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The Exhibit PostSecret Without question, PostSecret is one of the most interesting and captivating blogs today. The anonymous post cards are, in many cases, messages of profound distress, guilt, hope and desire for redemption. They're also works of art and that art is on display through January 18 at the former Georgetown Staples Store 3307 M Street. The person behind PostSecret is, Frank Warren, a DC area blogger. Last night a fundraising reception was held for the National Hopeline Network, a hotline for those in crisis.
Mugged Again The Danger Blanket Our writer was mugged Saturday, his second time since moving to DC in September. His car is also broken into. Twice. A female roommate is mugged as well. What is going on? The first post chronicles his mishaps. A second post offers an analysis of the crimes. An excerpt:
This is ridiculous. I know hundreds of people that have lived in Washington for ages and haven't any dealings with crime, but I've already had way more than my fair share, and I've only been about ¼ of a year.
Related: Mugging Near Giant Food. My sister, and I were mugged at gun point Sunday evening (December 12th) around 10th & O Street. We needed something that we could not get from Whole Foods thus went to the Giant at 9th & O St. around 5:45 PM, and were mugged on our way home sometime around 6:30ish. … One had a silver revolver. – From Logan Circle News. Also Noted Returning to a Locked Down DC. Jonathan Rowe, On The Commons, There is a connection, I think, between the police state on the Hill and the corporatizing of the neighborhoods. A retail chain that demands conformity in its thousands of outlets is of a piece with a government that demands conformity from its citizens. From the City Desk. Mushy. A collection of scenes and people at Busboys and Poets. The writer is 29 years old. I live in Washington, DC. I'm married. I have a dog, to whom I talk. Often. I'm an only child. A few years ago I met an independent filmmaker at a meeting for work. She asked me if I was a producer; I said no. She said, "That's surprising. You seem like you have stories to tell." From Multitudes. Reya recommendation. Viridian, a review, by The Kitchenette. The sea-foam green paint and metallic sign whispering "Viridian," was so minimalist, we literally missed it four times while driving. Rasika, First Impressions. Our meal started with fabulous palak chaat, a bowl of crispy fried spinach with sweet yogurt and tamarind date chutney. From the Metrocurean. The problem of forgeries of Rodin drawings. From The ARTery. National Zoo Birding. During sustained cold spells like what we experienced over the past two days, local ponds freeze over, leaving waterfowl to seek other open waterways. One place where open water is guaranteed is the National Zoo. Most ponds are heated, and the stretch of Rock Creek below the zoo rarely freezes. So the zoo's waterfowl population will rise considerably during cold snaps. From A DC Birding Blog. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop Now Registering Youth and Adults for Spring 2006 Classes and Workshops


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GULF SHORES, Ala. — My wife resents my traveling to pleasurable destinations without her. To mitigate that envy, I will patiently recount all the humbling ordeals I had to endure. Such was the case on my recent trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast.
"I was potentially lost forever, trapped in a cavernous maze," I lamented. "I insulted an out-of-state motorcycle gang, was eyed by a predatory alligator, came face-to-face with a toothy barracuda and was pounced upon by a pair of Bengal tigers."
Every word of that, I assured her, was the unmitigated truth. Well, almost.
Fort Morgan
On the east side of Mobile Bay sit the coast-hugging towns of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. From there, the Mobile Point Peninsula juts into the bay. At its tip sits Fort Morgan, famous for the Civil War battle during which Union Adm. David Farragut ordered, "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" Back in eighth grade, hearing the teacher shout the word "damn" catapulted my classmates into a bout of giggles.
For two hours, I explored the fort's expansive grounds, stood atop its ramparts and eventually entered the casemates, a web of arched rooms built to protect gun positions. I absent-mindedly rambled through from one end to another. Finally, it was time to leave.
I should have followed Hansel and Gretel's lead and dropped bread crumbs along the way, because I was totally lost. Every passage I tried yielded yet another dead end. I'd still be wandering this labyrinth of doom had I not been rescued by a pair of 10-year-olds.
"Um, the exit's right there, mister," they said, pointing around the corner.
From Fort Morgan, I took the ferry to Dauphin Island, home of Alabama's Estuarium.
"This is the public portion of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab," said manager Robert Dixon. "We display the natural organisms found in Mobile Bay."
Exhibits begin with the upper watershed and end at the Gulf of Mexico. Each section offers display tanks filled with appropriate creatures, and outside there's an open tank were visitors can touch stingrays and sharks.
Back at the ferry, I pulled in behind a gang of motorcyclists. My father was a biker, so I knew the best way to avoid confrontation was to admire their wheels.
"Nice Gold Wing," I said to the leader of the pack. "My dad had a Honda just like yours."
The man slowly reached into his leather jacket, pulled out keys and fired up the engine. Out came the unmistakable rumble of a Harley.
No worries. This turned out to be a gang of middle-aged executives down from Ohio. We chatted about travel and the joy of cruising the open road.
To emulate their wind-in-the-hair freedom, I drove back to the hotel with the car windows down. It wasn't the same.
Eco tour
While much of Alabama's sugar-sand beaches are lined with high-rise hotels and condos, the coast also bears long stretches of natural terrain rich in wildlife. Some things bite.
"We do have some gators," kayak guide Mike Sumlin of the Down Under Dive Shop warned me. "Don't always see them. Usually they kind of keep to themselves."
My personal alligator-in-the-wild sighting came on a Backcountry Trails Eco Tour through Gulf State Park. For two hours, guide Larry Ellis electric-carted our small group through the maritime woodlands. Near a bog where signs ominously warned visitors not to feed the alligators, he stopped and invited everyone to get out.
"You're now going to meet Lefty," he advised.
There, hidden beneath the undergrowth, lurked the biggest, meanest gator around. This reptilian eating machine lay there, staring. I felt like a chicken being eyed by the Colonel.
"Sorry," I whispered. "You're not getting a bite of my personal drumsticks."
I'm not a fisherman, but the folks at Reel Surprise Charters assured me that I'd catch some edible critters off the Gulf Wind II. Twenty-three of us boarded, and I smartly chose a stern-side spot near Till Freeman, an expert fisherman.
"A day without fishing is like a day without sunshine," he said. I looked up. The sky was cloud-soaked gray.
A dozen miles out, engines stopped and we anglers dropped lines over the side. Sure enough, Till was the first to hook a vermilion snapper.
In addition to our dangling hooks, deckhand Steve Huffman was trolling a high-test line with live bait. Suddenly that rod bent and its line went taut.
"Who wants to pull it in?" he shouted.
Till grabbed the rod, and in a battle worthy of a Hemingway novel, he slowly reeled in a belligerent, 3-foot barracuda.
Lifted from the water, its razorlike teeth hovered mere inches from my bearded face.
"Whew," I thought. "That was a close shave."
Only fools, Las Vegas showmen and guests to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo would voluntarily enter an enclosure with two tigers.
Besides caged critters, this tiny zoo in Gulf Shores offers hands-on experiences seldom available at its big-city counterparts. Visitors here can hop around with marsupials in the kangaroo compound, pet primates in the lemur lair or tackle fearsome felines in the open-air tiger enclosure. A zookeeper accompanies participants, always ready to intervene should anything go wrong.
The need for lifesaving intervention seems highly unlikely, though. These potential man-maulers are but cubs, each weighing less than a sack of flour.
"We have raised 53 baby tigers over the last 10 years for the Marcan Tiger Preserve" in Florida, said zoo director Patti Hall. "We allow tiger encounters until they're 30 pounds."
For a half-hour, it was just me and the playful cubs romping around the grassy ground. While I was occupied with one, the zookeeper would help the other leap onto my back in a simulated surprise attack.
"See," I reiterate to my skeptical wife. "I was truly pounced upon by Bengal tigers."
I don't know why she won't believe me.
Dan Leeth is a freelance writer and photographer in Colorado.

subset: commoncrawl


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Java Draw Created Apr 09, 2010 338 x 470px Unless noted Copyright 2010 SPIDER 08.
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Great draw!!
wonderful place!
cheers! i took a sip~
Awesome draw!!!
Everybody knows A little place like Kokomo Now if you wanna go And get away from it all Go down to Kokomo
thats exactly what are be doing over the weekend..hic..!cheers spidey..5/5.:O)
Sitting on the beach listening to the sounds of the ocean and having a glass of wine really does sound relaxing :) 5 ♥s
The very thing! Lovely work, dreaming of warmer days...
A day at the beach, sunshine and a glass of wine, sounds good to me! :) Cheers Cheryl. 5♥s
Sipping wine on the beach with a lovely view,, just the job,,Looks a beautiful place Cheryl. 5♥s


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My new book, "A Time to Keep and a Time to Throw Away", is an inspirational story about my mother's battle with cancer. My prayer is that it will encourage and strengthen anyone who has ever suffered from a loss. You can find it on Ibooks, Nook, or www.lulu.com. Download it immediately and begin the journey that I took. If you choose to read it, please let me know what part inspired you.
Thank you.


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North Carolina lyricist Rapsody recently took time to share the lessons she's learned as a result of her time spent in the music industry, during an interview with DJ Enuff of Hot 97 this week.
The Jamla Records rapper cited producer 9th Wonder and Compton emcee Kendrick Lamar as two artists she's had the opportunity to observe and learn from. According to Rapsody, both 9th and K-Dot demonstrated the importance of being yourself with their artistry.
She also stressed the importance of having your own fan base and releasing music that's impactful in some way.
"What I've learned from 9th and watching Kendrick is to be yourself," Rapsody said. "And creating your fan base and sticking with your people is what keeps you around. You know? There are no rules in this. You write your own story. So, just that and being more personal. Making music that someone can connect with versus just rhyming. Like 'Aw, that's a dope rhyme. That's a dope cadence. But I got this story.' And it's like 'Wow, I can relate to that.' Or 'This beat makes me feel this kind of emotion that makes me think of this memory.' Like putting all of that feeling into music and connecting with people."
Rapsody's interview with DJ Enuff comes several months after the rapper released her She Got Game mixtape, a project she says she's still promoting. In addition to pushing She Got Game, Rapsody revealed that she's also working on her sophomore album, which will serve as a follow-up to 2012's The Idea Of Beautiful.
"Right now, I'm still pushing She Got Game. I'm gonna do some more videos. But currently I'm working on my sophomore album. The Idea Of Beautiful, the follow-up to that. I am very excited. I got mad beats," she said.
Released in August 2012, The Idea Of Beautiful served as Rapsody's debut studio album and boasted features from an array of artists including Mac Miller, Ab-Soul, and BJ The Chicago Kid.


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First sod cut on new £7m housing scheme
The first sod has been cut on a £6.9 million housing scheme in south Belfast.
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA yesterday officially cut the first sod to launch the 43 new family houses at Roden Street.
The development, by Fold Housing Association, is part of the ongoing regeneration of the wider Donegall Road and greater Village area.
The scheme will cost £6.9m, with the Department for Social Development providing £5m through the Housing Executive.
The balance of £1.9m will be funded by Fold Housing Association through private financing.
Minister Ritchie said: "The construction of this latest phase of 43 houses and apartments is a great boost for the area.
"Good housing is the cornerstone of strong, stable and sustainable neighbourhoods. I am pleased that we have been able to put together a strategy that will help enhance and stimulate the regeneration of the area.
"Local people can look forward to enjoying their new, modern, energy efficient homes in the near future."
Ms Ritchie added: "Through the New Housing Agenda, I have made the increased supply of housing my first and foremost priority.
"I am determined to do all I can to help people off the waiting list and these 43 new houses will be a valuable contribution to the 1,750 new homes planned for this financial year."
Construction on the 43 houses by Braidwater Construction has just got underway, with completion planned for autumn 2010.
Belfast Telegraph


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Welcome to WebmasterWorld Guest from 22.214.171.124
Forum Moderators: open
Also because it is an online store, it really wouldn't be a bad thing anyway if it was archived.
Is it OK to present a 'free pass' to robots but require a password for humans? Is there a way to do this without cloaking? I am mostly concerned with links to subscriber sites being picked up, and right now they are not accessable.
I am also considering a free directory in the non-subscriber portion of the site, but I am worried about the potential for abuse.


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Don Chapel Sings Anna Marie Burden Songs
- (Duplicated CD)
- Artist: Don Chapel
- Format: CD
- Release Date: 4/8/2009
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I am a simple country songwriter from Centertown,Kentucky [originally Terre Haute,Indiana]. but have been in Kentucky so long this is home to me. I am very honored to have had the pleasure of working with Don Lloyd Chapel of Nashville, Tennessee on these songs. Don is very famous in his own rights for songs like 'When The Grass Grows Over Me' and so many more which he has had recorded by people like Tammy Wynette-George Jones-Conway Twitty -Ernest Tubb and many others Thank you Don and all my friends for the privilage of having this CD. I have won several awards for songwriter of the year in Rhode Island Country Horizons and also NACMAI in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee .Also certificates of achievement from the Netherlands as well as others with Trend Recording in Smyrna Georgia. Thanks to all who made these possible .


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OTTAWA - The Stanley Cup is making the rounds in the Senators backyard this week.
And while its the Boston Bruins, not the Senators, celebrating a victory, it is still hockeys holy grail.
The week-long party in the area that started Tuesday with Chris Kelly in Barrhaven will continue Thursday as Ottawa-based members of the clubs scouting staff Wayne Smith, Mike Chiarelli and Jack Higgins gather for a private event before taking it to the Byward Market.
While the Brockville Police had a chance to catch a glimpse Wednesday with assistant coach Doug Jarvis, Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli will take Lord Stanleys mug to Ottawa University Friday for one of its few public appearances at 10 a.m.
The way people react to the Cup is really neat to watch, said Chiarelli. People just seem to flock to it. Im not sure why. Maybe its the history. Maybe its the names. Maybe its because people know how hard the journey is to win it.
A graduate of the University of Ottawas law school, Chiarelli wanted to give back by bringing it to his alma mater. And it happens to be his 48th birthday.
After posing for a photo at the university, Chiarellis also going to stop by the Corona Gymnastics Club in Nepean with his wife Alicia, along with children Talia and Cameron, who were all active at the club.
We want some private moments with family and friends, but we also felt it was important to share it publicly as well, said Chiarelli.
Chiarelli, a former Ottawa assistant GM who is going into his sixth year in Boston, will be enjoying his second full day with the Cup. He had it July 16 at his home in a Boston suburb and got a first- hand look at the hysteria that surrounds it.
Across the street from his home, workers had painted a large Bruins logo on the side of a building they were working on. To honour the workers, Chiarelli decided to cross the street with the Cup and take a photo so they all had a keepsake.
Theres something magical about the Cup, said Chiarelli. I crossed the road to see those builders with the Cup and was easily stopped by three or four families just walking down the street. People are attracted to it.
Id heard stories about reactions like that, but Id never seen it. Thats what makes it a magical trophy. There are so many things associated with it and a lot of good stories. Every year theres a terrific story on what it took to win it.
Chiarelli said its also important to cherish the moments alone with the Cup. He had two parties one in the afternoon and one in the evening in Boston but got a chance to put it on his dining room table during a break in the festivities.
When it was quiet, I just kind of sat and read the names, said Chiarelli. Of course, I also stuffed my son in it to take a picture and we ate ice cream out of it as well. Its just a neat trophy to be around. You really appreciate winning it.
Before the Cup leaves town, coach Claude Julien will have it Saturday. Ottawa hockey fans can only hope someday the Senators will get a chance to carry it around.


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Series: Teknoman: Collection Three is the final third of the series that I started discussing with my review of Teknoman: Collection One and continued with in my review of Teknoman: Collection Two, a few months back. Keeping in mind that this was a dubbed series released in the USA over ten years ago shown on the then fledgling USA Network, here's some background from my original reviews:
"The show was set about a hundred years in the future when humanity is under siege by an alien race of beings called the Vemenoids. They are a combination of biological and mechanical parts, taking on the form of sea creature shaped beings with tremendous powers at their disposal. They initially attack an orbital ring around Earth, controlling it as a launching post to attack the planet at their leisure. They are seeding the Earth with planet life that will allow their race to prosper and destroying the Earth's ability to defend itself with increasing ferocity. There is a military command structure left on Earth but its resources are scattered an ineffectual, until one man comes along to lead the fight against the vemenoids; Teknoman. The back cover put it like this:
"The year is 2087, and humanity is about to lose its position as the dominant life form on planet Earth. An endless swarm of biomechanical beings known as the Venomoids descends from space. Earth's Space Knights are no match for the Venemoid champions, the Teknomen. When the young pilots, Ringo Richards and Star Summers, find a wounded stranger named Blade, humanity gains one last hope. Blade is able to transform into a Teknoman, but he has no memories and fights to protect Earth. His opponents are not only the endless alien menace, but also the other Teknomen - who were once human, and his family and friends."
Blade is a loner without a clue as to his past. After he plummets to Earth as the result of fighting the mental control of his demon overlord, Darkon, he is captured by the Space Knights, a group of hardy resistance fighters that have suffered heavy casualties but still maintain the fight against the oppressors. As the show evolves, the usual war time stereotypes pop up as they do in contemporary show Votoms; a mistrusting ally, a girl with a crush, a superior enemy, and technological advances that are easily mastered by the mundane folk. Blade has mastered the powers given to him by Darkon through the use of a mysterious crystal. He can change his body into a powerful fighter with a nearly indestructible suit of armor, weapons of tremendous power, and the ability to fly for limited periods of time. Exactly why he is such a better fighter and so much more powerful than the other enemy forces (also granted access to power crystals) is never stated although I'm sure there's a reason.
As the story progresses, we find out the various limits of Teknoman and how he and his allies try to upgrade them to better serve the needs of the human race. Darkon has kidnapped many humans and turned them into evil creatures of destruction, including those close to Blade. This first collection is consists of the first 14 episodes on two discs with two more collections due out in the near future. One thing to note is that this is the same release that most of you will be familiar with as shown on the USA network about ten years ago. Various changes from the original source material, Uchu No Kishi Tekkaman Bureido, that was released on Japanese television back in 1994.
Okay, in the second set of episodes for the series (episodes 15 through 29), the dynamic remained basically the same but added in some soap opera twists to keep things interesting. The basic developments involved Blade growing increasingly fearful of losing his soul to his power as he has had to go past the limit a few times when things got hairy. Knowing that if Blade falls to the will of Darkon, all will be lost, the government continues to use their research to develop a technology based on Blade's powers called Teknosuits. These amount to suits of armor that give their wearers a lot of power, though substantially less than a real crystal would grant them. The up side is that they don't have the same kind of time limit, just the same restrictions on running out of power that most weapons have. The Vemonoid forces decide that such suits pose a threat, albeit a limited threat, and end up launching a major offensive against the human base with the result being Blade and his allies finding themselves on the run; changing the emphasis of the series a bit as they roam the countryside seeking to defeat the menace from outer space.
Further developments include the revelation of Blade's true identity and how his family (and crew) was captured in deep space, most of them becoming victims of Darkon's experiments. This comes to light when his sister, also enhanced but an escapee of the enemy, shows up with news of a new threat; more Teknomen about to attack the base. She then plays an integral role in pushing the story forth as Blade and his allies fight the Vemonoid knights and spider crabs, reminiscent of the Invid from Robotech's ending trilogy. Darkon's frustration at his lieutenant's inability to destroy Blade grows but his plan still marches on to fruition as he attacks from the orbital platform surrounding Earth. With internal strife between the allied forces growing to the point where reckless plans must be stopped from killing millions of people, desperate plans to capture one of the newly hatched Teknomen (in this case, Axe) for study, and a series of stops at villages ravaged by the effects of the war, the second collection provided something different from the generic battles the first sets offered up. The third and final set proved to be more problematic then the others since it kept the roaming knight theme for much of the remaining episodes but also appeared to have lost a couple major plot points in the process.
The main theme of the second set of episodes continued here as the team appeared to be on the run from the Vemonoids. For various reasons, Axe, the vemonoid formerly known of as Blade's martial arts instructor, pressed to fight him in a one on one level. They fight time and again with Axe trying to force the matter using various tricks to trap the young space knight, eventually resulting in the discovery that Blade's transformations, as frequent as they are, have put him in danger of dying thanks to the stress of the process. It was bad enough when he knew that he had to change back after a limited amount of time (otherwise becoming one of the enemy) but the strength he gains from the crystal inside of him is the only thing that allows him to fight his former captors and gives his life meaning. He undergoes a treatment that might kill him but even if it doesn't, there's no way of knowing what will happen to him, though he survives to become even more powerfully evolved then before. The cost of this evolution is a piece of his humanity though and the resulting amnesia puts his friends and foes alike at risk as the series winds down with the ultimate confrontation between Blade and his brother in a duel to the death that even Darkon doesn't want to sanction. It had a few moments but the episodes seemed shorter this time and the repeating themes grew old for me as the evolution of the series stopped long before the end of the run.
The back cover put it like this: "Nick Carter was part of a family of space explorers who happened upon an abandoned alien vessel. Exposure to an alien Teknopod transformed Nick into Teknoman Blade, a super-powered biotechnological warrior. However, the rest of his family and friends joined with the evil Venemoid invaders, and they also have the power to turn into Teknomen! Blade must defend earth from his family's deadly war machine, and face off in a final duel against their champion, his own twin brother!"
Here's a look at the episodes in the order they were presented on the DVD set:
30) Lady In Waiting
31) Reformation
32) Axe Trap
33) Axe Attack
34) On Ice
35) Fifty Fifty
36) Evolution
37) Reflection
38) Amnesia
39) Metamorphosis
40) Sword Strike
41) Battle of the Space Ring
42) Beginning of the End
43) Final Battle
Okay, there was only the English audio track and no additional cuts appear to have been made. If you were hoping for a restored version of the original show, you'll have to wait until one of those is made in the future (plans have been announced but seeing is believing) since this isn't it. Overall, it was a decent series with character growth, evolving situations, and a definite storyline of Blade coming to grips with his past all the while understanding that he could succumb to the forces of evil by simply using his crystal. He earns the trust of those around him and he isn't all powerful, needing their help on regular occasions as they attack the enemy time and again. I'm going to rate this one as Rent It although if you enjoyed the show years ago as I did, you'll want to pick up a copy despite any technical limitations. The lack of extras and the lack of polishing up of the technical aspects did it for me while some would suggest you can't enjoy it because it isn't the original version. The visual elements of this set of episodes seemed a bit weaker than the first one too so keep that in mind if you're getting a copy.
Picture: Teknoman: Collection Three was presented in the original 1.33:1 ratio full frame color as shot by director Hiroshi Negishi for release on Japanese television. There were definitely mature moments here with death, destruction and killing going on all over the place but there was little fan service that seems so much more offensive to some than absolute carnage to some of you. In terms of the material, it was presented in a form of limited animation befitting a small budget that showed few frames per second or detail in the animation but the story didn't rely on the most modern of techniques even when it came out. There was some grain but unlike Teknoman: Collection One, it looked somewhat worse than I recall it looking on cable television. The grain and print scratches were far more noticeable this time and it detracted from the show for me often enough to merit comment. Still, it's an older show that was never great looking so you can't expect too much from it given how weak so many earlier shows made on a shoe string budget look too.
Sound: The audio was presented in a monaural English, using the same dub that was presented during its original run on domestic cable TV. That means it was hollow with no significant dynamic range and many limitations in regards to the battles (sounding almost as if made many years prior to the original air date in Japan). I didn't notice any separation between the channels (sometimes a company will "fix" the audio track to simulate stereo, even on a monaural track) and like the visual elements, this one sounded as good as Teknoman: Collection One (and better than Teknoman: Collection Two). It was a plain track with little getting in the way of the show but the repetitive music and lack of attention to detail weakened it in many ways for me.
Extras: There were no meaningful extras on the DVD and only a paper catalog from Media Blasters inside the DVD case.
Final Thoughts: Teknoman: Collection Three continued the adventures of the space knights led by Blade in Teknoman: Collection One and Teknoman: Collection Two as a nostalgic romp into the past, I have to admit I had some fun watching it. There's only one collection left to go and I'll probably have fun with it as well, even if contemporary anime is usually so much better as to warrant a special category in my mind (as in "older anime" and "newer anime") but Anime Works reportedly had little to work with in terms of source material and they should be applauded for bringing back old favorites, albeit to the best of their ability given the situation. In short, Teknoman: Collection Three was worth watching and after you see the first two volumes, you'll probably want this one too. It showed a lot of the same types of things anime still presents and does so fairly well (though in an edited, Americanized manner), limitations and all.
If you enjoy anime, take a look at some of the recommendations by DVD Talk's twisted cast of reviewers in their Best Of Anime 2003, Best Of Anime 2004, and Best of Anime 2005 articles or their regular column Anime Talk.


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Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo was released in April,2014.It comes with the Kitkat Version.It can be upgrade upto Lollipop.If you feel the Mobile is Junked with Unwanted Mobile Company applications.It can be upgrade upto Lollipop.If You can't Update Automatically You can Do it By Manually.If your Mobile is Bricked by Uncertain activities.You can recover it By Flashing using Kies.When Flashing you can change your ROM.But normally You can Unbrick Your Mobile.If You Want Root You can Easily root your mobile with computer.You can Free Your Mobile From lots of unwanted applications.
|Voids Warranty.
|Stable without any issues.
|Flash App
|Kies. It manages Flash permissions for apps on the device.
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo I9300I
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo I9301I and all other models
- Check Your Device Mobile No.
- Battery Percentage Above 80.
- Backup Your Device.
- Internet/Wifi Connection Required.
Unbrick Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo Android Mobile
- Download Samsung USB driver.
- Download Kies From Samsung.
- Install the Samsung USB Driver in your PC.
- Install Samsung Kies In your PC.
- Connect your Mobile Using USB With PC.
- Note Down Your Mobile Model No and IMEI.You can Find your IMEI in the Back Side of Your Mobile After Mobile cover and Battery Remove.
- You can Find Your Mobile Model no in Download Mode.
- Switch off your Mobile.Enter into Download mode->Volume Down+Home+Power Buttons.
- After entering into Download Mode it will say Warning Press Volume Up button to continue.
- Connect Your Mobile With PC via USB Cable.
- Launch Kies Application.It Will Show the message added of your Mobile.
- If it does Not say Connect Your Mobile Again.
- After Getting Added Message Select Tools->Select Firmware Upgrade.
- Enter Your Mobile Model no And IMEI no.
- Press Ok wait for the tasks to complete.It may Take a While nearly Few hours depends on Your Data connection.The Firmware will nearly 1.5 GB,So Be ready for that data.
- After the Task Completion it will Reboot Again.Now You can Check your Mobile Working in Good Condition.
- You can Check the Firmware Details in your Mobile->Settings->About->Version.


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Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Nissan Pathfinder Meet the Members
My name is Karen and I'll be your host in the Nissan Pathfinder Club.
Let me know what discussions you would like to have included in this folder. Perhaps take a look at the already established Owner's Clubs for ideas? Anyone care to be a representative/Community Leader for the club? Let me know!
Looking forward to meeting everyone!
Owner's Club Host
Edmunds Manager UGC Click on my screen name to send a personal message. Need help navigating? Check out Getting Started in Edmunds Forums.
Need help picking out a make/model, finding inventory, or advice on pricing? Talk to an Edmunds Car Shopping Advisor
Townhall Name: Crikey
I own a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE 2WD in Burnt Cherry with Beige Leather Interior. I bought this baby back in July 21, 2000 and have only 6,000 miles. So far, I love this vehicle and was able to get a great price via the Nissan Vehicle Purchase Plan, which my employer participates in.
As for discussions, let me peruse through the existing owner's clubs and maybe I can give suggestions later. I hope to see the regulars of the Nissan Pathfinder Forum here.
My name's Phil and I'm a Canuck.
I own a 2001 PF LE AWD (Bronzed Grey) with 4000 km on it (that's around 2500 miles). I was recently the owner of a 99.5 PF LE (Crimson Red) with a full Stillen Stage III kit installed (good performance...too loud). I had around 20,000 km on it before the trade-in.
My ideas around discussion topics are: Problems, Options & Accessories, Performance Mods, Care and Appearance.
I guess you have to strike a balance between too specific and too general. Those are just my suggestions....
I lived in Toronto, Ontario until January 1998 when I was moved by my employer to sunny Orlando, Florida where Mickey reigns supreme (whatever) and drivers can't drive. And yes, I don't miss the Canadian winters!
bgritz Posts: 139I'm addicted to our '01 Sierra Silver SE 5-spd.
hi bgritz....
We got it at the end of June & have already put almost 18k on it (long drives to and from work in Denver CO, and trips to the mountains), since then our lives have never been the same.
My wife claims that the PF has turned her 96 Jetta in the "stepchild" of the family , and that I don't give it any love any more.
I will follow Crikey's lead and look around to conjure up some ideas.
loboy Posts: 75My name is Don. Townhall name is Loboy, a true believer with the old addage "you are as old as you feel" :-)
Bought my 2001 PF LE AWD Aspen White from north of the border back in November. No problems so far except for a cracked windshield, which is being replaced tomorrow. 2300 km and counting...
As for topics, Phil47 just about covers it all.
drew_ Posts: 3,382Hope you're happy that we managed to get an owner's club area set up for you, just as many of you suggested to me!
Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
maxzoey Posts: 32Hi my Town Hall Name is maxzoey
Actually I bought our 01 LE Sierra Silver for my wife for Christmas. I love to drive vechicle any chance I get, evenings,and weekends. I hope this counts and you let me participate in the Owner's Club.
I am really enjoying the vechicle, when I get to drive it, and it has performed great in the snow and cold , here in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
As for topics,think Phil47 has got us off to a good start
I'm Tom, from Long Island, NY. Just picked up my 2001 LE last night. We got a little snow this morning, so I'll see how it handles on that in a few minutes.
ds532 Posts: 5my townhall name is ds532. I got my silver 01 Pathfinder SE last June. It's been a great vehicle, especially on snow and ice. The limited slip rear differential and excellent Michelin tires help so much that often I don't even need to engage the 4WD when driving on snowy and/or icy roads. At 6026 miles - no problems of any kind...so far, so good.
Hi, my name is steve and I live in washington, as if you couldn't figure that one out....
I am one of the growing brigade of migrant car buyers. I bought my sahara biege LE up in Vancouver in October. I gathered untold amounts of useful information on the pathfinder main comment area and have used it to help me save lots of money and get tips on the kinds of accessories I wanted to add to my new SUV. Aside from the pinstripes and the gas I haven't bought anything for it here in Seattle. Everything I bought (mostly via the internet) has been based on information I gathered here, well on the main comment area. Since I took delivery a few months ago I have added Husky floor mats, body side moldings, micro filter, sunroof wind deflector, PIAA superwhite headlamps, nose mask, trailer hitch cover and wire harness, pinstripes, rear wind deflector and a Yakima ski rack. I don't know what else I can add but I'll be looking!
I would like to second the comments Phil47 made. I am interested in information on problems, options & accessories, performance mods, care and appearance.
I'd really like to get a fitted (as best as I can) rubber mat to cover the rear cargo area. I often put firewood, rocks or other dirty stuff (including my dog!)in the back and I'd like to keep that area clean. My GF's Subaru Outback has one and it's great...can take it out and clean it easily...any ideas on where to get one?
I posted similar Q on other Pathy forum (#885)...but no response.....go over and take a look....to see what I've found.....still haven't bought it...
Any one have experience with on line Nissan parts resellers......specifically for '01 PF Se...were you satisfied with their web site, selection, prices, etc. ?
Which ones did you try or use at least once ? ...more than once?.....woudl you use them again ?
'01 PF Se...10 days old !....so far no shimmy problem.....only thing so far is hatch not properly catching on body clip so PF thinks it's open, but it isn't.....applied white lithium grease to body clip....so far it works ok, but told dealer about it anyway...
Also, dealer in NJ says they have had no complaints about shimmy problem.....drove mine over 60MPH, didn't really notice any.....but time will tell.....vehicle came with Dunlop tires (I'm pretty sure)....
Congrats on the new 01 SE.
I've tried several of the online nissan parts dealers. I haven't had any real bad experiences but some have been better than others. I'll give you a quick rundown on my exeriences. Irontoad http://www.irontoad.com/home.htm got my rear wind deflector to me in a week. They don't have much of an online catalog so I called them and they seemed eager to help and made sure my order got out right away. There prices seem competative. http://www.nissanpartsusa.com/ took about three weeks to get the body side moldings, micro filter and sunroof wind deflector to me. That was longer than I expected but that's the worst thing I can say. Carparts.com screwed up my order pretty good. I got the husky floor mats and cargo liner in a couple of weeks but that got screwed up too because that was the week UPS decided it wouldn't leave anything at my door if I wasn't home. The one thing I really needed from Carparts, a nose mask, took almost two months and for a while they couldn't tell me where it was, if it was sent or when it would get to me. While I was waiting I went on two trips that took me over some nasty mountain passes that are covered with sand and gravel in the winter and the front end took a bit of a beating so I was sort of ticked at Carparts. If you call them you get to wait on the phone for 20 or 30 minutes to talk to someone who can't help you. Also, their online tracking system never worked for me. Then, there was the PIAA headlamp bulbs that they just lost or fogot about. I finally got them to send them at least a month after my original order. In the end however, I did get everything I ordered and I was happy with the stuff I got. I also bought a hitch cover from JC Whitney and a ski rack from the Rack Warehouse. One week and good service from both of those outfits. I haven't had to return anything but you might want to know what the return policies are before you order. One returned item usually wipes out any savings you get by ordering online.
Thanks for reply......I know about irontoad and nissanparts.....as to carparts, I think I read another comment about their "sevice" or lack thereof and that their site isn't very user friendly....JC Whitney wants $ 115. for their "cargo liner" but not all models of it fit all vehicles.....
ddssjsk9 Posts: 36Hello:
My name is darrell (ddssjsk9) We bought our 2001
Aspen White LE 4x4 last July. We live in Arkansas and no we did not vote for Clinton. Our
Pathfinder has performer flawlessly. We took a
5,000 mile trip to the Western Us back in September. Man what a sweet ride. I hope you are
all as proud of your PF as we are.
I am just wondering if you guys had to leave your trucks at the dealer for them to fix it. And if yes, how long did they take to fix it?
I am so afraid of leaving my truck at the dealer for a day. When I was there on Friday, I spoke to the Service manager and he is completely clueless about the truck and the service bulletin. I have to show him what the NSB was. (*sigh*)
Am I too paranoid? I >ALWAYS< do all mechanical on my vehicles.
pathstar Posts: 201My name is David (pathstar), and I bought a 2001 LE (sierra beige with caffe latte leather - oh la la). Yes, I'm addicted to it! Got it in June 2000, and it now has 9500 km on it.
Dropped into the dealer (Erickson Nissan) on Saturday and got the good news - Stillen will have the headers/exhaust ready for the 2001 PF in March. For those who want to smoke all four tires on take-offs. The exhaust system doesn't look restrictive to me, but the exhaust manifolds sure do. Stillen is having trouble with room for the headers (doh - just look in there at the tight fit). Hope those headers don't toast the (expensive) liquid filled engine mounts.
i just saw the individual discussions for the pathfinder owners group are ready to go, great topics!
i'm a qx4 owner in the st.paul area of minnesota. 2001, burgundy, no nav/ent, from Jim Lupient Infiniti of Golden Valley MN. i've been flying too, 10,000 miles since august. i love this vehicle.
If those headers are half as tough to install as they were on my 99.5 PF LE, be prepared to shell out big $$ for a mechanic to install them (or set aside a couple days yourself if you're very patient and mechanically inclined). By the way, nismofreak has asked for more info on the headers on the Perfomance Mods page.
Hi, I just bought a 97 SE from the local Nissan dealer here, and I gotta say that I absolutely LOVE this truck ! I test drove all the sport Utes out there before deciding on this one.
I have one question. When I turn on my climate control, and the fan is on a low speed, I can hear the fan making a kind of high pitch whirring sound. Has anyone else experienced this, and if so, what was the fix ? I havent gone to the dealer about it yet, I thought I would get some info from you first
meca2 Posts: 284What type of tires does your PF have? Some have the Donlop have have no
trouble. The dealer I purchased mine from did not know of the shimmy
problem either. Has anyone had the shimmy problem solved ?
rmiyamoto Posts: 4I posted this on the other board, but didn't get a response, so I'll try here:
I have a '01 SE with the 6-CD changer. My display doesn't seem to show the minutes and seconds when I'm playing a CD. Do I have to enable this option or does it just not come with the option? If it doesn't, whose bright idea was that?!?
rmiyamoto: no, the cd player doesn't display minutes/seconds, one of the very few annoyances with the vehicle. i'm not sure what nissan's policy is on giving recommendations, but you can try contacting them to see if they have a department that would handle suggestions.
I have noticed that when my truck was sitting outside in single digit weather, the fan does make noise but it goes away after the truck get warm. Could this be the cause of your noise?
'01 SE 4WD Auto
I have the Duellers. And I am leaving the truck with the dealer this Thursday. I just wanted to know what others went through so I can "guide" my service manager down the correct path.
'01 SE 4wd Auto
Should we formally invite the Infiniti owners? I know that sanandton posted to the QX4 list about our owner's area but should we get one of the host to post a message?
Wad ya think?
apb3 Posts: 11Hi, Brit moved to Ottawa. Picking up my 98 PF Chilkoot Trail on Thursday - Silver. Thanks for all the tips on the PF which helped in decision on what SUV. Also interested in Accessories and care. Particularly the side mouldings. The CT has pinstripes, so not sure if SMs will look right. Has anyones else fitted these to a CT?
Would love a 01, but with 2 teenage kids and a dog, I'll have to wait a year or 2!!!
Special Event Chat with Ed Hellwig
Tues., Jan. 30th, 5-6pm PT/8-9pm ET
Ed Hellwig - Associate Editor, Edmunds.com.
Associate editor Ed Hellwig came to Edmunds with a diverse automotive background that included stints as a gas station grease monkey, automotive spy photographer, and ice rink Zamboni driver. Ed spent five years making sure he hated cold weather at the University of Colorado in Boulder where he somehow earned a degree in American history between beer runs and football games. Upon returning, he proclaimed "snow sucks" and forever pledged his allegiance to the Southern California sunshine. Prior to joining Edmunds, Ed toiled under the iron fist of Tom Lindamood at A&M Specialists, a press vehicle logistics company, as a road-tester and delivery driver. While tooling around in Bentleys and Porsches was less than grueling, Ed just couldn't shake the editorial urge and jumped at the chance to join the Edmunds team. He's now responsible for writing road tests, editing our "Future Telling" column, and assisting in performance testing.
Owner's Club
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Thanks for the info...but...I live in Beautiful Victoria British Columbia, where it rarely goes down below freezing. The only weather we get here in the winter is LOTS OF RAIN !! I guess I will go to the dealer to see what they say, but I dont think this will be a warranty thing ( I only have the drive train part left until Aug 02 ). If anyone else has any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks


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i'm so over wanking to hot latino women
Album Rating: 5.0I really enjoyed their concert, so I'm just a little confused. Oh well.
Album Rating: 4.5Accidently put it in my car ... and i almost made an accident.
It is crazy crazy stuff. I addore crazy stuff, i adore to adore crazy people with their stuff ... whatever ...
damn just listened to Stairway to Heaven and it was sick...lookin into this
one of the dumbest album covers I've ever seen
it's definitely a great album....but nothing more than that
i agree on that...the rhythm guitarist is very talented
Album Rating: 4.0"it's definitely a great album....but nothing more than that"
What else could it be?
I also think its a great album, but I dont plan on turning that into a negative... lol.
It's bland, coffee shop music for people to listen to while they wear cardigans and drink coffee
Note to self- listen to this.
Album Rating: 4.0I have 11:11 and it is awesome, I need to check out this one too I guess.
Orion is the best part for me. I like the origional song and metallica in general though so maybe I'm biased. If you do not smile during tamacun you have no soul.
Album Rating: 4.0Freaking love this. Though Rodrigo does most of the work, Gabriela knows just how to provide the perfect rhythm.
Album Rating: 4.0Listened to Ixtapa again after a VERY long time and it is just the sex.
Violin comes and breaks your bones.
Album Rating: 5.0only one rating for this album. 5. a classic.
been following these guy for about 6/7 years now, their diversity is incredible. if you haven't seen them live, book them, right now. they were offered to do a gig at Wembley but turned it down to do 5 nights in a row at Shepherds Bush in London. i went on the last night. wow. they had testaments guitarist (Alex Skolnick) playing with them who featured in their latest album. incredible incredible.
Album Rating: 4.0so much jammage
Album Rating: 4.0This album was surprisingly good. I 'd say that Tamacun is the best track.
Digging: Cat Stevens - Tea for the Tillerman
Album Rating: 4.0Their Austin City Limits show was awesome.
Album Rating: 4.5This is some serious riffage, I'd love to see them live.
tamacun still rulez hard
Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


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Zombies, Run! has had a rather interesting life cycle up until this point. The mobile game began last year as a Kickstarter project and then was introduced for iOS devices back in March. And well, as of today — those sporting an Android device can get in on the fun. Yup, Zombies, Run! has officially come available for Android. The game can be found in the expected location — Google Play, and has arrived as version 0.9 and with support for Android 2.2 (and later). And nicely done, the price of the Android app matches the iOS price — $7.99.
Anyway, we are fairly certain that may of the GadgeTell readers have at least heard of the Zombies, Run! game at some point. And for those in that crowd — the link at the bottom of this post will take you to Google Play so you can purchase, download and begin running. For those not familiar with Zombies, Run! — the game is described as being "an ultra-immersive running game and audio adventure." Or, a bit simpler, you start the game and run (or walk) from the zombies.
Via [Google Play] and [TNW]


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in Ukraine, the destroyed and dangerous almost all the roads
The organization needs at least 40 billion hryvnia.
The development and maintenance of Ukrainian roads in 2017 need a minimum of $ 40 billion. At the same time, the draft state budget for next year for these purposes there will be approximately 6.6 billion hryvnia, the press service of Ukravtodor.
"Given that next year Ukravtodor must repay 7.3 billion of the debt the state plans to allocate for repair of the Ukrainian roads about 6.6 billion hryvnia," – said in the message.
The head of the Agency Slawomir Nowak said that the draft state budget for 2017 is still being revised and have the opportunity to influence its final version. However, he noted that if the Road Fund will work as promised, and in 2018, the Ukravtodor will get at least 25 billion hryvnia, Ukravtodor will be able to start a complete overhaul of roads.
Recall, 17 November the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the law on establishment of the State road Fund to Finance the repair and construction of roads in the country.
Earlier, the Minister of infrastructure Volodymyr Omelian announced that Ukraine and the threat destroyed almost all roads, but the state now can only afford repair of the destroyed roads.
The Budget Of Ukraine 2017
Salaries of the Ukrainian military will grow
Paruby: the Council may adopt a state budget on December 8
Sujeitos 1.11: Anniversary of ZUNR and the shock of e-declarations
Glad not raised the salaries of deputies
Groisman: Return what was stolen from the country


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Progress made in the fight against stunted growth in children: UNICEFListen / Real progress is being made in the fight against stunted growth which affects over 165 million children under the age of five, according to a new report by the United Nations children's fund (UNICEF) issued on Monday.
The report shows that stunted growth is the result of chronic undernutrition in crucial periods of a child's growth.
UNICEF estimates that 80 per cent of the world's stunted children live in just 14 countries.
The report says a key success against stunting is focusing attention on pregnancy and the first two years of a child's life.
It calls for targeted efforts to improve women's nutrition, early and exclusive breastfeeding, providing additional vitamins and minerals as well as appropriate foods to infants.
UNICEF's chief of nutrition Werner Schultink, says the damage done to a child's body and brain by stunting is irreversible and that stunted children are also at a higher risk of dying from infectious diseases than other children.
"For example brain cells develop less well. That in turn leads to decreased school functioning it leads in turn to decreased performance in your work life.. If we want to achieve a world where there is better equity where there is less poverty and that we're able to reduce poverty levels in a sustained manner we need to put people on the right track in life and the most fundamental thing to do that is by ensuring that there is good nutrition in the period of pregnancy and two years of age. If you want to tackle poverty you need to tackle stunting."
The UNICEF report highlights successes in scaling up nutrition and improving policies, programmes and behaviour change in 11 countries: Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Nepal, Peru, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan, Tanzania and Viet Nam.
Patrick Maigua, United Nations Radio, Geneva
Duration 1'58″


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Decision makers
- John OttoState Representative
- Tim KleinschmidtState Representative
- Ron ReynoldsState Representative
- Marsha FarneyState Representative
- Abel HerreroState Representative
- Lance GoodenState Representative
- David SimpsonState Representative
- John RaneyState Representative
- Todd HunterState Representative
- Geanie MorrisonState Representative
- Allan RitterState Representative
- Steve TothState Representative
- Greg BonnenState Representative
- Bryan HughesState Senator
- James WhiteState Representative
- Travis ClardyState Representative
- Lois KolkhorstState Representative
- Dennis BonnenState Representative
- Rick MillerState Representative
- Matt SchaeferState Representative
- Texas Governor
Strengthen animal cruelty punishments in current Texas Statute 42.09
Steps need to be taken to make animal cruelty a serious crime. Our current statute considers it a Class A Misdemeanor with multiple convictions required to make this crime a felony. This crime should be a felony and soon. Additionally, individuals who surrender their animals to avoid prosecution should have to pay restitution to their future caretakers for the care of the animals surrendered. If stronger punishments are not levied, this cruelty will continue unchecked.
- State Representative
John Otto
- State Representative
Tim Kleinschmidt
- State Representative
Ron Reynolds
- State Representative
Marsha Farney
- State Representative
Abel Herrero
- State Representative
Lance Gooden
- State Representative
David Simpson
- State Representative
John Raney
- Texas State House
- Texas State Senate
- State Representative
Todd Hunter
- State Representative
Geanie Morrison
- State Representative
Allan Ritter
- State Representative
Steve Toth
- State Representative
Greg Bonnen
- State Senator
Bryan Hughes
- State Representative
James White
- State Representative
Travis Clardy
- State Representative
Lois Kolkhorst
- State Representative
Dennis Bonnen
- State Representative
Rick Miller
- State Representative
Matt Schaefer
- Texas Governor
Let's put some teeth into the penalties for animal cruelty!
Scenario #1: A man is arrested for animal cruelty in Bexar County. His crime is leaving 19 horses with no water, food or care. Three of these horses were found dead on the property and the other 16 were seized by law enforcement and turned over to a horse rescue. What is this man charged with? One (1) count of animal cruelty, a Class A misdemeanor – in essence a slap on the wrist for a horrific crime against innocent animals. This is not right!
Scenario #2: The horse pictured above is from this scenario. An individual is reported for animal cruelty/neglect to horses. By being allowed to voluntarily "surrender" the animals, the owner is not charged with anything, has no penalties levied against him nor does he have to pay restitution to the horse rescue who now will be feeding and caring for the animals. He is free to turn around and do it all over again. This is not right!
If we do not attach stronger penalties for animal cruelty, the above scenarios will continue on indefinitely. This is not right!
Please help us by reviewing the punishment portion of Texas Penal Code 42.09 and make animal cruelty crimes a felony and put restrictions on owner surrenders to include making them responsible for the future care of their animals. We need to help those who cannot help themselves.
Meadow Haven Horse Rescue started this petition with a single signature, and now has 17,628 supporters. Start a petition today to change something you care about.
Trending petitions
Today: Meadow Haven Horse Rescue is counting on you
Meadow Haven Horse Rescue needs your help with "Strengthen animal cruelty punishments in current Texas Statute 42.09". Join Meadow Haven Horse Rescue and 17,627 supporters today.
Today: Meadow Haven Horse Rescue is counting on you
Meadow Haven Horse Rescue needs your help with "Strengthen animal cruelty punishments in current Texas Statute 42.09". Join Meadow Haven Horse Rescue and 17,627 supporters today.


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She's gone through some tough breakups on The Hills, but these days Lauren Conrad is happy to be a single girl. "I love being single," she tells In Touch. "I'm really not looking for anyone. I'm having a lot of fun dating and LA is one of the best places to be single."
But Lauren does have an idea about the kind of guy who would happily make her give up her single status. "I love funny, sarcastic, down-to-earth guys - just a chill guy," she says. "I can't stand arrogant guys!"
For more of Lauren's interview, check out In Touch.


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Information for Social Workers
Welcome DCFS Social Workers!
DCFS Social Workers send a completed FCAP referral packet to their local FCAP evaluator including:
- FCAP Referral Form (DOC)
- FCAP Release of Information (PDF) (Fill out & print)
- DCFS Social Worker should sign FCAP release for all cases.
- Parent(s) must sign DCFS release(s) prior to start of Reunification Assessments. (PDF)
- Youth must sign FCAP release, if age 13 or over.
- Current court report
For information on who can be referred, click here.
For Frequently Asked Questions, click here.
For the DCFS Liaison in your area, click here.
For more information about the program, contact your local FCAP evaluator or contact the statewide FCAP Program Coordinator, Jocelyn Savage 206-744-1685.


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Due the impending blizzard, Weston Town Hall will close at noon today.
Light steady snow this morning will gradually increase in intensity during the late morning and early afternoon becoming moderate to heavy by mid afternoon. Very heavy snow is expected from Friday evening into Saturday morning. Blizzard conditions are expected between 6 PM Friday and 6 AM Saturday with near zero visibility at times, strong winds and snowfall rates of 2 – 4 inches per hour at times.
Total snowfall is expected to range from 14 – 24 inches in southern Connecticut.
The town has issued a CodeRed Alert telling Westonites the Emergency Management Team is monitoring the storm and road and emergency crews are prepared.
The town is ready to implement emergency procedures if there are significant power outages caused by the blizzard, which is expected to bring strong winds.


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AMSTERDAM — The price of oil continues to drop, but Saudi Arabia still has cash to burn on mobile games.
Only around 30 million people live in Saudi Arabia, but that population generates approximately $350 million per year in revenues for mobile games, according to research firm Newzoo. Most of that comes from a class of megaspending men and women (commonly called "whales") that don't care if a game is localized as long as it's trendy. To help further illustrate the habits of this audience, Amir-Esmaeil Bozorgzadeh, cofounder of game localizer Gameguise, took the stage at the Casual Connect Europe last week for a lecture. He helped put this esoteric player base into context of the wider $30 billion mobile gaming sector.
"Saudi Arabia is very peculiar and random when it comes to its online habits," said Bozorgzadeh. "It's the second biggest market of Snapchat users in the world, and it has the highest ratio of views-per-user on YouTube."
You get those kinds of behaviors because Saudi Arabia has so much money that it has never taxed its citizens (although that's changing due to dropping oil prices). Despite not having any taxes, the country has free healthcare and education, and a huge portion of the population work in cushy jobs at Saudi Aramco, the government-controlled oil company. Saudi Aramco is one of the biggest privately owned corporations in the history of the world, and experts estimate it is worth more than Google and Apple combined.
Naturally, that kind of lifestyle means people have free time to watch YouTube videos, make messages on Snapchat, and play mobile games.
"Saudi Arabia is ranked No. 27 in the world in terms of game revenues," said Bozorgzadeh. "And Saudis like the typical top genres. They are interested in seeing what the top developers are releasing."
Because Saudis, in general, have so much money and time, they have the resources to tune into global culture. This means the country is one of the easiest for foreign developers to enter, according to Bozorgzadeh.
"They want the best even if the game isn't localized," he said. "The audience there follows popular global trends. They want the Ferraris. You don't have to chase them for their attention. Just keep building them Ferraris. You don't need to focus on the market at all. You don't need to go work with people in the region."
And this is good news for developers because if you can get the attention of this market, they're ready to spend their money.
"A whopping 42 percent of total Saudi gamers pay for in-app purchases," said Bozorgzadeh. "And this is a proper whale's den. Two-thirds pay less than $10 per month. That's pretty normal. But 22 percent pay $10 to $50. And then 11 percent pay $50 to $100 per month. 4 percent pay $100 to $500. And a 1 percent killer whale group pay up to $1000 per month."
With that kind of spending, many developers race to get onto the Middle East App Store and Google Play markets, but even that isn't necessary.
"Half of Saudis are not using the Middle East app stores," said Bozorgzadeh. "Half of those Saudi gamers do not want the sanitized experience. They want access to where the best games are."
The Casual Connect organization paid for my trip to the event. Our coverage remains fair.


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Who's the Macksan's?
Bawdy Balboa: What happened to you? I haven't visited in years, and you've changed quite a bit—for the worse. Your many USC flags seem worn, your sidewalks barren, the mom-and-pop businesses increasingly replaced by places better-suited for Corona del Mar (I'm looking at you, Segway Orange County). I last stopped by during lunchtime on a brisk, sunny February day that belonged on a post card—and yet I saw few indicators that the beach bums, coffin-dodgers and tourists of your past were still around.
Actually, I only saw one: at Macksan's Cafe, near the Pavilion and the last remnants of the Balboa Fun Zone. It was around 12:30 p.m., and an Andy Samberg look-alike dragged his Jewfro up to the counter of this Japanese restaurant. "Hello?" he mumbled to the kitchen, where the owner/chef was busily preparing my beef curry. The sleepyhead stood for a minute in his T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops before a woman came out with his to-go order. He paid, offered thanks, and then went off to undoubtedly eat and snore anew.
I'm not sure how long Macksan's has been around, but I first noticed it by accident among the sea of Italian bistros, pizza spots and breakfast joints on the peninsula. It's the only purely Japanese restaurant around. While it's nothing along the lines of Kappo Suzumaru or any of Takashi Abe's outposts, don't think the owners have watered down their cuisine for gaijins. Here exist robust udons—five of them—ranging from a simple su to a tempura udon in which fried meets scalding in a union of fatty heaven. Forget cereal, and instead try a true breakfast bowl: oyakodon, egg, chicken and green onions mixed, then placed over rice (they also sell one made with katsu). It seems like a simple dish, but this version is worthy of a Tokyo streetside stand.
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You'll also find standards for the old-money Balboa crowd: fine teriyaki bowls, a dozen or so sushi rolls, along with an acceptable, though uninspired, nigiri selection. But if I'm ever in the area, and I don't want to gorge on oyakodon, I'm sticking with the curries. Japanese curry is an obsession of mine, and Macksan's satiates it: thick but not clumpy, sweet with a bit of spice, the type of sauce that you pool the last remnants onto the center of your plate in hopes of tasting another little concentrated bit. Thrown onto white rice, Macksan's curry is unassuming but charming, like the Balboa of yore, the Balboa of memories.
Macksan's Cafe, 712 E. Balboa Ave., Newport Beach, (949) 675-8659.


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Rear Admiral G. Steve Ritchie C.B., DSC. - 26/07/2012
His career in the Surveying Service extended over thirty years during which he surveyed in many different parts of the world and rose in rank from Lieutenant to Rear Admiral. His service covered the years of the Second World War during which he was active surveying the beaches behind the lines in North Africa, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for bravery. It has been reported that during his war service he had a lucky escape when his commanding officer, Captain Hennessey, ordered him out of a boat just before it was blown up with the loss of all hands. During the invasion of northern Europe he was the First Lieutenant of HMS Scott being involved in the setting up of navigational systems for the invasion fleet. Altogether, he was in command of four survey ships and his time aboard HMS Challenger clearly had a strong influence on his attitude to giving hydrography a broader oceanographic mission. The ship was tasked to take a very multi-disciplinary role and as well as conventional hydrographic surveying she was employed on oceanographic and research activities across the world from the Labrador to the Pacific islands. During the time that Steve Ritchie was aboard, a small contingent of scientists from the Department of Geodesy and Geophysics, Cambridge, which included the eminent oceanographers Tom Gaskell and John Swallow, was assigned to the ship. There is no doubt that the experiences on the Challenger had a very strong bearing on Steve Ritchie's wider interests in the oceans. A particularly interesting part of the ship's programme was to survey and locate the deepest depth in the oceans. This being in the Marianas Trench, where a depth of 10,863 metres was reported. Subsequently other researchers from the USA, USSR and Japan have slightly refined this measurement. At a later stage he was employed on more mundane aspects of hydrography, such as surveys in the Persian Gulf and the north coast of Borneo aboard HMS Dalrymple but during that time new technology was appearing on the scene, first in the form of Two Range Decca. This gave him a lifelong interest in new technical developments and a constant desire to keep up to date. In 1963, he commissioned HMS Vidal, a thoroughly modern survey vessel in which he visited the Soviet Union and carried out surveys in the North Atlantic. Once again he found himself in the more scientific aspects of hydrography in the international NAVADO programme in which a fleet of international survey ships measured geophysical profiles from side to side of the Atlantic. It also carried him to Trinidad and a glance of his very active social life!
Hydrographic Office
As was expected of senior surveyors he spent time on assignments to the Hydrographic Office, no doubt learning much about the details of cartography and chart production. His first such assignment was as superintendent of the Oceanographic Branch (SOB) and his last was as the assistant Hydrographer. Another aspect of his career was to assist New Zealand establish a Hydrographic Office. HMS Lachlan had been transferred to the New Zealand Government and provided the nucleus for that operation. Before leaving his final sea going billet he became ADC to the Queen in 1965.
In January 1966, Steve was promoted to Rear Admiral and became the nineteenth Hydrographer of the Navy, a post that he was to hold for five years. In 1967, he was made a Companion of the Bath (CB). During that relatively short period his actions were to have a major and long-term effect on British Hydrography, the production of nautical charts and the wider development of navigation. The first of these was the completion of the move and consolidation of the Hydrographic Office at Taunton. Part of this move was to acquire and install three new colour presses that permitted the printing of charts in colours rather than the previous tones of black and grey. This fortunately coincided with another move and that was the adoption of the metric system, in particular the move from depth units in fathoms to metres. Although the International Hydrographic Bureau had been encouraging the use of metric units the UKHO had until that time resisted this change. Although there was considerable contention in marine circles on the way it should go he strongly supported the development of traffic separation schemes in the Dover Straits and later in the English Channel as a whole. It led to the first mandatory schemes being adopted by the International Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO). Finally, during his time in office he did much to encourage the construction of new survey ships.
The Hydrographic Society
After leaving his post as Hydrographer, in addition to taking a course on brick laying that was available to all retiring naval personnel, he was invited to join Southampton University as a research fellow. Although he failed to complete his planned hydrographic history he did hold discussions with Alan Ingham which were to lead to a much wider communication between hydrographic personnel. This was the development of The Hydrographic Society of which he became the first President. Hydrography, which at one time had been mostly confined to the navy and government personnel, had taken on, with the development of North Sea oil, a much broader mission that was employing civilian practitioners and commercial companies. The Hydrographic Society initially established itself nationally but later become international, holding annual conferences, workshops and publishing the Hydrographic Journal. In 1972, Steve was elected president of the International Hydrographic Bureau in Monaco, which is the secretariat to the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO). He was re-elected for a second five year period in 1977. The prime objects of the IHO are to encourage the uniformity of hydrographic charts and publications and to assist in the development of global expertise on the subject. One of the major tasks that he carried out to assist in these aims was to draft an international Convention which formed the administrative background for the detailed technical work. He took a particular interest in the work of the GEBCO (General Bathymetric Charts of the Oceans). This programme brought together hydrographers and oceanographers in the production of a global set of charts describing the bathymetry of all the oceans. He retired from the IHB to live in Scotland in 1982.
Bon Vivant
Nothing has been mentioned so far about his 'other life!' In his work he was full of originality and hard work, socially he was a 'bon vivant' and in that capacity he will be remembered internationally by many people. He was flamboyant in his dress and many will remember his red socks and striped blazer. His ruddy face and a mass of curly white hair topped this image. Some of us will remember seeing him at a Hydrographic Society Christmas party dressed as Father Christmas and dancing with a beautiful American girl! Taking advantage of his ship visiting Trinidad he became part of a 'band' during Mardi Gras celebrations. Dressed as a butterfly he joined the dancing, something he was to repeat in other years. In the Pacific Islands we find him dressed in a grass skirt and drinking Kava with the local Fijians. From this we go to the formality of a visit by Princess Anne to the Hydrographic Office where we see him dressed in his uniform as a Rear Admiral – whether he was wearing red socks on that occasion is not known! His time in Monaco had its own special social occasions as a member of the Monte Carlo Club, social exchanges with Prince Rainier and a member of the local boules team. He met his wife Disa in 1942 on board the SS Ceramic on a voyage from Canada to South Africa. They had three sons and a daughter, a grandson has followed in his grandfather's footsteps and is a hydrographic surveyor.
Author and Scholar
Yet another life was his life as author and scholar. He wrote four books about hydrography and numerous articles in scientific literature. These can be found in publications such as the Journal of Navigation and the International Hydrographic Review and he also published in this journal (Hydro international). A series of highlights of hydrographic history in the Old Hydrographer's Column. These were subsequently published together in book form. During his time as Hydrographer of the Navy he was responsible for the production of numerous charts which bear his name and especially noteworthy are the annual reports of the UKHO during that time.


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Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (live-action movie)
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During filming, Shia LaBouf was involved in a car crash and required surgery on his hand. His injury delayed production by only two days, as director Michael Bay made up for the delays by filming the second unit scenes. Shortly after returning to the set, LaBeouf injured his eye when he hit his head on a prop, requiring seven stitches.
Prior to filming, Megan Fox had lost a considerable amount of weight for her role in the film Jennifer's Body. She was required by Bay to gain 10 lbs. within three weeks before filming.
Bay was able to earn the Egyptian government's approval to film at the Giza pyramid complex and the ancient ruins of Luxor through contact with renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, who is a fan of the first film. Hawass made Bay swear not to damage any of the buildings during filming. To further promote the film, a giant poster shrouded the Luxor Hotel & Casino - which is also a pyramid - in Las Vegas, NV.
Writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman wanted legendary Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy to do the voice of The Fallen. Nimoy was previously the voice of Galvatron in the 1986 animated movie. He eventually lent his voice for Sentinel Prime in Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
In addition to Egypt, the production team filmed scenes in Jordan with the aid of the Royal Jordanian Air Force, as a prince of the country was a fan of the first film.
A "Naruto" poster can be seen at one time during the film, just as Sam enters the back room of his dorm.
At Sam's dorm, posters of Cloverfield and Bad Boys II are seen on the wall. Cloverfield is a film produced by Paramount Pictures, while Bad Boys II is a Michael Bay film.
Frank Welker reprises his role as Soundwave for this film. However, he uses his Dr. Claw voice (from Inspector Gadget), which is actually the unsynthesized version of Soundwave's cartoon voice.
Like the first film, Revenge of the Fallen shattered box office records worldwide. On its midnight premiere, it grossed $16 million, the most ever for a Wednesday midnight debut. It then grossed $60.6 million by the end of that day - second only to The Dark Knight on all-time opening day records. Within its first five days, the film brought in $200 million.
Mikaela's dog is played by Bonecrusher the Mastiff, Michael Bay's pet.
The iconic "Jaws Theme" can briefly be heard on the radio in Bumblebee. "Jaws" is an early film by Executive Producer Steven Spielberg.
This was the last Transformers film starring Megan Fox, who was fired during production of Transformers 3.
The Sun harvester subplot is loosely based on the Generation 1 episode "Changing Gears", where the Decepticons create a device to extract energy from the Sun for Energon.
Over 1.25 million feet of film were shot.
Frank Welker recorded Soundwave's lines in French and Italian for the dubbed versions of the film.
Shooting started the day after Transformers won the MTV Movie Award for Best Movie.
Michael Bay considered making Pain and Gain between Transformers and this film, but he "didn't want someone else to take his baby" and so stuck around to make three more Transformers films.
According to Roberto Orci, Jonah Hill was offered the part of Leo Spitz, and even received a copy of the script, but negotiations fell through.
Alex Kurtzman came up with the film's title. His co-writer Roberto Orci jokingly stated he would also like Transformers to be named "Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye."
Screenwriter Ehren Kruger was signed on for his encyclopedic knowledge of the Transformers and because he was a good friend of Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.
The Autobot Arcee was originally meant to appear in the first film, but was replaced with Ironhide because the writers thought robot genders would be difficult to explain. Afterward, they decided to include Arcee to please fans, and ignore the gender issue. Arcee's alternate mode was felt to be too small for her to be an effective warrior, so she got two partners, Chromia and Elita-1.
The Decepticon Soundwave was originally meant to appear in the first film, but could not be properly reworked. He was a helicopter, but that was rewritten as Blackout; he then became a radio, then that was rewritten as Frenzy. His alternate mode in this film is a satellite, which fits his role as a communications officer.
To stage an action scene at White Sands, the buildings built on the sand had explosives inside of them, and six F-16s were flown over the area.
During production, Michael Bay attempted to create a misinformation campaign to increase debate over what Transformers would appear in the film, and try to throw fans off of the story of the film. According to Roberto Orci it didn't work.
Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman chose the Fallen as the film's primary antagonist because they felt he was the most elemental villain (he was originally seen in the "Transformer" comics as an apocalyptic god-like robot) and would make a fine master for Megatron.
Megatron's alternate mode in this film is an alien tank. This combines events from The Transformers: The Movie (he was resurrected as Galvatron, whose alternate mode was a tripod laser cannon/pistol and later an Israeli Merkava tank) and the 1980s Transformer comics (he was resurrected as a tank).
John Turturro was allowed to climb the pyramids during filming in Egypt. At one point, he simply broke down crying. When Michael Bay questioned him, he said, "You just don't get to do this in movies. You don't get to shoot in a place that's 4000 years old."
The Forest Battle and Operation Firestorm were shot with IMAX cameras. Because of the increased resolution, it took ILM animators 72 hours to render one frame of those scenes.
The Autobot that transformed into a Chevrolet Corvette (Centennial Concept) sportscar was originally called Hot Rod, but he was later renamed Sideswipe. He is also inspired by the Autobot Drift, who transforms from a sportscar, wields blades in battle, and has a similar headcrest.
Ravage's alternate mode in The Transformers was a tape cassette, but that was considered old-fashioned. He retains his robotic panther form throughout the film.
The Dinobots, a faction of Autobots who took the forms of dinosaurs, received strong support from fans to appear in the film. Alex Kurtzman dismissed them as an unlikely concept for an alien robot film, but decided to reserve them for a sequel because of their popularity among fans. Michael Bay however, claimed that he disliked them and that they would not make an appearance in the films.
The college scenes were shot at both the University of Pennsylvania and the Princeton University. Neither school is named in the film, however, as both schools felt that the Judy Witwicky scenes were damaging to their image.
Bumblebee's alternate mode in this film is a 2010 Concept Chevrolet Camaro. This was a redesign of his previous 2009 Chevrolet Camaro mode, carried out to emphasize Bumblebee becoming stronger and sturdier after his injury in the first film. The Chevrolet logo on Bumblebee's grill in the first film is yellow, but in this film it is black with a red outline.
The Shanghai Skirmish was planned to shoot in Japan, in homage to the original birthplace of the Transformers, but the filmmakers thought it was too Godzilla-like.
Wheelie was originally an Autobot Cybertronian car in The Transformers: The Movie, but this was revised to a Decepticon radio-controlled truck. His overall personality, a fast-talking, street-smart spy on wheels, is based on the Beast Machines version of the Maximal, Rattrap. In both a joke and homage, Wheelie gets his foot caught in a mousetrap.
In The Transformers, there were two sportscar brothers named Sideswipe and Sunstreaker. Sideswipe had already been selected as a single character. When Michael Bay saw the Chevrolet Trax and Beat, he thought they looked good together and had the potential to be as cool as any big truck. The Twins were altered to miniature automobiles, and were renamed Skids (after the Autobot from the 1980s "Transformer" comics) and Mudflap (after the Transformers: Cybertron Autobot).
Caterpillar Inc. provided three vehicles to portray Decepticons: the 992D wheel loader (Scrapper), the 773B dump truck (Long Haul), and the D9N bulldozer (Rampage).
The Decepticon Mixmaster's alternate mode is a Mack Trucks concrete mixer.
The Decepticon Hightower's alternate mode is a Kobelco CK2500 Crawler Crane.
The Decepticon Demolishor's alternate mode is a Terex O&K RH-400 Hydraulic Mining Excavator, considered to be the largest hydraulic excavator in the world.
The Autobot Jolt's alternate mode in this film is a Chevrolet Volt, a new vehicle designed by General Motors. The car company wanted to promote their new vehicle, but the writers had been dazzled by the Volt, and wanted it in the film anyway.
The Decepticon Barricade, seen in the first film, was going to reappear in Shanghai as the Audi R8 automobile, but the Hasbro Company vetoed that idea in favour of the Audi being a new Decepticon, so he was renamed Sideways.
The animators modelled Devastator's stooped stature and lumbering movements after a gorilla.
According to Roberto Orci, the script struggled to maintain "a more evenly-balanced focus between the humans and the robots" and "to modulate the humor more." The Transformers' more intense war was balanced by outrageous jokes.
The film shot in Egypt for 3 days, primarily at the Giza pyramid complex and Luxor. According to Lorenzo di Bonaventura, the shoot was highly secretive: "A crew of 150 Americans and several dozen local Egyptians ensured a remarkably smooth shoot."
The film shot for 4 days in Jordan, at Petra, Wadi Rum and Salt. The Jordanian royal family, who loved Transformers, provided the Royal Jordanian Air Force for assistance.
Before filming at La Place de la Concorde in Paris, Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia was used as a stand-in.
The Transformers were created with a mix of computer-generated imagery and props, including include a life-scale model of Bumblebee (the same used from the first film), a life-scale model of Optimus Prime, a life-scale puppet of robot-mode Wheelie, a model of the Matrix of Leadership, Jetfire's landing gear/cane, a puppet of Ravage, a puppet of Scalpel, Megatron's claw, and the Fallen's face. CGI was used extensively so scenes could be filmed easily.
According to Roberto Orci, the film's central theme is "being away from home and adapting to a new world." Sam must leave home for college, and the Autobots make Earth their new home.
Originally there was going to be a massive army of Insecticons (a The Transformers faction of insectoid Decepticons) that would merge to form the Hive, (inspired by the Swarm from the 1980s "Transformers" comics). This was changed as it would have been too expensive, and not as spectacular as the combiner Devastator; in the end, only one Insecticon appears, seen tracking down Sam and Mikaela in Operation Firestorm. The concept was not scrapped though but evolved into the Microcons-Reedman sequence.
Teresa Palmer was originally cast as Alice.
Michael Bay wanted Amaury Nolasco to reprise his role as Jorge Figueroa, but Nolasco was unavailable due to schedule conflicts with other films.
Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman approached Leonard Nimoy to voice the Fallen while the three of them worked on Star Trek. Nimoy voiced Galvatron, Megatron's successor, in The Transformers: The Movie. Michael Bay was nervous about approaching a relative (Nimoy is married to Bay's cousin), particularly a famous one: "I just feel kind of bad about asking him. 'I can't pay you that much, but would you do this voice?'" Nimoy later got the role of Optimus Prime's predecessor Sentinel Prime in Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
The Fallen's face resembles the Decepticon insignia, with an Egyptian crown attached. He also has red magma lines running across his body, a reference to his original aflame appearance in the comics. His features also resemble the multi-faced Quintessons, the god-like bio-mechanical creators of the The Transformers.
The Hasbro and Takara Toy Company, who own the "Transformers" toy line, recommended that the film feature combining robots.
While rendering Devastator, one ILM animator's computer reportedly overheated, and its internal circuitry melted.
Ravage's first scene shows him leaping over the Diego Garcia beach. This scene is based on the famous image of a leaping Ravage that appeared as his original packaging art, was used repeatedly in the Marvel Comic, and is copied in coloring and story books.
Michael Bay described the tone of the film as "Ben-Hur fused with Apocalypse Now."
John Turturro offered to voice Jetfire because he thought it would be a fun role.
The filmmakers polled Transformers fans to decide which robots to cast in the film. The most popular robots were Soundwave (20% of the vote), the Constructicons and Dinobots (tied with 16%), Jetfire (11%), Ultra Magnus and Shockwave (tied with 9%).
Attending a preview of the film, Steven Spielberg is reported to have said upon seeing Devastator in Operation Firestorm, "That is f***ing awesome!" Michael Bay was proud of the fact that he could make the normally well-mannered Spielberg swear.
When filming the Operation Firestorm scene where Leo rescues Simmons from Devastator's vortex Ramon Rodriguez endured artificially-generated 100-mph winds, which clogged his eyes with sand and dislocated his shoulder. It took him 45 minutes to clear his eyes.
Megan Fox cannot ride a motorcycle, so when she shot her riding scenes someone had to push her so that she could get a good start, and when shooting ended someone was always on hand to catch her bike.
Steve Jablonsky brought in his mentor Hans Zimmer and the rock band 'Linkin Park' to assist in composing the musical score. The trio collaborated on making a musical score set to the band's song "New Divide."
The Autobot Sisters' alternate modes - a pink Ducati 848, blue Suzuki B-King, and a purple MV Agusta F4 312R - were designed and built by the sports bike company retroSBK.
The Twins were specially designed to reflect each other: Skids has an oversized left arm/eye and Mudflap has an oversized right arm/eye, and Skids's face is the top part of the Autobot face and Mudflap's face is the bottom part.
The massive air strike in Operation Firestorm was caused by a 1,000-gallon gasoline bomb. Special effects supervisor John Frazier spent seven months setting it up, longer than it took to shoot the whole film. The bomb made the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest bomb ever filmed with actors close by.
It took 140 terabytes to process the CGI for all the robots in this film.
Starscream paints his body in purple Cybertronian markings. Purple is considered the Decepticons' mascot color.
The ILM animators studied each others' eyes to get an impression of how to express emotion in the robots' optics (eyes). In the previous film, they'd relied on the light from the optics, in this film, they relied on the optics' movement to express emotion.
Megan Fox had lost weight before shooting, so Michael Bay prescribed a "cake diet" for her to follow. Within three weeks, Fox gained 10 pounds.
In The Transformers the Constructicons transformed into construction vehicles, and could combine into the giant robot Devastator. In this film, there are two fleets of Constructicons: one fleet combines to become Devastator, the other fleet is disguised individual robots. Devastator was made a separate entity because it was not possible for the VFXperts, with the alien multi-segmented design used on the robots, to effectively design combining Transformers. Hasbro faced a very similar situation; they had to release the Constructicons and Devastator in two sets.
A single IMAX shot (df250) would take almost 3 years to render on a top-of-the-line home PC running nonstop. If the entire movie was rendered on a modern home PC, it would've had taken 16,000 years to finish.
According to the ILM animators, Devastator is made of 52,632 pieces (more than 10 times the number of individual parts in an ordinary car), 11,716,127 polygons, and 6,467 textures, and took up 32 gigabytes of computer space. If his components were laid end-to-end they would stretch 13.84 miles. All the gold ever mined in human history could build a little more than half of it.
The Shanghai Skirmish, set in China, was shot at the Bethlehem Steel site in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and in Long Beach, California.
Casting sheets leaked in early 2008 mention the CEO of a corporation called "Massive Dynamics". The middle-aged male would have testified before Congress about robotic weapons in a short scene. A few months after the leak, Fringe debuted. Co-created and written by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, it included a mysterious corporation called "Massive Dynamics", later renamed to "Massive Dynamic". Steve Tom noted on his website that he would be playing the CEO of "McClaren Robotics." The novelization says that the government created a fake corporation called "Massive Dynamics" as a cover for the events of Transformers. The cover story stated that Massive Dynamics had developed search-and-rescue robots that malfunctioned during tests and caused the damage seen in the finale.
General Morshower is named after the actor who plays him, Glenn Morshower.
Simmons' codename "Robo-Warrior" was often used by Transformer fans online and in convention circles.
At the frat party, Sam takes some icing off a cake, which has the letters PSIU on it. This letters represent to the Psi Upsilon fraternity, which Michael Bay was in. The house the party was shot in, often referred to as "The Castle," is also a Psi Upsilon Chapter house.
Michael Bay's pet dog Bonecrusher, adopted during the making of Transformers, can be seen at Mikaela's house.
According to Megan Fox, Michael Bay used multiple cameras in some scenes to film her from the front and behind: "I'm bent over airbrushing the bike, and I'm wearing these really short shorts. I thought I was performing the scene with the camera on my face, but he had a multiple camera going that was on a dolly, sliding in and out from behind me. My dialogue isn't even on camera!"
In The Transformers, Soundwave's distinctive voice was created by Frank Welker using his deep ominous Dr Claw voice from Inspector Gadget, and then filtering the voice through a vocoder. In this film, Welker's voice was not treated with a vocoder, but it was in the video game Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
White Sands Missile Range doubled for Qatar in Transformers, and for Egypt in this one. This military installation is unique in that every weapon in the US Army arsenal can be fired within its borders.
The submarine scenes were shot at the Point Loma Submarine Base in San Diego, CA. Some of the extras were serving Navy sailors.
Rachael Taylor who starred as the Australian Maggie Madsen in Transformers turned down a chance to reprise her role.
Originally, the Twins and the Autobot Sisters were planned to respectively combine into bigger stronger robots. However, this was too expensive and would have been too much in the film anyway (however, the Twins are seen at the beginning of the film combined in an ice cream truck).
NEST is the alliance between the humans and the Autobots. It has different meanings: "Networked Elements: Supporters and Transformers," "Non-biological Extraterrestrial Species Team," and "Non-biological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty." It could also refer to Earth being a nest (refuge) for the Autobots. There is also a real-life NEST agency: The Nuclear Emergency Support Team.
The Decepticon Scalpel (described in the film as the Doctor) takes the alternate mode of a lensmeter, a device used by optometrists to check the various aspects of a prescription lens for eyeglasses (his toy gave him a different alternate mode: a microscope, in tribute to the The Transformers Autobot Perceptor). His bug-like design and sadistic attitude were based on Tarantulas, the twisted Predacon scientist from Beast Wars: Transformers.
The elderly Autobot warrior Kup was originally going to be in the film, but he was altered to become the ex-Decepticon Jetfire.
The word "transformer" is heard only once in the film, used by Simmons in his bunker ("The Transformers, they've been here a long, long time."). Its derivatives are used by the Fallen and Jetfire.
Throughout the Transformers saga, Jetfire has possessed an aerial mode and an accent: In The Transformers he was an accentless VF-1S Valkyrie jet, in Transformers: Armada he was an accentless X-71 space shuttle (seen in Michael Bay's Armageddon), in Transformers: Cybertron he was an Antonov An-225 carrier with an Australian accent, in Transformers: Animated he was a Cybertronian jet with a Russian accent, and in this film, he is a SR-71 Blackbird jet with a British accent.
From the Autobot Sisters, the pink motorcycle is Arcee, the blue bike is Chromia and the purple motorbike is as Flareup; their toys are marketed and sold as such. However, Roberto Orci maintains that the Sisters are all Arcee.
The interior design of the Nemesis was based on photographs of sawed-open bones, including marrow and vessels.
In The Transformers, the Seekers were Decepticons who took the form of jets. In this film, the Seekers are a special class of Transformers who explored the galaxy.
The photos of Seekers are a Ford Model T automobile, a B-24 "Liberator" bomber, an F-104 "Starfighter" jet, an "Albatross" D III biplane (Ransack, who appears only in the movie novelization), and an SR-71 "Blackbird" jet (Jetfire). These photos allude to the "Transformers: Evolutions" comics, where the Transformers awoke in the 1800-1900s and took the form of locomotives, steamboats, zeppelins, and other turn-of-the-century vehicles.
The Decepticon Overload's alternate mode is a Komatsu HD465-7 articulated dump truck.
Tom Kenny, Reno Wilson, Mark Ryan and Jess Harnell have voiced both an Autobot and Decepticon. Kenny voiced Skids and Wheelie, Wilson voiced Mudflap and Frenzy, Ryan voiced Bumblebee and Jetfire, and Harnell voiced Ironhide and Barricade.
The VFXperts believe Soundwave is their most interesting robot: "While he doesn't have a transformation, he is a combination of mechanical robotic pieces and these organic space-age tentacles. He will lock onto a satellite and as his tentacles search out, they lay out these very geometrically shaped and patterned tentacles akin to the structure you see on a circuit board. The bigger ones look like metallic rubber; the little ones look more like glass. They creep over the satellite almost like an L-system. You can see a very mathematical pattern as these guys learn where to go."
The Decepticon who steals the Allspark at the NEST base is named Reedman, because he was made out of hundreds of miniature bug-like robots (described as Microcons). The VFXperts described him as "a bunch of razor blades really, but cooler looking than that! He's able to orient himself in a particular axis to make himself invisible from that axis."
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A New York City cab driver, James Ignakowski has discovered and returned actress and singer, Cher's ass Wednesday morning, after she left it in his cab on Tuesday night.
Ignakowski, or Iggy as he's called around the station, told reporters that he was straightening out the cab before he went off shift and spotted the ass sitting there all by itself.
"Right away I thought, wow, what's going to happen to that person with the long blonde hair as I recalled that she was my last customer. I mean, if there was another one after that, you'd think they would have yelled, 'We can't sit back here, someone's left their ass!' or something like that."
Iggy then stated that he tried to go on home to his apartment and get some sleep but he couldn't get the ass off his mind.
"So I got up and went back down to the station and went through the 'Lost & Found' he later told reporters. "And it was still there. Actually there was another one with it but I remember that this one looked like that woman. I'm pretty sure the other one was male."
"That's when I went to search for the lady because I thought, 'What if she has to go to the bathroom and she's got no ass?' and I went back to where I let her out."
Apparently after a lot of loud knocking at a hotel door on the sixteenth floor, it was opened by what appeared to be the same lady but with different hair.
"I'm uh sorry, Miss, but did you leave this ass in my cab last night or rather, early this morning?"
"Oh you found it", she said, "and this is my very favorite."
"It turned out to be that Sonny singer Cher! She gave me a big tip but I needed not have worried about her bathroom needs as she showed me at least a dozen more of them."