text:
Logo as used with Metroid Prime 3: Corruption and Metroid Prime: Trilogy
|Action-adventure, platform, first-person shooter
|Nintendo (R&D1/Intelligent Systems, Retro Studios, Nintendo Software Technology Corporation), Team Ninja
|Makoto Kano
Gunpei Yokoi
Hiroji Kiyotake
Yoshio Sakamoto
|Hirokazu Tanaka, Ryoji Yoshitomi, Kenji Yamamoto, Minako Hamano, Akira Fujiwara, Kouichi Kyuma, Masaru Tajima, Lawrence Schwedler, James Phillipsen, Kuniaki Haishima
|Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Virtual Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS, Wii
|Platform of origin
|Nintendo Entertainment System
|Year of inception
|First release
August 6, 1986
|Latest release
|Metroid: Other M
August 31, 2010
|Official website
|Official English website
Official Japanese website
Metroid (メトロイド Metoroido?) is a series of science fiction action-adventure video games by Nintendo. It chronicles the missions of space-faring bounty hunter Samus Aran who protects the galaxy from the depredations of the Space Pirates and their attempts to harness the power of the eponymous Metroids. Metroid combines the platforming of Super Mario Bros. and the exploration aspect of The Legend of Zelda with a decidedly darker atmosphere and a greater emphasis on nonlinear gameplay.
As of 2011, the Metroid series consists of eleven games, with releases on every Nintendo home and portable console except the Game & Watch, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, 3DS, and Wii U. As well as being one of Nintendo's most financially successful franchises with over 17.44 million games sold as of September 2012, it is also one of the company's most highly acclaimed series, with a GameRankings average score of 85% across all eleven titles.
Common gameplay elements[edit]
The Metroid series contains gameplay elements from shooter, platformer, and adventure games.[1] The series is notable for its non-linear progression and solitary exploration format where the player only controls Samus Aran, with few or no other characters to interact with. The series has been a 2D side-scroller in all its incarnations until the Metroid Prime series changed the perspective to a first-person perspective, leading to a new first-person shooter element. The player gains items and power-ups for Samus's cybernetic suit primarily through exploration, and occasionally by defeating alien creatures through real-time combat with her arm cannon. Many such upgrades enable further avenues of exploration.[1][2] A recurring upgrade is the Morph Ball, which allows Samus to curl into a ball, roll into tight places and plant bombs.[1]
The original Metroid was influenced by two other major Nintendo franchises: Mario, from which it borrowed extensive areas of platform jumping, and The Legend of Zelda, from which it borrowed non-linear exploration.[1] The game differed in its atmosphere of solitude and foreboding.[1] Metroid was also one of the first video games to feature an exploration to the left as well as the right, and backtracking to already explored areas to search for secret items and paths.[3]
|Metroid series
fictional chronology
The eleven games in the Metroid series focus on the adventures of Samus Aran and her assignments to wipe out threats to the Galactic Federation presented by the Space Pirates and their attempts to harness various biological weapons such as the Metroids and Phazon.
- Metroid
- Samus travels through the caverns of the planet Zebes to stop the Space Pirates from exploiting the parasitic organisms known as Metroids for galactic domination. She confronts the cybernetic lifeform Mother Brain, as well as its guardians, Kraid and Ridley.[4]
- Metroid II: Return of Samus
- The Galactic Federation deems the Metroid species too dangerous to exist, and after their own failed attempts, employs Samus to travel to the Metroid homeworld, SR388, and exterminate the entire species. After killing every Metroid (among them Alpha, Gamma, Zeta, and Omega Metroids) and the Queen Metroid, Samus finds an unhatched egg behind the Queen Metroid's chamber. Before Samus fires on the Metroid egg, an infant Metroid hatches and believes Samus to be its mother. After it helps her escape back to her ship, Samus hands the hatchling over to the Ceres research station for study.[4]
- Super Metroid
- Just after she leaves, Samus receives a distress signal from the Ceres research lab. She returns just in time to catch Ridley stealing the hatchling, having killed all of the scientists. She follows Ridley to a rebuilt base on Zebes, where the Space Pirates are once again attempting to clone the Metroids and use them as weapons. Samus kills the reborn versions of Ridley and Kraid, as well as new guardians Phantoon and Draygon, and confronts Mother Brain once again.[3] Samus is nearly killed in the battle, but the Metroid hatchling, now having grown immensely, rescues her. Mother Brain kills it just after it restores Samus's energy,[4] and Samus in turn destroys Mother Brain with a supercharged weapon apparently left by the hatchling's death. She then escapes Zebes during a countdown that leads to the entire planet exploding, taking with it the few remaining cloned Metroids.
- Galactic Pinball
- A spin-off pinball themed game set in the metroid universe for the Virtual Boy. Several elements of the metroid universe are mentioned, from the galactic federation to the screw attack. Samus make a playable cameo appearance in her ship hunting giant metroids accompanied by the Super Metroid theme-song.
- Metroid Fusion
- While acting as a bodyguard for researchers on the planet SR388, Samus is infected by a native creature known as the X Parasite, originally the prey of the Metroid species.[3] Doctors surgically remove portions of her Power Suit and cure the X infection with a vaccine created from the DNA of the Metroid hatchling (Metroid II: Return of Samus).[3] The vaccine not only allows her to survive the parasites, but to absorb them to power up her energy and weapons. She is then sent to investigate a disturbance at the Biologic Space Labs research station, where it is revealed that specimens from SR388 had been carriers of the X parasite. An X mimicking Samus, nicknamed the SA-X, has taken control of Samus's old suit, methodically breaking into different parts of the station to allow the X parasites to infect the entire station.[4] While trying to destroy the rapidly multiplying X as well as clones of the SA-X, Samus discovers a secret Federation Metroid breeding program. Before Samus can react, the SA-X discovers the lab and triggers a security system that ejects it into space, killing the Metroids. Realizing that the X pose a threat to galactic civilization, Samus's shipboard computer, Adam, suggests that she alter the station's propulsion to intercept with SR388 and destroy the planet as well to finally wipe out both X populations.[3] After changing the station's propulsion, Samus races back to her ship, where she encounters an Omega Metroid which seems to have escaped the laboratory breach, and is also invulnerable to every weapon Samus has. The SA-X returns and tries to kill the Metroid, since the ice-beam it has seems to be the only weapon able to damage it, but the SA-X is badly damaged in the battle. Samus absorbs the SA-X parasite to regain her weapons, destroys the Omega Metroid and leaves the station before it collides with SR388.[3]
- Metroid Prime
- Samus receives a distress signal in her new ship and travels to Tallon IV to stop the Space Pirates from exploiting a powerful radioactive substance known as Phazon. She discovers that the Chozo once settled on this planet, and their disappearance, as well as the emergence of Phazon, is due to a meteor impacting the planet decades ago. After ruining a Space Pirate mining operation and collecting the twelve Chozo Artifacts that allow access to the sealed impact crater, she confronts and defeats Ridley before delving deeper into the impact site and discovering Metroid Prime, a matured Metroid, mutated and corrupted by Phazon. Metroid Prime had been feeding off the Phazon Core of the meteor to increase in size and strength. During the final battle against Metroid Prime, Metroid Prime grabs and takes Samus's Phazon Suit from her. She flees the impact site and after the credits, there is a glimpse of a dark hand coming out of a pool of Phazon in the arena where Samus and Metroid Prime fought. It is implied that this hand is Dark Samus in the future games and that Metroid Prime by taking Samus's suit becomes Dark Samus.[3]
- Metroid: Zero Mission
- Metroid: Zero Mission is an enhanced remake of the original Metroid designed to retell the game's story. It has an addendum to the storyline: After defeating Mother Brain, Samus is ambushed by Space Pirates and her ship crash-lands back on the surface. Stripped of her Power Suit and her ship destroyed, she is forced to infiltrate the Space Pirate mothership to find a way off the planet, armed only with an emergency pistol. She finds a fully powered armor suit deep within the Chozo ruins, then goes on to defeat the Ridley Robot and escapes from the mothership before it self-destructs.[3][5]
- Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
- Samus is sent to investigate the planet Aether after a squad of GF Marines was lost there. Samus finds them all dead, killed by several creatures, mostly by an evil race called the Ing. The Ing possess life forms, transforming them into monstrous "dark" versions of their former selves to wage war with Aether's dominant race, the Luminoth. Upon meeting the only remaining member of Luminoth (the others are frozen in stasis chambers, awaiting the destruction of the Ing), Samus learns Aether has been split into two dimensions by a meteor similar to the one that crashed on Tallon IV. Samus agrees to assist by recovering Aether's planetary energy (the "Light of Aether") from Dark Aether. She does this by going to Dark Aether and absorbing the energy into her suit, then placing the energy back into the Energy Controllers on Light Aether. By completing this task, she destroys Dark Aether and the Ing that inhabit it. The final boss fights consist of one against the Emperor Ing and Dark Samus. Dark Samus vaporizes in front of Samus's eyes, but as she flees, Dark Samus is shown to reform in outer space.[3]
- Metroid Prime Pinball
- Metroid Prime Pinball is a pinball version of Metroid Prime, following the same storyline and has similar gameplay elements; however, it is just presented through pinball format rather than as a first-person adventure.[6]
- Metroid Prime Hunters
- When the Federation receives an unusual telepathic message, Samus is sent to the remote Alimbic Cluster in the Tetra Galaxy to uncover the rumored "Ultimate Power". Six rival bounty hunters that also heard the message actively attempt to secure the power before anyone else, including Samus. It transpires that the promise of ultimate power was actually a lie sent by the creature Gorea, sealed away by the Alimbics in a void between dimensions. Gorea attacks and sucks the energy and weapons from the hunters. After killing Gorea, Samus and the other hunters escape the cluster, empty handed, but alive.[3]
- Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
- Space Pirates shut down and infect Galactic Federation supercomputer network formed by the Aurora Units systems and then engage in large scale combat in an attempt to further spread Phazon. Enormous Phazon-based seedships, called Leviathans, impact planets and begin corrupting them with Phazon. Samus is charged with destroying the "Phazon Seeds" and restoring functionality to the Federation's computer network. After purging three planets of Phazon (including a Space Pirate homeworld), the Federation locates the source of Phazon, planet Phaaze, which is made entirely of Phazon. As the Federation engages the Space Pirates in orbit, Samus enters the depths of the planet and succeeds at destroying Dark Samus and Phaaze. A ship is seen following her into Warp Space at the end.[7]
- Metroid: Other M
- Samus receives a distress signal and follows it to a mysterious vessel named the Bottle Ship. There, she encounters a squad of Galactic Federation soldiers, including her friend Anthony Higgs and her former superior officer Adam Malkovich. They find out that the director of the ship, Madeline Bergman, has been conducting research on illegal bioweapons for the Federation. Eventually, Samus finds a survivor who claims to be Madeline Bergman, but is later revealed to be an android with an artificial intelligence duplicating that of Mother Brain, so that the bioweapon Metroids can be telepathically controlled. The Federation soldiers are mysteriously killed by a secret assassin among their ranks. Samus refers to this assassin as "the Deleter", though his or her identity is never explicitly revealed in the game, but is thought to be James Pierce for a few evidential reasons. Samus later discovers that these weapons are Metroids that have been genetically modified to remove their weakness to cold, making them virtually indestructible. Adam sacrifices himself to detach Sector Zero, the Metroid breeding area, from the main ship and activate its self-destruct sequence. After defeating a Queen Metroid, Samus finds the real Madeline Bergman, who tells her the truth about the android she found earlier. The artificial intelligence, named MB, took on a human shape to build an ideal relationship with the Metroids, similar to the one Samus had with the Metroid hatchling (Super Metroid). After developing emotions, MB revolted, telepathically ordering the cloned Zebesian life forms on the ship to attack their captors. MB appears and attacks Samus and Madeline, but is stopped when Galactic Federation reinforcements show up, led by Anthony, the only surviving member of the original squad. Samus, Anthony and Madeline all escape on Samus's gunship. In an optional epilogue, Samus returns to retrieve "something irreplaceable": Adam's helmet.[8]
Nintendo's Research and Development 1 (R&D1) began development of Metroid, an action game for the Family Computer Disk System that was released in Japan on August 6, 1986.[3] In North America and Europe, Metroid was published for the Nintendo Entertainment System in August 1987 and on January 15, 1988, respectively.[9][10] Unlike the Japanese release, the Western versions of the game used passwords instead of a save system. Codes also allow for changes in gameplay; the "JUSTIN BAILEY" code lets the player play as Samus without her Power Suit, and "NARPAS SWORD" grants Samus infinite ammunition, health, all power-ups, and a modified Ice Beam.[3]
A sequel, Metroid II: Return of Samus, was released for the Game Boy in 1991 in North America, and in 1992 in Japan. It was the first game of the Metroid series whose North American release featured a save system, allowing the player to have three separate save files. Metroid II also established the current "look" of Samus Aran and her Power Suit, namely the bulky look of the Varia Suit upgrade and the visual difference between the "Beam Mode" and "Missile Mode" of Samus's arm cannon.[3] Dan Owsen of Nintendo acknowledged in an interview that Nintendo R&D1 planned to release a Game Boy Color version of Metroid II; however, the project was eventually canceled.[11]
Director Yoshio Sakamoto began planning concepts for Super Metroid in early 1990, but his studio was committed to making another game, so developers from Intelligent Systems were brought in to help complete the game.[12] After Super Metroid's release, there would not be another sequel for eight years. A Nintendo 64 title was considered during the period, but Nintendo "couldn't come up with any concrete ideas".[13] In 1999, Retro Studios, a newly formed second-party developer based in Austin, Texas, was given the project for Metroid Prime. Nintendo rarely allows overseas teams to work on its games but this was one occasion when they allowed a high profile title to be developed by a studio outside of Japan.[14] After it became a top seller on the GameCube, a trilogy was authorized.[1]
Rumors abounded since 2005 about the development of a title called Metroid Dread, supposedly a 2D side-scroller for the Nintendo DS. In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, there is a message in the Metroid breeding zone of the Space Pirate Homeworld on a computer panel that if scanned says "Experiment status report update: Metroid project 'Dread' is nearing the final stages of completion." Developers from Retro Studios gave a full but cryptic denial of any connection with the rumored game, and Nintendo denied they were making another 2D Metroid title.[15][16][17][18] However, at E3 2009, Sakamoto confirmed Metroid Dread existed at one point, and may still be in development,[19][20] though in a later interview Sakamoto stated that Nintendo prefers to keep secrecy on the project, and also that he would like to "reset the situation at once and start from scratch."[21] On the May 3, 2010, 75th episode of IGN's Nintendo Voice Chat Podcast, editor Craig Harris confirmed that the story for Metroid Dread was fully written and he had seen it at one point in time, claiming "[Nintendo] has it and can bring it back at any time." [22]
A new Metroid title was announced at E3 2009, titled Metroid: Other M. This title was developed in cooperation with Team Ninja and directed by long-time series developer Yoshio Sakamoto. It was released on the Wii on August 31, 2010.[23] Sakamoto complimented Team Ninja's work and expressed interest in working with them again, but said he currently has no ideas for new Metroid games.[24] Retro Studios' senior designer Mike Wikan said he would like to see a game continuing the story of the Prime trilogy, and producer Kensuke Tanabe said other Prime-like games could explore Samus' unique abilities such as the Morph Ball in a multiplayer feature.[25]
While Nintendo has not formally announced plans for a Metroid title for either the Nintendo 3DS or the Wii U, Animal Crossing producer Katsuya Eguchi mentioned in an interview how such a title could make use of the console's tablet controller to perform actions such as scanning enemies and retrieving information.[26] A demo program for the Wii U, titled Battle Mii, showed Mii characters dressed in Varia Suits, as well as Samus's gunship from Other M;[27] this was later revealed as a mini-game called "Metroid Blast", which is featured in Nintendo Land.[28] Nintendo Land producer Shigeru Miyamoto, who was also involved with the Prime trilogy, has declared that this minigame reflects his ideas for future Metroid titles,[29] while also displaying the series is "a franchise that we value and we certainly want to see what we can do with it in the future". Miyamoto added that Retro is "a very high priority" in the development of more Metroid games.[30]
Creation and design[edit]
Metroid was designed to be a shooting game that combined the platform jumping of Super Mario Bros. with the non-linear exploration of The Legend of Zelda and a distinctly darker aesthetic. The name of the game is a portmanteau of the words "metro" (as in rapid transit) and android, and was meant to allude to the mainly underground setting of the first game as well as its robot-like protagonist.[31] Half way through development of the original Metroid, one of the staff said to his fellow developers "Hey, wouldn't that be kind of cool if it turned out that this person inside the suit was a woman?", and the idea was accepted.[1][32] Ridley Scott's 1979 horror film Alien was described by Sakamoto as a "huge influence" after the world of the first Metroid had been created. The development staff was affected by the work of the film's creature designer H. R. Giger, and found his creations to be fitting for the Metroid universe.[33]
Metroid, Metroid II: Return of Samus, Super Metroid, Metroid Fusion, and Metroid: Zero Mission were all developed by Nintendo's internal R&D1 division. The games which have been developed by separate teams are Metroid Prime, 2, and 3 (Retro Studios), Metroid Prime Hunters (Nintendo Software Technology Corporation), Metroid Prime Pinball (Fuse Games),[3] and Metroid: Other M (Project M). The central figures in the production and development of the Metroid series are Yoshio Sakamoto, who has directed or supervised the development of most games; Gunpei Yokoi, who headed the R&D1 division and produced the first two games; Makoto Kano, who wrote the scenario for Metroid, co-designed the second game, and produced the third; and Hiroji Kiyotake, who designed characters for the original game. Mario and The Legend of Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto was involved with the Prime trilogy, having been the one that suggested Retro to work with the franchise.[1]
The Metroid series has been noted and praised for its unique style of video game music.[1][34][35] Hirokazu "Hip" Tanaka, composer of the original Metroid, has said he wanted to make a score that made players feel like they were encountering a "living organism" and had no distinction between music and sound effects.[34][36] The only time the main Metroid theme was heard was after Mother Brain is defeated; this is intended to give the player a catharsis. At all other times, no melodies are present in the game.[36] The composer of Super Metroid, Kenji Yamamoto, came up with some of the games' themes by humming them to himself while riding his motorcycle to work. He was asked to compose the music for Metroid Prime to reinforce the series continuity.[37] Metroid Prime's Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound was mixed by a member of Dolby.[38] Developers from Retro Studios noted how the 6 MB memory budget for all sound effects of a level in Metroid Prime was crucial in producing a quality soundtrack, as each sound had to be of very high quality to be included.[37] Composer Kenji Yamamoto utilizes heavy drums, piano, voiced chants, clangs of pipes, and electric guitar.[38] Metroid Prime 3 took advantage of the increase in the amount of RAM that took place when the series switched from the GameCube to the Wii; this allowed for higher quality audio samples to be used and thus allowing a better overall audio quality.[37] Kenji Yamamoto, who composed the music to Super Metroid and the Prime trilogy, copied the musical design of the original Metroid in Metroid Prime 3, by keeping the music and themes dark and scary until the very end, when uplifting music is played during the credits.[37]
In other media[edit]
Characters and elements from the Metroid series have appeared in different mediums. Samus has appeared in Nintendo games such as Super Mario RPG, Tetris (Nintendo Entertainment System version), Tetris DS, Galactic Pinball, Kirby Super Star, Kirby's Dream Land 3 and WarioWare.[3][39][40] Several characters and game environments have appeared in the Super Smash Bros. series. Samus is a playable character in all three Super Smash Bros. games.[41][42] Super Smash Bros. Brawl, also features Zero Suit Samus, a version of the heroine using the blue form-fitting suit seen in Zero Mission and the Prime series.[43][44] Ridley makes cameos in Super Smash Bros., where he can be seen flying through the level Zebes, and in Super Smash Bros. Melee both as an unlockable trophy and in the game's opening, where he is fighting Samus at Ceres Space Station.[45] In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Ridley, in both normal and Meta Ridley forms, appears as a boss character.[46] Kraid also appeared in Super Smash Bros. Melee as a stage hazard in Brinstar Depths and unlockable trophy. Various other characters such as Metroids and Dark Samus appear as either trophies or stickers in the Super Smash Bros series as well.
Mother Brain was also the primary villain in the Captain N: The Game Master TV show.[47] A Metroid-lookalike enemy, called the Komayto, was encountered by Pit in Kid Icarus for the NES.[3] In Dead or Alive: Dimensions, a fighting game developed by Team Ninja for the Nintendo 3DS, one stage is a replica of the arena in which Samus fights Ridley in Metroid: Other M and features both as assist characters;[48] Samus, however, is not featured as a playable character in Dimensions,[49] as Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi stated in an interview that "it would be better to let her focus on her job rather than kicking everyone's butt in [Dead or Alive: Dimensions]".[50] A Wii U launch title Nintendo Land has a mini-game based on the series called "Metroid Blast".[28]
Comics and manga have been made for various magazines based on Metroid,[51] Super Metroid,[52] Metroid Prime,[53] Metroid Prime 2: Echoes,[54] and Metroid: Zero Mission[55] in both the United States and Japan. Samus Aran and other Metroid characters also featured in the Captain N: The Game Master comic books by Valiant Comics.[56] In Japan, six short "E-comics" were created to chronicle Samus' life and were published by Kodachi.[3] Also in Japan, Comic Bom Bom published a three-volume manga starring Samus called Samus and Joey (メトロイド サムス&ジョイ).[57]
Both Samus Aran and Link from the The Legend of Zelda series were planned to be playable characters for the Wii version of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance however they didn't make the final release.[58]
Live-action movie[edit]
In 2003, two producers optioned the rights to create a live-action film based on Metroid, but the rights expired.[3] John Woo acquired the rights a few years later,[59] and Lion Rock Productions was to produce and release the film before 2006,[60] but it either has been canceled or remains in limbo.[61] Sakamoto has expressed no interest in working on a Metroid movie himself, but stated he could support such a project by Ryuji Kitaura, director of the CG scenes in Other M, if the concept and methodologies were good enough.[21]
In December 2012, Peer Schneider of IGN published an article explaining the fate and some production details of the proposed John Woo-directed Metroid movie with an exclusive interview with one of the former producers of the Metroid movie, Brad Foxhoven. The movie with John Woo as director was first pitched in 2004 and initially had Nintendo's full support. Foxhoven stated in the IGN interview, "Nintendo was quite supportive of the idea, as they were all fans of John's previous films" and that production studio Tiger Hill was "in it for the long haul" and had started a three-year development period. The Metroid movie was originally set for a 2006 release but slipped because Tiger Hill was spending most of the development time attempting to cope with Nintendo's restrictions on the Metroid franchise. The reason for Nintendo's restrictions was the past critical and commercial failure of the Super Mario Bros. movie which, according to IGN, "had left an indelible impression on Nintendo and how it would approach future licensing deals with Hollywood." One writer that was brought in to write a script for the Metroid movie, among "several writers", was David Greenwalt of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and Grimm fame, the furthest that the production process reached was "a treatment for a live action film that John would possibly direct."[62]
The article revealed that early scripts for the movie were going to focus on series heroine Samus Aran and her origin. Tiger Hill wanted to explore Samus prior to her becoming the lone bounty hunter featured in the series. According to Foxhoven, the movie version of Samus Aran was "to be an exceptionally talented, but also flawed character who was looking for redemption," and elaborating that, "We wanted to see her struggle, to be humbled, and to be forced to rise up against crazy odds. And of course we wanted to see the cool weapons in all of their glory." The major problem that the writers faced was attempting to build-out Samus's back-story, Nintendo had "creative" and "licensing" walls that the writers ran into. Foxhoven stated that these questions came up: "What are they doing when they are NOT fighting? What is their daily existence and relationships? What are Samus's aspirations, history, and fears?" and further stated that "Nintendo appreciated the questions, but had never thought about them before, and ultimately didn't have a lot of answers" and at the end, Nintendo "felt uncomfortable with our team [Hollywood] being the ones to propose those answers" which basically caused the Metroid movie project to be ultimately canceled sometime in 2007. Foxhoven however foresees Metroid becoming a movie, stating at the end of the IGN interview that "for Nintendo, they walked away appreciating the process and how much further they needed to explore the franchise so that it has a chance for a feature film at some point" and he revealed that "there are quite a few Hollywood executives in town who grew up playing Metroid, and who would be willing to take the time needed to bring Nintendo along in the process."[62]
|Metroid (GBA re-release)
|Metroid II: Return of Samus
|Super Metroid
|Metroid Fusion
|Metroid Prime
|Metroid: Zero Mission
|Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
|Metroid Prime Pinball
|Metroid Prime Hunters
|Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
|Metroid Prime: Trilogy
|Metroid: Other M
The series has been highly praised by critics, being ranked as the 70th top game (collectively) by Next Generation in 1996[85] and as the eighth best video game franchise ever by IGN in 2008.[86] In 2001, Electronic Gaming Monthly chose Super Metroid as the best game ever.[87] The Metroid games have since appeared in other "best game" lists, with all games released up to 2005 included in a Nintendo Power top 200 Nintendo games list,[88] Prime in the IGN top 100,[89] Metroid, Super Metroid, Prime and Echoes in a list by GameFAQs users;[90] Metroid and Super Metroid in Game Informer's list;[91] and Prime and Super Metroid in Edge's list.[92] The series has been influential in many other games, including Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.[2]
Samus Aran was recognized by Guinness World Records as being "enduringly popular"[93] and as the "first playable human female character in a mainstream videogame", although Toby Masuyo ("Kissy") from Namco's Alien Sector predates her by one year.[94][95] Other characters from the Metroid series have also received their own share of acclaim. Ridley was the number two most requested Nintendo character by IGN and number one by the fans to be added as a playable character to the Super Smash Bros. series[46] and Mother Brain has been commonly ranked among the all-time best video game bosses.[96]
The original Metroid has been described as being boosted by its "eerie" music, adding a "sense of mystery and exploration" to the game by making the game "moody and atmospheric".[1][34] IGN praised the well timed music that helped add suspense to the experience.[35] GameSpot described Super Metroid as better than the original "in literally every conceivable way",[97] Metroid Fusion was noted for its "understated score" which fit the mood of the adventure and its excellent stereo sound effects, making it an uncommonly good Game Boy Advance sound experience.[98] Metroid Prime was considered one of the best games ever made upon its release, winning Game of the Year from various publications and websites.[99][100][101] IGN called the aural experience with Metroid Prime 2: Echoes "mesmerizing".[102] Music from Metroid has been frequently re-released as part of "best of" video game music releases.[103][104][105] Metroid Prime's soundtrack was called the best sound design on the GameCube. The sound effects were also noted for a high degree of accuracy and blending with the soundtrack.[38] On the popular video game music site OverClocked ReMix, Super Metroid is the tenth most remixed video game, while the first Metroid video game was twenty-fifth.[106]
The games have also sold very well, with Super Metroid, Metroid Fusion, Metroid Prime, and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption exceeding one million copies sold.[12][107][108] By September 2012, the series had sold over 17.44 million copies worldwide.[93]
Sales of Metroid games in Japan, however, have typically been lower than in the United States.[109] In particular, the first two installments of the Metroid Prime series did not sell well in Japan,[110][111] though it should be noted that Japanese gamers tend to have an aversion to first-person shooters in general as it causes many Japanese players motion sickness.[112] In its first day of release in Japan, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption sold 20,000 copies,[113] and it was the fifth bestselling game during its debut week in Japan, selling 32,388 units, ranking it behind Ryū ga Gotoku Kenzan!, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Wii Fit, and Gundam Musou Special.[114] Furthermore, Metroid: Other M was the third best-selling video game in Japan during its week of release with 45,398 copies sold, ranking it behind Wii Party and Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airu Village.[115] It sold an additional 11,239 copies the following week.[116]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Rus McLaughlin (2007-08-24). "IGN Presents The History of Metroid". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-17.
- ^ a b GamePro Staff (2006-07-11). "Feature: The 10-Best Video-Game Franchises". GamePro. Archived from the original on 2010-01-14. Retrieved 2008-02-26.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "The Metroid Retrospective Video Game, Part 1 | Video Clip | Game Trailers & Videos". GameTrailers.com. 2007-07-25. Retrieved 2011-10-08.
- ^ a b c d IGN Staff (October 18, 2002). "Metroid Time Line". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-26.
- ^ Jesse Schedeen (2008-02-12). "Stars: Icons — Samus Aran". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
- ^ Craig Harris (October 21, 2005). "Metroid Prime Pinball". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
- ^ Rorie, Matthew. "Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Game Guide". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-04-30.
- ^ Bueno, Fernando (August 31, 2010). Metroid: Other M: Prima Official Game Guide. Prima Games. ISBN 978-0-307-46946-5.
- ^ "Iwata Asks: Metroid: Other M – Vol. 1: An NES Game with the Latest Technology". Nintendo of America Inc. 2013-04-08. Retrieved 2011-07-03.
- ^ "Metroid Related Games". GameSpot. CBS Interactive Inc. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
- ^ "The MDb Interviews Dan Owsen". 1998. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
- ^ a b "Super Metroid". N-Sider. 2007-01-01. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ^ "Metroid Prime Roundtable QA". IGN. 2002-11-15. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ IGN Staff (2002-11-11). "Quotes from Metroid Prime Roundtable". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-17.
- ^ Craig Harris (2005-09-19). "Nintendo DS Mailbag". IGN. Retrieved 2005-09-19.
- ^ Stephen Totilo (2007-09-26). "Retro Studios Answers The Dreaded "Metroid Dread" Question — And Other "Prime" Exclusives". MTV Multiplayer. Retrieved 2008-02-17.
- ^ Matt Casamassina (2007-08-27). "Metroid Dread Nearing Completion". IGN. Retrieved 2007-08-27.
- ^ Mike Jackson (2007-09-06). "Nintendo denies Metroid Dread". Computer and Video Games Magazine. Retrieved 2007-09-06.
- ^ Totilo, Stephen (2009-06-03). "Nintendo: New Metroid Is NOT Metroid Dread". Kotaku. Retrieved 2009-06-03.
- ^ Casamassina, Matt (2009-06-04). "E3 2009: Metroid: Other M Heavy on Action and Story". IGN. Retrieved 2009-06-05.
- ^ a b "Yoshio Sakamoto discusses Metroid 64, Metroid Dread and the 3DS". GamesTM. 2010-09-14. Retrieved 2011-03-18.
- ^ Harris, Craig (2010-05-03). "Nintendo Voice Chat Podcast Episode 75 - Wii Feature at IGN". IGN. Retrieved 2010-05-03.
- ^ "Metroid Other M Preview for the Wii". 2009-06-03. Retrieved 2009-06-03.
- ^ Pakinkis, Tom (2010-09-06). "Wii Interview: Metroid: Other M". Computer and Video Games. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
- ^ Totilo, Stephen (2009-09-21). "Metroid Prime Team Discusses Their Decade Of Samus, Ponders Series' Future". Kotaku. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
- ^ Totilo, Stephen (2011-06-14). "Nintendo's Two Reasons For Making a New Wii Now". Kotaku. Retrieved 2011-12-12.
- ^ Claiborn, Samuel (2011-06-09). "E3 2011: I Finally Found Metroid At E3". IGN. Retrieved 2011-12-12.
- ^ a b Watts, Steve (2012-09-13). "Nintendo debuts 'Metroid Blast' in Nintendo Land". Shacknews. Retrieved 2012-09-21.
- ^ Skrebels, Joe (2013-11-05). "Miyamoto shares ideas for Metroid Wii U". Official Nintendo Magazine. Retrieved 2013-11-22.
- ^ Skrebels, Joe (2013-11-09). "Meeting a Legend - ONM interviews Shigeru Miyamoto". Official Nintendo Magazine. Retrieved 2013-11-22.
- ^ "Game Center CX (Fuji TV show)". Selectbutton.net. Retrieved 2011-10-08.
- ^ "Metroid: Zero Mission director roundtable". IGN. 2004-01-30. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ "The Making of Super Metroid". Retro Gamer (Imagine Publishing Ltd.) (65): 60. July 2009.
- ^ a b c IGN Staff (2007-08-08). "Top Ten Tuesday: Best 8-Bit Soundtracks". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
- ^ a b Tim Jones (1999-06-14). "Metroid 2: Return of Samus". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
- ^ a b Alexander Brandon (2002-09-25). "Shooting from the Hip: an Interview with Hip Tanaka". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2011-07-13.
- ^ a b c d M4G Staff (2007-10-05). "Interview with Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Sound Team at Retro Studios and Composer Kenji Yamamoto". music4games. Archived from the original on 2008-03-15. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ^ a b c Fran Mirabella III (2002-11-11). "Metroid Prime". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
- ^ IGN Staff (1999-03-18). "One Ticket to Zebes, Please". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-17.
- ^ IGN Staff (2003-03-21). "Wario Ware Is Insane". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-26.
- ^ Peer Schneider (1999-04-27). "Super Smash Bros.". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-17.
- ^ Fran Mirabella III (2001-12-03). "Super Smash Bros. Melee". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-17.
- ^ Lucas M. Thomas and Matt Casamassina (2007-01-01). "Super Smash Bros. Brawl FAQ — Veterans". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-17.
- ^ Lucas M. Thomas and Matt Casamassina (2007-01-01). "Super Smash Bros. Brawl FAQ — Newcomers". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-17.
- ^ IGN Staff (July 31, 2001). "Smash Profile: Captain Falcon". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-26.
- ^ a b Phil Pirrello and Richard George. "Smash Bros. Wish-List: All Nintendo Edition". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-26.
- ^ Michael Drucker (2007-02-01). "Captain N The Game Master – The Complete Series". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-17.
- ^ Drake, Audrey (2011-05-23). "Dead or Alive Dimensions -- Metroid Secrets". IGN. Retrieved 2012-03-07.
- ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (2011-01-24). "Samus Not Playable in Dead or Alive 3DS". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2012-11-03.
- ^ Drake, Audrey (2011-05-12). "Dead or Alive Dimensions Interview with Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi". IGN. Retrieved 2012-03-07.
- ^ George Caragonne, James Brock, Bob Layton, Jade, Kathryn Bolinger (1987-01-01). "Metroid". Nintendo Power. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ "Comics & Manga". GameSpy. 2006-01-01. Archived from the original on 2008-03-06. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ "Comics". GameSpy. 2002-01-01. Archived from the original on 2008-03-20. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ "Manga". GameSpy. 2002-01-01. Retrieved 2008-12-23.
- ^ "Manga". GameSpy. 2004-01-01. Archived from the original on 2008-03-20. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ Webster Swenson (1990-01-01). "Captain N Volume 1". Valiant Comics. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ "Samus and Joey". Amazon.co.jp. ASIN 4063239764.
- ^ Pop-Fiction Episode 9: The Invisible Man (Flash video). GameTrailers. 2011-07-29. Retrieved 2011-08-02.
- ^ Justin Calvert (2004-04-07). "John Woo options Metroid movie". GameSpot.
- ^ "John Woo Bringing Metroid to the Big Screen". Crave Online. 2004-04-07. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
- ^ Jesse Schedeen and Phil Pirrello (2011-03-15). "IGN's Ultimate Games-to-Film Guide". IGN. Retrieved 2011-03-18.
- ^ a b Schneider, Peer (2012-12-28). "Whatever Happened to the Metroid Movie? Former producer talks about the ill-fated John Woo/Nintendo co-production". IGN. News Corporation. Retrieved 2012-12-31.
- ^ "Classic NES Series: Metroid — GBA". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid (Classic NES Series)". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid II: Return of Samus — GB". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Super Metroid — SNES". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid Fusion — GBA". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid Fusion". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid Prime — GC". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid Prime". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid: Zero Mission — GBA". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid: Zero Mission". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid Prime 2: Echoes — GC". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid Prime 2: Echoes". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid Prime Pinball — DS". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid Prime Pinball". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid Prime: Hunters — DS". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid Prime: Hunters". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid Prime 3: Corruption — WII". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Metroid Prime 3: Corruption". Metacritic. Retrieved 2008-02-16.
- ^ "Reviews of Metroid Prime: Trilogy". GameRankings. Retrieved 2009-08-22.
- ^ "Reviews of Metroid Prime: Trilogy". Metacritic. Retrieved 2009-08-22.
- ^ "Metroid: Other M — WII". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2010-09-01.
- ^ "Metroid: Other M". Metacritic. Retrieved 2010-08-31.
- ^ Next Generation 21 (September 1996), p.48.
- ^ "The Top 25 Videogame Franchises". IGN. 2006-12-04. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ EGM staff (2001). "Electronic Gaming Monthly's 100 Best Games of All Time". Electronic Gaming Monthly. Archived from the original on 2003-06-11. Retrieved 2006-11-17.
- ^ "NP Top 200". Nintendo Power 200. February 2006. pp. 58–66.
- ^ "IGN Top 100 Games 2007 |publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-02-20|unused_data= 30: Metroid Prime".
- ^ "Fall 2005: 10-Year Anniversary Contest – The 10 Best Games Ever". GameFAQs. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ "Top 100 Games of All Time". Game Informer 100: 34. August 2001.
- ^ "Edge's Top 100 games". Edge. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ a b Guinness World Records 2013: Gamer's Edition. Guinness World Records Ltd. 2012. p. 154. ISBN 9781904994954.
- ^ Kurt Kalata. "Obscure Namco characters". Hardcore Gaming 101. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ^ Sean Aaron. "Nintendo Download: 13-14 October 2009 (Japan)". nintendolife.com. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ^ Ryan Stewart and Mitch Krpata (October 13, 2006). "The 20 Greatest Bosses in Video Game History - #4: Mother Brain". The Phoenix. Retrieved 2008-02-26.
- ^ Provo, Frank (2007-08-27). "Super Metroid review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ IGN Staff (2002-11-12). "Metroid Fusion". IGN. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ^ "GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002: Game of the Year". GameSpot. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ "Game of the Year 2002". GameSpy. Archived from the original on 2012-03-17. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ "GDC 2003: Metroid Wins Game of the Year". IGN. 2003-03-07. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ IGN Staff (2004-11-02). "The Ultimate Metroid Prime 2 Echoes Experience". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
- ^ "Game Central's Best of the Best CD". IGN. 2007-06-06. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
- ^ IGN Staff (2004-03-12). "Japan Gets Famicom Music". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
- ^ Carle, Chris (2005-11-18). "IGN Interviews 8-Bit Weapon". IGN. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
- ^ "Browsing: Games (530)". OverClocked ReMix. 2008-02-01. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
- ^ "US Platinum Videogame Chart". The Magic Box. 2007-12-27. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ^ "Financial Results Briefing for the Nine-Month Period Ending December 2007". Nintendo. 2008-01-25. p. 6. Retrieved 2008-01-25.
- ^ Robinson, Andy (2007-10-23). "The History of Metroid". GamesRadar. Retrieved 2013-01-03.
- ^ "GID 1215 - Metroid Prime - GCN - Garaph". Media Create. Retrieved 2007-12-03.
- ^ "GID 1760 - Metroid Prime 2: Echoes - GCN - Garaph". Media Create. Retrieved 2013-01-03.
- ^ "社長が訊く『メトロイドプライム3 コラプション』" [Iwata Asks - Metroid Prime 3: Corruption] (in Japanese). Nintendo. Retrieved 2012-01-31. "Tanabe: パソコンのFPSは、マウスとキーボードで操作するようになっていて、マウスを動かすとカーソルも動いて、それにともなってカメラもついていくようになっています。 だから、すごく反応がいいんですけど、そのようなクイックな動きをすると、3D酔いをしてしまう人が少なくありません。 / The FPS games for PCs are played with the mouse and keyboard. The cursor is controlled with the mouse, and when you move it, the camera follows. That's why the controls are extremely responsive, but then, there are a considerable number of people who will get motion sickness from this kind of quick movement."
- ^ Valay (2008-03-07). "First day sales of Metroid in Japan". N4G. Retrieved 2009-02-04.
- ^ "Software Sales for 3/3 – 3/9, 2008". Media Create. 2008-03-09.
- ^ Gantayat, Anoop (September 9, 2010). "Monster Hunter Beats Metroid and Bleach for Top Sales Spot". Andriasang. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
- ^ "Manga Based Fighter Tops Japanese Charts, Other M Sales Decline". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2011-03-23.
External links[edit]
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Metroid.
- Official
- Official English site
- Official Japanese site
- Retro Studios official site (Metroid and Retro Studios)
- Other


text:
1A resident called police after she saw a man stealing political signs and flags from the front lawn of a residence on the corner of Fairmont Lane and Overlook Drive shortly after 11 a.m. Oct. 28. When the caller confronted the man, he stated the signs were posted illegally and took them. The suspect is described as an older white male driving a black Ford SUV.
2A 58-year-old man was arrested for employee theft after he allegedly stole $12,000 by creating fraudulent gold sales and keeping the money for himself at an undisclosed business in Southridge Mall, 5300 S. 76th St., shortly after 5 p.m. Oct. 31.
3Three adults and four juveniles were arrested for shoplifting at Southridge Mall, 5300 S. 76th St., between Oct. 26 and Nov. 1.
4A boy was arrested for two counts of second degree sexual assault after he allegedly assaulted a girl at Daffodil Park, 5640 Broad St., prior to 6 p.m. Oct. 26.
5A counterfeit $10 bill was passed at an undisclosed business at Southridge Mall, 5300 S. 76th St., prior to 5:45 p.m. Oct. 26.
6An officer investigating a report of a briefcase sitting by the portable toilets in front of Walmart, 5301 S. 76th St., arrested a 52-year-old Milwaukee man for possession of a knife with a blade larger than 3 1/2 inches and trespassing shortly after 2 p.m. Nov. 1.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.
E-mail Newsletter
Your link to the biggest stories in the suburbs delivered Thursday mornings.
Enter your e-mail address above and click "Sign Up Now!" to begin receiving your e-mail newsletter Get the Newsletter!
- Police Report: April 22
- Police Report: April 15
- Police Report: April 8
- Police Report: April 1
- Police Reports: March 25
- Police Report: March 18
- Police Report: March 11
- Police Report: March 6
- Police Report: Feb. 25
- Police Reports: Feb. 18
- Police Report: Feb. 11
- Police Report: Feb. 4
- Police Report: Jan. 21
- Police Report: Jan. 14
- Police Report: Jan. 7
- Police Report: Dec. 30
- Police Report: Dec. 17
- Police Report: Dec. 10
- Police Report: Dec. 3
- Police Report: Nov. 26

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Elliott said Tuesday that Hess should consider options for boosting share value including a potential spinoff of the oil company's holdings in North Dakota's Bakken shale-oil field.
Hess declined comment.
Hess shares rose 9.3 percent in morning trading, up $5.84 to $68.32 after reaching a 52-week high of $68.56 earlier in the session. They rose 6.1 percent on Monday after Hess went public with news of Elliott's interest.
New York-based Elliott Management Corp. said two of its affiliates hold 4 percent of Hess stock. Elliott called it the firm's largest initial stock investment ever.
The letter to Hess shareholders came a day after Hess disclosed Elliott's interest in the company and outlined a plan to sell U.S. oil-storage terminals and close a New Jersey refinery. Hess is exiting the refining business to focus on oil exploration and production.
The five outsiders that Elliott is backing are former BP PLC deputy CEO Rodney F. Chase, former American Express Co. CEO Harvey Golub, former Anadarko Petroleum Corp. chief operating officer Karl F. Kurz, former Pioneer Natural Resources Co. executive vice president David McManus and former Ultra Petroleum Corp. chief financial officer Marshall D. Smith.
The Hess shareholder meeting is scheduled for May.


text:
Researcher Profile
Jay A. Tischfield, PhD, FFACMG
Executive Director, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey; Scientific Director & CEO, RUCDR-Infinite Biologics
Life Sciences Building
Phone: (732) 445-1027
Assistant: Sheri Lumpkin
Research Program Alignment
Membership Type: Full
Research Interests
- Medical and human genetics: the genetics of somatic cells, mouse models for human diseases and genes for complex human genetic disorders. Primary research interests include studies of both somatically heritable and transient genetic changes in somatic cells that predispose to disease in humans. In addition, we are engaged in several large projects whose ultimate goal is the identification of genes that have major contributions to complex oligogenic disorders.


text:
You've got to find what you love, don't settle
I received an email the other day from my brother that was quite intriguing, about an article on Steve Jobs' Bad Career Advice. I was so drawn into this because everyone my age idolizes Steve Jobs, lives by his quotes and have every product Apple has ever manufactured. I am a victim as well. This particularly was a recent … Read more} else { //fullpost ?>
I received an email the other day from my brother that was quite intriguing, about an article on Steve Jobs' Bad Career Advice. I was so drawn into this because everyone my age idolizes Steve Jobs, lives by his quotes and have every product Apple has ever manufactured. I am a victim as well.
This particularly was a recent Forbes article he wanted some opinions on, and now I want yours too. He heard about it through one of his LinkedIn Group notifications, and it analyzes something Steve Jobs said at a graduation speech years ago.
Steve Jobs said in his Stanford University graduation speech:
- "I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love."
- "If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle."
Robin Hanson (Overcoming Bias Blog):
- "Now try to imagine a world where everyone actually tried to follow this advice. And notice that we have an awful lot of things that need doing which are unlikely to be anyone's dream job. So a few folks would be really happy, but most everyone else wouldn't stay long on any job, and most stuff would get done pretty badly. Not a pretty scenario…"
Will Wilkinson (Big Think):
- "As an undergrad I was an art major. Frankly, few of my fellow art majors were talented enough to make a living at it, even after four (or more!) years of training. Sure they loved art, but in the immortal words of Tina Turner, 'What's love got to do with it?' 'Find what you love and never settle for less' is an excellent recipe for frustration and poverty. 'Reconcile yourself to the limits of your talent and temperament and find the most satisfactory compromise between what you love to do and what you need to do to feed your children' is rather less stirring, but it's much better advice."
Where do you stand? Here's was my take on it.
I can relate to this in two parts, from being enrolled in a social responisbility course and to heavily searching for a post-graduate job.
In class we are reading several books, right now World on the Edge: How to Prevent Environmental and Economic Collapse, which is full of factoids, problems, solutions and brings decades of research and analysis into play, providing the responses needed to reclaim our future. I leave class with a headache, puzzled, confused, yet motivated at the same time. The reason I bring this up is because what makes people happy or satisfied in their jobs? I believe it's because they feel what they are doing is worthwhile, meaningful work and making a positive impact.
Going off of the passage "if you haven't found what you want, don't settle" simply reconnects you with your long-term goals. I stand in trying to have a long-term vision of what you love and want to do, but touching base with reality and being 'happy' that you know you're on that path. I will not entirely love my future jobs at first, but as long as it's for an organization that I stand by, is helping me grow personally and I feel is doing the most 'good,' I will be happy knowing my future will be better and brighter. Not settling to me is just knowing you are on the right path and not cutting yourself off short.
Leave your thoughts in the comments!


text:
Superintendent Claire Dryden said Carter told her he had other offers.
"Basically, it came down to we're a small system and we can't offer what a larger system can," Dryden said.
Dryden said she was unsure whether Carter had accepted another job.
Attempts to reach Carter for comment were unsuccessful.
In addition to offering a job to Carter, the system also offered a position in the administration office to his wife, Shannon Carter. Dryden said she also had declined the position.
Dryden said both positions will be reposted for hire. She intends to conduct interviews for the high school principal position this month and hopes to have a new recommendation for the board's next meeting June 3.
Staff Writer Laura Camper: 256-235-3545. On Twitter @LCamper_Star.


text:
Detail of The New Poor Law poster 1837 (EXT 6/1)
You can drag the image around to explore it.
Text on the image
Beating this here hemp is worser than breaking stones. Lord ha' mercy on us poor.
Our heads shaved and no shirt allowed us to wear; talk of Vest Ingy slaverys, indeed vy they're expectable mechanics to us.


text:
"Before, it just wasn't clicking. We'd go to state with good kids, same kids we have now, and not win. But this year was different," says Montrose High head wrestling coach Kevin Passehl.
Telluride Freestylers shine in Rocky Mountain Freestyle home meet
Telluride fellows Chason Russell and Kelli Gleason also place.
Major will also compete against U.S. Olympic team members this month at a National Development System event in Park City; other TSSC alpine racers continue to shine in 2010.
The U.S. Freestyle Olympic team is named, and the Discoes aren't on it, but there's always next year.
Telski plans to open a new Superpipe next week, with nighttime hours Thursday through Sunday.
Despite a shaky foundation, Ouray boys basketball has risen to the top with a 7-1 record
Skiing lies at the heart of our small community, so in our effort at Watch Newspapers to bring relevant media coverage to the region, we have developed and are continuing to develop a new, online s...
The undefeated U-19 girls hockey team is on track for another State Final berth. They face their rivals in Aspen this Sunday.
Telluride Freestyle teams' Watkins, Parkinson, Cannon, Stoltzner and both Discoes qualify for the North American Cup series (NorAms), with Watkins taking top honors on second day of singles. Jimmy ...
Regional high school sports teams stole the spotlight in 2009 sports news, with some teams (like Norwood's football and Ridgway's boys soccer) making school history with their momentous achievement...
The lowdown on Telluride's Dec. 17-20 Visa Snowboardcoss World Cup, which airs on NBC Saturday, Dec. 26, at 1 p.m. ET on NBC.
A USSA press release reports results from Telluride's World Cup.
Conditions were great, the course was top-notch, but Americans lagged behind France, Canada, Switzerland and Germany.
With ice being made seven days a week this year and a water delivery system upgrade, the Ouray Ice Park could have the best ice climbing conditions it has ever had.
The Broncos losses have come against teams that stop the run. And Indianapolis doesn't.
News flash! Maybe the guy just doesn't like onions. Jarvis comes up with a convincing story for Tiger Woods.
Norwood Mavericks go down, 12-42, to Eagles, but it was still a GREAT season!
"Future is bright" for THS team, after dominating State Championships show last weekend in Fort Collins
Regional Champs Ridgway make it to the second round for the first time after beating Coal Ridge at home on Monday, 1-0.


text:
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Charleston man admitted Tuesday that he shot a passenger in his car after the man pulled a gun out and tried to rob him.
Richard Bernard Hilliard pleaded guilty Tuesday to voluntary manslaughter charges in the shooting death of David Juaboi Booker, who had attempted to rob Hilliard and another man as the men were sitting in a car on a dark East End street.
Hilliard faces up to 15 years in prison on the manslaughter charge.
During a hearing in Kanawha Circuit Judge Duke Bloom's courtroom, Hilliard said that he, Andre Williamson, Booker and another man were loitering on Beauregard Street, near the Sojourner's women shelter, on Oct. 11 when Booker asked for a ride to the West Side.
Hilliard and Williamson agreed, although they were initially leery of Booker's violent reputation, Hilliard said.
Prosecutors say the three men drove around the West Side for a while, looking for someone to rob. At one point, Booker told Williamson and Hilliard to take him back to Milton Street on the East End.
Once the men got there, Booker, sitting in the back seat, pulled out a gun and pointed it at Williamson's head, Hilliard said.
"That's when I reacted and shot him," he said.
When Booker pulled out his gun, Williamson also pulled out his, but dropped it on the floor. Hilliard reacted quickest and shot Booker twice.
Hilliard and Williamson pulled Booker's body out of the back seat of the car and later wiped the vehicle down with bleach. Hilliard threw one of the guns into the Kanawha River and sold a second. He said he did not know what happened to the third weapon.


text:
Water quality: How is RO water compared to bottled water?
Tap water safety: I thought my city's tap water was safe to drink?
RO filtration: How effective is reverse osmosis filtration compared to other methods?
Choosing & sizing system: What system should I choose, you have so many models!
Compare APEC RO to others: How are APEC RO systems compared to other ROs in the market?
WQA Certification: What is the WQA and what are the benefits of purchasing a certified system?
Gallons per day: APEC's smallest system makes 45 gal/day, but we don't need that much drinking water!
Ultra Violet light: When do we need to add a UV light to our system?
Shipping Schedule: If I order your system today, when do you ship?
Location of System: Typically where can I put this system? In the kitchen? How about the basement?
Easy Installation: Can I install this myself? What if I am unable to?
Simple Maintenance: What is the maintenance schedule and cost?
Filter change: Is it easy to change filters?
Buying filters: Do I have to buy replacement filters only from APEC?
Moving system: If I move, can I remove the system to bring with me?
Water Chemistry: Does the reverse osmosis process affect water pH?
Mineral Content: Is it beneficial to have minerals in drinking water?
Membrane Maintenance: How much water is used to flush and clean the membrane?
Ultra RO Line: How is the ULTIMATE product line different from APEC's original Ultra line?
Just as good or even better. We use the same technology, reverse osmosis (RO), as other major bottling plants use to filter water. Our drinking water has a refreshing taste with a touch of minerals —not like the flat taste of distilled or bottled water. RO systems purify water daily in your home which is more naturally fresh and healthy compared to stagnant water that has been sitting in plastic bottles for many months.
The five-stage system design delivers the most stable and complete RO process for home water purification, and it allows you to manage the unit's performance and ensure the purity of the water to protect you and your family, something that you cannot do with bottled water. This eco-friendly solution also protects the environment from plastic waste as RO users will never have to purchase bottled water ever again!
RO is the most convenient and effective method of water filtration. It filters water by squeezing water through a semi-permeable membrane, which is rated at 0.0001 micron (equals to 0.00000004 inch!). This is the technology used to make bottled water, it is also the only technology capable of desalinating sea water, making it into drinking water.
Non-RO water filters typically use a single activated carbon cartridge to treat water. They are much less effective, and the pore size on these filter media are much bigger, generally 0.5 - 10 micron. They can filter out coarse particles, sediments and elements only up to their micron rating. Anything finer and most dissolved substances cannot be filtered out. As a result, water is far less clean and safe compared to reverse osmosis filtration. Click for more detailed information on reverse osmosis technology.
To determine which RO system you need, you will first need to consider the incoming water pressure going into your home. See table below.
In Case You Want to be Precise on your System's Output Calculations
2) Stronger & longer lasting filters: Our pre-filters are patented extruded solid carbon blocks. "Extruded block" consists of activated carbon particles fused into a uniform block with enhanced adsorptive capacity and efficiency. This innovative construction allows water to flow in a radial (outside-to-inside) direction and prevents channeling, a phenomenon that can lead to contaminants passing through the filter. Another advantage of our block media is that they do not release carbon fines that can clog up the system.
Our filters' superior material and design offer much greater dirt holding capacity and reliability when compared with the performance limitations of low quality carbon blocks, disposable or GAC (granular activated carbon) filters used by other brands. We use two extruded carbon blocks in sequence to provide the longest filter service life. While most ROs in the market can filter through only 1500-2000 gallons of water, our systems can fully treat up to 4000-5000 gallons of pure water. This means their filters have to be changed twice as often as ours.
3) Purer water and longer lasting RO membrane - Our High Rejection RO Membranes give the highest contaminant removal rate in the industry: 90-99%, they last 3-5 years easily. Most other membranes deliver only 70-90% rejection, and last only 1-2 years.
4) APEC systems are lab-tested for 8 hours (ULTIMATE Series)- Every ULTIMATE series RO system is thoroughly tested (by water and pressure) for 8 hours at our California facility before shipping to guarantee their high performance and water purity. During our comprehensive testing we are able to eliminate even the slightest imperfect parts, such as insensitive auto-shut-off valves, defective housings that can reduce the contaminant rejection rate.
Many suppliers now carry ro systems that are mass produced overseas on assembly lines where they are quickly constructed, boxed and shipped without ever being inspected or tested for system quality and structural integrity thus making them more likely to fail prematurely. While many suppliers now sacrifice quality in the pursuit of higher profit margins, APEC guarantees a premium quality and trouble-free system at your door!
5) Professional grade RO for demanding water qualities - APEC RO systems are specially designed to treat all types of water (tap and well water) while other ROs can treat only certain types of water. Our systems have high allowances for variations in pH (2-11), in water pressure (0 to 100 psi), in sediments and maximum dissolved solids (up to 2000 ppm), in output (45-270 gpd) etc. Meanwhile, the average ROs in the market are limited and could only treat decent water sources. This means if your input water happens to be harder, more acidic, or heavier in dirt than the usual standard water sources, these lesser RO systems will break down gradually, and without knowing, you would be drinking bad water -- your investment will be wasted.
6) Expert support directly from manufacturer - We are the original manufacturer, not just a 3rd party website/dealer. We have been making RO systems for over 17 years, and have developed a strong (and caring) technical support team that is dedicated in serving consumers just like you. We have all the replacement parts and technology to support you for as long as you own our system.
To receive WQA Gold Seal certification, a RO system must be constructed to meet strict public health standards and pass weeks of rigorous testing for material and parts safety, structural integrity, and contaminant rejection performance. In addition, the manufacturing processes, operational procedures and facility maintenance of the manufacturer are also audited annually to ensure total compliance and accountability. Therefore a WQA Gold Seal certified water system is a strong assurance of product quality, durability, and safety for the consumer.
The Water Quality Association (WQA) is a not-for-profit trade organization representing the residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment industry. As the preeminent voice in the water quality market, the WQA provides leadership and influence at all regulatory levels to benefit the industry and consumers. They also operate an ANSI-accredited product certification program and is dedicated to the certification of water treatment products.
*Replacement schedule may vary depending on water quality and usage volume.
APEC ROs are built to accept industry standard 10" filters, therefore other brands will work with our systems; however performance and durability may be affected by inconsistent filter quality. Poorly constructed filters can cause contaminants leaching leading to lower water quality and higher maintenance costs down the road. APEC filters are constructed of materials which are 100% FREE of BPA, lead and phthalates to guarantee the safest drinking water for you and your family. For your convenience, we offer yearly filter reminder emails making reordering filters online fast and simple. With over 17 years of sales and service in the industry, you can trust in APEC to deliver the highest quality support for your system for many years to come.
chemistry, pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity
of a solution. We humans drink a variety of different
beverages with varying pH ranges, from highly
acidic orange and apple juice (3.3 pH), to mildly
acidic milk and coffee (6 pH). Liquids that have
a 7.0 pH are considered neutral and anything above
that starts to become alkaline. Prior to any chemical
reactions in the body, almost all drinks are naturally
acidic. Water is an exception and can be both
slightly acidic to mildly alkaline and drinking
water ideally falls between a range of 6.5 to
8 pH.
osmosis filtration may or may not reduce the pH
level of water at a noticeable amount. The pH
difference after the RO depends on the composition
of your input water source as well as the amount
of gases such as CO2 in your local water supply.
Water pH is actually a very complicated subject
involving water and open air chemistry.
We have done many laboratory tests on the effects of our RO systems on water pH composition. The Southern California water sources used in our tests were slightly alkaline with an average pre-treatment rating of 8.12 pH. After filtration through our RO systems, the resulting pH averaged 8.06. Our results confirmed the conclusions of others in the scientific community –the reverse osmosis treatment process has very minimal effect on water pH chemistry.
People that wish to increase the pH of their RO water can also easily add an optional calcite filter to increase the alkalinity of their drinking water.
This is actually the biggest myth in the water industry. To understand the issue clearly, first we need to examine "what minerals" are in our tap water. If we were to send a sample of water to a testing laboratory, we would get back a report that includes calcium, magnesium, and sodium along with a list of other minerals and contaminants. While some of these mineral are safe and benign, there are also many toxic ones on this list including fluoride, arsenic, chromium and radium just to name a few. Unfortunately there are no filtration systems available that can differentiate between good and bad minerals. Basic carbon filter systems will leave in all the minerals, including the highly toxic and radioactive ones. On the other hand, RO systems will remove 90-99% of these undesirable contaminants.
The truth is the majority of healthy minerals our bodies need come from the food we eat and not from drinking water. The main concern with water is actually over toxicity, not mineral content. Whether water contains 1 or 100ppm (parts per million) calcium isn't really important, but the difference between 1 and 100ppm arsenic is of grave importance.


text:
"Customer service is priority #1 at Jake Wilson. We value our customers and strive to be the best shopping experience- when you buy from us, you are buying lifetime service."
-Dan Thomas, CEO and Founder
We take pride in offering no hassle returns. In the event of a return, please call, email or chat with us to receive a solution to the problem. For apparel that doesn't fit quite right, Click here to see our Fit Guaranteed Program.
We will stand behind all products we sell with regards to manufacturing defects in workmanship and material. Most products are limited to the manufacturer's warranty. However, we will do everything in our power to take care of the problem.
Live chat: Click here
(Leave email if after hours)
Call us: 1 800 721-8253
7am-7pm Mon-Fri 8am-4pm Sat (Mountain Standard Time)
Each review submitted enters you into a $100 gift card monthly drawing, and a $500 gift card quarterly drawing!
Comments On Nov 09, 2013:I recently switched to maxima from Amsoil because it was causing shifting issues in my kx250f, switched to maxima, no more issues! Very happy with this oil.
Was this review helpful?
Comments On Oct 02, 2013:good quality and price
Was this review helpful?
Comments On Sep 23, 2013:I used to use more expensive motul oil but I found this at half the price and it works equally as well, I use this in all my bikes now.
Was this review helpful?
Comments On Jul 02, 2013:I love Maxima their products never disappoint.
Was this review helpful?
Comments On Apr 18, 2013:Will buy again
Was this review helpful?
Comments On Mar 26, 2013:I switch between this and amsoil off and on and usually I cannot tell the difference. So no complaints at all
Was this review helpful?
Comments On Mar 24, 2013:I've used this oil exclusively in my last 3 bike (over 100 hours on each) and have never had a problem. Provides great wear protection and good clutch feel as well. Great product at a great value.
Was this review helpful?
Comments On Jan 14, 2013:i use this on my KX450F with a full hinson clutch, tried others but this works best, hinson dosent like the full synth stuff.
Was this review helpful?
Comments On Dec 26, 2012:never hade any problems when useing this oil
Was this review helpful?
Comments On Jul 27, 2012:Used in extreme sand riding conditions with no issues. I usually use synthetic but when I don't, I use Maxima.
Was this review helpful?
Stay Connected!
© 2014 Jake Wilson, LLC All rights reserved. Unauthorized use of any images, thumbnails, illustrations, descriptions, or editorial content without written permission is strictly prohibited. Prices are subject to change without notice.
See our off-road site RockyMountainATVMC.com for: Motocross Gear, ATV tires, Dirt Bike Tires, Dirt Bike Parts, ATV Parts, and Motocross Helmets.


text:
Because your web cpntent management system (CMS) must interoperate seamlessly with the components of customer experience management, the CMS decision shouldn't be made in a vacuum.
This paper highlights the criteria – both from the marketers' and the IT/developers' perspective – that today's organizations should consider when selecting a new web CMS as part of a broader customer experience management strategy.
About TechTarget:
TechTarget provides enterprise IT professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective IT purchase decisions and managing their organizations' IT projects - with its network of technology-specific Web sites, events and magazines
All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000 - 2014, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Statement


text:
Reebok Deck
From £1.89 per week
- Was
- Was £209.00
- Now
- Now £189.00
- Save £20.00
- In Stock
2 reviews
- Delivery
The Reebok Deck blends together innovative design features in a practical and versatile product. Stepping up and down on the Deck is the simplest way of achieving cardiovascular gains, but the seamless ability to adjust the platform through both parallel and acute angles means that you can step not only on the flat, but also in the incline and decline configuration. With the Deck in its Bench mode, strength training can be performed with either the resistance tubes (included) or with barbells and dumb bells. The beauty of the Deck is that it can quickly transform between being a cardio and strength product. For many years the best fitness outcomes have resulted from interval training, where you 'confuse' the body by frequently switching from cardio to strength activities. The latest incarnation of this style of training is known as HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). The challenge with the Deck was to make it both strong and portable. The support struts for the back rest are metal coated in plastic to give you a strong, safe platform when using barbells and dumb bells. Every dimension of the Deck received careful consideration right down to the width of the back rest, which is specifically moulded to ensure that you can perform a full and productive range of motion through the shoulder joints. When designing the Deck we set ourselves the challenge of creating a piece of equipment that let you work every muscle of the body within a 10 minute workout. For many years the best fitness outcomes have resulted from interval training, where you 'confuse' the body by frequently switching from cardio to strength activities.Colours: Blue, Pink.
Reebok Classics Alicia Keys Wedge Hi-Tops
From £1.12 per week
- Price
- £112.00
- In Stock
0 reviewColour: Black Stud. Upper: textile. Lining and sock: Textile. Sole: Other materials.
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available


text:
This is a great saw, if you have never used a Japanese saw your in for a treat. They are crazy sharp and cut in the pull stroke, on ebony I no longer get chips outs or have to saw for days on boards. The best part is they are gauged for the stewmac fret wire. I have the traditional fretting saw and this one is my go to. For my use I wish the handle was a few inches shorter but I can modify it for my use. Don't question just get it.
This is a fine saw. I have used dozuki saws for years for detail work, and this cuts with the best of them. I do think that shorter teeth might make it a little less prone to jump the slot, but that's not a big problem. The simple depth stop works very well- I have used it, e.g., to cut a slot the depth of a piece of veneer for a patch, to make nut slots etc. If you want to cut stuff, the Japanese continue to lead the world- saws, chisels, knives etc....
This saw impressed me just upon looking at it.
The performance is second to none.
Fine quality saw
this is the sharpist hand saw I have ever used cuts perfect fret slots I use it with out the depth stop for cutting boards and use it for cutting dovetail joints it cuts fast and strait and starts very easy
Hello! Saw is very convenient to use. The wide blade and a long handle makes work enjoyable. Sincerely, Pavel.
really sharp, get's right to the task at hand. And is good for other repair cutting, I'm very happy with this saw.
This saw is awesome - cuts smooth & fast with precision. Depth stop works great. My first build - and I'm hooked - many more to come and I'll for sure be using this Stewart Mac fret saw. Thinking about the miter box next.
This saw worked very well for cutting fret slots in walnut and rosewood. I occasionally use it for cutting off small pieces of hardwood stock as well. I like that it does not have a hardened cutting edge. It means it will dull a little faster, but it also means you can sharpen it with a set of feather files.
The saw itself is a charm when new, but i have some issues that make it average: First, it dulls somewhat fast, and starts to hang in the slot pretty badly; second, you can't buy a replacement blade, just the whole saw; lastly, it's expensive for what it is - not a good quality Japanese saw. This is what i'm using now, but i'm still looking for a better alternative.
WOW!!!!this is a great tool!!!
To add items to your order, select the check box next to the item you want. You can edit the quantity you wish to purchase here, or in Your Order.
To add items to your saved list, select the check boxes next to the items you want. You can edit the quantity you wish to save here, or in your Saved List.


text:
Tim Brown
Cooper-Hewitt: Design = The Bottom Line
Bruce Nussbaum, Assistant Managing Editor of BusinessWeek leads business luminaries including Tim Brown, Chief Executive Officer of IDEO, Claudia Kotchka, Vice President, Design Innovation and Strategy, Procter & Gamble, and Gael Towey, Chief Creative Officer of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia as they discuss the importance of design to business.
Business, Bottom Line, Bruce Nussbaum, Business Week, Tim Brown, IDEO, Claudia Kotchka, Procter & Gamble, Gael Towey, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, panel, talk, long, public program
National Design Awards + Objectified
Gary Hustwit's latest film, Objectified is playing at the IFC downtown for a limited run. Hustwit himself is seemingly traveling along with the film to nearly fifty venues between now and mid-summer, so both he and the film are likely coming to a venue near you if you happen not to be in New York
Gary Hustwit, filmmaker, documentary, Objectified, IFC, limited run, New York City, NYC, Corian, Michael C. Place, Helvetica, Industrial Design, National Design Award, honorees, Smart Design, Bill Moggridge, Andrew Blauvelt, Walker Art Center, Karim Rashid, Paola Antonelli, David Kelley, Jonathan Ive, Chris Bangle, Tim Brown, jurors, C& G Partners


text:
Written by Nathan Hughes
May 26, 2009
by Nathan Hughes
North Korea tested a nuclear device for the second time in two and a half years May 25. Although North Korea's nuclear weapons program continues to be a work in progress, the event is inherently significant. North Korea has carried out the only two nuclear detonations the world has seen in the 21st century. (The most recent tests prior to that were the spate of tests by India and Pakistan in 1998.)
Details continue to emerge through the analysis of seismographic and other data, and speculation about the precise nature of the atomic device that Pyongyang may now posses carries on, making this a good moment to examine the underlying reality of nuclear weapons. Examining their history, and the lessons that can be drawn from that history, will help us understand what it will really mean if North Korea does indeed join the nuclear club. (please Note the hyperlinks are for subscribers and you can sign up for a Free Trial to see the great resources available to you)
Even before an atomic bomb was first detonated on July 16, 1945, both the scientists and engineers of the Manhattan Project and the U.S. military struggled with the implications of the science that they pursued. But ultimately, they were driven by a profound sense of urgency to complete the program in time to affect the outcome of the war, meaning understanding the implications of the atomic bomb was largely a luxury that would have to wait. Even after World War II ended, the frantic pace of the Cold War kept pushing weapons development forward at a break-neck pace. This meant that in their early days, atomic weapons were probably more advanced than the understanding of their moral and practical utility.
But the promise of nuclear weapons was immense. If appropriate delivery systems could be designed and built, and armed with more powerful nuclear warheads, a nation could continually threaten another country's very means of existence: its people, industry, military installations and governmental institutions. Battlefield or tactical nuclear weapons would make the massing of military formations suicidal - or so military planners once thought. What seemed clear early on was that nuclear weapons had fundamentally changed everything. War was thought to have been made obsolete, simply too dangerous and too destructive to contemplate. Some of the most brilliant minds of the Manhattan Project talked of how atomic weapons made world government necessary.
But perhaps the most surprising aspect of the advent of the nuclear age is how little actually changed. Great power competition continued apace (despite a new, bilateral dynamic). The Soviets blockaded Berlin for nearly a year starting in 1948, in defiance of what was then the world's sole nuclear power: the United States. Likewise, the United States refused to use nuclear weapons in the Korean War (despite the pleas of Gen. Douglas MacArthur) even as Chinese divisions surged across the Yalu River, overwhelming U.S., South Korean and allied forces and driving them back south, reversing the rapid gains of late 1950.
Again and again, the situations nuclear weapons were supposed to deter occurred. The military realities they would supposedly shift simply persisted. Thus, the United States lost in Vietnam. The Syrians and the Egyptians invaded Israel in 1973 (despite knowing that the Israelis had acquired nuclear weapons by that point). The Soviet Union lost in Afghanistan. India and Pakistan went to war in 1999 - and nearly went to war twice after that. In none of these cases was it judged appropriate to risk employing nuclear weapons - nor was it clear what utility they might have.
Wars of immense risk are born of desperation. In World War II, both Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan took immense geostrategic gambles - and lost - but knowingly took the risk because of untenable geopolitical circumstances. By comparison, the postwar United States and Soviet Union were geopolitically secure. Washington had come into its own as a global power secured by the buffer of two oceans, while Moscow enjoyed the greatest strategic depth it had ever known. (please Note the hyperlinks are for subscribers and you can sign up for a Free Trial to see the great resources available to you)
The U.S.-Soviet competition was, of course, intense, from the nuclear arms race to the space race to countless proxy wars. Yet underlying it was a fear that the other side would engage in a war that was on its face irrational. Western Europe promised the Soviet Union immense material wealth but would likely have been impossible to subdue. (Why should a Soviet leader expect to succeed where Napoleon and Hitler had failed?) Even without nuclear weapons in the calculus, the cost to the Soviets was too great, and fears of the Soviet invasion of Europe along the North European Plain were overblown. The desperation that caused Germany to seek control over Europe twice in the first half of the 20th century simply did not characterize either the Soviet or U.S. geopolitical position even without nuclear weapons in play. It was within this context that the concept of mutually assured destruction emerged - the idea that each side would possess sufficient retaliatory capability to inflict a devastating "second strike" in the event of even a surprise nuclear attack.
Through it all, the metrics of nuclear warfare became more intricate. Throw weights and penetration rates were calculated and recalculated. Targets were assigned and reassigned. A single city would begin to have multiple target points, each with multiple strategic warheads allocated to its destruction. Theorists and strategists would talk of successful scenarios for first strikes. But only in the Cuban Missile Crisis did the two sides really threaten one another's fundamental national interests. There were certainly other moments when the world inched toward the nuclear brink. But each time, the global system found its balance, and there was little cause or incentive for political leaders on either side of the Iron Curtain to so fundamentally alter the status quo as to risk direct military confrontation - much less nuclear war.
So through it all, the world carried on, its fundamental dynamics unchanged by the ever-present threat of nuclear war. Indeed, history has shown that once a country has acquired nuclear weapons, the weapons fail to have any real impact on the country's regional standing or pursuit of power in the international system.
Thus, not only were nuclear weapons never used in even desperate combat situations, their acquisition failed to entail any meaningful shift in geopolitical position. Even as the United Kingdom acquired nuclear weapons in the 1950s, its colonial empire crumbled. The Soviet Union was behaving aggressively all along its periphery before it acquired nuclear weapons. And the Soviet Union had the largest nuclear arsenal in the world when it collapsed - not only despite its arsenal, but in part because the economic burden of creating and maintaining it was unsustainable. Today, nuclear-armed France and non-nuclear armed Germany vie for dominance on the Continent with no regard for France's small nuclear arsenal.
This August will mark 64 years since any nation used a nuclear weapon in combat. What was supposed to be the ultimate weapon has proved too risky and too inappropriate as a weapon ever to see the light of day again. Though nuclear weapons certainly played a role in the strategic calculus of the Cold War, they had no relation to a military strategy that anyone could seriously contemplate. Militaries, of course, had war plans and scenarios and target sets. But outside this world of role-play Armageddon, neither side was about to precipitate a global nuclear war.
Clausewitz long ago detailed the inescapable connection between national political objectives and military force and strategy. Under this thinking, if nuclear weapons had no relation to practical military strategy, then they were necessarily disconnected (at least in the Clausewitzian sense) from - and could not be integrated with - national and political objectives in a coherent fashion. True to the theory, despite ebbs and flows in the nuclear arms race, for 64 years, no one has found a good reason to detonate a nuclear bomb.
By this line of reasoning, STRATFOR is not suggesting that complete nuclear disarmament - or "getting to zero" - is either possible or likely. The nuclear genie can never be put back in the bottle. The idea that the world could ever remain nuclear-free is untenable. The potential for clandestine and crash nuclear programs will remain a reality of the international system, and the world's nuclear powers are unlikely ever to trust the rest of the system enough to completely surrender their own strategic deterrents.
The countries in the world today with nuclear weapons programs can be divided into three main categories.
Pursuing a nuclear weapons program is not without its risks. Another important distinction is that between a crude nuclear device and an actual weapon. The former requires only that a country demonstrate the capability to initiate an uncontrolled nuclear chain reaction, creating a rather large hole in the ground. That device may be crude, fragile or otherwise temperamental. But this does not automatically imply the capability to mount a rugged and reliable nuclear warhead on a delivery vehicle and send it flying to the other side of the earth. In other words, it does not immediately translate into a meaningful deterrent.
For that, a ruggedized, reliable nuclear weapon must be mated with some manner of reliable delivery vehicle to have real military meaning. After the end of World War II, the B-29's limited range and the few nuclear weapons the United States had on hand meant that its vaunted nuclear arsenal was initially extremely difficult to bring to bear against the Soviet heartland. The United States would spend untold resources to overcome this obstacle in the decade that followed.
The modern nuclear weapon is not just a product of physics, but of decades of design work and full-scale nuclear testing. It combines expertise not just in nuclear physics, but materials science, rocketry, missile guidance and the like. A nuclear device does not come easy. A nuclear weapon is one of the most advanced syntheses of complex technologies ever achieved by man.
Many dangers exist for an aspiring nuclear power. Many of the facilities associated with a clandestine nuclear weapons program are large, fixed and complex. They are vulnerable to airstrikes - as Syria found in 2007. (And though history shows that nuclear weapons are unlikely to be employed, it is still in the interests of other powers to deny that capability to a potential adversary.)
The history of proliferation shows that few countries actually ever decide to pursue nuclear weapons. Obtaining them requires immense investment (and the more clandestine the attempt, the more costly the program becomes), and the ability to focus and coordinate a major national undertaking over time. It is not something a leader like Venezuela's Hugo Chavez could decide to pursue on a whim. A national government must have cohesion over the long span of time necessary to go from the foundations of a weapons program to a meaningful deterrent capability.
In addition to this sustained commitment must be the willingness to be suspected by the international community and endure pariah status and isolation - in and of themselves significant risks for even moderately integrated economies. One must also have reasonable means of deterring a pre-emptive strike by a competing power. A Venezuelan weapons program is therefore unlikely because the United States would act decisively the moment one was discovered, and there is little Venezuela could do to deter such action.
North Korea, on the other hand, has held downtown Seoul (just across the demilitarized zone) at risk for generations with one of the highest concentrations of deployed artillery, artillery rockets and short-range ballistic missiles on the planet. From the outside, Pyongyang is perceived as unpredictable enough that any potential pre-emptive strike on its nuclear facilities is too risky not because of some newfound nuclear capability, but because of Pyongyang's capability to turn the South Korean capital city into a proverbial "sea of fire" via conventional means. A nuclear North Korea, the world has now seen, is not sufficient alone to risk renewed war on the Korean Peninsula.
Iran is similarly defended. It can threaten to close the Strait of Hormuz, to launch a barrage of medium-range ballistic missiles at Israel, and to use its proxies in Lebanon and elsewhere to respond with a new campaign of artillery rocket fire, guerrilla warfare and terrorism. But the biggest deterrent to a strike on Iran is Tehran's ability to seriously interfere in ongoing U.S. efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan - efforts already tenuous enough without direct Iranian opposition.
In other words, some other deterrent (be it conventional or unconventional) against attack is a prerequisite for a nuclear program, since powerful potential adversaries can otherwise move to halt such efforts. North Korea and Iran have such deterrents. Most other countries widely considered major proliferation dangers - Iraq before 2003, Syria or Venezuela, for example - do not. And that fundamental deterrent remains in place after the country acquires nuclear weapons.
In short, no one was going to invade North Korea - or even launch limited military strikes against it - before its first nuclear test in 2006. And no one will do so now, nor will they do so after its next test. So North Korea - with or without nuclear weapons - remains secure from invasion. With or without nuclear weapons, North Korea remains a pariah state, isolated from the international community. And with or without them, the world will go on.
Despite how frantic the pace of nuclear proliferation may seem at the moment, the true pace of the global nuclear dynamic is slowing profoundly. With the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty already effectively in place (though it has not been ratified), the pace of nuclear weapons development has already slowed and stabilized dramatically. The world's current nuclear powers are reliant to some degree on the generation of weapons that were validated and certified before testing was banned. They are currently working toward weapons and force structures that will provide them with a stable, sustainable deterrent for the foreseeable future rooted largely in this pre-existing weapons architecture.
New additions to the nuclear club are always cause for concern. But though North Korea's nuclear program continues apace, it hardly threatens to shift underlying geopolitical realities. It may encourage the United States to retain a slightly larger arsenal to reassure Japan and South Korea about the credibility of its nuclear umbrella. It also could encourage Tokyo and Seoul to pursue their own weapons. But none of these shifts, though significant, is likely to alter the defining military, economic and political dynamics of the region fundamentally.
Nuclear arms are better understood as an insurance policy, one that no potential aggressor has any intention of steering afoul of. Without practical military or political use, they remain held in reserve - where in all likelihood they will remain for the foreseeable future.
STRATFOR is the world leader in global intelligence.
Our team of experts collects and analyzes intelligence from every part of the world - offering unparalleled insights through our exclusively published analyses and forecasts. Whether it be on political, economic or military developments, STRATFOR not only provides its members with a better understanding of current issues and events, but invaluable assessments of what lies ahead.


text:
Hi All.. Today the Dr. just came in moments ago and said the social worker will be speaking to us about sending mom to a Kindred Accute Care Hospital. There are several in IN. One is near the hospital here at IU which may be a good thing if mom would need to come back to the hospital. Anyone known any loved ones who have went to Kindred? How was the care? Thanks, nicole
Nicole, i have never heard of those type facilities but will ask my sister who is a rehab nurse up north. So apparently this hospital does not provide critical care that they would send mom back to her present facility? I would urge you to ask lots of questions ( i am sure you will) and check out the facility. What kind of unit would mom, fresh trach, be going to? What is the nurse patient ratio? Is it RN's providing the care or do they have a bunch of patient care techs/aides/LPN's? Is there a doc on the unit or is it like a nursing home/rehab center? Can a familiy member stay with mom? Is this facility JCAH accredited like other hospitals?
This may be a very good facility, i really don't know, but these are things i would ask.
Boy, Nicole, I'm sorry, I have no info on these hospitals. What do you get when you google them? I hope it's a good facility for your mom! Keep us posted when you learn more....Pam
I live in Indiana but have never heard of them. This does not neccessarily mean that they are not good hospitals though. As far as I know they could be great hospitals.
I currently work for Kindred Healthcare in a rehabilitation skilled nursing facility. Kindred Healthcare has numerous Hospitals throughout the country as well as Nursing centers. Kindred Healthcare was recently ranked #1 with Fortune 500. You should be able to find out needed information from their website at www.kindredhealthcare.com.


text:
- Catalogue
- What's new
- The campaign
- Made to Order
- Leather icons
- Heritage
- Masters of leather
- Foundation
- Perfumes
amazona padlock cuff w/ bow magenta/coral
Plated metal and calfskin bracelet with a clasp inspired by our emblematic Amazona padlock. It has a small calfskin bow on one side and a mini chain and key on the other which make this bracelet a very delicate and feminine item. The leather is the same as that of the Alamo collection of bags and small leather goods.
- Bracelet in calfskin and plated metal
- Color : Magenta/coral
- Materials : Metal/refined calf
- Line : Padlock
- Model ID : 111.12.009


text:
NASHVILLE, TN – Fresh off of her first Number One Single with, "White Liar," Miranda Lambert's new single, "House That Built Me," is off to a quick start. In fact, it's the fastest rising single in her career achieving Top 20 status in just 5 weeks. The powerful song about returning to a cherished childhood home, has yielded an equally powerful video that will World Premiere on iTunes on Tuesday, April 6.
Along with the exclusive 48-hour video premiere, the album Revolution, which includes "House That Built Me," "White Liar" and 13 other tracks, will be available all week on iTunes for $7.99. The album has been certified Gold and achieved that status faster than her previous two albums, which have been certified Gold and Platinum.
Next week Miranda will travel to Las Vegas for the Academy Of Country Music Awards where she will perform "The House That Built Me." She is the second most nominated artist with nominations for "Top Female Vocalist," and "Album of the Year."
With Revolution, Lambert received rare perfect reviews from countless publications including 4 stars from Rolling Stone and USA Today, an 'A' from Entertainment Weekly and exuberant praise from SPIN, NY Times, Washington Post and more. Many claimed Revolution the "Best Album of the Year" in any genre. In 2008, she won the coveted ACM Album of the Year and in 2007, ACM's Best New Female Award. She is currently headlining her "Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars" Tour.