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Robot combat
Robot combat is a hobby in which two or more custom-built machines use varied methods of destroying or disabling the other. As of today, in most cases these machines are remote-controlled vehicles rather than autonomous robots, although there are exceptions, particularly in the field of robot-sumo.
Robot combat enjoyed a period of mainstream exposure in the late 1990s and early 2000s when several television shows broadcast the robot fights. Either the public or the TV network administrators lost interest, and the shows dropped from the airwaves. The most well-known of these shows were Battlebots, Robot Wars, and Robotica. Although the mainstream was lost after the cancellation of those shows, robot combat has a large dedicated cult following and there are still dozens of smaller competitions around the UK, USA and in other countries every year. Combat robots have received mention in the press and entertainment shows from time to time as well. Battlebots itself would return to ABC in the United States in 2015 as a summer series, with Robot Wars returning alongside a second series of Battlebots in 2016.
Robot builders may be of any age and come from any walk of life. The robots themselves can range from modified remote controlled toys weighing less than a pound to three-hundred plus pounds of exotic metallurgy and sophisticated electronics. Although building a combat robot can cost thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours, some schools use the construction of combat robots in their courses to teach mechanical design and technology. For schools that shy away from the violence of combat robots, there are robotic competition alternatives such as the cooperative competitions FIRST and BEST Robotics. Robot competitions such as RoboGames, offer a mix of combat and non-combat events.
In 2015, the United States-based robotics company MegaBots with their giant robot Mark II challenged a Japanese-based robotics company Suidobashi Heavy Industry with their giant robot Kuratas to a one-to-one combat, a challenge that Suidobashi accepted.[1][2][3] The duel was expected to take place in June 2016.[4]
Among the oldest robotic combat competitions extant in the United States are the "Critter Crunch" (founded about 1987) in Denver and "Robot Battles" (founded in 1991) based in the southeastern U.S.[5] Both events are run by members of the "Denver Mad Scientists Society".
1987 - The "Denver Mad Scientists Society" organized the first Critter Crunch competition [6] at Denver's MileHiCon science-fiction convention.
1991 - Kelly Lockhart organized the first "Robot Battles" competition [7] at Atlanta's DragonCon science-fiction convention.
1994 - Marc Thorpe organized the first Robot Wars competition in San Francisco.[8] Four annual competitions were held.
1997 - Rights to the Robot Wars name is transferred to British TV production company who produce the Robot Wars television series. Early seasons feature competitive games and obstacle courses as well as simple combat. The series aired 151 episodes across 12 series from 1997 to 2003. Special series were produced for the United States and the Netherlands.
1999 - Former Robot Wars competitors in the U.S. organize a new competition named BattleBots. The first tournament was shown as a webcast, with the second tournament shown as a cable 'Pay-per-view' event.
2000 - BattleBots is picked up as a weekly television program on Comedy Central. It would span five seasons ending in 2002.
2001 - Robotica appears on The Learning Channel as a weekly series. The format features tests of power, speed and maneuverability as well as combat. The show ran in three series, ending in 2002.
2002 - Foundation of the Robot Fighting League, a regulatory body composed of the organizers of robot combat events in the United States, Canada, and Brazil. The body produces a unified set of regulations and promotes the sport.
2004 - Robot Combat is included as an event at the ROBOlympics in San Francisco, California, with competitors from multiple countries.[9][10]
2008 - ROBOlympics changes its name to RoboGames and, while most events are not combat related, Robot Combat is significantly featured.
2015 - BattleBots returns to television as a summer series on the ABC television network; it would be renewed for a second season which aired in the summer of 2016. [11]
2016- Robot Wars returns to British television on BBC2.
Weight classes[edit]
Robots come in all shapes and sizes, but there are certain defining lines that robots rarely stray across, thanks to official rules and practicality. The standard by which all combat robots are measured is weight; the everyday dilemma of the robot builder is to cram as much power into as little weight as possible. Robots can be as small as the 25 gram 'Nanoweight' class, and as large as the 340-pound 'Super Heavyweight' class. The common weightclasses[12] are as follows:
- 25g- Nanoweight
- 75g- Fleaweight
- 150g- Antweight (US - Fairyweight)
- 1 pound (454 g) - Poundweight (US - Antweight)
- 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs) Kilobot (Canada)
- 3 pound (1.36 kg) - Beetleweight
- 6 pound (2.72 kg) - Mantisweight
- 12 pound (5.44 kg) - Hobbyweight
- 15 pound (6.80 kg) - BotsIQ Mini class
- 30 pound (13.6 kg) - Featherweight/Sportsman class
- 60 pound (27 kg) - Lightweight
- 120 pound (54 kg) - Middleweight / BotsIQ Large class
- 220 pound (100 kg) - Heavyweight
- 340 pound (154 kg) Super Heavyweight
There are some international variations in weight class - for example, UK robot builders define the UK Antweight class limit as 150g. Whereas in the US an Antweight class was later defined to be 1 pound. The 2016 reboot of Robot Wars has a heavyweight limit of 110kg (242lbs), while the 2015 Battlebots reboot has a heavyweight limit of 250lbs (113.2kg).
Weight is a precious asset for robot builders. For the sake of diversity of design, the rules often give an extra weight allotment for robots that can walk rather than roll on wheels. Such robots are more difficult to construct and their drive mechanisms are heavier. Some builders opt to build walking robots, taking advantage of the extra weight to add more powerful weaponry at the expense of greater complexity and fragility.
Given the violent nature of robot fighting, safety is always the most important issue at robot events. Robot fights take place in a sturdy arena, usually constructed of steel, wood, and bulletproof clear Lexan plastic. The size of the arena varies according to the weight class of the robots that are fighting in it. Some large competitions that entertain many different weight classes have more than one arena, because 1lb antweights do not need 50 foot (15 m) wide arenas in which to fight, but 220lb heavyweights do. Having multiple arenas allows the event to progress more quickly.
Competition rules set limits on construction features that are too dangerous or which could lead to uninteresting contests. Strict limits are placed on materials and pressures used in pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, and fail-safe systems are required for electronic control circuits. Generally off-limits for use as weapons are nets, liquids, radio jamming, high-voltage electric discharge, untethered projectiles, and usually fire.
The Robot Fighting League (RFL) was created in 2002 when several builders decided that robot combat needed standardization of rules and judging criteria. The majority of robot combat events in the U.S. as well as events in Brazil, Australia, and Canada have become RFL members and have adopted their ruleset, but some event organizers oppose the direction in which the RFL is taking the sport and remain independent. The topic of event standardization has lent itself to a healthy amount of controversy since the RFL's inception. The UK-based Fighting Robot Association (FRA) performs a similar standardization function for European robot combat.
Combat robot weaponry and design[edit]
An effective combat robot must have some method of damaging or controlling the actions of its opponent while at the same time protecting itself from aggression. The tactics employed by combat robot operators and the robot designs which support those tactics are numerous. Although some robots have multiple weapons, the more successful competitors concentrate on a single form of attack. This is a list of most of the basic types of weapons. Most robot weaponry falls into one of the following categories:
- Rammer - Robots employing high-power drive trains and heavy armor are able to use their speed and maneuverability to crash into their opponent repeatedly with hope of damaging weapons and vital components. Their pushing power may also be used to shove their opponent into arena hazards. Rammers (AKA 'Bricks') typically have four or six wheels for traction and stability and are often designed to be fully operational when inverted. Robot Wars Series 6 champion Tornado and Series 7 Runner-up Storm II were effective rammers.
- Wedge - Similar in concept to a rammer, the wedge uses a low-clearance inclined wedge or scoop to move in under an opponent and break its contact with the arena floor – decreasing its mobility and rendering it easy to push off into a wall or hazard. The wedge is also useful in deflecting attacks by other robots. Wedges are also used to lift an opponent up to make the attack of another weapon more effective. A small wedge may be attached to the rear of a robot with other weaponry for use as a 'backup' in case the main weapon fails. The 1995 US Robot Wars middleweight champion La Machine was an early and effective wedge design as was Robot Wars Series 1 champion, Roadblock (1997).
- Saw Blades - A popular weapon in the early years of robotic combat, these robots use a dedicated motor to power either a modified chainsaw or circular saw, or a custom-built cutting disc, usually at high speeds (up to 10,000 RPM). The serrated blade is used to slice through an opponent's armour to try and reach its internal components. These weapons can create spectacular showers of sparks, and are easy to combine with other designs, but can be ineffective against robots with tougher armour. The aforementioned Robot Wars champion Roadblock had a rear-mounted circular saw in addition to its wedge, while Series 4 runner-up Pussycat had a custom cutting disc with four serrated blades.
- Spinner - Spinners are generally larger and heavier than saw blades, and spin at a lower RPM. Rather than cutting through the opponent, spinners use a heavy bar, studded disc, or toothed cylinder (drum/eggbeater) to strike the opponent with the kinetic energy stored in the rotating mass. The mass may spin on either a horizontal or vertical axis, although vertical spinners may have maneuverability problems due to the gyroscopic action of the weapon. The destructive potential of a well-designed spinning weapon requires robust arena containment to prevent shrapnel being thrown into the audience. Three-time BattleBots middleweight champion Hazard was a horizontal bar spinner, while Robot Wars Series 3 runner-up Hypno-Disc was a flywheel spinner.
- Full Body Spinner - Taking the concept of the spinner to the extreme, a full body spinner (AKA shell spinner or tuna can spinner) rotates the entire outer shell of the robot as a stored energy weapon. Other robot components (batteries, weapon motor casing) may be attached to the shell to increase the spinning mass while keeping the mass of the drive train to a minimum. Full body spinners require time to spin the weapon up to speed, typically cannot self-right, and can be unstable (BattleBots competitor Mauler being an infamous example). The 1995 US Robot Wars heavyweight co-champion Blendo was the first effective full body spinner. A variant, the ring spinner, features a spinning ring surrounding the robot; these designs have the advantage of being invertible. BattleBots 2015 competitor The Ringmaster is an example of a ring spinner.
- Thwackbot - A narrow, high-speed, two-wheel drive train attached to a long boom with an impact weapon on the end creates a robot that can spin in place at a high speed, swinging the weapon in a horizontal circle. The simplicity and durability of the design is appealing, but the robot cannot be made to move in a controlled manner while spinning without employing sophisticated electronics. The 1995 US Robot Wars lightweight champion Test Toaster 1 was a thwackbot, as were T-Wrex and Golddigger from the BattleBots series.
- Torque Reaction - A variant on the thwackbot is the torque reaction hammer, also known as axlebots. These robots have two very large wheels with the small body of the robot hanging in between them. A long weapon boom has a vertically oriented hammer, pick, or axe on the end. On acceleration, the weapon boom swings upward and over to the rear of the robot to offset the motor torque. When the robot reverses direction, the weapon will swing forcibly back over the top and hopefully impact the opponent. These robots are simple and can put on a flashy, aggressive show, but their attack power is relatively small and, like thwackbots, they can be hard to control. BattleBots 2.0 middleweight champion Spaz was a torque reaction pickaxe robot, whilst Robot Wars Grand Finalist Stinger opted for a disc, later replaced with a bludgeoning mace.
- Lifter - Using tactics similar to a wedge, the lifter uses a powered arm, prow, or platform to get underneath the opponent and lift it away from the arena surface to remove its maneuverability. The lifter may then push the other robot toward arena hazards or attempt to toss the opponent onto its back. The lifter is typically powered by either an electric or pneumatic actuator. Two-time US Robot Wars and four-time BattleBots heavyweight champion Biohazard was an electric lifter.
- Flipper - Although mechanically resembling a lifter, the flipper uses much higher levels of pneumatic power to fire the lifting arm or panel explosively upward. An effective flipper can throw opponents end-over-end through the air causing damage from the landing impact or, in Robot Wars, toss it completely out of the arena. Flippers use a large volume of compressed gas and often have a limited number of effective attacks before their supply runs low. The two-time Robot Wars champion Chaos 2 and BattleBots superheavyweight champion Toro were flippers. While most flippers operate with the pneumatic arm hinged at the machine's rear, Robot Wars' Firestorm achieved remarkable success with a front-hinged flipper, placing third in Robot Wars on three separate occasions (Series 3, 5, and 6) and never failing to advance to the series' semifinal rounds.
- Stabber - Mechanically similar to the flipper is the stabber, which throws or stabs opponents forward instead of upward. An effective stabber can penetrate into the opponent, damage vital inner parts. When they fail to penetrate, they throw their opponent back across the arena into walls or hazards. Stabbers typically use a large volume of compressed gas, which limits the number of times they can fire their weapon in a fight. BattleBots super heavyweight Rammstein was a stabber.
- Clamper - Another lifter variant, the clamper adds an arm or claw that descends from above to secure the opposing robot in place on a lifting platform. The entire assembly then lifts and carries the opponent wherever the operator pleases. Two-time BattleBots super heavyweight champion Diesector was an electric clamper.
- Dustpan - An uncommon variant on the clamper, the dustpan simplifies the design by replacing the lifting platform with a wide box open at the front and top. An opponent maneuvered into the box may then be restrained with an arm or claw from above. Some designs use only the box with no restraining claw. BattleBots middleweight runner-up S.O.B. used a dustpan in conjunction with a sawblade mounted on an arm.
- Crusher - Like flywheels, crushers can be separated into horizontal and vertical variants. Vertical crushers use a hydraulic cylinder attached to a sharp piercing arm to pin and slowly penetrate the top armor of the opponent. Robot Wars Series 5 Champion and two-time world champion Razer was the first vertical crusher, and by far the most successful. Horizontal crushers feature two of these arms, which act like pincers to crush robots between them. Two-time Robot Wars Annihilator champion Kan-Opener is a notably successful horizontal crusher. Enormous strength and careful engineering are required to build an effective crusher; examples are rare, and successful examples are rarer still.
- Overhead Axe - Swinging a high-speed axe, spike, or hammer forcefully down onto your opponent offers another method of attacking the vulnerable top surface. The weapon is typically driven by a pneumatic actuator via a rack and pinion or direct mechanical linkage. The attack may damage the opposing robot directly, or may lodge in their robot and provide a handle for dragging them toward a hazard. BattleBots heavyweight runner-up and Robot Wars competitor Killerhurtz was armed with an overhead axe. Some axes are double-sided, and can strike opponents both in front of and behind the robot; Killerhurtz' successor Terrorhurtz, and Robot Wars Series 2 Grand Finalist Killertron, were examples of this.
- SRiMech - Many robots are incapable of running inverted, due to their shape, weaponry, or both. A SRiMech (self-righting mechanism) is an active design element that returns an inverted robot to mobility in the upright state. The SRiMech is typically an electric or pneumatic arm or extension on the upper surface of the robot which pushes against the arena floor to roll or flip the robot upright. Most flippers, some lifters, and even some carefully-designed axes can double as SRiMechs. Even a vertical spinning weapon may be used as a crude self-righting device. Team Nightmare's lightweight vertical spinner Backlash was designed such that when flipped it would hit the ground with the spinning disc and kick back upright.[13] The first successful unaided use of a SRiMech in competition was at the 1997 U.S. Robot Wars when the immobilized Vlad the Impaler used a dedicated pneumatic device to pop back upright in a match against Biohazard.
Many modern rulesets, such as the rebooted versions of BattleBots and Robot Wars, require robots to have a moving weapon in order to improve the visual spectacle, thus eliminating certain designs such as wedges and thwackbots. It is increasingly common for robots to have interchangeable weaponry or other modular components, allowing them to adapt to a wider range of opponents and increasing their versatility: successful examples include Robot Wars Series 6 champion Tornado and BattleBots 2016 runner-up Bombshell.
Prohibited weaponry[edit]
Since the first robot combat competitions, some types of weapons have been prohibited either because they violated the spirit of the competition or they could not be safely used. Prohibited weapons have generally included:
- Radio jamming
- High voltage electric discharge
- Liquids (glue, oil, water, corrosives…)
- Open combustion (fire, explosives…)
- Un-tethered projectiles
- Entanglement devices
- Lasers above 1 milliwatt
- Visual obstruction
- Halon - a specific fire extinguishing gas effective as a weapon in stopping internal combustion engines. Note that current rules do not specifically ban Halon as it is no longer commercially available.
Individual competitions have made exceptions to the above list. Notably, the Robotica competitions allowed flame weapons and the release of limited quantities of liquids on a case-by-case basis.[14] The modern series of BattleBots also permits the use of flamethrowers and, as of 2016, untethered projectiles, provided that the latter are merely for show.
Arena hazards have also been granted exceptions to the list of prohibited weapons. Robot Wars in particular used flame devices both in the stationary hazards and on some of the roaming "House Robots", for example Sgt Bash has a flame thrower.
Unusual weaponry[edit]
A very wide variety of unusual weapons and special design approaches have been tried with varying success and several types of weapons would have been tried had they not been prohibited.
- Entanglement weapons - Several early US Robot Wars competitors sought to immobilize their opponents with entangling weapons. Nets and streamers of adhesive tape were both tried with mixed success. Entangling weapons were prohibited in Robot Wars and BattleBots from 1997 onward,[15] but the Robotica competitions allowed nets, magnets, and other entangling devices on a case-by-case basis.[14] In the sixth season of BattleBots in 2015, the American broadcast network ABC failed to explicitly exclude entanglement devices, which resulted in a series of controversial decisions.
- Flame weapons - Although prohibited for use by competitors in Robot Wars and the first edition of BattleBots, the rules for Robotica, the Robot Fighting League and the post-2015 version of BattleBots do allow flame weapons under some circumstances. RFL super heavyweight competitor Alcoholic Stepfather and Robotica competitor Solar Flare employed gaseous flamethrower weapons. Flamethrowers are not effective weapons, but are audience favorites.
- Smothering weapons – The BattleBots and Robot Wars lightweight competitor Tentoumushi used a large plastic sandbox cover shaped like a ladybug ("tentoumushi" being Japanese for ladybug) on a powered arm to drop down over opposing robots, covering and encircling them. Once covered, it was difficult to tell what the opponent was doing and who was dragging whom around the arena. One version of the robot had a circular saw concealed under the cover to inflict physical damage, another had a small grappling hook.
- Tethered projectiles – Although tethered projectiles are specifically allowed and discussed in major rules sets, their use is quite rare. Neptune fought at BattleBots 3.0 with pneumatic spears on tethers, but was unable to damage its opponent. During a friendly weapons test, Team Juggerbot allowed the builders of Neptune to take a couple shots against their bot. One of two shots penetrated an aluminum panel below the main armor, while the other bounced off the top armor.[16]
- Multibots (clusterbots) – A single robot that breaks apart into multiple, independently controlled robots has appealed to a few competitors. The Robot Wars heavyweight Gemini and the BattleBots middleweight Pack Raptors were two-part multibots that had some success. The rules concerning clusterbots have varied over the years, either stating that 50% of the clusterbot has to be immobilised to eliminate the robot from the tournament (in the Dutch version of Robot Wars, there was a 3-part multibot named √3, and although one of its parts was tossed out of the arena by Matilda, the robot as a whole was still deemed mobile, and the other 2 parts of √3 did enough to win the match), or that all of a multibot's segments have to be incapacitated before a knock-out victory can be declared. Current Robot Fighting League match rules[17] require the latter to be achieved.
- Halon gas – Rhino Halon fought at the 1997 U.S. Robot Wars event with a halon gas fire extinguisher, which was very effective at stopping internal combustion engines. Gas weapons of this nature were promptly prohibited from future competitions.[18]
Unusual propulsion[edit]
The great majority of combat robots roll on wheels, which are very effective on the smooth surfaces used for typical robot combat competition. Other propulsion strategies do pop-up with some frequency.
- Tank treads – Numerous combat robots have used treads or belts in place of wheels in an attempt to gain additional traction. Treads are generally heavier and more vulnerable to damage than a wheeled system and offer no particular traction advantage on the types of surfaces common in robot combat. Most uses of treads are for their striking appearance. The Robot Wars competitors 101 and Mortis along with the BattleBots super heavyweight Ronin used treads. Biteforce, the winner of the 2015 Battlebots Competitions, used magnets embedded in its treads in an attempt to gain extra downforce without extra weight.
- Walking – The spectacle of a multi-legged robot walking across the arena into combat is a big audience favorite. Robot combat rules typically have given walking robots an additional weight allowance to offset their slower speed, the complexity of the mechanism, and to encourage their construction. What the event organizers had in mind was something like the spider-legged robot Mechadon, but what most often was produced were simple rule-shaving propulsion systems that attempted to save as much of the extra weight allowance as possible for additional weaponry. Attempts at more restrictive definitions of "Walking" have effectively eliminated walking robots from competition. BattleBots heavyweight champion Son of Whyachi used a controversial cam-driven "Shufflebot" propulsion system, which was promptly declared ineligible for additional weight allowance at subsequent competitions.[19]
- Gyroscopic precession – Used in the Antweight robot Gyrobot, as well as the Battlebots competitor Wrecks, this system uses a gyroscope and stationary feet that lift as the entire robot rotates due to gyroscopic precession when the gyroscope is tilted by a servo motor. This design can use the gyroscope as a spinning weapon (horizontal or vertical) which allows for efficient double-usage of the gyroscope mass. Although Gyrobot and Wrecks appear to be walking as it translates across the arena, they're not classified as walking robots under current rules. This unusual drive train produces strange and often unpredictable movements, though has shown to be successful in combat.
- Suction fan – Several competitors experimented with the use of fans to evacuate air from a low-clearance shell to suck the robot down onto the arena surface and add traction. Robotica competitor Armorgeddon used a suction fan to increase traction and pushing power, and Robot Wars UK robot TerrorHurtz used a suction fan to counter the forces from its hammer/axe weapon. Similar designs have appeared in robot-sumo competitions where traction is a key factor.[20]
- Magnet wheels – Another approach to gaining traction and stability involves the use of ring-shaped rare-earth magnets as wheels. This is, naturally, only effective in arenas which have magnetic metal surfaces. Due to the expense of large ring magnets, this trick has been used almost exclusively in three-pound and under "insect class" robots, although a lightweight battlebot General Gau tried implementing them. Heavyweight Robotica competitor Hot Wheels attempted to use a large chassis-mounted magnet to gain traction and apparent weight, and Beta Hurtz unsuccessfully attempted to use an electromagnet to counter the reaction forces of its massive hammer weapon at the BattleBots competition. The result ended in the robot being completely stuck to the floor.
- Mecanum wheels – The previously mentioned RFL super-heavyweight competitor Alcoholic Stepfather uses Mecanum wheels and specialized motor control systems that allow it controlled motion in any direction without turning. This is eerie to watch, and disruptive of attack and defense maneuvers by opponents. Root Canal implemented a similar design at BattleBots using Omni wheels angled at 45 degrees.
- Translational drift - Also known as Melty Brain or Tornado Drive, this sophisticated system supplements the thwackbot drivetrain with electronic rotation sensors and rapid speed controller switching that allows a rotating thwackbot to move in a controlled manner while spinning. Several robots have implemented this complex design, but none with particular success. Herr Gepoünden, a lightweight robot, has shown successful use of the Tornado Drive and has used it successfully in smaller competitions. The drive is implemented with an LED light system that tells the driver its current position, indicating where the robot should be driven to.
- Flying – The 1995 US Robot Wars event had a flying competitor: S.P.S. #2 was a lighter-than-air craft buoyed by three weather balloons and propelled by small electric fans. It attempted to drop a net on the opponent. Nearly invulnerable to attack, it won the first match against Orb of Doom (see reference below), but ventured too close to the arena floor in the second match and was dragged down and "popped".
- Rolling sphere – The afore-mentioned Orb of Doom was a featherweight competitor at the 1995 US Robot Wars. It consisted of a lightweight, rigid shell made of carbon fiber-kevlar cloth and polyester resin, applied over a foam core pattern. Inside was an offset-weight mechanism made from a battery-powered electric drill. A similar looking robot named Psychosprout appeared in the UK Robot Wars.
- Rolling tube -Snake competed at Battlebots and the US Robot Wars using a series of actuators to bend its triangular cross-section tubular body to roll, writhe, and slither across the arena.
- Shuffling - refers to the movement of robots that are propelled by a cam-driven system. See Walking
The Combat Robot Hall Of Fame[edit]
Robot builders voted in 2003 to name the top combat robots of all time. Twenty-five combat robots from both sides of the Atlantic were elected by their peers to membership in the Combat Robot Hall of Fame, with thirteen robots gaining honorable mention. They achieved their status based on:
- Dominating success in combat
- Pioneering or perfecting influential designs
- Having great fan or entertainment appeal
- Making a lasting impact on the sport.
The hall re-opened for membership in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015. Over these years an additional fourteen robots were elected to full membership and twenty-one robots were named in the honorable mention roll.
Membership in the Hall is by ballot of the global combat robot community. Notification and balloting instructions appear in combat robot forums in the US, UK, Australia, and India in August of odd-numbered years. A robot appearing on at least 50% of authenticated ballots gains full membership in the Hall, and a robot appearing on fewer than 50% but at least 25% of the ballots appears on the Honorable Mention roll and remain eligible for promotion to full membership in future balloting.
The robots in the Hall were named on at least 50% of the ballots in the year of their induction. They are listed in alphabetical order:
- Biohazard
- Blendo
- Cassius
- Chaos 2
- Complete Control
- Diesector
- Dr. Inferno Jr.
- Envy
- Explosion
- Hazard
- Hypno-Disc
- Iron-Awe 5
- Killerhurtz
- La Machine
- Last Rites
- Mauler
- Mechadon
- Megabyte
- Minion
- Nightmare
- Original Sin
- Overkill
- Panic Attack
- Panzer/Wrath
- Professor Chaos
- Razer
- Rust In Peace
- Sewer Snake
- Son of Whyachi
- Tazbot
- Terrorhurtz
- The Judge
- The Master
- Tornado
- Toro
- Vertical Disc of Destruction
- Voltronic/Voltarc
- Ziggo
Honourable Mentions:
- 3pd
- Anticide
- Backlash
- Beauty 2
- Bigger Brother/Little Sister
- Big Nipper
- Blade Runner
- CycloneBot
- Dark Pounder
- Eruption
- Firestorm
- frenZy
- Gravity
- Gyrobot
- JuggerBot/Tricerabot
- Kronic
- Max Wedge
- Mortis
- Road block
- Solaris
- Son of Smashy
- Spiny Norman
- Storm 2
- T-Minus
- Tetanus/Triggo
- Tombstone
- Totally Offensive
- Touro Maximus
- Upheaval
- Vladiator
- Warhead
- Warrior SKF
- Weta, God of Ugly Things
- Ziggy
See also[edit]
- Robot Fighting League (United States & Canada)
- Robot Wars
- BattleBots
- Robotica
- RoboGames
- I, (Annoyed Grunt)-Bot - episode of The Simpsons featuring robot combat.
- Model Warship Combat - robotic model warship engage in model combat using pneumatic cannons
- Robot Arena 2 - Notable robot combat video game
- Combots - Largest organizer of robot combat events.
- ^ Euan McKirdy (July 7, 2015). "USA vs. Japan Part II: Giant robots set to duel". CNN.
- ^ Damon Beres (2015-07-06). "Japan And The U.S. Are Going To Have An Actual Giant Robot Battle". Huffington Post.
- ^ Amanda Schupak (July 6, 2015). "It's on: Japan accepts America's giant robot battle challenge". CBS News.
- ^ Martyn Casserly (20 Aug 15). "America vs Japan in giant robot duel: MegaBots Mark II vs Kuratas - what's all the fuss about? America needs YOUR help". PC Advisor. Check date values in:
- ^ History of Robot Battles
- ^ History of Robot Battles
- ^ History of Robot Battles
- ^ Robot Wars
- ^ "Hundreds gather for RobOlympics". USA Today. Archived from the original on 2004-03-22. Retrieved 2011-09-30.
- ^ Silber, Kenneth. "From Robot Olympiads to the World Year of Physics". Tech central station. Archived from the original on 2004-12-30. Retrieved 2011-09-30.
- ^ http://abc.go.com/shows/battlebots/episode-guide BattleBots promises to wow viewers with next generation robots]
- ^ RFL Robot Combat Ruleset
- ^ RobotCombat.com Robot Combat History - San Francisco 2001
- ^ a b 2001 Robotica ruleset
- ^ 1997 Robot Wars ruleset
- ^ Team Juggerbot News Updates
- ^ "RFL Match Rules" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-11-21.
- ^ 1999 BattleBots ruleset
- ^ Season 4 BattleBots ruleset
- ^ RobotSumo.com
External links[edit]
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Robot combat.
- Full results of major robotic competitions, including Robot Wars, Battlebots, and Robotica
North America
- Robot Combat League (TV Show)
- Robot Fighting League - north and South American rules and oversight organization.
- Robot Battles
South America
- Fighting Robot Association - FRA
- http://www.dutchrobotgames.nl - Dutchrobotgames Dutch Roboteers Association
- http://www.roboteers.org - German Roboteers Association
- Robowars Australia - National forum and Victorian organisation.


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Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Old Fort Fire Department answered 75 calls during the storm logged from Tuesday at 7 a.m., until Wednesday at 7 a.m. from fires, including two working structure fire calls, 16 medical (EMS) First Responder, 13 citizens assist, (one tree into the roof), 43 trees on power lines, power poles on fire, and two gas leaks.
OFFD Chief Ed Genthert: We actually had a couple more that were not dispatched, a few residents relied on the old way, calling the fire department directly versus 911. We activated our dispatch center to get some load off of the Dorchester County 911 Center. They would dispatch the initial call then we took over and sent the appropriate units, then followed up with them.
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U.S. Rep. Larry Combest's resignation from Congress took many in the agricultural industry by surprise Tuesday, and most agree that his House leadership on farm issues will be sorely missed.
"He's an outstanding person and an outstanding leader and representative for our area," said Shawn Wade, communications director of Plains Cotton Growers. "He is going to be sorely missed in Washington ... He's done probably as much as anyone can possibly be asked to on behalf of West Texas agriculture, and for this entire region."
Tim Lust of Lubbock, executive director/CEO of National Grain Sorghum Producers, said Combest fought hard for food security, and his leadership will be missed.
"He has been instrumental in helping sorghum producer profitability," Lust said. "We will miss him greatly. He has served the district, as well as the country, extremely well."
Wade emphasized the role of Combest, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, in passage of the new farm bill.
"He shepherded us through one of the most important pieces of ag legislation in many, many years, and one that should hopefully provide a long-term safety net for all of agriculture that we can bank on for years to come," he said. "His efforts will carry on."
Mark Williams, a producer from Farwell and president of Plains CottonGrowers, said although he is disappointed to hear of Combest's resignation, he understood it.
"I just respect the man so much, and he's always had his priorities in the right place," Williams said. "He's given up the power and prestige of a job in Washington to be with his family ... I think that's remarkable."
Joe Reed, a farmer from Kress and chairman of the Texas Corn Producers Board, said the resignation was surprising.
Combest's term as House Ag Committee chairman would have expired in 2004. Still, Reed agreed that a major effect of the resignation is that the next farm committee chairman probably won't be from Texas."
"We've been very fortunate," he said. "We will still have the ranking (minority) member in (U.S. Rep. Charles) Stenholm, but there will be some changes."
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Okay. Now, I love Kombat as much as the next guy, but the Genesis Mortal Kombat games made about as much sense as a sober irishman.
The first one was great, because you got to kill people in a bloody fasion. How excellent. This is what people have been clamoring for. They don't want the enemy to just slouch down on one knee with the words "YOURE WINNER" flashing on the screen. They want to rip the guys fucking skull off.
But the Mortal Kombat 2 came, and I was left saying one thing: WTF.
Fatalaties are still there, of course. It wouldn't be Mortal Kombat without them. But, there were two things that were added that make no sense at all. None.
Those things are Babalities and Friendships.
Okay. I can imagine Ed Boon and Tobias Whats-his-face getting together one day, eating chinese take-out:
Ed: "omg fatalaties are awesome lets make them ever more bloodier"
Tobias: "no stfu do you know what would be cool."
Ed: "wut?"
Tobias: "mebbe you can turn people into BABIES dude it will so rock."
Ed: "Umm, then you get to kill the babies?"
Tobias: "no they're just babies they just sit there and cry and maybe shit themselves once in a while"
I really don't understand how the people at midway thought that babalities were a good idea.
Don't even get me started on friendships.
...It's called MORTAL KOMBAT dumbass. You're going to kill someone. Buy a pussy game that actually needs skill to play instead of Mortal Kombat if you don't want to kill someone.
As far as I'm concerned, though, finishing moves were redeemed in MK3 with Animalities which were fucking awesome but were completely illogical for almost everyone except for Nightwolf because he was an indian and indians are awesome and have all sorts of mystical animal powers.
Too bad the characters in MK3 sucked ass.
Joey P
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Favorite Music:
Any music that doesn't suck.
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Any book that doesn't suck.
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Any TV Show that doesn't suck.
Favorite Movies:
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Favorite TV Shows:
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My Interests
Interests:Eating, Sleeping, And pleasuring myself in a myriad of ways, the american dream.
Where I work:I work out of the home, doing jack shit.
What I like to do:Isn't this the same as interests? What the hell.
My Tastes:Salty, Sweet, Bitter...
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WTF was up with Mortal Kombat anyway?
WTF was up with Mortal Kombat anyway?
Oct 05, 2005 8:33AM PST
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About cman1322 : I like getting stoned
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Envelope Seals is rated out of 5 by 199.
Rated 1 out of 5 by marlon7267 from this is also bad i got the two stickers and this one was just the same idk what happened on the website but i dont want a refund i just wanna do it over and get it right bc this is a good site and i like the products
Date published: 2016-09-21
Rated 4 out of 5 by Lucky Linda from Stickers I like these but the print is way too light and not real bright? Should be darker.
Date published: 2016-09-14
Rated 3 out of 5 by las18 from Nice, but somewhat disappointed We bought these wedding invitation because we wanted them printed professionally and to look perfect. Unfortunately, when they arrived they had printer lines running vertically from top to bottom in multiple spots. The colors are very nice but the lines are very disappointing.
Date published: 2016-09-09
Rated 1 out of 5 by BOWA from Not a Good Product I bought this product as a way to save money from purchasing them from the company my school recommended. The product was very poor and the printing on some of the labels were not centered. Although I live vista print I will not be purchasing this item from them again.
Date published: 2016-08-26
Rated 1 out of 5 by doty3689 from Disappointed As big as the circles are, the lettering is so small you can't read anything on the label. There is no way I can use theses.
Date published: 2016-08-23
Rated 1 out of 5 by LUNAPTY from NOT GOOD QUALITY First I though they were smaller but they turned out bigger than I expected although i dont remember seeing the size this could have been my fault. However im far dissapointed on the quality itself my design is very simple black with some white lettering but black color was faded in some areas like if you were running out of ink in some stickers or if you used an eraser to erase some color.
Date published: 2016-08-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by Jan2 from So Handy These stamps are easy to use. I used them to avoid theft of displays
Date published: 2016-07-30
Rated 3 out of 5 by WATER WARMUPS GAL from probably my fault but it just did not work. this photo is way to small of the product to show it off. I know that it is not your position to fix what people give you to print, however, I would think it would be your responsibility to comment on something when they see it may be wrong.
Date published: 2016-07-18


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ou will need to demonstrable flair for makeup, a genuine awareness of makeup and fashion trends, plus proven service and selling skills.
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In addition you will be participating as needed in high profile promotions and events as well as leading your team by example during any makeup launch or makeup activity.
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Alan Yurko
|Needles are scary
|Pricks against pricks
Alan Yurko (born 1969) was convicted in 1999 for the death of his then-girlfriend's 10 week old infant. The case at trial was shown to be a tragic, though classic, example of shaken baby syndrome. For some reason, however, the anti-vaccination movement latched on to the case and organized an internet based "Free Yurko" campaign, blaming the infant's murder on vaccines. In 2005, Yurko's conviction was overturned on appeal due to sloppy work by the medical examiner on the case.[1] Instead of a new trial, Yurko pleaded no contest to manslaughter, received "time served", and was released.[2] After release Yurko almost immediately got into legal trouble again over a parole violation for a 1989 sentence for aggravated burglary, and has been in prison again since 2006.[3][4] This was obviously the work of Big Pharma in an attempt to cover up the truth.[citation NOT needed]
[edit] A violent history
A month before the death of baby Alan Ream, Alan Yurko was sitting in jail for the crime of aggravated burglary—that is, burglary where a deadly weapon or the threat of bodily harm was involved. Yurko was paroled and then proceeded to violate that parole, moving to Florida with his girlfriend and her infant son.[3][5] Shortly after moving to Florida, Alan Ream, while under Yurko's sole care, had to be rushed to the hospital with massive subdural hematoma. Alan Ream died in the hospital due to injuries received from massive trauma. The police investigation immediately turned to the child's step father, a convicted violent offender, who was brought in after the reported injuries to the child were consistent with shaken baby syndrome. Yurko attempted to escape from prison, but was unsuccessful, with that charge added to the list. Alan Yurko was tried and convicted of first degree murder, and sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years.[5]
[edit] Free Yurko
Anti-vaccination quacks latched on to Yurko and attempted to create a martyr from his conviction. An internet campaign was started, called Free Yurko and a mailing list was set up. People were directed to bombard prison officials, courts, and medical doctors with letters demanding an immediate release.
The group took over Yurko's appeal, turning it into a giant tirade of conspiracy and anti-vaccination rants. The case was overturned on appeal and is often argued as a success by anti-vaccination groups. However, it is important to realize that the judge threw out for appeal the reasons not involving vaccination issues. Instead, sloppy work by the medical examiner with a known history of carelessness was viewed as egregious enough to warrant a new trial. The errors were not necessarily related to the findings of shaken baby syndrome, but rather typographical errors such as referring to the child as black when he was white, and mixing up the timing reports for when the organs (which were donated) were removed from the body.
[edit] Back in jail
The martyrdom success story for the anti-vaccination group gets pretty muddy after his release. In 1989 Yurko was sentenced in Ohio to 10 to 25 years on four counts of aggravated burglary. He served eight years, and was released on 1996. He soon went off to Florida, a blatant parole violation. Apparently Yurko thought this was okay because he had only two months to go on his parole.[3] Great show of judgement here. He returned to prison in 2006. He's been eligible for parole since 2014 but so far this has been denied and may be in prison until 2022.[4]
The violent nature of the conviction, the fact that he was still in jail, and evidence that Yurko has a long history of confrontations with the law (parole-skipping, escape attempts) mar the otherwise perfect story they want to tell. You will be hard pressed to find any anti-vaccination group that will follow the story past Yurko's successful appeal.
[edit] External links
[edit] Footnotes
- ↑ Mike Thomas, Baby's Autopsy By Shashi Gore Settled Nothing. Orlando Sentinel February 17, 2004
- ↑ Whitby, Bob (2003-01-23). "Bad science". Orlando Weekly. Retrieved 2010-04-5.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2004-09-10/news/0409100401_1_alan-yurko-ohio-orange-county
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.drc.state.oh.us/OffenderSearch/Details.aspx?id=A560517
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://web.archive.org/web/20100104140820/http://ratbags.com/rsoles/vaxliars/yurkofl1.pdf


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Archive for the '"Cycle Rickshaw" song' Category
There are so many modes of transportation in India viz foot, bullock cart, tonga, car, bus, trains,etc. And Bollywood movies have songs picturised on all these modes of transportation. In fact, Bollywood movies have songs on some unusual modes of transportations as well. For example, there have been songs where hero is seen riding an elephant and singing away.
Read more on this topic…
Tags: 1957, Ameeta, Anant Marathe, Asha Bhonsle, Badaa Bhai, Nashaad, Prem Saxena, Talat Mehmood


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Top Definition
When someone grabs a guy's balls from behind, in between his legs, and lifts. The guy is suspended in the air momentarily and isn't sure what to do. Usually, he jumps.
That guy just got gobblered, he didn't even know what to do!!!!!!
بواسطة meeper3x فبراير/شباط 23, 2010
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?


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Jack O' Clubs 1930s Casino and Music Hall
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Erie Express roll past Pittsburgh Pride
It took the Erie Express more than a quarter to gain steam, but little slowed them for the rest of the first half once they did.
The Express scored four touchdowns against the Pittsburgh Pride over the last 10 minutes, 41 seconds of the first half of Saturday's Heartland Football League game.
That was all they needed to post a 28-6 victory in their home opener at Cathedral Prep's Dollinger Field.
"It felt good to finally have some (fan) support," quarterback Brandon Richardson said. "Being on the road for the first few games, it's different when you actually have some support. It makes you want to perform better."
Richardson definitely did for the Express, who improved to 3-2 after losing their first two games. He ran or passed for all four of their touchdowns in the second quarter.
The Express never trailed after Richardson called his own number on a fourth-and-1 from the Pride's 11-yard line.
The former Slippery Rock University player bullied his way through traffic until he reached the end zone for the game's first score.
Erie next three scoring drives were all one-play possessions.
The first of those came about when Pittsburgh punter Tim Feroce booted the ball off the back of one of his players.
The Express recovered the loose ball at the Pride's 1.
Richardson immediately plowed in again for his second touchdown run.
Erie made it 21-0 after former Gannon player John Chisolm returned a Feroce punt 30 yards to the Pittsburgh 30.
Richardson immediately connected with Strong Vincent graduate Jarrell Connor on a curl-in pattern for a catch-and-carry touchdown.
However, Erie's biggest sequence came in its final 2 minutes. Erie's Scott Jones, an East graduate, blocked Feroce's 27-yard field-goal attempt, with the ball marked at the Express 10.
Richardson then floated a post-pattern pass to Chris Brown. The Express wide receiver gracefully caught the ball near midfield and outran Pride defensive back Matt Deivert down the left sideline.
The 90-yard scoring play made it 28-0 Express with 1:42 left before halftime.
"Oh, yeah, that was fun," Jones said of his kick block and the ensuing pass play. "It was (nice) being able to contribute."
Pittsburgh (2-3) didn't score until early in the fourth quarter, when wide receiver Rob Albro caught Jacquan Green's rainbow pass in the right corner of the end zone.
The 10-yard score was only the second touchdown that the Express have allowed over their three-game winning streak.
The Express prevented another potential score for the Pride when East graduate Tim McCullum intercepted Green in the final 5 minutes.
It was the the second of two Express turnovers against a Pittsburgh team that ended Erie's 2012 season in the playoffs.
"This was a revenge game for us," Express coach Mark Pilling said. "We still have a lot of work to do, but we (played) well."
Erie visits the Pittsburgh Cobras on June 29 and then has a bye week. The Express are then home for the remainder of their regular season, starting with a July 13 game against the Western Pennsylvania Wildcatz.
MIKE COPPER can be reached at 870-1614 or by e-mail. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/etncopper.


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Please click on the link below to download the latest version. Thanks!
JERUSALEM, Israel - Labor, Likud and Meretz Knesset factions agreed Monday to vote against the 2009 state budget draft.
While Finance Minister Roni Bar-On considered resubmitting the budget toward the end of the week, he's out of time for this session, which ends next Monday.
Labor MK (member of Knesset) Avishay Braverman, head of the Knesset finance committee, said the global financial crisis must be factored into the budget by factoring in a 0.7 percent increase to bolster the nation's infrastructure in view of the economic downturn in world markets.
Meanwhile, the Likud faction also based its opposition on the global financial crisis.
"This budget isn't good enough and isn't relevant due to the fact that it was prepared before the global economic crisis," a Likud party statement read.
"Approving the budget in only a first reading when the Continuity Law, which demands all three readings be held at once and not cross from one Knesset to another, indicates that this is a PR prank and has no practical meaning," the statement concluded.
The ultra-left-wing Meretz party also decided to vote against the draft budget, according to party chairman MK Haim Oron.
Had the finance minister submitted the draft budget this week, it would have fallen far short of a passing vote.
Source: YNet News
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The Terrorists Funded by the WestBassam Tawil
The New Israel Fund and those who support it are helping terroristsRonn Torossian
Column one: Fighting fire with fireCaroline B. Glick
Op-Ed: There is no 'radical Islam' and there is no 'moderate Islam'Dr. Mordechai Kedar
'Narrow' escapesRuthie Blum
Why Palestinians Do Not Want Cameras on the Temple MountKhaled Abu Toameh
Social Media Killed My FatherYoni Kempinski and Ari Soffer
Iran's New Palestinian Terror Group: Al SabireenKhaled Abu Toameh


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The Army Corps of Engineers has set up a contract for more than $10,000 with the Nez Perce County Sheriff Office to have extra officers patrolling corps areas within Nez Perce County.
Marine Coporal Jerry Florence said the job isn't all about looking for violators, but also educating the public.
"People are just now coming out so they may have taken some equipment off last year, or the equipment is not up to the same standards as it should be," said Florence. "So we're kinda out there reminding them. If they don't take the hint then we don't take enforcement action."
These additional patrols will last throughout the summer. Florence said one of the biggest violations is people not wearing life jackets.


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While it's been a great season thus far for guys like Jeff Gordon, Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick, a number of other Sprint Cup drivers have started off far worse than expected.
Granted, we've gone through just 11 races of the 36-race season—just a hair under one-third of the way through—but for all the good surprises we've seen, there is an equal number of disappointments.
It's the latter that we focus on in this exercise of sorts. How are drivers who you'd expect to be ranked and performing at a much higher level at this point essentially wallowing?
That's what we try to explain as we look at the five drivers who have been the most disappointing of all.
Sure, you could make a case for a guy like Jimmie Johnson having a disappointing season. After all, the six-time and defending Sprint Cup champion has yet to reach Victory Lane in 2014.
However, he's still in the top 10 in the overall standings and has had a consistent season for the most part to date. There's nothing disappointing about that. And remember, this is Jimmie Johnson. The wins will come. It's hard to put the word "disappointment" in the same sentence whenever you're talking about JJ.
As you go through the five picks, you may wonder why Danica Patrick and Kurt Busch's names are not on this list, given that they're 27th and 28th in the Sprint Cup standings.
You may find it hard to believe, but Patrick has indeed shown progress—albeit incrementally. A career-best seventh-place finish last Saturday at Kansas, climbing from 29th to 27th in the standings, could very well be the kind of showing that begins to start turning things around for her.
As a result, we're giving her the benefit of the doubt that she will continue to improve—which is more than we can say for some who are on this list.
Then there's the elder Busch brother. He was kept off the list because for as far down as he is in the standings, he still has one thing that the rest on the list don't, not to mention guys like Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth and Kasey Kahne. Namely, a win.
And even if Busch remains below the top 20 in the standings, as long as there are not more than 16 different race winners by the time the Chase for the Sprint Cup begins 16 races from now, Busch will make it.
So without further adieu, let's look at the biggest disappointments thus far in 2014 and why:


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Welcome to wiichat and goodluck with getting a Wii.
Hopefully you can find one
Thanks For The Amazing Sig ssbb_lover!!
GREEN Mushroom.. NOW!!
I'm CANADIAN
Spoiler Alert!Originally Posted by skidmarx
Welcome to wiichat and goodluck with getting a Wii.
The key to immortality is first living a life
worth remembering. - Bruce Lee
PSN ID: Byuakuya
nice buy, you'll love it.
ok....Originally Posted by Adamquest64
that was wierd
Yeah, it was funny how he asked if he needed a new TV to play it, I thought I would mess with him.
OMG IM SO SPOILED i have 3 game boy colours, 4 nintendo DSs, 2 game boy advanced, 3 N 64s, a game cube and a wii and did I mension 1200.00$ worth of games? REALY spoiled! and I just got dimond and pearl 4 days ago and i already want ssbb. and Ive never had to work for any of it before! I love being spoiled RICH
Lol I love that ur so funny
great! welcome to the forums, and good luck with the wii.
That's sarcasm.Originally Posted by Adamquest64


text:
Results tagged ' Jordan Zimmermann '
From the Desk of Mark D. Lerner: Hello from Viera
Twitter: @Nationals | Facebook: Nationals | Instagram: @Nationals
Hello, everyone.
Greetings from sunny Space Coast Stadium, where the weather started so-so, but spring suddenly arrived on Sunday. We are currently enjoying a gentle breeze and temperatures in the high 70's. Perfect. I am also glad to read that things are warming up back in DC after a prolonged spate of snowy and cold weather. Sounds like spring is genuinely in the air!
Matt Williams' first spring camp is already well underway. Pitchers have already been through two or three bullpen sessions and, yes, everyone looks great. I'll get to that in a moment.
What has impressed me the most is just how many position players reported for duty early. With few exceptions, we have enjoyed full position-player batting practice sessions each of the last three days. So many that we have had to split the BP session over two fields.
Ryan Zimmerman in the cage. Adam LaRoche scooping balls at first base. Ian Desmond working the pivot with Anthony Rendon, Danny Espinosa, Jamey Carroll and Mike Fontenot. Nate McLouth working on his jumps in the outfield. All sights to behold.
- Camp Williams is crisp, precise, upbeat and full of hustle. With that said, there have been a good number of competitive moments built in that have seized the pitchers' attention. For example, every team has pitcher-bunting drills. However, here in Viera, pitchers and fans alike have enjoyed a competitive tweak as the pitcher attempt to bunt balls into a pair of strategically-placed ball bags. These competitive drills have resulted in good-natured hooting, hollering and trash talking. But they also demand concentration that at least partially mimics a real game.
Nothing new here, but Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Jordan Zimmermann all look fantastic. And I have a suspicion that Doug Fister is really going to have a positive influence on the others. First of all, Fister is an accomplished pitcher in his own right. He won 32 games in two-plus seasons with the Tigers. And, he's been a part of another vaunted pitching staff. Doug has pitched in a World Series. He watched the likes of Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer win Cy Young awards. There is value in that, and I doubt that it is a coincidence that his locker is located next to/near Stephen, Gio and Jordan.
- Lots of emphasis on defense and defensive fundamentals. It was also interesting to see that Matt has some of his pitchers moonlighting at different positions during some bunt plays. There is a belief that the multi-position perspective will help fine tune the execution. At the very least, it'll give our pitcher's some perspective they may not have experienced since their days playing prep baseball.
- Incidentally, Livan Hernandez used to work out almost daily at shortstop and he was the best fielding pitcher I have ever seen. I cannot express how fantastic it is to have Livan on hand as a coach. The players are really enjoying his presence and he is a heck of a teacher. Livan is a true gem who has a fantastic feel for our fans and for baseball in DC.
- I was talking to some of our player development folks and there is great enthusiasm for the projected rosters/lineups/rotations in Triple-A Syracuse and Double-A Harrisburg. It is too early to know where various players will be assigned, but there are very real layers of talent in the upper reaches of our system that will be inevitably be called upon as the season progresses. The Opening Day 25 is important, but it is really only a fleeting glimpse of the talent assembled.
- There are ex-Expos everywhere you look around camp: Luis Ayala, Jamey Carroll, Ian Desmond (last player left who was drafted by the Expos), Randy Knorr and Bob Henley. Ayala and Carroll were inaugural-season Nationals.
- Matt Williams' coaching staff is filled with a lot of former catchers, which is never a bad thing. Randy Knorr, Bob Henley and Matt LeCroy. Those catchers understand the game from all angles.
- Rafael Soriano looks good. And so do his pitches. I think there is a certain comfort that comes with a second season.
- Be sure to follow the Nationals (@nationals) and Amanda Comak on Twitter. She has done a fantastic job sharing the sights and sounds of Nationals' 2014 Spring Training on a seemingly minute-by-minute basis. Last week, Amanda shared some of the unique images that were captured by our quadcopter, which was equipped with a tiny high-resolution camera, on our various social-media platforms. For 24-48 hours there, the quadcopter was the talk of camp.
The local DC television media has descended upon Viera, so be sure to tune into all the local channels for in-depth interviews with Matt Williams and all of your favorite Nationals. Earlier today, we hosted ESPN and the Baseball Tonight Bus at Space Coast Stadium. Karl Ravech and Tim Kurkjian were on hand. Both are great ambassadors for their network and the game of baseball. Matt Williams and Bryce Harper were their main guests, so you will be seeing both on SportsCenter tonight.
- Little more than a week until our Grapefruit League opener (Fri., Feb. 28 at Mets) and our Grapefruit League home opener (Sat., March 1 vs. Braves). There is still plenty of time to plan a great family trip for Spring Training baseball in Viera. At the risk of dating myself, I still remember childhood trips to Pompano Beach to see the likes of Mike Epstein, Frank Howard, Eddie Brinkman and all of the old Senators. Great memories.
- If you do make it down to Space Coast Stadium for a visit, please don't hesitate to stop me and say 'Hello.' Our fans' enthusiasm and spirit are infectious and I am always impressed with everyone's knowledge of not only the Nationals, but baseball in general. Isn't this the best time of year? Well, outside of a busy October I suppose.
Until next time …
Thank You From The Lerner Family
Twitter: @Nationals | Facebook: Nationals | Instagram: @nationals
Dear Nationals Fans:
Thank you for making our home yours, for bringing NATITUDE to Nationals Park day in and day out, for making this our third straight year of increased attendance, and for establishing the Nation's Capital as one of the greatest baseball cities in America.
On the field, we saw many first-rate performances this year and expect to spend the offseason getting even better. We are very excited about our new manager Matt Williams. Not only does he bring an impressive wealth of knowledge and on-field experience to the Nationals dugout, but we think he is the right leader for a team that's ready to compete for a World Series championship. Matt will partner with President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo in the offseason to make sure our squad is ready for the 2014 campaign. While Mike and his scouts may fine-tune the roster in the next few months, we believe we are already very close to competing for a World Series title as we stand today.
In 2013, the Nationals young pitching staff tossed more innings, produced one of the National League's winningest pitchers in Jordan Zimmermann, and continued to demonstrate that with starters Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Zimmermann, our pitching corps represents one of the most formidable in the game. Veteran Jayson Werth returned midseason from a hamstring injury to become one of the most dominant hitters in baseball. Ian Desmond, Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche continued to show leadership, both on the field and in the clubhouse. Denard Span had an amazing 29-game hitting streak and an error-free year in the field. And young players like Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon made significant statements, in the field and at the plate, that they can be mainstays in the Major Leagues for years to come.
And Nats fans were there to see it all. Our April opener drew the largest regular season crowd in Nationals Park history, while our average attendance improved from even last season's playoff year, and our broadcast and radio ratings were the highest yet. We are truly seeing our hometown become an ardent baseball city.
In the community, the team and the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation were proud to help open the doors for the long-awaited Washington Nationals Diabetes Care Complex at Children's National Medical Center, and we anticipate hosting our first student athletes on the fields at the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy next Spring. We expect both of these initiatives to have a significant and positive impact on our community for generations to come.
The entire Nationals family is inspired by the intense passion for Major League Baseball and the team that's growing in the capital area. We believe NATITUDE has made our town an even better community. We look forward to an exciting offseason, and plan to introduce everyone to Matt Williams and show off our talented roster at NatsFest in January. Spring Training won't be far behind.
Thank you for your support – we believe Opening Day 2014 will be the grandest ever. You won't want to miss it.
|Theodore N. Lerner
|Mark D. Lerner
|Edward L. Cohen
|Robert K. Tanenbaum
|Annette M. Lerner
|Judy Lenkin Lerner
|Debra Lerner Cohen
|Marla Lerner Tanenbaum
From the Desk of Mark D. Lerner
Follow @Nationals on Twitter | Like the Nationals on Facebook
Hello everyone.
Another summer of Nationals baseball is in the books.
Eighty-six wins and a late-season charge that both captivated and frustrated fans and players alike.
I have been asked by friends and fans how a team with such a talented roster could play sub-.500 baseball for four months – breaking our hearts – and then come back and play so well during the season's final six weeks?
All I know is there is no 'sure thing' in our game and we were certainly reminded of that in 2013. Some might answer that baseball's true beauty is rooted in its humility. I'm proud of the way this team struggled back to finish the season, going 32-16 in the last seven-plus weeks – giving us back our hope for 2014.
Here are a few of my final thoughts on this season:
- Congratulations to Ian Desmond on his second consecutive 20-homer, 20-stolen base season. It is a joy to watch a true professional play at his level, day-in and day-out. From my seat, I see that he's quickly becoming the best shortstop in baseball.
Jayson Werth's stellar season should put him on a short, short list for National League Comeback Player of the Year. His return from last year's gruesome left wrist injury is simply remarkable. I know from personal experience how seriously and with what care he treats his health – intense rehab and workouts, and near fanatical nutrition.
- Wilson Ramos is a difference-maker in our lineup. His ironman streak of 24 consecutive starts behind the plate with seven home runs and 24 RBI was one of the major factors in bringing this team up in the standings.
- It was disappointing that Jordan Zimmermann was not able to capture his 20th win last week at Busch Stadium, but that takes nothing away from a terrific '13 season. I would expect Jordan to capture some votes in the National League Cy Young Award voting.
- While Denard Span's 29-game hitting streak was memorable, I also think it meant he finally found his comfort level in D.C. and the National League. If you remember, Jayson coped with some of his own transition issues when he joined us in 2011 after a long tenure with the Phillies, but found his groove and became the team contributor that we see today.
- We had our fair share of injuries and adversity in 2013. I would have loved to see one more month out of Werth, 130 total starts from Ramos, and for Bryce Harper to have avoided that right field wall at Dodger Stadium at the beginning of the season, but those were the cards we were dealt. That said, those injuries afforded Anthony Rendon, Taylor Jordan, Ian Krol and Tanner Roark the opportunity to showcase their talents over the long stretch. Both the team and the players will benefit from those innings on the field.
- I'd be remiss if I did not thank Davey Johnson for an historic run as our manager. Who will ever forget the summer of 2012, when postseason baseball returned to The Nation's Capital for the first time since 1933? I know I won't. Thanks Davey for helping to author memories that will never fade.
- Lastly, I want to thank not only those reading this blog, but all of our fans that stand behind this team on a daily basis. Attendance was up over 9% this season. TV ratings were fantastic. Your passion for Nats baseball is felt all the way to the clubhouse – I've even heard our players talk about it. Your enthusiasm reminds us all why this game matters. Thank you!
Mike Rizzo will soon begin interviews to find our next manager. With most of our young talent in place for the next several years, and a strong pitching foundation built around an accomplished rotation, I have to think we have an attractive position to offer. I know Mike has a working list of candidates in mind, but he's also talking to executives from around the game that he respects. This search will be extensive and we expect he'll deliver the right man for the job.
It's my hope that many of you will be able to meet our new skipper at NatsFest in January. We will be rolling out the specifics on our signature offseason event shortly. And MLB's Winter Meetings (December 9-12 in Orlando, FL) will be here in short time too. Almost time to fire up the Hot Stove.
Yes, I know we all just completed a grueling 162-game season, but my optimism is already on 'high' for 2014.


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HourlyHours to be determined
Intermediate Level
Start DateFebruary 11, 2014
Creation of a short video marketing clip (approx. 90 seconds) promoting life coaching provided by Frazer Holmes Coaching - a company of Australia's finest coaches. We are after a quality product with music, logo and a storytelling approach.
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Cootamundra 08:21 PM
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Parish Arrest Reports
Monday, Nov. 3
Jacoby Batiste, 20, 1000 block of W. Patin St., Breaux Bridge; second degree battery (SMSO).
Justin J. Bodin, 24, 1000 block of Quail Run Dr., Breaux Bridge; failure to appear (SMSO).
Tuesday, Nov. 4
Elton Case, 26, 1000 block of Antoine Lane, St. Martinville; failure to appear (SMSO).
Quinntin Senegal, 21, 200 block of Elmer St., St. Martinville; domestic abuse battery (SMSO).
Wednesday, Nov. 5
Garrett Andrus, 21, 1000 block of Carmen Drive, St. Martinville; speeding (92/55) (SMSO).
Jimmy Armstrong, 29, Oxford, Ala.; following too close, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in the presence of a minor (SMSO).
Lester Celestine, 32, 1000 block of Alex Jean Batiste Rd., Cade; failure to appear (SMSO).
Eugene Meche, 44, 1000 block of Colette St., Henderson; contempt of court (SMSO).
Phillip Pinson, 45, Anniston, Ala.; possession of marijuana (SMSO).
Janice Williams, 46, Lafayette; third DWI (SMSO).
Thursday, Nov. 6
Andrea Auguilliard, 26, 4200 block of Poydras St., Breaux Bridge; second degree battery, disturbing the peace (SMSO).
David Baudoin, 31, 1000 block of David Rd., St. Martinville; contempt of court (SMSO).
Paula Bonin, 41, 1100 block of Bayou Portage Rd., St. Martinville; violation of protective order (SMSO).
Nicholas Chaisson, 17, 1000 block of Amelie St., Breaux Bridge; child pornography (SMSO).
Jimmy Dupuis, 38, 1400 block of Cypress Island Hwy., St. Martinville; failure to appear (SMSO).
William LaLonde, 35, 1000 block of Melancon Dr., Breaux Bridge; failure to appear (SMSO).
Kendrell Landry, 28, 900 block of W. Patin St., Breaux Bridge; failure to appear (SMSO).
Kurtis Latiolais, 29, 1500 block of Hebert Lane, St. Martinville; failure to appear (SMSO).
Wilton Louviere, 21, 1000 block of Jeffery Broussard Rd., Breaux Bridge; failure to appear (SMSO).
Shawn Ramo, age not given, Plaquemine; failure to appear (SMSO).
Jose Romero, 48, Houston; parole or probation violation (SMSO).
Natalie Simon, 40, Maurice; DWI, careless operation (SMSO).
Cleveland Stiner, 46, Lafayette; theft (SMSO).
Jordan Wilson, 24, Baldwin; possession of marijuana (SMSO).
Friday, Nov. 7
Paul August, 28, Lafayette; contempt of court (SMSO).
Darion Blanchard, age not given, Duson; possession of cocaine (SMSO).
Kescheler Davis, 27, Lafayette; failure to appear (SMSO).
Allen Doucet, 26, 1100 block of Orchard Park Dr., Breaux Bridge; DWI, careless operation, vehicle inspection expired (SMSO).
Joseph Jones, 23, Breaux Bridge; failure to appear (SMSO).
Raymond Lee, 26, St. Amant; failure to appear (SMSO).
Justin Netter, 30, Baton Rouge; failure to appear (SMSO).
Juanita Phillips, 47, 1000 block of Andrew Dr., St. Martinville; DWI, improper lane usage, open container violation, improper display of license plate (SMSO).
Patrick Romero, 57, 1000 block of S. Main St., Breaux Bridge; DWI (BBPD).
Saturday, Nov. 8
Stage Allemond, 27, 1000 block of Quail Run Dr., Breaux Bridge; domestic abuse battery, violation of a protective order (SMSO).
Sunday, Nov. 9
Bernard Laviolette, 43, 1000 block of Bernis Rd., St. Martinville; DWI, careless operation (SMSO).
Robert Richard, 35, 1200 block of Bayou Portage Rd., St. Martinville; battery on a police officer, resisting an officer (SMPD).


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Memory loss, cognitive deficits, drops in IQ, and abnormal brain structures: these are but a few of the neurotoxic effects that recent research has correlated to marijuana use in adolescents.
But while a number of studies suggest a link between these changes and regular cannabis use, particularly for young teens, there is no definitive evidence that marijuana is entirely to blame. Adolescents who smoke daily, for example, may have problems that predate marijuana use.
One thing is certain: pot smoking among American teenagers is on the rise. According to the 2013 Monitoring the Future survey from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 6.5 percent of high school seniors smoke daily, up from 2.4 percent in 1993.


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Note: Not eligible for promotions, already on clearance
The evolutionary design of the Groove Cover by Qmadix combines tri-fused shock-absorbent material with a sophisticated outer shell that provides maximum protection for most Android phones.
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State Fair musicians offer wide range of sounds, genres
When some people want to dis the Summerfest lineup, they liken it to Wisconsin State Fair. True, the headliners for the cream puff-powered soiree aren't always on the cutting edge (The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, anyone?). But State Fair is Wisconsin's most diverse entertainment offering, and that carries over to the music.
Here are eight top State Fair concert picks, ranging from touring headliners to local favorites. »Read Full Article(1)
MSO chorus director arrested in undercover park-sex sting
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's chorus director was arrested Monday on accusations of lewd behavior in Grant Park.
Lee E. Erickson, 58, of South Milwaukee followed an undercover Milwaukee County sheriff's deputy into a bathroom at Grant Park along Milwaukee's lakefront, exposed himself and began masturbating in front of the officer, according to the sheriff's department. »Read Full Article
Chicago chef Charlie Trotter dies at 54
Journal Sentinel files »Read Full Blog Post(3)
'Before I Die' wall installed at Sky High
Death has a way of clarifying life, or so say great philosophers and New Orleans artist Candy Chang. It has a way of making us examine the kind of person we want to be, the life we want to live, the people who are important to us.
On Tuesday, people in the Bay View neighborhood were confronted by the finiteness of their lives as a result of one of Chang's projects. A wall that reads "Before I die I want to..." and has little buckets of colored chalk so people can fill in the blanks was installed at the Sky High Skateboard Shop and Gallery, 2501 S. Howell Ave., and in cities across the U.S. on Tuesday. »Read Full Blog Post(2)
On Tap Today: Amos Lee at the Riverside Theater
Singer-songwriter Amos Lee performs at the Riverside Theater, and on RadioMilwaukee, Tuesday. Getty Images photo by Andrew H. Walker. »Read Full Blog Post


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The Northerner + John Prescott
The Guardian Northerner's political commentor Ed Jacobs picks some statistics to illustrate the way the party fared in 2012
Dismal day for democracy as voters trickle to the polls to choose eight Labour and four Conservative holders of the controversial new posts. One shock: Prescott loses. But even on Humberside, with stacks of publicity, the turnout fails to reach 20 percent
Neil Eyre, one of the three independent candidates fighting John Prescott to be PCC in Humberside, sets out his stall as a wholly non-establishment voice
Labour is making the running, but there are widespread fears about lack of accountability and populism. And the powerful new National Crime Agency will sidestep the process altogether. Ed Jacobs reflects
Austin Mitchell hails this week's launch of the Hannah Mitchell Foundation as the first step towards robust and energising regional power
Tibet's spiritual leader follows Mikhail Gorbachev and Bill Clinton to the region's annual summer convention


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The Great Gatsby (2013)
Critic Consensus: While certainly ambitious -- and every bit as visually dazzling as one might expect -- Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby emphasizes visual splendor at the expense of its source material's vibrant heart.
The Great Gatsby Videos
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as Myrtle Wilson
as Jay Gatsby
as Nick Carraway
as Dr. Walter Perkins
as Tom Buchanan
as Michaelis
as Meyer Wolfsheim
as George B. Wilson
as Herzog
as Dan Cody
as Henri
as Policeman-Wilson's Garage
as Benny McClenahan
as Languid Girl
as Daisy's Mother
as Daisy Buchanan
as Taxi Driver
as Owl Eyes
as Clerk-Probity Trust
as Vladimir Tostoff
as Gardener
as Senator Gulick
as The Police Captain
as Clerk-Probity Trust
as Newton Orchid
as Nelson
as Police Commissioner
as Catherine
as Teen Jay Gatsby
as Mrs. McKee
as Jordan Baker
as Motorcycle Cop
as The Professor
as Head Waiter-Speakeasy
as Weeping/Singing Woman
as Well Dressed Male Witness-Wilson's Garage
as The Boss -Probity Trust
as Jazz Player
as Pammy
as Pammy
as Pammy
as Barman
as Walter Chase
as Trimalchio the Orchestra Leader
as Singer-Wilson's Garage
as Party Guest
as The Boxer
as Klipspringer
as Clerk-Probity Trust
as Footman
as Train Conductor
as Russian Silent Film Actress
as Teddy Barton
as Louisville Officer
as Young James Gatz
as Guard at Gatsby's Gates
as Waiter-Hotel Sayre
as Party Guest
as Footman
as Second Policeman-Wilson's Garage
as Silent Film Star Marlene Moon
as Rowdie
as European Woman
as Mr. McKee
News & Interviews for The Great Gatsby
Critic Reviews for The Great Gatsby
All Critics (264) | Top Critics (53) | Fresh (127) | Rotten (137) | DVD (2)
For all the antic, manic itchiness of his Gatsby, for all the jazz hands, the movie doesn't reach out and grab you.
Just because a film looks like it was dipped in 18-karat gold doesn't mean it's rich in quality
It's stupefying, it's vulgar, it's demeaning-it's dull and there's nothing like the dullness that is trying to be a sensation.
There are no two ways about it: The Great Gatsby is misconceived and misjudged, a crude burlesque on what's probably American literature's most precious jewel.
The central problem with Luhrmann's film is that when it's entertaining it's not Gatsby, and when it's Gatsby it's not entertaining.
Audience Reviews for The Great Gatsby
Visually stunning, as expected with Luhrmann, to the degree of a somewhat artificial look. That works for this film, though and makes for a very unique atmosphere. Thankfully, the interesting characters and their actors are not held back by all the pomp, although the film does remain somewhat superficial compared to the novel. But especially the end is really well delivered.
Super Reviewer
A very faithful adaptation that, with all its glamorous costume and production design, overstylized visuals and anachronistic music that only add to it, proves to be a surprisingly riveting experience and lives up to the good novel that inspired it.
Super Reviewer
It would be cheeky of me if I wasn't forthright in saying that most of Baz Luhrmann's films have put me off. I understand his technique and I appreciate his craft, but the actual films are often too quick with their cuts, too nauseating with their one-note characters, and too over-the-top, period. Yet all of those attributes work very well for a true adaptation of "The Great Gatsby." Not only does it show the opulence of the time period, and the excess of Gatsby's lifestyle, but the drama of the love story between Gatsby and Daisy. Luhrmann is a wizard at turning visually crazed love stories into grand tragedies, and there's no better story than this literary powerhouse. While the backdrops are impossibly cloying, as they are CGI, the rest of the film, from modern soundtrack to big as life performances, feels as emotionally spectacular and huge as the original text. For what it was trying to do and for what it showed, Luhrmann easily succeeded and adapted this poignant love story.
Super Reviewer
The Great Gatsby Quotes
|Jay Gatsby:
|I knew that when I kissed this girl I would be forever wed to her. So I stopped. I stopped and I waited. I waited for a moment longer. Then I just let myself go.
|Myrtle Wilson:
|I knew that when I kissed this girl I would be forever wed to her... So I stopped. I stopped and I waited. I waited for a moment longer. Then I just let myself go.
|Jay Gatsby:
|"I knew that when I kissed this girl I would be forever wed to her… so I stopped. So I stopped and I waited. I waited for a moment longer. Then I just let myself go"
|Jay Gatsby:
|"I knew that when I kissed this girl I would be forever wed to her… so I stopped. So I stopped and I waited. I waited for a moment longer. Then I just let myself go"


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