoad(url) ;
      this.rootElement.src =  url ;
    } else {
      if (this.imageDidFail) this.imageDidFail(url, status) ;
    }
  },

  init: function() {
    sc_super() ;
    this.valueObserver() ;
    if (this.rootElement.src) {
      this.set('imageWidth',parseInt(this.rootElement.width,0)) ;
      this.set('imageHeight',parseInt(this.rootElement.height,0)) ;
    }
  }

}) ;

/**
  Returns YES if the passed value looks like an URL and not a CSS class
  name.
*/
SC.ImageView.valueIsUrl = function(value) {
  return (value.indexOf('/') >= 0) || (value.indexOf('.') >= 0) ;
} ;

/**
  The image cache will create Image objects to preload a set of
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  browser throughput.
*/
SC.imageCache = SC.Object.create({

  // this restricts the maximum number of images that can load in.
  loadLimit: 4,

  // this is the primary entry point for the imageCache.  Use this method to
  // ask the cache to load an image and then invoke the callback when its
  // available.  You can pass either a function or an object + a function.
  // Your callback should have this pattern:
  //
  // method(url, status, imgObject)
  // url: the original URL you passed in.
  // status: loaded | error | aborted
  // imgObject: the image object.  This parameter is optional.
  //
  loadImage: function(url, objOrFunc, method) {
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    if (dta.img == null) {
      this._queue.push(dta) ;
      if (!this._imgTimeout) {
        this._imgTimeout = this.invokeLater(this.loadNextImage, 100) ;
      }
    }

    // you can pass either just a function or an object + a method.  This will
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    var handler = (method) ? [objOrFunc, method] : [this, objOrFunc] ;
    if (dta.status == 'unknown') {
      dta.handlers.push(handler) ;
    } else if (handler[1]) {
      handler[1].call(handler[0], url, dta.status, dta.img) ;
    }
  },

  // this is called to load images that need
  loadNextImage: function() {
    this._imgTimeout = null ;
    while((this._queue.length > 0) && (this._loading.length < this.loadLimit)) {
      var dta = this._queue.pop() ;
      var url = dta.url ;
      dta.img = new Image() ;
      dta.img.onabort = this._onAbort.bind(this,url) ;
      dta.img.onerror = this._onError.bind(this,url) ;
      dta.img.onload = this._onLoad.bind(this, url) ;
      dta.img.src = dta.url ;

      // add to loading queue.
      this._loading.push(dta.url) ;
    }
  },

  _onAbort: function(url) { this._changeStatus(url, 'aborted') ; },
  _onError: function(url) { this._changeStatus(url, 'error'); },
  _onLoad: function(url) { this._changeStatus(url, 'loaded'); },

  // update the status in the queue and call any queued handlers.
  _changeStatus: function(url, status) {
    var dta = this._images[url] ;
    if (!dta) return ;
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    var handler ;
    while(handler = dta.handlers.pop()) {
      if (handler[1]) handler[1].call(handler[0], url, dta.status, dta.img) ;
    }

    // get the next image, if needed.
    this._loading = this._loading.without(dta.url) ;
    this.loadNextImage() ;
  },

  _images: {},
  _loading: [],
  _queue: []

});

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Actor who is famous for his career throughout TV, including as Kaiden on the popular TV series We Build It We Break It. He also guest starred as himself in two 2018 episodes of Mack Chat.
He earned his first on-camera acting credit in the 2016 short film Inventing a Laugh.
He guest starred on a 2018 episode of the popular TV series Raven's Home as Jared. He appeared in the 2017 short film Blank Class.
He appeared alongside Raven-Symoné on the TV series Raven's Home.


We know you are after a fully licensed locally based outfit that can remove and clear up of your rubbish safely with no fly tipping!? Rubbish Clearance Ltd can help. Domestic and commercial customers welcome..
Looking for a low-priced price for trade waste collection or office rubbish removal? Whether you are in a bungalow or house we can help all the general public in Bardfield End Green. We are a responsible and accountable UK waste management company based in Essex. We do all the load ups so you don't have to. Whatever amount of rubbish you have, our two man teams can safely collect and dispose of it. Stuff that we dispose of include unwanted electricals, paper and cardboard boxes, settees and topsoil.
We collect, clear up and take away of all your cuttings, freezers, beds, rubble or White Goods with no bother hassle or headache from anywhere in CM6.


text:
Cuts at BT are nothing new for the TV biz
Chris D has been reporting on the big changes at Citytv this weekend, which include the firing (his word) of Breakfast Television on-air staff Jimmy Mac and Terri Apostle.
This hits close to home, and not just because Mac is a comedy stalwart in Winnipeg with whom I've worked many times, but also because RRC Creative Communications' students' recent PR and Ad campaign was for BT.
The students' campaign goal was to increase ratings by 20 per cent by generating as much publicity, notoriety, and momentum for BT as possible, which meant that they were tasked with the same challenge as Citytv itself.
Faced with this task, these were the first two questions that first-year students asked me:
1. "Can we recommend that Citytv shorten the show to an hour?"
To this question, I said "no." Easy answer; that question is like Michelangelo saying, "The Sistine Chapel is a pretty big canvas. How about I paint you a 8.5 x ll portrait?" Not gonna happen...
2. "Can we recommend that Citytv change the on-air staff?"
To this question, I also said "no." We train our students to get jobs in the media, with PR agencies, ad agencies, and as communication professionals; how would you like to fight hard for a job, get it, then have your alma mater put together a marketing campaign to replace you? Not gonna happen, part 2...
If this was the students' second suggestion, you can see how a local TV station could come to the same conclusion: it all comes down to audience, branding, money or a combination of "all of the above."
1. The audience
Broadcast media's audience is, by definition, fickle.
The power of television is "visuals" and that's how we judge what we watch. As any TV news personality will tell you, viewers are more vocal about anchors' hairstyles and neckties than they are about the actual news (which may be why some TV anchors, in the wake of high def TV, apparently want plastic surgery to be included in the budget).
And it's really no better in radio, which regularly makes its on-air employees commit "audio plastic surgery" by changing their names, like a friend of mine did when he was told that his last name was "too Jewish for radio." Uh, probably because he is Jewish. But he changed it, because - as much as it seems wrong - if you want a job in radio, that's what you have to do.
Sometimes an audience is represented by a focus group, which decides that it likes some on-air talent more than other on-air talent, especially when asked directly to decide. Management listens to the focus group and - voila - gets rid of the offending parties.
2. Branding
For good or bad, on-air staff are the face and voice of the media outlet, and if they don't (or "no longer") represent the station's direction or brand, they're gone. The good news is that when on-air staff get "rejected" by one media outlet, there's usually another that sees a match; and, yes, Mac and Apostle confirm with Chris D that that they've each had two offers since Friday. Good for them!
3. Money
Older on-air talent costs more than fresh-out-of-school talent; students are willing to be "poor and famous" more than older people with experience. Older on-air staff is usually over the fame part of the job, and just wants to be paid for their experience. As Bill Murray once said in an interview: "Rich and famous? Rich does it for me."
The future of the TV news
Still, this discussion may be largely academic. The greater problem may be that the TV news as we currently know it is an outdated model. Why do we need to wait through the next commercial break for a TV weatherperson to tell us what the forecast will be when we can find out online or on our cell phones "right now?"
At our campaign pitch to Citytv in April, station GM Tom Scott asked the first-year students, "Where do you see TV programming in five years?" Their unanimous answer: online and on demand, which may or may not mean that on-air talent would be serving it up.
If you've even tried to watch an entire local newscast recently, you know how hard it is to actually make it to the end of the entire show without flipping, shutting off the TV, or falling asleep.
As we talked about in class this semester, if TV stations want to stave off this crisis, they'll need to increase viewer participation by linking themselves more closely with new media, and considering alternate media streams and screens to make their product worthwhile again. The engine to drive this, we said, is advertising, PR, buzz, word of mouth, viral media, social media, promotions, and guerrilla marketing.
Without any of this stuff, another on-air host is only another on-air host. And where's the money in that anymore?
You know my thoughts on online TV already.
I'll admit that these layoffs did not come as a surprise to me. You may remember I said something about "changes in the air" that I sensed when watching BT everyday as research for our campaign.
Jimmy Mac did not surprise me, we saw Jenna Khan doing more remotes and more of Jimmy in studio, so I thought she would take over for him.
Terri Apostle was a bit more surprising, as she was supposed to be the "young hip mom" on the show. Maybe it was a personality conflict...
Kenton Larsen July 13, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Yep, I agree. And...where's Jon Ljungberg these days?
I don't know. I stopped watching the minute the assignment was over!
Great blog Kenton! Having been in-house at CityTV myself I too am shocked by the loss of the young hip mom as I really liked Terri. As the BT demographic is women 25-54 I don't know WHY they don't have better female hosts... needless to say I too no longer watch the program either. Terri is a great 'cat' who always lands on her feet. I hear that she is at CJOB now (unconfirmed) - good for her. #4 TV station to #1 radio station - a trade UP for sure!
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text:
No more funds available to cover BPJS deficit, says Sri Mulyani
Adrian Wail Akhlas
Jakarta / Wed, January 8, 2020 / 11:20 am
A customer applies for membership in an office of the Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) in Jakarta. (Courtesy of/www.panduanbpjs.com)
The government plans to no longer provide cash injections to cover the Healthcare and Social Security Agency's (BPJS Kesehatan) deficit this year following a hike in the insurance premiums.
"We are sure that BPJS Kesehatan would not need additional funds in 2020 following a hike in the insurance premiums. BPJS has also promised to keep their finances in check," Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said during a press briefing on the 2019 state budget in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The year 2020 marks a new phase for Indonesia's universal healthcare program, National Health Insurance (JKN), as the government raised its premiums for the first time since it started operations in 2014.
Beginning in January, the government raised the premiums for first-class service by 100 percent to Rp 160,000 (US$11.40) per month per person, while more than doubling the cost for the second-class service from Rp 51,000 to Rp 110,000. The government also hiked the premiums for the third-class service by 64 percent from 25,500 per person per month to Rp 42,000.
BPJS Kesehatan has suffered a huge financial deficit since its establishment as its premium income was far from enough to pay for insurance claims.
BPJS Watch estimates that the increase in the premiums is expected to reduce its deficit to Rp 18 trillion from the initial estimate of Rp 32.89 trillion at the end of 2019
Speaking during the same briefing, the Finance Ministry's budgeting director-general, Askolani, told reporters that the government would still allocate Rp 20 trillion to subsidize the premium payments of low-income participants.
Indonesia JKN BPJS-Kesehatan deficit state-budget SriMulyaniIndrawati premium increase
Algeria named 2020's best country for backpacking


A light earthquake magnitude 4.5 (mg/mb) has occurred on Thursday, 121 kilometers (75 miles) from Akureyri in Iceland. The temblor was reported at 12:35:13 / 12:35 am (local time epicenter) at a depth of 8.56 km (5 miles). Global time of event 2014-11-27 12:35:13 UTC/GMT. A tsunami warning has not been issued, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Exact location of event, longitude -17.7086 West, latitude 64.6078 North, depth 8.56 km.
Leave a comment or report about shaking, activity and damage at your home, city and country. Read more about the earthquake, Seismometer information, Date-Time, Location, Distances, Parameters and details about quake recorded in: 121 km S of Akureyri, Iceland.
-17.7086° West Decimal degrees longitude. Negative values for western longitudes.
64.6078° North Decimal degrees latitude. Negative values for southern latitudes.
8.56 km Depth of the event in kilometers.
121km S of Akureyri, Iceland Textual description of named geographic region near to the event. This may be a city name, or a Flinn-Engdahl Region name.
1.562 Horizontal distance from the epicenter to the nearest station (in degrees).
b000t0hu An identifying code assigned by, and unique from, the corresponding source for the event.
usb000t0hu A comma-separated list of event ids that are associated to an event.


We discuss the relative merits of mid-infrared and X-ray selection of type 2 quasars. We describe the mid-infrared, near-infrared and radio selection criteria used to find a population of redshift z∼ 2 type 2 quasars which we previously argued suggests that most supermassive black hole growth in the Universe is obscured. We present the optical spectra obtained from the William Herschel Telescope, and we compare the narrow emission-line luminosity, radio luminosity and maximum size of jets to those of objects from radio-selected samples. This analysis suggests that these are genuine radio-quiet type 2 quasars, albeit the radio-bright end of this population. We also discuss the possibility of two different types of quasar obscuration, which could explain how the ∼2–3:1 ratio of type 2 to type 1 quasars preferred by modelling our population can be reconciled with the ∼1:1 ratio predicted by unified schemes.
© 2006 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2006 RAS. Accepted 2006 May 15. Received 2006 May 15; in original form 2006 January 20. We would like to warmly thank Richard Wilman for access to his absorbed X-ray spectra and for useful comments, the anonymous referee for valuable suggestions, and Caroline van Breukelen for help with the overlays. AMS would like to thank the Council of the European Union for support; SR and CS would like to thank the UK PPARC for a Senior Research Fellowship and an Advanced Fellowship, respectively. This work is based on observations made with the Spitzer Space Telescope, which is operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. The William Herschel Telescope (WHT) is operated on the island of La Palma by the Isaac Newton Group in the Spanish Observatory del Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias.


French J., Maclean D., Fraser J., Benjamin S., Atkinson P. (2018). P050: How aware is safe enough? Situational awareness is higher in safer teams doing simulated emergency airway cases. Can J Emerg Med, 20(S1), S74-S74.
French J., Maclean D., David K., McCoy A., Benjamin S., Fraser J., Pishe T., Atkinson P.(2018). P049: Changes in situational awareness of emergency teams in simulated trauma cases using an RSI checklist. Can J Emerg Med, 20(S1), S74-S74.
French J., David K., Benjamin S., Fraser J., Mekwan J., Atkinson P. (2018)MP19: Interprofessional airway microskill checklists facilitate the deliberate practice of direct intubation with a bougie and airway manikins. Can J Emerg Med, 20(S1), S47-S47.
French J., David K., Benjamin S., Fraser J., Mekwan J., Atkinson P. (2018). Interprofessional airway microskill checklists facilitate the deliberate practice of surgical cricothyrotomy with 3-D printed surgical airway trainers. Can J Emerg Med, 20(S1), S73-S74.
Hayre J., Rouse C., French J., Fraser J., Watson I., Benjamin S., Chisholm A., Stoica G., Sealy B., Erdogan M., Green R., Atkinson P. (2018) A traumatic tale of two cities: A comparison of outcomes for adults with major trauma who present to differing trauma centres in neighbouring Canadian provinces. Can J Em Med 20(2); 191-199.
Watson I., Benjamin S., Chisholm A., Ellis K., Pishe T. (2018) Rollover motor vehicle crashes in New Brunswick: A descriptive study. Can J Surg 61 (2 Supp 1) S9.
Watson I., Ellis K., Chisholm A., Pishe T. (2018) Does the presence of CT scanning in level V centres delay access to defintive care ? A retrospective review from New Brunswick's inclusive trauma system. Can J Surg 61 (2 Supp 1) S9.
Benjamin S., Watson I., Chisholm A., Pishe T. (2018) An evaluation of overtriage in New Brunswick's field trauma triage system. Can J Surg 61 (2 Supp 1) S9.
Benjamin S., Watson I., Chisholm A., Pishe T. (2018) Major trauma and field trauma triage in New Brunswick. Can J Surg 61 (2 Supp 1) S10.
Robinson B., Ellis K., Holland M., Chisholm A., Watson I. (2018) Building a model for assessing trauma-related mortality in a rural trauma system. Can J Surg 61 (2 Supp 1) S10.
Benjamin S., Chisholm A., Watson I., Pishe T. (2017) Understanding clinical hip fracture variation in New Brunswick. Can J Surg 60 (3 Supp 2) S23.
Louis R., Benjamin S., Chisholm A., Pishe T., Watson I. (2017) Concussion and admission diagnosis among seniors who fall: A descriptive analysis. Can J Surg 60 (3 Supp 2) S32.
McLean D., French J., Fraser J., Benjamin S., Atkinson P. (2016) Does the use of an RSI checklist and equipment silhouette in simulated emergency scenarios improve team performance and operational safety? Can J Surg 59 (3 Supp 1) S18.
Benjamin S., Hogan A., Watson I., French J. (2016) Exposure to major trauma patients and safety critical procedures. Part 1: Risk and reliability. Can J Surg 59 (3 Supp 1) S18.
Orchard J., Cormier C., Chisholm A., French J., Pishe T., Watson I. (2016) Impact of a prealert program for air ambulance response to major trauma patients in a provincial, inclusive trauma program: The New Brunswick experience. Can J Surg 59 (3 Supp 1) S19.
Woodford S., Hogan A., Watson I. (2016) Impact of repeated offering of the Rural Trauma Team Development Course (RTTDC) on trauma transfer intervals in a provincial, inclusive system. Can J Surg 59 (3 Supp 1) S19.
Kenney M., French J., Fraser J., Phlean of Emer B., Watson I., Benjamin S., Chisholm A., Atkinson A. (2016) Out in the sticks and stones may break your bones, but does rurality surely hurt you? Trauma patient health equality in New Brunswick. Can J Surg 59 (3 Supp 1) S19.
Benjamin S., Hogan A., Chisholm A., Watson I. (2016) The timely use of tranexamic acid in trauma. Can J Surg 59 (3 Supp 1) S20.
Phelan B., Fraser J., Pishe T., Middleton J., Chisholm A., Benjamin S., Watson I., Atkinson P. (2015) Severe trauma in the province of New Brunswick: A descriptive epidemiological study. Can J Em Med 17 (Supp1) s77.
Chisholm A., Benjamin S., Hogan A., Woodford S., Watson I. (2015) All in the family: Creating and implementing an inclusive provincial trauma registry. Can J Surg 58 (2 Supp 1) S18.
Hogan A., Woodford S., Watson I. (2015) Lessons learned from a provincial trauma transfer system. Can J Surg 59 (3 Supp 1) S18-S19.
Watson I., Hogan A., Woodford S., Chisholm A., Louis R., St. Pierre E. (2015) The NB Trauma Program: 5 years later. Can J Surg 59 (3 Supp 1) S19.
Hogan A., Louis R. (2015) Provincial coordination of injury prevention: The New Brunswick experience. Can J Surg 59 (3 Supp 1) S19.
Hogan A., Woodford S., Watson I. (2015) Improving access and uptake of Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC): A provincial approach. Can J Surg 59 (3 Supp 1) S19.
Hewitson L., Atkinson P., Mekwan J., Verbeul G., Lewis D. (2015) ULTRASIM : Ultrasound in trauma simulation. Does the use of ultrasound during simulated scenarios imrpive diagnostic abilities ? Can J Surg 59 (3 Supp 1) S19-S20.
Rouse C., Hayre J., French J., Watson I., Benjamin S., Fraser J., Chisholm A., Sealy B., Erdogan M., Green R., Atkinson R. (2015) Traumatic tale of 2 cities part I: Does being treated by different EMS affect outcomes in trauma patients destined for transport to level I centres in Halifax and Saint John? Can J Surg 59 (3 Supp 1) S20.
Rouse C., Hayre J., French J., Watson I., Benjamin S., Fraser J., Chisholm A., Sealy B., Erdogan M., Green R., Atkinson R. (2015) Traumatic tale of 2 cities part II: Does being treated by different hospitals affect outcome in trauma patients destined for transport to level I centres in Halifax and Saint John? Can J Surg 59 (3 Supp 1) S20.
Phelan B., Fraser J., Pishe., Middeton J., Chisholm A., Benjamin S., Watson I., Atkinson P. (2015) Severe trauma in the province of New Brunswick: A descriptive epidemiological study. Can J Surg 59 (3 Supp 1) S28.
Atkinson, P., French, J., & Nice, C. A. (2014). Procedural sedation and analgesia for adults in the emergency department. BMJ, 348(9), 2965-2977.
Exposure to major trauma management of learners training to become emergency physicians in New Brunswick. Can J Surg 57 (3 Supp 3) S65-S66.
Montazeri R., Wagg J., Mayich J., King H., Swan J., Fraser J., Benjamin S., Atkinson P. (2014) Distal radial fractures: Adequacy of reductions performed in the emergency department. Can J Surg 57 (3 Supp 3) S75.
Boulay R., Richard D., Savoie J-P., Goulette E., Chisholm A., Watson I. (2014) Improving effectiveness of field trauma triage activations in New Brunswick. Can J Surg 57 (3 Supp 3) S75-S76.
Benjamin S., Chisholm A., Watson I. (2014) Field trauma triage guidelines as a predictor of key emergency department time intervals. Can J Surg 57 (3 Supp 3) S76.
Hogan A. (2013) Sport related concussion care in the emergency department: What every ED nurse needs to know. Can J Em Nursing 36:2; 22-23.
Atkinson P., Fraser J., Benjamin S., Sproul E., Mehta A. (2013) Wake up: Head injury management around the clock. Can J Em Med (15 Supp 1) S22.
Hogan A. (2013) A collaborative approach to reducing injuries in New Brunswick: Acute care and injury prevention. Can J Surg 56 (2 Supp) S27.
Watson I., Boulay R., Chisholm A., Beairsto E., Goulette E., Martin M. (2013) Impact of changes to a provincial field trauma triage tool in New Brunswick. Can J Surg 56 (2 Supp) S28.
Woodford S., Benjamin S., Boulay R., Watson I. (2013) Ensuring quality of field trauma triage in New Brunswick. Can J Surg 56 (2 Supp) S28.
Hogan A., Boulay R., Watson I. (2013) Benefits of a provincial trauma transfer referral system: Beyond the numbers. Can J Surg 56 (2 Supp) S28.
Boulay R., Watson I., Savoie J., Benjamin S., Martin M. (2013) The field trauma triage landscape in New Brunswick. Can J Surg 56 (2 Supp) S28-S29.
Watson I., Hogan A., Woodford A., Benjamin S., Chisholm A., Ondiveeran H., Martin M. (2013) Impact of Rural Trauma Team Development Course (RTTDC) on trauma transfer intervals in a provincial, inclusive trauma system. Can J Surg 56 (2 Supp) S29.
Howlett M., Atkinson P., Doody K., Fraser J., Leblanc-Douchin D., Strack B. (2013) Trauma and stress: A critical dynamics study of burnout in trauma centre healthcare professionals. Can J Surg 56 (2 Supp) S29.
Atkinson P., Naveed A., vanRensburg L., Madan R. (2013) Ultrasound-guided pediatric forearm fracture reduction in the emergency department. Can J Surg 56 (2 Supp) S29.
Chesters A., Atkinson P. (2013) Block first, opiates later? The use of fascia iliaca black for patients with hip fractures in the emergency department: A systematic review. Can J Surg 56 (2 Supp) S29-S30.
Atkinson P., Fraser J., Verheul G., Parks A., Milne J. (2013) Simulation in trauma ultrasound training. Can J Surg 56 (2 Supp) S30.
Fraser J., Atkinson P., Benjamin S., Sproul E., Mehta A. (2013) Wake up: Head injury management around the clock. Can J Surg 56 (2 Supp) S31.
Musgrave E. (2012) The New Brunswick Trauma Program: A model of inclusivity. Outlook 35(1); 23-24.
Benjamin S., Hogan A. (2012) Closing the quality improvement loop: A collaborative approach. Can J Surg 55 Supp, S23.
Hogan A., Benjamin S. (2012) National Trauma Registry: "Collecting" it all in New Brunswick. Can J Surg 55 Supp, S23.
Fraser J., Atkinson P., Benjamin S. (2012) Does delay to initial shoulder reduction attempt affect success rate for anterior shoulder dislocation (pilot study)? Can J Surg 55 Supp, S23.
Martin M., Watson I, Hogan A., Benjamin S., Woodford S. (2012) Use of multidisciplinary, multi-site morbidity and mortality rounds in a provincial trauma system. Can J Surg 55 Supp, S23 –S24.