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October 15, 2013 By Matt V 1 Comment
Gravity is the thrilling adventure to beat this year, and by my forecast, I think the skies are clear for this thriller from Alfonso Cuaron. Known for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Children of Men, Cuaron has spent the last few years piecing Gravity together, a film that features only two actors and a whole lot of outer space.
Sandra Bullock, in what will likely turn out to be the performance of the year and possibly her career, tackles the challenge of portraying astronaut Ryan Stone who attempts to make adjustments to a satellite alongside fellow spaceman, Matt Kowalski (George Clooney). Soon enough a whirlwind storm of debris dices through their ship and sends Stone spinning wildly out of control into space. Her only communication with NASA will soon dissipate once she floats too far out and her oxygen tank levels are already low.
This is about where the theatrical trailer for the movie leaves you hanging. The synopsis and trailer both left me wondering, what story could be left to tell? Where can the movie possibly go after that point?
Cuaron is no dummy and he quickly turns Gravity into an eye-popping 3D adventure that not only fails to overstay its welcome at a quick 90 minutes, but gives us a taste of what space may actually be like. How will Stone survive her impossible situation? That is the question. The movie takes us through her journey which essentially amounts to a one woman show that Bullock handles unflinchingly.
But let's not forget Clooney who actually pours a great deal of humor into an extremely tense film and gives the weightlessness some grounding when it can really use it. Make no mistake, this is Bullock's 'Cast Away' and she nails it. So does Cuaron who keeps the events, which had the potential to come off as repetitive, in check and moving at all times. This is a theatrical experience if ever there was one, and the amount of time and effort that had to go into a visual movie like this is staggering. It's so technically precise from top to bottom. The 3D is especially utilized well and enhances the film.
But at the core of this odyssey, and beyond all of the production values and whiz-bang "I've never quite seen this before" marveling, is a story of survival and a very strong actress that carries the entire movie. Look for all this year's award accolades to fall to Gravity, and watch Miss Bullock accept her second Oscar in a few months time. Gravity is a movie to experience (in the theater, in 3D).
Filed Under: Action, Drama, Science Fiction Tagged With: Alfonso Cuaron, George Clooney, Sandra Bullock
October 15, 2013 By Matt V Leave a Comment
Religious symbolism clashes with the harsh brutalities of a world bent in two by purely evil forces in the drama Prisoners which seeks to frighten, disturb, and wring us out emotionally. The redeeming qualities, however, unleash some terrific acting performances and unsettling suspense throughout a 2 1/2 hour runtime that manages to fly.
Two missing six-year-old girls from two different suburban families (Hugh Jackman, Maria Bello) – (Terrence Howard, Viola Davis) are the center of an investigation led by Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal). There is only one clear suspect to Keller Dover (Jackman), and that is a mentally challenged, Alex Jones (Paul Dano), whom Keller believes abducted the girls in his RV. Loki, however, can't find any substantial evidence to support Jones as his man.
A spiraling investigation leads Loki and Keller to desperation in their own ways. As each day passes, the girls are certainly closer to death if they aren't already.
Directed with a great deal of feeling by Denis Villeneuve, Prisoners resists the route of typical revenge actioners and actually heads up the drama in very realistic, albeit overwrought, fashion. The premise manages to carry the film for quite a while leading to a satisfying and physically draining conclusion that answers nearly every question the audience can throw at it. While the film lends itself to being picked apart due to the nature of an unfolding mystery, the picture is held together so well by alarmingly good performances for thinly drawn characters that have little range on paper, yet bloom onscreen.
Jackman is the angry autocratic father. Gyllenhaal is the determined investigator. Bello is the weeping wife. None of the characters have lives outside of their predicament. Yet the acting is so very good that I failed to notice it much until further reflection.
This is obviously the kind of film gunning for awards attention, and for the most part it deserves it. Jackman and Gyllenhaal especially deliver strong performances worthy of consideration. The film as a whole could be a little tighter, but I would be lying if I didn't say that I was glued to the screen the entire time, even when I wanted to look away. Prisoners is a mostly fascinating drama that delivers a strong hit to the gut.
Filed Under: Drama, Mystery Tagged With: Denis Villeneuve, Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Maria Bello, Melissa Leo, Paul Dano, Terrence Howard, Viola Davis
July 19, 2013 By Simon R. 1 Comment
I remember when I first saw Independence Day. It was the weekend of July 4, 1996, and my friends and I were packed into the Stuart Theater in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. the place was crowded, the floor was sticky, and the excitement was palpable. This was in the days before the internet went mainstream, and movie trailers could only be seen on TV. Nevertheless, in the weeks leading up to ID4's release my school was buzzing with all kinds of talk about what would surely be one of the coolest movies we had ever see. Spaceships. Aliens. Explosions. Jeff Goldblum. Will Smith. Brent Spiner! Could this movie be any cooler? And there we sat, riveted to our seats as the massive alien spaceships began settling over earth cities causing pandemonium in the streets below. We cheered when Smith punched an alien, took out a cigar, and said with cocky John Wayne-confidence, "Welcome to earth." We gaped as enormous fireballs engulfed buildings, streets, and entire metropolises. We jumped when an alien popped out of its biosuit inside the Area 51 laboratory. And when the movie was over, we clapped, cheered, and rose to our feet in exuberant jubilation. Independence Day not only lived up to the hype, but blew my mind into the stratosphere. No, it didn't have the most compelling storyline or complex characters. The dialog was cheesy. The aliens weren't all that scary, and the comic relief was a bit too corny. But none of that mattered, because the movie was just so much fun. It gave me and my friends exactly what we were hoping for: good guys, bad guys, aliens, and tons of explosions. And it was awesome.
So why bring all this up in a review of Pacific Rim? Because the two are so similar in tone and substance they might well have been cut from the very same cloth. This story, about robots called Jagers fighting monsters called Kaiju, is one that has been rehashed innumerable times on the big screen. The characters are about as one-dimensional as can be, and any description of them requires no more than three words each (including the article): The reluctant hero. The grizzled leader. The plucky scientist. The plucky jock. The wise father. Any standard action movie character checklist would be full of marks, but these cliches are part of what makes Pacific Rim such a fine achievement. Director Guillermo del Toro, whose previous films include Hellboy 1 and 2, Mimic, and the freakishly outstanding Pan's Labyrinth, foregoes deep, layered plots and complex subtexts for a straight-out, full-on action flick that caters to the little kid in all of us. Just like Independence Day and countless others before it, Pacific Rim knows exactly what it is and delivers on that promise in spades. Audience members are treated to some of the most gargantuan battles to ever grace a movie screen, with clearly delineated bad guys to jeer and good guys to cheer. It's summer popcorn fare at its finest, and a joy to behold on as massive of a screen as possible.
Aliens, 2. Robots, 1. Let's do this.
Charlie Hunnam plays Raleigh Becket, the reluctant hero with a past that haunts him and a future that looms as bleak as his haircut. A former superstar Jager pilot, he's recruited for one last-ditch attempt at stopping the Kaiju invasion (something about a rift in spacetime that opens a portal between dimensions…but it's really not that important) by the no-nonsense tough-as-nails director of the Jager program named…wait for it…Stacker Pentecost played by Idris Elba, who will soon no doubt be showing up in an Old Spice commercial near you. (If there's a hierarchy of manly names out there, Stacker Pentecost would rank one notch above John St. John and right below Bigg McLarge Huge.) Together they and their team of international, interracial, and intergenerational Jager pilots must take down the Kaiju or else risk the end of humanity as we know it. Toss in a dash of Ron Perlman as the shady but hilarious Hannibal Chau, mix in two parts awesome CGI and one healthy dose of ear-busting digital sonic punishment and you've got a recipe for one of the coolest movies I have seen on a big screen in a very long time.
What makes Pacific Rim so enjoyable isn't necessarily what it contains, but what it lacks. There are no scatalogical one-liners, no apocryphal political maneuverings, and no complicated explanations trying to shoehorn real-life physics into a sci-fi story. The female gender is, sadly, woefully underrepresented, but Becket's co-pilot Mako (Rinko Kikuchi) is a tough, capable woman who easily holds her own in a fight and remains 100% clothed the entire movie–just as a PG-13 action flick marketed towards kids should be. In fact, there's no romantic subplot at all which may or may not be a boon to the wives and girlfriends who will undoubtedly be dragged to Pacific Rim. Though I daresay they might enjoy the movie for what it is just as much as their male counterparts. The special effects on display here are as good as it gets, and the camera wisely lets many of the Jager/Kaiju bouts play out like violent watery ballets instead of a mishmash of quick cuts and closeups that render all the action well-nigh incomprehensible.
Del Toro has crafted a fantastic love letter to Godzilla movies of yesteryear, while exchanging their men in rubber monster suits for blisteringly realized CGI and intricate miniature work. Pacific Rim is a movie that reminded me what it felt like to be a kid, wide-eyed and full of wonder, marveling at what I was seeing unfold before me. And sometimes that's all I want from a movie.
Filed Under: Action
June 22, 2013 By Seth H. 2 Comments
When last we met, we covered the evolution of various supernatural critters from detestable to desirable. Vampires are a particularly striking example of an archetype that began as walking, rotting corpses, and rose to be portrayed as superior to humans in almost every way. And now, with Warm Bodies, zombies have begun to travel the same road. But as this happens, producers of fiction lose a useful tool in the form of a creature that can be killed without remorse. This leaves writers searching for a new archetype to fill the role of humanity's enemy. Sometimes what they come up with is surprising.
Writer/director Tommy Wirkola has found an unlikely replacement:
witches. His latest work, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, starts out with an abridged retelling of the classic children's tale of two kids who are apparently abandoned in the woods, find a house made of candy, and are captured by a hideous, cannibalistic crone, until they knock her into her own oven. This refresher is graphic, brutal, and not for children. Hansel and Gretel then vow to spend their lives hunting down and killing witches, and we are treated to a montage of newspaper clippings and wood-cut drawings, showing their exploits over the next fifteen years.
We don't have to think much for this movie. Hansel (Jeremy Renner) narrates "We learned two important things that day (when they escaped the witch as children). One, never walk into a house made of candy. And two, if you're going to kill a witch, set her ass on fire." Good advice.
Gemma Arterton, up to her usual awesomeness.
The main story deals with the twins working a case in Augsburg, investigating the disappearances of 11 children. The witches in this movie display many of the traits we've seen in vampires and werewolves in recent years: super human strength (why? Because it's cool), animal-like movements (why? Because it's cool), and an apparent black belt in jujitsu (why? … must you ask?). Hansel and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) save a beautiful young woman named Mina (Pihla Viitala) from being wrongfully executed as a witch. Hansel announces to the obligatory mob of villagers that when a woman engages in the black arts, a nasty rot sets in. That's right, the witches in this movie are essentially walking, rotting corpses. Sound familiar?
Jean Grey gone bad. Or did she already do that?
Is it a good movie? No. But the real questions is how well do the witches satisfy that part of us that just wants to weild a shotgun, as zombies used to do for us? The best thing about this movie is that it's not afraid to be politically incorrect. The witches are plentiful. They're ugly. And they're decidedly unsympathetic. They're a bit harder to kill than zombies, but the writers always find a way. All this movie really is is a big, silly bonanza of over-the-top stunts, awesome weapons that could never exist and dazzling fireballs. (It's even sillier than Van Helsing, if you can believe that). It's the kind of movie where people get knocked through walls, jump up and keep fighting. It doesn't need to be good; it's a blast.
But are the witches really all subhuman monsters? Are there none we can identify with? Are all those female
Bad witch.
movie goers who spent their teen years fantasizing about being witches and making love potions going to be left out in the cold?
Well, we eventually learn that, in fact, Mina is a witch, a "white witch" who uses her powers for "good." Good witches don't have the rot set in. So how do we tell a good witch from a bad? We look at their outward appearance. How delightfully shallow. Of course, even Mina admits that there are not many good witches, so the good news is most of the witches are just going to be fodder for the awesome fight scenes.
To be fair, there are some clever ideas in this movie, such as the glass milk bottles that bear pictures of the missing children, or the subplot in which Hansel has to take an insulin shot every day, due to all the candy the witch made him eat as a child to fatten him up. There is also a fresh take on the reason the twins' parents abandoned them in the forest that fateful night. But this is also one of the nastiest movies I have ever seen. Not only is it excessively gory, but the subject matter is pretty intense. There are graphic scenes of children being starved and terrorized by the witches (I understand there were some scenes cut out that were even worse) and one of a witch magically forcing a teen boy to shoot his own mother. Rape is also hinted at. After all, the original "children's tale" is pretty nasty when you think about it. The Brothers Grimm tended to live up to their name.
Good witch. See the difference?
I expect witches' time on popular fiction's crap list will be briefer than that of some other creatures, if only because we're so accustomed to seeing pretty witches save the day. So what's going to come next? Maybe vampires will cycle around for another run. Personally, I think I'll stick with my old standby: zombies.
Filed Under: Action, Horror Tagged With: 2 Stars, Fairy Tales, Famke Janssen, Gemma Arterton, Jeremy Renner, Pihla Viitala, Tommy Wirkola, Witches
June 20, 2013 By Matt V Leave a Comment
Further global annihilation awaits audiences this weekend in the form of World War Z, a massively expensive summer tentpole picture geared toward action-seekers and zombie fanatics, though it's likely to please one of those crowds more than the other. The film is based on a novel by Max Brooks of which I conquered a mountainous six pages. That's not to the novel's detriment. I merely put it down and never picked it back up.
No matter. The screenplay divided up by three writers apparently ditched the source material and instead journeys with Gerry Lane played capably by superstar Brad Pitt. Gerry has one of those professions never fully explained, but he is recruited out of retirement by the United Nations on a global quest to track down the origins of a zombie virus that has catapulted the planet into chaos.
The film opens with Gerry and his family—wife and two young daughters—traveling in the car when the outbreak hits. Cars slam into each other. Crowds flee in the streets. Hordes of rabid human undead attack civilians on the run and spread the pandemic. Within seconds, humans are fed on and turned to monstrous, speedy, lethal cannibals.
Gerry is offered a secure naval base shelter for his family in exchange for his efforts to track the down the spread of the virus. He joins a military strike force and globe-trots from the U.S. to South Korea to Jerusalem in search for answers that might allow him to find a cure for the spreading contagion.
Unfortunately for World War Z, the film has arrived following a wave of negative buzz after its production budget ballooned to unfathomable proportions for this type of zombie apocalypse thriller. A third act rewrite and reshoot didn't help matters especially when rumors spread that Brad Pitt quit talking to the director, Marc Forster (Quantum of Solace, Machine Gun Preacher), and threatened to walk out on the film. Consider all the rumors hearsay. What we finally have onscreen is pure unrelenting entertainment from start to finish, a film that easily outguns and KO's all alien superheroes and fast car lovers.
World War Z is a superb suspense-thriller and manages to succeed against all odds even for a PG-13 zombie film. Whether Forster, his editors, or his writers pulled off the magic required or blind luck intervened, this was not the choppy moviegoing experience I was expecting. The computer-generated mounds of zombies featured in the trailers raised I Am Legend-sized visual doubts, but actually turn out to be quite freaky physical specimens, which are (in individual cases) actually human actors sporting incredible makeup and prosthetic enhancements sans much of the gore fans have become accustomed to.
Believe me when I say the lack of blood never once hinders the film from its storytelling ambitions, nor from rampant intensity and scares. There are plenty of jump-out-of-your-seat moments. Several sequences mount tingling suspense. The filmmakers have flat-out created a well-structured thriller that flows neatly across continents from start to finish atop Brad Pitt's shoulders. Its his show and he does create a genuine character that the audience can root for as he struggles to return to his family and save the world.
At a tight 2 hour running time, World War Z delivers the goods and winds up a fine summer blockbuster filled with big action, big thrills, and the kind of suspense this season has been lacking. Despite the lack of blood, the movie has plenty of guts, and it knows how to turn up the intensity to eleven. Skip the 3D conversion and forget about a faithful adaptation to novel. If you can do so I'm betting you'll eat it up.
Filed Under: Action, Horror, Uncategorized Tagged With: Brad Pitt, Damon Lindelof, David Morse, Marc Forster
June 19, 2013 By Matt V 1 Comment
Warner Bros. really wants Superman to turn into the next Dark Knight franchise and Zack Snyder's mega opus Man of Steel makes a serious run for your money. It's a gargantuan exercise in Transformer-sized destruction masquerading as a modernized take on the most popular superhero of all time. Can the caped do-gooder savior survive a dead-on serious interpretation courtesy of the 300, Watchmen-helmer with the guiding hand of producer Christopher Nolan?
As a matter of fact—he can, but not without a few scars and lacerations. Man of Steel is admittedly somewhat of a choppy mess missing much of the beating heart a Superman film desperately needs more than an alien super-punch. Snyder attempts to restructure Kal-El and his battle against the alienation of being, well, an alien. The film lifts off immediately in a big way—Superman's father, Jor-El (Russell Crowe) and his mother are introduced on planet Krypton (very Avatar-esque) in the middle of a planetary Armageddon. Krptonians haven't been able to deliver a natural born child for many years until Jor-El's wife delivers a baby that is immediately shuttled off to Earth in the hopes of giving him a chance to survive before military leader/lunatic Zod (Michael Shannon) can find the child and turn him to mush.
Fast forward. Kal-El (renamed Clark Kent on Earth) is a 33-year-old man-alien in hiding as a savior-to-be. Through flashbacks, Snyder introduces Clark's restrained hostility and his heroic efforts to save others in need despite his father's disapproval. Kevin Costner, superb yet limited in the film as Pa Kent, instructs Clark that the world isn't ready for the unveiling of Clark's identity and incredible abilities. The film bounces around important highlights from Clark's life before plunging into the efforts of Lois Lane (Amy Adams), the willful reporter who stumbles upon Kent in the Fortress of Solitude. Kent discovers his past. Lane discovers the story of her career. Bring out the cape and the romance.
Kent dons the infamous suit just in time to do battle with Zod who manages to find Earth with his evil cohorts in an attempt to reclaim that last artifact of Krypton following its destruction: Clark/Kal-El. In the process, Zod wants to also level all of Earth and rebuild Krypton. With no earthly measures able to stop Zod and his troops, Superman locks fists with beings just as powerful as he in the hopes of saving the third rock from the sun before it is wiped out.
I have to give Snyder credit for taking a full bludgeoning swing at the infamous DC universe character and despite a few strikes, he manages a base hit—one that nearly shatters the ball. You couldn't pack any more action and mayhem into the final hour of this movie. If there is anyone left alive in the massive destruction of Metropolis by the time the film is over, consider Superman back for another go-around as the world's alien savior. Fans looking for action will feast on this film. Fans looking for a little more character development will find a lot to be desired with Snyder's film.
Granted, another origin story for Superman in 2013 wasn't going to be an easy task. Most viewers know the story, the beats, and what must be included. To retread so much information already committed to film over the course of five previous feature Superman films *not to mention ten seasons of Smallville and however many seasons of Lois and Clark), would have the blind taste of Novocaine. After a while the filmmakers wouldn't have realized they were chewing off their own tongues.
With flashback sequences utilized for Man of Steel, the required information regarding Kent's past makes it to audiences, albeit in disjointed fashion that hinders the narrative from ever finding the proper fluidity. The romance spark between Lois and Clark never fully develops, and everything that must occur feels like a falling gavel. The filmmakers have sentenced the film 'that this must take place!' However, Snyder still captures the parallels of Christ and Kent's battle against vengeful (sinful) temptation when ultimately he must be the burdened savior of the world that his father sent him to be.
The battle of give-and-take for audience expectation hits the film hard in the gut without bringing it to its knees. When the film isn't showcasing the highlight reel, some great moments and performances sneak through. Most notably of course is Henry Cavill as the latest actor to adorn the costume. He fits it well. The actor comes across as charming, powerful, and certainly human. For my money he is a great Superman in a not-so-great movie. Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, and Russell Crowe are also especially good here. Even when they all have less to do, they provide the necessary supporting talent the film really needs.
The film's greatest disappointment arrives in the form of Michael Shannon whose one-note expression gives the villain Zod little to do. Perhaps the script shortchanged him, but for whatever reason I found Shannon lacking in terms of a death-blow adversary. Was he too serious that the performance came off campy? I don't know. A second viewing might sort that out for me.
Another critical factor in lessening the film's impact has to be enormous action that meanders more in silliness than importance. The fighting feels ongoing, but never immediate. Honestly. The destruction in the film morphs into the Octomom-love-children of Roland Emmerich, Michael Bay, and well, Zack Snyder. Visually, yes, this is a mammoth spectacle to behold and I have to say that the special effects will likely drown out any other film this year. Or next year. But Snyder's movie endeavor, at 2 1/2 hours, had no limits in the action department.
Yet Man of Steel still manages to fly. I walked away satisfied, but without the butterflies. The film is flawed for sure, but this team can take flight with a clear-cut adventure for the sequel now that the dust has settled on the choppy origin story. I'm guessing the film will take place ten years in the future when the rebuilding of Metropolis has a chance to finish.
Filed Under: Action, Science Fiction Tagged With: Amy Adams, Christopher Nolan, David S. Goyer, Diane Lane, Henry Cavill, Kevin Costner, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe, Superman, zack snyder
June 15, 2013 By Seth H. 1 Comment
Before we begin our discussion of Warm Bodies, I want to say few words about vampires. Why vampires? Because zombies and vampires have a great deal in common, especially if you look at their history. In ancient times, vampires bore more resemblance to zombies than to anything we would call a vampire today. They looked – and smelled – like the reanimated corpses they were. At dusk, they would claw their way out of their graves and stagger about, seeking to feed upon the living. And they did not wear Vampire perfume.
The reasons for their existence also intersect. Everyone today is used to zombies being created by a virus. But you probably don't know that vampires, too, have been through this phase. You are probably familiar with the 2007 zombie movie I am Legend, directed by Francis Lawrence and starring Will Smith. You might not know that this is a remake of The Last Man on Earth, directed by Sidney Salkow and starring Vincent Price (1964), which was based on the novel I am Legend by Richard Matheson (1954). Of course, neither Last Man, nor the novel had a single zombie. That's right, in those stories, a disease turns the living into vampires. For some reason, they are still repelled by crosses and mirrors. Go figure.
Bella Lugosi started a change in the vampire's image in 1931, and people began to think of vampires as dapper gentlemen. Another significant milestone came with Interview with the Vampire (Dir. Neil Jordan, 1994), the first major motion picture to focus on the vampire's point of view. Interview included, among other things, Louis (Brad Pitt), a vampire whose conscience is haunted by the people he has to drain to survive. Instead of rooting for Louis' destruction, moviegoers felt bad for him. Of course, it didn't hurt that he looked like one of Hollywood's most bankable heartthrobs. This was the fulcrum in the swing from vampires as dangerous to vampires as desirable. More recent vampires are genuine bring-home-to-mom material, and in fact are often kinder and more thoughtful than humans. In fact, in certain series, e.g. Underworld, vampires don't even drink human blood. The subject of how they survive is kind of glossed over, leaving us to assume that vampires exist only to look sexy, twirl pistols, and spout the angst of a prolonged adolescence.
A lot of people are really enjoying this desirable vampire craze, of course. Nothing has generated so much drooling female hysteria as the smut series we call Twilight. But as much as Interview gave us, it also caused us to lose something. Vampires as they once were provided no end of engaging stories and wish fulfillment, because they were enemies you could kill without remorse (because they were already, you know, dead). Everyone loves a story of human struggle and triumph, especially with some combat thrown in, but when such stories involve human enemies, that raises all kinds of pesky moral issues, along with the occasional libel suit. If we have to sympathize with vampires now, who can we kill without remorse?
Zombies to the rescue! I've already expounded on the flood of zombie flicks we've seen in the 19 years since Interview. Zombie movies are the perfect genre. They're quick and cheap to make, they don't need to be good, and they are the perfect form of escapism, because not only do they provide an army of unfeeling, unthinking enemies, they also bring about the downfall of the Man. That mortgage you're stressed about? Forget about it! That cubicle job you have to go to everyday? Not anymore! You now need concern yourself with three things: Food. Shelter. Zombies. So pick up your shotgun or chainsaw, and go have a head-splattering, limb-severing blast, all amid a playground of empty mansions, unguarded stores, and abandoned Ferraris.
This brings us to Warm Bodies. We join our narrator, a zombie (Nicholas Hoult) who remembers only that his name started with R, as he shambles through a crowd of other zombies, who occasionally manage to squeeze single words from their rigor mortized throats. We also meet Bonies. Bonies are what zombies will eventually become. They resemble the more skeletal monsters from The Mummy and are conceptually the same thing as the re-deads from the Resident Evil games. Our hero makes his home in a disused airplane, where he collects trinkets, listens to vinyl and wishes to be alive again.
Meanwhile, a group of teenagers, including lovers Perry (Dave Franco) and Julie (Teresa Palmer), leaves a fortified compound to scavenge supplies. They are busily ransacking a pharmacy, when a pack of zombies, including R, takes them by surprise. R is momentarily knocked down and watches Julie, rhythmically firing her shot gun, and apparently falls for her. In the following moments, R kills Perry, and proceeds to consume him. He narrates that when a zombie eats someone's brain, that zombie experiences that person's memories.
R teaches Julie to act like a zombie.
He concludes "I don't want to hurt you. I just want to feel what you felt … to feel a little less dead." The zombies come out the clear winners of this skirmish, and Julie is left standing alone, her magazines drained and her throwing knives spent. R approaches her before most of the others have left their kills and speaks her name, having learned it from Perry's brain. To her astonishment, he rubs blood and grime over her face, and tells her "Come … s-safe." With few options, she follows him and realizes the other zombies assume she is a new "addition to the family." He takes her home and promises, in what sentence fragments he can manage, to keep her safe. However, she initially refuses to interact with him other than by curling into a ball and crying. He comments "I can tell when a girl needs her space. There's other ways to get to know someone. Like eating her dead boyfriend's brains." He has saved several pieces from the attack, and over the next few days, he learns more of Perry and Julie's story, and becomes increasingly remorseful for killing Perry. During this same time frame, R(omeo) and Julie(t) begin to talk more and grow closer.
R begins to change. His heart begins to beat, he begins to experience warmth and cold, and he begins to dream ("The dead do not sleep"). What's more, as R changes, it also seems to affect the other zombies. Significantly, the zombies in this movie lack the wounds other zombie movies like to put on their zombies. No lips missing, or ribs showing or anything. From the beginning, I wondered if being a zombie was any different from having arthritis and Alzheimer's. We actually don't get any clues as to how any of these people died (supposedly, none of them remember). The implication seems to be, at least at the symbolic level, that these zombies only ever "died" in that they forgot what it was to be human. As they start to remember, they start to move less stiffly and form sentences. Meanwhile, Julie begins trying to convince her father (John Malkovich), who runs the compound that the zombies are not the enemy and want to help.
All this is thrown together pretty loosely. For example, there's never really a good explanation of how the humans and zombies end up allied against the Bonies. But I'm not complaining. I have to admit, the end of Warm Bodies really did bring a smile to my face, even if there were some holes in the plot. After so many zombie flicks tried to out do each other with bleakness and cynicism, it was cool to see one where there actually was a cure found — and it wasn't some magical batch of chemicals, but simply, well … a little TLC.
But geez, now we've also lost zombies as unfeeling enemies that we can kill without remorse! If both vampires and zombies are now eligible mates with hopes, dreams and humanity, what supernatural creatures can we still use as fodder for the part of us that just wants to wield a shotgun? Hmm … maybe witches? More on that next time.
Filed Under: Comedy, Horror, Movies, Romance, Uncategorized Tagged With: 3 Stars, Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, vampires, zombies
June 2, 2013 By Matt V Leave a Comment
Like exhaust through a catalytic converter, so are the days of the Torretto family.
Six installments. Six. Car drive and car drive fast. This concept has spanned SIX! feature films. As of late the crash-mania squealing-tire saga has only gained further momentum. Vin Diesel, the legitimate star of the series, announced that next summer's greenlit Fast 7 (set up at the closing credits of this current installment) will begin a new trilogy. Heaven help us all.
The crew of the massive blockbuster Fast Five returns for round 6 or Furious 6 as its titled in the opening credits and the results are exactly what you expect. Just don't try following the titles of these movies. And be sure to remember that The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (or Fast 3) from seven years ago takes place after all previous Fast & Furious features including this sixth entry. Still up to speed?
Picking up immediately where we left in Fast 5, Agent Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) gains a new partner in Agent Riley (MMA beauty Gina Carano, Haywire) and sets out to court Dominic Torretto (Vin Diesel) living peacefully on a tropical island with his newfound lady friend (and Hobbs' former partner) Elena (Elsa Pataky). Hobbs needs Dom to recruit his team once more to take on the international threat of Owen Shaw (Luke Evans), a really bad terrorist with a really bad device that is capable of something very bad and might be used by said bad terrorist or sold to another really bad terrorist.
Why would Torretto be interested? Why even bother confiding in his F&F-chum-for-life Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker) who just had a new baby boy with Torretto's sister (Jordana Brewster)? Because Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Dom's murdered lover (as it happened in Fast 4) is still very much alive and may in fact be working with Shaw. Dom needs to know for sure and "you don't turn your back on family, even when they do."
Walker, Diesel, Johnson, and Carano welcome Ludacris, Sung Kang, Tyrese, and Gal Gadot in yet another family reunion full of physics-defying metal on metal stunts and set pieces linked to moments of eye-rolling blabbering buffoons yawning us to death about family values. Justin Lin, the confident man behind the action of the last four F&F films, smolders a not-so-subtle subtext of family and loyalty over car mangling. Dominic, our antihero, may be an outlaw, but he has a code and he protects his own which adds a great deal of honor to his outlandish escapades. The villain Shaw, on the other hand, plays by-the-numbers and finds his team members to be no more than disposable pawns in his strategic chess game that he always holds the upper hand in.
Who cares? I don't and neither do viewers. They want "vehicular warfare" and they do get it, bigger and better than usual which is a major compliment coming off the high of Fast Five. But I have to admit I'm fatigued of this series which now throws a few too many big wrenches at my head in terms of plot. Believe me. I'm not referring to the stunts, which feature only slightly more lunacy than the story.
The plot is a gigantic mess of pointless setup met with needless execution. Follow the events of Fast 6 and you will scratch your head over the decisions the characters make in an effort to string together some large action sequences. Potential SPOILERS ahead. Stop here. I know I'm criticizing a live-action cartoon that delivers exactly what is intended, but bear with me.
Point 1: Hobbs recruits Dom and a team of international criminals he set to take down in the last movie. Why? Because there needs to be a movie, not because he wouldn't work with an actual military unit or strike force or… something like that.
Point 2: O'Connor decides to infiltrate a stateside prison as an inmate in order to get close to a former villain from the series who may have some information on what happened to Letty. Why? I don't know actually. This is the most idiotic development in the movie. The mission would likely get O'Connor killed and it nearly does. But the funny thing is that the information is of zero importance. The characters already know where Letty is, have seen her and know that she is alive and likely has memory issues. Torretto goes and finds her on his own before O'Connor even returns from his adventure. Dom instructs his buddy to spare him the 'vital information' that was worth dying over.
Point 3: For being the smartest villain in the room, Shaw is a moron. He says he doesn't care for his team members and finds them to be replaceable. Except for Letty, the smart-mouth, authority-defying brain batter mess that generally serves little purpose for Shaw throughout the film. Torretto offers to walk away from Shaw and leave him alone if he can have Letty back. Shaw refuses. Idiot.
Point 4: Torretto and Shaw, in multiple instances throughout the film, have a chance to take each other out either directly or through their cohorts. They don't take the shot. Then there's the back and forth of the heroes having Shaw and letting him go. And having him and letting him go. Dumb.
Point 5: The action has zero consequences and the cartoonish nature of the series removes any and all suspense or tension. Multiple fistfights occur in this installment. Heroes and villains bludgeon each other with nary a bruise or scratch. At one point, Diesel's character dives headfirst into the skull of any angry giant thug man and walks away unscathed. As insane as the car stunts become, whether the heroes are facing off against tanks or airliners, the action reaches such high levels but rarely evokes actual danger. Characters consistently fight through hell but never show injury until the final blow—if they do in fact die.
That's where the series has really worn me out. Bang bang boom, but no one gets hurt until they die. This roadrunner-coyote cartoon chase only entertains for so long when there's no suspense or actual imminent danger to the characters. I know other PG-13 action films have dealt with the same problems, but none are as numb to reality as the Fast series, at least to my present knowledge.
Justin Lin has a balancing act with these films and he succeeds with a far more prominent and successful use of humor this time around, but there are simply too many characters and subplots to juggle at this point. The action even suffers in terms of the different bobbing heads we are forced to jump back and forth with. Do I commend the action? Yes. But somewhere down the line I became numb to it. The F&F fans should rejoice, however, as this is probably a franchise high for them, even though I found it a step down from Part 5. If you want bloodless carnage, mindless action, and by-the-numbers soap opera, then Fast 6 will serve you plenty.
Filed Under: Action Tagged With: Chris Morgan, Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, Gina Carano, Jordana Brewster, Justin Lin, ludacris, Luke Evans, Michelle Rodriguez, Paul Walker, Sung Kang, Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel
For the last two years of my life, every time there's laundry to fold or iron, The Mummy goes in the VCR. I usually try to busy myself in some other room, balancing the checkbook or something, whenever she watches The Mummy. Despite this, however, I have learned all the screams of the movie by heart.
By Simon R. Leave a Comment
Wes Anderson has never been one for mainstream flicks. His movies consistently focus on quirky characters with less-than-ideal family situations, and derive a sort of awkward comedy from odd situations and situations. Rarely one to go for a simple punchline, the heart and humor of movies like Bottle Rocket, Rushmore, Royal Tenenbaums, and his other […]
By Dwise1 2 Comments
About a year ago I came across the first teaser trailer for a film called Despicable Me. It was a computer animated film, made by a studio other than Pixar, so that's always hit or miss. Some non-Pixar films I enjoy – Monsters vs. Aliens – some I could have called the rest of my […]


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Desmond Howard
Former NFL Player; 1991 Heisman Trophy Recipient; College Football Analyst for ESPN
Virtual Event: $20,000 - $30,000
Arts & Humanities, Broadcasters, Broadcasting, Entertainment, Fashion, Football, Heisman Trophy Winners, Host Emcee, Inspirational Speakers, Journalists, Lifestyle, Media, Motivation, Peak Performance, Personal Growth, Speakers by Industry, Sports, Television Personalities, Television Stars, Virtual Speakers, Writers and Journalists
Desmond Howard Biography
Desmond Howard joined ESPN in 2005 as a college football analyst. The 1991 Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl XXXI MVP joined the network a few years after his remarkable 11 seasons in the NFL. He has been an analyst on the eight-time Emmy-Award winning College GameDay, the network's signature Saturday morning show originating from the site of one of the day's best games, since 2005 and also calls ESPN's mid-week games.
Howard's broadcast career began in 2003 at Fox Sports, for which he was a contributor to Best Damn Sports Show Period. In 2004, he was a correspondent on ESPN2's Cold Pizza during the show's Super Bowl coverage. Howard also was a weekly contributor to Fox Sports Radio for the 2005-06 NFL season. During the 2007-08 college football season, he could be heard on Miami's 790 The Ticket, analyzing the week's top matchups on the Jorge Sedano Show.
At Michigan from 1988-1991, Howard was the first receiver in Big Ten history to lead the conference in scoring as he set or tied five NCAA records and 12 single-season Michigan records. In 1991, the All-American won the Heisman by the second largest margin of victory in the trophy's history (85 percent of the vote). He was also awarded the Walter Camp Trophy and the Maxwell Award that year, finishing with 950 receiving yards and 19 touchdown passes. His 138 points (23 touchdowns overall) that season made him the first wide receiver to lead the Big Ten in scoring. By the end of his college career, Howard had scored 37 touchdowns.
The Washington Redskins selected Howard fourth overall in the 1992 NFL Draft. Howard spent three years with Washington, then moved on to the Jacksonville Jaguars – with whom he scored the first game-winning touchdown in team history – the Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2000 while playing with the Lions.
Howard had 92 receptions as a wide receiver in his first four years. His 870 punt return yards in a single season remain a NFL record. With a memorable postseason kickoff return of 99-yards in the 1997 Super Bowl, he became the first and only player on special teams to be named Super Bowl MVP. Also in 1996, Howard led the NFL in punt returns, punt return average and punt returns for touchdowns, and he tacked on 460 kickoff return yards and 95 receiving yards on 13 catches.
In 2011, Howard was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame. He has also been inducted to the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame, the University of Michigan Hall Of Honor, the State of Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame.
Howard, who graduated from Michigan with a bachelor's degree in mass communications, now resides in Miami.
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Greatest punt return ever! Desmond Howard Heisman Pose - YouTube
Desmond Howard signs new multi-year deal to remain at ESPN ...
Desmond Howard has spent more than a decade covering college football for ESPN, and that relationship will continue. The network announced Tuesday that it ...
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Booking fees for Desmond Howard, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. Pricing often varies between live and virtual events. Other factors that can affect speaker fees include the talent's schedule, market conditions, length of presentation, and the location of the event. The live and virtual event speaking fees listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only. In some cases, the actual quote may be above or below the stated range. For the most current fee to hire Desmond Howard, please fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak with an experienced booking agent.
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All American Entertainment has successfully secured celebrity talent like Desmond Howard for clients worldwide for more than 15 years. As a full-service talent booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Fill out the booking request form or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Desmond Howard for your next private or corporate function.
All American Speakers is a "buyers agent" and exclusively represents talent buyers, meeting planners and event professionals, who are looking to secure celebrities and speakers for personal appearances, speaking engagements, corporate entertainment, public relations campaigns, commercials, or endorsements. We do not exclusively represent Desmond Howard or claim ourselves as the exclusive booking agency, business manager, publicist, speakers bureau or management for Desmond Howard or any other speaker or celebrity on this website. For more information on how we work and what makes us unique, please read the AAE Advantage.
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FAQs on booking Desmond Howard
Desmond Howard is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Desmond Howard for your event is $30,000 - $50,000. Desmond Howard generally travels from Miami, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Dan Marino, Tim Tebow, Coach Ken Carter, Greg Gumbel and Eric Boles. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Desmond Howard for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Alex Emmerson – explores your personal beliefs and asks whether your goals are aligned with the rhythms of your heart.
Sophie Jewry – our very own Queen of Brand gives you her secrets and tips to help you create a brand that your customers will simply adore.
Ruby McGuire – the Visibility Diva shows how you can create sincere and fabulous content without having to continually sell your soul.
Sarah Anne Lucas AKA Bird on a Bike – shows how a fun, fit and healthy lifestyle forms the springboard of your life and business success.
Julia and JP De Villiers will be sharing with us their peak performance rituals which keep them motivated daily.
Alex Emmerson is a wife, mum of 4 boys, professional singer and speaker. Born and raised in Catania, Sicily, she moved to Norwich at the age of 18 to do a Modern Languages Degree. In 1998, after graduating, she met Matt Emmerson, a professional musician and business man, they fell in love, got married and the rest, as they say, is history.Alex is what's known as "a creative activator" – she makes stuff happen.
Matt and Alex now run the successful Invidia Voices – The Rock & Soul Choir and Beat Connection, their own band. Alex also continues to regularly give talks to business people and entrepreneurs on the subjects of goal setting, belief systems and inter-personal relationships.
Are you aware that you have an incredible radar at your disposal? The RAS is there to point out for you all the right information, connections and business opportunities every second of every day. But have you programmed it correctly?
In this talk, you will find out how to reprogram your RAS to your personal and business advantage. Do you know who you are and what you desire at your very core? Are you tired of setting the goals you think you should set? Do you keep setting the same goals every 1 st January and falling off the wagon 2 weeks into the new year? Or are you reaching all your goals and still feeling unfulfilled?
You might be setting the wrong goals according to your dominant human need. If you value contribution over certainty for example, but your goals are mainly financially based, you will always feel a void, like you are travelling in the wrong direction. Come and find out what the right goals for YOU are, and how you can feel more fulfilled and make your business more successful simply by aligning yourself with your dominant need.
Alex will also explain what your 6 universal human needs are, how to check in with yourself and make sure you are meeting these needs in constructive rather than destructive ways and how concentrating on your top 2 dominant needs can change the direction of your life, your destiny and your sense of fulfilment.
Since 2003, Sophie Jewry, AKA 'The Queen of Brand' and head honcho at LadiesThatPlan, has helped thousands of women in business create an awesome brand, be more productive and achieve a better work life balance. Sophie, an award-winning entrepreneur, has launched and run 3 successful businesses, all while being a full time mum. She was blessed with a daughter at just 19 so knows exactly how hard getting the work/life juggling act right can be. An advocate of continuous personal development, Sophie applies leading edge techniques to help others make a healthy income from a business they love while enjoying a better quality of life.
Sophie is the creator of the Ultimate Diary Planner and Minerva Notebook (among others), she is ever so slightly obsessed with planning and stationery and loves nothing better than helping others achieve their business goals.
Promote It – Rock Your Fabulous Biz!
Ruby McGuire, Visibility Diva, aka Queen of Connection, works with Solopreneurs helping them to rock their visibility in their business both on and offline.
She says she's an introvert, so understands what it's like when you know you need to be more visible in your business, but let's be honest it's doesn't feel completely natural or comfortable.
She encourages her clients to share their businesses in a quietly fabulous way, without feeling as though they're over promoting ourselves.
She teaches her clients how to connect with their passion, their dreamie clients and their message, and helps them to be more confident by working on their fears and doubts, and putting the business basics (i.e. niching, pricing, packaging, and marketing tools) in place to launch and grow their businesses.
She's a self-confessed vanilla coffee addict, she says preferably cappuccino please! Married to her soul mate, she's a Mum of a 17 year old daughter and two grown-up stepdaughters. She lives in Berkshire, UK, with their little dog, Lulu and her daughter's hamster, Luna!
The more professional bit… Prior to Coaching, she worked in HR for 11 years with her last role, as Head of HR, that encompassed all aspects including training, recruitment and employment law. You may have seen her work in the International Coaching News Magazine, Inspired Coach Magazine and she heads up the Business Support Section of Invenio Magazine, plus writes various guest posts/articles on a regular basis. She's a Co-Author of Awaken Your True Potential and runs a weekly podcast show called Rock Your Fabulous Biz.
One thing Ruby is passionate about is helping people to create content for their businesses.
In her 45-minute interactive talk, she's going to be teaching you lots of fabulous strategies to create killer content without selling out your soul.
Sarah-Anne Lucas…. 'aka' Bird is a Mumma to the 3 most extraordinary little/big people. She is an author, writer, international speaker, radio presenter, businesswoman and Ironman. Bird lives and breaths supporting you to believe in the health of your lives. Birdonabike specialises in supporting women move from their 'Had Enough' moment to peak performance in their lives. This always reflects in their business. Their energy levels are like never felt before, their love for themselves is reborn and their relationships within their environment flourish. Bird is reverse engineering how you feel about your responsibility to be healthy. Health is boring, that's what you tell me and the health of the nation reflects that.
"It's Never About The Fitness" beautifully shows you that you are so much more than just fitness, it's never about the fitness! It's your thoughts, your feelings, your energy levels, your love of your environment. You are your business. Without supporting and loving the body you find yourself in, your business will fail. Fact. In fact from the thousands of clients to interviewing the most successful business owners, there is one factor that runs through the heart of your business, your why, your life. You do what you do for family.
Her live radio show "The Conversation" has made the business world transparent. You do what you do for family. The hours you work, for family. The business stress endured, for family. The daily fatigue, for family. Therefore, what you do on a daily basis matters. It more than matters it is vital to your business success but more importantly to you, it matters to your values, to your family.
Bird will create a love affair with you in 45 minutes.
You will have an abundance of energy felt like never before on a daily basis by investing in simple daily tweaks to your life.
You will fulfil your needs for you, your family, and become your children's inspiration.
Julia is a lifestyle and wellness blogger and jewellery designer. Julia's stunning jewellery collection has been created to remind people to practice gratitude every day, to give women an experience and make them feel like a goddess.
Julia loves all things health, wellness, spirituality, travel, art, empowerment and inspiration. She exercises her passions through her blog, social media channels, jewellery lines, lifestyle tips and the health and fitness retreats.
Jean-Pierre, or JP as he is known, is a Peak Performance Coach, International Speaker and best selling Author who teaches people how to become the best version of themselves so they can have more energy, confidence, freedom and success to genuinely live an extraordinary life.
As a couple they work together running transformational events and retreats all over the world. Julia and JP will be sharing with us their peak performance rituals which keep them motivated daily.
Prices include VAT, which is applied at the checkout.
Isn't it time you took the leap?


When I got my period last week, it meant more than another failed month of TTC (trying to conceive). It marked the start of my IVF cycle!
Instead of feeling the usual post-period blues, I could now turn my attention and emotional energy to the start of my IVF journey. I feel hope and excitement, but holy cow, this is a daunting and intimidating (not to mention expensive) process. The drugs, the egg retrieval, and the transfer ... how exactly will it all work?
This is where the doctor and nurses come in. On "cycle day one" I immediately received my individual IVF schedule, which maps out each step of the process on a calendar. I also started taking (yes) birth control pills. Next my husband and I were sent to IVF school: a two-hour class, which covered the maze of IVF drugs, injections, and procedures that lie ahead.
Along with three other couples, we huddled over our own cubby of sample drugs and syringes while a nurse demonstrated how we would inject my tummy and bum with a cocktail of hormones. I felt a little like a tenth-grader in biology lab pondering the frog I was going to have to dissect with my partner. Would we be good students? Would we ace the test? The drug names alone made me want to start making flash cards: Follistim, Monopur, Ganirelix, Levaquin.
After two hours, my head was swimming with how to draw just the right IUs of liquid into the syringe and how to tap out air-bubbles. Yikes! Each couple had a little mound of flesh-like pink rubber to practice injections. We both took turns sinking the inch-long needle into my pseudo stomach. Luckily, my lab partner/sweet hubby showed a real flair for the whole thing.
Next up is a mock embryo transfer. A trial run, if you will, so that they aren't checking out my hardware for the first time when they do the transfer for real. That won't happen for a few more weeks. In the meantime, we need to order our meds and get psyched for nightly injections.
This whole thing feels pretty surreal so far. I'm guessing it will feel a lot less abstract when that first needle is locked and loaded. The best I can do is take it one day at a time and stay focused on the positive.


text:
package org.wallet.viewsystem.swing.view.panels;

import com.google.worldcoin.core.Sha256Hash;
import com.google.worldcoin.core.Transaction;
import com.google.worldcoin.core.Utils;
import com.google.worldcoin.core.Wallet.SendRequest;
import org.wallet.WorldcoinWallet;
import org.worldcoinj.wallet.Protos.Wallet.EncryptionType;
import org.wallet.controller.Controller;
import org.wallet.controller.worldcoin.WorldcoinController;
import org.wallet.exchange.CurrencyConverter;
import org.wallet.model.worldcoin.WorldcoinModel;
import org.wallet.model.worldcoin.WalletBusyListener;
import org.wallet.utils.ImageLoader;
import org.wallet.viewsystem.swing.ColorAndFontConstants;
import org.wallet.viewsystem.swing.WorldcoinWalletFrame;
import org.wallet.viewsystem.swing.action.CancelBackToParentAction;
import org.wallet.viewsystem.swing.action.OkBackToParentAction;
import org.wallet.viewsystem.swing.action.SendWorldcoinNowAction;
import org.wallet.viewsystem.swing.view.components.WorldcoinWalletButton;
import org.wallet.viewsystem.swing.view.components.WorldcoinWalletDialog;
import org.wallet.viewsystem.swing.view.components.WorldcoinWalletLabel;
import org.wallet.viewsystem.swing.view.components.WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel;
import org.slf4j.Logger;
import org.slf4j.LoggerFactory;

import javax.swing.*;
import java.awt.*;

/**
 * The send worldcoin confirm panel.
 */
public class SendWorldcoinConfirmPanel extends JPanel implements WalletBusyListener {
    private static final long serialVersionUID = 191435612399957705L;

    private static final Logger log = LoggerFactory.getLogger(SendWorldcoinConfirmPanel.class);

    private static final int STENT_WIDTH = 10;

    private WorldcoinWalletFrame mainFrame;
    private WorldcoinWalletDialog sendWorldcoinConfirmDialog;

    private final Controller controller;
    private final WorldcoinController worldcoinController;

    private WorldcoinWalletLabel sendAddressText;
    private WorldcoinWalletLabel sendLabelText;
    private WorldcoinWalletLabel sendAmountText;
    private WorldcoinWalletLabel sendFeeText;

    private String sendAddress;
    private String sendLabel;
    private SendRequest sendRequest;

    private WorldcoinWalletLabel confirmText1;
    private WorldcoinWalletLabel confirmText2;

    private SendWorldcoinNowAction sendWorldcoinNowAction;
    private WorldcoinWalletButton sendButton;
    private WorldcoinWalletButton cancelButton;

    private JPasswordField walletPasswordField;
    private WorldcoinWalletLabel walletPasswordPromptLabel;
    private WorldcoinWalletLabel explainLabel;

    private static SendWorldcoinConfirmPanel thisPanel = null;

    private static ImageIcon shapeTriangleIcon;
    private static ImageIcon shapeSquareIcon;
    private static ImageIcon shapeHeptagonIcon;
    private static ImageIcon shapeHexagonIcon;
    private static ImageIcon progress0Icon;

    static {
        shapeTriangleIcon = ImageLoader.createImageIcon(ImageLoader.SHAPE_TRIANGLE_ICON_FILE);
        shapeSquareIcon = ImageLoader.createImageIcon(ImageLoader.SHAPE_SQUARE_ICON_FILE);
        shapeHeptagonIcon = ImageLoader.createImageIcon(ImageLoader.SHAPE_PENTAGON_ICON_FILE);
        shapeHexagonIcon = ImageLoader.createImageIcon(ImageLoader.SHAPE_HEXAGON_ICON_FILE);
        progress0Icon = ImageLoader.createImageIcon(ShowTransactionsPanel.PROGRESS_0_ICON_FILE);
    }

    /**
     * Creates a new {@link SendWorldcoinConfirmPanel}.
     */
    public SendWorldcoinConfirmPanel(WorldcoinController worldcoinController, WorldcoinWalletFrame mainFrame, WorldcoinWalletDialog sendWorldcoinConfirmDialog, SendRequest sendRequest) {
        super();
        this.worldcoinController = worldcoinController;
        this.controller = this.worldcoinController;
        this.mainFrame = mainFrame;
        this.sendWorldcoinConfirmDialog = sendWorldcoinConfirmDialog;
        this.sendRequest = sendRequest;

        thisPanel = this;

        initUI();

        cancelButton.requestFocusInWindow();
        applyComponentOrientation(ComponentOrientation.getOrientation(controller.getLocaliser().getLocale()));

        this.worldcoinController.registerWalletBusyListener(this);
    }

    /**
     * Initialise worldcoin confirm panel.
     */
    public void initUI() {
        JPanel mainPanel = new JPanel();
        mainPanel.setOpaque(false);

        setLayout(new BorderLayout());
        add(mainPanel, BorderLayout.CENTER);

        mainPanel.setLayout(new GridBagLayout());

        String[] keys = new String[] { "sendWorldcoinPanel.addressLabel",
                "sendWorldcoinPanel.labelLabel", "sendWorldcoinPanel.amountLabel",
                "showPreferencesPanel.feeLabel.text", "showExportPrivateKeysPanel.walletPasswordPrompt"};

        int stentWidth = WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel.calculateStentWidthForKeys(controller.getLocaliser(), keys, mainPanel)
                + ExportPrivateKeysPanel.STENT_DELTA;

        // Get the data out of the wallet preferences.
        sendAddress = this.worldcoinController.getModel().getActiveWalletPreference(WorldcoinModel.SEND_ADDRESS);
        sendLabel = this.worldcoinController.getModel().getActiveWalletPreference(WorldcoinModel.SEND_LABEL);
        String sendAmount = this.worldcoinController.getModel().getActiveWalletPreference(WorldcoinModel.SEND_AMOUNT) + " " + controller.getLocaliser(). getString("sendWorldcoinPanel.amountUnitLabel");

        String sendAmountLocalised = CurrencyConverter.INSTANCE.prettyPrint(sendAmount);

        String fee = "0";
        if (sendRequest != null) {
            fee = Utils.worldcoinValueToPlainString(sendRequest.fee);
        }

        String sendFeeLocalised = CurrencyConverter.INSTANCE.prettyPrint(fee);

        GridBagConstraints constraints = new GridBagConstraints();

        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.BOTH;
        constraints.gridx = 0;
        constraints.gridy = 0;
        constraints.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints.gridheight = 1;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        mainPanel.add(WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel.createStent(STENT_WIDTH), constraints);

        ImageIcon bigIcon = ImageLoader.createImageIcon(ImageLoader.WORLDCOIN_WALLET_128_ICON_FILE);
        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.BOTH;
        constraints.gridx = 1;
        constraints.gridy = 2;
        constraints.weightx = 0.5;
        constraints.weighty = 0.2;
        constraints.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints.gridheight = 5;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.CENTER;
        JLabel bigIconLabel = new JLabel(bigIcon);
        mainPanel.add(bigIconLabel, constraints);

        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.BOTH;
        constraints.gridx = 2;
        constraints.gridy = 0;
        constraints.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints.gridheight = 1;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        mainPanel.add(WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel.createStent(STENT_WIDTH, STENT_WIDTH), constraints);

        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.BOTH;
        constraints.gridx = 7;
        constraints.gridy = 1;
        constraints.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints.gridheight = 1;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        mainPanel.add(WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel.createStent(STENT_WIDTH), constraints);

        explainLabel = new WorldcoinWalletLabel("");
        explainLabel.setText(controller.getLocaliser().getString("sendWorldcoinConfirmView.message"));
        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.NONE;
        constraints.gridx = 3;
        constraints.gridy = 1;
        constraints.weightx = 0.8;
        constraints.weighty = 0.4;
        constraints.gridwidth = 5;
        constraints.gridheight = 1;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        mainPanel.add(explainLabel, constraints);
        mainPanel.add(WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel.createStent(explainLabel.getPreferredSize().width, explainLabel.getPreferredSize().height), constraints);

        JPanel detailPanel = new JPanel(new GridBagLayout());
        detailPanel.setBackground(ColorAndFontConstants.VERY_LIGHT_BACKGROUND_COLOR);
        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.BOTH;
        constraints.gridx = 3;
        constraints.gridy = 2;
        constraints.weightx = 0.6;
        constraints.weighty = 0.8;
        constraints.gridwidth = 3;
        constraints.gridheight = 5;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.CENTER;
        mainPanel.add(detailPanel, constraints);

        GridBagConstraints constraints2 = new GridBagConstraints();

        constraints2.fill = GridBagConstraints.HORIZONTAL;
        constraints2.gridx = 0;
        constraints2.gridy = 0;
        constraints2.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints2.weighty = 0.05;
        constraints2.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints2.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        detailPanel.add(WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel.createStent(stentWidth), constraints2);

        constraints2.fill = GridBagConstraints.HORIZONTAL;
        constraints2.gridx = 1;
        constraints2.gridy = 0;
        constraints2.weightx = 0.05;
        constraints2.weighty = 0.05;
        constraints2.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints2.gridheight = 1;
        constraints2.anchor = GridBagConstraints.CENTER;
        detailPanel.add(WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel.createStent(WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel.SEPARATION_BETWEEN_NAME_VALUE_PAIRS),
                constraints2);

        JLabel forcer1 = new JLabel();
        forcer1.setOpaque(false);
        constraints2.fill = GridBagConstraints.HORIZONTAL;
        constraints2.gridx = 2;
        constraints2.gridy = 0;
        constraints2.weightx = 10;
        constraints2.weighty = 0.05;
        constraints2.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints2.gridheight = 1;
        constraints2.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_END;
        detailPanel.add(forcer1, constraints2);

        WorldcoinWalletLabel sendAddressLabel = new WorldcoinWalletLabel("");
        sendAddressLabel.setText(controller.getLocaliser().getString("sendWorldcoinPanel.addressLabel"));
        constraints2.fill = GridBagConstraints.NONE;
        constraints2.gridx = 0;
        constraints2.gridy = 1;
        constraints2.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints2.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints2.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints2.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_END;
        detailPanel.add(sendAddressLabel, constraints2);

        sendAddressText = new WorldcoinWalletLabel("");
        sendAddressText.setText(sendAddress);
        constraints2.fill = GridBagConstraints.NONE;
        constraints2.gridx = 2;
        constraints2.gridy = 1;
        constraints2.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints2.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints2.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints2.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        detailPanel.add(sendAddressText, constraints2);

        WorldcoinWalletLabel sendLabelLabel = new WorldcoinWalletLabel("");
        sendLabelLabel.setText(controller.getLocaliser().getString("sendWorldcoinPanel.labelLabel"));
        constraints2.fill = GridBagConstraints.NONE;
        constraints2.gridx = 0;
        constraints2.gridy = 2;
        constraints2.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints2.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints2.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints2.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_END;
        detailPanel.add(sendLabelLabel, constraints2);

        sendLabelText = new WorldcoinWalletLabel("");
        sendLabelText.setText(sendLabel);
        constraints2.fill = GridBagConstraints.NONE;
        constraints2.gridx = 2;
        constraints2.gridy = 2;
        constraints2.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints2.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints2.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints2.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        detailPanel.add(sendLabelText, constraints2);

        WorldcoinWalletLabel sendAmountLabel = new WorldcoinWalletLabel("");
        sendAmountLabel.setText(controller.getLocaliser().getString("sendWorldcoinPanel.amountLabel"));
        constraints2.fill = GridBagConstraints.NONE;
        constraints2.gridx = 0;
        constraints2.gridy = 3;
        constraints2.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints2.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints2.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints2.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_END;
        detailPanel.add(sendAmountLabel, constraints2);

        sendAmountText = new WorldcoinWalletLabel("");
        sendAmountText.setText(sendAmountLocalised);
        constraints2.fill = GridBagConstraints.NONE;
        constraints2.gridx = 2;
        constraints2.gridy = 3;
        constraints2.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints2.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints2.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints2.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        detailPanel.add(sendAmountText, constraints2);

        WorldcoinWalletLabel sendFeeLabel = new WorldcoinWalletLabel("");
        sendFeeLabel.setText(controller.getLocaliser().getString("showPreferencesPanel.feeLabel.text"));
        constraints2.fill = GridBagConstraints.NONE;
        constraints2.gridx = 0;
        constraints2.gridy = 4;
        constraints2.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints2.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints2.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints2.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_END;
        detailPanel.add(sendFeeLabel, constraints2);

        sendFeeText = new WorldcoinWalletLabel("");
        sendFeeText.setText(sendFeeLocalised);
        constraints2.fill = GridBagConstraints.NONE;
        constraints2.gridx = 2;
        constraints2.gridy = 4;
        constraints2.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints2.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints2.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints2.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        detailPanel.add(sendFeeText, constraints2);

        constraints2.fill = GridBagConstraints.HORIZONTAL;
        constraints2.gridx = 0;
        constraints2.gridy = 5;
        constraints2.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints2.weighty = 0.05;
        constraints2.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints2.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        detailPanel.add(WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel.createStent(stentWidth), constraints2);

        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.HORIZONTAL;
        constraints.gridx = 3;
        constraints.gridy = 7;
        constraints.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints.weighty = 0.3;
        constraints.gridheight = 1;
        constraints.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        mainPanel.add(WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel.createStent(stentWidth), constraints);

        // Add wallet password field.
        walletPasswordPromptLabel = new WorldcoinWalletLabel(controller.getLocaliser().getString("showExportPrivateKeysPanel.walletPasswordPrompt"));
        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.NONE;
        constraints.gridx = 3;
        constraints.gridy = 8;
        constraints.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints.gridheight = 1;
        constraints.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_END;
        mainPanel.add(walletPasswordPromptLabel, constraints);
        mainPanel.add(WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel.createStent(walletPasswordPromptLabel.getPreferredSize().width, walletPasswordPromptLabel.getPreferredSize().height), constraints);

        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.HORIZONTAL;
        constraints.gridx = 4;
        constraints.gridy = 7;
        constraints.weightx = 0.05;
        constraints.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.CENTER;
        mainPanel.add(WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel.createStent(WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel.SEPARATION_BETWEEN_NAME_VALUE_PAIRS),
                constraints);

        JLabel forcer2 = new JLabel();
        forcer2.setOpaque(false);
        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.BOTH;
        constraints.gridx = 5;
        constraints.gridy = 7;
        constraints.weightx = 10;
        constraints.weighty = 0.05;
        constraints.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints.gridheight = 1;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_END;
        mainPanel.add(forcer2, constraints);

        JPanel filler4 = new JPanel();
        filler4.setOpaque(false);
        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.BOTH;
        constraints.gridx = 3;
        constraints.gridy = 7;
        constraints.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints.weighty = 0.01;
        constraints.gridheight = 1;
        constraints.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        mainPanel.add(filler4, constraints);

        walletPasswordField = new JPasswordField(24);
        walletPasswordField.setMinimumSize(new Dimension(200, 20));
        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.NONE;
        constraints.gridx = 5;
        constraints.gridy = 8;
        constraints.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints.gridheight = 1;
        constraints.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        mainPanel.add(walletPasswordField, constraints);
        mainPanel.add(WorldcoinWalletTitledPanel.createStent(200, 20), constraints);

        JPanel filler5 = new JPanel();
        filler4.setOpaque(false);
        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.BOTH;
        constraints.gridx = 3;
        constraints.gridy = 9;
        constraints.weightx = 0.3;
        constraints.weighty = 0.01;
        constraints.gridheight = 1;
        constraints.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        mainPanel.add(filler5, constraints);

        if (this.worldcoinController.getModel().getActiveWallet() != null) {
            if (this.worldcoinController.getModel().getActiveWallet().getEncryptionType() == EncryptionType.ENCRYPTED_SCRYPT_AES) {
                // Need wallet password.
                walletPasswordField.setEnabled(true);
                walletPasswordPromptLabel.setEnabled(true);
            } else {
                // No wallet password required.
                walletPasswordField.setEnabled(false);
                walletPasswordPromptLabel.setEnabled(false);
            }
        }

        JPanel buttonPanel = new JPanel();
        buttonPanel.setOpaque(false);
        //buttonPanel.setBorder(BorderFactory.createLineBorder(Color.RED));
        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.NONE;
        constraints.gridx = 3;
        constraints.gridy = 10;
        constraints.weightx = 0.8;
        constraints.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints.gridwidth = 4;
        constraints.gridheight = 1;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_END;
        mainPanel.add(buttonPanel, constraints);

        CancelBackToParentAction cancelAction = new CancelBackToParentAction(controller, ImageLoader.createImageIcon(ImageLoader.CROSS_ICON_FILE), sendWorldcoinConfirmDialog);
        cancelButton = new WorldcoinWalletButton(cancelAction, controller);
        buttonPanel.add(cancelButton);

        sendWorldcoinNowAction = new SendWorldcoinNowAction(mainFrame, this.worldcoinController, this, walletPasswordField, ImageLoader.createImageIcon(ImageLoader.SEND_WORLDCOIN_ICON_FILE), sendRequest);
        sendButton = new WorldcoinWalletButton(sendWorldcoinNowAction, controller);
        buttonPanel.add(sendButton);

        confirmText1 = new WorldcoinWalletLabel("");
        confirmText1.setText(" ");
        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.NONE;
        constraints.gridx = 1;
        constraints.gridy = 11;
        constraints.weightx = 0.8;
        constraints.weighty = 0.15;
        constraints.gridwidth = 6;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_END;
        mainPanel.add(confirmText1, constraints);

        JLabel filler3 = new JLabel();
        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.HORIZONTAL;
        constraints.gridx = 7;
        constraints.gridy = 11;
        constraints.weightx = 0.05;
        constraints.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        mainPanel.add(filler3, constraints);

        confirmText2 = new WorldcoinWalletLabel(" ");
        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.NONE;
        constraints.gridx = 1;
        constraints.gridy = 12;
        constraints.weightx = 0.8;
        constraints.weighty = 0.15;
        constraints.gridwidth = 6;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_END;
        mainPanel.add(confirmText2, constraints);

        JLabel filler6 = new JLabel();
        constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.HORIZONTAL;
        constraints.gridx = 7;
        constraints.gridy = 12;
        constraints.weightx = 0.05;
        constraints.weighty = 0.1;
        constraints.gridwidth = 1;
        constraints.anchor = GridBagConstraints.LINE_START;
        mainPanel.add(filler6, constraints);

        enableSendAccordingToNumberOfConnectedPeersAndWalletBusy();
    }

    private void enableSendAccordingToNumberOfConnectedPeersAndWalletBusy() {
        boolean enableSend = false;
        String message = " ";

        if (this.controller.getModel() != null) {
            String singleNodeConnection = this.controller.getModel().getUserPreference(WorldcoinModel.SINGLE_NODE_CONNECTION);
            boolean singleNodeConnectionOverride = singleNodeConnection != null && singleNodeConnection.trim().length() > 0;

            String peers = this.controller.getModel().getUserPreference(WorldcoinModel.PEERS);
            boolean singlePeerOverride = peers != null && peers.split(",").length == 1;

            if (thisPanel.sendWorldcoinNowAction != null) {
                if (!singleNodeConnectionOverride && !singlePeerOverride && this.worldcoinController.getModel().getNumberOfConnectedPeers() < WorldcoinModel.MINIMUM_NUMBER_OF_CONNECTED_PEERS_BEFORE_SEND_IS_ENABLED) {
                     // Disable send button
                    enableSend = false;
                    message = controller.getLocaliser().getString("sendWorldcoinConfirmView.worldcoin-walletMustBeOnline");
                } else {
                    // Enable send button
                    enableSend = true;
                    message = " ";
                }
                if (this.worldcoinController.getModel().getActivePerWalletModelData().isBusy()) {
                    enableSend = false;
                    message = controller.getLocaliser().getString("worldcoinWalletSubmitAction.walletIsBusy",
                            new Object[]{controller.getLocaliser().getString(this.worldcoinController.getModel().getActivePerWalletModelData().getBusyTaskKey())});
                }
                thisPanel.sendWorldcoinNowAction.setEnabled(enableSend);
            }
        }

        if (sendWorldcoinNowAction != null) {
            sendWorldcoinNowAction.setEnabled(enableSend);
            if (confirmText1 != null) {
                if (enableSend) {
                    // Only clear the 'worldcoin-walletMustBeOnline' message.
                    if (controller.getLocaliser().getString("sendWorldcoinConfirmView.worldcoin-walletMustBeOnline").equals(confirmText1.getText())) {
                        confirmText1.setText(message);
                    }
                } else {
                    confirmText1.setText(message);
                }
            }
        }
    }

    public void setMessageText(final String message1) {
        SwingUtilities.invokeLater(new Runnable() {
            @Override
            public void run() {
                confirmText1.setText(message1);
            }});
        invalidate();
        validate();
        repaint();
    }

    public void setMessageText(final String message1, final String message2) {
        SwingUtilities.invokeLater(new Runnable() {
            @Override
            public void run() {
                confirmText1.setText(message1);
                confirmText2.setText(" " + message2);
            }});
        invalidate();
        validate();
        repaint();
    }

    public void clearAfterSend() {
        SwingUtilities.invokeLater(new Runnable() {
            @Override
            public void run() {
                walletPasswordField.setText("");
                walletPasswordField.setVisible(false);
                explainLabel.setVisible(false);
                walletPasswordPromptLabel.setVisible(false);
            }});
    }

    public void showOkButton() {
        OkBackToParentAction okAction = new OkBackToParentAction(controller, sendWorldcoinConfirmDialog);
        sendButton.setAction(okAction);

        cancelButton.setVisible(false);
    }

    public static void updatePanel() {
        SwingUtilities.invokeLater(new Runnable() {
            @Override
            public void run() {
                if (thisPanel != null && thisPanel.isVisible()) {
                    final WorldcoinController worldcoinController = WorldcoinWallet.getWorldcoinController();
                    if (worldcoinController != null) {
                        String singleNodeConnection = worldcoinController.getModel().getUserPreference(WorldcoinModel.SINGLE_NODE_CONNECTION);
                        boolean singleNodeConnectionOverride = singleNodeConnection != null && singleNodeConnection.trim().length() > 0;

                        String peers = worldcoinController.getModel().getUserPreference(WorldcoinModel.PEERS);
                        boolean singlePeerOverride = peers != null && peers.split(",").length == 1;

                        boolean enableSend = false;
                        if (thisPanel.sendWorldcoinNowAction != null) {
                            if (!singleNodeConnectionOverride && !singlePeerOverride && worldcoinController.getModel().getNumberOfConnectedPeers() < WorldcoinModel.MINIMUM_NUMBER_OF_CONNECTED_PEERS_BEFORE_SEND_IS_ENABLED) {
                                // Disable send button
                                enableSend = false;
                            } else {
                                // Enable send button
                                enableSend = true;
                            }
                            if (worldcoinController.getModel().getActivePerWalletModelData().isBusy()) {
                                enableSend = false;
                            }
                            thisPanel.sendWorldcoinNowAction.setEnabled(enableSend);
                        }

                        WorldcoinWalletLabel confirmText1 = thisPanel.confirmText1;
                        if (enableSend) {
                            if (confirmText1 != null) {
                                if (WorldcoinWallet.getController().getLocaliser()
                                        .getString("sendWorldcoinConfirmView.worldcoin-walletMustBeOnline").equals(confirmText1.getText())) {
                                    confirmText1.setText(" ");
                                }
                            }
                        } else {
                            if (confirmText1 != null) {
                                confirmText1.setText(WorldcoinWallet.getController().getLocaliser()
                                        .getString("sendWorldcoinConfirmView.worldcoin-walletMustBeOnline"));
                            }
                        }
                    }

                    thisPanel.invalidate();
                    thisPanel.validate();
                    thisPanel.repaint();
                }
            }
        });
    }

    public static void updatePanelDueToTransactionConfidenceChange(final Sha256Hash transactionWithChangedConfidenceHash,
            final int numberOfPeersSeenBy) {
        SwingUtilities.invokeLater(new Runnable() {
            @Override
            public void run() {
                if (thisPanel == null || !thisPanel.isVisible() || thisPanel.getSendWorldcoinNowAction() == null) {
                    return;
                }
                Transaction sentTransaction = thisPanel.getSendWorldcoinNowAction().getTransaction();

                if (sentTransaction == null || !sentTransaction.getHash().equals(transactionWithChangedConfidenceHash)) {
                    return;
                }

                WorldcoinWalletLabel confirmText2 = thisPanel.getConfirmText2();
                if (confirmText2 != null) {
                    confirmText2.setText(thisPanel.getConfidenceToolTip(numberOfPeersSeenBy));
                    confirmText2.setIcon(thisPanel.getConfidenceIcon(numberOfPeersSeenBy));
                }

                thisPanel.invalidate();
                thisPanel.validate();
                thisPanel.repaint();
            }
        });
    }
    private String getConfidenceToolTip(int numberOfPeers) {
        StringBuilder builder = new StringBuilder("");
        if (numberOfPeers == 0) {
            builder.append(WorldcoinWallet.getController().getLocaliser().getString("transactionConfidence.seenByUnknownNumberOfPeers"));
        } else {
            builder
                .append(WorldcoinWallet.getController().getLocaliser().getString("transactionConfidence.seenBy"))
                .append(" ");
            builder.append(numberOfPeers);
            if (numberOfPeers > 1)
                builder
                    .append(" ")
                    .append(WorldcoinWallet.getController().getLocaliser().getString("transactionConfidence.peers"))
                    .append(".");
            else
                builder.append(" ")
                    .append(WorldcoinWallet.getController().getLocaliser().getString("transactionConfidence.peer"))
                    .append(".");
        }
        return builder.toString();
    }

    private ImageIcon getConfidenceIcon(int numberOfPeers) {
        // By default return a triangle which indicates the least known.
        ImageIcon iconToReturn;

        if (numberOfPeers >= 4) {
            return progress0Icon;
        } else {
            switch (numberOfPeers) {
            case 0:
                iconToReturn = shapeTriangleIcon;
                break;
            case 1:
                iconToReturn = shapeSquareIcon;
                break;
            case 2:
                iconToReturn = shapeHeptagonIcon;
                break;
            case 3:
                iconToReturn = shapeHexagonIcon;
                break;
            default:
                iconToReturn = shapeTriangleIcon;
            }
        }
        return iconToReturn;
    }

    public WorldcoinWalletButton getCancelButton() {
        return cancelButton;
    }

    // Used in testing.
    public SendWorldcoinNowAction getSendWorldcoinNowAction() {
        return sendWorldcoinNowAction;
    }

    public String getMessageText1() {
        return confirmText1.getText();
    }

    public String getMessageText2() {
        return confirmText2.getText();
    }

    public void setWalletPassword(CharSequence password) {
        walletPasswordField.setText(password.toString());
    }

    public boolean isWalletPasswordFieldEnabled() {
        return walletPasswordField.isEnabled();
    }

    public WorldcoinWalletLabel getConfirmText2() {
        return confirmText2;
    }

    @Override
    public void walletBusyChange(boolean newWalletIsBusy) {
        enableSendAccordingToNumberOfConnectedPeersAndWalletBusy();
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: Server error when searching in chat I just tried to make a search on Meta Stack Exchange Chat by typing into the search box in the top right in a chat room, but I got a server error when doing so: https://chat.meta.stackexchange.com/error?aspxerrorpath=/search
Update: Looks like this is happening with Stack Exchange Chat and Stack Overflow Chat as well.
Update 2: Looks like this question is missing the "Related Questions".

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Visualizations can be used to convey design to a client, raise money from investors, and help designers make informed decisions. They can be polished for weeks or pushed out in hours. Some visualizations are photorealistic, while others are sketchy and conceptual. Regardless of the purpose, allotted time, or style, all visualizations require an extensive selection and variety of objects to compliment the built environment. Utilizing an object library enables the visualization artist to render a convincing image, clearly convey a design, and deliver within a reasonable timeframe and budget.
Modeling every vase, flower, petal, couch, cushion, pillow, person, car, and tree would drastically increase the hours needed for a visualization. Focus on modeling what you have control over, the architecture. Use an object library to compliment your design with real items designed and modeled by others.
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A beach resort rendering in Miami will have significantly different entourage needs than an office rendering in Seattle. Plants from different regions of the world will vary greatly. Design styles vary from traditional to contemporary. To even attempt to fill the need for every entourage situation with one library would be impossible. It is critical to develop the skills to find the objects you need. Look to the following resources and beyond to expand your object library to accommodate any scene.
SketchUp offers an infinite number of models on the 3d Warehouse. Beware, these objects are user generated, often not modeled to be lightweight, textured to be realistic, or scaled to be accurate. When searching the 3d Warehouse, keep an eye out for collections built by manufacturers because these are the most trustworthy.
Lumion Pro comes with a whopping 2916 objects, the most important being the Nature collection. This collection is full of trees and plants that literally blow in the breeze and render beautifully without question. Second in line are the Transportation and Character libraries.
FormFonts is an invaluable subscription site for 3d models and textures. All objects are professionally built to be light weight, realistic, and accurate. I use FormFonts models on every project that we work on and promise that they are worth every penny of the subscription fee.
The most difficult category to satisfy is people. Below are some additional free resources for 2D cutout people, ideal for photorealistic still renderings.
My approach is to model and texture all architecture in SketchUp. Static objects, such as furniture, decorative items, doors, windows, appliances, and equipment are pulled from an object library and inserted in the SketchUp model on corresponding ConDoc layers. The entire model is then sent to Lumion.
Tip: A general rule of thumb, static objects should be inserted in SketchUp, animated objects should be inserted in Lumion.
Place objects in Lumion on specific layers to control visibility and keep the model snappy. Placing 2D people on a layer separate from the 3D people will give you full control over entourage for animations and still images. Reason being, 3d people are ideal for animation while 2d people are ideal for stills.


Will New York or Illinois be Next to Legalize Recreational Marijuana?
A recent poll in New York shows strong public support for legal pot, while Illinois has crushing budget pressures that make cannabis taxes very appealing, according to Entrepreneur.
While medical marijuana is legal in New York, the state has been slower to adapt legalization of recreational marijuana that's already happened in Alaska, California, Colorado, Oregon, Nevada, Massachusetts and Washington.
New York might be about to catch up, if a new poll is any indication. And in Illinois, a budget crisis is driving some lawmakers to push for legal marijuana to help pay the state's massive debt. They even brought in a celebrity this week to make their case.