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Vol. 11, Issue 253 - Sunday, September 10, 2006
DRAWN & QUARTERED
Paper can be many things in 'R.O.D.'
By Jason S. Yadao
jyadao@starbulletin.com
Something as simple as a piece of paper can become quite powerful in the right hands. When it's folded into a crane and multiplied a thousand times, it can become a symbol of good fortune. Adding certain inks and fibers can transform it into currency or perhaps artwork. Add words to it, and it becomes something that can influence readers' emotions. And, of course, brushing against a sheet at a certain angle can result in a paper cut (ouch!).
Series At A Glance
"Read or Die": Three manga volumes available from Viz; the fourth and final volume was released just this month.
"R.O.D.: Read or Die": Complete three-episode anime series available on DVD from Manga Entertainment.
"R.O.D. the TV": Complete 26-episode anime series available on seven DVDs from Geneon.
In the world of "R.O.D.," by Hideyuki Kurata, paper in the hands of certain people called Paper Masters can become weapons, shields, even large flapping mythical creatures. Kurata has told his story in Japan through novels, two anime series (the three-episode, direct-to-video "R.O.D.: Read or Die" and the 26-episode "R.O.D. the TV") and two manga series ("Read or Die" and "Read or Dream"). The anime and manga have either been translated for American audiences or are in the process of being translated.
Central to the plot of most of the various "R.O.D." series is Yomiko Readman, the world's greatest Paper Master and a woman who absolutely adores books. Both of those attributes come in handy in a world where books hold immense power and are often the target of organizations bent on global conquest.
Yomiko's services are retained by the Library of England's Special Operations Division, where she operates under the code name "The Paper." Her missions are often determined by her commander, Joker, an enigmatic Englishman who remains calm even under the most stressful conditions. Yet Joker is a more complex man than it would appear on the surface; some of the things he does without Yomiko's knowledge reveal a more sinister side to him and the Library of England.
Paper masters in the "R.O.D." manga and DVD series can turn paper into weapons and mythical creatures.
WHILE THE story of the manga "Read or Die" technically takes place before the events of the anime "R.O.D.: Read or Die," newcomers to the franchise will want to watch the anime before reading the manga. The anime miniseries finds Yomiko and her associates, battle-hardened soldier Drake Anderson and Nancy Makuhari (the agent code-named "Miss Deep" for her ability to pass through solid objects), as they try to stop a group of cloned historical figures bent on destroying the world through music.
That's right: If you've ever wanted to see aerodynamics pioneer Otto Lilienthal take out a bunch of helicopters in his glider before engaging in a dogfight with Yomiko on her paper airplane, or longed to see the day when a symphony written and played by Beethoven could destroy the world, this is your series. Yes, it's typical covert-agency-versus-tyrannical-cabal fare, complete with betrayals of trust and explosions aplenty. But the combination of nonstop action and layers of intrigue involved hardly feels clichéd and will keep viewers guessing from one scene to the next.
"Read or Die" the manga might not have any cloned historical figures-turned-would-be tyrants, but it does focus more on developing the character of Yomiko and her tragic past. As it turns out, she was not the first person to hold the title of "The Paper"; that honor once belonged to her mentor/boyfriend, Donnie Nakajima. But in a tragic turn of events (not to mention a great character development device!), she ends up killing him under mysterious circumstances. It is his glasses that she wears in his memory, believing that any book she reads with them on will allow him to read along as well.
THE MANGA is also where Yomiko has her first meeting with energetic up-and-coming author Nenene Sumiregawa, whose work Yomiko adores. (Nenene technically appears in "R.O.D.: Read or Die," not physically, but through notes from her to Yomiko stuck in various places in her room.) This meeting, and the subsequent friendship that develops between them, becomes key to the plot of the follow-up anime series "R.O.D. the TV."
As "R.O.D. the TV" begins, five years have passed since the events of "R.O.D.: Read or Die." Nenene is an older, somewhat more subdued woman haunted by the disappearance of Yomiko. After a book signing in Hong Kong turns into a threat on her life, the Three Sisters Detective Agency -- leader Michelle, strong but silent Maggie and youthful bundle of energy Anita -- takes her under its wing. The sisters also have the ability to manipulate paper, which leads Nenene to believe they have ties to Yomiko.
But while they are supposed to serve as Nenene's bodyguards, rarely are they ever seen actually guarding her. "In reality, they're just freeloaders," she tells her editor at one point. That's not to say that she hates them; while their presence irritates her in early episodes, she gradually grows to accept them as if they were part of her own family.
While "R.O.D.: Read or Die" is largely action-packed from beginning to end, "R.O.D. the T.V." takes a more measured approach in telling its story, judiciously spacing out action sequences in early episodes to focus more on developing the characters, their surroundings and their relationships. This approach gives the plot twists toward the middle of the series more emotional impact.
For those who want to learn more about the adventures of Michelle, Maggie and Anita but can't read Japanese, take heart: "Read or Dream" is coming to America, courtesy of Viz, this fall.
Inside | Sep. 10
» 'Monk' mystery novel set in Kauai resort
» Hula Records has been a family love affair
» Hawaiian fare, with flair
» Paper can be many things in 'R.O.D.'
» Isle Pages
» Welcome prepared as Arroyo begins travels
» Island memories of Sept. 11
» Tales of Dec. 7 survival sought
» Massacre remembered on Kauai
» Isle airmen help secure border with Mexico
» Hawaii meteorologists celebrate a milestone
» Surf photographer Bolster was gold standard
» 5 schools meet progress goals
» Big Island park doubles in acreage
» Isle gamer ranks 19th in world play
» Sail of the Century
» Internment camps in focus
» Hit The Road
» Stanford sweeps Hawaii
» San Jose State pulls off huge comeback
» Leilehua turns back rival
» Life In The NFL
» HDTV to go
» Digital Slob
» Bureaucratic inaction caused motorist misery
» Richer Brother, Poorer Brother
Columns | Sep. 10
Joy Uyeno
Digital Slob
Curt Brandao
E-mail Features Dept.


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Sun cream warning issued after man develops skin cancer on ear after years of working outdoors
Andrew Henderson from Dyserth had to have his ear rebuilt with tissue from his neck
Kelly Williams
Andrew Henderson from Dyserth had to have a skin graft after developing cancer on his ear
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Years spent working outdoors left a dad with a form of skin cancer on his ear.
Now Andrew Henderson is warning others about the importance of using sun cream after he had to have his ear rebuilt using skin grafts from his neck.
The 57-year-old from Dyserth, Denbighshire was using Vaseline to treat what he thought was a cut on the top of his ear.
But when he woke up with blood on his pillow, he knew something was wrong and after a trip to the doctors, a biopsy was carried out.
Mr Henderson said: "The biopsy revealed I had basal cell carcinoma (BCC) - a common slow growing form of skin cancer.
"It was caused by the amount of exposure my ears have had to the sun.
"I work in caravan sales so spend many hours outdoors but never ever thought to use sun cream - let alone on my ears.
"After the biopsy, I was swiftly referred to the oral and maxillo facial clinic at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and within a week I was on the operating table."
Doctors used skin from Mr Henderson's neck to rebuild the ear after cancerous growth was removed and cartilage was rebuilt.
The dad-of-three, who has worked at Palin's caravan park in Kinmel Bay for more than five years, added: "The surgery was more intense than I had expected, I thought I would be in and out in 20 minutes but the doctors spent time carefully removing the growth and trying to salvage my ear using grafts taken from my neck.
"They were so professional and I was given first class treatment, I can't fault them at all."
Mr Henderson will still have to undergo further treatment after discovering another growth on the back of his neck.
"I never ever thought about using sun cream to go to work but it just goes to show what sun exposure can do," he said.
"It's not until you get undressed and compare the tanned parts of your body to the white bits that you realise how much sun you do catch being outside a lot.
"I would like what's happened to me to be a warning to others and I'd also like to thank the fantastic staff at Glan Clwyd for saving my ear."
Kinmel Bay
Dyserth
Ysbyty Glan Clwyd

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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A talk by Gaurav Khanna, Economics, and Anna Shapiro, Education
Type: Seminar
Host: Education Policy Initiative
Series: Causal Inference in Education Research Seminar (CIERS)
Apr 6, 2016, 8:30-10:00 am EDT
Weill Hall, Room 3240
735 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Open to PhD students and faculty engaged in causal inference in education research.
Gaurav Khanna will present a talk on the paper "A Passage to America: University Funding and International Students", followed by Anna Shapiro's talk titled "Preschool and Special Needs Placement: Learning more from the Head Start Impact Study".
About CIERS:
The objective of the Causal Inference in Education Research Seminar (CIERS) is to engage students and faculty from across the university in conversations around education research using various research methodologies.
This seminar provides a space for doctoral students and faculty from the School of Education, Ford School of Public Policy, and the Departments of Economics, Sociology, Statistics, and Political Science to discuss current research and receive feedback on works-in-progress. Discourse between these schools and departments creates a more complete community of education scholars, and provides a networking opportunity for students enrolled in a variety of academic programs who share common research interests. Open to PhD students and faculty engaged in causal inference in education research.
Anna Shapiro
Gaurav Khanna
University Funding
Education Policy Initiative
Lead in the water: What are the educational impacts on Flint students?
Ensuring that postsecondary credentials pay off for low-income students
Bringing the actual science of reading to policy and practice


The Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS) is seeking a highly motivated, customer service focused information technology support specialist. The information technology support specialist will provide first line support to faculty, staff and other users of mission critical research administration systems that support sponsored programs, research protections, and core research facility management and other research administration functions. The information technology support specialist will enter, categorize, and report on the volumes, types, and time required to resolve issues. Based on this data, the information technology support specialist will make recommendations for improving user experience, prioritizing bug fixes and enhancements that will reduce the need for support requests. In addition, the information technology support specialist will provide occasional desktop support to ORIS staff and serve as a member of the ORIS JIRA administration team. Typically requires an Associate's degree or higher plus two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The successful candidate will be familiar with the Windows operating system and the Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with research administration and JIRA is desirable.


text:
Application of wideband differential phase shifters with wide phase range in chipless RFID readers
Mohammadali Forouzandeh, Nemai Karmakar
Eliminating the strong self-interference signal in chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) readers is key for enabling a reliable and long range reading in chipless RFID readers. The suggested method is to add a compensation signal to cancel the leakage signal vectorially before the first stage of the receiver front-end. An ultra-wideband (UWB) polyphase power divider (PPPD) generates the vector compensation signal of any arbitrary amplitude and phase. Unfortunately, the reported PPPD cannot meet the requirements for the realization of a UWB compensation unit (CU). A microstrip wideband differential phase shifter capable of producing a wide range of phase shifts is presented in this paper. The delay lines, including transmission line (TL) segments loaded with shorted stubs (SSs), generate prescribed phase shift values with respect to the universal reference line. It is shown that an arbitrary phase shift (up to 360◦) with an in-band return loss (RL) better than 15 dB within an octave bandwidth is obtainable. Its full-range phase shift capability alongside the universal reference line and simple structure ensure its suitability for polyphase applications. To verify the proposed structure, a set of C-band phase shifters ranging from 60◦ to 300◦ is designed and fabricated, and a phase deviation from ±1◦ to ±9◦ is obtained. Finally, based on the proposed differential phase shifter, a four-phase power divider is implemented and utilized in the CU of a chipless RFID reader. Excessive isolation of better than 35 dB over 4-8-GHz frequency band is attained.
IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques
https://doi.org/10.1109/TMTT.2019.2929042
Chipless radio frequency identification (RFID)
Differential phase shifter
Polyphase power divider (PPPD)
Self-interference cancellation
Universal reference line
10.1109/TMTT.2019.2929042
Forouzandeh, M., & Karmakar, N. (2019). Application of wideband differential phase shifters with wide phase range in chipless RFID readers. IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, 67(9), 3636-3650. https://doi.org/10.1109/TMTT.2019.2929042
Forouzandeh, Mohammadali ; Karmakar, Nemai. / Application of wideband differential phase shifters with wide phase range in chipless RFID readers. In: IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques. 2019 ; Vol. 67, No. 9. pp. 3636-3650.
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title = "Application of wideband differential phase shifters with wide phase range in chipless RFID readers",
abstract = "Eliminating the strong self-interference signal in chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) readers is key for enabling a reliable and long range reading in chipless RFID readers. The suggested method is to add a compensation signal to cancel the leakage signal vectorially before the first stage of the receiver front-end. An ultra-wideband (UWB) polyphase power divider (PPPD) generates the vector compensation signal of any arbitrary amplitude and phase. Unfortunately, the reported PPPD cannot meet the requirements for the realization of a UWB compensation unit (CU). A microstrip wideband differential phase shifter capable of producing a wide range of phase shifts is presented in this paper. The delay lines, including transmission line (TL) segments loaded with shorted stubs (SSs), generate prescribed phase shift values with respect to the universal reference line. It is shown that an arbitrary phase shift (up to 360◦) with an in-band return loss (RL) better than 15 dB within an octave bandwidth is obtainable. Its full-range phase shift capability alongside the universal reference line and simple structure ensure its suitability for polyphase applications. To verify the proposed structure, a set of C-band phase shifters ranging from 60◦ to 300◦ is designed and fabricated, and a phase deviation from ±1◦ to ±9◦ is obtained. Finally, based on the proposed differential phase shifter, a four-phase power divider is implemented and utilized in the CU of a chipless RFID reader. Excessive isolation of better than 35 dB over 4-8-GHz frequency band is attained.",
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journal = "IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques",
Forouzandeh, M & Karmakar, N 2019, 'Application of wideband differential phase shifters with wide phase range in chipless RFID readers', IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol. 67, no. 9, pp. 3636-3650. https://doi.org/10.1109/TMTT.2019.2929042
Application of wideband differential phase shifters with wide phase range in chipless RFID readers. / Forouzandeh, Mohammadali; Karmakar, Nemai.
In: IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 67, No. 9, 09.2019, p. 3636-3650.
T1 - Application of wideband differential phase shifters with wide phase range in chipless RFID readers
AU - Forouzandeh, Mohammadali
AU - Karmakar, Nemai
N2 - Eliminating the strong self-interference signal in chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) readers is key for enabling a reliable and long range reading in chipless RFID readers. The suggested method is to add a compensation signal to cancel the leakage signal vectorially before the first stage of the receiver front-end. An ultra-wideband (UWB) polyphase power divider (PPPD) generates the vector compensation signal of any arbitrary amplitude and phase. Unfortunately, the reported PPPD cannot meet the requirements for the realization of a UWB compensation unit (CU). A microstrip wideband differential phase shifter capable of producing a wide range of phase shifts is presented in this paper. The delay lines, including transmission line (TL) segments loaded with shorted stubs (SSs), generate prescribed phase shift values with respect to the universal reference line. It is shown that an arbitrary phase shift (up to 360◦) with an in-band return loss (RL) better than 15 dB within an octave bandwidth is obtainable. Its full-range phase shift capability alongside the universal reference line and simple structure ensure its suitability for polyphase applications. To verify the proposed structure, a set of C-band phase shifters ranging from 60◦ to 300◦ is designed and fabricated, and a phase deviation from ±1◦ to ±9◦ is obtained. Finally, based on the proposed differential phase shifter, a four-phase power divider is implemented and utilized in the CU of a chipless RFID reader. Excessive isolation of better than 35 dB over 4-8-GHz frequency band is attained.
AB - Eliminating the strong self-interference signal in chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) readers is key for enabling a reliable and long range reading in chipless RFID readers. The suggested method is to add a compensation signal to cancel the leakage signal vectorially before the first stage of the receiver front-end. An ultra-wideband (UWB) polyphase power divider (PPPD) generates the vector compensation signal of any arbitrary amplitude and phase. Unfortunately, the reported PPPD cannot meet the requirements for the realization of a UWB compensation unit (CU). A microstrip wideband differential phase shifter capable of producing a wide range of phase shifts is presented in this paper. The delay lines, including transmission line (TL) segments loaded with shorted stubs (SSs), generate prescribed phase shift values with respect to the universal reference line. It is shown that an arbitrary phase shift (up to 360◦) with an in-band return loss (RL) better than 15 dB within an octave bandwidth is obtainable. Its full-range phase shift capability alongside the universal reference line and simple structure ensure its suitability for polyphase applications. To verify the proposed structure, a set of C-band phase shifters ranging from 60◦ to 300◦ is designed and fabricated, and a phase deviation from ±1◦ to ±9◦ is obtained. Finally, based on the proposed differential phase shifter, a four-phase power divider is implemented and utilized in the CU of a chipless RFID reader. Excessive isolation of better than 35 dB over 4-8-GHz frequency band is attained.
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JO - IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques
JF - IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques
Forouzandeh M, Karmakar N. Application of wideband differential phase shifters with wide phase range in chipless RFID readers. IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques. 2019 Sep;67(9):3636-3650. https://doi.org/10.1109/TMTT.2019.2929042


Producing sales-oriented websites to ensure the greatest efficiency of sales is not brand-new for the online company owners at this age. It is all about being useful, meaningful, and leading the site visitors to the internet site to make an action which makes money the firm at the end of their browsing journey. Price Shopify Vs Clickfunnels 2019 and also Clickfunnels are 2 services that assist primarily startups as well as business owners to make functional web sites that really drive the sales.
Price Shopify Vs Clickfunnels 2019 I have actually been in Digital Advertising and marketing for over a years, and also I show it at Penn State College. Clients concern me regularly seeking innovative methods to make their services work online. I needed to know exactly how on-line sales tales like Mike Filsaime, Robert Kiyosaki, Tai Lopez and also Give Cardone take care of to relocate so many different items online, with no problems. They just placed something online and also it markets! It does not stop offering. So, I invested myself in a number of study as well as unsurprisingly, found that software application was behind all of it. These guys don't bother with websites and spending a little ton of money on organisation structure, when they want to offer something certain on the web.
All the pages you make on the internet site with the aid of Price Shopify Vs Clickfunnels 2019 offer priority to "leads" or the prospective clients that come to your site. The service incorporates with e-mail service suppliers to support the visitors that come to your site and behave in a way that makes them a lead.
Price Shopify Vs Clickfunnels 2019does not require you to have any coding experience, creates web pages with high transforming possibility as well as gives you a huge collection of options when it concerns the design facet of the internet site.
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My August & September Amazon Purchases!
AMAZON TIME! What a time to be alive! I love doing these posts because I can talk about the exciting things I've discovered and purchased on Amazon and show you guys the things that aren't exactly the most exciting things ever.
I always get my For Love & Lemons dresses on Amazon, I don't know why, it's just the easiest for me as opposed to ordering from other sites because I know I'll receive it in 2 days! I've worn this one multiple times on my Instagram recently, to brunch, to the fair, in Los Angeles, running errands, you name it. Such a cute dress, purchase it here.
Literally were $19!!! Yes, $19! (They have raised the price depending on color and size.) And they aren't super high so I feel like I got a steal for these because they were comfortable for being on my feet at a club dancing (and drinking) for 5 hours straight. Save yourself some money and hit up Amazon for last minute heels for events. Swoop them here!
YOU GUYS NEED THESE EARRINGS. This is not a drill. Seriously if you have more than one hole in each ear, get these because they look perfect layered with all the different types of earrings. Plus they aren't going to irritate your ears like Forever 21 stuff will.
Yep, I did it again. I have the cactus version of this book and wanted the coordinating book for house plants that just was released last month to put on my triangle shelves in my kitchen. Super informative and the graphics are amazing. Order it here!
All my H&M earrings sets get super grimy and gross after a month of wear so I recently purchased this set on Amazon for like $5 more than the H&M pack. Much better quality and don't bother my ears. The backs of these earrings are super secure and I cannot wait for my 3rd hole to heal so I can wear all different sizes in all the holes. How fun.
I bought this 20-20-20 fertilizer to fertilize my monstera plant after the guy who sold me mine at my local nursery that a monstera plant will go crazy when its fertilized aka it'll grow faster. Obviously use this sparingly because there is such thing as over-fertilization.
I love my oil diffuser that I recently purchased on Amazon! ALSO I DO NOT DIFFUSE WHILE MILLER IS AROUND. I like the color of this one and I like how small it is but still can hold a lot in the tank. Also comes in a lighter wood color.
So yeah, my life is really exciting and I've been buying $10 pill pocket bags at PetSmart that's quite the drive for me for my dog to take his allergy medicine... Imagine the excitement when I found them on Prime for $2.50 cheaper and they don't require me to move from my house... AMAZING. This is living.
Wow what an exciting past two months right? That's why I decided to combine the past two months. Hopefully October will be more exciting. Fingers crossed.
Check out my Amazon Shop Page here!
I love the font you used on the graphic!!


Blackman Terry Accountants are offering a free workshop to help you explore your options and how to get there.
Whatever the outcome of Brexit, where do you want your business to be in 5 years? Where do you yourself want to be? It sounds far off into the future, but actions you take now can have a big effect on what your business will look like then. And Brexit, in whatever form it takes, will add a whole new dimension to business – how prepared are you, do you see it as an excuse or as an opportunity?


This is a nonpartisan race. Georgetown residents may vote for 1 candidte. The top 2 vote-getters will advance to the General Election.
Recycling -Many communities around Georgetown offer curbside recycling services to residents, which prevents waste from ending up in costly landfills and can generate money for cities when they operate at scale. The Georgetown City Council has considered expanding recycling to include curbside recycling, but the idea stalled over concerns about up-front costs. What is your strategy to implement curbside recycling to the city of Georgetown?
Curbside recycling has been considered for Georgetown for over the last 10 years, including those in which I served on Council. Along with providing stewardship for the environment, curbside can help cut our tipping fees we pay to the landfill run by Waste Services of the Bluegrass, a company whose aim lately seems to be burying Northern Scott County under a mountain of trash. Public demand for such a service is high and that creates an opportunity to get it done. That could be mean partnering with private companies, looking at how other communities, especially Woodford County, does it, or even, offering the service to those who are willing to pay for it on an individual basis for a $2-4 premium (Seniors and low-income residents getting it at a reduced rate) on their monthly garbage bill to pay for the initial start-up costs.
Regarding recycling in Georgetown, I have pioneered recycling of discarded lumber for most of my life, and have written many letters and repeatedly addressed local government about salvaging lumber from local waste-stream, and about rehabilitation rather than demolition of structures to keep them in use while avoiding landfilling of lumber and demolition debris. Since discontinuing, about 1992, Georgetown's trash collection service to my home, I have shipped absolutely no trash and recycle all my discarded materials at home, where they are reused. As Georgetown mayor, I will advocate home recycling to extent it is possible for citizens, and gradual reduction of town's role in waste management and recycling. I have for many years researched, advocated, and practiced home composting of home perishable waste, including excreta and autumn leaves, in order to fertilize my horticulture crops, and as mayor will advocate same for all Georgetonians as means of promoting and incentivizing home horticulture. Recycling and horticulture are complimentary.
The Georgetown City Council has done much more than just consider curbside recycling, we are actively engaged in a data-driven review of recent changes to our solid waste collection activities. This will provide us the financial information necessary to design and implement a sustainable recycling program. This careful analysis is necessary because, despite the question's inaccurate framing, recycling does not save money or generate adequate revenue. It actually costs the city more to recycle in today's economic reality. Regardless, we should pursue curbside recycling because it's the right thing to do for the environment and our citizens.


text:
The Perfect Soft Launch for Your Next Game
Daniel Rosenberg
"If I build it, they will come."
This is the flawed mentality of many app developers trying to get visibility for a new game; they expect that the content of the game itself will be enough to generate a significant user base.
Instead of relying on luck, experienced game developers leverage a soft launch strategy that allows them to test the waters, iron out any issues, and refine their product - ultimately maximizing their chances for wider market success.
The most consistently successful game developers treat a soft launch as a sampling of how a potentially massive audience in their target markets will react. Every piece of data gathered from this process can arm app developers in the battle to increase app store visibility and conquer the charts.
Below we've distilled three key elements to consider when approaching and implementing the perfect soft launch for your game.
1. UA optimization
Who is the ideal user for your game, and how well does your game answer the needs and desires of that ideal user? These two questions should be at the forefront for your initial user acquisition efforts.
It is essential to test the LTV and acquisition costs of users across various sampling groups, testing different geos and demographics, for example. A proven strategy at this stage is to advertise in countries that have similar characteristics to your ultimate target audience, but where users can be bought at a lower cost. For example, game developers looking to build a user base in the US traditionally do a soft launch in Australia or Canada. Not only will this first group of users help expose technical bugs and design flaws, but ideally they will also interact with your game in a similar way to the players in your ultimate target market, giving you reliable information which you can use for fine tuning and optimization.
At the same time, this initial push for user acquisition can also help you test and evaluate the ROI and effectiveness of your acquisition channels. Do social and search ads work best or do you get better results with cross-promotion? Answering these questions will help ensure maximum ROI and price efficiency when you scale up your UA efforts for the real launch. Keep in mind that platforms with extremely precise targeting capabilities can provide you a base price for a high quality user, which you can then use to compare against acquisition channels with lower costs and high scale.
2. Audience knowledge
A soft launch gives you a prime opportunity to study and understand your audience. Pay attention to where users show most and least engagement. Most importantly, where do they drop off - disappear or uninstall the app? Once you have a good sample size from your target regions and demographics, you should refine your funnels and features to reflect how your players engage.
Throughout the soft launch period, a critical measurement of your refinement efforts is player retention. Despite the fact that many - even the most popular - games experience massive drop-offs just a few days after download, building in features that promote extended engagement can be pivotal for your game's success. Try testing out rewarded videos, for example, as a way of driving increased in-game engagement.
A good example of where to focus your retention efforts is within your game's onboarding process. How long does it take before a player arrives at your main offering? How much do you need to explain for someone to be able to actively participate? A streamlined path to your game's core functionalities will allow you to get more people engaged faster, and the soft launch period allows you to refine the onboarding process to maximum efficiency.
As you narrow in on a version that's ready for the official release, you should see less and less variance in your data for each adjustment and game version. This is a critical sign that your game is reaching a stage of maturity. Assuming that your data shows you are ROI positive, then this consistency should signal that it's time to expand and move to the official launch.
3. Financial modeling
The third key consideration in your soft launch is how well you can balance monetization efforts with promoting game engagement and retention.
During a soft launch, game developers quickly realize that KPIs like ARPU and LTV are the result of a web of interrelated factors both inside and outside of the game itself. When trying to create an ROI positive game, everything from the prices in your in-app economy to your ad copy, should be tested.
In-app ads can be a source of player fatigue or, if used properly, can be a tool to elevate your retention and drive engagement as well as monetization. The soft launch is the time to test different ad formats and the effect they have on your novice audience. The games with the most earning power manage to integrate third-party advertising as a seamless part of their native game economy, functioning more like a channel for microtransactions than for advertising. Rewarded videos and offerwalls tied to in-game benefits or in-app currency can entice users to access more advanced features of your game, with minimal investment on their end.
Trying to test specific aspects of your game amidst many fluctuating variables can be a complex puzzle, which is why you should leverage the soft launch period to get as much clarity and understanding of your in-game economy as possible.
Preparing for the big stage
Even after the soft launch, a well-managed game is constantly being tweaked and adjusted. Think of the soft launch as a way to see the game through the eyes of a group of unbiased players. Will they open it a second time? Will they share it with their friends? You can only have an official release once. Invest in preparation, but remember that continuous iteration and A/B testing is a vital part of today's evolving mobile industry, and you should constantly be on the lookout to optimize the app experience.
BlogSamsung smartphones in 2023: The users, innovation, and technology Davis Silver
Case StudyHow Candywriter increased Ad ARPDAU 26% after switching to Unity LevelPlayCandywriter,
Podcast240 A/B tests later: Two philosophies for optimizing your subscription appSviat Hnizdovskyi


Your attendance is respectfully requested on Tuesday 9th May, 2017 for an EXTRAORDINARY MEETING commencing at 2.00pm, at the Cabonne Council Chambers, Bank Street, Molong to consider the undermentioned business.
4.5.1.g - Code of Meeting Practice adopted and implemented.
A call for declarations of any Political Donations.
To present the Integrated Planning & Reporting documents, including budget summary, advise Council of key issues and recommend its consideration and adoption by Council.
Consistent with Council's policies and directions set during this and previous terms of Council. Note incorporates requirements of State Government's Integrated Planning & Reporting.
Provides funds for Council projects and authorises work to be carried out. Also allows for long term financial planning.
3. Publicly exhibit the Community Strategic Plan – Cabonne 2025, Delivery Program 2013/14 to 2016/17, Draft Operational Plan 2017/2018 and Draft Resource Plans at each Council office, Branch Libraries and other locations throughout the Shire for a period of 28 days, and that a copy of the Plan be made available on a reduced cost basis of $15.50 per copy, with sections of the plans program being photocopied at a reduced rate of 15 cents per page.
4. Adopt an interest rate of the maximum allowable percentage allowed by the Office of Local Government for the 2017/18 year to be charged on arrears of Rates and Charges.
Under section 402 of the Local Government Act each Local Government must have a Community Strategic Plan that has been developed and endorsed by the council. A Community Strategic Plan is a plan that identifies the main priorities and aspirations for the future of the Local Government Area covering a period of at least 10 years from when the plan in endorsed.
The Cabonne Community Strategic Plan 'Cabonne 2025' was formally adopted in March 2012. This was the culmination of a period of extensive community consultation commencing in 2009. It commenced with extensive surveying being undertaken of the towns, villages and localities throughout the area to determine future priorities of each of the communities.
In 2011 consultants were engaged to assist Council in conjunction with its WBC Alliance partners to further develop the strategic plan and on 19 July, 2011 in the Cargo Community Hall, 82 passionate community representative of the Shire's demographic profile attended a workshop to further develop the plan. On 16 August, 2011 a smaller representative group were brought together to shape the final draft of the plan prior to it going on public exhibition during December 2011 and January 2012. This resulted in the final plan being adopted in March 2012. This plan was readopted in June 2013 as required under the Act. The Plan does not need to be reviewed again until after the next Local Government elections but will be included in the public exhibition phase to enable stakeholders to see how it is related to the draft documents being considered.
Section 404 of the Local Government Act requires that each council must have a Delivery Program detailing the principle activities to be undertaken by the council to implement the strategies established by the Community Strategic Plan within the resources available under the council's resourcing strategy.
Council established a new Delivery Program following the ordinary election of councillors held in 2012 to cover the principle activities of the council for the 4-year period commencing on the 1 July 2013.
The Program is a means by which council will be assessed by the community on its effectiveness in achieving its objectives over its full electoral term.
Although the plan was originally for the period 2013/14 to 2016/17 it has been extended to cover the 2017/18 year due to the postponement of elections under the amalgamation proposal.
As with the Community Strategic Plan, the Delivery Program does not require review until after the next election but it will be placed on public exhibition.
Each council must also have an Operational Plan which is adopted before the beginning of each financial year and which details the activities to be engaged in by the council during the year as part of the Delivery Program covering that year.
Council staff have been involved in a review of the Operational Plan for the 2017/18 year and will tie all expenditure items within the budget to individual operational tasks within the Operational Plan and set targets for each measure. This will enable reporting not only of the performance measures of individual task measurement but also against budget allocations and targets.
Each council must also have a long term resourcing strategy for the provision of resources required to implement the strategies established by the Community Strategic Plan. This strategy is to include long term financial planning, workforce management planning and asset management planning. A detailed Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) has been drafted and together with the Workforce Management Plan and a number of other documents in relation to asset management planning. These are the Asset Management Policy, Asset Management Strategy and Asset Management Plans for Transport, Buildings, Recreation, Sewerage and Water Supply.
The LTFP has been updated to account for actual income and expenditure in previous years and amended forward projections as a result of the changes to the Budget.
All of the draft documents for the Integrated Planning and Reporting requirements of council have been made available to councillors on their iPads under Council Documents/IP&R. Drafts are then listed for council's consideration.
Under Section s403 and 405 of the Local Government Act, it is necessary for Council to give public notice of its Draft Operational Plan and Draft Resourcing Strategy after it has been adopted and that the Plans and Program be placed on Public Exhibition for a period of not less than 28 days for public comment.
The Librarians will have two copies of the Plans and Program on disc with one being available for overnight loan.
The Draft Plan will be placed on Public Exhibition from Wednesday 10 May 2017 inviting public submissions. These submissions will close at 5.00pm on Friday 9 June 2017.
Any alterations made as a result of submissions will be included in the Draft Plans and Program, which will then be presented to Council at its June meeting for final adoption.
The 2016/17 budget contained a number of significant items including the commencement of stage 1 of the $23M Regional Water Security project and a record $21M road maintenance and construction program.
The draft 2017/18 budget provides for a continuation of this enhanced works program and contains asset renewal programs identified through the recently developed asset management plans and government funded programs such as Roads to Recovery, Regional Roads and Fixing Country Roads.
The State government funded Regional Water Security program will provide a secure supply to Molong and potable water to villages of Cumnock and Yeoval with stage two programmed for 2017/18.
A total of $5.3M for natural disaster works due to flooding, $3M for work on the local road network due to the closure of the Newell Highway and $2.3 for other flood damage on the local road network.
The Revaluation of the Water and Wastewater Assets, as well as the Open Spaces Assets, have been completed. This is in addition to the major function of providing administration support to the operational sections of Council.
Once again the demands for design plans to support the construction section has required the outsourcing of some survey and design work.
The 2016/17 roads and bridges program of $21M undertaken by Council and will be completed on schedule. This has been achieved through a mix of council day labour staff and specialist contractors.
There will be a similar approach in 2017/18 particularly for works such as heavy patching of sealed rural roads and gravel resheeting of unsealed roads. It is planned to continue best practice work methods on unsealed roads maintenance as this has been well received by road users in the council area.
Budgeted Water and Sewer works on target. A major achievement this year was that Council has completed the upgrade of the irrigation system at Canowindra's Clyburn Oval. This will allow staff to control the operation of the system using a mobile app, which will eliminate the need to operate the system manually.
The major initiative in 2017/18 will be stage two of the water security for Molong and provision of potable water to Cumnock and Yeoval under infrastructure NSW (INSW) funding. The pipe laying works commenced in mid February 2017 and it is expected to be completed by the end of May 2017. Council is planning to invite tender for the Construction of Molong to Cumnock pipeline by the middle of June 2017. The scope of works in stage 2 comprises the Construction of Cumnock to Yeoval pipeline and at present, is awaiting a funding announcement.
Town Beautification – mowing, tree maintenance, street cleaning, public toilets.
Council's policy of maintaining a fully funded major plant replacement reserve has resulted in Cabonne Council having one of the most modern and complete fleets of heavy road making plant of any council in NSW.
Council staff use a 10-year plant replacement program for financial management and review of the charge out rates. Major plant items for replacement in 2016/17 include backhoes, loaders and medium sized trucks.
Negotiations for the lease of the quarry are continuing and are anticipated to be complete prior to the end of the 2016/17 financial year.
The 2017/18 draft IP&R report covering the role and function of Council's Environmental Services Department aims at maintaining existing levels of service while seeking budget allocations to progress key programs.
The Environmental Services Delivery Program and Operational Plan focuses on the provision of a compliant yet facilitative level of service to the community with respect to development assessment and building control, strategic planning, environmental health, waste management, cemetery management and animal control. Many of these functions are shaped by State and Federal laws and have considerable impact upon the wider community.
The Standard Instrument LEP implemented on 18 January 2013 provides the strategic direction of development within the shire. Amendment 5 has been gazetted, to address several minor matters.
Departmental resourcing focuses on planning and building assessments and critical stage inspections remain a priority.
This continues as a key priority for council. Comprehensive strategic and operational plans for the management of council's landfill sites and waste management services continue to be implemented through the operational and delivery plans.
A 10-year contract with JR Richards for kerbside waste collection commenced in April 2016. This includes commitments from council for budget allocations towards community education programs.
The collective approach of Netwaste assists council in the cost effective operation of the landfill and transfer sites and the introduction of recycling technology. Grant funding through the Environmental Trust has enabled construction of a Community Recycling Centre at Manildra. Rehabilitation works of the former Cargo landfill site have commenced and it is anticipated to be completed early in the 2017/18 financial year.
Groundwater monitoring associated with remediation of the former Molong gasworks site will continue, as required by the Environmental Management Plan for the sites management.
Council maintains 11 general cemeteries. All cemeteries are maintained on a regular basis with seasonal programs to control weeds and pests. Interpretive signage and row markers are proposed to be installed at Molong and Canowindra cemeteries to assist visitors locate graves within the cemeteries. The signage program will be progressively expanded to include the shires smaller cemeteries.
A full time Ranger is employed by Cabonne, enabling a consistent and high profile program. Stray stock and barking dogs remain the core response.
Council will continue to facilitate its annual heritage grants program and provision of the heritage advisory service.
Council continues to participate in regional programs relating to land use planning, environmental management, climate change and sustainability.
Continuation of the annual funding of the Regional State of Environment Report as a collaborative by local government with the Central Tablelands Local Lands Service is to be sought in the 2017/18 budget.
To provide an opportunity to move any motions as a result of the workshop held on Tuesday 9 May 2017.
THAT Council consider any recommendations from the workshop held on Tuesday 9 May 2017.
Council conducted a workshop prior to the Extraordinary meeting on Tuesday 9 May 2017.
This item gives an opportunity to consider any recommendations from the workshop.


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Today we will keep working on our app Produciton. We will start this episode with the tag after_episode_007.1.
We implemented some functional tests last time, and today we will start by checking our models and implementing tests as well.
Let's start by creating the model CheckListItem. It will have a reference for Checklist.
It creates the model, migration and the factory. Let's go to the test file.
Let's execute this test. It fails because we didn't run our migration, and we didn't add the validations in our model.
Now we can run the migration.
Our Checklist should have many CheckListItems. Let's go to the test for CheckList and add it.
Executing our test. It fails, because we didn't put the 'has many' association in our model. Let's do that.
A checklist can be a template, and we can clone it. Let's add a boolean field called template to our Checklist.
Let's add this in our test. Our checklist should respond to template.
And our test fails, because we don't have the template as a field. Let's run a migration to add this field, and add an index on it. And run our migrations.
Now, let's re-run our test, and it should pass. It passes!
A checklist Item can be completed or not. Let's add a boolean called completed in the ChecklistItem. To do this, let's start by creating our test.
Our test fails, but we can solve that! We'll create the migration to create this field, and run the migration.
And let's now run our test and it passes.
In our app, users can have checklists. Let's add this relationship.
Our test does not pass, let's create the relationship. In this case, we will create a migration to add the user reference in the model Checklist. And we will run our migration.
To finish the relationship, we will add the has_many to our User model.
Let's re-run our test related to the relationship between User and Checklists. And it passes. We are seeing our code is being driven by our tests, and it makes our life easier when we know what we are doing and our goal when we start the test.
Now that our Users can have checklists, let's add the ability to share these checklists.
We will have a model called ChecklistShare, it will have reference for User and Checklist.
Ok. Model created and migration created. Let's add the tests.
So, now once we want to share a Checklist, we will create the relationship between the user we want to share this checklist and the checklist.
Let's add paperclip to the CheckListItem. For the moment, we will not set up S3.
And we will install it by doing a bundle install.
And we need to add the image to the CheckListItem. One way we can do this is by using generate script from paperclip. In this case, we will call the image just image. If it was an image from a user it could be called an avatar, for example.
It generates a migration for us. As this is a migration, which is not totally ready for Rails 5. We need to set the rails version of this migration. In this case, we will add the 4.2 at the end of ActiveRecord::Migration.
Migration executed. Now, we need to add the file we have to the model.
In this case, we are saying we have an attached file called image and we are validating the content type.
Today we wrote some model tests, and we have created some models driven by tests. Tomorrow we will keep working on this application and we will write some acceptance tests.


It's been awhile since i've last bought a transformer, the last being the fantastic legends Shockwave. With Titan Returns just around the corner, I've ordered Takara's release since i like the colours more so i won't have any new transformers until the end of July.
But i did get the deluxe i've wanted since his announcement, the ever sleazy armsdealer, Swindle.
I've loved Swindle's character ever since he appeared in the Animated series, i don't remember much bout his G1 incarnation though... probably because he didn't have the charismatic voice of Fred Willard from Animated.
As a member of the Combaticons and a part of Bruticus, Swindle transforms into a military jeep that's a heavy retool of Rook's APC. It's cool but not perfect though, his robot arms are visible and i don't really like the hood of the vehicle.
He's way beefy in arm mode, maybe a little too beefy compared to the other limbs that's not the Rook remold. He holds together well, and is pretty solid.
Feet mode, like arm mode, is also pretty chunky. I prefer it more to the arm mode though.
But i love the bot mode! Just look at this handsome figure, Swindle is ripped! While the proportions look good, Swindle is not known for being intimidating though. So i understand why some people aren't as fond of this figure as i am.
Paintwork like his alt mode, is lacking. There's purple and teal on the head and torso with dabs of dark silver for his feet and backpack. That's it.
It's just too bad he doesn't have the smirking grin the Animated figure have though. It would have made the figure great if he does.
Articulations is pretty good, he even have ankle rockers. He only lacks wrist swivel.
His only accessories are a minigun and the combiner hand foot gun.
His minigun is able to plug onto his shoulders like Hound does but it's really hard to do so... atleast on mine anyways.
All in all he may not be perfect, but i really like Swindle. He hits all the right notes for me, he just needs a smirking grin to be perfect .
Man, i'd give him a nice light or medium brown wash to bring them details out.


The damage found outside of the walls in Fine Arts 4 room 101 is present throughout the building's three floors (12/2).
Jeff Atherton, a foundation art professor, can recall two semesters ago when a dead mouse fell from the ceiling of his color theory class in Fine Arts 4 room 222.
To date, Atherton has not had another issue with mice. However, stories like this are common in the Fine Arts 4 building. From falling ceiling tiles to leaking roofs and walls, the consensus among many in the Long Beach State School of Art is that the building is in need of renovations.
"No doubt, the building needs repair," said Aubry Mintz, the director of the School of Art who works in FA-4 and has witnessed first hand many of the issues the aging building faces.
According to Michael Gardner, capital project manager of Facilities Management, FA-4 was built in 1962 and has been due for renovations since the '90s.
For students like third-year studio art major Madeline Taylor, air conditioning is one of the biggest problems, which is only present through portable air conditioning units recently issued by facilities management.
Professors like Marian Stewart, who teaches foundation drawing, are concerned with the way the rooms function. Stewart believes that the rooms need new lights because students who deal with value of color cannot properly see the colors they are looking at.
Stewart is also worried about lack of work space for art students to finish their assignments, as most need specialized rooms or equipment to finish projects or homework.
"It's just a lack of funding, and it impacts instruction because we just don't have the type of equipment we need or the space we need," Stewart said.
All schools in the California State University system propose to the state what their campus needs funding for and then they decide how much funding is given to each school. Then Academic Affairs decides with the dean of the College of the Arts what projects need priority.
"The State has definitely slowed down in funding academic building renovations, and they did recently fund the soon-to-be-completed Student Success Center," Gardner said via email.
According to Gardner, Facilities Management has a schedule defined by Academic Affairs to renovate buildings based on priority that they, along with administration, feel is necessary.
Next on the Facilities Management's schedule is a project that will be to turn Peterson Hall 1 into a College of Health and Human Services building. FA-4 is after that. Gardner estimates that renovations for FA-4 will happen in six years and will include completely gutting the building.
"So it would be everything from windows to relocating walls to make the rooms function better for whatever the current needs are," Gardner said.
For now, Facilities Management does what they can with the funding provided. This includes making sure that minimum safety codes are met.
Issues including the ceiling tiles and air conditioning have been fixed through temporary methods, such as portable air conditioning units, and screws and washers that have been placed in the ceiling tiles to prevent them from falling on students.


Our goal is to make every moment you spend at Edward Hospital as comfortable and stress-free as possible. This mindset dates back to 1991, when Edward became the first hospital in Illinois to offer all private rooms. In the years since, we've introduced more innovations in comfort, like space for family to spend the night, peaceful healing gardens, and a pediatric ER designed with a fun nautical theme.


Maybe you need to replace a jet. Maybe you want to give the tub a good cleaning. Maybe a jet is not moving as freely as it should so you want to remove it to clean it. There are a few reasons for removing hot tub jets and when the time comes to remove jets, you want to be sure to do it carefully so as to avoid damaging the jet or the hot tub.
First, check your hot tub manufacturer's guidelines and instructions for this. Different hot tub manufacturers will have different guidelines and you don't want to void a warranty because you are too impatient to read a little. There are usually pictures that go along, so it shouldn't take too much brain power. Stop and do it right. You can also call on your local dealer for some help and instruction if you run into difficulty.
You want to lower the water level below the jets before removing the jets. Depending on why you are removing the jet, you may want to drain the tub completely before removal. It may be easier to work with an empty tub, but not totally necessary.
Using your hands grasp the jet and turn counterclockwise to unscrew the jet. Remember lefty loosey turn left to loosen. You will need to turn the jet firmly. It will give resistance, then give a little more pressure as you continue to turn the just and then you may hear a click. The jet is now unlocked and should pull out easily. If you have difficulty grasping the jet you may want to wear kitchen or gardening gloves to add some grip or rummage through the kitchen drawers to find that little round gripper for jars. This will help your fingers grasp on to the jet to firmly turn it.
If you find that your jets are difficult to remove, it may be due to some buildup in there. Be sure to keep your chemicals in check. If you pH and sanitizer are working well and at appropriate levels you are less likely to get issues from scale.
Now that the jet is out, you can do what you need to. Clean the tub, replace the jet, or whatever you need to do.
Get that jet or replacement back in so you can start enjoying the tub soon.


How do we 'combat extremism'? Radicalisation is an extremely complex issue, and its manifestations are rapidly changing. Conor Pope and Alison McGovern are joined by Lara Frumkin, senior lecturer in psychology at the Open University, who researches the psychology behind radicalisation.
*Hope Not Hate's Rosie Carter: The backlash – who are 'they'?


At the second section of "Television as business" conference which took place on September 20 at KYIV MEDIA WEEK international media forum a panel "Summit of media leaders" took place. The participants were Roman Andreyko, general manager at 24 TV channel; Viktor Prykhodko, director at PRO TV; and Olga Panteleymonova, general manager at Star Media. The discussion was moderated by Aleksandr Bogutsky, director-president at ICTV. The main question of the debate was what allows to become profitable.
So what are the recommendations? They are to look for a place where it is cheaper to launch a business and work; to remember about digital, use it and take into account business correction data for traditional television; to look for human resources and partners at the internal market and abroad; not to produce content just for one or two TV channels; not to be afraid to refuse projects which might damage your reputation even if the client promises good money.
In detail, the cases are the following. Initially, Andreyko launched his TV channel not in Kyiv but in Lviv where operational revenues were lower and only after his channel became popular he relocated to the capital. After the launch of 24tv.ua website the data about visitors were carefully tracked down which directly impacted the channel grid. The thing is that the number of unique visitors has passed the mark of 10 million a month (August 2018), and this means many people found out the news online and did not need their repetition on the evening program. A decision was made to introduce a cycle of programs where the show host looks at the three or four main news of the day from his/her point of view.
As for Prikhodko, he closely cooperates with the channels and doesn't ask the state for support – the broadcasters know that his production company delivers high-quality visuals and commissions projects all the time. However, sometimes Prikhodko refuses when he is not sure he'll be able to provide the necessary quality in the indicated time frame.
Star Media actively cooperates with everyone they can – one should move away from the belief that only enemies are around and instead to look for partners, including abroad. For now international producers are wary of Ukraine because the market is too closed and opaque, but there are some developments. As for international works, it is easier to give them away for distribution and include in catalogues of major players like Netflix or Amazon. For example, Star Media publishes films and series (e.g., Mata Hari) at Amazon, and the same platform brought over 10 thousand USD from the sales of The Dog project.


CALGARY — The Calgary Flames announced Wedensday that they have re-signed centre Mark Jankowski to a two year contract with an average annual value of US$1.675 million.
The 23-year-old centre played 72 games with Calgary last year in his rookie NHL season, recording 17 goals and eight assists.
He was selected by the Flames in the first round (21st overall) in the 2012 NHL draft.
Also Wednesday, an arbitrator awarded defenceman Brett Kulak a salary of $900,000 for the 2018-19 season. Kulak had two goals and six assists in 71 games with Calgary last season.


text:
Sameer Sud
Appointment13 August 2015
Named General Manager
At The Leela Mumbai, India
View Sameer Sud's LinkedIn Profile
The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Sameer Sud as the General Manager of The Leela Mumbai, the flagship hotel of the The Leela Group. Mr Sud has enjoyed a long association of over 20 years with The Leela Group holding varied positions and has ably led teams within the Leela properties in Mumbai, Goa and Bangalore. He was previously the Resident Manager at The Leela Palace Bangalore. Having graduated from the Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai, Mr Sud will now oversee the overall operations and management of The Leela Mumbai. This 391-room iconic hotel is set amidst 11 acres of lush landscaped gardens, cascading waterfalls and a lotus fountain. The Leela Mumbai offers all the facilities the discerning traveller would expect from a five star luxury hotel with an experience of the essence of India. Mr Sud, started his career in hospitality with The Leela Group as a part of the prestigious Leela Management Training Programme. This executive training programme has delivered over the years, quality professionals who are now at the forefront of some of the Leela properties as well as many leading hotels chains.
The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, headquartered in Mumbai, India, is owned by Hotel Leelaventure Ltd. The ultra-luxury hotel group owns and manages eight award-winning luxury hotels in prime urban locations and magical holiday destinations across India including Mumbai, New Delhi, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Chennai, Goa, Udaipur and Kovalam.
Recent Appointments at The Leela
Reuben Kataria - General Manager
8 September 2020 — Recognised for his astute business acumen in managing hotels, Reuben is a veteran in the hospitality fraternity. Known for his leadership qualities and a rich and varied experience, he brings valuable knowledge from his world-wide assignments with prestigious Indian and International Hotel chains.
Anjali Mehra - VP of Marketing
13 July 2020 — Anjali Mehra, a hospitality veteran and former senior director of communications MEA at Marriott International has moved to The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts as VP of marketing. In her new role, Mehra will provide strategic counsel to the company's leadership while also implementing a company-wide marketing and communication plan.
Dharmen Makawana - Executive Chef
20 August 2019 — The Leela Palace New Delhi has appointed Dharmen Makawana as the new Executive Chef. Spearheading the culinary operations of The Leela Palace New Delhi, Chef Makawana will lead the award-winning kitchen team to orchestrate "an inimitable dining experience" for the discerning guests of capital city's most awarded restaurants.
General ManagementMumbai, India
More from The Leela


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Official Register of Champion Trees
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Making Champions of Trees
Welcome to the 2021 National Register of Champion Trees! Search the register below to see the National Champion Trees by species or look to see which ones are in your state. You can even search National Champion Trees by size or total points. The Champion Trees in the National Register are the biggest of their species as reported to American Forests in the most current year.
View The 2021 National Register of Champion Trees PDF
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There is a lot you can do to ensure that our forests in cities and large landscapes are healthy for generations to come. Be a voice for forests.
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text:
Tocón (también conocida como Tocón de Quéntar) es una localidad y pedanía española perteneciente al municipio de Quéntar, en la provincia de Granada. Está situada en la parte oriental de la comarca de la Vega de Granada. Cerca de esta localidad se encuentran los núcleos de Padules y La Peza.

Demografía
Según el Instituto Nacional de Estadística de España, en el año 2021 Tocón contaba con 83 habitantes censados, lo que representa el % de la población total del municipio.

Cultura

Fiestas
Sus fiestas populares se celebran cada año en el primer fin de semana de agosto en honor al patrón de la localidad, San José.

Chiscos
El 17 de enero tiene lugar la celebración el día de San Antón con los tradicionales chiscos granadinos. Para ello se prepara una gran hoguera en la plaza del pueblo donde se reúnen lugareños y visitantes alrededor del fuego; en las distintas casas también se realizan fogatas para quemar muebles viejos, palés, etc.

Una vez prendidas las hogueras se procede al mancheo, es decir, a girar verticalmente el mancho, que está formado por tocha (esparto seco) y unas cuantas hojas verdes también de esparto. Los manchos tienen forma de tea, siendo el resultado de agrupar gabillas de tocha atándolos longitudinalmente mediante las hojas verdes de esparto. Finalmente se trenza uno de los extremos y se hace un nudo en la punta, de forma que todo el conjunto sea resistente al giro vertical.

Para manchear hay que acercar el extremo "barbudo" del mancho al borde de la fogata hasta que empieza a prender. Entonces se realiza esa especie de "círculos de fuego" característicos del mancheo, que puede durar entre diez y quince minutos en función de su longitud.

Estos manchos, típicos de buena parte de Granada, tienen la peculiaridad en Tocón de que los realizan los más pequeños, y luego los venden a precios muy económicos. La gente pasa la jornada comiendo y bebiendo los productos que los propios vecinos aportan.

Véase también
 Río Aguas Blancas.
 Embalse de Quéntar.

Referencias

Enlaces externos

Localidades de la provincia de Granada
Pedanías de la provincia de Granada
Vega de Granada
Quéntar

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Defense Department asked to house thousands of immigrants
By Jacqueline Thomsen - 06/27/18 09:09 PM EDT
The Defense Department (DOD) received a request from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to house a population of immigrant families of up to 12,000 people, according to a statement released Wednesday night.
The DOD has been asked to house 2,000 people within the next 45 days, according to the statement.
If facilities aren't available, DOD is asked to build "semi-separate, soft-sided camp facilities" that can house up to 4,000 people in three difference locations, the statement reads.
DHS also requested that the facilities "comply with the Flores Settlement Agreement's provision that reasonable efforts be made to place minors in the geographic area where the majority are apprehended," according to the statement.
The request was made as the Trump administration develops its plan to house immigrant families detained at the border together following President Trump Donald John TrumpEsper sidesteps question on whether he aligns more with Mattis or Trump Warren embraces Thiel label: 'Good' As tensions escalate, US must intensify pressure on Iran and the IAEA MORE's executive order to end his administration's policy of separating the families at the border.
Defense Secretary James Mattis James Norman MattisEsper sidesteps question on whether he aligns more with Mattis or Trump The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by JUUL Labs - House to vote to condemn Trump tweet Five things to watch for at Defense nominee's confirmation hearing MORE said on Sunday that the Pentagon was preparing temporary shelters for migrants on two military bases.
Mattis had previously said the military would house immigrants if requested.
Tags James Mattis Donald Trump Department of Homeland Security Department of Defense immigrant families


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text:
The Iron Curtain
May 7, 2012 May 11, 2022 / Colin McGuigan
The 50s saw the red scare, fanned by McCarthyite rhetoric, blaze into life in Hollywood. With the HUAC inspired blacklists casting a dark pall over the movie capital, there was a kind of desperation in the air, a need to prove one's patriotism and simultaneous rejection of the evils of communism. This meant the decade saw the production of a number of films directly addressing the issue and sending out a message to the witch-hunters that the industry was aware and prepared to play ball. Whatever contemporary reactions may have been, these films, by and large, not only seem lousy when viewed today but they also remind us of all those careers and lives left in tatters by the taint of the blacklist. From a purely artistic standpoint, the ham-fisted presentation of political dogma and the judgemental tone adopted both bog down the narrative and, in the worst cases, leave a very sour taste. However, there are always exceptions, and William Wellman's The Iron Curtain (1948) is one of the more polished and less hysterical pieces of work from a generally unsavoury interlude in cinema history. I think this is partly due to the skills of Wellman as a filmmaker, and partly as a result of the production taking place right at the beginning of HUAC's reign of terror, before it's raging paranoia had fully matured.
In keeping with a lot of Fox movies of the time, the film opens with a declaration that what we're about to see is a true story, shot on real locations. The cool, authoritative tone of the narrator further enhances the sense that this is something more than mere Hollywood fantasy. I've often found that there's a tiresome quality to some of these earnest eulogies to the dedication and responsibility of various government agencies remaining ever vigilant in the face of multiple threats from without and within. What sets the introduction of The Iron Curtain apart is its location if nothing else. The entire film takes place in Ottawa, Canada, so we are spared yet another hymn to the efficacy of the FBI, Treasury agents or other assorted G Men. Instead, the plot follows the establishment of a Soviet fifth column in Canada during the war and its subsequent dismantling as the big freeze of the Cold War set in. As I said, the movie doesn't takes us behind the scenes of one of those complex government sting operations that were much favoured by contemporary filmmakers, but concentrates on telling the tale of how one man brought a spy ring to its knees off his own bat. The man in question is Igor Gouzenko (Dana Andrews), a cipher clerk freshly assigned to the Soviet embassy in Canada. The first third of the film goes to great pains to establish how loyal Gouzenko was to his own country and political system, one of those resolute, unthinking servants of the state with clear and direct convictions. As we observe the steadfast Gouzenko going manfully about his duties, we're also afforded a view into the closed world of the Soviet diplomatic mission. And it's a drab, forbidding world at that, peopled with stony-faced officials and dripping an atmosphere of suspicion and secrecy. There's also a glimpse at the careful construction of the spy network, whose eventual unravelling provides the dramatic backdrop for the latter stages of the story. It's Gouzenko who brings the whole thing crashing down, and his motivation for doing so is a slow realization that he's serving a flawed master. The catalyst for his decision is the arrival in Canada of his wife Anna (Gene Tierney), and the birth of a son. The presence of this human element greatly strengthens the story and adds to the dramatic tension of the final third. By doing so, the political aspects necessarily take a back seat to the unfolding drama of a family suddenly cast into a perilous situation.
Even if it's viewed purely as a propaganda piece, then I think The Iron Curtain is remarkably successful. The reason for that is the script and Wellman's ability to sidestep the trap of sensationalism and instead adopt a more matter of fact tone, letting the events and their inherent drama speak for themselves. Of course, the air of quiet dread that seems to hang over the scenes in the embassy emphasises the stifling lack of personal and intellectual freedom, but this is quite subtly achieved. The ever-present music from Soviet composers, the inclusion of which in the score apparently caused something of a minor international incident at the time, has the effect of building up the brooding, sinister feel. The only time we take a detour into the realm of direct political preaching is when one of the Soviet residents (Eduard Franz) seals his own fate by getting drunk and lamenting the betrayal of the ideals of the revolution by the apparatchiks who have risen to prominence in Moscow. As a thriller, the film really comes into its own in the final third, as Gouzenko decides to take that leap of faith and defect. Wellman, and cameraman Charles G Clarke, employ classic film noir techniques of lighting and shooting angles to ratchet up the tension during Gouzenko's theft of incriminating documents from the embassy, and then again in the climactic standoff in his apartment. Another notable aspect of the film is how the government agencies – I'm guessing the Canadian setting facilitated this slight subversion – are conspicuous by their lack of involvement. In fact, there's initially a downright refusal on the part of the authorities to become involved in what they take to be the ravings of a lunatic.
Dana Andrews was never one of the most emotive or demonstrative of actors, the kind of guy who tended to keep it all inside and bottled up. Such characteristics can unfairly lead to accusations of woodenness when the truth is it's simply another, and no less effective, style of performing. As it happens, that tight-lipped anxiety that he had a talent for fits the character of Gouzenko to a tee. After all, this is a man who's been trained to exert self-control in the first place and who then finds himself in a situation where both his own and his family's survival depends on the maintenance of a facade. Still, Andrews conveyed more than a blank countenance when he had to, the eyes in particular registering the mounting pressure Gouzenko was subjected to. Gene Tierney was making her fourth film alongside Andrews, the most successful being their partnership in Laura a few years earlier, and was good enough in a fairly undemanding role. Her main purpose was to act as a softening and humanizing influence on her previously stiff and determined husband, and that's how she comes across. However, arguably the most memorable work is produced by the supporting cast. Berry Kroeger was making his screen debut as the shadowy head of Canada's communists and carries off the part of the principal villain with aplomb. Playing such a Machiavellian puppet master required a good deal of restraint combined with implicit menace. Kroeger was blessed with the features and voice that were ideally suited to this kind of role and he makes a very strong impression. Stefan Schnabel also shines as the head of the NKVD, masking a dangerous ruthlessness with an outwardly reasonable persona. And finally, June Havoc appears as the embassy secretary with a wandering eye and a special brief to vet the reliability of all new staff.
I think the only DVD edition of The Iron Curtain to date is the one issued in Spain by Fox/Impulso. In terms of picture quality, it's one of their mid-range efforts. There hasn't been any restoration work done, as can be seen from the cue blips and so on, but the print used is in generally good condition and doesn't display noticeable wear. Extras are limited to the usual gallery and text data on the cast and crew. The disc offers English and Spanish soundtracks – the Spanish subtitles are optional and can be deselected via the setup menu. While I certainly don't think this film represents Wellman at his best, it is an interesting addition to his body of work. The main attraction of The Iron Curtain though lies in its historical significance, coming as it does near the beginning of the red scare. It's interesting to observe the comparatively restrained approach it takes to its emotive subject matter in contrast to some of the more hyperbolic and offensive offerings that the following decade would eventually produce. Generally, this is worthwhile viewing for fans of Wellman and for providing a snapshot of early Hollywood reactions to the HUAC assault.
1940s, Dana Andrews, Gene Tierney, Mystery/Thriller, William Wellman
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32 thoughts on "The Iron Curtain"
Great choice Colin and certainly makes for a fascinating companion piece with De Toth's later MAN ON A STRING. I had no idea it was out on DVD anywhere so that is really great news. And I love Juve Havoc (who was the sister of Gypsy Rose Lee!)
As I understand it there was in fact quite a lot of controversy when the film came out, not least from the Soviet composers like Shostakovich and Prokofiev whose music was apparently used without their direct permission and eventually this actually went to court (Fox won, unsurprisingly, as the court of the day held that the USSR's works were public domain the USA) . Zanuck was incensed by Bosley Crowther's critical review of the movie in the New York Times who accused the movie of scaremongering. Zanuck sent a letter to the New York Times that in part said, ""My answer is that the picture is calculated to, and does, arouse the public to vigilance against a menace….The Communists and their ideological companions in this country did not picket the newspapers which printed accounts of the trials, the Cosmopolitan magazine, Reader's Digest , or the publishing house which printed Gouzenko's book. But they did picket the Roxy Theatre…they were more afraid of the printed picture than the printed word….Our picture does not preach hatred of the Russians, but of the hatred they have for our democratic way of life."
Hi Sergio. Yes, the controversy over the score is a fascinating little footnote, isn't it?
These red scare movies seem like historical curiosities these days, but they give a lot of insight into the thinking of the time. The Iron Curtain works fine as a thriller in its own right though, unlike something along the lines of Big Jim McLain which is virtually unwatchable as a serious film nowadays.
The Wayne movie is completely laughable isn't it? If nothing else, HUAC was responsible for a lot of bad art amongst its more egregious sins.
It's an astoundingly bad movie – and this is from someone who considers himself a Wayne fan. When I first got round to seeing it a while back I thought it couldn't possibly be as bad as its reputation suggested. I was wrong though; it's much, much worse. The dreadful sermonizing that's shoehorned in just kills it stone dead, and the characterization and truly lamentable attempts to inject some "humour" are borderline embarrassing. Wayne's worst movie by quite some distance.
Generally, I dislike overtly political films, whatever their stance, as I feel the need to get the message across usually dooms the narrative or leads to crass oversimplification. I think the red scare stuff, as opposed to more regular Cold War thrillers, may be among the worst offenders though.
Certainly a perfect double bill with THE GREEN BERETS which for some reason is getting repeated endlessly on UK TV at the mo and which is the other contender for the most dunderheaded movie Wayne ever made. As someone brought up on Italian cinema of the 1970s I think I am much more prone to enjoying movies that make political statements, like says BATTLE OF ALGIERS or even something muddled like THE CONFORMIST, but I agree that, especially in the context of Hollwood cinema, it often doesn't work. I'm just doing a review of KEEPER OF THE FLAME actually for posting tomorrow which is a perfect example of this
Actually, I think The Green Berets works much better as a 60s action/war movie. Where it falls apart is the attempt to weld WWII politics and idealism onto a Vietnam War story.
I'm looking forward to that Keeper of the Flame piece; it's a film I've tried hard to like and get into but it just doesn't gel.
Barry Lane
The Iron Curtain is nothing of what you say nor was the period. The blacklist did go wrong, but the people black listed were not social democrats but supporters of the Soviet Union which in historical terms was more brutal, more repressive and far more successful than Nazi Germany. But, the same kind of thing with some soft headed Americans on-side. As for Big Jim McLain–this was never a serious picture. The Russians were indeed the enemy. And a formidable one. Possibly, they still are.
Barry, I'm not going to get into a spat over the blacklist or the politics of paranoia. I have my own views on the issue and no doubt others hold those which are different.
That is at least in part what you were reviewing as opposed to the efficiency, style and effectivness of the film. That Paranoia was at lest somewhat in place, in some quarters, does not make the issue evaporate. Dangerous days.
Well, I think I've been fair to the film on an artistic level. As I said, I believe it functions fine as both a thriller and as a political statement. I also feel that I've been even-handed in pointing out that it's a much more subtle and thoughtful piece of work than a lot of the lesser efforts that followed.
Reviewing any movie with such subject matter inevitably requires one to pass comment both on its content and the context in which it was produced. In doing so, my own feelings on the circumstances that led this production are bound to surface. I guess my own take could be boiled down to this: adopting even some of the methods of a system to which one is morally opposed (blacklisting individuals, driving free expression underground, creating an atmosphere of fear and distrust) has the effect of weakening one's own position and moral authority.
I think you have been more than fair to this film Colin and the period that produced it – probably much more level-headed than I would have been. Thanks again for the intelligent and reasoned arguments, greatly appreciated.
Cheers for that.
I hope if one substutued Nazi Germany for Stalinist Russia you would be on side with denying these good people a forum. Yes…?
Barry, I feel my reply to your previous comment made my position abundantly clear and doesn't require any further clarification.
This is movie blog, not a forum for the kind of discussion you're keen to pursue, so the issue of permitting or denying such doesn't come into it in my opinion.
I think that's all that needs to be said on the matter.
Very thoughtful and interesting post, Colin! I haven't seen this film but am familiar with many of the others of its kind to which you referred indirectly in your post (the most egregious example being BIG JIM MCLAIN, which Sergio already mentioned). I recently watched the Jimmy Stewart film THE F.B.I. STORY, which has a similarly earnest, authoritative "Dragnet-esque" tone, softened somewhat by the ever-likeable Stewart doing the narration. Some parts of the film are quite interesting, but you can feel the hand of J. Edgar pulling the strings in others, especially the "Communist spy ring" final reel. The film remains a fitfully entertaining piece of work by and large (again almost single-handedly thanks to Stewart's presence), but perhaps it's more notable today as a period piece encapsulating a certain mood prevalent at that time.
I found your comments re: Dana Andrews interesting. I hadn't really thought of him as a buttoned-down, interior sort of actor before but upon reflection he does have that sort of quality in a number of his films. My main mental image of Andrews as a performer was cemented from numerous viewings of THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, where he gets a chance to be angry, emotive, and even have a sort of brief PTSD breakdown near the end. I think you nailed it though when you describe his usual intense, contained persona as "simply another, and no less effective, style of performing." Anyone who would claim Andrews was "wooden" just isn't paying enough attention to what he's really doing.
Hi Jeff.
I've seen Andrews in so many movies over the years that I've grown to think of him as mostly an internalized performer, although there are exceptions as you say, where there's so much happening just below the surface.
Someone once commented that Glenn Ford gave the impression of a man not quite comfortable in his own skin, and I get some of that vibe from Andrews too. That may be part of the reason both men seemed at home in film noir and complex westerns, where conveying a vague unease was a definite plus for a performer.
Colin:
Had you not introduced fifties pseudo-liberal politics into the first several sentences in a review of a forties based on fact film, I would not have responded, and I mean at all. These are my final words.
I'm very interested to read your review of this one, Colin, which is a Wellman I haven't seen as yet – I've been rather hoping it will turn up on TV, but if not I may cave in and buy the Spanish DVD. It sounds from your excellent write-up as if this film is better than another Cold War film Wellman made a few years later, 'Blood Alley', which I find rather a mess, though it has its moments. I'm also keen to see more of Dana Andrews' work after admiring him so much in 'The Ox-Bow Incident'.
Hi Judy. The Iron Curtain is a much more accomplished piece of work than Blood Alley, which I agree is an unsatisfactory picture. The Spanish DVD is reasonably priced at Amazon.es at the moment and I have no regrets about getting it.
Dana Andrews was always a favourite of mine – I think I first saw him in Laura – and he's generally very reliable. I haven't seen many movies where he disappointed.
LAURA is such a special kid of film that, for me, I sort of tend to think of the performances in a kind of amber, a sort of perfect isolation, but in fact Andrews is just as good in the totally different, yet equally slippery, BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT and in a host of other movies (even comic villains as in BALL OF FIRE). BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES is a tremendously powerful film as Jeff points out and the big emotional sequence in the bomber is really impressive, and tends to highlight the fact that Andrews could, if one were being a wee bit critical, sometimes be a bit too dour and inexpressive in some roles.
I've seen some criticism of Andrews' playing in Laura too – critics have cited his lack of emotional involvement, but I've never bought into that myself. His gruff performance suits the role of a blue collar guy drawn into a world that's basically alien to him.
Aside from the roles you mention, I've great admiration for his work in Preminger's Where the Sidewalk Ends and Fallen Angel.
He's just perfect casting in LAURA and did work incredibly well in those Preminger movies (and DAISY KENYON too) – I would also add, apart from the Wellmann and Wyler pictures mentioned, the fantastic NIGHT OF THE DEMON, just one of the best tales of the supernatural ever committed to film. His urbane and down to earth sensibility is crucial to its success,
Quite. Andrews was excellent at grounding movies and ensures a fantastic tale like Tourneur's Night of the Demon remains eerily believable.
I don't know if you've ever had the chance to catch Lewis Milestone's The Purple Heart, but again I feel Andrews has a lot to do with making this film stand out and rise above the mere propaganda piece it's meant to be.
I haven't seen that one in ages but I again remember being impressed by its grim power. I've got to pull out the DVD and watch it again really though – thanks for the prod!
I saw this film about five years ago and enjoyed revisiting it via your post. As a big fan of Wellman, Andrews, and the Fox docu-noir style (it's even got Reed Hadley narrating, as he did so often for Fox), I really enjoyed it. I think your assessment of Andrews' performance in this is right on; it was perfect for him and he really conveyed a lot with his eyes and facial expressions. It's a shame this has yet to have a DVD release in the U.S.
Thanks Laura. This movie seems to have fallen by the wayside somewhat and it does deserve to be seen. It's good to see some more support for Andrews – I reckon he's due a bit more respect.
I agree it's odd the film never got a DVD release in the US; it's a professional piece of work and a home video release might help raise its profile a little.
Caught up with it at last! Sorry for the late comment, but the film was well worth it and surprisingly gripping for something that seemed clear where it was heading. On an artistic level, the use of light was masterly – I love the conversations taking place in the shadows between two silhouetted heads. It's an obvious image but a powerful one.
As for Dana Andrews, I'm afraid I have seen him too often as wooden in the past. Whether I was just plain wrong or this film is the exception is I guess not for me to say, but I thought he was terrific in a role that demanded stillness. I really enjoyed the sense of conflict in him (after Gene Tierney's speech about Canada not being bad and then the radio speech) and the panic held deep within later as the Soviets were entering his flat. Mostly, he had me on his side – especially in the scene at the newspaper office – as the desperation mounted, which is all that really counts.
Favourite image – the sinister vault behind the curtain within Russia's embassy, and that face glaring out before letting anyone enter.
Terrific score also. Great review – thanks for introducing me to a fine film.
That's great Mike. I'm very pleased that you liked the movie so much, and that my recommendation spurred you on to seek it out. The imagery that's kind of casually thrown around throughout the film is, as you say, very effective.
And more good words about Dana Andrews! With all the praise for his work from so many people, I think we could almost get a fan club going in his honour. Marvellous stuff!
I'm much late to this Andrews appreciation party, but must say your review has me itching to locate this title. That it incorporates my homeland and one of my personal favourite stars (who I agree fields a similar denouement as Glenn Ford) makes it an automatic view. The issue of foreign intrigue and spies is an element on its own that doesn't have to feel dated; however much that emerged during the unseemly Red Scare era (or error) has the habit of bearing a sermon tone. Sounds like Wellman balanced the topic skilfully against the winds of popular and then-developing opinions. I've also just acquired the Andrews biography and am eager to see how the author paints this film in Andrews' catalogue… And the discussion amongst yourself and blog readers is, as always, interesting. I am in complete agreement with your final statement on the actual Red Scare paranoia of the days, and unfortunately still see similar tactics from that period used effectively by members of today's far right here in Canada and south … Again, thanks for an interesting read!
Thanks for the comment. I reckon this is a movie that's worth getting your hands on if possible. It's interesting both as a story and a snapshot of the times.
I still haven't picked up that new Andrews bio – I have a very long shopping list!
Not seen this, but vaguely recall reading about the real incident while in high school. There is a similarly themed Andrews film from 1952 called, ASSIGNMENT PARIS that I watched last year. (review up at the usual place) IRON CURTAIN I have here somewhere, so time to dig it up. Nice work, Colin.
Similarly, I have a copy of Assignment Paris kicking around somewhere but it's still unwatched. 🙂