text:
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- October 2011
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- July 2008
Category Archives: press releases
TRAFFIC's e-commerce monitoring reveals shifting illegal wildlife trade market in China
Richard Leakey calls on President Kenyatta to invoke Emergency Response on Elephant and Rhino poaching
19 March 2014
Contact:Dr Richard Leakey, Founder –WildlifeDirect, [email protected]
"My fellow Kenyans, poaching and the destruction of our environment has no future in this country"
These were the words of President Uhuru Kenyatta at his inauguration almost exactly one year ago. Today in the year of the 50th anniversary of Kenyan independence, I am asking the president to put his words into action and declare a NATIONAL DISASTER. I ask him to invoke emergency measures to crack down on the poachers and to declare elephants and rhinos National Treasures under protection of the state. In 1989, President Daniel Arap Moi took such extraordinary measures and wildlife poaching was curbed within 6 months. I am certain that this can be achieved again.
Elephants and rhinos declining in Kenya
Though KWS are not making information public, already this year we have lost at least 14 rhinos, more than in the whole of last year. Rhinos have been gunned down in our national parks, often in broad daylight and from sites close to ranger posts. Rhinos have also been lost from heavily fortified private conservancies that were believed impregnable. KWS estimates the population of Kenyan rhinos at more than 1,000 of which just over 50% are in the National Parks. However, independent scientists doubt this figure and question the data – 38 rhinos that have not been seen for more than 3 years are still in the parks are still counted in the total. An independent audit of rhinos is conducted in all conservancies but not parks.
KWS report that fewer than 400 elephants are killed annually across the country. The results of a KWS census last month reveal that the elephant population in the Tsavo Ecosystem alone has fallen by 1,500 over 4 years. The census found 800 elephant carcasses.
Newspaper coverage and conservationists in the field also report that elephant are being shot and killed in Tsavo, Masai Mara, and Amboseli and other parks by poachers armed with automatic weapons. Many others are shot with poison arrows, causing unimaginable pain followed by slow death.
Kenya is the world's hub for ivory smuggling
The latest Interpol report reveals that Kenya is now No. 1 in the world for ivory smuggling. The port of Mombasa serves as a staging post for ivory from Tanzania and many other countries. More than 13 tons of ivory were seized in Kenya last year and we can only speculate at the quantities that passed through undetected.
A study of trials in Kenya reveal that fewer than 4% of all convicted poachers are ever jailed. Interpol reveal that despite many ivory seizures in Kenya, no dealers have ever been arrested and prosecuted in court. A major rhino horn smugglers caught at JKIA was released. A Chinese ivory dealer was sent back to China. If a Kenyan threatened a Chinese Panda bear, he or she would face life imprisonment.
Current measures are not enough
Despite our best efforts, the new law, the creation of an elite force in KWS, the promises of the Judiciary and DPP, and the commitment stated by the President, our elephants and rhinos are being massacred across the nation.
Tough new laws that mean convicted poachers and traffickers can be given life sentences,have not resulted in a single offender jailed without the option of a fine. In a recent case a Chinese man was arrested in Riverside Drive where he was manufacturing ivory carvings and sending them out of Kenya through Chinese mules who are being sent to Kenya as "tourists". He was sent back to China without ever going to a Kenyan court. Last week the court acquitted Chinese national, Ou Kai Ming, even though he had been caught red-handed by customs officials at JKIA.
On the ground poachers have a free rein in many places. KWS staff who attempt to do their job are under increasing threat of violence and at least 8 KWS rangers have lost their lives to poachers in recent years. Managers who allow poaching to happen on their watch are simply moved to other locations, instead of being held to account for their dereliction of duty.
Emergency provisions under status as National Disaster
The failure of leadership and resources at KWS is compounded by the failure of the state to recognize that this is not just a wildlife crime. The president can no longer ignore the fact that these criminals belong to international crime rings that pose a major threat to the economy and national security. In 1989 President Moi recognized that the country was facing a national crisis and acted presidentially to stop it.
I am calling on the president of the Republic of Kenya to address the problem because our national security agencies are not working together to combat this threat to national security. I am sure that the Ministry, NIS, CID, KWS all know who the top dealers and financiers of this bloody business are. They number fewer than 50 people, some of whom have been exposed in the media, but not one has been arrested to date.
In responding to the threat of piracy Kenya's performance was exemplary. This is the kind of coordinated, fully committed response we need to the poaching crisis.
The voice and political will of our president are most critically needed if we are to win this war. The Kenyan public, corporations and our international partners will all respond favorably when decisive action is taken. The president cannot afford to leave a legacy for future generations of Kenyans that does not include elephant and rhinos.
Richard Leakey, 19 March 2014
About us:
WildlifeDirect is a Kenyan NGO and US registered 501(c) (3) organization co-founded in 2004 by Kenyan conservationist Dr. Richard Leakey, who is credited with putting an end to the elephant slaughter in Kenya in the 1980s and delivering an international ban on ivory trade. Kenyan Trustees include Irungu Houghton, Ali Mohamed and Philip Murgor. The CEO is Dr. Paula Kahumbu. WildlifeDirect is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. WildlifeDirect is dedicated to "Changing minds, behavior and laws to ensure Africa's critical species endure forever."
Hands Off Our Elephants, our flagship campaign comprises a winning combination of expertise including wildlife ecologists, communications specialists, lawyers, politicians, media representatives, strategists, and linguists, making us bold, influential, and successful. This African led initiative is supported by Kenya's First Lady, Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta as patron. The campaign has already mobilized the public in Kenya and driven legal reforms in Kenya and East Africa. WLD partners with civil society, government agencies and is a member of the Clinton Global Initiative on elephants.
Contact [email protected]
Interview: Love wildlife in hearts, but never in wallets, says UNEP chief
Shanghai Daily
Mar 05,2014
Poaching and illegal trade constitute the "most dramatically increasing threat" to the world's wildlife, particularly for high value or the so-called iconic species like the elephant or rhino, said UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner in a recent interview with Xinhua.
"We are seeing at the moment escalation both in terms of scale and also the violence involved in poaching on the African continent that we have not seen in a long time," he said.
For example, he said, the threat is so real and serious that particular populations of elephants in certain parts of the continent may not longer be able to survive in 10 or 15 years. The number of rhinoceros is also decreasing dramatically due to rampant poaching, with only about a few thousand remaining in certain parts of Africa.
Governments worldwide have recognized that poaching, illegal trade, criminal networks and even the drug trade are intertwined with each other, posing a combined threat to national and global security. People are being killed in the war over wildlife by heavily armed poachers. Markets are in every different parts of the world while a thirst for monetary gains leads to a major erosion of national capacities to protect wildlife.
"This is why we are seeing these dramatic numbers increasing particularly with elephants and rhino poaching," said the UNEP chief. "That is something that requires not only legislation, not only security interventions, (but) it requires also public awareness."
"We need people to know that when you buy a piece of ivory that is illegally traded, you are directly contributing to threatening the survival of that species in due course," he stressed.
At the macroeconomic level, the wildlife populations in Africa are earning African economies and nations a lot of money through tourism that allows the creation of infrastructure and millions of jobs, he said.
"But in the system of national accounting, we don't really value that contribution of that natural capital to the gross domestic product," said Steiner."For that reason, there exists underestimation of the economic value of wildlife at the level of national economic and financial accounting."
At the same time, in Africa in particular, and in other parts of the world as well, poverty is the major mechanism for those who want to make money to essentially buy people who will be going into the dirty work, including poaching, he said.
"Unfortunately we have seen that the market for ivory particularly in rhino horn have exploded in value. The wealth of the new middle classes allows an amount of money to be transacted in this illegal trade," he said.
Corruption becomes a major corrosive force in it, with officials in countries being bought, as evidenced in cases time and again around the world. But corruption is not unique either to the continent of Africa, Asia or Latin America, he said. "When there is big money involved, there is corruption. Corruption is essentially eroding the laws and systems that are in place."
But the most important impact the world can have is the public awareness, he said. "If people say to you why are you wearing ivory? Are you sure you know where ivory came from? It becomes no longer a issue of pride and social status, but rather a liability amongst your friends your community."
"Then I think the illegal trader would struggle to maintain that kind of economy of crime that allows poaching to sustain itself at the moment," he said.
"In the end, it is you and I who are buying these ivories. If you are not buying, then the middlemen have no business and the poachers have no incentives, and governments can concentrate on conservation investment on protecting habitats and managing wildlife."
It is the responsibility for "our generation to protect and to maintain the wildlife for future benefit of our nations and our economies," he said.
Although in theory there could be authorized trade of wildlife products, like the ivory from elephants died of age or even ivory that is confiscated, right now the focus of most African nations is not so much as trade, but how to combat the illegal trade, he said.
"Therefore our intention both at the international level and in terms of national initiatives is to try to understand who are the people behind these trades. What are the networks they are using. How do they use money to corrupt officials obtaining false permits, certifications that are simply manufactured, and therefore are being used to allow these trades to take place, plus the trade that is hidden from public attention, smuggled in packages of other products, entering through harbors and by road into countries," he said.
To combat the threat in a holistic and more efficient way, the transit countries, market countries and source countries have to work together," he said. "That is why the instruments of the international system including the UN, Interpol, conventions are instruments that should allow us to be more effectively united against this illegal trade."
He called for more support for countries in Africa that do not have the financial resources to fight the illegal trade, like monitoring by aircraft or offshore monitoring, x-ray equipment for custom officials to control the thousands of containers that leave this continent everyday and arrive on this continent.
Partnerships between the developed and developing countries should also be established in order to strengthen the capacity for shutting down the illegal trade, he added.
UWA And URA Appeal Court Ruling On Impounded Ivory
Uganda Radio Network
In a statement issued to the media, Dr. Maria Mutagamba, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities says the decision by the High Court judge is against the laws in a country that outlaws trade in ivory and other protected species.
Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Revenue Authority have lodged an appeal against the Nakawa High Court ruling ordering the tax body to release 2.9 tones of impounded ivory to Emile Kasumba Ogane. On October 17th, 2013, URA impounded a container with 832 pieces Ivory at Ken freight Inland Container Depot-ICD in Bweyogerere. The consignment was taken to URA customs stores for safe custody pending investigations of the matter and possible reprimand of the culprits.
Police was also notified for purposes of investigation to find the source of the ivory and have the people involved arrested and prosecuted. Preliminary investigations led by police Owino Odhiambo, Kenya national and a Congolese national Emille Kayumba Ogane. The Kampala Chief Magistrates court at Kampala issued arrest warrants for the said suspects and the police and other security agencies are still searching for the whereabouts of the suspects for purposes of effecting arrest.
UWA accused the suspects of acquiring or having possession of prohibited goods contrary to Section 200(d)(i) of the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004, and Being in illegal possession of wildlife protected species without permission contrary to the provisions of the Uganda wildlife Act. However, through Geoffrey Nagumya and Company Advocates, Ogane filed an application in court demanding the release of his ivory consignment arguing that he had a license to trade in the contraband goods from DR Congo government.
He also argued that the impounded Ivory was in transit to Mombasa and therefore could not be affected by the East African Customs Regulations and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. In his ruling on Monday, Justice Wilson Masalu Musene concurred with the applicant and ordered for the unconditional release of the 832 pieces of ivory. However, the ruling didn't go down well with Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Revenue Authority who said they could not allow the decision to go unchallenged.
In a statement issued to the media, Dr. Maria Mutagamba, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities says the decision by the High Court judge is against the laws in a country that outlaws trade in ivory and other protected species. She says the decision also goes against the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. She says a team of lawyers from both UWA and URA have already launched an appeal. Mutagamba says their lawyers have also applied for an injunction to stay the execution of the court order.
Below is the full statement;
We have received with shock; the ruling of Justice Wilson Masalu Musene that Uganda Revenue Authority should hand over confiscated ivory to their owners (criminal suspects who are on the run and have arrest warrants issued against them). The sector is in great shock over the ruling.
This case was filed by one Kayumba Emile Ogane against URA seeking orders for release of 832 pieces of Ivory confiscated by URA, that the Uganda Police, Uganda wildlife Authority and all other authorities in Uganda give effect to the release order.
Background to this case
On 17th October 2013, we received information from URA that a container with 832 Ivory had been discovered at Ken freight Inland Container Deposit (ICD) Bweyogerere. We immediately sent a team of law enforcement officers and wildlife experts from Uganda Wildlife Authority in company of police, who confirmed that the items were indeed ivory. The consignment was then taken to URA customs stores for safe custody pending the investigations of the matter and possible reprimand of the culprits.
The matter was accordingly reported to police for purposes of investigation to find the source of the ivory and to have the people involved arrested and prosecuted. The suspects identified by the preliminary findings were Owino Odhiambo (Kenyan national) and Kayumba Emille Ogane (Congolese national) who are still at large. The Chief Magistrates court at Kampala issued arrest warrants for the said suspects and the police and other security agencies are still searching for the whereabouts of these suspects for purposes of effecting arrest.
Offences committed by the suspects
Acquiring or having possession of prohibited goods contrary to Section 200(d)(i) of the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004,
Being in illegal possession of wildlife protected species without permission contrary to the provisions of the Uganda wildlife Act.
Status of the Criminal case
The investigations were completed, the file was sanctioned for prosecution, an agent of Kayumba Ogane, one Ocaya David was arraigned before court for prosecution as an accomplice to the commission of these offences under this matter, but was released on bail.
The main suspects Owino Odhiambo (Kenyan national) and Kayumba Emille Ogane (Congolese national) are still at large and the police and other security agencies are looking for them including Interpol and LATF.
At national level, Uganda as sovereign State, prohibited any dealing in wildlife species and specimens without permission and specifically prohibits possession, trade, import, export, re-export and re-import of wildlife products and species including ivory.
Elephants are listed among the highly endangered wildlife species under the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species to which Uganda is party and bound by the resolutions. Any unauthorized trade in ivory and other related products is prohibited.
High Court Miscellaneous Cause No.49 of 2013 Kayumba Emile Ogane Vs Uganda Revenue Authority
As a ploy to defeat the efforts of the various agencies in investigating the illegal possession and purported transportation of illegal ivory, and to frustrate the prosecution of the offenders in the above case, the suspects through their lawyers decided to file the above suit seeking for unconditional release of the said ivory.
Hon. Justice Wilson Masalu Musene unfortunately agreed with the applicant that the ivory was unlawfully confiscated and ordered that the same be immediately released.
It is however very unfortunate and dismaying that such a ruling would be given with total disregard to the requirements of the law before such consignments can be allowed to transit which were never complied with.
It is also important to note that any import, export or re-export of wildlife species require clearance by the relevant countries Management and Scientific authority CITES which is the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities and Uganda Wildlife Authority respectively but which was never complied with. It is a legal requirement that any import, export or re-export of any wildlife species and or specimens through Uganda requires clearance by both Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities which I represent.
The suspect concealed the said goods and never declared to URA at customs points and only disguised the same as coffee meant for export. If the ruling of the honorable Justice is implemented, it will contravene the law and will cause absurdity to conservation as it will be setting terrible precedent by giving poachers and illegal wildlife traders a blanket protection.
We are very dismayed by the said Judgment and the likely implications it has for Uganda as a contracting Party to CITES Convention. But most importantly, the damage this has on tourism development and wildlife conservation in Uganda.
A team of lawyers of Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Revenue Authority have already filed a notice of Appeal to challenge the Judgment
Application for an interim order to stay execution of the judgment and filing of the appeal will also be immediately done.
We shall decisively pursue the criminal prosecution of suspects (Owners of the confiscated ivory) until they are brought to book. Security Agencies continue to pursue these suspects who are at large.
I want to call upon all the organs of the State to proactively support Government effort to stamp out illegal wildlife trade and trade and trafficking in order to conserve our heritage and its associated tourism development which is a vehicle for social transformation of our economy.
For God and My Country
Hon. Dr. Maria Mutagamba
Death in China, one dollar in Africa – the irony of ivory poaching penalties
SHARON VAN WYK, Daily Maverick
In China the penalty for poaching an elephant is death. In Africa, it is considerably less. The irony in this is that the global trade in illegal ivory is driven, for the most part, by China, some of whose citizens are helping to lay waste to Africa's elephants, largely without fear of retribution. By SHARON VAN WYK.
Earlier this year a Chinese smuggler, apprehended in Kenya whilst in transit from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Hong Kong, was fined a mere US$350 for the haul of 439 pieces of ivory found in his possession before being released. That's less than US$1 apiece.
This one incident illustrates perhaps the biggest challenge facing those battling to save Africa's elephant population from almost certain extinction at the hands of ivory poachers – outdated, and in some cases woefully inadequate legislation and penalties which, rather than acting as a deterrent, actually encourage poaching.
Add to the mix corruption and political malfeasance at virtually every level of government, and the word extinction looms larger than ever, unless swift action is taken by African countries to improve the laws supposedly protecting their wildlife. Justice is most certainly not on the side of elephants.
In Kenya the current wildlife act caps punishment for the most serious wildlife crimes at a maximum fine of 40,000 Kenyan shillings (around US$470), and a possible jail term of up to 10 years. With a black market price of as much as US$7,000 per kilogram, it is infinitely affordable to get caught with your fingers in the ivory jar. Which is what happened to four Chinese citizens who were apprehended attempting to smuggle thousands of dollars' worth of ivory out of Kenya. Their punishment? Each was allowed to pay a US$340 fine and then go free.
Kenya is far from alone. In neighbouring Uganda, poachers are punished on the same level as petty criminals with small fines or suspended sentences. In Gabon a woeful maximum one-year sentence or approximately US$40,000 awaits convicted poachers, including repeat offenders, while wildlife traffickers in the Republic of Congo face up to five years in jail and risk having their sentence doubled if they are found to be repeat offenders.
Court punishment for a convicted elephant poacher in Tanzania can be as little as US$13. Tanzanian officials have said that in 670 cases tried between March 2012 and March this year, fines totalling US$109,377 were incurred. That's an average of just under US$164 per case.
The recent cyanide poisoning of waterholes in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park by ivory poachers, which claimed the lives of more than 90 elephants, was met with surprisingly swift retribution by the country's wildlife authorities, with three poachers each sentenced to 16 years behind bars and a collective massive fine of US$800,000.
However, recent reports from the Zimbabwe press suggest that the reason for this unusually harsh (for Zimbabwe) punishment is to deflect attention away from possible high-ranking government involvement in the killing.
The question, then, is whether it is possible to get it right in the fight against the ivory trade. In this respect African states can take their lead from Botswana, where effective anti-poaching is supported by strong leadership and political will from President Ian Khama and an effective judiciary, backed by tough wildlife legislation and strong involvement of the military. Indeed, the Botswana Defense Force is deployed to protect not just elephants, but all of the country's wildlife.
Elephant range states are being urged to give similar unequivocal commitment to the implementation of necessary legislation, law enforcement and deterrent penalties needed to stem elephant poaching and the related illegal trade and trafficking in ivory at the forthcoming International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Government of Botswana Emergency African Elephant Summit which is being held in Botswana's capital of Gaborone from December 2-4 this year.
The Summit is being hosted by President Khama and will bring together heads of state and representatives from both African elephant range states and key ivory trade transit and destination countries. DM
Sharon van Wyk is an award-winning conservation writer and wildlife documentary maker and works with the Conservation Action Trust – www.conservationaction.co.za
UN Security Council condemns devastation of natural heritage and notes that poaching and trafficking of wildlife are a factor that fuels the crisis in the Central African Republic
UN Security Council condemns devastation of natural heritage and notes that poaching and trafficking of wildlife are a factor that fuels the crisis in the Central African Republic
Geneva, 11 October 2013 – The United Nations Security Council has condemned the devastation of natural heritage in the Central African Republic and noted that poaching and trafficking of wildlife were among the factors that fuel the crisis in that country in its Resolution 2121 (2013). With this Resolution, adopted at its 7042nd meeting on 10 October 2013, the UN Security Council has also reinforced and updated the mandate of the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in that country, and called for a political resolution to the conflict.
In May 2013 CITES Secretary-General John E. Scanlon expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating situation in the Central African Republic, after forest elephants were massacred in a World Heritage Site in the south-western corner of the country bordering Cameroon and the Congo.
Kenya Airways backs Anti-poaching Campaign
Kenya Airways backs Anti-poaching Campaign
NAIROBI JULY 24, 2013 – Kenya Airways has joined the 'Hands Off Our Elephants' campaign that aims at ending elephants poaching and ivory trafficking through Kenya, as well as eliminating demand for the commodity around the world.
The campaign, which is spearheaded by Kenya's First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta, has been put together by WildlifeDirect, a wildlife conservation charity, to create awareness, engagement and mobilization on the issue within Kenya, across Africa and around the world
Kenya Airways' Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Titus Naikuni, said that conservation of elephants and other wildlife, is the responsibility of all Kenyan individuals, companies and government agencies.
"Elephants are part of our environment; therefore poaching them harms our country and national heritage. Mother Nature is very unforgiving when we change the balance in the environment. This is the reason we decided to get involved. As Kenya Airways, we do not condone poaching or delivery of poached ivory on our flights, and this message has been passed to our staff and passengers. Any of our staff found involved or abetting poaching will face the consequences," Dr Naikuni added during a press briefing held in Nairobi.
Speaking during the briefing, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Judi Wakhungu, said that the government is stepping up anti-poaching efforts by deploying modern technology and modernization of the Kenya Wildlife Service; in addition to establishing a Canine Unit to detect movements of illegal ivory at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airports in Mombasa.
"The government has also directed that all poaching cases be prosecuted as economic crimes, and revised penalties to higher fines of over Ksh1 million and sentences of over 5 years. Once the new Wildlife Bill is enacted, these penalties and sentences will be enhanced to make them punitive and discourage poaching and ivory traffickers," Prof Wakhungu added.
The director general of the Vision 2030 delivery board, Mugo Kibati, said that elephants are a major factor in the success of the tourism industry, which is one of the major sectors in the economic pillar of Kenya's Vision 2030.
"In our Medium Term Plan, we have set out to grow tourist numbers from the current 2 million to 3 million by the year 2017. However, this will not happen if our elephants disappear," Mr Kibati told the press briefing.
In recent days, there has been a surge in cases of poaching, posing a threat to elephants. According to statistics from the Kenya Wildlife Service, elephant poaching has grown consistently over the last three during which 829 elephants were killed. Last year, Kenya lost 384 elephants to poachers compared to 278 in 2011 and 177 in 2010.
In addition to this, the country has been identified as one of the leading transit routes for smuggling ivory out of Africa, with several incidents of ivory seizures and recovery of wildlife carcasses in recent days. KWS estimates that more than eight tonnes of raw and worked ivory have been seized since 2009.
The demand for ivory in the Far East, particularly China, has attracted criminal cartels to Kenya, who are feeding the insatiable demand. Conservationists warn that unless the demand is extinguished, poachers will wipe out Africa's elephants.
The CEO of Wildlife Direct, Dr Paula Kahumbu, lauded the government for welcoming the initiative which brings Kenyans together to save the country's heritage.
"Kenya traditionally has been at the frontline in combating elephant poaching but we have lost that ground in recent years. It is essential that we work together and restore our leadership position in the world to ensuring that we protect our endangered species, and a global heritage. While we crack down on wildlife crime in Kenya, we also need the help of governments of Africa, Thailand, China and US whom we are asking to ban the domestic markets of ivory as legal markets are a cover for laundering illegal ivory. We will also appeal to the hearts of anyone buying ivory in these countries as they are contributing to the slaughter of African elephants," Dr Kahumbu added.
In February, Kenya Airways signed a deal with Born Free Foundation, an international charity, to contribute towards anti-poaching campaigns and conservation of wildlife conservation in Africa, and partner to raise funds for such initiatives.
Campaign to save Kenya's Elephants
WildlifeDirect Wins 'Innovation in Conservation' Award
WildlifeDirect Wins 'Innovation in Conservation' Award
Nairobi, 02 December 2009 – Mongabay.com announced on Tuesday that WildlifeDirect is the winner of the Innovation in Conservation Award for 2009. According to Mongabay, "The prize, which includes a cash donation and prominent placement on the mongabay.com web site and newsletter for the month of December, is granted each year to an organization using an unconventional and highly effective approach to conserving forests and biodiversity."
The Kenya-based conservation charity, WildlifeDirect, was recognized for its work of promoting and raising funds for conservation through blogs by rangers, scientists and community conservation groups in Africa, Asia and South America. "We're thrilled to win Mongabay's Innovation in Conservation Award," said Paula Kahumbu, Executive Director of WildlifeDirect in a Mongabay article published by Mongabay's founder Rhett A. Butler.
WildlifeDirect founder and Chairman, renowned anthropologist and conservationist, Dr Richard Leakey, was particularly happy about this award. "Recognition from Mongabay through the Innovation in Conservation award is very much appreciated during these difficult times. WildlifeDirect is doing exactly what it promised – helping field based conservationists to be able to stay at work and keep our endangered species safe even during difficult economic times." he said.
Mongabay.com, which aims to raise interest in wildlife and wildlands while promoting awareness of environmental issues has featured several articles originating from WildlifeDirect's bloggers and continues to support WildlifeDirect in raising the profile of the blogs. Mongabay.com is considered one of the leading conservation news sites in the Internet.
Previous winners of this prize include Health in Harmony from the Island of Borneo in 2008 and the Amazon Conservation Team of Brazil in 2007.
This prize comes at a time when WildlifeDirect is going through a tough financial period and struggling with continued optimum performance during these hard economic times. With the exposure afforded by the millions of Mongabay.com readers, it is likely that WildlifeDirect will receive a fundraising boost that could bring the much needed funds for conservation work and for paying WildlifeDirect's bills.
For the purpose of this release:
Rhett A Butler's article on Mongabay is to be found here:
Dr Paula Kahumbu's reaction to the prize is posted here:
Rhett A Butler of Mongabay.com can be contacted on: [email protected]
Dr Paula Kahumbu of WildlifeDirect is available for interviews. Email her: [email protected]
For general inquiries contact:
Samuel Maina [email protected]
Kenya's Prime Minister Urged to Help Ban Carbofuran
Kenya's Prime Minister Urged to Help Ban Carbofuran
Nairobi, 06 November 2009 – On Friday, 30 October 2009, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would implement the agency's May 2009 final rule revoking all tolerances, or residue limits, for the pesticide carbofuran. From 31 December 2009, therefore, any use of carbofuran in USA becomes a crime punishable with fines and jail sentences. Kenyan conservationists now want their government to follow suit and impose a total ban on carbofuran in the country.
Conservationists, led by the Nairobi-based NGO, WildlifeDirect, want the support of their Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, who on Monday, 2 November 2009, adopted a lion under the Kenya Wildlife Service's (KWS) Wildlife Endowment Fund. It is a rare conservation gesture coming from one so high in Kenya's political pyramid.
WildlifeDirect and its partners have been calling for a total ban on carbofuran in Kenya for about two years and they now see hope in the Prime Minister's small but important gesture of adopting a lion – a species imperiled by this lethal poison. "Mr Odinga should now lead parliament in realizing the ban on this number one lion-killer." says Dr Paula Kahumbu, Executive Director of WildlifeDirect.
Carbofuran, known in Kenya by its brand name- Furadan, which is manufactured by the FMC Corporation of Philadelphia, USA and is solely distributed in Kenya (and the rest of East Africa) by Juanco Limited – is known to have killed at least 76 lions in 5 years. Carbofuran is also responsible for the deaths of more than 300 vultures, and truckloads of other birds and animals according to scientists and the KWS.
Reports of human death due to carbofuran poisoning have emerged. WildlifeDirect spoke on phone with the heartbroken father of a child who died of Furadan poisoning. The report of this death first appeared on Kenya's The Standard newspaper on Friday, 30 October 2009 saying that on Monday, 26 October 2009, the child had mistakenly ingested Furadan and died.
The child's father informed WildlifeDirect that the child died on arrival at the Cherangani Nursing Home in Trans Nzoia East District in western Kenya. The father had bought the pesticide four months ago for use in killing insects in the soil when preparing his vegetable nursery. He says that he was not aware how dangerous the product is and was not informed by the retailer about the first aid approach in case of pesticide ingestion. He gave his child milk and crushed eggs – a method of dealing with poisoning widely used in Africa – instead of water as the label says.
This confirms that this poison is critically dangerous for Africans even those with sufficient levels of education like the bereaved man who is a teacher at a local primary school. The lack of the clear and utterly off-putting universal symbol of death – the skull and crossbones – dupes end users of the pesticide into thinking that its poisoning effects are mild.
The damage that carbofuran has caused to wildlife, the environment and humans is not unique to Kenya. Of the EPA's 3 year determination, Steve Owens, the assistant administrator for EPA's Office said that "The evidence is clear that carbofuran does not meet today's rigorous food-safety standards."
"If the pesticide is not safe for use in the US or Europe, where pesticide users are more informed, why would we think that the pesticide is safe for use in Africa?" asks Dr Richard Leakey, Chairman of WildlifeDirect.
This pesticide was developed for largely literate and highly regulated developed countries. In Africa, where most farmers are uneducated and where the regulatory bodies are under-resourced, users are exposed to greater danger. The product is often repackaged in small, affordable but unmarked packets that have no user instructions. "It is immoral to sell a pesticide as dangerous as carbofuran in Africa" Dr Leakey adds.
It gets worse for Kenya which is a large exporter of coffee to the US. Dr Michael Fry of the American Bird Conservancy says, "The revocation of all food tolerances has international implications, as imports of rice, coffee, bananas and sugarcane were previously allowed to contain residues of carbofuran." He adds, "After this revocation, countries wishing to export these foods to the US must stop using carbofuran on these four major crops."
Dr Leakey, who has been central to the call to ban this lethal poison, urges Mr Odinga to act now to stop this carnage. "The Prime Minister did well to adopt that young lion cub, but now is the time for him to lead in a much more significant action to save lions – declare them an endangered species in Kenya and enforce a total ban on carbofurans" he says.
This, according to WildlifeDirect, must be coupled with proper management of lions, compensation for depredation of livestock, incentives and rewards for communities and land owners to protect lions, plus effective enforcement by the wildlife authorities. These actions could bring the lion back from the brink of national extinction and restore the pride to Kenya's national symbol.


text:
What's Black and White most remembered for?
View Single Post
January 14th, 2013 (12:35 AM).
Mega Houndoom, baby!
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Dream World
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Nature: Lonely
Posts: 1,658
Let's see... It was a clean sheet of paper to start from. In a way, I felt the choice of colors to name the games was a nice throwback to 1st gen and how the veterans started with the very first games, so there will be newbies who started with the new ones.
It was the only gen to feature exclusively new Pokémon before the end of the story mode. This was a bold move and this time they got it right.
It had the best story of all games, IMO. And it's the only gen to have sequels within the gen.
It was the gen that fully utilized the DS capabilities, with 3D graphics and animated battles, although I think the sprites could've been higher resolution.
It wasn't much of an improvement on battle mechanics. Changes were mostly done to content (moves, Pokémon). It was a balancing gen.
Those are all valid reasons to remember 5th gen.
Omega Ruby
Alpha Sapphire
, the day Pokémon pulled a Dallas and jumped the shark.
View Public Profile
Send a private message to Cerberus87
Find all posts by Cerberus87
Find threads started by Cerberus87

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Wendel on the Web is WKYC reporter/producer Kim Wendel's "take" and commentary on the news of the day
Do you like surprises? Do you get upset when someone tells you what happens in a movie you haven't seen yet? If you DVR TV shows or sports events, do you avoid social media so you won't accidentally come across a spoiler?
Well, the folks at TiVo made a survey and, in a nutshell, it found more than 78 percent of viewers have had a show, movie, or sports event spoiled.
And the problem is getting bigger.
And the survey says (don't I sound like Richard Dawson on 'Family Feud'?) that 64 percent had a major TV show plot spoiled. (Think "Who shot J.R.?")
For "Downton Abbey" fans, know that 56 percent of the spoilers in the TiVo survey were the death of a major character.
And for every rule, there is an exception: the survey results show one-fourth of those surveyed admit that they have actually and intentionally read spoilers for a program they plan to watch.
As I read about this, I thought of the TV commercial running right now about a guy talking to his credit card company and that his FICO score is now on his bill. The company spokesman talks about how this helps customers avoid surprises. The guy responds that he hates surprises, then opens the door to his apartment where his friends yell "Surprise."
I don't get that...I love surprises. But I digress.
See, I think it would be a lot harder to avoid having spoilers catch you if you lived on the West Coast. See, the time difference would mean that a show that aired at 8 p.m. on the East Coast could explode on Facebook or Twitter in minutes, ruining it for West Coast viewers.
(I have a friend who doesn't use Facebook or Twitter but he does spend a lot of time on the Internet. He can easily avoid spoilers if he wanted. That's why I won't say here whether or not I still have my Sony Trinitron TV. But I digress again.)
TiVo thought of that.
According to the survey, "of those who live in Eastern, Central, and Mountain Time Zones, 13 percent avoid talking about shows they really care about until more people have had a chance to watch it, while 36 percent don't worry about it.
Of those who live in the Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii Time Zones, a full 30 percent avoid the Internet as soon as a show they really care about airs in other Time Zones; 27 percent don't worry about it.46 percent would eliminate the possibility of being spoiled if they could."
And do you have "friends" who deliberately spoil TV shows for you or others? Then they aren't really friends, are they?
Follow WKYC's Kim Wendel on Twitter @KimWendel


text:
26 Delicious Songs You Can Bring on a Picnic, from A to ZFrom A to Z, we list out the tastiest songs to bring with you to each and every picnic you attend this summer.
R.E.M. Announces 'REMTV,' a Career-Chronicling Six-DVD Box SetThe trove of archival footage includes the band's 1998 appearance on VH1's 'Storytellers,' both MTV 'Unplugged' performances and 99(!) live songs shot between 1995-2008.
COVERED: David Archuleta Does R.E.M.'s 'Everybody Hurts'Before David Archuleta headed out on his Mormon mission, he recorded a cover of REM's "Everybody Hurts." Now CBS Local explains the background of the song that brings everyone to tears.


text:
Newsbyte: SAP® Cloud For Travel Solution Helps Increase Global Compliance And Empower Customer Choice With Open Booking
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP NEWSBYTE -- SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced that the SAP® Cloud for Travel solution, designed to effortlessly manage travel and expenses, is offering additional convenience for business travelers with new open booking capabilities enabled by integration with Traxo, a web based travel management provider, as well as out-of-the-box support for 20 countries. With these updates, in addition to recently added analytic and mobile capabilities, SAP Cloud for Travel is designed to allow financial officers and business travelers to handle the end-to-end process of travel and expense management faster and with lower cost while staying in compliance with corporate policies. The announcement was made at GBTA 2013, being held August 4-7 in San Diego, where SAP is onsite at booth #2737. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110126/AQ34470LOGO)"SAP Cloud for Travel is a fully integrated solution that helps us eliminate excessive administrative work and reduces travel expenses," said Tony Velleca, chief information officer, UST Global. "We've already witnessed tangible business ROI since our implementation of SAP Cloud for Travel, and now with open booking, we are looking forward to retaining visibility of travelers' behavior while providing flexibility for arranging trips." Through integration with Traxo, SAP Cloud for Travel provides business travelers with the choice to manage booking their way while still giving companies the visibility and control neededto help ensure compliance. When travel transactions happen outside a corporate travel system, it is difficult for financial teams to match up expense reports and credit card data. In partnership with Traxo, SAP Cloud for Travel now aggregates travel data from all relevant channels and seamlessly and securely sends this information back into a company's financial and travel system. Traxo also captures reservations of flights and hotels that are booked anywhere online. It then combines the reservations into digital itineraries available on SAP Cloud for Travel. To learn more about the integration of SAP Cloud for Travel and Traxo watch a video: " Manage Your Itineraries with SAP Cloud for Travel and Traxo." "In partnership with SAP, Traxo offers a rescue tool that helps eliminate travel chaos and produce a smooth, easy outcome for employees and employers alike," said Andres Fabris, CEO and founder of Traxo. "With open booking from SAP Cloud for Travel and Traxo, employees are empowered with greater freedom, choice and flexibility. Employers enhance their visibility into the critical travel information they need to run their business — everyone benefits." Global capabilities of SAP Cloud for Travel are expanding with out-of-the-box support for 20 countries and integration with leading online booking tools, which help customers configure the solution to fit their company's travel policy and ensure compliance. The 20 countries currently supported by the solution include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and U.S. To learn more about SAP Cloud for Travel, visit the SAP Cloud for Travel demo center. For more information, visit the SAP Newsroom. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews and @SAPCloudTravel. Media Contacts: Andrea Meyer, SAP, +1 (415) 370-7329, email@example.com, PDTRachel Leamon, Burson Marsteller, +1 (617) 912-5411, firstname.lastname@example.com, EDT SOURCE SAP AG
Check Out Our Best Services for Investors
Action Alerts PLUS
Portfolio Manager Jim Cramer and Director of Research Jack Mohr reveal their investment tactics while giving advanced notice before every trade.
Product Features:
- $2.5+ million portfolio
- Large-cap and dividend focus
- Intraday trade alerts from Cramer
Quant Ratings
Access the tool that DOMINATES the Russell 2000 and the S&P 500.
Product Features:
- Buy, hold, or sell recommendations for over 4,300 stocks
- Unlimited research reports on your favorite stocks
- A custom stock screener
Stocks Under $10
David Peltier uncovers low dollar stocks with serious upside potential that are flying under Wall Street's radar.
Product Features:
- Model portfolio
- Stocks trading below $10
- Intraday trade alerts
Dividend Stock Advisor
David Peltier identifies the best of breed dividend stocks that will pay a reliable AND significant income stream.
Product Features:
- Diversified model portfolio of dividend stocks
- Updates with exact steps to take - BUY, HOLD, SELL
Trifecta Stocks
Every recommendation goes through 3 layers of intense scrutinyquantitative, fundamental and technical analysisto maximize profit potential and minimize risk.
Product Features:
- Model Portfolio
- Intra Day Trade alerts
- Access to Quant Ratings
Real Money
More than 30 investing pros with skin in the game give you actionable insight and investment ideas.
Product Features:
- Access to Jim Cramer's daily blog
- Intraday commentary and news
- Real-time trading forums


text:
NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Wedding couples sometimes love a challenge, hate logistics or hear the shotgun cocking in the distance, but short-timers with a month to prepare can still have a great weddingCouples with three months or less until their ceremony spend little more than 11 hours a week planning the event, according to TheKnot.com (KNOT) and WeddingChannel.com's Real Weddings survey. But they'll have to do much more if they're hoping to squeeze all that planning into a month or less. Also, while retailers including Bed, Bath & Beyond (BBBY - Get Report), Macy's (M - Get Report) and Williams-Sonoma (WSM) make a month seem like a lifetime by letting couples register online and tinker with their wish lists 24/7, elements such as venues, dresses, flowers and photographers aren't nearly as flexible.
5 Ways To Plan A Wedding In A Month
Check Out Our Best Services for Investors
Action Alerts PLUS
Portfolio Manager Jim Cramer and Director of Research Jack Mohr reveal their investment tactics while giving advanced notice before every trade.
Product Features:
- $2.5+ million portfolio
- Large-cap and dividend focus
- Intraday trade alerts from Cramer
Quant Ratings
Access the tool that DOMINATES the Russell 2000 and the S&P 500.
Product Features:
- Buy, hold, or sell recommendations for over 4,300 stocks
- Unlimited research reports on your favorite stocks
- A custom stock screener
Stocks Under $10
David Peltier uncovers low dollar stocks with serious upside potential that are flying under Wall Street's radar.
Product Features:
- Model portfolio
- Stocks trading below $10
- Intraday trade alerts
Dividend Stock Advisor
David Peltier identifies the best of breed dividend stocks that will pay a reliable AND significant income stream.
Product Features:
- Diversified model portfolio of dividend stocks
- Updates with exact steps to take - BUY, HOLD, SELL
Trifecta Stocks
Every recommendation goes through 3 layers of intense scrutinyquantitative, fundamental and technical analysisto maximize profit potential and minimize risk.
Product Features:
- Model Portfolio
- Intra Day Trade alerts
- Access to Quant Ratings
Real Money
More than 30 investing pros with skin in the game give you actionable insight and investment ideas.
Product Features:
- Access to Jim Cramer's daily blog
- Intraday commentary and news
- Real-time trading forums


text:
- Homepage >
- News Archives >
- Article
994th Medical Detachment ensures safe food for servicemembers
September 12, 2011
By By Spc. Bradley J. Wancour, Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs
Related Links
By Spc. Bradley J. Wancour
Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- The 994th Medical Detachment (Veterinary Services) set up the first U.S. Army Reserve-operated food surveillance laboratory in Third Army's area of responsibility early this month.
The mission of the food surveillance laboratory is to ensure all food here is safe and ready to eat, according to Chief Warrant Officer Ronald L. Todd Jr., food safety officer, 994th MDVS, and native of Lafayette, La.
"Normally, if we suspect that food was contaminated, we would have to send it out to a lab in Europe," explained Todd. "Now we have the capacity to test it right here."
"We want to make sure all food is safe for consumption," Todd explained. "This lab gives us the ability to rapidly respond to possible food contamination."
"We already do sanitary audits of our food suppliers, and routine receipt and surveillance inspections," Todd said. "This will add one more layer of protection."
The lab is also capable of running both microbiological and chemical analysis of food and drinking water.
"Quarterly tests are run on products that show signs of distress, possible contamination, for shelf life extensions, or simply for assurance of quality," said Todd.
The food surveillance lab is an unprecedented accomplishment in theater.
"It was a difficult process getting the equipment and the space," said Maj Dickie Vest, 99th MDVS commander and a native of Magnolia, Texas. "We had good people working hard and we got it done."
The 994th MDVS is ready and willing to go above and beyond to protect servicemembers by ensuring the food served here is free of contamination. Third Army's support in setting up this lab proves its dedication to maintaining the safety of all servicemembers and civilians.


text:
53 Comments
Realtime comments disabled
okrum 2223 days ago
yuk, 2 macs
rosiecoxYM_PD 2259 days ago
your so beautiful x
lovelyelena89 2280 days ago
ooo cool...
allinka_ 2280 days ago
you are soper!
gardenplum 2286 days ago
We cannot give anymore, our coffiers are empty here in the middle class. I'm not afraid to admit we need to give some attention to ourselves, our problems are right here at home we shuffle foreclosure notices and school lunches. The high income class ca
JaneJenab 2288 days ago
I am heading over there Feb 18-28 to provide medical care. Thank you for all you've done to continue to raise awareness!
QueenCarline 2288 days ago
Your so great Alyssa. XOOX
noriangirl 2292 days ago
Great photo 4 A great cause. My American parents donated $500 dollars when I asked if they could afford 2, my mom said that they couldn't afford not to. I so proud of them that I just had to share
3QuieroBailar 2292 days ago
You're Doing So Much To Help. It's Lovely To See So Much Compassion :D
bobbycabby 2292 days ago
Just love what you're doing Alyssa, your compassion excites me!! Your beauty amazes me. Baby I'm amazed...
lysfan2 2292 days ago
You're amazing! Great job, love ya :)
DianeyMartin 2292 days ago
Alyssa you´re an amazing and sweet person!! Congratulations!!
hilason 2293 days ago
carry on the good work... I will dedicate the sale value of this Hilason Treless saddle to http://bit.ly/4zlGeB to Haiti
Countermand 2296 days ago
That's what being an Ambassador is all about. Great!
Franz787 2296 days ago
Alyssa a Wonderful Hero Sweet Angel in the live
Super Alyssa
ebalmaceda 2297 days ago
A great effort and contribution. God Bless you for having such a great heart.
scottrichardstr 2298 days ago
True True True True True i will watch and pray for sucess
BillCarlson_27 2298 days ago
Great job as you always do Alyssa! :-)
AlinaUkraine 2298 days ago
ALYSSA, u such a WONDERFUL PERSON !!!! We all Proud of YOU!!!! Thank u for all you doing!!!!!
Jenny_Cancino 2298 days ago
alyssa're an angel that helps people of haiti ..!!


text:
My husband is a vegetarian?
So he's vegan then, not vegetarian. My husband is vegan it's ridiculously annoying because I love cheese (I'm vegetarian). lol
I'd inform your husband that your diet and health are your responsibility and while you appreciate his concern you're perfectly capable of regulating your own food intake. I would murder my husband if he tried to tell me what I should and shouldn't eat in regards to anything other than cookies, candy, and cake. lol
I will warn you, if you do the cooking shit is about to get real.
Well, I don't see why he expects you to follow along. I follow a mostly vegan diet as well (due to health reasons) but don't expect my husband or son to do the same. They have to chose for themselves. Of course, I end up cooking 3 different meals, but that's what happens. Wondering why your DH eliminated all oils...many are actually beneficial.
It's not worth the extra work for me to make a cheesy dish that only I will eat in addition to a main course and sides that are vegan. It makes me sad. We do have "fend for yourself" night at least once a week where I make delicious cheesy goodness and my husband cries into his bowl of rice and beans. lol
I saw that movie and it was interesting. However, there are a lot of articles and sources debunking the "science" and claims made in that movie. Vegetarianism can be a great option for people and when done correctly can be very healthy. But, i'd hate to see your husband making this decision based solely on bad science.
I'm a vegetarian and my husband isn't, I just make us food and don't put the meat in mine. I've never tried to make him be veggie and he doesn't try to make me eat meat. Our baby will be able to decide whatever he wants.
My mom is a vegetarian and my dad isn't and they never have problems with it and I chose to be a veggie when I was 15 and my brother became a vegan at 20.
I don't think anyone should have a say in another persons diet.
oh and the worst part is honestly when you tell someone you're a vegetarian and they ask "then what do eat?" It REALLY pisses me off when people do that. lol
Learn more
Look how far your child has come.
Review your child's growth milestones.
Read about 3 years : Week 3.
Your growing child
Your 3-year-old: Friendships
Your 3-year-old: Counting
Your 3-year-old: Playing ball
Your 3-year-old: Pearly whites
Your 3-year-old: Power of play
Learn more
What's next for your growing child?
Get a glimpse of what's to come.
Read about 3 years 2 months : Week 1.


text: Description Suggest an Edit The Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve Trail is a part of the City of Plano trail system. This trail winds its way through Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, and includes a short loop for a total of 3.4 miles of trail. It also connects on its southern end to the Bob Woodruff Park Trail. Click to read more Parking and Trail Access Click to read more Reviews Tons of trail options June, 2015 by mayrajaeplazola Love this trail!! There's a paved trail that most people stay on and there are tons of small unpaved side trails that are really beautiful. Highly recommend this place. read more Another excellent trail in Plano April, 2013 by gtaber This is one of my favorite trails, and with the tie in to Woodruff park trail, and the Santa Fe trail, you can go all over E. Plano, from the southern most end almost to Allen on the northern end. The drinking fountains are functional and output clean ...read more Urban meets rustic February, 2013 by julieraffkind A beautiful trail where a Texas ranch styled bridge leads to a historic pecan grove and then on to a creek where next a fallen tree serves as a bridge. One can choose the cement path or literally go off the beaten trail to rustic trails with punchy names ...read more


text:
screenrant.com – Screen Rant's Ben Kendrick reviews Titanic 3D Following the success of Avatar, James Cameron became the poster child for modern 3D in Hollywood – setting the gold standard for how filmmakers could approach the format artistically (i.e., subtle depth as opposed to gimmicky pop-out effects). As a result, more and more directors are coming around to the 3D format, and delivering their own enjoyable implementations of the effect (such as in Martin Scorsese's Hugo). However, while Cameron may have opened the eyes of directors and producers – not just money hungry studios – to the benefits of shooting in 3D, many moviegoers are still skeptical of films that are presented with post-converted 3D.
Created by jackiechan 4 years 4 weeks ago
About jackiechan
jackiechan has slowed down quite a bit in recent years, but when he was in his prime, he is known to submit his own headlines and not do things he's not capable of. Now in his twilight years, he's deferring to up-and-coming submitters.
Box Office
1. Jungle Book, TheGross: $43,714,706Total: $253,371,506
2. Huntsman: Winter's War, TheGross: $9,619,300Total: $34,215,325
3. KeanuGross: $9,453,224Total: $9,453,224
4. Mother's DayGross: $8,369,184Total: $8,369,184
5. Barbershop: The Next CutGross: $6,080,496Total: $44,661,136
Opening This Week
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
TomatoMeter: --
Total Likes: --
Today's Likes: --
Release: Wide
Next Week
No Movies Opening Next Week
Coming Soon
No Movies Coming Soon


text:
Next time Murray has to go south of the Mason-Dixon, she might want to take those burly dudes with her.
With the Dreamliner finally up in the air, one could almost forget the unending controversy swirling in Boeing's turbines.
Next time Murray has to go south of the Mason-Dixon, she might want to take those burly dudes with her.
First there's that little move to South Carolina planned to actually build the Dreamliner. But also back in the news is the battle over building tankers for the Air Force. Sen. Patty Murray, up for election next year, has been a driving force behind Boeing's protest of the military's initial decision to award the contract to Northrop Grumman. All Things Considered did a story last week on Northrop's attempts to put pressure on the feds that included an interview with Murray where she managed to insult the entire state of Alabama.
Northrop planned to build the tankers at an assembly line in the southern state, which Murray says is a mistake.
Quoth Murray: "I have stood on the line in Everett, Wash., where we have thousands of workers who go to work every day to build these planes. I would challenge anybody to tell me that they've stood on a line in Alabama and seen anybody building anything."
Turns out the people in 'Bama who do, ya know, build stuff, took a little umbrage at that remark. Over the last few days, Web sites (turns out they have the internet in the South too, who knew?) have lit up like Christmas trees with insults targeting the senior senator from Washington.
* Blogger Fair Justice calls Murray a "piece of shit" saying: "I build parts for automobiles everyday and this is no easy task. .... You continue to sit on your ass in Washington while hard workers in ALABAMA watch their hard earned money be cut from their paychecks by the IRS to pay people just like you to sit on their ass and do nothing all day."
* Kristopher V. is a little more charitable, saying he respects Murray's work on behalf of Washington state, but "I believe she does owe Alabamians an apology."
* Greg Richter posted an unflattering photo of Murray on the Birmingham News blog with the caption: "Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, unaware anyone makes anything in Alabama."
* Governor Bob Riley sent out a statement with a bit of a backhand: "Surely Senator Murray was just misquoted because it would be absolutely absurd for anyone to say something so ridiculous. Alabama is, after all, the home of automobile plants, aerospace and defense companies, the rocket that took man to the moon, and many of the same companies that Senator Murray represents."
* Mooncat at Left in Alabama ("left" meaning Democrat) really gets to the ugly heart of Washington's fight to keep manufacturing in state: the vicious and wrong assumption that being southern makes you dumb and incompetent. "As a supposed champion for average Americans, Murray should have checked her facts before spouting what any educated person would realize was nonsense -- and insulting, stereotypical nonsense, at that. We're not still chopping cotton down here, Senator, barefoot and illiterate," Mooncat writes.
Good thing she doesn't have to campaign down there--and I'd avoid any sports bars in town when the Crimson Tide are playing, just in case.


text:
Skip to main content
I've never been a conflictual person, but I discovered my temper when I met this guy. We tried to have a casual relationship, but we are too alike or too different cause we argue/discuss/debate constantly; but we haven't been able to stop having sex. Its like arguing with each other is a turn on. Is this normal?
My boyfriend and I recently started having sex, we were both virgins. Making love to each other is amazing because we are in love but for me, I can't feel anything. I know theres a million reasons that maybe he doesn't know what to do and stuff but I was hoping if there were any suggestions to help. We are also kind of worried because he goes away to college in a month and a half and he is basically on lock down there. We can barely see each other for the first year. On an emotional level we aren't afraid, but sexually, could not having sex be an issue? A discussion came of of "seeing other people" but no relationship wise, more like hooking up just to get the needs met but we wouldn't discuss anything with each other. Someone said it would help us and in the end we would want each other that much more. I know I love my boyfriend and I don't want anyone else but him but because we are still young and haven't experienced anyone else, would it be smart to try things with other people?
I am 21 years old and have been with my boyfriend for eight months. This is the first relationship I have ever been in; we had sex only a couple of days after we met and I have been with him since. Obviously I trust him and love him and we have a very healthy relationship, but I have known for a while now that prior to meeting me, he slept with 15 other girls. I have a history of depression and ever since he has told me I have started to feel really horrible about it all - I never thought it was something that would ever bother me, as I have friends both male and female who are promiscuous, but I feel so much differently about it now that he has told me. I feel that it upsets me a lot and I don't know why and I can't understand it. I have tried to talk to him about it a lot but he won't open up to me and I don't know what else I can do.
Lately I am afraid of any sexual contact.
I'm in a wonderful relationship and have been with this same person for the past 4 years. We have been having sex for 2 years, and thus far it is always both extremely safe and mutually satisfying. We have never had a sexual encounter that felt unsafe, and we talk about sex really openly.
I have no idea why I suddenly am uninterested in sex. Mentally, I want to be intimate with him. However, for the past two weeks I have physically flinched whenever we try to do something. I am not experiencing any physical pain, I just get scared. I have not experienced any sexual assault or abuse in the past (to my recollection anyway) and I completely trust my partner.
What's wrong with me? How can I learn to feel comfortable being physical again?
The only factor that I can identify as a possible explanation is that recently I tried watching porn a few times. I found it satisfying, then eventually got weirded out by how offensive it can be and the way it makes sex seem very public. I like sex to remain within my relationship, and to be very private. I felt guilty after the porn thing, and maybe that's why I'm still freaking out, but I don't know. I don't have any conscious guilt about that anymore and don't have it on my mind when we attempt to have sex. I therefore doubt that this is the real reason for my recent fears, but cannot come up with any other possibility.
Any ideas?
My best friend got a boyfriend, and now she's ignoring me. What should I do?
My girlfriend wants to have sexual intercourse and I'm waiting till marriage. I'm sure she will be the one, but I believe sex should happen after marriage. What do I do?
Information on this site is provided for educational purposes. It is not meant to and cannot substitute for advice or care provided by an in-person medical professional. The information contained herein is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or for prescribing any medication. You should always consult your own healthcare provider if you have a health problem or medical condition.


text:
This is a discussion on Lost and Found within the Off Topic & Humor Discussion forums, part of the The Back Porch category; "Excuse me, ma'am, but did you lose a cat?"...
"Excuse me, ma'am, but did you lose a cat?"
"The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left." Eccl. 10:2
Though defensive violence will always be a sad necessity in the eyes of men of principle, it would be still more unfortunate if wrongdoers should dominate just men -St. Augustine


text:
Next ▶
How to Look Busy At Work (Even if You're Not)
Whether or not you are getting your work done, it's important to look busy. If you look like you've got a lot of downtime at work, people might think you are expendable; here are some great tips to looking really busy, even if you're not . . .


text:
Skip to Main Content
The parameter ξ (xi) is proposed as an alternative to the traditional solid-state laser media heating parameter, χ (chi). ξ is the ratio of heat produced to energy absorbed, and χ is the ratio of heat produced to the maximum stored energy in the upper laser level. The parameter ξ is particularly relevant to diode pumped systems. We demonstrate an experimental ξ characterization based on the determination of the steady state cooling rate (hence heating rate) of small sample crystals subjected to pump laser heating. Using measured fluorescent lifetimes of the samples and near zero doping (intrinsic) values, the doping independent (zero doping or zero quenching) parameters χφ and ξφ are determined. The results for all samples are in excellent agreement with calculations based solely on energy defect and nonradiative quenching of the upper level


text:
Video: RIP Roger Ebert
The balcony is now officially closed.
Roger Ebert, the most famous and most popular film reviewer of his time who became the first journalist to win a Pulitzer Prize for movie criticism and, on his long-running TV program, wielded the nation's most influential thumb, died Thursday, reports the Associated Press. He was 70.
Ebert had been a film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times since 1967. He had announced on his blog Wednesday that he was undergoing radiation treatment after a recurrence of cancer.
The television shows Ebert co-hosted with the late Gene Siskel, his rival Chicago Tribune but also his good friend, added the phrases "two thumbs up" and "two thumbs down" to the cultural lexicon.
As a film journalist, Siskel and Ebert also are important touchstones, even though I haven't always agreed with their reviews. As a child, them analyze and spar about movies on TV was my first exposure to film criticism, which is now my vocation.
Our thoughts are with Ebert's family, friends and fans. He will be missed.
To read Ebert's AP obituary, click here.
Just for fun, here is Siskel and Ebert's review of "Jurassic Park," which is getting its 10th anniversary 3D re-release this weekend:


text:
A shitty Russian airline with beat up old Tupolev's and such. Bought Boeings to make them seem safer. Basically, don't fly them.
Rob wanted to kill himself so he bought a ticket on Aeroflot.
af taco bender number one 6. oktober 2006
Skriv din email-adresse nedenunder for at få Dagens Urban Ord gratis hver morgen!
Emails sendes fra email@example.com. Vi lover ikke at spamme dig.×


text:
Forget update Wednesday, today is about Google's devices, the new store they plan to sell them through, and a new addition to the line-up. Announced moments ago, say "Hello" to the Google Store, your place to learn about and buy all of the devices made by Google. In the new Google Store, you will also find the new Chromebook Pixel, which introduces some new tech and a slightly lower price tag than the original. (more…)
Evernote and Vine Among First Android Apps Coming to Chromebooks
Google announced the first set of Android apps making their way to Chrome OS this morning, those being Vine, Duolingo, Evernote, and Sight Words.
At Google I/O, the company announced they would be working with select developers to bring Android apps to Chromebooks, allowing users to have a few of their favorite apps always with them. (more…)
NVIDIA Partners With Acer to Launch Tegra K1-powered Chromebook 13
Cheapness, not performance, continues to fuel the popularity of Chromebooks. Their inexpensiveness relative to Windows and Mac laptops makes them an attractive proposition for light tasks such as document processing and web browsing. But NVIDIA wants to change that perception. Announced this morning, the Acer Chromebook 13 packs a Tegra K1 processor, the same found in NVIDIA's SHIELD Tablet. (more…)
Google Offering Up 60 Days of All Access for Free to Chromebook Owners, Plus Others
Happy day, folks – Google is giving away 60 days of Google Play Music All Access to certain users, as well as all current owners of a Chromebook. If you have yet to sign up for All Access, the music service that allows users to access millions of on-demand tracks for $9.99 a month, you may see an invite hit your email inbox offering you 60 days of the service for free. (more…)
Acer C720 Touchscreen Chromebook Unveiled in White Moonstone Color, Hits the U.S. This Month for $299
Acer announced a new colorway for the C720 Chromebook this afternoon, a Moonstone White, which will be on display next week during CES. Besides the color, the specs for this touchscreen device are the same as the original model – 11.6″ LED HD backlit display, 2GB of RAM, 32GB SSD, an Intel Celeron 2955U processor based on the Intel Haswell micro-architecture, and a webcam built into the bezel. (more…)
Chromebooks Overtake MacBooks and Android Tablets in Sales to US Businesses
Chromebooks are the new MacBook. At least, that's the takeaway from the NDP's new data on technology purchases made by US businesses: of the 14.4 million computers sold to workplaces, 9.6 percent – around 1.3 million – were Chromebooks. That's meteoric growth for Google-branded alternative laptops that, in 2012, represented as little as 0.2 percent of sales. This year's share easily trounced Apple MacBook sales (1.8 percent), and even Android tablet orders (8.7). (more…)
You Can Now "Ok Google" Your Chromebook
Chromebook owners can enable this little hidden gem, allowing them to use the "Ok Google" command that Android users have been toying with for a while now. The command will allow users to open up their app launcher, and from there, open apps and complete limited tasks. (more…)
Acer Announces C720-2848 Chromebook, Pre-orders Start at $199
A new Chromebook is soon to hit Amazon, made by Acer and based on their already-impressive C720 offering. The newly-announced $199 C720-2848 is almost identical to the $250 C720, but Acer decided to cut this model's RAM offering in half from 4GB to just 2GB. Both models feature identical 11.6″ 1366 x 768 displays, as well as the same Intel Haswell Celeron processor. (more…)


text:
It's official - I'm no longer an Athena by the 150 lb. standard. I started last June at ~174 pounds and according to the scale at the gym, I now weigh 147 and dropping. I started out just riding my bike as a lot and lost the first 20 pounds fairly quickly with that approach. In mid-September of this year I started working with a personal trainer and eating in accordance with his recommendations. This really got the weight loss kick started again (8 lbs and 1.5% body fat in a month).
27 pounds lost over 16 months isn't a fantastic rate, but considering the somewhat half-@ssed approach I took, I'm pleased. Honestly, this is probably the only way I could have done it. Previous attempts to get in better shape involved changing EVERYTHING at once and resulted in me feeling overwhelmed and quitting the entire program.
Compared to Tom and bdinger and The Historian, this is a miniscule amount of weight loss, but I'm still proud of getting it done. This is my favorite forum on this board, so I don't plan on going anywhere.


text:
There are 44 results - Show results on a map Print this page
Showing 31 - 40 of 44
The Black Swan inn is in the picturesque village of Gweek, a stone's throw from the popular Cornish Seal Sanctuary. This delightful inn has been restored to its former glory, and the stylish en suite ...More about Black Swan
Warm, genuine service and hospitality awaits the weary traveller, and it won't take long before you're feeling refreshed and relaxed in the capable hands of Graham and Suzanne. Beautifully equipped ro...More about Old Railway Yard
Premier Inn Hayle is handy for the glorious sandy beaches of west Cornwall and makes a good stopping-over point if travelling to, or from, the Isles of Scilly; key business destinations such as Pool I...More about Premier Inn Hayle
The Westcott is a modern Guest House situated just minutes from Falmouth beach and within easy walking distance to the busy Falmouth harbour with its many interesting shops, art galleries, restaurants...More about The Westcott Guest House
Very well located on Melvill Road, and with off-road parking, Eden Lodge boasts comfortable rooms and a swimming pool. The friendly hosts serve dinner by arrangement and do all they can to ensure a co...More about Eden Lodge
Polurrian Bay Hotel boasts a stunning cliff-top position with spectacular views across St Mount's Bay. It is very much a family-friendly establishment with a range of facilities available. Small child...More about Polurrian Bay Hotel
Located by the marina, and with its own private quay dating from the 17th century, The Greenbank Hotel has a strong maritime theme throughout. Set at the water's edge, the lounge, restaurant and many ...More about The Greenbank Hotel
This spectacular beach-front Victorian property affords wonderful sea views from many of its comfortable bedrooms, some of which have their own balconies. Spacious public areas include a number of inv...More about Falmouth Hotel
This hotel is surrounded by attractive lawns and gardens, and enjoys superb coastal views. An informal atmosphere prevails, and many guests return year after year. Bedrooms, many with sea views, are o...More about Trelawne Hotel
Located in a quieter residential area yet only a few minutes' stroll from the beach and 15 minutes from the town centre, this traditionally styled property offers a range of differently sized, well-eq...More about The Rathgowry


text:
- Homepage >
- News Archives >
- Article
164th TAOG inducts 19 Soldiers into NCO corps
May 24, 2013
By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff Writer
Related Links
FORT RUCKER, Ala. (May 23, 2013) -- In a ceremony replete with tradition and symbolism, 19 warfighters made the transition from enlisted Soldier to noncommissioned officer May 19 at the Fort Rucker theater by passing under crossed sabers.
The 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group's NCO induction ceremony is believed to be the unit's first induction ceremony in nearly eight years.
Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge O. Soriano, 164th TAOG command sergeant major, said it was necessary to bring back the NCO induction ceremony because the ceremonies serve multiple benefits.
"At its core, it's about upholding traditions and passing along (these traditions) to the next generation of leaders," he said during the ceremony. "We should never miss an opportunity to take care of our Soldiers, and that includes recognizing the Soldiers who have truly achieved something special like earning the privilege to wear the stripes of a noncommissioned officer.
"(The NCO induction ceremony) also serves to remind all NCOs of the charge we took when we became sergeants," Soriano continued. "For those NCOs in the audience right now how have never had the opportunity to go through an NCO induction and formally accept the charge … please consider this your ceremony too -- I am among those."
Command Sgt. Maj. Richard A. Mitchell, Air Traffic Service Command's top-enlisted member, was invited to be the guest speaker during the ceremony and agreed on the importance of recognizing Soldier's accomplishments and what it means to be inducted into the corps.
"That promotion to sergeant means more than just a pay raise and shoulder boards," he said to the audience. "There should be a sense of pride and accomplishment when one is promoted to sergeant, but there must also be a realization that a tremendous amount of responsibility comes with that promotion."
Sgt. Miranda L. Jackson, who was inducted into the corps, said she is ready to take on the added responsibility and is looking forward to her future as a leader.
"I've had NCOs above me that have prepared me for today, and they made this easy for me," she said. "It has always been my decision to become and NCO and I'm ready for the extra responsibilities -- I'm here to make it all the way to the top."
Mitchell also offered advice to the newly inducted sergeants as he reminded them that they will no longer be graded by their actions alone, but the actions and merit of their Soldiers.
"You must be ready to put the welfare of your Soldiers and the accomplishments of the mission above your own personal needs," he said. "You are now noncommissioned officers, sergeants, leaders. We are depending on you to get it right to ensure your Soldiers are trained and ready." Mitchell added that Soldiers in their charge rely on leaders to protect them, train them for combat and make them better Soldiers.
"Many have come before you and many have paid the ultimate price to defend our nation and the reputation of this time-honored corps," he said. "Take care of your Soldiers, be committed to excellence, and never forget the pride and responsibility that comes with being a noncommissioned officer."
Inductees from the 597th Maintenance Detachment include: Sergeants Troy L. Altman, Angel R. Garcia and Robert Hubbard. Inductees from Headquarters, Headquarters Company include: Sergeants Shalisa L. Allen, Valene W. Carter, Miranda R. Gainer, Braxton J. Henry Jr., Brandon S. Whitmer and Angelique F. Young. Inductees from the 1-58th Airfield Operations Battalion include: Sergeants Martin L. Baldwin, Tony L. Barnes, Dennis A. Dickerson Jr., Eric D. Goldman, Miranda L. Jackson, Jerry L. Jordan, Francine M. Murray, Eric D. Ruffin Jr., Karim L. Toney and James K. Varner.


text:
Hi! My name is Mark. Just bought my first road and I'm awaiting its arrival on Thursday! Gravity Liberty 3. I've been riding an old Trek 820 MB for the last 9 years. I always love riding, and have recently been riding long distances (well long for a MB). And so I decided that it was time to get a road bike.
I wanted it to commute to work but also because I want to do a triathlon this summer. So excited and am looking forward to getting to know other bikers from around the world!


text:
Reviews for Return to Castle Wolfenstein
One of those days, almost scared me to deathsongoffall | Jan. 28, 2016 | See all songoffall's reviews »
Ah, the era of good old Quake 3-based shooters. There was quite a bunch of them, back in the day - Quake 3 Arena, Medal of Honor Allied Assault, Soldier of Fortune 2, etc. Thinking I was playing another typical WW2 shooter, I escaped prison, shot Nazis, investigated their activities, spied and then I got into the catacombs. I thought the Nazi soldiers were shooting me, so I dropped dynamite into the hole and got them wiped out. Then I went further, and something came from behind and cut me down. I saw what it was and quit the game for a month, to come in terms with the fact that I'd be playing a survival horror game. A month later I squeezed my jewels together and finished the game. It was a pretty impressive feat for a game back in 2001, being that immersive and scary. When I got it on Steam, I thought it would have aged badly. I was wrong and I'm looking forward for those cursed catacombs.
After many years still a great game.Furrek | July 24, 2015 | See all Furrek's reviews »
When I played Return to Castle Wolfenstein for the first time it was a perfect game - perfect graphics, perfect story, perfect gameplay. Did anything changed after so many years? Just a one thing - graphics won't impress anyone ;) Amazing atmosphere! It's one of legendary fps games, not so easy, but still not so hard, difficulty levels. They don't make games like this one anymore. Even if you never played Return to Castle Wolfenstein I'm sure you will enjoy it. This review is not some old gamer talking about how games were better before. This game is an example that games truly were amazing years ago and had something more besides fancy graphics. If I could choose a game which would be used to convince new and younger players that old doesn't mean bad - I would pick Return to Castle Wolfenstein without hesitation. If you call yourself a gamer you must play this game!
Always the most interesting oneMaNonF1rE | July 22, 2015 | See all MaNonF1rE's reviews »
RTCW was an interesting game when it came out, you had side characters that would chip in on the story and it had an alternate dark magic storyline as well. It was the first time Wolfenstein would have it's story fleshed out more than just merely killing nazis and robo-hitler. The story telling I feel was ahead of it's time and even on my playthrough over a decade later, it's still a lot of fun to play. The game has some buggy ai that tends to die in the air on ladders and get stuck on objects sometimes but when you first run into some of the demon monstrosities, you'll forget all about that. Definitely worth a buy if you've never played it. 69/100 for leather covered female assassins.
A Decent, Though Not Amazing Old FPSDrakeSays | July 6, 2015 | See all DrakeSays's reviews »
This game is simply okay. While it was probably fantastic at the time, it hasn't really aged super well to be honest. While it's more open than most FPS's of today, you have many ways to complete your objectives, and most levels are fairly large, this is brought down by bog standard gameplay, and a lifeless soundtrack. The graphics are alright i suppose. Not great, but you can't expect them to compare to today's. Even for the time though, they were a bit mediocre looking. They get the job done though, and at the very least, you should have no problem distinguishing enemies. The gameplay is okay. While it's extremely bog standard for the time, you have a decent set of weapons, all with their own advantages and disadvantages. Overall, Return to Castle Wolfenstein is just another entry into the acclaimed series. It's fun, but it definately shows its age.
HALT !markegiani | July 3, 2015 | See all markegiani's reviews »
One of the first FPS games I've ever played and definitely one of the best ! With great story as you woke up in your cell and got freed from cultist germans, this game will surprise with its good script even if its an FPS. Good old germans are great recipe for success in gaming. Definitely worth buying !
A True Relic of the early 21th CenturyTheForgery | May 12, 2015 | See all TheForgery's reviews »
It is an old game. The graphics have obviously not aged well but it will not matter when the music, environment, enemies, and unique weapons draw you in. Pros: This classic game has one of the finest singleplayer experiences. The plot is more engrossing than most movies. Diverse enemies are scattered around the campaign. Fight your average Nazi soldiers to Elite SS guards and then, grotesque experiments that lunge at victims and classic zombies that pop out of their tombs and crave for flesh. A good range of weapons, from historical/classic firearms like the Luger and the MP40. For stealth, wield a Sten and pop out the heads of those Nazi soldiers. Advanced firearms consist of a "Venom Minigun", that always results in a messy pulp of hamburger meat created by torn-up assailants, and an experimental electrical gun, named the Tesla Gun, which delvers thunderbolt discharges. It's never the same environment when exploring a new map. Pulse-pounding action in a Nazi stronghold or sheer suspense in a tomb of the dead. Cons: The negative aspects RtCW had was the lack of multiplayer due to its significant age and yes, I will mention again the graphics and textures are old. However, the singleplayer is sufficient and allows this game to still be enjoyed for at least one playthrough. Another major con is the linear stealth missions. At least two of them force the player to quietly sneak around enemies or otherwise, the mission(s) will fail. Quick Summary: Play as B.J. Blazkowicz, an epic hero in FPS gaming? Check. Fight against Nazis who impede your progress with MP40s to flamethrowers? Check. Battle the undead that tend to pop out of their tombs and crave for flesh? Check. Lots of weapons to shred enemies into a messy, bloody pulp? Check. Explore in diverse environments, from Castle Wolfenstein to Norway? Check. Awesome soundtrack? Check. This game may be over a decade old, but it's still gold. I couldn't find anything bad about this game as I enjoyed every moment of it, from the beginning to the end.
A blast from the pastjinsuyah | Jan. 10, 2015 | See all jinsuyah's reviews »
I played this game during the beginning of the 3rd millennium and it was surprisingly amazing...killing nazis. Now I have returned to Return to Castle Wolfenstein to see why it was surprisingly amazing to...kill nazis again. Thumbs up - Return to Castle Wolfenstein is a classic or I say.. average gem - (But it doesn't match up with it's predecessor) Highly Recommend: Wolfenstein 3D and Wolfenstein: The New Order
Underrated gameGrauhl | July 17, 2014 | See all Grauhl's reviews »
This game was amazing. I remember it was the first time i saw a flamethrower making fire that actually looked like fire. The game has some very nice difficulty levels which will keep even the more hardcore player busy on the hardest difficulty. I will highly recommend this game.
An average, functionally sound and thorough FPSmugaro | June 24, 2014 | See all mugaro's reviews »
Nothing about this game is great, every category is a 7/10 or 8/10 at best. I felt like a lot of the levels were copied straight from Goldeneye, but were still lame & dreary. There's nothing wrong with this game, its just mediocre or okay at everything. Pros: There's nothing broken with this game other than a few gameplay directions. The cinematics look pretty good for 2001, the voice acting gets the job done and it presents an interesting story about the Nazis and their quest for illusive magic. It's also got a great multiplayer component to it, a lot of games were built off of this very solid engine. Cons: The terminator fights are annoying, the paratrooper rifle makes the game too easy, the cinematics are boring & the story, the graphics look dated, the final boss is too easy. Most of all, instant failure stealth missions are not enjoyable. Most games dont do that now. If you like FPS games from the xbox/ps2 era, this is a solid entry.
A Good RebootAzrael360 | April 30, 2014 | See all Azrael360's reviews »
Return to Castle Wolfenstein is a reboot from 2001 of the entire series with elements of the both games from the 90's. It retells in more details the story of the failed mission of the Office of Secret Actions to infiltrate the Castle Wolfenstein, and how Blazkowicz, one of the captured agents, has to escape from the castle while still carrying his mission of investigating the activities of the SS Paranormal Division. While id Software has almost nothing to do with it, the game has become a classic in its genre. Even though by today's standards is quite old, still has that unique Wolfenstein personality. It doesn't look good, but the silly action and the nazi paranormal theme make this game worthy to add to any collection, especially for any Wolfenstein fan and those looking for something classic.
Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Not a game from id SoftwareAzrael360 | April 23, 2014 | See all Azrael360's reviews »
This game was good back in the early 2000's. Today, not so much. But still it's a long and worthy Wolfenstein game, even though id Software had almost nothing to do with it. Serving as a reboot in the Wolfenstein series, here is explained with more details the purpose of the Office of Secret Actions and the role of Blazkowicz, the main protagonist, who must escape from the castle after some events in the beginning of the game. It is still an entertaining game, although don't expect too much from it.
This game still holds it ownaugieg | April 19, 2014 | See all augieg's reviews »
Even though this game was made in 2001, and does show its age, it still holds up. I played it back in 2001 from a CD I have long since lost, and it still holds my attention. I was amazed by it back in 2001, and still am having about as much fun on the second play through. Now, I had tried running the game on a machine with an AMD card about 6 years ago, and couldn't get it to run. I'm now running an Windows 7 machine with an NVIDIA card, and it runs beautifully. No problems at at. I was concerned, but at the current price, it was worth a try, and it paid off. So, I think this game is a classic, and completely worth the current asking price. If you haven't played it, by all means, give it a try.
My favorite game to play for 10 yearsHighlander9782 | April 18, 2014 | See all Highlander9782's reviews »
I started playing the demo of this game back in 2001, then I got the game in 2002 and haven't stopped. The multiplayer of this game is fast paced and one of the best I've seen in a game. You get to choose different classes such as medics, lieutenants, soldiers and they all have different advantages, soldiers have more weapons to choose from like the Panzer and sniper rifles, medics can revive fallen team mates and give medic packs to heal them, lieutenants can give ammo and do support fire with massive explosions. The graphics of the game aren't bad even for todays standards. The multiplayer is the reason I go back to this game, even today, but beware that there are only a handful of servers with people that still play this game.
About the best this series has to offer to dateGmen | Nov. 29, 2013 | See all Gmen's reviews »
Although the game has "return" in the title, its proper intent was to be a remake of the first game by id Software, Wolfenstein 3D. It uses a modified version of the Quake III: Team Arena engine, and it is quite obvious to those with a keen eye. As far as its looks, it's not too bad – the effects such as explosions are particularly good. Being an old game you won't be wowed by its rather evident lack of physics. This was released back in the day when the concept of ragdolling hadn't even entered its infancy. This was in a time when unvaried death animations were still common. Many of the sounds in the game were recycled from another game, Kingpin – a previous title by Gray Matter, then known as Xatrix. And it definitely has the same feel as said game in several ways. The music consists of a track or two that will instantly bring memories of the original flooding back. The story is decent enough, and it is interesting to see enemies besides the Nazis come back. The Wolfenstein series, or at least Wolf 3D and Spear of Destiny, has always been centred around the bizarre and the supernatural, so RTCW definitely has a more fictional twist to it than its contemporaries such as Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. That might put some looking for a more true to life experience off. Then again on the other hand it might give those who have long since tired of the same factually correct WW II shooter some hope. But that doesn't necessarily save this game from being a bit of a slog – a standard run and gun action title when all is said and done. Yes, it's definitely superior to its predecessors in the way that you have more varied mission types, and it isn't all corridor shooting monotony, but even so somehow the game fails to be as tense or as fresh as the originals were back in their day and does become a tad boring after a while. It certainly isn't a game that I go back to very often, so after one or two playthroughs, the only option left would be the multiplayer, which was always the most popular feature of the game in any case. This certainly is one of the better WW II shooters on the market, but it isn't the best in my mind – not by a longshot.
One of the best first person shooters I've ever playedRaggzie | Oct. 31, 2013 | See all Raggzie's reviews »
I was given this game Christmas of 2001, the year of its release. I used to play the demo on a map called Beach. The battlefield was filled with people in the multipayer game mode. I had never experienced anything like it. Snipers, rocket launchers... medics that could revive fallen team mates, lieutenants that could drop ammo, and Engineers capable of blowing up doors and entire walls! I played Return to Castle Wolfenstein with a group of friends and for some reason it never seemed to get old. Its a classic Axis vs Allies shooter that the community took over and developed hundreds of maps for. Whether you are playing objective, or death match, or even a trickjump game mode, you can be assured the game will always surprise you. The single player is also amazing. It is very immersible with a great story like and plot. Assume the role of an Allied soldier captured by the Axis powers and locked away beneath Castle Wolfenstein. Escape and defeat the evil horrors the Nazis are experimenting with. There is still a strong player base in Multiplayer, and the Singleplayer alone makes this iconic game worth getting.
B.J. Blaskowicz is back more 3D than ever !JohnySVK | Aug. 2, 2013 | See all JohnySVK's reviews »
I don'like the monster-everywhere games but Wolfenstein is a legend so i played it and the game is, well it is pretty ussual fps with a lot of monsters no stealth lot of guns and a bit of fear. Build on CoD engine by some of the people who actually did CoD. Starts with B.J. in a locked cell taking down the guard and letting you kill all the Nazi's and there is a lot of them, trust me. You will see the results of Nazi's experiments through the war and a creature that was buried for really long time and your only mission is to return to castle Wolfenstein, kill the monster and as always save the world in the skin of agent B.J. Blaskowicz. P.S.:Gameplay is pretty average but till funny. :D