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by	Dan O'Hara. Posted at 18:00h Jan 12, 2007 in Conference.
Dan O'Hara shares his memories of Virtual Futures 1994.
Virtual Futures '94 was the first of the three VF events held at the University of Warwick. Smaller and less unwieldy than the carnivalesque behemoth that followed in 1995, it still attracted some 300 attendees. Its success led Eric Cassidy and; myself to organize the Thomas Pynchon: Schizophrenia & Social Control conference which took place that November, almost just to keep ourselves busy inbetween VF events. The speed at which these events could be put together was dictated entirely by the internet; Mosaic, the first graphical web browser, was slowly starting to gain in popularity, making it possible for us to publicize these zero-budget conferences globally.
The shortage of funds forced us into innovation in other ways. VF '94 was propped up financially by its own club night, a strategy we continued to employ subsequently. In '94 I brought in The House of God, the Birmingham-based techno collective whose numbers include the now-famous DJs and producers Surgeon and Regis; in '95 the Parisian duo Rob Maze & Tom Louichon, and the London collective Technet played; in '96, by which time all the original VF team had left Warwick and the conference was continued under the aegis of Sadie Plant, I took control of the decks myself, DJing alongside A Guy Called Gerald, Tom Middleton, and Technical Itch. This unlikely marriage of hardcore techno and academic philosophy produced some of the most memorable moments of the VF events: one image burnt onto everyone's retinas was that of a certain pair of well-known, 'cutting-edge' cybertheorists demonstrating their avant-garde credentials by dancing like Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct.
Not all the speakers we tried to bring to VF '94 could make it that year, which meant that another conference was almost inevitable. For example, I was desperate to bring Hakim Bey, the New York-based writer, to VF '94, but was unable to do so as there was some doubt over the legality of his entering the UK. We found a way around this the following year…
Reproduced with the permission of Dan O'Hara. Read the original article here.


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IRONY: Democrat Blackface Scandal CRUSHES Career of Black Democrat
I'm overjoyed that the "blackface" scandal turned on Democrats. It's about time.
Even worse for the party of slavery and lynching, the scandal that was supposed to bring down a white Democrat governor and replace him with the black underling now potentially destroys the hopes and dreams of the black dude.
Leftism experiences its own "death spiral".
What began as a race scandal suddenly shifted to a #MeToo scandal. And According to The Hill,
Virginia House of Delegates Member Patrick Hope (D) announced Friday he intends to introduce articles of impeachment for Justin Fairfax unless the Democratic lieutenant governor resigns by Monday following new allegations of sexual assault.
"On Monday, I will be introducing articles of impeachment for Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax if he has not resigned before then," Hope tweeted.
On Monday, I will be introducing articles of impeachment for Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax if he has not resigned before then.
— Patrick Hope (@HopeforVirginia) February 8, 2019
Holy Mother of Harvey Weinstein, who knew Democrats allowed sexual predators in their midst?
Actually, everybody.
Why is latest sexual predator, Lt. Gov. Fairfax under fire? Now two women accuse the Leftist scumbag of sexual abuse.
Hope issued the declaration hours after a second woman came forward on Friday to publicly accuse Fairfax of sexual assault.
A lawyer for Meredith Watson released a statement saying Fairfax raped her in 2000 when they were both students at Duke University, adding that the alleged attack was "premeditated and aggressive."
Vanessa Tyson was the first woman to accuse Fairfax of misconduct earlier this week, saying the lieutenant governor sexually assaulted her in 2004 at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.
"What began as consensual kissing quickly turned into a sexual assault," Tyson, a college professor from California, said in a statement Wednesday. "Mr. Fairfax forced me to perform oral sex on him."
Fairfax has denied both allegations. He issued a statement Friday claiming they were part of "a vicious and coordinated smear campaign" and vowing, "I will not resign."
And then there were two…then three, then who knows how many.
But unlike the Kavanaugh hearings, these women are legit. And we are not talking about 40 year old allegations. It seems Fairfax shows a history of rape and sexual abuse or why else would the mass defections occur?
CNN reports of Fairfax defections in VA:
He lost a major bloc of support Friday night when the Democratic members of the Virginia House of Delegates and state Senate issued a joint statement calling on him to step down.
"Due to the serious nature of these allegations, we believe Lieutenant Governor Fairfax can no longer fulfill his duties to the Commonwealth," the statement read. "He need to address this as a private citizen. The time has come for him to step down."
It's one thing for a bunch of white people to defect from Fairfax, but this next defection ends him for sure.
And in another major moment about an hour later, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus wrote that its members "believe it is best for Lt. Governor Fairfax to step down from his position."
"While we believe that anyone accused of such a grievous and harmful act must receive the due process prescribed by the Constitution, we can't see it in the best interest of the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Lieutenant Governor to remain in his role," the group added.
And then things went national, as Virginia senators defected as well.
Late Friday night, both of Virginia's powerful Democratic US senators — Tim Kaine and Mark Warner — called on Fairfax to resign in separate statements.
I haven't seen such a mass exodus from a black man since OJ Simpson.
This "throw minorities under the train" moment can only be compared to what Pelosi and other high-ranking white Democrats are doing to Ocasio-Cortez, as I wrote about earlier.
If you ask me, we now witness the dismantling of the radical Left inside the Democratic Party. And the true plantation owner, Pelosi set up the upstart Puerto Rican, then threw in two black far-Left radicals to boot.
I believe this is a sophisticated high-tech lynching.
Expect more housecleaning, as Democrats continue to rid their party of radical Obama-era house Negroes. The carnage has only begun.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Where to pick brains
An online productivity tool helps bring business ideas to life
By | Mar 10, 2009
Expert advice—perhaps even financing for your business—is now a mouse-click away thanks to the Brain Gain Network (http://www.BGN.org), a website connecting professionals and students keen on boosting the Philippines' competitiveness abroad.
The website is owned and managed by Narra Venture Capital (http://www.narravc.com), a venture capital, fund management, and consulting firm focusing on investments in private hi-tech companies with potential for strong growth.
It features the largest database of Filipino and non-Filipino technical experts around the world—including Silicon Valley's Dado Banatao, former Ohio University engineering dean Joe Cruz, and Tivoli software firm co-founder Peter Valdes—and stores data on members' academic background, experience, skills, and where they may be reached, according to Marc Loinaz and Paco Sandejas, the electrical engineers who planned the project while completing their doctorates at Stanford University in 1992 and launched it last December. It even has a mentoring facility and forums where people may discuss the latest trends in various technologies.
BGN members may research for free, but the website plans to provide premium services for a fee soon. It invites Filipino scientists and engineers to register so they may be reached for projects needing their expertise.
tech brain gain network bgn financing for your business narra venture capital business ideas
The rehabilitation alternative
Responsible companies sell more


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Posted 2:00 am by TheBuzz & filed under .
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Preserving Positivity: Kelly Finney Receives Annual Ocean Festival Dorothy Fuller Award
in San Clemente Ocean Festival, SPECIAL SECTIONS
Kelley Finney reacts to being selected as the 2018 Dorothy Fuller Award, which is given to someone who shows exemplary commitment to Ocean Festival and volunteer work. Photo: Eric Heinz
By Eric Heinz
You can see her on the beach, roads, fields and other terrain wearing her trademark referee uniform at many San Clemente events.
Through her dedication to volunteerism and sunshine attitude, Kelly Finney was named the 2018 recipient of the Dorothy Fuller Award, which is given to someone who shows exceptional initiative to the preservation of Ocean Festival.
"For once, I think I might be speechless," Finney said on July 5 at Casa Romantica, after her name was called at the sponsors dinner, which honors organizations that donate to Ocean Festival as well as the award recipient.
"I am flattered. I am honored. I feel like there are so many people that are better deserving of this," Finney continued. "I love the Ocean Festival. I don't think I'll ever forget the Chamber (of Commerce) mixer where Peggy (Vance, the executive director of Ocean Festival) cornered me and asked me to volunteer. And I never left, but how could you leave this family? It's a great family to be a part of, and I just love being part of it."
Tod Bryant, the overseer of the famous Rubber Duck Races, gave the reasons they chose Finney for the award.
Kelley Finney holds the Dorothy Fuller Award on July 5 at Casa Romantica during a dinner for sponsors and recognitions. Photo: Eric Heinz
"Our 2018 Dorothy Fuller Award recipient has worked fiendishly on athletic registration, implementing an electronic pre-registration aspect to the lifeguard and beach events, stand-up paddleboard and Groms Rule surf events and Dolphin Dash," Bryant said, adding to a laundry list of accomplishments of Finney's.
Finney also served as the Ocean Festival foundation's board treasurer for the past three years and that she always "has a positive attitude and offers her assistance at first chance, which is the epitome of someone deserving of this award," Bryant said.
At Ocean Festival's Dorothy Fuller Award dinner, Vance said the Ocean Festival has been making healthy profits so far on its T-shirt and other merchandise sales, about $63,000 so far, and that number is expected to rise. Most of the funding for Ocean Festival is garnered through corporate sponsorships, donations and various other ways to fund the some-$124,000 (according to Ocean Festival's 2017 IRS forms) it spends to host the event. Money is also collected from registration fees.
"This is a record year for us," Vance said about the fundraising. "We have people out there selling products and we appreciate all the volunteers."
Vance said there are 38 sponsors this year for the Ocean Festival.
The award is named after Dorothy Fuller, known as the mother of Ocean Festival, who organized events in San Clemente in 1977 with the local lifeguards. The festival had been sort of an unofficial gathering in the years before then. Fuller coined the phrase "The Greatest Show on Surf."
Tags: beachCaliforniaCompeitionOcean FestivalOrange CountyPeopleSan Clemente
Drinking in the MoonShine: Laguna Beach Modern Rockabilly, Blues Band to Perform at Ocean Festival


Cheap driving lessons are what every learner driver dreams of. Ideally, we all want high quality, high quantity, low-cost lessons – and we want them now!
Sadly, those four attributes rarely go together. Cheap lessons are generally low-budget for a reason – either the quality of the teaching isn't all that high, or the instructor is relatively new to the driving instruction game.
It's not an ideal situation for new learners. However, there's a very bright light at the end of the tunnel – or rather, numerous lights.
The main, and most popular, way to find cheap driving lessons is to look for special offers. Several major driving franchises such as the AA, Bill Plant and BSM now offer the first 5 or 6 driving lessons for knockdown prices – usually the equivalent of 50% off the standard price. That means your initial stint of lessons is pretty cheap, around £60 for 5 or 6 lessons. Some companies will sweeten the deal by offering the first hour free – which is quite logical, given that in the first hour you'll barely hit 10mph on a small housing estate.
After those first few lessons, the price will go back up to the standard £22/23 per hour – so in the long run you won't save yourself an arm and a leg, but in the short term, franchise driving lesson deals are a good way to help you get started on a budget.
Another, less well-known, route to cheap driving lessons is to look in your local supermarkets and newspapers. Often, newly qualified ADI instructors will advertise their services in shop windows or in the classified adverts section of local papers. Because they're new, and have yet to build up a base of loyal tutees, their prices reflect their experience and popularity, and are generally cheaper than those of their more experienced or more established counterparts. That doesn't mean they'll be sub-standard quality, though – newly qualified instructors have only just finished their training, so all the rules, regulations and tips will be fresh in their minds. They're likely to be younger as well, if that's one of your preferences.
A third way to find cheaper lessons is to shop around. Driving lessons, like so many other services, can be more expensive in different regions and counties – so if your local companies aren't all that budget-friendly, try looking a few miles further down the road, or across the border. Many instructors and franchises also offer a 'to/from work' service, so pricing up lessons near your place of work can be pretty useful too.
Why not head over to our Driving Instructor search page to start looking? Just enter your town or postcode and we'll bring up all the details of instructors in your area.


The problem for casters right now is that between long cast times, penetration issues, and a lack of grazes it feels like a lot of sitting around just for a really high chance of doing not much. That's a balance problem, and I have faith it will be solved.
I think Obsidian has actually implemented the perfect solution in POE2 Deadfire. A way to keep spellcasters impactful without rendering them overpowered. The Vancian Per-Rest system had the problem of spellcasters only being useful situationally, and making every spell per-encounter would make them underpowered because their spells would have to be adjusted to compensate. But Obsidian has done neither of these things because of the addition of extremely long cast times. This way, spells can remain very powerful without being overpowered. Plus, your primary complaint about every spell being per-encounter is that you don't need to adapt to being down spells, but I actually think the long cast times completely invalidate that point because if you waste time casting a spell you don't actually need then you are essentially not adapting to the situation correctly (not to mention that this very harshly punishes poor positioning since you can be so easily interrupted).
What needs to be done is that spells need to be made more powerful all across the board. In the current beta build, spells are extremely underpowered because they're still balanced at POE1 levels or below which doesn't account for the extremely long cast times. A completed spell should have extreme impact because of the time it takes to execute, but currently it does not.
Edited by Novem, 19 November 2017 - 11:15 PM.
Guess there aren't any new invisibility spells/abilities yet or they'd have been mentioned.
2) Add an additional spells each level for singleclass.
Seems legit. But the system is not bad himself. Per Encounter is more fun.
Edited by theBalthazar, 20 November 2017 - 12:17 AM.
I like Deadfire per combat spell mechanics more, but, what I really don't like - casting speed and changes to grimoire system.
I really enjoy the new spell and ability systems they have created for pillars 2. If you need more casts, just use empower. If not, you have extra. The number of spell casts you get seems balanced pretty well for one's level.
The drop of the vancian casting model including the spellbooks was a really big mistake in my opinion.
Edited by jaydee.2k, 23 November 2017 - 05:32 AM.
This is an oft-overlooked point. In a game like Pillars, where many enemies use the same abilities as the PCs, per-rest spells favour them immensely.
Apart from that, I'll add my voice to what everyone else has been saying. Per-rest spells are impossible to balance and completely wreck pacing. It was possible, in Pillars, to have your spellcasters consistently and strongly contribute with their passive and per-encounter abilities. Which, of course, is a problem, because then they contribute closely to the other classes while still sitting on spells that can decide an encounter.
I don't know what problems spellcasting has in the beta right now, but per-rest spells belong six feet under.
I somewhat agree with your first point, strongly disagree with your second.
Nothing stops you from unleashing your strongest spells ?
Except, I don't know... friendly fire perchance ?
That, and enemies ruining your casts ?
Lastly, you get more spellcasts between rests, but you can use less of them every fight.
In POE1, pretty much all of us ended up saving our spells for that one big fight where they would actually make a difference.
Then, you'd empty your daily allotment.
So yeah, your spells felt awesome I absolutely agree with you there ; you just never got to use them !
I'm still not sure how I feel about per-encounter spells (because one feels like they have to be less powerful, to make up for the increase in availability), but I know I disliked the idea of regular per-rest spells on wizards/druids/priests when ciphers could spam theirs for free.
While this is a cogent point indeed, that enemies get to use their full repertoire against you, there are other much more impactful elements they do not get.
They don't get to pause the game and think on the situation.
They cannot predict your behaviour, while you can definitely predict theirs.
They have no real intelligence, they're merely using weights to influence the "decision" they'll be "taking".
They don't get to set-up (position characters, eat food, change gear, even set traps...) like you do.
They don't get to reload once you've wiped them.
Seem like oft-overlooked points as well ?
You bet they are, and these work in our favour.
Ours is an immeasurably stronger position than theirs.
These are good points. Josh has emphasised the smarter AI, so I wonder if we'll ever have AI that uses abilities close to player efficiency. Or at least, don't fry their own dudes with friendly fire.
Corpse Eater Barb's description say that they "kill the target permanently", so I wonder if enemies can use revives now. I do hope so, since again, I like players and (standard kith) enemies to be on relatively equal footing.


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OTHER THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED – JULY 6
HOW DID HUNGER FOR THE HUMBLE VANILLA POD LEAD TO GREED, CRIME AND RICHES?
In the June/July edition of The Economist 1843 magazine is a fascinating article (especially for those of us hooked on vanilla ice cream) about the history of vanilla in Madagascar, and the problems facing the industry, and the ordinary people of Madagascar. It mentions that Indonesia, Uganda and Papua New Guinea are all planting vanilla, and US agriculture researchers are exploring ways to genetically engineer a more labour-efficient plant.
https://www.1843magazine.com/features/the-bitter-truth-behind-madagascars-roaring-vanilla-trade
LATVIAN FINANCIAL REGULATOR AND DEPUTY QUIT WITH GOLDEN HANDSHAKES
LSM, the national broadcaster in Latvia, confirmed on 5th July that Financial and Capital Market Commission (FKTK) Chairman Peters Putniņš and his deputy Gunta Razāne both handed in their submitted their resignations on July 4th.
https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/banks/latvian-financial-regulator-and-deputy-quit-with-golden-handshakes.a324679/
EMILIO LOZOYA: FORMER MEXICAN OIL CHIEF ACCUSED OF CORRUPTION
On 6th July, the BBC reported that an arrest warrant has been issued for Emilio Lozoya, former chief executive of Mexican state oil company Pemex. He is accused of taking $10 million in bribes from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht, and his wife, sister and mother are wanted in the same corruption case.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-48891030
https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/First-Arrest-Over-Odebrecht-Corruption-In-Mexico-20190705-0018.html
IRISH CHARITY SEEKS €2.5 MILLION IN DAMAGES FROM FUNDRAISER IN US THEFT CASE
The Irish Times on 6th July reported that the American Ireland Fund (AIF) is seeking damages of $2.9 million against Karla Stover, the charity's former fundraising director in Texas, alleging theft and fraud against her in a US court case.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/charity-seeks-2-5m-in-damages-from-fundraiser-in-us-theft-case-1.3947914
CROSS-BORDER SHOPPERS DECLARE GOODS VIA SWISS CUSTOMS APP
Customs Today on 3rd July carried an article saying that some 90,000 people have downloaded QuickZoll app, a mobile phone app to speed them through customs when they declare goods at the Swiss border. Swiss customs said the innovation had netted them $1.1 million in duties since it was launched a year ago, with more than 13,000 declarations since spring 2018.
http://www.customstoday.com.pk/cross-border-shoppers-declare-goods-via-swiss-customs-app/
WHAT IS THE MOST DANGEROUS DRUG?
On 25th June, The Economist carried an article saying that some drugs classified as highly dangerous are less harmful than alcohol or tobacco. A report published by the Global Commission on Drug Policy asks why alcohol is legal, while other more harmful intoxicants are not. It blames the UN's drug classification system, which sorts some 300 psychoactive substances into "schedules" according to their harms and benefits. Some, such as morphine, have medical uses. Others, such as psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms), are used mostly recreationally. Drugs without any apparent medical utility are automatically placed in the most dangerous category—and subjected to the strictest criminal penalties—regardless of the risk they pose.
https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2019/06/25/what-is-the-most-dangerous-drug
INDONESIAN COAL COMPANY USED TAX HAVEN SUBSIDIARIES TO MOVE MILLIONS OFFSHORE
On 4th July, Global Witness claimed that Adaro Energy, one of the world's largest coal companies, has been moving vast amounts of profit to a growing offshore network – that may have helped it avoid or minimise the tax it pays in Indonesia. It says that the Indonesian company cultivates a proud image of contributing to the nation, but might have reduced the amount of tax it would otherwise pay in Indonesia by $125 million between 2009 and 2017 using its tax haven network.
https://www.globalwitness.org/en-gb/campaigns/oil-gas-and-mining/indonesias-shifting-coal-money-3-taxing-times-for-adaro/
SAUDI ARABIA STILL HOLDS ON TO IRANIAN OIL TANKER THAT BROKE DOWN AFTER 2 MONTHS
On 5th July, Insurance Marine News reported that Saudi authorities are refusing to allow an Iranian oil tanker, which broke down off the coast of Jeddah early in May, to leave the port, despite the fact that Iran has paid for the cost of the repairs. Saudi Arabia has reportedly asked the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) for an additional $200,000 cost per day for maintenance.
https://insurancemarinenews.com/insurance-marine-news/saudi-arabia-still-holds-on-to-iranian-oil-tanker-after-two-months/
US GOVERNMENT DEMANDS $12.7 BILLION FROM "EL CHAPO"
The Daily Mail on others on 6th July reported that, following his conviction, drug trafficker Jaoquin Guzman now faces a demand for $12.7 billion – the amount the government says his cartel made.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7219507/Prosecutors-order-Joaquin-El-Chapo-Guzman-pay-12-7-BILLION.html
GUINEA PRESIDENT TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION OVER ALLEGATIONS IN BOLLORE FRAUD CASE IN FRANCE
The Sowetan Live in South Africa on 6th July reported that Guinean President Alpha Conde has said that he would file a complaint in the French courts over allegations raised in a corruption case embroiling French billionaire Vincent Bollore. Conde who is said to be close to industrialist Bollore also took aim at the Guinean press for, in his view, failing "to defend the nation". Bollore, 66, head of the Bollore Group, was charged after authorities launched an investigation into how its African logistics subsidiary secured contracts to run Lome port in Togo and Conakry port in Guinea, and if Bollore Group's communications arm, Havas, undercharged Conde and Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe for work on their campaigns as a sweetener for the contracts.
https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/africa/2018-05-04-guinea-president-to-take-legal-action-over-bollore-row/
FREE PORTS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FREE-TRADE ZONES
On 6th July, the Guardian published a Q&A feature as it says Boris Johnson is said to be considering establishing free ports in the UK if he succeeds Theresa May as UK prime minister. Belfast, Teesside and Aberdeen are among potential sites for the tax-free economic zones.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jul/06/what-is-a-free-port-all-you-need-to-know-about-free-trade-zones-brexit
SON OF HAMAS FOUNDER SPLITS FROM ORGANISATION OVER RAMPANT CORRUPTION AND RACISM
On 6th July, a post in Kenneth Rijock's blog reports news (also seen in Israeli media) that Suheid Yousef, whose father is Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef, has publicly broken with the organisation, and fled the Middle East, due its systemic corruption. He described Hamas to media, during a TV interview, as "a racist, terror organisation" which is basically working for Iran, and not for the goal of Palestinian independence.
http://rijock.blogspot.com/2019/07/son-of-hamas-founder-splits-from.html
ALMOST $400 MILLION OF THE DRUG ICE FOUND HIDDEN IN CONTAINER AT SYDNEY PORT
On 6th July, Customs Today reported that last month a container declared as containing clothing to the attention of Australian Border Force authorities at the Sydney Container Examination Facility near Port Botany. When they dismantled the container they found 500 kg of methamphetamine, in 500 packages spread across 6 of the 10 pallets, with a street value of $375 million.
http://www.customstoday.com.pk/almost-400m-of-the-drug-ice-found-hidden-in-container-at-sydney-port/
https://www.illicit-trade.com/2019/07/australian-law-enforcement-agencies-arrest-four-men-after-seizing-half-a-tonne-of-methamphetamine/
AFRICAN FREE TRADE ZONE EXPECTED FROM 2020
On 6th July, Customs Today reported that a landmark African free trade zone due to be ceremonially launched at a summit in Niger is expected to take effect from July 2020, the African Union (AU) trade commissioner has said. The launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — 17 years in the making — will be the major focus at the AU summit. According to the AU, the zone, bringing together Africa's 1.2 billion people into the world's largest trade bloc, could increase intra-African trade by 60% by 2022. Some have feared that cheaper imports will hit small manufacturers and farming families.
http://www.customstoday.com.pk/african-free-trade-zone-expected-from-2020/
SRI LANKA'S LARGEST METHAMPHETAMINE HAUL BUSTED AT CENTRAL MAIL EXCHANGE
On 5th July, Customs Today reported that 5,500 Methamphetamine pills hidden inside a subwoofer speaker were smuggled into the country from Belgium.
http://www.customstoday.com.pk/sri-lankas-largest-methamphetamine-haul-busted-at-central-mail-exchange/
77% OF DRUG TRAFFICKERS ARE US CITIZENS, NOT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
The CATO Institute in the US on 3rd July published an article saying that when people think of drug smugglers, they often imagine illegal immigrants sneaking into the US across the southwest border. But the reality is that the vast majority of drug smuggling occurs at ports of entry (including airports), and the vast majority of traffickers are US citizens. US citizens had 77% of federal drug trafficking convictions in 2018 (up from 69% in 2012). It points out that most drug trafficking occurs at ports of entry because most drugs — other than marijuana — are easier to conceal in legal luggage than while crossing the Rio Grande or the desserts in Arizona. As a result, officers at ports and airports seized between 80% and 90%t of every major drug type except for marijuana.
https://www.cato.org/blog/77-drug-traffickers-are-us-citizens-not-illegal-immigrants
ZIMBABWE: POLICE AND AGENCIES TO BE GIVEN POWERS TO SEIZE WEALTH IF OWNERS FAIL TO EXPLAIN HOW THEY ACQUIRED IT
Pindula News on 6th July reported that the government has gazetted the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Amendment Bill (2019) that seeks to give the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) powers to seek explanations from people who exhibit wealth without the means of obtaining it.
https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/07/06/zacc-zimra-police-given-powers-to-seize-wealth-if-owners-fail-to-explain-how-they-acquired-it/
This blog is primarily for my own use, to keep informed and up to date. However, if you would like to say thank you (and perhaps help me get a new, better laptop when I am away…) you can "buy me a coffee" at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/KoIvM842y
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"Girl Gone Wild" este un cântec al interpretei americane Madonna de pe cel de-al doisprezecelea ei album de studio, MDNA (2012). Piesa compusă de Jenson Vaughan, Madonna, Benny Benassi și verișorul său, Alle Benassi (cunoscuți sub numele de Benassi Bros.) și produsă de Benassi Bros împreună cu Madonna a fost lansată ca cel de-al doilea disc single extras de pe album la 2 martie 2012 prin Interscope Records.

Din punct de vedere muzical, "Girl Gone Wild" este o piesă de petrecere electropop cu un ritm moderat și influențe four-on-the-floor. Cântecul începe cu o rugăciune, fiind mai apoi acompaniat de elemente ale muzicii electronice. După lansarea piesei, Joe Francis, creatorul francizei Girls Gone Wild, a amenințat că o va da în judecată pe Madonna pentru încălcarea drepturilor de autor dacă aceasta va cânta piesa în timpul spectacolului de la Super Bowl. Reprezentanții cântăreței au declarată că aceasta nici nu știa de Francis sau de proces, și că au fost lansate mai multe cântece cu același nume de către alți artiști.

"Girl Gone Wild" a primit recenzii mixte din partea criticilor de specialitate, aceștia lăudând întoarcerea Madonnei la muzica dance, însă criticând versurile cântecului și considerând că nu a fost cântecul potrivit pentru deschiderea albumului MDNA. Cântecul a devenit un șlagăr de top 10 în Ungaria, Israel, Italia, Rusia, Africa de Sud, Coreea de Sud, Spania și Grecia. Piesa s-a clasat pe locul 38 în clasamentul Pop Songs datorită difuzărilor de radio. "Girl Gone Wild" a devenit, de asemenea, cea de-a 42-a piesă a Madonnei care să ocupe prima poziție a clasamentului Hot Dance Club Songs.

Un videoclip alb-negru regizat de Mert & Marcus a fost lansat la 20 martie 2012. Acesta o prezintă pe Madonna și câteva fotomodele în diferite ipostaze, dansând cu trupa ucraineană Kazaky. Videoclipul a primit laude din partea criticilor, recenzenții notând similarități cu videoclipurile mai vechi ale Madonnei, precum "Erotica", "Justify My Love", "Human Nature" și "Vogue". "Girl Gone Wild" a fost interpretată ca piesă de deschidere a turneului MDNA Tour (2012).

Informații generale

În decembrie 2010, Madonna a scris un mesaj pe pagina ei de Facebook, spunând că este în căutare de "cei mai nebuni, mai tari și mai șmecheri oameni" pentru a colabora la crearea de muzică dance nouă. La 4 iulie 2011, managerul Madonnei, Guy Oseary, a anunțat că solista se află în procesul de înregistrare pentru cel de-al doisprezecelea ei album de studio. Pe lângă alți colaboratori înrolați pentru proiect se afla și producătorul italian de înregistrări, Benny Benassi, care la acel timp lucra la lansarea celui de-al patrulea lui album de studio, Electroman. Șeful casei de discuri al lui Benassi, Patrick Moxey, a considerat că sunetul "agresiv" al producătorului ar "merge bine cu unele dintre marile superstaruri americane". Moxey i-a cerut câteva piese suplimentare pentru el și vechiul său partener de producții și verișor, Alle (Allessandro) Benassi.

Câteva demo-uri realizate de ei au fost trimise textierului Jenson Vaughan, acesta apreciind versurile și sunetul de "bas puternic". Vaughan a adăugat câteva elemente demo-ului și i l-a returnat lui Moxey, acesta împărtășindu-l cu co-managerul lui Benassi, Paul Sears, care la rândul său l-a împărtășit cu Oseary. După ce le-a ascultat, Madonna a fost impresionată de demo-uri și i-a cerut echipei Benassi Bros. să vină la Londra pentru a se alătura ședințelor de înregistrare. Moxey a comentat că solista "a iubit [producătorul]. Benny este o persoană de calitate; Cred că asta a făcut totul mai ușor". Două piese realizate în ședințe, "Girl Gone Wild" și "I'm Addicted", au fost incluse pe lista finală a pieselor ce urmau să fie incluse pe album, numit MDNA. Madonna a vorbit despre experiența ei de colaborare cu Benassi Bros.:

La o zi după interpretarea Madonnei de la Super Bowl, cântăreața i-a confirmat lui Ryan Seacrest că "Girl Gone Wild" va fi lansat ca cel de-al doilea disc single extras de pe album. Un videoclip cu versuri a fost lansat la 27 februarie 2012, fiind pus la dispoziție spre descărcare digitală pe iTunes Store la 2 martie 2012. Coperta single-ului a fost dezvăluită pe 29 februarie 2012. Realizată de fotografii Mert and Marcus, cei care au creat și coperțile albumului MDNA, imaginea o prezintă pe Madonna purtând o lenjerie realizată de retailerul britanic Agent Provocateur. Solista a ales totodată și sutienul cu burete "Raphaella", fabricat din dantelă franțuzească și tul lustruit. Kyle Anderson de la Entertainment Weekly a lăudat coperta cântecului, spunând că Madonna "poartă totuși lenjerie în public mai bine decât majoritatea femeilor care au jumătate din vârstei ei". Gregory DelliCarpini de la revista Billboard a considerat că solista se prezintă distrându-se "într-o lenjerie indecentă" pe copertă, în ciuda faptului că este mamă. "E asta oare versiunea din secolului 21 a sutienului ei în formă de con? Nu, însă te-a făcut să te uiți [la ea]", a concluzionat el.

Amenințarea cu un proces
Pe 4 februarie 2012, Joe Francis, creatorul francizei video Girls Gone Wild, a amenințat că o va da în judecată pe Madonna dacă aceasta va cânta piesa în timpul spectacolului de la Super Bowl. Reprezentanții lui au spus că "[Madonna] a încălcat legile privind mărcile comerciale federale și de stat prin utilizarea neautorizată a mărcii comerciale a domnului Francis, Girls Gone Wild, nu doar în titlu, ci și ca subiect de a atrage potențialii consumatori ca să-i cumpere cele mai recente eforturi muzicale". National Football League (NFL) au dezvăluit în revista lor că piesa nu va fi interpretată la Super Bowl. Opinând asupra acuzațiilor aduse, Moxey a comentat că Francis și-a dorit doar atenția presei, adăugând că: "Atunci când m-am uitat la ASCAP, am observat că sunt înregistrate aproximativ 50 de cântece cu același nume. Acest individ se gândește prea mult doar la el".

Titlul piesei a fost ușor modificat în singularul "Girl Gone Wild", cu Francis menționând faptul că "În mod evident, casa ei de discuri a încercat să evite un proces din cauza cântecului ... Dar [noul titlu] este, în continuare, o încălcare în ceea ce privește legea, iar noi am contactat oamenii Madonnei pentru a rezolva această problemă". Acesta a adăugat că va continua cu acțiuni în justiție dacă nu se vor face alte modificări la piesă. Avocatul lui Francis a mai spus că acesta și-a făcut marca comercială cu forma la singular a titlului cântecului. Oseary a negat faptul că titlul piesei a fost modificat datorită lui Francis, explicând că Madonna a terminat versiunea finală a albumului MDNA, titlul fiind redenumit datorită cuvântului folosit la singular, "girl", în versuri. El a declarat că există mai multe melodii intitulate "Girls Gone Wild" pe iTunes iar Madonna nu și-a dat seama de un proces sau de Francis. Oseary a concluzionat prin a spune că solista nu ar fi fost împiedicată să interpreteze cântecul la Super Bowl, deși a ales să nu o facă.

Structura muzicală și versurile
"Girl Gone Wild" a fost înregistrat la MSR Studios în New York City și la Sarm West Studios în Notting Hill, Londra. Piesa a fost compusă de Madonna, Vaughan și Benassi Bros. și produsă de Madonna și Benassi. Demacio "Demo" Castellon a înregistrat și mixat cântecul. Philippe Weiss și Graham Archer l-au asistat pe Castellon la înregistrare, Angie Teo asistând la mixaj. Stephen "The Koz" Kozmeniuk s-a ocupat de modificările suplimentare ale piesei, aranjând vocoderul. Benny Benassi a reamintit că Madonna sosea la studio în jurul orei 15:00-16:00, lucrând până la 23:30. Împreună, au stabilit producția cântecului, implicându-se inclusiv la aranjamentul acestuia. Ei au mai adăugat câteva voci compoziției în timpul refrenului și s-au pus de acord asupra numărului de voci care ar trebui duplicate. Potrivit lui Alle Benassi, "în mintea ei totul era limpede: ea știa foarte bine ce vrea: unde să pună ceva, cum, de ce. Pare ireal, dar impresionant".

"Girl Gone Wild" este o piesă de petrecere cu ritm moderat four-on-the-floor și sună similar cu cântecele de pe cel de-al zecelea album de studio al solistei, Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005). Kerri Mason de la revista Billboard a descris piesa ca fiind dance cu mai multe influențe electro decât house. Jason Lipshutz de la aceeași publicație a clasat piesa în genul electropop, adăugând că are un "ritm agitat" și un "ante-refren exploziv" ce amintește de single-ul Madonnei din 2005, "Hung Up". Cântecul începe cu o rugăciune, Madonna spunând "Oh my God, I'm heartily sorry" (ro.: "Doamne Dumnezeule, îmi pare rău din toată inima"), aceasta fiind rostită în timpul ultimei piese de pe albumul Like a Prayer (1989), "Act of Contrition". Într-un vers intermediar, cântăreața vorbește despre modul în care "fetele bune" nu au voie să se poarte urât. Ailbhe Malone de la NME a remarcat faptul că structura piesei include elemente din single-urile anterioare ale solistei, "Music" (2000) și "Jump" (2006). În timp ce aceasta cântă "forgive me" (ro.: "iartă-mă"), beat-ul își face prezența complet, muzica destrămându-se. Vocea Madonnei este prelucrată pentru a suna ușoară și subțire.

Potrivit unei partituri publicate de Sony/ATV Music Publishing, "Girl Gone Wild" este compus în tonalitatea La minor și are un tempo moderat de 127 de bătăi pe minut. Vocea Madonnei variază de la Sol minor la Re minor. Cântecul urmărește o secvență de Sol♯minor–Do♯minor–Mi în timpul rugăciunii și La minor–Mi minor–Sol–Fa în restul progresiei de acorduri. Mike Senior de la revista Sound on Sound a considerat că, pe lângă sunetele predominante de sintetizatoare, piesa conține "multă" dublare vocală ceea ce face vocea cântăreței neclară. El a mai opinat că asta nu a fost o problemă în sunetul stereo, însă în sunetul mono, vocile combinate apar dublu canalizate pe măsură ce nivelul vocal scade. Mixajul pentru "Girl Gone Wild" a fost realizat, în principal, pentru difuzoarele stereo în jurul minutul 1:45-2:00, nivelul vocal fluctuând în timp ce muzica de fundal este acoperită. Senior a observat, de asemenea, că Madonna a pus accentele cuvintelor pe beat-ul piesei, de aceea unele enunțuri se pierd odată cu sunetul tobelor, în special în timpul ante-refrenului.

Din punct de vedere al versurilor, cântecul se adresează unei "fete bune ce devine sălbatică", cântând despre "dorința ei fierbinte-arzătoare" de a se distra. Piesa conține referințe la single-ul din 1983 al cântăreței Cyndi Lauper, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", cu versuri precum "Girls, they just wanna have some fun" (ro.: "Fetele vor doar să se distreze") și "The room is spinning / It must be the Tanqueray / I'm about to go astray / My inhibitions gone away" (ro.: "Camera se învârte / Tanqueray-ul trebuie să fie motivul/ Sunt pe cale să mă rătăcesc / Inhibițiile mele au dispărut"). În versul intermediar, Madonna rostește "forgive me" (ro.: "iartă-mă"), acesta fiind un termen catolic folosit ca referință sexuală. Versurile, odată plasate în contextul carierei Madonnei "au un nou înțeles" potrivit lui Josh Haigh de la revista Attitude. Acesta a mai adăugat că semnificația din spatele versurilor este modul în care solista, fiind o fată catolică însăși, decide că nu va fi legată de regulile altora, prin urmare, devenind unul dintre cei mai recunoscuți artiști muzicali.

Recepția criticilor
După lansarea sa, "Girl Gone Wild" a obținut recenzii mixte din partea criticilor de specialitate. Keith Caulfied de la revista Billboard l-a considerat un cântec "foarte dansabil care punctează al Madonnei", și mai susține că refrenul face ca piesa să fie una memorabilă. Robbie Daw de la Idolator a spus că "Madge face ce știe cel mai bine: însuflețește atmosfera pe ringul de dans", însă "cântecul este aglomerat de banalitățile pop sexuale". Jon Dolan de la Rolling Stone i-a oferit piesei stele trei din cinci. El a lăudat cântăreața pentru compoziția electro și Europop a cântecului, descriind-o ca fiind "energică, bogată și liniștitoare. Este sunetul unei femei care sosește pe ringul de dans pentru a restaura cât mai mult nebunia". Haigh de la Attitude a considerat că "Girl Gone Wild" ar fi trebuit să fie lansat ca primul disc single extras de pe MDNA. El a mai adăugat că piesa "strigă" după lucrările de la începutul anilor '90 ale Madonnei, complimentând cântecul și adăugând că "de ce trebuie să fie ceva care este considerat sub «Madonna»?". Matthew Todd de la aceeași publicație a apreciat piesa, opinând că "Producția ar suna putea ca și cum ai asculta un pic de Rihanna, dar cui îi pasă? Madonna își aduce propria autoritate, creând un fel de imn de petrecere, lucru la care se pricepe cel mai bine, genul de imn care aduce pe toată lumea pe ringul de dans, de la nepoata de 30 de ani până la mama de 60 de ani". Jurnalistul Bradley Stern de la MTV News a considerat că structura este similară cu single-ul "Celebration" (2009).

Un redactor de la Virgin Media i-a acordat piesei patru stele din cinci, scriind că "Sună un pic familiară, să nu mai vorbim de elemente neadecvate într-o piesă numită după o serie de filme porno americane, însă Benny Benassi ridică «Girl Gone Wild» la stadiul de hit fantastic și vibrant în stilul lui Kelis". Nick Levine, scriind pentru The National, a lăudat compoziția, spunând că "devine din ce în ce mai bună (și mai tare) de fiecare dată când o asculți". Michael Cragg de la The Guardian a simțit că piesa a fost "mai interesantă din punct de vedere muzical", în special de la mijloc spre final, adăugând că este "un semnal că am revenit la teritoriul Confessions on a Dance Floor în urma greșelilor de pe Hard Candy". Laurence Green de la musicOMH a considerat că piesa este o plecăciune către Confessions on a Dance Floor și "Get Together", cântecul fiind suficient de comercial pentru a reprezenta sunetul curent. Într-o recenzie a albumului MDNA, Neil McCormick de la The Daily Telegraph a lăudat piesa, numind-o "subțire, elegantă, egalând cerințele de ante-refrenuri potrivite pentru radio și energia pentru ringul de dans". Aidin Vaziri de la San Francisco Chronicle a numit cântecul "puternic și atractiv", considerând totuși că Madonna ar fi trebuit să găsească alte referințe lirice decât piesa lui Lauper. Matthew Parpetua de la Pitchfork Media a lăudat producția lui Benassi, adăugând că a meritat "să concureze cu soliste precum Kesha, Britney Spears și Katy Perry la posturile de radio pop". Senior de la Sound on Sound a fost mulțumit de sunetele sintetizatoarelor și abaterea de la "strălucirea" cântecelor de pe Confessions on a Dance Floor, făcând-o mult mai "palpitantă".

Eric Henderson de la Slant Magazine a scris că "Girl Gone Wild" sună ca o "versiune Tumblr-meme" a single-ului din 2006, "Get Together". El a mai menționat și faptul că single-ul "s-ar putea să nu fie nadirul carierei Madonnei de până acum, dar că mă pot gândi la câteva momente care reprezintă o trădare a moștenirii ei decât felul în care livrează inexpresiv replica «It's so erotic» (ro.: «Este așa erotic») chiar înainte de a ciripi «This feeling can't be beat» (ro.: «Acest sentiment nu poate fi învins»)". Robert Copsey de la Digital Spy a considerat că acreditările pentru producția de pe MDNA au stimulat "așteptările exagerate" pentru single. Copsey a mai adăugat că piesa nu a fost "gândită înainte" în comparație înregistrările anterioare ale Madonnei, citând versurile "Girls they just wanna have some fun/ Get fired up like a smoking gun"  (ro.: "Fetele doar vor să se distreze/ Să se aprindă ca scânteia unui pistol") ca exemplu, dar a ajuns la concluzia că "sfidăm pe oricine care nu își cântă în minte acest cântec imediat după ce l-a terminat de ascultat". Jurnalistul de la New York Observer, Daniel D'Addario, a comparat "Girl Gone Wild" cu "Music", adăugând că "Madonna era cu 12 ani mai tânără la acel moment și, probabil de aceea, imaginea de «fată rea» era mai convingătoare... poate că e timpul să încerce ceva complet diferit?". Într-un articol pentru The Guardian, Gareth Grundy a proclamat "Girl Gone Wild" ca fiind un "rave-pop stângaci", în timp ce Amanda Dobbins de la New York l-a desființat, numindu-l "o melodie dance neînsemnată, care face referire la Tanqueray care pare și mai slabă când este comparată cu albumul din care provine". Malone de la NME nu a găsit nici o inovație în cântec, opinând că "dacă am combina [piesa] cu single-ul ei anterior, «Give Me All Your Luvin'», ar arăta ca un amestec neplăcut pentru albumul MDNA". Margaret Wappler de la Los Angeles Time a opinat că Madonna ar fi fost mai bine să relanseze "Music" ca și single, în loc de "Girl Gone Wild". Aceasta a mai adăugat că "Există ceva foarte atrăgător în legătură cu o piesa atât de militaristă și precisă, însă în mâinile pricepute ale lui Madge este, de asemenea, sufocantă profesional".

Brad O'Mancey de la Popjustice a considerat că piesa nu a reușit să fie un început bun pentru MDNA, însă a sunat "puțin mai bine" după ce a terminat de ascultat întregul album. Redactor la Chicago Tribune, Greg Kot a fost de părere că, spre deosebire de imaginile catolice ale Madonnei din anii '80, "Girl Gone Wild" nu se aventurează pe un teritoriu nou cu sunetul său. Într-o recenzie a albumului pentru BBC News, Levine a numit cântecul "neatractiv și generic". Robert Leedham de la site-ul Drowned in Sound a opinat că piesa nu reprezintă sunetul albumului, lansarea ca single nereușind să-l promoveze. Jon Pareles de la The New York Times a numit cântecul "superficial", descriindu-l astfel datorită "sintetizatoarelor aproape stereo și titlului generic". Aceeași viziune a avut-o și Emily Mackay de la The Quietus, scriind că piesa s-ar fi potrivit mai bine unui alt artist deoarece este sub nivelul Madonnei.

Performanța în clasamentele muzicale
"Girl Gone Wild" a debutat pe locul șase în clasamentul Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles și pe locul 33 în Pop Digital Songs la 17 martie 2012 datorită celor 22.000 de descărcări digitale, potrivit Nielsen SoundScan. Cântecul a debutat pe locul 86 în topul Canadian Hot 100, clasându-se ulterior pe locul 42, poziția sa maximă. Piesa a petrecut un total de nouă săptămâni în clasament. "Girl Gone Wild" a debutat, de asemenea, pe locul 46 în Hot Dance Club Songs, ocupând ulterior poziția de top a clasamentului. Acesta a fost cel de-al doilea cântec de pe albumul MDNA care să se claseze pe primul loc în Dance Club Songs de la primul single, "Give Me All Your Luvin'", care a fost fruntaș în clasament trei săptămâni în urmă. Cu "Girl Gone Wild", Madonna a adunat în total 73 de săptămâni în care un cântec de-al ei ocupă prima poziție în topul respectiv. În clasamentul de final de an a melodiilor din Hot Dance Club Songs, piesa a fost clasată pe locul 44. "Girl Gone Wild" a debutat, de asemenea, pe locul 38 în Mainstream Top 40 datorită difuzărilor radio, MDNA devenind astfel primul album de la Music (2000) care să aibă două single-uri în clasamentul respectiv.

În urma lansării CD-ului în Regatul Unit, "Girl Gone Wild" a vândut 1.221 de exemplare CD single și 669 de exemplare 12-inch single, piesa clasându-se astfel pe locul doi în topul vânzărilor de CD-uri. Cu toate acestea, cântecul s-a vândut în 3.557 de exemplare, clasându-se astfel pe locul 73 în UK Singles Chart. "Girl Gone Wild" a devenit cel de-al treilea single de pe album care să ocupe un loc în clasament în urma pieselor "Give Me All Your Luvin'" și "Masterpiece". Piesa a avut, de asemenea, o poziție slabă în România și Irlanda, clasându-se pe locurile 82 și, respectiv, 93. În Coreea de Sud, "Girl Gone Wild" a debutat pe locul șapte datorită celor 30.512 exemplare vândute. Cântecul a vândut în total 54.198 de copii în regiunea respectivă. "Girl Gone Wild" a devenit un șlagăr de top 10 în Grecia, Ungaria, Italia, Rusia, Spania, Africa de Sud și Slovacia. Piesa a primit, de asemenea, discul de platină din partea Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana (FIMI) pentru vânzarea a peste 30.000 de exemplare digitale.

Videoclipul

Informații generale
În timpul unui interviu cu Ryan Seacrest, Madonna a confirmat că videoclipul pentru "Girl Gone Wild" va fi filmat în timpul săptămânii 17 februarie 2012. Oseary a confirmat prin intermediul unei postări pe contul lui de Twitter că Mert și Marcus vor fi regizorii videoclipului. Cântăreața a ales trupa de dans ucraineană Kazaky pentru a apărea în videoclip. Madonna a fost inspirată de ilustrarea androgină a grupului deoarece, cu toate că dansează în tocuri înalte, au o înfățișare masculină datorită corpurilor puternice. Potrivit lui Mark Johansen de la International Business Times, grupul a obținut popularitate în anul 2010 datorită "beat-urilor techno, ținutelor minuscule și stiletto-urilor înalte" precum și "videoclipurilor foarte stilizate". Tabitha, coregrafa videoclipului, a reamintit că, de vreme ce Madonna este o dansatoare profesionistă, aceasta a adăugat elemente ale rutinei sale caracteristice în coregrafie.

Cântăreața a mai recrutat și fotomodelele Brad Alphonso, Jon Kortajarena, Rob Evans, Sean O'Pry și Simon Nessman. În videoclip, Madonna a purtat o brasieră creată de Agent Provocateur. Stiletto-urile cântăreței, realizate de designerul de încălțăminte Paola Bay, au constat în mătase neagră brodată cu fire de argint. "Ea și-a dorit [ca stiletto-urile] să fie cât se poate de înalte pentru a putea dansa cu ei", a declarat Bay. Arianne Phillips, designerul costumelor din videoclip, a dezvăluit că a trebuit să creeze stiletto-uri cu toc înalt pentru Kazaky, datorită lipsei de pantofi cu dimensiunile celor din grup. Artur Gaspar din trupă a spus că "Până la sfârșitul zilei de pe platourile de filmat, picioarele noastre sângerau și am avut bășici... Dar dacă Madonna poate repeta dansul pentru a 50-a oară, noi de ce nu am putea?". Phillips a explicat că au creat trei look-uri diferite pentru cântăreață în videoclip. Primul a fost numit "super vulpea", iar Madonna a purtat un tricou scurt pe post de brasieră. Hairstylist-ul Andy Lecompte a vrut să meargă pe stilul anilor '60. Cel de-al doilea look, numit "rockstar", a constat în tricouri create de designerul Michael Smith cu plasă metalică în timp ce Lecompte i-a tăiat cântăreței părul scurt, astfel încât să semene cu înfățișările ei anterioare. Ultimul look, "bomba din platină", a fost inspirat de Marilyn Monroe.

Lansare și rezumat
Un fragment de 30 de secunde a fost lansat la 9 martie 2012. Premiera întregului videoclip a avut loc în timpul emisiunii E! News, pe 20 martie 2012. La scurt timp, acesta a fost pus la dispoziție spre vizionare pe site-ul lor. Înregistrat complet în alb-negru, videoclipul este opus față de videoclipul colorat și cu tematică fotbalistică pentru single-ul anterior, "Give Me All Your Luvin'". În loc să aibă o poveste, videoclipul este un ansamblu de înfățișări ce se referă la lucrările anterioare ale Madonnei.

Videoclipul începe cu solista în look-ul "bomba din platină", rostind rugăciunea de deschidere a cântecului. Pe măsură ce muzica începe, cântăreața este prezentată în celelalte look-uri realizând mișcări de yoga, aceste scene fiind intercalate de scene cu fotomodelele masculine în poziții provocatoare. Alte scene o prezintă pe Madonna dansând în fața unui perete, fumând o țigară sau fiind legată cu un lanț. Trupa Kazaky apare în timp ce primul refren începe, realizând o scenă de dans în tocuri. În timp ce solista cântă cea de-a doua strofă, aceasta este înconjurată de modelele aproape dezbrăcate. Madonna se alătură celor de la Kazaky în timpul următorului refren, dansând coregrafia împreună cu ei. Scene intercalate o prezintă pe cântăreață jucându-se cu o mașină de fum și ceață.

În timpul versului intermediar, un model masculin este prezentat dezbrăcat, purtând o coroană de spini pe cap, în timp ce Madonna este mângâiată de celelalte modele. Secvența finală a videoclipului o prezintă pe cântăreață dansând energic cu Kazaky, împreună cu mașina de fum și modelele frecându-se unii de ceilalți. "Girl Gone Wild" se încheie cu Madonna, aruncând mașina de ceață, urmată de o scenă în care este prezentată fața cântăreței cu lacrimi de culoare neagră revărsându-se din ochii ei.

Receptare
John Mitchell de la MTV News a observat cinci influențe principale din videoclipurile anterioare ale Madonnei. El a explicat că influențele din videoclipul pentru single-ul "Erotica" din 1992 sunt prezente în look-ul "bomba din platină" al cântăreței, la fel și scenele în care bărbații poartă lenjerie și scenele de S&M. Coregrafia are referințe directe către videoclipul piesei "Vogue" din 1990, erotismul homosexual fiind prezentat în ambele. Pentru Mitchell, videoclipul pentru "Human Nature" (1995) este referențiat în îmbrăcămintea din latex a Madonnei, precum și pozițiile pe care aceasta le avea în fața peretelui alb. Videoclipul piesei "Justify My Love" conține scene de orgie, asemănătoare cu cele în care Madonna este mângâiată de dansatori în "Girl Gone Wild", spre sfârșit. Mitchell a concluzionat spunând că iconografia religioasă din videoclipul piesei "Like a Prayer" (1989) este menționată prin coroana de spini.

Într-un alt articol, Jocelyn Vena de la MTV News a considerat că videoclipul este un "omagiu perfect" către cartea Madonnei, Sex, și albumul acesteia, Erotica (1992), descriindu-l ca "sexy, crocant și aspru". X. Alexander de la Idolator a comparat conceptul videoclipului și scenele de homoerotism cu videoclipurile din 1990, "Vogue" și "Justify My Love". Sophie A. Schillaci de la The Hollywood Reporter a observat referințe către videoclipul piesei "Like a Prayer" (1989). Nathalie Finn de la E! a opinat că: "Madonna nu are de nevoie de un cântec pentru a ne spune că e gata să danseze toată noaptea—poți arunca o singură privire la ea și constați că poate supraviețui mediului de petrecere în orice circumstanță". Aceasta a mai adăugat că referințele către lucrările anterioare precum și bărbații pe jumătate dezbrăcați reprezintă faptul că "nu numai fetele vor doar să se distreze".

Ethan Sack de la New York Daily News a spus că "e o dilemă între cine arată mai bine în colanți și tocuri înalte, fata materialistă de 53 de ani sau cârdul de dansatori fără tricouri care se învârt în jurul ei". Lanford Beard de la Entertainment Weekly a lăudat videoclipul, spunând că "o prezintă pe Madonna arătând cel mai bine de la «Hung Up» încoace. Desigur că sunt incluse și zvârcolirile obligatorii, datul din șolduri, o secvență erotică de dans și un anturaj masculin Este, într-un cuvânt, remarcabil". Melinda Newman de la HitFix a lăudat regizarea realizată de Mert și Marcus, considerând că "videoclipul este o colecție atrăgătoare de imagini erotice: doi bărbați mușcând un măr împreună, bărbați în fundal dansând în tocuri înalte, și Madge, arătând ca și cum ar fi o femeie de 25 de ani". The Week a lăudat videoclipul datorită auto-referințelor "întunecate și dominante". Amanda Dobbins de la revista New York i-a oferit o recenzie pozitivă videoclipului datorită grupului Kazakey și aspectului cântăreței. Caryn Ganz de la Spin a observat că există referințe și către videoclipurile "Give It 2 Me" (2008) și "Celebration" (2009) datorită scenelor în care Madonna dansează "incredibil" singură.

Într-un sondaj realizat de revista Billboard în cinstea celei de-a 54-a aniversări a cântăreței, fanii au ales videoclipul ca cel de-al șaselea cel mai bun efort al tuturor timpurilor. La ediția din 2013 a International Dance Music Awards, videoclipul a fost nominalizat la categoriile "Cel mai bun videoclip dance" și "Cel mai bun videoclip pop", însă nu a reușit să câștige niciunul dintre premii. La puțin timp după lansarea pe YouTube a videoclipului piesei "Girl Gone Wild", pe 21 martie 2012, acesta a fost raportat de mulți spectatori ca neadecvat. Acest lucru a determinat YouTube să stabilească o restricție de vârstă, permițând doar celor cu vârsta de peste 18 ani să vizualizeze videoclipul. Potrivit site-ului, videoclipul a fost denumit explicit datorită scenelor "vulgare" și de orgie, blocând astfel accesul solistei de a mai încărca alte videoclipuri pe contul de Vevo. YouTube i-a cerut totodată reprezentantului Madonnei să încarce o versiune mai potrivită tinerilor. Cântăreața a comentat mai târziu "Ce-i în neregulă? Trebuie să fiu o «fată ce devine sălbatică»—cum aș putea să fiu neîmblânzită fără să mă frec? Asta e întrebarea pe care oamenii ar trebui să și-o pună". În timpul unui interviu cu Jimmy Fallon pe Facebook, Madonna a mărturisit în glumă că, dacă ar fi fost președinte, "Nu ar fi existat niciun fel de restricție în niciunul dintre videoclipurile mele, vreodată". Jane Martinson de la The Guardian și-a exprimat dezamăgirea față de interdicție, considerând că alte videoclipuri de pe YouTube sunt mult mai provocatoare decât videoclipul Madonnei. Martinson a menționat, de asemenea, că semi-nuditatea în cauză a venit de la bărbații care figurează în clip, considerând că Madonna a transformat conceptul lui Francis de fete ce devin sălbatice în "[fete care] pot fi, de asemenea, cele aflate în control. Am urmărit videoclipul pregătit să o critic, însă m-am gândit și am concluzionat că, după 30 de ani, Madonna încă îi poate arăta Rihannei cum sexul și muzica pot răsturna așteptările".

Interpretări live

Prima interpretare a Madonnei a piesei "Girl Gone Wild" a fost în timpul turneului MDNA Tour (2012), fiind cântecul de deschidere a concertului. Coregrafia a fost realizată de Jason Young și Alison Faulk, împreună cu dansatorul Darrell Bullock, care a asistat ca supraveghetor. Potrivit lui Faulk, Madonna i-a cerut lui Bullock să experimenteze conceptul de "fată ce devine sălbatică" și să vină cu o coregrafie și un stil propriu. El și-a dorit să realizeze o poveste cu dansul, iar ziua următoare i-a prezentat mișcările solistei. Cântăreața a vrut, de asemenea, să experimenteze conceptul de biserică catolică, alături de călugări și garguie. Mesajul ei din spatele acestui concept a fost acela al libertății și al "oamenilor care pot face tot ceea ce-și doresc". Patru dansatori freestyle din Brooklyn au fost cooptați ca echipă de rezervă pentru interpretare. Young a declarat că aceștia puteau "să creeze aceste forme abstracte, foarte animaliste. Ce pot face cu brațele lor este de necrezut. Tot ce majoritatea oamenilor fac în fața trupurilor lor, ei o fac în spate". Pentru dans a fost necesar să poarte tocuri, precum trupa Kazaky din videoclip. Cei mai mulți dintre ei au refuzat, Madonna oferindu-le alegerea de a purta tocuri pentru dans sau să părăsească spectacolul. Dansatorii au fost de acord, învățând coregrafia.

Spectacolul a început cu o scenă, asemănătoare cu o catedrală gotică, realizată de Tait Towers. Au fost folosite ecrane video ScreenWorks 10mm cu un sistem de răcire activ integrat, conceput pentru a disipa căldura captată de plăcile cu LED-uri. Ecranele principale puteau să se miște în sus și în jos, creând astfel o catedrală în mișcare. Pe scenă, câțiva dansatori au purtat haine de budiști și călugări creștini în timp ce o cădelniță gigantică se legăna înainte și înapoi, arzând tămâie. Trio-ul Kalakan a apărut îmbrăcat în haine religioase, cântând un fragment din "Lekhan Dodi" pe măsură ce ecranul de fundal prezenta o cruce imensă cu literele MDNA. Cântecele religioase s-au transformat în cele din urmă în cântarea numelui Madonnei, ecranele principale divizându-se pentru a arăta un confesional uriaș, acoperit cu șmirț în față. Solista a apărut stând în genunchi și rugându-se pe măsură ce confesionalul cobora pe scenă, monologul de deschidere al cântecului fiind difuzat în fundal. Madonna a purtat o coroană de aur și un voal negru, o cămașă neagră, blugi și cizme înalte negre. Cântăreața s-a prefăcut că sparge fereastra din sticlă a confesionalului cu o pușcă mare, continuând să cânte însoțită de trupa de dansatori cu tocuri înalte, făcând coregrafia asemănătoare din videoclip. Cântecul a fost aranjat pentru a include și elemente din "Material Girl" (1985) și "Give It 2 Me" (2008). "Girl Gone Wild" s-a încheiat cu solista, apucând o altă pușcă și prefăcându-se că trage în mulțime. Interpretările de pe 19-20 noiembrie 2012 de la Miami, American Airlines Arena, au fost înregistrare și lansate pe cel de-al patrulea album live al Madonnei, MDNA World Tour.

Shawn Kellner de la Chicago Music Magazine a lăudat costumele și coregrafia în timp ce Jodi Duckett de la The Morning Call a opinat că "persoanele păreau ca niște călugări tibetani [...] sunetul clopotelor și Madonna într-o colivie aurită" au fost spectacolul să pară "foarte a la «Codul lui Da Vinci»". Barba Vandenburgh de la The Arizona Republic a numit interpretarea ca fiind "aspră". Shirley Halperin de la The Hollywood Reporter a fost confuză în legătură de modul în care iconografia religioasă prezentată în timpul spectacolului ar avea legătură cu tema piesei. Jim Farber de la New York Daily News a descris spectacolul ca trecerea de la o fată ce devine sălbatică la "o fată însetată după sânge" datorită reprezentărilor violente. Ben Crandell de la ziarul Florida's Sun-Sentinel a remarcat faptul că Madonna a trecut de la o introducere "serioasă" către un număr de dans cu "Girl Gone Wild". Potrivit lui, interpretarea a portretizat-o pe cântăreață ca "o jucărie sexuală la modă și puternică, dar vulnerabilă", care a devenit "o temă recurentă pe timpul nopții".

Ordinea pieselor pe disc
 CD Single / Vinil 12"-inch
 "Girl Gone Wild" (Versiunea de pe album) – 3:43
 "Girl Gone Wild" (Justin Cognito Extended Remix) – 4:48

 CD Maxi-Single / Versiuni remix distribuite pe iTunes
 "Girl Gone Wild" (Madonna vs Avicii – Avicii's UMF Mix) – 5:16
 "Girl Gone Wild" (Dave Audé Remix) – 8:05
 "Girl Gone Wild" (Justin Cognito Remix) – 4:48
 "Girl Gone Wild" (Kim Fai Remix) – 6:33
 "Girl Gone Wild" (Lucky Date Remix) – 5:06
 "Girl Gone Wild" (Offer Nissim Remix) – 6:49
 "Girl Gone Wild" (Dada Life Remix) – 5:15
 "Girl Gone Wild" (Rebirth Remix) – 6:49

Acreditări și personal
Management
Înregistrat la Studiourile MSR, New York City și Studiourile Sarm West, Notting Hill, Londra
Benny și Alle Benassi apar în numele Spaceship Management și Ultra Empire
Webo Girl Publishing, Inc. (ASCAP), Ultra Tunes (ASCAP), Def Jam Music Publishing (ASCAP), Ultra Empire (BMI), Basic Studio (SIAE) și Cock an Ear Productions (SIAE)

Personal
Madonna – voce principală, textier, producător
Jenson Vaughan – textier
Alessandro "Alle" Benassi – textier, producător
Marco "Benny" Benassi – textier, producător
Demacio "Demo" Castellon – înregistrare, mixare pentru The Demolition Crew
Philippe Weiss – înregistrare
Graham Archer – înregistrare
Angie Teo – înregistrare
Stephen "The Koz" Kozmeniuk – editare, vocoder pentru The Demolition Crew
Mert and Marcus – fotograful coperții

Acreditări adaptate de pe broșura albumului MDNA.

Prezența în clasamente

Săptămânale

De final de an

Vânzări și certificări

Note
 reprezintă "disc de platină".

Datele lansărilor

Note

Legături externe

Discuri single din 2012
Cântece din 2012
Cântece lansate de Madonna

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Mr Mephisto (Commodore 64)
Once dead, most people can look forward to going to heaven but getting there is a tough ask, especially when Mr Mephisto is determined to stop people by sending out his minions to stop anyone attempting the journey. You play one person trying to make it up to heaven by attempting to complete various levels with each one shown on one screen viewed from above at an elevated angle. You must climb up various downwards moving staircases trying not to fall off and avoiding minions as they move down the stairs. At the top of the stairs are various exits and items to collect and these items have to be picked up to open the exits. If you do fall off or touch a minion then you lose one of three lives and sent back to level one.
[add screenshots]
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ASM (Aktueller Software Markt) Jun, 1986 8.75 out of 10 88
Zzap! (Italy) May, 1986 24 out of 100 24
Zzap! May, 1986 24 out of 100 24
There is no trivia on file for this game.
[add trivia]
FatherJack (62734) added Mr Mephisto (Commodore 64) on Mar 30, 2014
Demons:
Jeremy Hall
"Thou hast lost an eighth!"


text:
Congressman wants Big Ten to investigate U of M concussion controversy
By Steve Carmody • Sep 30, 2014
The University of Michigan's concussion controversy has reached the halls of Congress.
A New Jersey congressman wants the Big Ten conference to investigate the University of Michigan's compliance with its own head injury protocols.
"You got to prevent these things from happening," says Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-New Jersey. "You certainly don't send a player back in after he's had a concussion."
Credit Pascrell office
The university is under fire for allowing a player return to the field during a football game Saturday after he suffered a mild concussion. Quarterback Shane Morris appeared to be dazed after a hard hit in the second half of the game against Minnesota.
Morris was not evaluated for a possible concussion until after the game. It wasn't until early Tuesday morning before the university confirmed Morris had in fact suffered a concussion.
Representative Bill Pascrell is the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. His northern New Jersey district includes Rutgers University, a new addition to the Big Ten.
Pascrell credits U of M for having a head trauma protocol. He just wishes it was used during the game.
"We should know if we are going to establish protocols they must be followed," says Pascrell, "And if they are not followed then something needs to be followed or else what the heck to we have mandatory protocols for."
U of M Athletic Director Dave Brandon blamed communication problems for allowing quarterback Shane Morris to return to Saturday's game after his concussion.
A Big Ten spokesman says the conference has been in contact with U of M about its student-athlete safety issues.
"The Big Ten … supports their efforts to improve procedures to ensure the health and safety of student-athletes," says conference spokesman Scott Chipman.
bill pascrell
shane morris
dave brandon
brady hoke
Michigan and Michigan State set trend by having neurologists on the sidelines
By Michigan Radio Newsroom • Nov 1, 2013
user CedarBendDrive / Flickr
No doubt about it — heads are sure to collide on Saturday's football game between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
But when heads collide on the field at Spartan Stadium, two neurologists will be on the sidelines, making sure no concussed player gets back in the game.
Both Jeff Kutcher, an associate professor of neurology at Michigan's medical school, and David Kaufman, the chairman of the neurology department at Michigan State, will be working on the field for Saturday's game.
According to the New York Times, while many Big Ten schools have medical consultants for their athletic teams, only Michigan and Michigan State keep them on the sidelines at all games.
School sports start with new concussion law in place
By Stateside Staff • Sep 10, 2013
user: Michael Knight / Flickr http://bit.ly/1xMszCg
Students in Michigan's public schools are back at their desks.
And for young football players, soccer players and other athletes around the state, practice has been happening in earnest for weeks. This will be the first school sports season under Michigan's new sports concussion law. We wanted to find out what it will mean to student athletes, their coaches and their parents. Laura Rowen joined us today. She's an injury prevention consultant with the Michigan Department of Community Health. Listen to the audio above.
Got a concussion? There's an app for that
By Steve Carmody • Oct 27, 2012
University of Michigan researchers have created a mobile phone app that helps people who suffered a concussion track their symptoms.
Amy Teddy is an Injury Prevention Program Manager at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. Teddy says the app, called "Return2Play", will help patients communicate better with their doctors by asking them questions about their recovery from a concussion.
"It may prompt them to consider things they didn't realize they should be tracking," says Teddy.
Crisis grows for Michigan football over handling of Morris concussion
A sports story out of Ann Arbor making headlines around the world.
Wolverine quarterback Shane Morris took a fierce blow to his head in Saturday's game with University of Minnesota.
He wobbled off the field, only to be sent back in.
That decision has ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Coach Brady Hoke stood firm at a regularly scheduled press conference yesterday. "We would never, ever, if we thought a guy had a concussion, keep him in the game. And we never have," Hoke said.
But then Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon released at 15-paragraph statement at 1 a.m. today. Brandon said, yes, Morris did suffer a concussion, as well as a high ankle sprain.
Sports reporters across the country are calling this a disaster on many levels, including Michigan Radio sports commentator John U. Bacon:
"Either they have no idea what the other guy is doing, or somebody is lying. Whenever you have a crisis, it always boils down to either the guy is incompetent, or he is corrupt. This time they are picking incompetent."
Bacon believes the question now is really when Hoke and Brandon will be gone.
"I can't imagine a scenario where these guys keep their jobs," says Bacon.
Late this afternoon, U of M President Mark Schlissel issued this statement:
As the leader of our university community, I want to express my extreme disappointment in the events surrounding the handling of an on-field injury to one of our football players, Shane Morris. The health and safety of our entire student community, including all of our student-athletes, is my most important responsibility as university president.
I have been in regular discussion regarding this incident and its aftermath with Athletic Director David Brandon and the Board of Regents. I support the immediate protocol changes that the department's initial assessment has identified. I have instructed the Athletic Department to provide me, the Board of Regents, and other campus leaders with a thorough review of our in-game player safety procedures, particularly those involving head injuries, and will involve experts from the University of Michigan Health System in assessing its medical aspects.
Despite having one of the finest levels of team medical expertise in the country, our system failed on Saturday. We did not get this right and for this I apologize to Shane, his family, his teammates, and the entire Michigan family. It is a critical lesson to us about how vigilant and disciplined we must always be to ensure student-athlete safety. As president, I will take all necessary steps to make sure that occurs and to enforce the necessary accountability for our success in this regard.
Our communications going forward will be direct, transparent and timely. The University of Michigan stands for the highest level of excellence in everything we do, on and off the field. That standard will guide my review of this situation and all the University's future actions.
* Listen to the full conversation with John U. Bacon above.
U of M football coach Brady Hoke responds to critics
University of Michigan head football coach Brady Hoke is on the defensive against allegations he continued to field a player who may have suffered a concussion during Saturday's game against Minnesota.


Esimtech in CIPPE 2019 - Chengdu Esimtech Petroleum Equipment Simulation Technology Co., Ltd.
March 27~29 , 2019, Chengdu Esimtech Company appears in CIPPE 2019 in Beijing, with Cyberchair drilling simulator, coiled tubing simulator, portable well control simulator and relevant VR animation at the stand of CPTDC. In this exhibition, Esimtech products are highly praised by oil companies and training institutes home and abroad, Visitors show great interest towards the simulators. And a few companies show their cooperation intention with Esimtech. It is perspective to move further in the development and market of petroleum equipment simulators.


Vacuum is 'a space absolutely devoid of matter'. But according to Quantum ElectroDynamics (QED), particles can still be created in this emptiness of vacuum through light-light interactions. This property follows directly from the quantum nature of the sub-atomic world, to be specific, from the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle which states that the uncertainty in the position of a particle and the uncertainty of the momentum of a particle are related. A consequence of this principle is that even though there is nothing in the vacuum (no matter or radiation at all), there is still an uncertainty in the amount of energy which can be contained in the vacuum. On average, the energy is constant, however, there is always a slight uncertainty in the energy, which may allow a nonzero energy to exist for short intervals of time. Because of the equivalence between matter and energy, these small energy fluctuations can produce matter (particles) which exists for a short time and then disappears.
In a paper entitled "Using High-Power Lasers for Detection of Elastic Photon-Photon Scattering" published in March 3 issue of Physical Review Letters (Vol.96), Physicists from Umeå University, in Umeå, Sweden, and the Rutherford Appleton Lab, England, propose an experiment to explore the vacuum by aiming three powerful laser streams at each other in 3-dimensional space of the Laboratory (This is important because such proposals mooted earlier had the beams all in a single plane). These three beams will merge to produce a fourth stream with a wavelength shorter than any of the input beams.
The actual experiment is planned to be carried out over the next year at the Rutherford Appleton Lab near Didcot, England. By carefully polarizing the incoming light beams, the number of photons in the output beam can be controlled. This would be an important tool for investigating the parameter space of such a complex experiment, thus providing valuable information about the interactions that took place in the vacuum.
Besides providing good insight into QED itself, this experiment would also be used for testing theories that propose the existence of minor departures from Lorentz invariance which is an important proposition in special relativity that there is no preferred frame of reference. Light-light interactions may also be used to explore various hypotheses related to dark energy that is a hot topic of cosmology nowadays and may provide some clue about the rate and nature of the expansion of the universe.
Wow this is amazing. They are finally investiagting the vacuum with photon - photon scattering experiments. Would be interesting to see what happens when these scattering excerises are accomplished under extremely high magnetic fields or high current electron arcs in vacuum.


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EA puts Sadler on NASCAR racing covers Online Games, July 3, 2006
NASCAR driver Elliott Sadler has always been into games, but now he's on one. Electronic Arts today announced that Sadler will grace the cover for its upcoming NASCAR 07 on the Xbox and the PlayStation 2, as well as NASCAR on the PSP.
"I'm thrilled that EA has chosen me as their cover athlete for the game this year," said Sadler, who has been involved with the gaming franchise for years. "I've been a big fan of this game for a while now and play it as often as I can whether I'm on the road or at home."
Review: Star Fox Command Online Games, September 5, 2006
As one of Nintendo's long-running franchises, Star Fox has quite a strong following behind it. Unfortunately, recent Star Fox games have been a little hit or miss. Star Fox Assault, for example, was probably the lowest point for the series, offering up generic, and often boring, gameplay. Now it's up to this new entry for the DS to bring the Great Fox out of the ashes. Star Fox Command is the first handheld title for the franchise, and while it offers up unique gameplay and interesting new concepts, it fails to achieve the brilliance that we saw on the Super Nintendo and N64.
...If you're looking for a tactical strategy game with action elements, Star Fox Command is pretty much the only game in town on the DS. While it doesn't return the franchise to former glories, it's definitely a step in the right direction, offering up a new style of play that utilizes the system well.
Read full story at: www.ugo.com
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It's amazing how Sarah Palin can cut educational funding to our children with one hand while with the other she expends nearly half a million dollars on behalf of the Board of Game's efforts to wipe out wolves in Alaska.
They will claim it's but a small percentage killed, but added to the numbers taken by hunters, the large number taken by trappers, and the many whose deaths go unreported, that percentage becomes significant.
Bear in mind as this "educational" effort commences that for over tens of thousands of years the wolves, moose and caribou have existed in a general balance and abundance. The harvest quota of caribou on the Taylor Highway was filled in only three days this year.
Fish and Game will tell you the kill is a carefully determined number that can be sustained, yet they cannot tell you how many gut-shot caribou there were or how many were poached. There aren't enough enforcement officers (wonder how many $400,000 would fund) to properly patrol a state this size.
But, education and enforcement be damned; Palin owes the BOG a political debt and this little propaganda effort will go a ways toward paying it. If they can keep next year's ballot free of citizen initiatives against the barbarism of airborne killing, then they can continue to mismanage Alaska's wildlife the BOG way instead of in a reasoned and balanced fashion.
If you want to suggest a better use for that $400k, you can always contact Palin at (907) 465-3982 or P.O. Box 110001, Juneau, AK 99811.
Do it soon; it's your money she's spending.


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2002-2006 - San Jose
Costa Rica's bustling capital with parks, churches, streets, lakes, houses and traffic. The suburbs feature stunning sunsets and stormy skies approached on a busride. An artistic cemetery and nightshots at different locations. As an extra you will be shown a local roller skating competition.
09-10.2002 - Punta Banco
Images of wildlife in southern Costa Rica, such as trees and plants, different species of lizards, frogs, butterflies, birds, monkeys, White-nosed Coatis, Cicada and other kind of insects, spiders and scorpions. Tropical sunsets, photos of the Guaymi Indians and Tico children. Work of the volunteers, laying sea turtles and emerging hatchling.
10.2002 - Ostional
Olive Ridley Sea Turtles and Black Vultures on Costa Rica's only mass nesting beach in Ostional National Wildlife Refuge on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.
11.2002 - Playa San Miguel and Caletas Beaches
Two beautiful beaches and the Bongo River. Shots of the wildlife, e.g. lizards, sea turtles, wasps, spiders, crabs, horses, birds, Caracara, parrots, Brown Pelican, Limpkins, Egrets, palm trees, an American Crocodile and a dog. Photographic documentation of the life of the volunteers.
12.2002 - Punta Banco
Baby Olive Ridley Sea Turtles emerging from the artificial hatchery and their first steps towards the sea. A volunteer counting the eggshells of hatchling.
A busride, ferry scene, a typical Latin American snack: fried platanos. Pictures of a dragonfly, Capuchin Monkeys, a toucan, pigs, trees and some images of the beach as well as village folks.
26.12.2002 - Irazu Volcano National Park (Volcan Irazu), Cartago, Orosi
Crater of Irazu Vulcano and its surroundings. Photos of the church and other spots of Cartago and Orosi, a rainbow, flowers and a creche.
27.12.2002 - Poas Volcano National Park (Volcan Poas), La Paz Waterfall, Colibri Viewpoint
Pictures of the cloud forest around the volcano, the La Paz Waterfall, colorful photos of hummingbirds at a cafeteria near the waterfall and a Tarantula Spider.
29.12.2002 - Monteverde
Cloud forest, Skywalk on suspended bridges in the canopy, Howler Monkeys and snakes (Bushmaster, Vine Snakes, Eyelash Viper), a parrot, trees and flowers, pictures of meals.
01.2003 - Playa del Coco Beach
Images of the fishing village and its surroundings. Beaches, sea birds, local people. Documentation of the work of the fishermen during a week's boattrip. Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, Squid, Silky Shark, Manta Ray and Dorado, lots of Dorados.
02.2003 - Playa Guiones Beach
Life of the fishermen in a tiny Costa Rican village. Pictures include rays, fishes, birds.
02.2003 - San Jose
The capital from a different angle. Black and white photography of the poorer neighborhoods and the life in the streets of San Jose.
22.02.2003 - Miravalles Volcano (Volcan Miravalles)
Trip to two waterfalls and the geysers of Volcano Miravalles.
04.2003 - Cano Island (Isla del Cano)
Beautiful island, that forms part of the Corcovado National Park. Seaside, palm trees, sunsets and the rain forest and its hidden treasure, the spherical artefacts.
25-27.04.2003 - Chirripo National Park
The Chirripo National Park, the peak of Mount Chirripo and Mount Terbi, Crestones rock formations and Mount Ventisqueros.
11.2003 - Tenorio Volcano National Park (Volcan Tenorio), Blue River (Rio Celeste)
Tenorio National Park with images of the forest, trails and the breathtaking Blue River. Life of the volunteers at the ranger station. A patrol in the rainforest in search of poachers.
11.2003 - Montezuma, Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve
The touristy area of Montezuma and its waterfall. The oldest natural reserve in Costa Rica the Cabo Blanco National Park. Beaches, the forest and trees, plants and flowers, paths, streams and small cascade, some MINAE installations. Animals include the Black Iguana or Ctenosaur, Mantled Howler Monkey, Variegated Squirrel, spider, grasshopper and a Walking Stick.
12.2003 - Playa Jaco Beach, Carara National Park
Tropical sunsets on Jaco Beach. The Carara National Park and its surroundings, the Tarcoles River and Tarcoles Beach. The Carara forest is a unique crossbreed between the dry and the wet tropical rain forests.
12.2003 - Punta Banco, Talamanca Mountain Range (Cordillera Talamanca)
A few more shots of this beautiful spot in the southern part of the country. Some more sunsets and the scenery of the Talamanca Mountain Range.
01.2004 - Palo Verde National Park
Extensive documentations of the Palo Verde National Park. Pictures taken of the Nicaragua, Palo Verde and the Bocana Marsh. Sceneries from three different viewpoints. Among birds are: Black Vulture, Wood Stork, Snowy Egret. Other animals include: Vine Snake, Ctenosaur a horse and some colorful butterflies. Life of the ranger station and some glimpses from the agriculture of the region: rice cultivation, cows and calves.
01.02.2004 - Poas Volcano National Park (Volcan Poas)
Tourists watching the lake of the beautiful Volcano Poas, pictures of the crater and the caldera and some leaves from the surrounding forest.
02.2004 - Playa Caletas Beach
Conservation of Caletas Beach and the Leatherback Sea Turtles nesting there. Campsite and its people, different face of the Bongo River. Sunset from Coyote Point and the view of the beach in every possible aspect with spectacularly shaped driftwood. A boat trip in the mangrove close to the mouth of the river.
26.02.2004 - Irazu Volcano National Park (Volcan Irazu), Cartago
The volcano, its crater and the lagoon in partly cloudy weather. Agricultural farmlands and the scenery close to the entrance of the Vulcano Irazu National Park. Photography of the impressive church called "La Basílica de Nuestra Seńora de Los Angeles". Praying people inside the Basilica and its beautiful interiors.
02.2004 - Arenal Volcano (Volcan Arenal), Lake Arenal (Lago Arenal)
Uncommon shots of the active volcano, a glimpse into the surrounding national park, and life on the ranger station. Birdwatching tourism and visitors feeding a White-nosed Coati. Streets and the park of La Fortuna, flowers, ants, rock formations and a small tour around Lake Arenal.
08.02.2004 - Zarcero
Zarcero is famous for its elaborate topiary garden in front of the town church.
03.2004 - La Cruz, Orosi Volcano (Volcan Orosi), Ricon de la Vieja Volcano (Volcan Rincon de la Vieja)
Sceneries with volcanoes in the background, road leading to mountains, orange groves and sunsets.
03.2004 - Playa Tamarindo Beach
One of the coutry's most popular beaches, with mainly surfers, surfers and more surfers.
24.03.2004 - Lankester Gardens
A botanic garden in the neighborhood of Cartago with many species of orchids, trees, bamboos and cactus.
25.03.2004 - Barva Volcano (Volcan Barva), San Jose de la Montana, Heredia
Trekking on Barva Volcano, around Lakes (Laguna) Barva and Copey in the clouded tropical high elevation rain forest. Houses of small towns in region, like Sacramento and the church of San José de la Montańa. Main church of Heredia, La inmaculada Concepción.
28.03.2004 - Bicycle Tour around Turrialba
Biking in the mountains around Turrialba.
04.2004 - Barra Honda National Park
The Barra Honda National Park with its famous caves. A group of English ecotourists having an adventure descending into to the cavern of the main chamber and a few shots of the photographer posing as the hero of the dangerous cave.
03.2005 - Tortuguero National Park
Photos taken inside Tortuguero National Park and on the canals surrounding the region. Visit to the north to neighbouring Barra del Colorado which is alos part of the great Caribbean protected area.
04.2005 - Miramar and Zapotal
04.2005 - Piedras Blancas National Park
04-05.2005 - Guided tour around the country
The tour guided by the photographer started from San Jose, the capital. The clients went around in the country seeing the two great volcanoes of Irazu and Poas, visiting Cartago and Orosi, La Paz waterfalls and gardens. After visiting the mountain comunity of Zapotal they stayed a few nights in the Garza Bay enjoying one of the best beaches in Guanacaste, then drove on to Tenorio National Park, Monteverde, Arenal and La Fortuna. Here they marveled at the magnificent waterfall. They continued to Tortuguero to see the number of canals with the exceptional wildlife it has to offer. Eventually they concluded their journey in Puerto Limon and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
10.2005 - Samara and Buena Vista Beaches
02-03.2006 - Second guided tour around the country
05.2006 - Monkey Park Animal Sanctuary
05.2006 - Tamarindo, Conchal, Brasilito and Flamingo Beaches
Copyright© 2002- Jan Csernoch (a.k.a. Jean, Csernoch János)


Wholesome and down on the farm is the vibe you'll get from the Girls' Sweet Scarecrow Costume. This Halloween costume could also work as part of a group Wizard of Oz costume.
Who said being an adult means you can't have fun? Transform yourself into the friendliest and most stylish scarecrow with this Scarecrow Costume Accessory Kit. The accessory kit includes a headband with an attached burlap scarecrow hat, a burlap choker with an attached yellow flower and straw cuffs. Pair these accessories with a pair of comfy overalls and a plaid shirt (sold separately). Whether you choose to keep the scarecrow hat headband and other items for future use or pass them on to a friend, you'll always have the memories of being the most stylish scarecrow.
Put on the costume and your cape as you become the Dark Knight, and one of the most iconic superheroes in the world! Batman is a very well known character, and one who has been adopted into countless comic books, video games, movies, and more. Stand up to classic villains like the Joker, Scarecrow and Poison Ivy, and watch over Gotham City as you keep the peace and quiet. Plus, if you happen to have your very own Batcave, then this costume just makes more sense...right?


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Gund Institute for Environment
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To Study Earth's Critical Zone, UVM Team Wins $3.2M
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Wildfires, storms, and warming winters are just a few of the disturbances facing the Earth's critical zone. (Photos by USDA and U.S. National Weather Service)
Land-use change. Environmental change. Extreme natural events. Wildfires and hurricanes. All are impacting the planet's so-called critical zone, where water, air, soil, rock and life interact.
To explore these overlapping disturbances to the critical zone, the realm that spans from the treetops to the Earth's bedrock, University of Vermont researchers have been awarded a $3.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
The UVM team will focus on snow-dominated ecosystems across the U.S. Comprised of disciplines from engineering to soil chemistry, the team will use big data, earth science and complex systems tools to investigate how short- and long-term disruptions to the critical zone affect its ability to resist and recover.
"We'll explore multiple dimensions of the critical zone, where essential, life-sustaining processes occur," says lead investigator Julia Perdrial, Associate Professor in UVM Geology and a Fellow of the Gund Institute for Environment. "We're working towards having the data and statistical tools to understand the complex, multiple dimensions that interact to produce the outcomes experienced by people and nature."
The project includes scholars from four UVM colleges and six Gund fellows, including Perdrial (CAS) and co-Investigators Gund Fellow Donna Rizzo (CEMS), Gund alumna Kristen Underwood (CEMS), Gund Fellow Byung Lee (CEMS), and Regina Toolin (CESS). Collaborators include Gund Affiliate Scott Hamshaw (CEMS), Gund Fellow Leon Walls (CESS), and Mike Blouin (RSENR). External collaborators include Erin Seybold (University of Kansas), Ben Abbott (Brigham Young University), Adrian Harpold (University of Nevada) and Gabrielle Boisrame (Desert Research Institute).
"It's a really great team of so many different people that come from different disciplines, different career stages, that come together working on this," says Perdrial. The team's research, analysis and outreach activities will help to inform future decisions about how humans and the environment should interact.
The team also plans to complement existing teacher development efforts (Champlain Research Experience for Secondary Teachers) with critical zone and data science programming and collaborate with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Both efforts are centered around place-based educational programs that integrate data science and Earth sciences with a focus on equity in scholarship and research.
"The critical zone research project comes at an urgent point in time when the value of science is being put in question. One of the primary goals of the project is to educate teachers and K-16 populations of students on the critical importance of science in society today," says co-PI Regina Toolin, Associate Professor in UVM's Department of Education.
The project is one of 10 new Critical Zone Collaborative Network awards funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, totaling $10.5 million per year, for five years.
Other projects will investigate the effect of urbanization on the critical zone, processes in deep bedrock and their relationship to the critical zone, and changes in the coastal critical zone related to rising sea levels, among others.
The Gund Institute provided $5,000 to support grant data preparation.
Kyra Chevalier
Learn about lead researcher Julia Perdrial
Read the NSF announcement