High-power microwave (HPM) weaponry sends out a short, extremely high-voltage burst of electromagnetic energy capable of disrupting computer systems for a fraction of a second. Although the disruption is short, the burst causes computers to reset, and if the computers operate something as sensitive as the control and navigation systems of a jet in mid-flight, the result could be lethal. HPM systems are effective weapons by virtue of the fact that their use is difficult to trace. For technologically sophisticated powers such as the United States, however, HPM weapons are potentially as much of a threat as they are an asset.
HPM capabilities. If HPM simply shut down computer systems, that might be enough to make them formidable weapons, but their usefulness does not stop there. As anyone who has ever accidentally put a piece of metal in a microwave oven knows, metal in contact with micro-waves tends to spark. If the conductive wire harness inside an airplane fuel tank were hit with a microwave near the end of a transoceanic flight, when the concentration of fumes in the tank is heavy, the result could be an explosion.
To further the threatening quality of HPM weaponry, these systems use "ammunition"—electromagnetic energy—that is invisible, travels at the speed of light, and exists in virtually limitless supply. Nor does an HPM beam leave any markings, like the spent round of a traditional weapon, that would connect it to the weapon that fired it.
HPM uses. Until the 1970s, HPM technology was impractical. Over the next two decades, however, developments in plasma physics, energy storage, and the technology of switching devices made these weapons systems viable around the time the Cold War came to an end. The Soviets invested more research in the field than did the West, a logical choice because HPM weaponry is more useful to the less technologically advanced side. The more sophisticated a nation's weapons systems, and the more reliant on microprocessors, the more vulnerable these potentially are to HPM.
Russian authorities claimed that in 1995, Chechnyan rebels used HPM to subvert a Russian security system and gain entry to a restricted-access area. Four years later, the Russians maintained that United States forces used HPM weapons to disable Yugoslav communications during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) campaign in Kosovo.
Carbon-graphite coils capable of generating an electromagnetic pulse used to destroy electronics equipment—especially communications equipment—can be fitted to cruise missiles. Carbon-graphite equipped cruise missiles were used by U.S.-led forces in raids on Baghdad, Iraq, in 1991 and in 2003.
Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory also have developed an HPM weapon for the Department of Justice: aimed at a moving vehicle, the HPM could shut off the electronic ignition, thus bringing a high-speed car chase to an abrupt end.
American use of HPM systems carried with it the threat that enemies might gain access to such weapons as well. In view of this danger, the Department of Defense took steps to "harden" the electronic circuitry of weapons to protect them against attacks.
Arkin, William M. "'Sci-Fi' Weapons Going to War." Los Angeles Times. (December 8, 2002): M1.
Epstein, Edward. "U.S. Has New Weapon Ready." San Francisco Chronicle. (February 14, 2003): A1.
Fulghum, David A. "Microwave Weapons May Be Ready for Iraq." Aviation Week & Space Technology 157, no. 6 (August 5, 2002): 24.
Kirkpatrick, Melanie. "Weapons with a Moral Dimension." Wall Street Journal. (January 14, 2003): A15.


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text:
Tracking Trump
Walker Watch
Crossword and Sudoku
Good buys
Tag Archives: exports
Featured, Featured Views, News, Opinion, Views & Opinions, World
Obama administration announces rule to deal with illegal fishing, seafood fraud
December 8, 2016 Op-ed	Leave a comment
The Obama administration on Dec. 8 issued a final rule to implement the Seafood Import Monitoring Program to address illegal fishing and seafood fraud in the United States.
This rule will require imported seafood at risk of illegal fishing and seafood fraud to be traced from the fishing boat or farm to the U.S. border, helping to stop illegally caught and mislabeled seafood from entering the United States.
This is a statement by Oceana senior campaign director Beth Lowell:
Today's announcement is a groundbreaking step towards more transparency and traceability in the seafood supply chain. We applaud President Obama for his ambitious plan to require traceability for imported seafood 'at-risk' of illegal fishing and seafood fraud.
For the first time ever, some imported seafood will now be held to the same standards as domestically caught fish, helping to level the playing field for American fishermen and reducing the risk facing U.S. consumers.
But the problem doesn't stop here. We must continue to build on this important work and expand seafood traceability to include all seafood sold in the U.S. and extend it throughout the entire supply chain.
Without full-chain traceability for all seafood, consumers will continue to be cheated, hardworking, honest fishermen will continue to be undercut, and the long-term productivity of our oceans will continue to be in jeopardy.
American consumers deserve to know more about their seafood, including what kind of fish it is, and how and where it was caught or farmed. While Oceana celebrates today's announcement, there's still more to do in the fight against illegal fishing and seafood fraud.
About Oceana…
Oceana's investigations of fish, shrimp, crab cakes and most recently salmon, in retail markets and restaurants found that, on average, one-third of the seafood examined in these studies was mislabeled — the product listed on the label or menu was different from what the buyer thought they purchased, often a less desirable or lower-priced species. Oceana has observed threatened species being sold as more sustainable, expensive varieties replaced with cheaper alternatives and fish that can cause illness substituted in place of those that are safer to eat.
In September, Oceana released a report detailing the global scale of seafood fraud, finding that on average, one in five of more than 25,000 samples of seafood tested worldwide was mislabeled. In the report, Oceana reviewed more than 200 published studies from 55 countries, on every continent except Antarctica, and found seafood fraud in 99.9 percent of the studies. The studies reviewed also found seafood mislabeling in every sector of the seafood supply chain: retail, wholesale, distribution, import/export, packaging/processing and landing.
The report also highlighted recent developments in the European Union to crack down on illegal fishing and improve transparency and accountability in the seafood supply chain. According to Oceana's analysis, preliminary data out of the EU suggests that catch documentation, traceability and consumer labeling are feasible and effective at reducing seafood fraud.
For more information about Oceana's campaign to stop seafood fraud, please visit www.oceana.org/fraud.
administrationbarack obamacommercialconsumersdiningenvironmentexportsfishfishingfraudimportsoceanapackagingpresidentseafoodunited states
Environment, News, Progressive
Unregulated genetically modified wheat popping up in Montana
October 1, 2014 Wisconsin Gazette	Leave a comment
Unregulated genetically modified wheat has popped up in a second location in the United States, this time in Montana, the Agriculture Department has said.
No genetically engineered wheat has been approved for U.S. farming, and the discovery of unapproved varieties can pose a potential threat to U.S. trade with countries that have concerns about genetically modified foods.
USDA said that the incident is on a smaller scale than a similar finding in Oregon last year that prompted several Asian countries to temporarily ban U.S. wheat imports.
The herbicide-resistant wheat was found on one to three acres in Montana, while the genetically engineered plants found in Oregon were spread over more than 100 acres. And the plants were found at a university research center in Huntley, Montana, where genetically modified wheat was legally tested by seed giant Monsanto 11 years ago. The plants in Oregon were found in a field that had never conducted such tests, prompting questions about how they got there.
The department said it is investigating the discovery of the Montana wheat, which is a different variety than the genetically modified wheat found in Oregon. USDA said the wheat would be safe to eat, but none of it entered the market.
In a final report also released Friday, USDA said it believes the genetically modified wheat in Oregon was an isolated incident and that there is no evidence of that wheat in commerce. The report says the government still doesn't know how the modified seeds got into the fields.
The discovery of the genetically modified wheat in Oregon in 2013 prompted Japan and South Korea to temporarily suspend some wheat orders, and the European Union called for more rigorous testing of U.S. shipments.
Monsanto Co. suggested last year that some of the company's detractors may have intentionally planted the seeds. Robb Fraley, Monsanto's executive vice president and chief technology officer, said in June 2013 that sabotage is the most likely scenario, partly because the modified wheat was not distributed evenly throughout the field and was found in patches.
"It's fair to say there are folks who don't like biotechnology and would use this to create problems," he said then.
Bernadette Juarez, who oversees investigative and enforcement efforts for USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, said the department wasn't able to prove any such scenarios.
"Ultimately, we weren't able to make a determination of how it happened," she said.
In a statement Friday, a Monsanto spokeswoman did not repeat Fraley's 2013 speculation about sabotage but said the report provides closure. Monsanto also said it is fully cooperating with the investigation into the Montana wheat.
Montana State University's Southern Agricultural Research Center, where the modified wheat was found, also said it has been cooperating with USDA's investigation.
Most of the corn and soybeans grown in the United States are already genetically modified to resist certain herbicides or to have other traits. But the country's wheat crop is not, as some wheat farmers have shown reluctance to use genetically engineered seeds since their product is usually consumed directly by people. Much of the corn and soybean crop is used as feed for animals.
Some in the wheat industry have also been concerned that genetically modified wheat, if ever approved, would contaminate conventional wheat, causing problems with exports. Opponents of modified crops used the Oregon wheat as an example of that threat. "Genetic contamination is a serious threat to farmers across the country," said Andrew Kimbrell, executive director for Center for Food Safety.
agriculturecropsexportsfarmersfoodforeigngenetically modifiedgmograinherbicidemonsantomontanaOregonorganicseedtradewheat
Wisconsin grassroots groups to hold water safety event Feb. 8 in Madison
Community,	Environment,	News,	Wisconsin January 25,2017
Local activists to hold benefit opposing Line 61 pipeline expansion in Wisconsin
Community,	Environment,	News,	Wisconsin,	Wisconsin January 24,2017
'Champions for Change' honors ACLU of Wisconsin's Chris Ahmuty
Community,	Milwaukee,	News,	Progressive,	Wisconsin January 20,2017
Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown win two "Best of Milwaukee" awards
Community,	News January 19,2017
RESISTANCE: List of protests against inauguration of Donald Trump
Community,	Environment,	Featured,	Featured News,	LGBT,	National,	News,	Political,	Social Justice,	Tracking Trump January 18,2017
Wisconsin's progressive alternative for news and entertainment

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
France-Diplomatie - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development
MIL-OSI Europe: Official speeches and statements – September 30, 2020
Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development
1. Kuwait – Death of Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah – Statement by Jean-Yves Le Drian, minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Paris – September 30, 2020)
France was saddened to learn of the death of the emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, and extends its condolences to the emir's family and to the Kuwaiti people.
Throughout his reign, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah guided Kuwait on the path toward stability and modernity. A man of peace and dialogue, he served as foreign minister for more than 40 years and then as the emir of Kuwait from 2006; he worked tirelessly to adopt an informed and balanced diplomatic approach, ease regional tensions and promote the values of humanity.
With the passing of Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti people have lost a great leader who was respected around the world for the values of openness and dialogue he embodied.
Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah helped strengthen the deep and sincere ties of friendship between France and Kuwait.
France extends to the Kuwaiti authorities and people the expression of its friendship and wishes Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah every success in his new role.
2. United Nations – Middle East – Joint stake out by Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland and Norway (New York – September 29, 2020)
We welcome the signing of the agreements between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, and between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Israel. We recognize the role played by the United States in this regard and believe that these developments represent a positive contribution to peace and stability in the Middle East. We remain convinced that sustainable peace, security and stability in the Middle East cannot be reached without a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions. Israel's commitment to suspend plans to unilaterally annex areas of the occupied Palestinian territory is a positive step and should become permanent
We remain firm in our commitment and support to a negotiated and viable two-state solution built upon the internationally agreed parameters and international law. It is essential that to this end, meaningful negotiations on all final status issues resume between Israelis and Palestinians.
We remain ready to support Israelis and Palestinians in this regard and call on both sides to abstain from any unilateral actions which would be contrary to international law, exacerbate tensions or further undermine trust between the parties. We support all efforts to help resume credible negotiations, including the recent meeting held in Amman on September 24th and the efforts of the Middle East Quartet.
We call for the full respect and implementation of resolution 2334. We reaffirm our deep concern about Israel's settlement activities, including actions taken in that context, such as forced transfers, evictions, demolitions and confiscations of homes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace and to a negotiated two-State solution. The period from March to August 2020 saw the highest average destruction rate in four years. We call on Israel to immediately cease unlawful demolitions and to halt continued settlement expansion, including East Jerusalem, especially in sensitive areas such as Har Homa, Givat Hamatos and E1.
We recall our long-standing position that we will not recognize any changes to the 1967 borders, unless agreed by Israelis and Palestinians. The two-state solution, with Jerusalem as the future capital for both States, is the only way to ensure sustainable peace and stability in the region.
We condemn all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror and the firing of rockets into Israel, as well as acts of provocation, incitement and destruction. We also reiterate our commitment to the security of Israel, including with regard to current and emerging threats in the region;
We express our deep concern regarding UNRWA's critical financial situation, and appeal to all States to consider making or increasing their contributions to the Agency.
3. Seventy-fifth United Nations general Assembly – Accelerating the end of the COVID-19 pandemic: taking new solutions to scale to save lives, protect health systems and restart the global economy – Statement by Mr. Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, minister of State for Tourism, French Nationals Abroad and Francophonie (New York – September 30, 2020)
We have made considerable progress since the beginning of this epidemic. Diagnostic tools are improving, and the first treatments are saving lives and lightening the burden on our health care systems. Every day, we are a step closer to developing a vaccine.
It is thanks to our multilateral efforts, the only way to effectively tackle this crisis, to these innovations and to our better understanding of the virus, that we can bring an end to this epidemic.
But it would be unthinkable for access to these innovations to be left to market forces, going to highest bidder alone.
These tools must be available to all those who need them, as global public goods. ACT-A has done important work in a few months, but that goal is not yet guaranteed. But it is an imperative, both for solidarity and for effectiveness, because victory over the virus can only be global.
This is why France wants all ACT-A stakeholders to adopt shared principles around this global public goods goal, which could take the form of a charter, with several major thrusts:
1/ Pooling of the results of research and clinical trials;
2/ A global allocation strategy, supported by WHO, in order to respond fairly to the most pressing needs;
3/ A fair price, justified by transparent practices open to auditing of the cost of research, development and production. For while the pharmaceutical industry has an essential role in these innovations, and I would like to commend its role, it would be unacceptable for some to profit from public distress;
4/ Voluntary sharing of intellectual property to multiply production capacities and address global needs.
We also need to ensure that countries' health systems are capable of receiving and providing their people with COVID-19 products fairly and safely. To prepare countries and ensure healthcare professionals are well protected, that epidemiological data are available, and that communities are involved in the response, strengthening the key functions of health systems is crucial.
France is fully engaged in the essential financial efforts to ensure developing countries have access to vaccines, and will contribute euro100M to this goal once a vaccine is available.
With this public health crisis, we are at a crossroads: selfishness and failure are on one side; solidarity, multilateralism and success on the other. We must be equal to the situation, and overcome rivalries.
4. United Nations – Middle East – Statement by Mr. Nicolas de Rivière, permanent representative of France to the United Nations at the Security Council (New York – September 29, 2020)
Mr. President,
I thank Special Coordinator for his briefing on the implementation of Resolution 2334.
The recent developments confirm the continued centrality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the region. The parameters of its settlement are well-known: two states, living in peace and security, within secure and recognized borders based on the 1967 lines, both with Jerusalem as their capital.
On this basis, it is now our responsibility to work for the resumption of dialogue between the two parties.
The announcement of the normalization of Israel's relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain marks a new dynamic that can make a positive contribution to regional stability. We welcome it.
However, regional stability also requires a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that respects the aspirations and rights of both parties and is consistent with international law and the parameters agreed by this Council. France, which is a friend of both Israelis and Palestinians, remains convinced that neither of the two peoples will be able to satisfy its aspirations to the detriment of those of the other. And France will not compromise with Israel's security, just as it will not abandon the Palestinian people in the conquest of their rights.
France is ready, with its European and Arab partners, to support a gradual resumption of dialogue. It is in this spirit that Minister Le Drian and his German, Egyptian and Jordanian counterparts met, in the presence of the EU Special Representative, in Amman on 24 September. The four ministers expressed their determination to act collectively to this end, on the basis of concrete and realistic commitments to be made by both parties. It is also important for the parties to resume their cooperation at all levels, in accordance with past agreements, including to address the current pandemic.
In order to achieve a resumption of dialogue, it is urgent to recreate the confidence between the parties.
This presupposes, first of all, that the Israeli authorities' suspension of the plan to annex Palestinian territories becomes a definitive measure. This is the message that our Ministers reiterated in Amman. It is also the message we conveyed with my European counterparts ahead of this Council meeting.
It also presupposes an end to the settlement policy and the implementation of Resolution 2334. France is very concerned by the continuing settlement policy and the unprecedented increase in the demolition of Palestinian structures over the past six months despite the pandemic. Settlement activities must not allow a de facto annexation. France calls on Israel to suspend the construction of new housing units in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem, particularly in sensitive areas around Jerusalem such as Givat Hamatos, Har Homa and in the "E1" area, and to implement an effective demolition freeze.
France also calls for progress in the inter-Palestinian reconciliation process and hopes that the meeting organized by Ankara will enable progress in this direction. It welcomes the Palestinian Authority's renewed commitment to organize elections and encourages it to make rapid progress in preparing for this important date for the Palestinian people.
Moreover, France will continue to give its full support to the work of UNRWA. It calls on all States to contribute to its budget to help it overcome its financial crisis. Finally, France remains committed to the respect of international humanitarian law and human rights, in particular through the support of Palestinian and Israeli civil society organizations.
France is ready to support any initiative based on international law and agreed parameters. It calls on this Council to unite its efforts on the basis that we have built together. Thank you.
MIL OSI Europe News –
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Becky Muth is a coffee addict who lives in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia with her husband and their adult sons. Born under the sign of a coffee bean, when she isn't writing or spending time with her family Becky enjoys knitting, reading, and binge watching TV with her dogs.
Becky is the author of the Haunted Women Series, a collection of ghost stories set in Appalachian America. Her works-in-progress include any number of short stories and the Treasure Pines Cozy Mystery series.
In June 2018, Sweet Promise Press selected Becky to write for their Gold Coast Retrievers series. She also writes for their other series including First Street Church and Celebrity Corgi Romances.
Becky's publishing credits include both online and print publications.
In 2015 she co-founded The Mountain Scribes, an invitation-only writing group serving West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle.
She also led a teen writing group from October 2016 through December 2018.
In 2014 she won Morning Rain Publishing's Freaky Flash Contest and placed as a finalist in Gotham Writers' A Very Short Story Contest.
She is also the recipient of the 2017 Leon B. Burstein/MWA-NY Scholarship for Mystery Writing from the New York chapter of Mystery Writers of America, which allowed her to attend Bouchercon 2017, the world's largest mystery convention.
Becky's love of all creatures great and small shows through her writing. Her umpteen pets, which include both dogs and reptiles, often inspire the animals that appear in her books.
Even more than an honest review, Becky loves connecting with her readers. You can find her under the handle "AuthorBeckyMuth" on most social media networks.
In June 2018, Sweet Promise Press selected Becky to write a book for their Gold Coast Retrievers series.


text:
JavaScript library to make your life easier.

*This library was originally developed for X-Team Web Core*

##Features
- Routing system
- Simple ajax request
- Ajax form submit
- Server response parser
 - Response's protocolization
 - Receive multiple responses into one multidimensional array
 - Allows assign custom methods to run during parsing
- Allows includes related script

##Usage
####Getting Start
Includes the "webcore.1.0.0.x.js" in HTML's header

After the inclusion write the following code:
```javascript
$(function(){
  WebCore.init({url});
});
```

URL param:
Must be an array with any available URL for your main page, example:
If your website is hosted in "http://www.domain.com/sub1/sub2/index.html", set:
```javascript
WebCore.init({url: ['domain.com/sub1/sub2']});
```

In "webcore.extension.js" file write the following code:
```javascript
$(function(){
  WebCore.aggregate();
  //do something
  WebCore.run();
});
```

Ready to do something!?

####Routing system
To use routes you must set the following code at "//do something" block in extension file
```javascript
WebCore.addRoute('/hello', function(){
 alert('Hello world!');
});
```
So when you access yourdomain.com/hello... BOOOOM, "Hello world!" appears!

####Simple ajax request
You can request any page using:
```javascript
WebCore.sendRequest({options});
```
**Options:**

Key | Default | Required | Description | Available Options
--- | ------- | -------- | ----------- | -----------------
method | GET | No | HTTP method | GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, OPTIONS, PATCH
url | N/A | Yes | URL to submit request
onSuccess | Redirect response to protocol | No | Performed when the request was successful | function(e){}
onError | alert('An error occurs... | No | Performed when the request was failed | function(e,t){}
onBeforeSend | null | No | Performed before request | function(e){}
onAfterSend | null | No | Performed after request | function(e){}

**Response:**
If is successfully performed returns the json response else returns false.

**Tip:**
You can bind request on click to any element using property xw-[method]="[url]"
Example:
```html
<a xw-get="yourdomain.com">SUBMIT GET REQUEST!</a>
```

####Ajax form submit
You can submit a form on this way:
```javascript
WebCore.sendForm({options});
```
**Options:**

Key | Default | Required | Description | Available Options
--- | ------- | -------- | ----------- | -----------------
form | null | Yes | Target form | DOM element or form Id
method | POST | No | HTTP method | GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, OPTIONS, PATCH
url | N/A | Yes | URL to submit the form
onSuccess | Redirect response to protocol | No | Performed when the request was successful | function(e){}
onError | alert('An error occurs... | No | Performed when the request was failed | function(e,t){}
onBeforeSend | null | No | Performed before request | function(e){}
onAfterSend | null | No | Performed after request | function(e){}

**Response:**
If is successfully performed returns the json response else returns false.

**Important:**
Each input into form must have the "name" property.

**Tip:**
You can bind form submit on click to any element using property xw-submit="[form-name/form-id]"
If you not set a value to "xw-submit" the closest/parent form will be sent
Example:
```html
<form iname="MyForm" target="yourdomain.com/login" method="POST">
 <input name="username" type="text">
 <input name="password" type="password">
 <a xw-submit="MyForm">Log in</a> <!-- can be only <a xw-submit>Log In</a> because is in the form -->
</form>
```

####Responses
The library can run any function defined by the server, example:

*Server code (using PHP for example):*
```php
$app->get('/hello', function(){
 echo(json_encode(['Message', 'Success', 'Hello world!']));
});
```

*HTML code:*
```html
<a xw-get="yourdomain.com/hello">SUBMIT GET REQUEST!</a>
```

*JavaScript code:*
> In extension file or other included file

```javascript
 WebCore.addMethod('Message', function(type, text) {
  alert('OH MY GOSH! the message type is: '+type+' and content is '+text);
 });
```

So when you click in "SUBMIT GET REQUEST!" button will appears the alert with the following text:
>*"OH MY GOSH! the message type is: Success and content is Hello world!"*

####Including files
You can include files in the same script's path using
```javascript
WebCore.include(filename);
```

**Important:**
Every included file must have the following structure:

```javascript
$(function(){
 WebCore.aggregate();
 //do something
 WebCore.run();
});
```

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Image Title: AP Snow And Black Camo Comforter Sets Kimlor Mills Rustic Bedding Regarding Plans 9. Filename: ap-snow-and-black-camo-comforter-sets-kimlor-mills-rustic-bedding-regarding-plans-9.jpg. Image Dimension: 650 x 650 pixels. Images Format: jpg/jpeg. Publisher/Author: usgolddollars. Uploaded Date: Saturday - April 07th. 2018 00:18:17 AM. Category: Bedroom. Image Source: houseandgarden.co.uk.
Tap The Thumbnail Bellow to See Related Gallery of "AP Snow And Black Camo Comforter Sets Kimlor Mills Rustic Bedding Regarding Plans 9"


Odeon West Street in the 1950s.
• Originally planned by H H Weingott to be called the Forum, the project was taken over by Oscar Deutsch's rapidly expanding Odeon chain (see also Odeon Kemptown and the Palladium). Built next to St Paul's Church with Brighton Ice Rink (SS Brighton, opened 1934) on the south side.
1937 December 18 Opened by Sir Alfred Cooper Rawson MP, with music by the Band of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards. Designed by Andrew Mather for Odeon Properties Ltd. 1,350 seats, British Thomson-Houston sound system. Café. The opening film is Victoria the Great, starring Anna Neagle.
1938 summer An Odeon Car Club is launched.
1939 June 29 European premiere of Q Planes, starring Lawrence Olivier and Ralph Richardson.
1940 July 15 Affected by the curfew imposed in the area south of Western Road and North Street one hour after sunset.
1941 Prices 1s 2d-3s 6d.
1953 Prices 2s 3d-5s. Restaurant.
1954 January 11 First Cinemascope stereophonic sound screen in Brighton of The Robe begins a three-week run with five shows a day—one of only eight provincial cinemas to show the film. Cinemascope installation costs £8,000 and involves losing 46 seats at the front of the auditorium. The curtains are taken to the Academy.
1955 March SuperScope is installed. The first film shown in the format is RKO's Underwater!, starring Jane Russell, which also popularised the song Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White.
1958 Around the World in 80 Days shows for four weeks.
1968 £100,000 spent on refurbishment.
1971 Also used for live wrestling.
1973 December Closed when Odeon Kingswest opened.
* The building stood unused until demolished in 1990. It is now the site of a fianncial services company. See also Odeon Kingswest).


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text:
Map of the Field Operations of the Army of...
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U.S. War Department
Map of the Field Operations of the Army of Virginia During the Months of July and August 1862
Publication Place / Date
Philadelphia / 1866
Uncolored
Sell Us a Map
All of our maps are authentic antique maps, printed or drawn on or about the date shown in the description. In rare instances when we offer facsimiles, we will specifically describe the map as a later facsimile and include the date of publication. Certificates of Authenticity are available upon request. Simply mention your desire to receive one in the Notes section at checkout.
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Detailed map of the Theater of War in Virginia. Washington D. C. is at the upper right. Charlottesville, Virginia is at the lower left.
Shows roads, railroads, place names and terrain features.
General Pope was the new commander of Federal forces in the Piedmont area. He had been very successful in Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee, and was brought to Virginia by President Lincoln. But Pope was not well liked by either his fellow officers or by his new troops. Pope also angered General Lee because of Pope's orders to confiscate property of Virginians. Lee and his staff reportedly set out to get Pope, and succeeded. General Pope's forces were driven from the Manassas area and back toward Washington in the Second Battle of Bull Run in August 1862. Both sides suffered significant losses, but the greater loss was Pope's.
Published in U. S. Congress. Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War…. (Washington, GPO, 1866
Stephenson Civil War Maps, 465.67.
Antique Maps / United States / Mid-Atlantic / Washington, D.C.
Antique Maps / United States / Southeast / Virginia
Antique Maps / Wars & Conflicts / Civil War
Battle Field of Sharpsburg or Antietam
Fine sketch map of the Battlefield at Antietem, which appeared in The Soldier In Our Civil War, published by Frank Leslie.
A Draught of Virginia from the Capes to York in York River and to Kuiquotan or Hamton in James River by Mark Tiddeman
Rare Dublin Edition!
Desilver's Steel Plate Military Map of the United States Showing The Location of the Military Posts, Arsenals, Barracks, Batteries, Navy Yards, Rail Roads, &c. &c.
Rare Civil War era map of the United States, published in Philadelphia by Charles Desilver.
Plan of the City of Washington. The Capitol of the United States of America.
Detailed map of Washington DC, hand colored by wards.
[Governor of Virginia] The Right Honble William Anne, Keppel, Earl of Albermarle, Viscount Bury, Baron of Ashford, Groom of the Stole, Governour & Captn General of Virginia, Colonel of the Coldstream Regiment of Fort, Lt. General of His Majesty's Forces, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary to the Court of France, one of the Privy Council, & Knight of theMost Noble Order of the Garter &c.
William Anne, Governor of Virginia
A New and Accurate Map of the Province of Virginia in North America
Scarce map of Virginia based largely on the Fry Jefferson map, as revised in 1775.


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*Insurance products are not FDIC insured, not a deposit, not an obligation of or guaranteed by The Farmers Bank, its affiliates, or any government agency and may lose value.
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Daily Overdraft Fee – If an account is overdrawn in an amount over $10 for thirty-five (35) or more consecutive business days (i.e. Monday – Friday), the Daily Overdraft Fee (i.e. a daily fee for an outstanding overdraft status) of $5 will be assessed (with the exception of Basic Checking, which does not incur a Daily Overdraft Fee) beginning on the 36th business day.
*DD Form 2/2A or DD-214 must be provided. **All loans are subject to credit approval.


I love being able to look through these forums, they have been a big help!
1. The current owner does not have title insurance on either property. Do you think this will be an issue at all considering that I do plan on getting title insurance?
2. I want to be able to sell these lots to someone who plans to build on them so I went to view these properties myself. One of them has quite a slope but it looks possible to build on it in my (unprofessional) opinion. There were some trees but no huge trees that would hard to remove. Adjacent to the lot I plan to buy there was a neighbor who built a house and the slope on their land is similar. I checked the zoning so I know you are allowed to build on it. Do you think I should get a professional opinion from a builder before closing the deal?
3. How long of an "inspection period" is reasonable. If I plan to close in three weeks can I make the inspection period three weeks long up until the day of closing?
4. Is there anything else I need to do myself? Land survey, ect?
Also, one other question... Do you know how to get deed information if I don't have a real estate license? I know how to drive to the clerk of courts office and look up a deed myself but for the sake of time I don't really want to do that. Is there a way to look up this info online or hire someone to do this for me?
The deed is recorded with the clerk of court and should be available online or if the clerk charges, should be able to send you a copy for $1 or $2 per page. As for title insurance, the title search is one amount and the policy is another and they do a new title search every time it's issued, so it shouldn't make any difference in the cost. I make my purchase agreement contingent on getting a title policy issued. You should also be able to check the property appraiser's site to see which builder pulled the permit to build next door to your sloping lot. I would just call the builder and ask if there was any additional permitting or expense because of the slope.
How are you financing the deal?
Marelyn, thanks for the information.
Jaclyn, I am financing this myself.
1. The current owner does not have title insurance on either property. Do you think this will be an issue at all considering that I do plan on getting title insurance? You do not need a prior title policy to get a new title policy but it does mean you will need to do a longer search (typically at 30 years back) because you cannot "tack" onto the prior policy (which allows a search forward from the date of the prior policy.) 2. I want to be able to sell these lots to someone who plans to build on them so I went to view these properties myself. One of them has quite a slope but it looks possible to build on it in my (unprofessional) opinion. There were some trees but no huge trees that would hard to remove. Adjacent to the lot I plan to buy there was a neighbor who built a house and the slope on their land is similar. I checked the zoning so I know you are allowed to build on it. Do you think I should get a professional opinion from a builder before closing the deal? Yes - if you intend to build make sure that is a viable option before you close.3. How long of an "inspection period" is reasonable. If I plan to close in three weeks can I make the inspection period three weeks long up until the day of closing? It is negotiable. The longer the better for you as buyer. 4. Is there anything else I need to do myself? Land survey, ect? As a general rule, I would recommended a survey.
I offered to pay for the taxes. However, I don't want to pay for the taxes before the closing because what if something goes wrong? How should I handle this in the contract? Just state: "Purchaser agrees to pay taxes after the closing date?"
She is behind on paying the taxes but I know that neither of them are going on tax sale soon so I think I am safe with doing this.


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Schedules set for meetings, business training
Workplace safety to be discussed
The Camarillo Chamber of Commerce will offer a business safety presentation during this week's Business at Breakfast.
The presentation on what to do when there is an active shooter will be given by Jarrod Foote, senior deputy with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
The breakfast will be from 8-9:30 a.m. Friday at Las Posas Country Club, 955 Fairway Drive. Cost is $25 for chamber members or $35 for nonmembers.
Visit http://camarillochamber.org/events or call 484-4383 to register.
Council changes leaders, schedule
The Simi Valley Community Council will meet throughout the summer in a departure from past practices.
The change comes after the council installed its new board of directors for the 2016-17 fiscal year. The board members are: president, Jodi Regan, with the Simi Valley Public Library; vice president — membership, Marie Bennett, with the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation; vice president — programming, Pat Lewis with It's a New Day; secretary, Lisa Trent, with Simi Valley Friends of the Library; treasurer, Millie Gunn, community member; parliamentarian, Kathy Medley, with Girl Scouts of the California Central Coast; auditor, David Kennedy, with the Simi Valley Council on Aging; and past president, Steve Soyka, with United Handy Can.
Rather than recessing for the summer, the council now will meet every month.
'The important work of Simi's community groups does not stop during the summer, so neither should the organization which supports them,' Regan said.
The council's lunch meetings are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month. The next meeting will be July 14 at Sutter's Mill, 3885 Cochran St.
Guests are welcome. The cost of lunch is $18 per person. Cash or checks payable to Simi Valley Community Council will be taken at the door. Call Regan at the Simi Valley Public Library, 526-1735, ext. 5015, or email simivalleycommunitycouncil@gmail.com for reservations.
Membership with the council is $20 per year (July through June) per organization, also payable through cash or check. Contact Marie Bennett for more information about membership: mbennettwcf@gmail.com.
Visit the website at http://svcommunitycouncil.org for more information.
Business training to be offered
Women's Economic Ventures is holding free, one-hour informational sessions for its English self-employment training course.
Orientations will cover class details and help individuals determine their readiness for the next self-employment training course beginning in August. Orientations will be offered from 6-7 p.m. Thursday in Ventura, 6-7 p.m. July 12 in Thousand Oaks and 6-7 p.m. July 13 in Oxnard.
The exact locations will be given upon registration.
Visit http://www.wevonline.org/orientations for details and to register.
The self-employment training program teaches entrepreneurs the nuts and bolts of business and empowers them with the confidence necessary to overcome the inevitable challenges business owners face. Graduates emerge equipped with critical knowledge and tools to help them successfully launch or expand their businesses.
To share news about your company or business-related organization, email business@vcstar.com. If there is an event involved, please email the information at least three weeks in advance of the event.


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Darts is a traditional pub game. So it's extremely common to find a darts board in pubs in the 21st century. Whether you're playing it for fun or you are a serious player, most pubs will accommodate you. It's a competitive sport in which two players must throw sharp-pointed missiles (known as darts) at a target (the dartboard). The dartboard will feature different rings with different point numbers written in them. Whichever area you hit is the number of points you will accumulate. The player with the most points at the end of the game (you can choose how many rounds you play) wins.
Finding a pool table in pubs is also extremely common. Many love playing pool for the social aspect. You can enjoy a game with your friends as a nice break from sitting around chatting over drinks. But people also find it a great way to socialise and meet new people. You can meet people from all walks of life in the pub that fancy a game. This is a great way to form relationships at your local. The sport can become a hobby for many and you can progress your skills the more you play. It can be very satisfying to gain new skills and become a better player.
Aunt Sally
Aunt Sally is an extremely traditional English pub game. It existed since the 17th century! In the game, there will be a model of an old women's head with a pipe in her mouth (which is usually made of clay). Players must gather around and throw sticks at her mouth with the aim of breaking her pipe. And of course, whichever individual or team breaks the pipe first will win!
Devil among the tailors
Devil among the tailors is a pub game which involves 9 small skittles that are arranged in a 3×3 square. Usually, there is an elevated table with the game placed upon it, this is to ensure easy viewing for players. The game features a wooden ball that hangs from a string. This will be attached to a thick wooden pole which is placed at the back of the games platform. The aim of the game is to swing the ball in an arc and knock all the skittles down. You can choose how many rounds you play. If all skittles are knocked down, you will gain a point. The team or player with the most points at the end of the game will win. You can have miniature or giant versions of the game. It all depends on how many players are playing. Usually, a pub will feature a bigger version of the game so other customers can enjoy watching the game too.
Ringing the bull
Ringing the bull is also a traditional pub game which dates all the way back to the middle ages. So, it has a very long history in the pub game culture. The game usually comes as an oak board with a bull faced carved into it. It will also feature a hook and ring. You will be given a metal ring that is attached to some rope. The aim will be to swing the metal ring and aim to catch it on the hook. Sounds pretty straightforward, right? However, this game will take skill, concentration and a steady hand.


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Tuur Dierckx (Broechem, Bélgica, 9 de mayo de 1995) es un futbolista belga que juega como delantero en el K. V. C. Westerlo de la Primera División de Bélgica.

Carrera
Inició en las divisiones menores del Club Brujas e hizo su debut el 26 de julio de 2013 en el primer partido de la temporada 2013-14 contra el Royal Charleroi. Reemplazó a Lior Refaelov en el minuto 81. El Brujas ganó el partido por 2:0 y la temporada siguiente lo prestaron al KV Kortrijk hasta finales de junio de 2015 y retornó al Brujas hasta que en junio de 2016 fue fichado por el Antwerp manteniéndose hasta agosto de 2017 cuando fue fichado por el Waasland-Beveren.

Selección nacional
Ha sido internacional con las selecciones sub-15, sub-16, sub-17, sub-19 y sub-21 de Bélgica un total de 32 ocasiones en las que ha anotado 13 goles.

Clubes

Referencias

Enlaces externos
 Perfil del jugador en uefa.com
 Ficha en KBVB

Futbolistas de Bélgica
Futbolistas del Club Brujas
Futbolistas del Koninklijke Voetbalclub Kortrijk
Futbolistas del Royal Antwerp Football Club
Futbolistas del Waasland-Beveren
Futbolistas del KVC Westerlo
Futbolistas de la selección de fútbol sub-15 de Bélgica
Futbolistas de la selección de fútbol sub-16 de Bélgica
Futbolistas de la selección de fútbol sub-17 de Bélgica
Futbolistas de la selección de fútbol sub-19 de Bélgica
Futbolistas de la selección de fútbol sub-21 de Bélgica

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Rising With a Multi-Level Contemporary in Piney Point Village
Home Decor, Home Design, Homes for Sale, Interiors, Piney Point Village, Windermere
Built in 1977, a sprawling, stucco and partially stone-faced contemporary home in the Piney Point Village neighborhood called Windermere endured a big update in 2010 — as well as some sort of 1997 rebuild. Last week, the property's re-listing flipped a couple of digits in its asking price: It's now $1.56 million, down from the $1.65 million initial tag from a 2013 listing. (A later reduction had fallen as far as $1.595 million before timing out earlier this month.) Served by a circular driveway, the corner pocket lot on lasso-shaped Windermere Ln. backs up to the Fondren Rd. dogleg north of Westheimer.
Patio, pool, waterfall, and koi pond unfold beyond the 4 sets of French doors lining one wall of the grand-scale (as in 30 ft. by 34 ft.) living room. Adding volume, drama, and AC costs, a 24-ft. ceiling accommodates a mighty stone-and-granite fireplace (see top photo), a split staircase (above), and a mezzanine currently used as a music room, which somehow harbors a storage compartment beneath it:
Glass cubes beneath a counter set up a neat walk-in, sit-down bar between the living room, mezzanine, and tented media center:
The dining room serves courtyard and patio views:
One of the 2 master suites is on the first floor and has direct access to the pool:
The other is upstairs, with a pool view:
Even before the reflections from multi-mirrored walls, some master bathroom features double up, such as the vanity sinks . . .
and spa tub capacity, beneath its domed lighting:
The 6,338-sq.-ft. home's other 4 bedrooms and baths (there are 7 and a half in total) are mentioned but not depicted in the listing.
Above the living room, a balcony links 2 wings and spans a veranda below it:
Guest quarters perch poolside above one of the 2 garages:
Some features of the heavily landscaped yard are walk ons . . .
though some, like this sweet sculpture of a stoned Alice in Wonderland, are fixed:
The koi pond blends both:
22 Windermere Ln. [HAR]
Slides on the Sides
77063, Home Design, Homes for Sale, Interiors, Swimming Pools, Windermere
The Astrodome's New Quasi-Landmark Status; Texas as Shot in 'Boyhood'
Pasadena's Capitan Theater Is Already Coming Apart. Is Demolition Next?
buck toof July 31, 2014 at 9:03 am
Money can't buy taste.
Native Houstonian July 31, 2014 at 10:00 am
Just about every photo here deserves its own "listing photo of the day" entry!
SBV July 31, 2014 at 10:34 am
They have the listing wrong; this house is actually zoned to Kinkaid.
hayley July 31, 2014 at 1:27 pm
What a strange mishmash of styles. I love the herringbone hardwood pattern in the music room. Does the peacock come with the house?
Jes July 31, 2014 at 4:14 pm
Aren't the peacocks from Vargo's all gone from this neighborhood by now?


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Greece Begins Privatisation of OPAP
By Jenny McKinnley 31 0 0
Tags: European Gambling Commission, Gambling industry, OPAP, real money gaming
This week Greece made a couple of significant announcements in regards to its gambling industry.
First it was announced that the government has started selling shares in its gambling monopoly OPAP and secondly the finance ministry said that it had agreed on new gambling tax rates with the European Commission.
The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund said that they will be holding a board meeting in order to launch steps towards selling 29% of shares in OPAP.
The board is also expected to announce the name of the winning bidder for a contract to operate Greece's national lotteries for the next 12 years.
Greece's privatisation program was put together by its international creditors to help with its massive debt and also to attract investment. However, the privatisation of OPAP was initially held up by the European Commission's competition agency due to different tax and regulatory treatment of OPAP.
OPAP, which holds an exclusive gambling monopoly until 2020, has been enjoying a favourable tax rate on some of its gaming operations.
However, Greece's finance ministry said that they have now agreed with the European Commission to set a flat 10% tax on player winnings from both online and slot machine games operated by OPAP.
Jenny McKinnley
Jenny McKinnley is OCA's financial correspondent. After spending years on the trading floor in both NY and London, she offers insight from the inside out on world financial news and events.
Zynga Buys Social Game Creators A Bit Lucky
September 22, 2012 Business
Zynga Releases Revamped FarmVille 2
New Payment Tool From First Data
GamCrowd Launches Crowd Funding Campaign
European Commission Seeks Online Gambling Health Warnings
Gamblit Gaming Gets Nevada License


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Abraham Lichtstein () was a Polish rabbi and Talmudist. He served as the Av Beis Din of Przasnysz, Poland and authored a commentary on the Pentateuch entitled Kanfei Nesharim (, "Wings of Eagles").

Lichtstein was born in Białystok at the end of the eighteenth century. He was the son of Rabbi Eliezer Lipman Lichtstein and grandson of Rabbi Kalman of Białystok.

His major work, Kanfei Nesharim, was published in Warsaw in 1881. The sefer is divided into several parts, each with a separate name:
Kiryat Sefer, an introduction to each book of the Pentateuch
To'aliyyot ha-Ralbag, a treatment of the doctrines deduced by Gersonides from passages of the Torah
Abach Soferim, miscellanea
Machazeh Abraham, consisting of sermons on each section of the Torah
Ner Mitzvah, a treatment of the number of the precepts according to Maimonides
Shiyyure Miẓwah, a treatment of the additional precepts according to Nahmanides, Moses ben Jacob of Coucy, and Isaac ben Joseph of Corbeil
Milchemet Mitzvah, on the disputes among various authorities concerning the numbering of the precepts by Maimonides
Torat ha-Ḳorbanot, on the Levitical laws of offerings and on the order of the High Priest's service in the Sanctuary on Yom Kippur
Sha'arei Tziyyon, orations on theological subjects

The whole work was published together with the text of the Pentateuch (Josefow, 1829) and republished without the text (Vilna, 1894).

Lichtstein also authored a commentary on the Sefer ha-Tappuach, which was published together with the text in the Grodno edition of 1799.

References

External links
Sefer Kanfei Nesharim (Hebrew download)
 Jewish Encyclopedia: "Lichtstein, Abraham B. Eliezer Lipman" by Solomon Schechter & N. T. London (1906). Now in public domain.

19th-century deaths
Bible commentators
People from Białystok
18th-century births
19th-century Polish rabbis


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Tag Archives: Spectacular Spider-Man
New Comic Book Day October 14, 2020: My Pull List And Pick Of The Week
I'm not that smart. I don't deny that. I got good grades in high school and college, but that alone doesn't make someone smart. It just shows that they now how to pass tests and bullshit their way through book reports or presentations. I'm not saying I ever resorted to that, but that doesn't make me smarter than those who do.
However, when it comes to comics, I will claim to be above average in terms of general know-how. If there were a class on comics when I was still in high school, it wouldn't just be my favorite class. I'd be the guy who everyone cheated off of during tests.
I say this not to brag about the depths of my comic knowledge. I offer it as a means of highlighting my credibility on judging all matters related to comics. I've lived through multiple eras in comic history, from the heyday of X-Men in the 90s to the New 52 era in DC Comics. I've been around the block many times in this world.
As such, I've read some incredibly awful comics that made me want to throw up. I've also read some amazing comics that have reaffirmed my love for this medium. I like to think I've learned to discern good comics from bad.
That's part of why I do these weekly picks. For those who don't have my level of comics experience, this is my way of helping you maximize your venture into this world. Here is my pull list and pick for this week. I hope it enriches your world as much as it does mine.
Batman and the Outsiders #17
The Flash #763
My Pick Of The Week
Filed under Jack's Quick Pick Comic
Tagged as #NCBD, Amazing Spider-Man, comic, comic books, Comixology, Dark Horse, DC, DC Comics, DC Universe, digital comics, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, New Comic Book Day, Nick Spencer, Patrick Gleason, Peter Parker, Spectacular Spider-Man, Spider-Girl, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, superhero comics, Superheroes
The Spider-Man Paradox: Power, Responsibility, And Guilt
My YouTube channel, Jack's World, is still very new and still has plenty of room to grow. I really enjoyed making my video on "Dark Phoenix." That's not surprising. I enjoy talking about superhero media in general. To that end, I've made another video, this time on Spider-Man. I originally intended to make it an article, but I think it works much better as a video. Enjoy!
If you have any suggestions for topics you'd like me to cover in a video, especially the superhero variety, please let me know.
Filed under Jack's World, Marvel, psychology, Spider-Man, superhero comics, superhero movies, YouTube
Tagged as Amazing Spider-Man, Ben Parker, Gerry Conway, guilt, guilt complex, Gwen Stacy, hero's journey, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, May Parker, Peter Parker, Spectacular Spider-Man, Spider-Man, Spider-Man Comics, superhero comics, superhero genre, superhero media, superhero movies, superhero psychology, Superheroes, Ultimate Spider-Man
Jack Fisher's Weekly Quick Pick Comic: Amazing Mary Jane #1
An iconic character is only as great as their supporting cast. On their own, icons like Batman, Superman, and Captain America can only do so much to carry their story. Like Santa Claus without his elves, they're limited in how compelling they make that story without other characters around them adding dramatic fuel to the story.
This is especially true for characters like Spider-Man, whose supporting cast is one of the strongest and most in extensive in comic book history. If you need proof, just remember that a movie based around one of Spider-Man's greatest villains grossed over $856 million. However, if you need further proof that Spider-Man's supporting cast is what makes him so amazing, then look no further than Mary Jane Watson.
She's not just Spider-Man's girlfriend.
She's not just the super-hot, super-sexy redhead who gets every straight man's blood flowing for all the right reasons.
She's not just the eye candy that makes for some of the best variant comic book covers of all time.
Mary Jane Watson makes Spider-Man a greater character because she's a great character in her own right. She didn't come into his story as some wide-eyed bimbo who existed only to make Peter second-guess the merits of male superheros wearing skin-tight outfits. She has her own story, motivations, and aspirations.
Most of the time, her story is relegated to secondary sub-plots in Spider-Man's stories. While some of those stories are great for both characters, she's never had a chance to carry her own story. Leah Williams and Carlos Gomez finally give her that chance in "Amazing Mary Jane #1."
It's still a story closely tied to Spider-Man, but Mary Jane is the one leading the charge this time. It's not a radical reinvention of who she is or what motivates her. Williams and Gomez simply shift the spotlight to her and let her work her amazing charisma. It's a simple approach, but it works.
Mary Jane is still an aspiring actress. Like many aspiring actresses, she's looking for ways to further her career. The basic premise of "Amazing Mary Jane #1" is that she gets an opportunity to do just that. It even involves a role that she's very familiar with. She's caught up in a battle involving Spider-Man. For her, she really doesn't need to do much acting.
There's just one glaring problem and it's not just that her role is reduced to being a beautiful woman in a skin-tight outfit. This opportunity that she desperately wants happens to be courtesy of Quentin "Mysterio" Beck, one of Spider-Man's most colorful villains and one whose star really rose with "Spider-Man: Far From Home."
It's a situation that might make even the most ambitious actress hesitate. At the same time, it puts Mary Jane in a position to show her greatest strengths, none of which involve superpowers. She's able to carry the story with her personality and William captures it wonderfully on multiple fronts.
Mary Jane doesn't just smile and nod to go along with everything. She speaks her mind, but never in a way that makes her sound condescending or self-centered. She sees something wrong with the role she's playing and she confronts it. When the nature of that role is objectively bad for both her and the movie, she says so.
It's an issue ripped right from recent news surrounding the Hollywood horror stories that ambitious actresses have endured. It's a sensitive, hot-button issue, but one that "Amazing Mary Jane #1" doesn't ignore. The characters don't ignore it, either. It's a real issue that's worth addressing, even in a superhero comic.
However, that issue never derails the story or takes away from the substance of the plot. "Amazing Mary Jane #1" is not about Mary Jane Watson calling out the predatory practices of Hollywood producers. It's about her finding out that this major opportunity her in the center of Mysterio's latest endeavor.
Being Spider-Man's girlfriend, she knows better than most that this endeavor will likely involve something going horribly wrong. Since she's in Hollywood and Spider-Man is in New York, she can't count on being rescued this time.
It's a great setup that perfectly blends Mary Jane Watson's personal story with one of Spider-Man's most well-known villains. She's still part of Spider-Man's story, but this is one in which she shoulders the responsibilities. On top of that, she has to do that without the aid great power.
At the same time, the very absence of that power is part of what makes Mary Jane such a strong supporting character for Spider-Man. She knows she's not the one with the superpowers. Even Spider-Man knows this. That doesn't stop her from accepting those responsibilities. She, more than anyone, shows Peter Parker that responsibility doesn't end with stopping muggers, criminals, and guys with fish bowls for heads.
Even when she's accepting responsibility, Mary Jane Watson still knows how to have fun. Williams goes out of her way to capture that in "Amazing Mary Jane #1" and Gomez makes her look great while doing it. The sweet, playful moments between her and Spider-Man often bring out the best in both characters. They're the kind of moments that are sure to piss off Mephisto.
Peter Parker will always be the center of the greater Spider-Man universe, even when that universe involves talking pigs. However, Mary Jane Watson makes that universe more compelling and dramatic with her presence. She also makes it sexier, but that's just a nice bonus. "Amazing Mary Jane #1" further proves that she's capable of being amazing in her own right.
Filed under Jack's Quick Pick Comic, Spider-Man
Tagged as #NCBD, Amazing Mary Jane, Amazing Mary Jane #1, Amazing Spider-Man, Carlos Gomez, comic book reviews, comic books, Jack Fisher Books, Leah Williams, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane, Mary Jane Watson, Mysterio, New Comic Book Day, Peter Parker, Quentin Beck, Spectacular Spider-Man, Spider-Man, Spider-Man Comics, Spider-Man Far From Home, Spider-Man love interest, superhero comics
Jack Fisher's Weekly Quick Pick Comic: Spider-Man #1
It's an unwritten rule in superhero comics. Certain characters are only ever allowed to grow, evolve, and mature to a limited extent. Whereas some like Iron Man, Hulk, and Captain Marvel are allowed to grow and mature, others tend to revert to a rigid status quo that keeps them in a certain state, often for marketing purposes. Few characters are beholden to this rule as Spider-Man.
Whether he's Peter Parker or your friendly neighborhood wall-crawler, Spider-Man is rarely allowed to grow beyond the down-on-his-luck, can't-hold-a-job, struggles-with-relationships situation he's been in since the Nixon Administration. Granted, he can still have plenty of fun, entertaining adventures in that state, but it can get predictable and monotonous after a while.
Then, every once in a while, you get a book like "Spider-Man #1" by J. J. Abrams, Henry Abrams, and artist Sara Pichelli that dares to shake things up with the standard Spider-Man formula. It's not in the same continuity as the mainline Amazing Spider-Man books, but that's exactly what helps it stand out. It has a chance to do something different with Spider-Man's story and it takes full advantage of it.
Using the same approach as "Into The Spider-Verse," this book tells a new kind of story that puts Spider-Man into a whole new situation. For once, it's unpredictable. There's no status quo to revert to. It has to build an entirely new world for Spider-Man. Both Abrams and Pichelli prove they're up for the challenge.
This new world is not for the faint of heart, especially if you're a fan of Spider-Man never being allowed to mature past 30. It's a world where Spider-Man's responsibilities finally caught up with him. He was able to save the day. He was able to defeat a villain named Cadaverous, a name that isn't quite as ridiculous as it sounds, but he paid a high price.
That's because this version of Spider-Man wasn't just late for work, late for a date, or missing his rent payment again. This Spider-Man had a lot more to lose. He had a family. He and Mary Jane are married and not just trying to schedule dates. They have a son named Ben. Peter Parker has every reason to come home safe, intact, and triumphant.
I won't spoil too many details, but I'll just say that doesn't happen. In this case, saving the day doesn't necessarily mean keeping Galactus from eating it. Yes, Spider-Man does save lives. However, the life he can't save ends up changing his life, his responsibilities, and his ability to shake hands. That last one wasn't a joke, by the way.
In other versions, including many alternate realities, some being more ridiculous than others, this sort of loss would've broken Spider-Man. It would've broken his family too. It's one of Spider-Man's most famous foils. When he loses too much, he quits being Spider-Man. While it rarely lasts, this is a world with different dynamics. He actually has a reason to not be Spider-Man anymore.
His son, Ben, gives him even more reason and not just because of the losses they've endured. Unlike some of Spider-Man's other alternate reality kids, Ben is not nearly as endearing or likable. He's young, he's impulsive, and he's angry at the world. Essentially, he's not the kind of kid you'd want to continue Spider-Man's legacy.
At the same time, Ben shows that he still has some of the traits that make Spider-Man the iconic hero he is. He's not a lost cause. He's not some brooding loser who looks for excuses to be miserable. He even comes off as genuinely relateable, more so than Peter Parker in some respects. You may not entirely sympathize with him, but you can still understand him.
This kid is every bit as haunted as his father. Unlike his father, though, he's a kid who doesn't have years of being a battle-hardened superhero under his belt. Even if he inherited his father's super-powers, he didn't inherit his ability to cope with loss. He didn't have his proverbial Uncle Ben moment because so much of his situation was beyond his control.
Overall, "Spider-Man #1" is a different kind of Spider-Man story, but not just because it takes place in an alternate continuity. It doesn't directly mirror old, time-tested Spider-Man tropes. It also doesn't paint Peter Parker as someone who simply crumbles when he loses too much. He, Ben, and the supporting cast around him simply do their best to move forward with their lives.
For a superhero comic that tends to regress to the status quo more than most, it's both refreshing and engaging. For once, we have a Spider-Man story we can't expect to end with him sleeping on his Aunt May's couch because he missed his rent again. We have a different Peter Parker with an emotionally unstable son trying to make the most of a tough situation.
On top of that, the villain responsible for that situation is still out there. We don't know much about it or whether he's related to any of Spider-Man's long list of enemies, but that only adds to the intrigue. Abrams and Pichelli are taking Spider-Man's story in a new direction and there's no telling what might happen. As someone who has read more Spider-Man comics than most, I find that genuinely refreshing.
Tagged as #NCBD, Amazing Spider-Man, Aunt May, Ben Parker, comic book reviews, comic books, Henry Abrams, J. J. Abrams, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, New Comic Book Day, Peter Parker, Sara Pichelli, Spectacular Spider-Man, Spider-Man, Spider-Man Comics, Stan Lee, superhero comics, Uncle Ben
Jack Fisher's Weekly Quick Pick Comic: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #11
There's an old saying for those of us who have read Spider-Man comics for a good chunk of our lives. Behind every strong Spider-Man is a beautiful redheaded woman. Sure, sometimes that woman is a cute blonde or a skilled thief, but it's the beautiful redheaded woman who often makes Spider-Man the iconic superhero he is.
If ever you've doubted that, then "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #11" should provide the definitive proof you're looking for. Spider-Man, like many iconic heroes, derives as much of his strength from his supporting cast as he does his powers. For years, the bedrock of that power was his Aunt May. Then, Mary Jane Watson entered the picture and his bedrock hit the goddamn jackpot.
While their history, romantic and otherwise, has been convoluted by some rather infamous moments, Mary Jane Watson has proven to be one of the most integral components of Spider-Man's story. It's part of the reason why she's his most iconic love interest and I say that as someone with the utmost respect for Gwen Stacy.
However, like many superhero love interests, Mary Jane often gets caught in the crossfire of Spider-Man's heroic activities. There are times when she's more damsel than lover and these days, that trope is prone to all sorts of unpleasantness.
It's for that reason, and so many others, that "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #11" is uniquely satisfying in how it affirms Mary Jane's role in Spider-Man's life. She doesn't just prove herself and look sexy while doing it. She tells a side of Spider-Man's story that isn't often told.
Writer, Tom Taylor, has given plenty for both Spider-Man and Peter Parker to do since he took over the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man series. For this issue, however, he keeps Peter Parker on the sideline. Superheroes need rest too and Mary Jane understands that. She also understands that being Spider-Man's girlfriend requires more than just looking great in skin-tight outfits.
There are responsibilities, as well. Responsibility has always been a big part of the Spider-Man mythos, going all the way back to the days of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. It doesn't just apply to Peter, though. Mary Jane has her own share of responsibilities and not just with respect to being a good girlfriend.
She narrates much of this issue. Taylor doesn't rely heavily on melodrama or standard relationship issues. Much of the dynamic between her and Spider-Man resemble that of a couple who've already worked those issues out. They're just two people, managing their lives, and doing their part.
For a couple whose romance is one of the most iconic in comic book history, that shouldn't be such a novel concept. It really shouldn't and yet, Taylor makes it feel like the most refreshing romantic sub-plot in years. That says more about the history of Spider-Man's love life than it does anything else.
In addition to being the focus of the story, she finds herself in a situation that usually requires superpowers or billion-dollar gadgets to deal with. It's not the most daunting situation she's ever been in. There's no Green Goblin or Sinister Six to deal with. Even so, it has all the traits of a conflict that usually requires her being rescued.
However, that's not how it plays out. On top of showing why Mary Jane Watson is such a great superhero girlfriend, "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #11" proves she's just as capable in those situations. She doesn't have super-powers, unless you count being irresistible to heterosexual men. For this particular story, she doesn't need them.
Whereas most civilians would just run at the sight of a threat that requires a suit of armor or a magic hammer, Mary Jane steps up to help. She still can't do it alone, but she still finds a way to seem as capable as any experienced her.
It's not just her choice. She sees it at her responsibility. It shows that Spider-Man has influenced her every bit as much as she has influenced him. That doesn't just belabor why she's so important to both Spider-Man and Peter Parker. It perfectly reflects the larger themes of Spider-Man, as a whole.
While the news surrounding Spider-Man's movies are making all the headlines, comics like "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #11" prove why his story is so endearing. There have been countless comics that show Peter Parker rising to the occasion, fighting crazy super-villains, and saving the day. This comic shows how taking those responsibilities seriously help inspire others to do the same.
Mary Jane Watson may never win a fight against Rhino or the Green Goblin, but Taylor makes it abundantly clear that if she has the power to help in a situation, she won't back down. She'll fight when others run away. She'll be strong when others can't. She'll look sexier than Peter Parker ever will in the process, but that's more a bonus than a responsibility.
Throughout her history, Mary Jane Watson has shined in many ways, both on her own and as Spider-Man's top love interest. A book like "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #11" might not be her most iconic moment, but it shows in a single issue why she's such an amazing part of Spider-Man's spectacular story.
Tagged as Amazing Spider-Man, comic book reviews, comic books, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #11, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, Miles Morales, Peter Parker, Spectacular Spider-Man, Spider-Man, Spider-Man Comics, superhero comics, Tom Taylor
"Spider-Man: Far From Home" Review: An Amazing Movie With One Spectacular Flaw
In this golden age of superhero movies, Spider-Man occupies a special place. Aside from being one of Stan Lee's most famous creations, this franchise has undergone many triumphs, failures, scandals, upheavals, and everything in between. No matter where it stands among other franchises, Marvel just isn't Marvel without Spider-Man.
The first "Spider-Man" movie helped revolutionize the superhero genre alongside "X-Men." It's not unreasonable to say that the Marvel Cinematic Universe wouldn't exist without that first movie. That's why when Spider-Man entered the MCU with "Spider-Man: Homecoming," it carried a lot of weight.
With "Spider-Man: Far From Home," both the standards and the stakes are higher. This movie is coming off the historic success of "Avengers Endgame" and is poised to close out Phase 3 of the MCU. It's tasked with building on the foundation of its predecessor and dealing with the dramatic aftermath of the battle against Thanos. That's a tall order for any franchise.
Look at this face and tell me I'm wrong. I dare you.
At the same time, it feels like Spider-Man has to be the franchise to pull this off. Between its special place in the genre and its cast of emerging stars, including the inherently lovable Tom Holland, "Spider-Man: Far From Home" feels like the only movie worthy of such a task. It has everything going for it. The question remains. Does it succeed?
In my humble opinion, I say it does, but not without some major flaws.
In terms of the big picture, "Spider-Man: Far From Home" is a quality Spider-Man movie that checks a lot of boxes, both for the franchise and for the MCU. It seamlessly weaves itself into the evolving narrative of the MCU in wake of "Avengers Endgame." The first five minutes of the movie touch on the lingering aftermath of that climactic battle. It even injects some of that trademark MCU humor into some heavy moments.
On a more personal level, Peter Parker's story builds upon the drama of Tony Stark's death in "Avengers Endgame." Throughout the movie, Iron Man's presence looms large. Spider-Man is essentially stuck in the shadow of another hero who really affected his journey as a character in "Spider-Man: Homecoming." It makes for plenty of dramatic moments that guide Peter throughout the story.
In terms of it genre, "Spider-Man: Far From Home" even succeeds in maintaining the increasingly high bar that Marvel Studios has set for its villains. While Jake Gyllenhaal's Mysterio won't rank as highly as Josh Brolin's Thanos, he proves himself a daunting foe who doesn't just test Spider-Man. He comes very close to breaking him.
I would even go so far as to say that Gyllenhaal's take on Mysterio is worth the inflated ticket price. He makes "Spider-Man: Far From Home" work on multiple levels. I would argue that he's the primary reason why the movie succeeds, despite its critical flaws.
Now, this is where I'm probably going to diverge from the those who have given this movie such glowing reviews. I may even upset some of my fellow Marvel fans who recoil at the idea of an MCU movie faltering. However, I believe the flaws are there and are being overshadowed by factors beyond the scope of the movie.
To me, the biggest failure of this movie isn't in how it tells Spider-Man's story. It's in how it develops Peter Parker's story. The battle between Spider-Man and Mysterio is beautifully developed. It's what happens when Peter is out of his mask where the story stagnates and it has everything to do with Zendaya's character, "MJ."
I put "MJ" in quotes because she is definitively not Mary Jane Watson, Spider-Man's most famous love interest in the comics and the character that Kirsten Dunst portrayed in the first three Spider-Man movies. That's not the issue, though. "Spider-Man: Homecoming" established her and Peter's friends as something very different from the comics. It wouldn't be the first time the MCU made such changes.
The problem with MJ, Peter, and their shared role in "Spider-Man: Far From Home" is how poorly their romantic sub-plot plays out. It's not a trivial sub-plot, either. A good chunk of the plot involves Peter following this elaborate plan to tell MJ how he feels about her. On paper, it's pretty romantic. In practice, it's a catalyst for too many cringe-worthy moments.
There's no polite way to say it. The romance between Peter and MJ in this movie is awful. I won't say it's as awful as the nonsensical babble we saw between Peter and Gwen in "Amazing Spider-Man," but it's pretty close and for the high standards of the MCU, it's just unacceptable.
While "Spider-Man: Homecoming" did an admirable job of establishing the dynamics between Peter and MJ, it falls incredibly flat in "Spider-Man: Far From Home." In fact, if you didn't see "Spider-Man: Homecoming," Peter's efforts to get with MJ seem more obsessive than romantic. At one point, he becomes downright vindictive when someone else tries to get with her. It does not reflect well on Peter.
MJ isn't much better. Zendaya is a great actress, but she comes off as flat and unemotional throughout this movie. Say what you will about Kirsten Dunst's portrayal of Mary Jane, but she still displayed a wide range of emotions throughout three movies. Zendaya's tone and facial expressions barely change throughout this movie.
In essence, there's no real chemistry between Peter and MJ. Given how critical this relationship is for the plot of the movie, that's not a trivial oversight. It frames their actions and their decisions as something petty and selfish. There's never a sense that Peter and MJ make each other better. If anything, they're liabilities to one another.
In both the comics and the previous movies, this is not how the romantic sub-plots play out. While Spider-Man's relationships have always complicated his efforts to be a better superhero, they ultimately make him stronger. They make his decision more heroic and his triumphs more satisfying. In "Spider-Man: Far From Home," the romance was more a handicap than a challenge.
Compared to how other romantic sub-plots in the MCU, Peter and MJ's is by far one of the weakest. It's established that they're attracted to one another. That's the critical first step in any romantic sub-plot. However, "Spider-Man: Far From Home" skips the part where they actually start caring for one another before they develop deeper feelings.
Again, that's not a trivial oversight. Compare that to other relationships like Starlord and Gamora, Pepper Potts and Iron Man, or even Thor and Jane Foster. It starts with attraction. The characters flirt and tease one another. Then, at some point, that flirting turns into genuine care. They show concern and emotion when they see one another in danger. From there, deeper feelings emerge.
None of that happens with Peter and MJ. Their interactions lack drama, which limits the personal stakes for Spider-Man's battle against Mysterio. It helps that there are other personal stakes besides MJ that guide this struggle. If anything, those stakes would be a lot more powerful if the sub-plot with MJ were completely removed.
As bad as this romantic sub-plot is, "Spider-Man: Far From Home" still works because so many other elements of the movie are well done. Mysterio is a great villain who really capitalizes on the post-Thanos landscape of the MCU. Peter's supporting cast, from his teachers to his Aunt May to his best friend Ned, all get a chance to shine. They help give this movie the right impact.
Compared to other Spider-Man movies, "Spider-Man: Far From Home" definitely exceeds the quality of the two "Amazing Spider-Man" movies that came before it. I would also say it's slightly better than "Spider-Man 3," albeit barely. If I had to score this movie, I would give it a 6 out of 10. It's great, but not amazing.
For the MCU, especially after "Avengers Endgame," the standards for a great superhero movie have never been higher. This movie met many of those standards, but a major flaw in a key sub-plot kept it from exceeding those standards. While I doubt this will hinder the franchise, I believe it's a flaw that will only get worse if it's not addressed in the sequels.
If you see the mid-credits scene, then you know what I'm talking about.
Filed under Comic Books, Jack Fisher, Superheroes, Marvel, Movie Reviews, movies, superhero comics, superhero movies
Tagged as Amazing Spider-Man, Avengers, Avengers Endgame, Avengers Infinity War, Avengers movies, Iron Man, Jake Gyllenhaal, Kevin Feige, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mary Jane Watson, MCU, MJ, Movie Reviews, movies, Mysterio, Ned Leeds, Nick Fury, Samuel L. Jackson, SHIELD, Spectacular Spider-Man, Spider-Man, Spider-Man Comics, Spider-Man Far From Home, Spider-Man Homecoming, Spider-Man Movies, Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, superhero comics, superhero media, superhero movie, superhero movies, superhero romance, Superheroes, Thanos, Tom Holland, Tony Stark, Zendaya
How "Into The Spider-Verse" Embodies The Best Aspects Of Superhero Movies (And Sets Up A Promising Future)
In the modern era of superhero movies, Spider-Man is one of the bedrock franchises that has guided the genre through its journey from niche market to global box office dominance. Alongside the first "X-men" movie, Sam Raimi's original "Spider-Man" is credited with ushering in this golden age of superhero cinema.
It has been a bumpy road at times. We had high points with "Spider-Man 2" and not-so-high points with "Amazing Spider-Man 2." Regardless of how these movies fared, the story of Peter Parker shouldering the power and responsibilities of Spider-Man has become ingrained in pop culture. We still could've done without that awful dance scene, though.
Given all the weight Spider-Man has for the genre, a movie like "Into The Spider-Verse" has a lot going for it and just as much working against it. The story of Peter Parker has been done, redone, and overdone so much that it feels like there's no room left for nuance. Well, "Into The Spider-Verse" definitively proves there's still untapped potential and it runs even deeper than anyone thought.
I don't want to spoil much about this movie, but I will spoil this. "Into The Spider-Verse" is every bit as awesome as critics and audiences alike have said. It's a truly groundbreaking achievement for superhero movies, animation, and the Spider-Man franchise. The fact that it managed to do this without being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe makes that accomplishment all the more remarkable.
This movie succeeds on so many levels. It takes a concept drawn directly from the comics and expands on it, creating a whole new world in which all things Spider-Man do not revolve entirely around Peter Parker. That's not a typo, by the way. This is a Spider-Man movie in which Peter Parker is not the main driving force of the story.
It's this kid.
He's still there. He still plays a major part in the story. However, this movie is a story about Miles Morales. Those who follow the comics will recognize that name. He's not just some unknown character who gets thrust into a central role in the vein of the "Ghostbuster" reboot. Miles has a fairly comprehensive history going back to 2011 and this movie captures the heart of that history perfectly.
Miles is not like Peter in many ways. Beyond the fact that he's half-black, half-Latino, and the nephew of a dangerous super-villain, his powers are slightly different. His personality is different, as well. He's not the same nerdy dork that Peter Parker was, but he is very much an outsider who struggles to fit in.
Miles has more confidence, but not in the arrogant hipster Andrew Garfield sort of way. He's someone who isn't sure of who he wants to be or where he wants his life to go. On one hand, he's got his parents who want him to aspire to something greater than a life in Brooklyn. On the other, he has influences like his Uncle Aaron pulling him down a darker path.
Him getting bit by a radioactive spider only compounds these conflicting forces. Part of what makes Miles work when other would-be Spider-Man replacements failed is that his struggle feels genuine. He never comes off as a rip-off or a substitute. What makes Miles a Spider-Man worth rooting for is how Peter Parker inspires him to take on that responsibility.
The comics went about that in one particular way that worked brilliantly. "Into The Spider-Verse" utilizes a different, but similar approach that's every bit as compelling. Peter Parker has a major influence, but the movie throws in many other influences that send Miles down the path to becoming Spider-Man.
Some of those influences come in the form of other famous alternate-version Spider-Man characters, including the likes of Spider-Gwen and Spider-Ham. "Into The Spider-Verse" manages to give them their own stories that show how they fit into the greater Spider-Man mythos, but for Miles, they embody the responsibility before him.
Like Peter, and so many other Spider-Man characters, he's initially reluctant to bear that burden. Over the course of the movie, he endures plenty of agonizing decisions and crippling self-doubt. He struggles in ways that we're not used to seeing Spider-Man struggle, but that's exactly why "Into The Spider-Verse" works so well in the current landscape of superhero movies.
Going back to the first "Iron Man" movie, we've come to expect struggles and setbacks from our heroes. Miles has a lot more than most and not just because of his youth or inexperience. He has huge shoes to fill and the history of characters filling the shoes of iconic heroes is mixed at best.
By the end of the movie, though, Miles effectively proves that he's worthy of being Spider-Man. He deserves a spot in the greater Spider-Man mythos. It doesn't have to revolve entirely around Peter Parker. For some Spider-Man fans, that may seem outrageous. "Into The Spider-Verse" shows that there's plenty of room for characters like Miles.
How it goes about this has greater implications for the future of superhero movies than it does for the present. I would even go so far as to say that "Into The Spider-Verse" might end up being a major turning point for the superhero genre because of how it tells Miles' story alongside that of Peter Parker.
Aside from just raising Miles' profile, "Into The Spider-Verse" does something that is overdue for Peter Parker's story. Specifically, it ages him. The Peter Parker in this story is not some wide-eyed kid with Tom Holland's baby face. He's an older, more jaded version of Peter who has made mistakes and lost confidence in himself, as often happens to those who survive to middle age.
The look of a man who has fought one too many muggers.
It's part of the paradox of heroism that I've mentioned before in that many popular superheroes aren't allowed to age beyond a certain point. In fact, that was cited as the primary reason for breaking up Spider-Man's marriage to Mary Jane Watson in the comics. Aging a hero beyond the mold Frank Miller's version of Batman just seems like a dead end.
"Into The Spider-Verse" makes the case that this doesn't have to be the case. Peter Parker can grow up and even endure a mid-life crisis. For a character who has been around since the early 1960s, it almost feels overdue. His struggle doesn't have to be the end of his story. If anything, it helps further Miles' ascension to becoming the new Spider-Man.
It's a theme that has played out in the comics more recently. Older heroes are inspiring a new crop of younger heroes. Miles Morales was among the first. Others like Kamala Khan and Riri Williams have followed. It feels like a natural progression of the superhero archetype, inspiring others to take up the responsibility and aspire to something greater.
Miles Morales isn't a replacement for Peter Parker. He's a supplement to the greater Spider-Man mythos and "Into The Spider-Verse" establishes how well this can work. His story is every bit as endearing as Peter's, but without supplanting him. As such, it provides a new template for superhero movies in the future.
Not every story has to rely on rehashing and revamping iconic characters from the Stan Lee/Jack Kirby/Steve Ditko era. It's possible for new characters to emerge without replacing older ones. The world of superheroes can grow and evolve with subsequent generations. It'll have to and not just because of actors' contracts expiring.
If I had to score "Into The Spider-Verse," I would give it an 8 out of 10. It's a great movie, but it does have some shortcomings. They're very minor. The pacing of the movie is erratic at times and the designs for certain characters, namely Kingpin and Scorpion, have room for improvement. It never feels chaotic or disconnected, though. The movie has a unique artistic style that fits perfectly with the story.
Every now and then, someone will claim that superhero movies will one day go the way of the western. That may still happen at some point, but "Into The Spider-Verse" shows that there are whole new paths to explore and they have to exist in the MCU. This movie is an incredible achievement beyond just being a great superhero movie and one I hope inspires others for years to come.
Also, the tribute to Stan Lee at the end will bring a tear to your eyes. Be certain of that.
Tagged as Amazing Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield, Columbia Pictures, Gwen Stacy, Hailee Steinfeld, Into The Spider-Verse, Jake Johnson, Marvel, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Comics, Marvel Movies, Marvel Studios, Mary Jane Watson, Miles Morales, movie industry, movies, Peter Parker, Sam Rami, Shameik Moore, Sony, Sony Pictures, Spectacular Spider-Man, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Ham, Spider-Man, Spider-Man Comics, Spider-Man Movies, Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Woman, Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, superhero movies, Superheroes, Tobey McGuire, Ultimate Spider-Man
RT @asimov_fangirl: #Xspoilers Catching up with X-Force and... BEAST WHAT ARE YOU DOING ?!?!? 1 hour ago


Experts have suggested that some 40,000 years ago our species was in the throes of a slow-burning revolution. It was not as abrupt as the uprisings that shook France in 1789-99 or Russia in 1917 but during this period Homo sapiens — the "wise man" — appears to have made great strides.
Progress came in many forms. Our prehistoric ancestors began to use more sophisticated blades. The hearths they used to control fire hint at groups gathering around the flames, cooking food and perhaps sharing stories.
Within a few thousand years — the blink of an eye in evolutionary terms — we were domesticating dogs. These kinds of behaviours demand planning and imagination. They also allowed us to colonise the world.


Marks Sattin are working with a growing technology solutions based in Leeds City Centre, they need a Project Manager to join them. They have recently had a major contract win and you will need to work closely with customers and internal technical teams to plan, co-ordinate and execute the organisations solutions to its customers.
Ensure projects are delivered to budget, agreed timescales and scope.
Work with customer IT departments, development and internal infrastructure departments.
Communicate with all stakeholders at all levels.
Estimate resources and identify risks to achieve project goals.
Ability to take ownership of projects.
Self-starter who is highly organised, communicative, quick learner and team orientated.
If you feel you are right for the role, please apply now.


The Minister of Health intends to amend the regulations* relating to soft drinks, specifically those categorised as "formulated caffeinated beverage or cola beverage"; in other words "energy drinks".
What is the motivation behind this? The Government, in an effort to enhance public awareness of the possible effects of these products and to ensure that consumers are protected against any misleading labels, has undertaken to place more stringent requirements on the manufacturers of these goods. The intention is to allow consumers to make informed choices for themselves and for their families.
In terms of the regulations, caffeine containing beverages include "formulated caffeinated beverages or cola beverages". The regulations further define a formulated caffeinated beverage as "a non-alcoholic, water-based, flavoured beverage that contains caffeine and may contain carbohydrates, amino-acids, vitamins and other substances, including other ingredients, for the purpose of enhancing mental performance".
The label on the package will also need to include declarations as to the quantity of caffeine per serving size and per 100ml, expressed in milligrams or "mg".
The public has until 13 August 2011 to comment on the draft amendment.


text:
Q: How to check if row with particular id exists in datatable I have two datatable, while adding rows in second datatable, I want to first check whether the id in the second datatable matches as in the first datatable, if not only then it should be added in the second datatable, else it should display a message.
Please note, I don't have any Primary Key defined on any column, so the rows could be repetitive.

A: if (datatable2.Select("columnname = " + datatable1.Rows[0]["columnname"]).Length > 0)
{
     // row exist in table2
}
else {
    // does not exist in table2
}

For more information http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/det4aw50.aspx

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Yes, Google asked businesses to wait before getting on Google+. But considering its meteoric growth and ability to drive traffic, we didn't want to wait -- and neither did a number of other online properties, which set up profiles within days of the Google+ launch.
We're not the only ones affected (and we don't mean William Shatner). Xeni Jardin of BoingBoing explained on her personal Google+ profile that BoingBoing was deactivating its account and having an intern re-post branded content, which Google will allow. According to her post, Google will roll out brand support within two months.
Xeni also made clear that Google hasn't done a good job communicating the plan for brands. We agree.
Plus the no-brands policy has not been implemented universally for media properties as far as we can tell: Mashable (72,567 followers), The Next Web (19,352) and Breaking News (13,597) have working Google+ profiles.
For now we are sending our G+ traffic our founder, Jason Calacanis.