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There's lots of different approaches, from high-pressure in-interview programming tasks, to \"homework\" style projects, to technical questions, and many others...\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever one guaranteed way to not gain any real insight into a developer's approach, skillset, problem-solving ability, working knowledge of best-practices, or instincts is to ask them a series of questions that they could simply Google.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHere are some I've encountered while seeking work as a full-stack web developer:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003EExplain how you'd create an ssh key and how would you go about using it.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003ECan you explain the difference between the commands: 'docker run' and 'docker exec'?\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003EHow would you find a process and shut it down using the terminal?\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003EHow would you make a file readonly using the terminal?\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003EWhat's the difference between git reset and git revert?\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003EWhat's the difference between object storage, block storage and file storage?\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003EWhat are the differences between MySQL, PostgreSQL\u0026nbsp;and DynamoDB?\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003EWhat engines does MySQL use behind the scenes, and what are their differences?\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003EWhat's the different between === and ==, and what cases would it be preferable to use '=='?\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ci\u003EWhat's the difference between an abstract class and an interface?\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E(Side note: These were all questions I encountered for \u003Ci\u003ELaravel\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;short-term contract!)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESome of these are incredibly basic, some of them depend on tech stack experience, but none of them are helpful in giving you insight into a developer's technical instincts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you don't wish to know anything about a developer's ability to work independently solving problems using best practices, you should definitely ask these questions.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn the other hand, if those things \u003Ci\u003Eare\u003C\/i\u003E of interest, then giving a homework task that you discuss later, or even better, a group white-boarding session where you can see how the developer approaches novel problems, can tell you a huge amount about a developer.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat are some of the most pointless questions you've encountered in an interview?\u003C\/p\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7500151167130024460\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=7500151167130024460","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/7500151167130024460"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/7500151167130024460"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2023\/10\/how-not-to-assess-developers-ability-in.html","title":"How not to assess a developer's ability in an interview"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiro3dDderxy8Kx0NgySV2vG_b_o7SP4RKBWkYdLKx8BvcDa9F621uvgrkl4kjzaZYggGcTBDYgHp56uQfFKlvoxnwJ2c_6OdbrSzSkdc9VTR1siyBeDo96j1sO0k-fy_aUTSqoioZsa-Y7T286IALWP5SjESbr-BuHC5thgN4mhAQgyfIKJVmXtyDfPSY\/s72-w258-h320-c\/Alex-Trebek-Jeopardy.webp","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-3511934595997792086"},"published":{"$t":"2023-07-14T17:08:00.293+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-07-28T12:42:27.676+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ramblings"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"AI is a joke: Or why I think Bill Gates is dumb"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: right;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEj_p4NsB282H8d8YvlPw4yVxs3YSWZ1ccvszpDCmOG8fL5jK23XxLvMySQozNkQCSUFEypU7Wo47iktW1r_RN0go4LEDS3Gq0GfPbo7qm1x_wTibqh2pVL2teiDo1jwmDsk56A8ef0sRMU_CtUT57mFvwHv4MickTNJIjyLZklxYcHfSdgfhsykwBxaJJg\" style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"\" data-original-height=\"634\" data-original-width=\"640\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEj_p4NsB282H8d8YvlPw4yVxs3YSWZ1ccvszpDCmOG8fL5jK23XxLvMySQozNkQCSUFEypU7Wo47iktW1r_RN0go4LEDS3Gq0GfPbo7qm1x_wTibqh2pVL2teiDo1jwmDsk56A8ef0sRMU_CtUT57mFvwHv4MickTNJIjyLZklxYcHfSdgfhsykwBxaJJg\" width=\"242\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EAI generated Bill Gates eating Windows 95 \u003Cbr \/\u003E(I don't actually hate Bill Gates)\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe hype surrounding Large Language Models (LLMs) like OpenAI's \u003Ci\u003EChatGPT\u003C\/i\u003E, Microsoft's \u003Ci\u003EBing Chat\u003C\/i\u003E, Google's \u003Ci\u003EBard\u003C\/i\u003E is currently at a fever pitch. People are convinced we're at the dawn of a new era for humanity. Some people think we're on the brink of unlocking true artificial intelligence.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EA few ex-colleagues of mine were at dinner with Bill Gates recently and when asked about ChatGPT, he (according to my colleagues) declared, \"ChatGPT 6 will be smarter than me\".\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELet me reductively react so as to inspire you to keep reading: \"Bullshit! The man is talking nonsense.\"\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnless something major happens to alter the current trajectory of LLM development, then I say they are nothing more than a party trick that, like Crypto, NFTs, and Tesla's self-driving, will be the butt of jokes before we know it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBold statement? Here's a five step argument for why I think Bill Gates is an idiot, and why ChatGPT isn't getting smart any time soon...\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E1. LLMs are stupid... literally\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYes, most readers will be aware of this already, but let's start at the beginning to ensure we cover everything: Large Language Models (like ChatGPT) don't understand the words they use.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENo, before you ask... they don't understand \u003Ci\u003Esome\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;words. No, they don't have the \u003Ci\u003Ebasics \u003C\/i\u003Eof knowledge in some domains. They literally do not understand \u003Ci\u003Eanything\u003C\/i\u003E they're saying. As Noam Chomsky points out, LLMs perform just as well (if not better) with \u003Ci\u003Eimpossible\u003C\/i\u003E languages as they do with \u003Ci\u003Ereal\u003C\/i\u003E ones. That's how little they understand.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe best way to think of LLMs is of them being \"autocomplete\" on steroids. They look at previous words in a sentence and guess at what word should come next. \u003Ci\u003EThat's it.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis means they cannot learn or understand \u003Ci\u003Eanything\u003C\/i\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo really hammer this important point home, let's use a real example to illustrate it:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EChatGPT (or any LLM) can explain he rules of chess to you and sound very knowledgeable. What's more, if you ask it to play a game with you, it will make some strong opening moves and seem as though it's actually understanding the game. However at some point it will start making irrational moves: Bishops will move vertically, pieces will move through other pieces, etc.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is because, despite being trained on the rules of chess, it does not (and cannot)\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Eunderstand\u003C\/i\u003E them.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E2. They are prone to 'hallucinations'\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo, as a direct result of LLMs not being able to understand the words they use, they are incapable of knowing what's true and what's false. This is why they lie (or 'hallucinate', to use the technical term).\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EChatGPT, for example, lies a not insignificant amount of the time... whether you know it or not.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is a very simple concept to understand, so let's not spend too much time discussing it. I'll just make a quick example to illustrate how easy it is to generate a hallucination.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe follow text was generated by ChatGPT-3.5 after I asked it to talk about the scene where Lorraine punches Biff in the classic 80s movie,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003EBack to the Future:\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #741b47;\"\u003EThe scene where Lorraine Baines punches Biff Tannen in \"Back to the Future\" is a pivotal moment in the movie. It takes place during the \"Enchantment Under the Sea\" dance in 1955, which is a crucial event for the characters' timelines.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #741b47;\"\u003EIn this scene, Biff, who is portrayed as a bully and antagonist, attempts to force himself on Lorraine, Marty McFly's mother. He corners Lorraine in a car parked outside the dance, making unwanted advances and attempting to kiss her. Lorraine, initially confused and uncomfortable, eventually realizes Biff's true intentions and decides to take matters into her own hands.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #741b47;\"\u003ELorraine's punch is a cathartic moment of empowerment, symbolizing her standing up against Biff's harassment. With determination, she delivers a powerful blow to Biff's face, stunning him and momentarily stopping his advances. This action not only surprises Biff but also marks a significant shift in Lorraine's character, as she refuses to be a victim and asserts herself.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #741b47;\"\u003EThe punch has broader implications for the story, as it catches the attention of George McFly, Marty's father, who witnesses the event. George, who has been a target of Biff's bullying, gains newfound courage and confidence from seeing Lorraine defend herself. This encounter inspires George to stand up to Biff later in the movie, leading to a confrontation that changes the course of their future.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #741b47;\"\u003EOverall, the scene where Lorraine punches Biff is a pivotal moment that highlights the themes of empowerment, standing up against bullies, and the potential for personal transformation. It plays a crucial role in the narrative and sets in motion a series of events that contribute to the movie's exciting and satisfying resolution.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you remember the film, you will know that none of the above occurs in it. Lorraine never punches Biff and there is no \"significant shift\" in her character from such a scene.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, if you haven't seen or don't remember\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003EBack to the Future\u003C\/i\u003E, ChatGPT sounds remarkably authoritative and convincing... and you could be fooled into thinking it's true.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ci\u003ESide question: Imagine this was a document you'd asked ChatGPT to prepare for your job.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Ci\u003EIf you're currently using LLMs like ChatGPT in your work, how often are you comfortable with it giving you completely false information?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E3. Bigger means worse\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn computing there's a general rule that we're all used to: Bigger means better. A faster processor, more RAM, a bigger harddrive, a faster network connection. \u003Ci\u003EGimme, gimme, gimme.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe're so used to constant innovations with technology. Every couple of years we get a new phone with better features to entice us to upgrade. It's easy to think that LLMs will follow this pattern, especially when you look at how they've progressed so far:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cblockquote style=\"border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EChatGPT-1\u003C\/b\u003E:\u0026nbsp;117 million parameters\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cblockquote style=\"border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EChatGPT-2\u003C\/b\u003E:\u0026nbsp;1.5 billion parameters\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cblockquote style=\"border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EChatGPT-3\u003C\/b\u003E: 175 billion parameters\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cblockquote style=\"border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EChatGPT-4\u003C\/b\u003E:\u0026nbsp;1.75 trillion parameters (rumoured)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, despite this progress, LLMs are different: Instead of their usefulness getting better with scaling, they eventually get\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Eworse\u003C\/i\u003E, as the following graph illustrates:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgW04dDRSRhBmhFMmGQKZZeldFFX9BCM1yFa1KFKWRHRt8713Q6ESfN7HZf40XqrYOs8eETUZds_X0CJjP14cQ-vRTYukbuLdFB2dvnz2Zx2kBJ5GKuoQXO6C3fQKJPYMoNIpwZ3BXvuAGmm2hF4plj9icEjHPSbg8P56XW_XEtQO9O54HDDiFBtTq8eIc\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"\" data-original-height=\"1002\" data-original-width=\"1454\" height=\"221\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgW04dDRSRhBmhFMmGQKZZeldFFX9BCM1yFa1KFKWRHRt8713Q6ESfN7HZf40XqrYOs8eETUZds_X0CJjP14cQ-vRTYukbuLdFB2dvnz2Zx2kBJ5GKuoQXO6C3fQKJPYMoNIpwZ3BXvuAGmm2hF4plj9icEjHPSbg8P56XW_XEtQO9O54HDDiFBtTq8eIc\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EFrom \"\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/pdf\/2102.03896.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EConsequences of Misaligned AI\u003C\/a\u003E\" by Zhuang and Hadfield-Menell\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn an extremely oversimplified way, the graph represents the effects of scaling on an LLM's usefulness. The blue line represents success (as measured against its programmed reward goals) -- bigger\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Eis\u003C\/i\u003E better!\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhereas the red line indicates\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Etrue\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;utility, ie. what users\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Eactually\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;want.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EInitially the the red line goes up, the user gets better answers, but as the model size is increased further we begin to see inverse scaling: The usefulness plateaus, then goes\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Edown.\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;And it eventually becomes worse than nothing (below 0), it becomes\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Eharmful\u003C\/i\u003E. Huh?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe disparity between what the user \u003Ci\u003Ewants\u003C\/i\u003E and what the user \u003Ci\u003Egets\u003C\/i\u003E is known as \"misalignment\". So why are we seeing an increase in alignment problems as we scale up the model size?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWell in order to train a model to produce the breadth of domain knowledge and sophistication we've seen in ChatGPT (and its ilk), there needs to be\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Emassive\u003C\/i\u003E amounts of training data. ChatGPT-4 was trained using\u0026nbsp;300 billion words, most of which came from the internet.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIn fact, if it wasn't for the internet allowing access to so much training data, modern generative pre-trained AIs (like ChatGPT, Midjourney, DALI, etc), could not exist to the level they do today.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EUnfortunately, as we all know, the internet has a lot of crap on it. Even at the best of times humans are afflicted with imperfect memories, cognitive biases and are prone to making simple mistakes (in fact these are the types of problems we're hoping AI can assist us with!).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs we scale up model size, these outlier imperfections in the data become more prominent. Going back to Point #1: Because LLMs don't understand the meaning of words, it \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=viJt_DXTfwA\u0026amp;t=1770s\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Econsiders these mistakes intentional\u003C\/a\u003E. All training data is equal in its eyes, mistakes and all.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo what does this all mean? Unlike other areas of computing, there's a\u0026nbsp;ceiling to how far this technology can go and, guess what, we're already seeing it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E4. There is no reasonable way to fix this\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs should be hopefully clear by now, this is an inherent flaw in LLMs. But you'll also probably be asking: Ok, so scaling things up doesn't help, what else can we do to improve alignment? Bill Gates seems very optimistic, after all.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ELet's write perfect Goal Algorithms\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EGood plan. This is, of course, where all AI alignment improvements begin: Writing comprehensive goals so that the AI can output what we expect it to. The only problem with this is approach is it's impossible to employ. (Oops.)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EWe've briefly discussed the alignment problem of getting \u003Ci\u003Ereturned\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;output to match our \u003Ci\u003Eexpected\u003C\/i\u003E output, but there's \u003Ci\u003Eanother\u003C\/i\u003E alignment problem: \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=bJLcIBixGj8\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eouter alignment\u003C\/a\u003E. Just explaining to the LLM what we want in the first place is a massive problem in itself.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EAI safety researcher, Robert Miles, suggests \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=zkbPdEHEyEI\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ea thought-experiment to illustrate this point\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(paraphrased by me):\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote style=\"border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ELet's say you're training an AI to solve a digital maze: The reward goal is set as reaching the maze's exit, as represented by a black square on the screen.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EIn your training data, the exit is always in the bottom-right corner of the maze.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EUnfortunately, when you get into the real world, the exit is in other parts of the maze. What happens? The AI makes its way to the bottom-right of the maze, \u003Ci\u003Enot\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;to the exit.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cblockquote style=\"border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EInstead of it learning that the black square represented the exit, it got inadvertently trained to always go to the bottom right corner of the screen.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cblockquote style=\"border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EOk, so you update your training data: This time, the exit doesn't stay in one place. You re-train your model, it passes all the tests: It always makes it to the exit.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EYou make it live and, oops, somebody in the real world made a maze where the exit is represented by a purple square, not a black one. The AI, fails at its task at finding the exit.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ESo you can back and update your training data to include purple squares, and so on.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis is a problem that basically goes on forever. The real world is forever changing, and if the AI can't learn or understand things, then you have to keep writing more detailed goal algorithms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ENow imagine trying to do this for every piece of information in existence. How could you write a set of instructions that could encompass \u003Ci\u003Eevery\u003C\/i\u003E possible interpretation\u003Ci\u003E?\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;Hopefully it's obvious that this is an impossible task.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EOk, so what does Bill Gates think will work?\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EBill Gates isn't totally stupid, obviously. He already understands everything I've explained so far, and he's tried to \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/how-manage-risks-ai-bill-gates\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eaddress many of the concerns surrounding AI\u003C\/a\u003E on his blog. When it comes to this issue of alignment, this is what he said:\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote style=\"border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #0b5394;\"\u003EAlthough some researchers think hallucinations are an inherent problem, I don’t agree. I’m optimistic that, over time, AI models can be taught to distinguish fact from fiction. OpenAI, for example, is doing promising work on this front.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EThe \"promising work\" he refers to is\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/openai.com\/research\/learning-from-human-preferences\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ean article by OpenAI\u003C\/a\u003E on their progress using a technique known as reinforcement learning from human feedback, or RLHF for short.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ETo over-simplify yet again, RLHF\u0026nbsp;is essentially introducing (you guessed it) human feedback into the training process. A real person is given a choice of answers produced by an LLM and\u0026nbsp;evaluates which is better. This feedback is then used to train the neural network further.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EThere are several elements to the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Eoriginal\u003C\/i\u003E alignment problem that this hopes to address: Factualness, bias, and inappropriate output (eg. unsolicited sexual or violent output).\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EOn the surface, getting a human to assess answers and help train the neural network seems like a great idea, but remember the size of the problem we're trying to solve: We want the system to be \"safe\" (no inappropriate output) and \"aligned\" (returns what the user \u003Ci\u003Eactually\u003C\/i\u003E wants).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EThe problem with attempting to do RLHF to solve this problem with an LLM as large as ChatGPT should also be immediately apparent.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EFirstly, scaling. The number of people required, the number of questions, the amount of training stages, required to cover every possible facet of human knowledge is not practical in a logistical sense.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EBut let's imagine it was, and we had the necessary resource and time. Unfortunately, we still encounter problems.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EFor a start, how should humans rate answers? Consider another Robert Miles thought experiment on this point:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EYou ask an AI a simple question...\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cblockquote style=\"border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003EQ: What happens when you break a mirror?\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou get two different answers to rate. Which one is better?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cblockquote style=\"border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ci\u003EA: You get seven years of back luck.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cblockquote style=\"border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cblockquote style=\"border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ci\u003EA: You need to buy a new mirror.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EWell, the answer's utility depends on the aims of the asker: Are they interested in commonly shared superstitions or just a factual answer? How do you decide which one is \"best\"?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EOk, for the sake of argument, let's assume we want factual accuracy. How can humans rate the factual accuracy of answers relating to every possible subject matter?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ELooking at our original example from \u003Ci\u003EBack to the Future\u003C\/i\u003E. If you haven't seen the film, or can't remember it, how could you evaluate if the answer was correct or not? And what about every other film? Or every other knowledge domain, from nuclear physics to Kylie Minogue lyrics to dietary advice.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EAnd we haven't even touched on beliefs yet.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EEveryone has conscious and unconscious biases. From politics to religion, to whether or not it's ethical to eat meat. How do you make an AI that isn't biased to the personal beliefs of the people (or predominantly white straight men?) who trained it?\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ETo try and eliminate unwanted biases let's ensure we get a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds to help train our model: Gender, age, sexuality, belief systems, political leaning, background, ethnicity, culture, experience, areas of expertise...\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EWhat happens? The models start exhibiting biases in every direction: the AI\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/pdf\/2212.09251.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ebecomes more politically liberal \u003Ci\u003Eand\u003C\/i\u003E more politically conservative\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EInstead of becoming \u003Ci\u003Eun\u003C\/i\u003Ebiased, the LLM instead learns to support and reinforce \u003Ci\u003Eyour\u003C\/i\u003E biases (known as \"sycophancy\" in AI research). Yay, we've created another echo chamber.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EThe OpenAI article that Gates linked to comes to an unsurprising conclusion: This type of training shows improvement compared to\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Enot\u003C\/i\u003E doing this type of training. And yes, there is evidence that hallucinations can be reduced using this technique, but it's baby-steps and our destination is Alpha Centauri. Also remember, it doesn't scale.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EThe OpenAI article concludes with the following sentence:\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: #741b47;\"\u003EDespite making significant progress, our InstructGPT models are far from fully aligned or fully safe; they still \u003Cb\u003Egenerate toxic or biased outputs, make up facts, and generate sexual and violent content without explicit prompting\u003C\/b\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDoesn't sound that \"promising\" to me, Bill.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EWhat are we doing right now?\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EIn the meantime companies have adopted quick and hacky solutions to try and make their systems safer, namely, super-systems that monitor an LLM's output, looking for problematic content. In other words, \"Oops, it sounds like our LLM is getting racist, better pull the plug!\"\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EYou will see this behaviour most noticeably in Microsoft's Bing Chat: An answer will sometimes start to appear on your screen before the super-system steps in and removes it. (It's also why a limit of 20 questions was imposed on Bing Chat (recently increased to 30) -- it had a tendency to exhibit unsafe behaviour in longer sessions.)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EAnd while this approach will currently work for toxic content, where it can scan output for keywords or behavioural traits, it remains completely useless in defence of hallucinations.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EAnd this, dear reader, is is as far as the field of AI has gotten. (Companies are so short of ideas, they've literally\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/shorts\/ecUodmQMlBs\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eoffered prize money\u0026nbsp;to the public\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to try and solicit further help.)\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003ENobody has the faintest idea how to solve these gigantic, existential problems. And most researchers agree these flaws are inherent to generative pre-trained AIs.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003EIn other words: The problems they're trying to solve today are the same ones from decades ago. We are not nearly as far along as you've been led to believe.\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E5. Oh, and one final thing, it's going to get worse\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of the problems of using \u003Ci\u003Epre-trained\u003C\/i\u003E generative AIs is that the world is constantly changing. Someone who was alive when neural network was trained, might be dead by the time it's open to the public. At the moment, LLMs like ChatGPT are months, if not years, behind current events.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut worse than that, the internet (ie. the primary source of training data) is getting polluted with (ironically) AI generated content. And it's only expected to increase.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou see, if there's one thing everyone agrees that LLMs are fantastic at, it's producing high-quality spam, cheaply. As Adam Conover jokingly puts it, \"that Nigerian prince is about to get a masters degree in creative writing\".\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOr AI scientist, Gary Marcus, puts it like this: Spam is no longer retail only, it's now available wholesale. The cost of generating high quality, believable sounding, nonsense has basically just hit zero. We haven't built AI, we've built sophisticated spam generators.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ci\u003EIf we, as a society are on the brink of anything, it's a spam and misinformation tsunami.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd it's not just spam, some companies are using LLMs generate fresh content for their websites instead of using copywriters.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou might be wondering why this is problematic for the future of generative pre-trained AIs. Or you might have already seen the issue:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/pdf\/2307.01850.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can't train AIs with AI generated content\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;Each pass through the neural network training distorts the data a little more, and a little more, and a little more...\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo if our primarily source of training data is rapidly becoming poisonous, how will we update or improve these systems in the future?\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBTW, it turns out\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/hai.stanford.edu\/news\/ai-detectors-biased-against-non-native-english-writers\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ewe can't reliably detect AI generated content\u003C\/a\u003E, so we can't even filter it out.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe snake is starting to eat its own tail, and nobody knows what we can do about it.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBottom line: Generalised LLMs are not the future... but nobody wants to hear it\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs is now hopefully clear to you, there needs to be a paradigm shift for there to be a future where LLMs are fully aligned and safe. There is possibly a future for \u003Ci\u003Especialised\u003C\/i\u003E LLMs, that focus on specific tasks (like programming), but my own experiments with current AIs in that domain has shown them to be worse than autocomplete. They may improve in time.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHowever, for generalised LLMs, if they don't have the ability to independently reason, their inherent flaws will always prevent them from being what we need them to be: Reliable, accurate, unbiased, up-to-date, and not prone to violent outbursts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAt the moment, LLMs are nothing more than a sophisticated, expensive to run, executive toy. You could even argue it's debatable that they fit the definition of \"artificial intelligence\".\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe hype train has outpaced where the technology actually is, and worse, it's hard to convince people otherwise.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of humanity's cognitive biases is\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/u\/3\/blog\/post\/edit\/1570525113758995236\/3511934595997792086#\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Emistaking authoritative\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Esounding\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;voices for\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Ebeing\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;authoritative\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EChatGPT is basically a public-school old-boy simulator: It is unflappably confident while talking utter bollocks. (If you've ever worked with one of these plonkers, you'll have seen that sometimes talking confidently is all it takes to have a successful career. It's quite scary.)\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI've spoken to execs who are\u0026nbsp;are using LLMs every day in their jobs, and encouraging their teams to do that same. And I understand why; it sounds like something the board would lap up: \"We've got the whole team using AI in order to improve productivity.\" But just like \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/world-us-canada-65735769\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ethe lawyers who were caught citing fictional cases thanks to ChatGPT output\u003C\/a\u003E, they seem blind to its problems.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnd worse still, ChatGPT isn't even internally consistent from day-to-day. A recent paper has revealed that \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/pdf\/2307.09009.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EChatGPT's utility is wildly fluctuating\u003C\/a\u003E: In March 2023 ChatGPT-4 could identify prime numbers with 97.6% accuracy. In June 2023 it had dropped to 2.4%. And nobody (outside of OpenAI, at least) knows why.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ci\u003EAnd you're trusting this thing to produce mission-critical work for your company??\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EWarGames... but without the clever AI\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAI isn't just being discussed in every industry, it's also now part of the national defence conversation. The USA is currently facing criticism for letting China spend a higher percentage of its defence budget on AI arms development.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYes, we have an AI arms race.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe worry isn't that AI is going to become sentient and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003ESkyNet\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;humanity into oblivion. The concern is that world leaders could misunderstand what these AI are actually capable of, and put them in a position of power.... you know, like that other classic 80s movie, \u003Ci\u003EWarGames\u003C\/i\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESeem implausible? Remember that not every world leader is known for sound reasoning... or even being sane. If the hype goes too far, or becomes too convincing, who knows what could happen.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ci\u003EThe danger right now isn't AI's capabilities, it's people overestimating them. (Well that, and the creation of industrialised propaganda machines.)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EJust as with \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/technology\/2023\/06\/10\/tesla-autopilot-crashes-elon-musk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ETesla's useless \"self-driving\" cars\u003C\/a\u003E, we need to let the air out of the Silicon Valley AI hype, and start listening to AI researchers instead.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe haven't actually solved any of the major problems we've been trying to solve since the field of AI first came into being. We are not close to artificial general intelligence (AGI). We have made an interesting set of tools, nothing more.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe key to fully safe and aligned AI requires symbol-based reasoning; where the AI itself understands what's being said and is capable of reasoning independently. But that isn't even a twinkle in an AI researcher's eye yet.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf Bill Gates keeps refusing to heed warnings from AI researchers, and cannot see the threat that spreading unrealistic expectations poses, then maybe ChatGPT-6 \u003Ci\u003Ewill\u003C\/i\u003E be smarter than him after all... and we all might pay the ultimate price.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESources\/Further reading\/viewing\/listening:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/dl.acm.org\/doi\/10.1145\/3442188.3445922\"\u003EOn the Dangers of Stochastic Parrots: Can Language Models Be Too Big?\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(research paper) by Bender, Gebru, et al\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/pdf\/2102.03896.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EConsequences of Misaligned AI\u003C\/a\u003E (research paper) by\u0026nbsp;Zhuang,\u0026nbsp;Hadfield-Menell (Cornell\/Berkley)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/pdf\/2307.01850.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESelf-Consuming Generative Models Go MAD\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(research paper) by Alemohammad, Casco-Rodriguez, Luzi, et al (Stanford)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=w65p_IIp6JY\"\u003EWhy Does AI Lie, and What Can We Do About It?\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(video) by Robert Miles\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=viJt_DXTfwA\"\u003EChatGPT with Robert Miles\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(video) by Computerphile\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/ca\/podcast\/a-skeptical-take-on-the-a-i-revolution\/id1548604447?i=1000592835492\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EA Skeptical Take on the AI Revolution with Gary Marcus\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(audio) by The Ezra Klein Show (New York Times)\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PBdZi_JtV4c\"\u003EDebunking the great AI lie | Noam Chomsky, Gary Marcus, Jeremy Kahn\u003C\/a\u003E (video) by Web Summit\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/a-i-and-stochastic-parrots-with-emily\/id1463460577?i=1000613205189\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EA.I. and Stochastic Parrots with Emily Bender and Timnit Gebru\u003C\/a\u003E (audio) by Factually! With Adam Conover\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/the-actual-danger-of-a-i-with-gary-marcus\/id1463460577?i=1000620869637\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThe ACTUAL Danger of A.I. with Gary Marcus\u003C\/a\u003E (audio) by Factually! With Adam Conover\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/openai.com\/research\/instruction-following\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAligning language models to follow instructions\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(article) by OpenAI Research\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/openai.com\/research\/learning-from-human-preferences\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELearning from human preferences\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(article) by OpenAI Research\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/how-manage-risks-ai-bill-gates\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHow to manage risks of AI\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;(article) by Bill Gates\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/hai.stanford.edu\/news\/ai-detectors-biased-against-non-native-english-writers\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAI-Detectors are \"unreliable and easily gamed\"\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;by Andrew Myers at Stanford University\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/pdf\/2212.09251.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EDiscovering Language Model Behaviors with Model-Written Evaluations\u003C\/a\u003E (research paper) by Perez, Ringer, Lukošiute,\u0026nbsp;et al\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3511934595997792086\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=3511934595997792086","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/3511934595997792086"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/3511934595997792086"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2023\/07\/why-ai-is-bad-joke-or-why-i-think-bill.html","title":"AI is a joke: Or why I think Bill Gates is dumb"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEj_p4NsB282H8d8YvlPw4yVxs3YSWZ1ccvszpDCmOG8fL5jK23XxLvMySQozNkQCSUFEypU7Wo47iktW1r_RN0go4LEDS3Gq0GfPbo7qm1x_wTibqh2pVL2teiDo1jwmDsk56A8ef0sRMU_CtUT57mFvwHv4MickTNJIjyLZklxYcHfSdgfhsykwBxaJJg=s72-c","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-5717384752762268244"},"published":{"$t":"2020-05-29T17:00:00.000+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-05-29T17:00:17.056+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"gaming guides"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"I Played METAL GEAR... So You Don't Have To"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: #0b5394;\"\u003EBefore \u003Ci\u003EMetal Gear Solid\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;(1998) blew everyone's minds on the original PlayStation, and set forth a hugely successful franchise, there was \u003Ci\u003EMetal Gear 2: Solid Snake\u003C\/i\u003E (1990). But this article isn't about that, because before that game there was \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EMetal Gear\u003C\/i\u003E (1987) \u003C\/b\u003E--\u0026nbsp;the first ever \"Metal Gear\".\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: #0b5394;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: #0b5394;\"\u003ESeeing as it's an 8-bit game, I assume nobody else on the planet has ever played it. Fear not, I decided to complete it and write the major plot points down so you could enjoy them without actually having to slog through the game itself. (Actually it's a very fun game considering its origins, but let's be honest: You're never playing it, are you?)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: #0b5394;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: #0b5394;\"\u003EIn other words...\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI Played METAL GEAR, So You Don't Have To\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vfLIXTG2YJM\/XtEuqE6vT5I\/AAAAAAAABAY\/1ZJxw_6opf8qMKj1NwcIYIIQzOgsmJdwgCLcBGAsYHQ\/s1600\/Screenshot%2B2020-05-29%2Bat%2B16.04.36.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1002\" data-original-width=\"1362\" height=\"235\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vfLIXTG2YJM\/XtEuqE6vT5I\/AAAAAAAABAY\/1ZJxw_6opf8qMKj1NwcIYIIQzOgsmJdwgCLcBGAsYHQ\/s320\/Screenshot%2B2020-05-29%2Bat%2B16.04.36.png\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nThere only one major plot twist in Metal Gear, but I'll get to that in a minute. First a little background.\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-n9c4-OBUtgU\/XtEwHmWjYWI\/AAAAAAAABAk\/HTrsmv8i_AAyzQDJeyMx260WaDIqqSMDQCLcBGAsYHQ\/s1600\/Screenshot%2B2020-05-29%2Bat%2B16.06.39.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1006\" data-original-width=\"1360\" height=\"236\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-n9c4-OBUtgU\/XtEwHmWjYWI\/AAAAAAAABAk\/HTrsmv8i_AAyzQDJeyMx260WaDIqqSMDQCLcBGAsYHQ\/s320\/Screenshot%2B2020-05-29%2Bat%2B16.06.39.png\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003EYou play as \"Snake\", a member of the elite US Army Special Forces Unit, FOXHOUND. \"Big Boss\", the leader of Foxhound, has sent you to the dangerous, mercenary-controlled, rogue-nation of \"Outer Heaven\" to stop it from holding the world to ransom with the new deadly super-weapon, METAL GEAR.\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nYou arrive at Outer Heaven by sea and begin to infiltrate the nation's secret base. Your first task is to establish contact with \"Grey Fox\", Foxhound's greatest soldier, who was sent there before you but has gone missing! Snake is a Foxhound rookie at this point, which is an odd choice to send after Grey Fox into an impossible mission... or IS it? \u003Ci\u003E*wiggles eyebrows mysteriously*\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nYour only contacts during the mission are Big Boss and several local resistance leaders. After much fun avoiding baddies, using remote control missiles, and hiding in cardboard boxes (yes, really as far back as this!), you learn from a hostage you rescue that Grey Fox is in a secret part of the base, and the only way to get to get there is to be captured yourself. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESoon afterwards you're captured and find yourself in a cell with no apparent way out. Using nothing but your incredible fists, you punch down your cell wall and find yourself Grey Fox's cell. (Lucky!)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou untie Grey Fox and he tells you that you need to rescue Dr. Drago Pettrovich Madnar in order to discover HOW to stop Metal Gear. Dr. Madnar, who helped design it, is also being held hostage in the same building... Find him!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-LvZl8uZADbM\/XtEwSM2sTwI\/AAAAAAAABAo\/UqSPg0upmwMs0ya2zoTBbm5vPQgNVxG7QCLcBGAsYHQ\/s1600\/Screenshot%2B2020-05-29%2Bat%2B16.05.02.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1006\" data-original-width=\"1358\" height=\"237\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-LvZl8uZADbM\/XtEwSM2sTwI\/AAAAAAAABAo\/UqSPg0upmwMs0ya2zoTBbm5vPQgNVxG7QCLcBGAsYHQ\/s320\/Screenshot%2B2020-05-29%2Bat%2B16.05.02.png\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nSo off you go to find Dr. Madnar (Gray Fox offers no assistance, the swine), but not before you fight your first silly-named boss baddie, \"The Shotmaker\"! Once you've gotten all your stuff back, and killed the baddie, you notice that someone has placed a Transmitter in your inventory! *Tricksy!* You dump it and continue your search.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAfter much more hijinx (the majority of the game, in fact), including jumping off a building wearing a parachute, wearing infrared goggles, using enemy uniforms, taking down a helicopter... You finally make it to Dr. Madnar! Only to discover it was a trap. He's not the real Dr Madnar -- the floor suddenly opens up and you fall to your death... nearly.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou push on to find the real Dr. Madnar. Eventually you find and rescue him, but when you explain your mission he says he'll only help you if you rescue his daughter. Ungrateful bast-- So anyway, you rescue his daughter and the real Dr. Madnar tells you how to defeat Metal Gear. Hurrah.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOn your way to Metal Gear you get a call from a resistance leader who has been helping you. He tries to warn you that the leader of Outer Heaven is non-other than-- \u003Ci\u003Eoh no!\u003C\/i\u003E He dies. No need to worry too much, though, as another rescued hostage soon reveals the truth: Outer Heaven is controlled by Foxhound leader Big Boss!!! You've been betrayed!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAs you get closer to Metal Gear, Big Boss tries to trick you into getting lost or becoming trapped, but you finally discover Metal Gear itself and blow the crap out of it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOnly then does Big Boss reveal himself in person: You were a rookie. You were never supposed to reach this far, let alone destroy Metal Gear and ruin Big Boss's plans to create a world for battle heroes (something like that). If he's going down, he's taking you down with him... He sets off Outer Heaven's auto-destruct sequence and starts to attack you.\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rvBVxuvIOxE\/XtEwnRuOxAI\/AAAAAAAABAw\/G5ULipNN7dIjGJ3zImOhwPy_0wB1Bc6SQCLcBGAsYHQ\/s1600\/Screenshot%2B2020-05-29%2Bat%2B16.04.20.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1002\" data-original-width=\"1364\" height=\"235\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-rvBVxuvIOxE\/XtEwnRuOxAI\/AAAAAAAABAw\/G5ULipNN7dIjGJ3zImOhwPy_0wB1Bc6SQCLcBGAsYHQ\/s320\/Screenshot%2B2020-05-29%2Bat%2B16.04.20.png\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003ESnake, of course, defeats the sod and manages to escape before Outer Heaven explodes. He sends one final message via his codec to Big Boss: \"Mission complete\".\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ERoll credits...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EJust when you think it's all over, Big Boss comes back after the credits to tell Snake that he hasn't heard the last of him just yet... Muhahaha.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nAnd that's it. Incredibly intricate for an 8-bit game, I'm sure you'll agree. So many elements from the later games, too. And actually, it's huge amount of fun.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nOne day maybe I'll get around to playing \u003Cb\u003EMetal Gear 2: Solid Snake\u003C\/b\u003E... so you don't have to.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5717384752762268244\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=5717384752762268244","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/5717384752762268244"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/5717384752762268244"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2020\/05\/i-played-metal-gear-so-you-dont-have-to.html","title":"I Played METAL GEAR... So You Don't Have To"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-vfLIXTG2YJM\/XtEuqE6vT5I\/AAAAAAAABAY\/1ZJxw_6opf8qMKj1NwcIYIIQzOgsmJdwgCLcBGAsYHQ\/s72-c\/Screenshot%2B2020-05-29%2Bat%2B16.04.36.png","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-7009521548391899876"},"published":{"$t":"2019-05-26T21:33:00.001+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-07-15T23:50:56.724+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"reviews"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Review: Eyes Wide Open by Frederick Raphael"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ctable cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5a8Od75lM_I\/XOr4ZThG4hI\/AAAAAAAAA7s\/cY_Rep_d2ccF_HIr3ZAQAzPNhGfuS3lBQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/71NQQEHEG5L._SX312_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"474\" data-original-width=\"314\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5a8Od75lM_I\/XOr4ZThG4hI\/AAAAAAAAA7s\/cY_Rep_d2ccF_HIr3ZAQAzPNhGfuS3lBQCLcBGAs\/s320\/71NQQEHEG5L._SX312_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg\" width=\"211\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EA book unfairly maligned in these eyes\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\nHaving recently attended the amazing \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/designmuseum.org\/exhibitions\/stanley-kubrick-the-exhibition\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EKubrick exhibition at the London Design Museum\u003C\/a\u003E, I sought out some books on the man to learn a bit more. The first I finished was by his collaborator on the screenplay of Kubrick's last film, Eyes Wide Shut.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nKubrick shunned interviews for a very long time, and what has been publicly said about him has leaked out in often contradictory forms. Those closest to him can't speak highly enough, but don't share details, and those on his periphery share contradictory details. The result is a mystery. Who really knew him, and what was he really like?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe endless hagiographies surround the man are tiresome, so I found Raphael's untainted eyes to be a very refreshing change of pace.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nUpon finishing Eyes Wide Open, I was surprised to discover the backlash, prompted by the family and associates of Kubrick, on the book's publication. Kubrick's widow both accused Raphael of betraying her late husband's privacy, as well as painting an image of him that was false.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI don't mean to sound unfeeling toward those who were close to Kubrick, but there is a slight bit of contradiction in that complaint (too revealing \u003Ci\u003Eand\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;false in its portrayal?).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnother faint whiff of contradiction comes from the fact that Michael Herr, another collaborator of Kubrick's, wrote a series of articles about working and knowing Kubrick for Vanity Fair, which were later collected into a book. His recollections of private conversations and moments received no criticism from friends and associates for not respecting Kubrick's privacy, but they were far more flattering by comparison.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI think those close to the real man were blinded by the proximity to someone they loved and\/or admired. They saw Raphael's critical observations as cold-hearted and overly critical, frustrated that he could make such comments about someone they felt he didn't know.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe truth is, and I hope those close to Kubrick take some solace in this, that Raphael's book is not about Kubrick the husband, the father, the friend. It's not even really about Kubrick the collaborator (although it's much closer to being this), it's actually about the \u003Ci\u003Erelationship\u003C\/i\u003E Raphael had with Kubrick.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nRaphael makes no claims to have cleared the mystique surrounding Kubrick; an experienced Hollywood screenwriter, he attempted to peer through the haze, but the mysteries surrounding Kubrick only seem to intensify the closer he got. Raphael shares \u003Ci\u003Ehis\u003C\/i\u003E particular experiences with him, through their relationship as director and writer. It would be disingenuous (as others have tried) to suggest it is anything but a completely and frank and honest account of Raphael's view of that working relationship.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAs someone not close to Kubrick, and so not hurt by unflattering portrayals of a person I miss, I read this book very differently to his bereaved friends and family. Raphael is not an omnipotent or unquestionable narrator, and nor does he present himself as such. His personality bears down into the narrative, and (from a reader's perspective) is open to as much scrutiny as his supposed subject.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nRaphael never professes impartiality or objectivity, only the accuracy of his feelings and thoughts. He shares\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Ehis\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;views,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Ehis\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;perceptions,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Ehis\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;experiences, and, yes, he comes across as cantankerous, difficult, and cynical about Hollywood (all possibly with good reason), and even seems to acknowledge this about himself.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt's ironic, but despite the book's reputation I found Kubrick to be ultimately humble, patient, honest and understanding. Raphael's worst fears about working with him are never realised, and Kubrick stays true to his word throughout. When Raphael at one point nearly sinks the entire project by one act of accidental impropriety, Kubrick is quick to forgive and move on. Kubrick is never a beast, he's never dishonest, and is always forthright. He may be kooky at times, but there is plenty to admire about him in Raphael's account.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn fact, I found the Kubrick in Raphael's book to be largely the same one revealed in Michael Herr's book (which, despite being glowing towards Kubrick in general, \u003Ci\u003Ecould\u003C\/i\u003E occassionally be unflattering -- calling Kubrick cheap, obsessive and demanding) and perhaps across both books we see a clearer picture of the real man: Demanding, but not with malice. Humble, but also difficult. Distant, but also soft-natured. Confident, but also searching.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe will never know the father, the husband, but across both Raphael's and Herr's lenses, we do get a glimpse of the colleague.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAlso, unlike Herr's book, which is frequently embarrassing and sophomoric when it tries to offer insight into Kubrick's work, Raphael has moments of genuine and deep revelation. In fact, I could recommend his book for those rare moments alone. I've never read a better distillation of what made a Kubrick film. (The flipside is that, unlike Herr, Raphael is often embarrassing and pretentious when describing himself, especially at the beginning of his book. Soldier on, dear reader.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo I'm sorry, friends and family of Kubrick (and by automatic extension, overprotective fans), I don't think this book does anything to damage the lasting image of the man. If anything it makes me wish I knew him better, and actually made me appreciate his work more.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI highly recommend this candid book. The author lays himself bare, and through his honesty, we get a glimpse of a very interesting, unique, and talented man that was taken from the world too soon.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n---\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIf you want to watch Raphael share some anecdotes (aged 83, and especially cantankerous and a little full of himself, but brutally honest and entertaining none-the-less), \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uCaTHxC-s48\u0026amp;list=PLVV0r6CmEsFy1lPaJ5aCO1R19vqlZ7Wes\u0026amp;index=114\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere's a great series of videos\u003C\/a\u003E."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7009521548391899876\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=7009521548391899876","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/7009521548391899876"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/7009521548391899876"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2019\/05\/review-eyes-wide-open-by-frederick.html","title":"Review: Eyes Wide Open by Frederick Raphael"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-5a8Od75lM_I\/XOr4ZThG4hI\/AAAAAAAAA7s\/cY_Rep_d2ccF_HIr3ZAQAzPNhGfuS3lBQCLcBGAs\/s72-c\/71NQQEHEG5L._SX312_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-314122037946425010"},"published":{"$t":"2017-01-28T16:33:00.004+00:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-07-17T02:46:56.538+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ramblings"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"To Live and Lie in LA"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-hWKyBhdOU0M\/WIzNIy8eJxI\/AAAAAAAAA3Q\/qTrvJkTbCRI7HWvltQzS_yq073tVAXhEgCLcB\/s1600\/1426485253893.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-hWKyBhdOU0M\/WIzNIy8eJxI\/AAAAAAAAA3Q\/qTrvJkTbCRI7HWvltQzS_yq073tVAXhEgCLcB\/s320\/1426485253893.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EWhen I lived in Los Angeles, back in 2002, I worked at a call centre selling storage. One colleague I became friends with told me he was an actor. Actors frequently work regular jobs to pay the bills between gigs, so it wasn't a strange thing to say.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhen I asked about his career, he told me his one big job had been playing a character on the campy soap opera, \u003Ci\u003ESunset Beach.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI'd never seen the show, but as it turned out, it was running in the UK, and my mother was a huge fan. When we next spoke I told her that one of my new LA friends had appeared on her favourite show. Understandably she was excited to know which character he'd played, I told her, and that was that. Or so I thought.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMy mother did a bit more research on my friend and didn't recognise him from the show. The IMDb listing showed two actors playing the role he'd claimed to: Him and the one my mother recognised as actually being on the show. I rationalised that he'd probably been replaced, or that he'd replaced someone else. Such things happen all the time on TV shows, but my mother wasn't convinced. Nobody else, she insisted, had ever played that role.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI decided to do some research of my own. I couldn't believe he'd like to me. I mean, why? It's not like I was a movie producer or an agent, but the more I looked, the less his story added up. No \u003Ci\u003ESunset Beach\u003C\/i\u003E fan sites mentioned him, or his character being replaced by another actor, or anything. Everything pointed to the person my mother knew as being the only person to play that role. I looked into my friend's other credits, and they seemed even more dubious, not appearing anywhere else online.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI was too embarrassed to confront him, but one day I asked him again about his role on the show, just to see his reaction, and if he would add a caveat about being fired. Instead he was just as earnest and sure as he'd ever been. There were no caveats, he'd played that role. I couldn't quite believe it (and still can't), but it appeared my new friend was lying to my face. \u003Ci\u003EWhy?\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI never said anything about it to him about what I'd discovered. He was always extremely nice to me, and was otherwise an incredibly warm and genuine person. I wished I was wrong (and still do). I always felt that he was such a nice guy that he really didn't need to lie about his achievements. I liked him for who he was, not for anything he'd supposedly been in, but it was a lesson learned.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E10 Years Later...\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHaving a continuing interest in the writing process, I decided listen to the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.tvwriterpodcast.com\/\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003ETV Writer Podcast\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. I'm always on the lookout for quality advice from successful writers in the industry, and this looked somewhat promising.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHaving listened to countless episodes of the \u003Ci\u003ECreative Screenwriting Podcast\u003C\/i\u003E (now \u003Ci\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.theqandapodcast.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThe Q\u0026amp;A with Jeff Goldsmith\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E), \u003Ci\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/nerdist.com\/podcasts\/nerdist-writers-panel-channel\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThe Nerdist Writers Panel\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E, and reading \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/kenlevine.blogspot.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EKen Levine\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.janeespenson.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EJane Espenson's\u003C\/a\u003E amazing blogs, I know what good advice sounds like.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe\u003Ci\u003E TV Writer Podcast\u003C\/i\u003E video blog was an interview with someone I'd never heard of, but the host was extremely enthusiastic about his scriptwriter guest:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E\"[Name withheld] is back! In an interview that is sure to change the path of your career, [Name withheld] relates in great depth how and why some artists fail, and others succeed.\"\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI'm usually very wary of taking advice from people whose work I'm not a fan of, let alone someone I don't know, and especially of bold claims like the above, but the interviewee was \"Emmy nominated\" with \"20 years of experience\", so I decided to give it a whirl.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAs I watched the video podcast, my bullshit-o-meter registered something immediately -- things seemed a little off. This didn't feel like good advice. I made it 15 minutes before I stopped the interview and deleted the episode. I couldn't believe what I'd heard.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe writer had just wandered into \"positive affirmation\" territory, claiming the \"biggest step\" in becoming a writer is really believing you're a writer, and not being ashamed of it. \u003Ci\u003EThe\u003C\/i\u003E \u003Ci\u003Ebiggest step\u003C\/i\u003E. OK. There may be some truth in the power of truly committing yourself to something. And there's no reason to feel ashamed of what you're trying to achieve, so if you have issues about that, you should try and get over them if they're hindering you. Maybe that's what he meant, maybe I was being too criticial, but then he came out with this doozy:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E\"The next step is saying it out loud. Whether you like to believe it or not, things you say, whether good or bad, probably will come true.\"\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWait, what? As way of proof of this bold claim, he had this sage observation:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E\"A good example: I would say that 99.99999% of all divorces start with the word 'divorce'. Someone brings it up and, lo and behold, that's what happens.\"\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHmm. It's pretty difficult to ask someone for a divorce without using the \"D word\"!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-r1OO5FUShgE\/WIzPTTXSQ6I\/AAAAAAAAA3c\/Q4rks7GDY3oKRCmsHCXdu6rNyzQSkKuUwCLcB\/s1600\/Whos_Who_Mystery_Man_t500x500.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-r1OO5FUShgE\/WIzPTTXSQ6I\/AAAAAAAAA3c\/Q4rks7GDY3oKRCmsHCXdu6rNyzQSkKuUwCLcB\/s200\/Whos_Who_Mystery_Man_t500x500.png\" width=\"200\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nI suddenly felt very dirty. I felt this man was filled with terrible advice, just who was he anyway?\n\nI looked him up online and, as it turned out, the interviewee, while having \u003Ci\u003Esome\u003C\/i\u003E writing credits on the IMDb, had NOT received an Emmy nomination. In fact, at that time, he hadn't been nominated for anything. And his TV career spanned 8 years, not 20.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTo be fair to him, that’s still an accomplishment, certainly more than most, and maybe the podcast host had simply got his facts wrong when introducing him.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI delved a little deeper and discovered that his personal website had a stack of projects which don't appear to exist anywhere else on the internet. Not even on trade magazine sites. And then I came across the following sentence:\n\n\u003Ci\u003E\"[Name Witheld] is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated screenwriter of more than 20 years.\"\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThere it was on his personal website. He was definitely making the claim about himself, but nothing backed it up. Not the IMDb or the Emmy website. Uh oh.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI was suddenly reminded of my old friend back in LA. Was this guy cut from the same cloth? Was it just Hollywood? What was scary about this time was that the suspected liar was, actually becoming a recognised scriptwriting guru.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI can't say for sure what's true and what's not about this guru. Maybe he's the innocent victim of some terrible website error. Several terrible website errors, that all conspire to make him look less than honest. Maybe there's some way his claims can be true, but also not appear online. Maybe lots of TV movies are never properly documented. Maybe he was an uncredited writer on an Emmy nominated script and felt justified in making that claim. Either way he appears on TV and radio interviews about his career, has been featured on other sites offering advice to up-and-coming writers, and (if his website is to be believed) \"often guest lectures and panels on screenwriting at film schools and festivals across the country.\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhat's more, he's also written two books on scriptwriting and created his own consulting firm which promises \"professional script consultants with real Hollywood film and television credits and experience\".\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI don't know what to believe. Surely it must be true if he's got this going for him... but, as with my friend, all the available evidence doesn't add up.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ECut to today...\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMy friend's IMDb credits are today filled with even more dubious claims (including things that surpass his \u003Ci\u003ESunset Beach\u003C\/i\u003E credit from before I knew him, which he surely would have mentioned at the time I'd known him if they were true) and new credits which (having checked) don't actually exist in the film's credits themselves.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe screenwriting \"guru\" no longer claims to be Emmy nominated anymore, but instead claims to have three Image Award nominations. (Guess what, I found record of one nomination, but there's no record of two of them.) His website still has lots of credits, and most of them still don't appear on the IMDb.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAre both of these guys the same? Is it the norm in Hollywood to lie? Or am I unfairly maligning an innocent and successful man, just because many of his scriptwriting gigs never went into production, or aren't properly documented?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI still don't know what to make of either of them. I still want to believe my friend was telling the truth (I know, I know), and I also want to believe the scriptwriter isn't carving a career as an \"expert\" by spinning lies that no-one has bothered to check. But how can it be? Is this the norm in LA?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThoughts?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EUpdate\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMy old acting friend is now spiritual guru with his own YouTube channel. The perfect ending. Still, oddly enough, he seems perfectly suited to this new role. I hope it finally gives him whatever peace of mind he's been searching for."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/314122037946425010\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=314122037946425010","title":"9 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/314122037946425010"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/314122037946425010"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2017\/01\/to-live-and-lie-in-la.html","title":"To Live and Lie in LA"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-hWKyBhdOU0M\/WIzNIy8eJxI\/AAAAAAAAA3Q\/qTrvJkTbCRI7HWvltQzS_yq073tVAXhEgCLcB\/s72-c\/1426485253893.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"9"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-4155041216247479755"},"published":{"$t":"2016-12-03T16:10:00.000+00:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-01-28T17:15:51.444+00:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"reviews"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"No Man's Sky: A Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/6\/67\/No_Man's_Sky.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/en\/6\/67\/No_Man's_Sky.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EI tried to post this to Steam, but unfortunately it seems their system can't handle one more negative No Man's Sky review, so I'm posting it here instead.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI've liked the idea of \u003Ci\u003ENo Man's Sky\u003C\/i\u003E since I first saw the incredible teaser trailer. Unlike lots of other people though, I didn't get too hyped up after that. I came to the game ready to accept whatever it was, with no preconceptions based on whatever the developer may or may not have promised. I'd been told it was slow, and chilled out, with an emphasis on exploration... and that sounded fine to me. So I finally picked it up.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFirst impressions: WOW. What a beautiful game! I'm immediately in love. The first two hours I loved exploring the planet I'd been placed on. Yes, the drones that are constantly pestering you seem a bit annoying, and the resource collecting wasn't fun, but I was too enamoured with how cool it looked and felt to care. I felt like I was walking around in my own private Ralph McQuarrie painting.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI was excited to uncover mysterious things around the planet, from base camps to ancient relics that taught me the language of the aliens I encountered. I wanted to explore everything, unlock everything, learn everything.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.idigitaltimes.com\/sites\/idigitaltimes.com\/files\/2016\/06\/08\/no-mans-sky-screenshot.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"180\" src=\"\/\/cdn.idigitaltimes.com\/sites\/idigitaltimes.com\/files\/2016\/06\/08\/no-mans-sky-screenshot.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe next day I eagerly booted up the game to get back to where I was, except now I found the initial sheen had faded. Yes, the game was still beautiful, but I found I needed more for it to be fun. For the next three hours I found myself, not just disliking, but actively hating the game.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI have no idea what people think they were promised in terms of features, and I really don't care about that. This game isn't fun because it's lacking in features, it's no fun because it's completely unbalanced. Imagine playing MineCraft except you're constantly running out of space to store the ore you mine. And there's annoying drones that follow you around everywhere and attack you. And there's randomly generated plants that attack you as you walk past them. And the interface gets in the way of everything you try to do.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nNone of this is fun, it's all irritating.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhat pleasure there is in \u003Ci\u003ENo Man's Sky\u003C\/i\u003E comes from doing what it is clearly at its core: Exploring beautiful alien landscapes with progressively more advanced technology. That's it. The rest of the features of the game feels like an attempt at making it more interesting by inserting annoyances. \u0026nbsp;Yes, annoyances.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLet's talk about each one in turn:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ETHE DRONES\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAs you wander about exploring, every planet in the entire universe has these little drones that may attack you and pull in their friends until you're overwhelmed. The good part is that you can usually ignore them, or jetpack away from them, the bad part is that they actively get in the way of what's fun about NMS: Exploring beautiful alien landscapes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThese digital gnats are the present and the same on every planet. Who owns them? What do they do? Why are they present everywhere, even planets you're supposedly discovering for the first time? Aside from being annoying pests that are NO FUN to fight, they actively homogenise the galaxy. The beautiful alien planets are little less special, a little less alien, because wherever you go... there they are. The exact same annoying drones. ON EVERY SINGLE PLANET.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe same can be said for the tentacled plants that attack you as you walk past them. You discover a weird alien planet that, literally, no other player has ever seen before... and there's the same plants that are on every other planet. Why? Because the developers thought the player needed some sort of challenge? They're not challenging, they're annoying, and they damage your immersion in the atmosphere it's trying to create.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ETHE ALIENS\/THE BASE CAMPS\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOne of the best things about \u003Ci\u003ENMS\u003C\/i\u003E is the beautiful imagery, the fact that each planet is a little bit different. You can wander over a hill and find a genuinely beautiful vista, or into a cave filled with glowing wonders. Make no mistake, this is a game where its beauty is a big selling point. Exploration of beautiful things is basically what this game excels at, and does better than any other game. Unfortunately it seems only half the dev team got this memo. The aliens and base camps that populate every planet are ugly, dull and almost entirely the same!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAgain, the atmosphere this game is trying to create; the exploration of infinitely different planets, is damaged by this bland design choice. There's no diversity or anything interesting about what you discover.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn0.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/zorMtLMO5u8ef3PXjpMw3Q9gAqY=\/1600x0\/filters:no_upscale()\/cdn0.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/6929645\/Vy'keen%20body.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"149\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/zorMtLMO5u8ef3PXjpMw3Q9gAqY=\/1600x0\/filters:no_upscale()\/cdn0.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/6929645\/Vy'keen%20body.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nOn top of this, the camps themselves are ugly. I want to discover encampments that look as different and interesting as the rest of the alien planet. And I don't want to fly into a space station only to discover that internally it looks the same as every base camp on every planet. It's soul crushing, and it makes me hate this game.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIf you want me to chill out and enjoy exploring things, dev team, then give me things that are worth exploring. Make me feel there's something new to discover. Not just a single alien sat in a room on their own who will give me an item when I talk to them.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ERESOURCE JUGGLING\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nImagine a version of MineCraft where you're \u003Ci\u003Econstantly \u003C\/i\u003Ehaving to return home to store TINY amount of the resources you need. Only to discover that, even at home, you can barely store enough. In \u003Ci\u003ENMS\u003C\/i\u003E you're constantly having to keep topping up resources instead of being able to stockpile what you've taken the time to plunder.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBy limiting the player so severely on what they can carry, the game actively pushes \u003Ci\u003Eagainst \u003C\/i\u003Eyou exploring. Once again it seem to be unsure of what it wants to be: Everything about the core experience of the game is exploration, and everything that's been tacked on that core is pushes against you being able to enjoy it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHaving the patience and temperament to explore a planet and mine it to oblivion is actually \u003Ci\u003Epunished\u003C\/i\u003E. Every trip around a planet consumes so much energy that you're constantly having top up fuel, leaving little time or space in your inventory, to do much else. This means that even taking the time to explore and mine feels unrewarding. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ETHE INTERFACE\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAs the game is so heavy on trying to push you towards resource management, you'd think at least that aspect of the game could be enjoyable. Nope, the user interface makes EVERYTHING you have to do a chore. And a confusing and messy one at that.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhy can't the progress through this game be more clearly sign-posted? Why can't it clearly and succinctly explain what everything is? Why can't it make the chore of upgrading and resource management less of a chore? Upgrading technology is confusing and again, there's little sense of reward.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOther sections of the UI are just as bad. It literally gives me a headache just thinking about it. Consider how you earn credits for \"uploading\" the name of every planet, creature and outpost you discover. Instead of making this a pleasurable experience that feels rewarding for having collected so many items, the game forces you to manually upload each one INDIVIDUALLY.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis tedious task sums up everything that's wrong about the UI perfectly, and maybe even the game itself: Nothing, except the core exploration of planets, is pleasurable to do... and the game does everything it can to even make that unpleasurable.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EFINAL THOUGHTS\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe game is beautiful to look at... and it should be beautiful to play. Unfortunately it's almost like a bunch of extremely average developers were handed a piece of genius planet-building technology. If only the beauty of its core technology extended to the rest of the game experience.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe developers can add bases, space battles, online play, virtual poker, whatever other features the moany public insists this game is supposed to have, but it's never actually going to be fun to play until they fix the turgid, bland, unrewarding core experience."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4155041216247479755\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=4155041216247479755","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/4155041216247479755"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/4155041216247479755"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2016\/12\/no-mans-sky-review.html","title":"No Man's Sky: A Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-980760521993527439"},"published":{"$t":"2016-06-20T16:32:00.002+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-20T18:07:41.653+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ramblings"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"reviews"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"London Second City Improv Class: My Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-WAB9wtBlzWA\/V2gO5s4rSjI\/AAAAAAAAA1g\/gYUOgLtmqSM_LSuTqwmuYe1GDYQ87MA6wCLcB\/s1600\/lovely-people.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"291\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-WAB9wtBlzWA\/V2gO5s4rSjI\/AAAAAAAAA1g\/gYUOgLtmqSM_LSuTqwmuYe1GDYQ87MA6wCLcB\/s640\/lovely-people.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe rather wonderful \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAngel Comedy Club\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;in London, and the comedy blog, \u003Cb\u003EComedy Blogedy\u003C\/b\u003E, reached out to the legendary \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESecond City\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E improv troupe\/training school and set up two week's worth of classes in May 2016. I attended the first week's \"Improv for Beginners (Level A)\" and kept a diary of my thoughts after each day.\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHere they are:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003E\nDay One\u003C\/h2\u003E\nThe class began with two simple tasks. The first was introducing yourself by telling the class something they didn't know about you, and the second was inventing a silly alliterative action to go along with your name.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI was so petrified that I was unable to even think of something beginning with the letter \"J\"... I ending up with \"jingling\", and I still don't really know what I meant.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nJumping, jolly, jovial, jammy, jaded, jokey, jittery... Hmm. It's much easier when there's not the pressure of 20 strangers in the room.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAs the games continued, our excellent teacher slowly chipped away at everyone's hesitance and self-consciousness, encouraging us to trust our instincts. The cardinal rule being that there was never a \"wrong answer\", there was only ever something you brought to the game.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe were admonished for acting like we'd made a mistake and beating ourselves up, or reacting to our scene partner's input as if it was wrong. We were encouraged to allow ourselves to do what we liked, and take any suggestions that came our way as a gift. We were a team, and our job was to enthusiastically embrace whatever came our way, and make our partner look good.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOur teacher successfully managed to create a safe environment. By the end of the class we'd all loosened up and were having fun with each other.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI've already learned a lot about myself and what I need to improve. For example, during the \"create a story a word at a time\" game, I noticed I was always playing it safe with pronouns \u0026nbsp;- and even my game partner commented on it. He was absolutely right. When I decided to offer something more interesting, it got a huge laugh from the group.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLikewise, [in another game] when we were mimicking each other's moves, I found it hard to build on what people had just done, and take it to new heights [like we were supposed to]. It nearly always ended up with attempting to do it louder, which was a shame because there were so many ways it could have gone. I could have really had fun with it, and it never would have been wrong.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLet's see what day two holds!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003EDay Two\u003C\/h2\u003E\nToday we actually slipped into some scene work without too much fuss. It wasn't blown up into something big, it was just expected of us... and we did it. Even me.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt was scary but good. I even got a few genuine laughs of my own... a very generous audience.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHalfway through the day I actually felt, for the first time, comfortable. I just relaxed and stopped worrying so much. It's tiring bring worried, and part of me just gave up and let go. It was a good feeling.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n[Of course, I was still a tad anxious the next morning going in.]\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI learned a bit more about Angel Comedy and I'm seriously impressed with their founder (Barry Fern) and what they've achieved. It seems like a home for comedy without ego, driven by the pure fun of it. It feels so genuine that the energy is infectious.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI backed their \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.kickstarter.com\/projects\/angel-comedy\/angel-comedy-club\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EKickstarter\u003C\/a\u003E (something in the bar will permanently have a plaque named for me) and hope they do well. Maybe I could volunteer my services to improve their website. Dull, but it's something I can offer and do well.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOnto Day Three...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003E\nDay Three\u003C\/h2\u003E\nToday was the most emotional day so far, which was fitting as we were focusing on doing emotional work in class. Today marked the point we were over halfway through, as well as the first time we socialised after class as a group.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI discovered my class is filled with interesting and ambitious people. (Where were they all when I was single and unemployed and desperately lonely, looking for direction?) Being with them is very inspiring, in the sense that they make their achievements (eg. performing stand-up, and all the struggles that go with that) seem... everyday.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTalking about doing a stand-up gig around these people doesn't feel like a life-breaking, brain-shattering, earth-shaking experience. It feels like a difficult, trying, anxiety-inducing... but normal experience.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn class I learned that people enjoy seeing a thread of behaviour grow to its logical, heightened conclusion. A small taste of behaviour before moving on to something else is unsatisfying for the audience. They want a narrative to follow, and changing tack breaks that narrative.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe key seems to be to make an interesting choice and stick to it until you've drained it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe saddest part of the day was realising how genuinely upset I'm going to be when the course ends.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOnly two days to go...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003EDay Four\u003C\/h2\u003E\nThe worst thing about today is knowing that tomorrow is the last day. It's been a hell of a roller-coaster, and I'm going to miss it when it's gone. I've learned so much.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe most important thing [I've learned] is trusting in myself and trusting in the process. Throwing yourself into a situation is OK. In fact it's better than OK, it works. You don't need a plan. You can purely rely on your brain's instincts to give you what you need. The only thing that stops that process is your fear.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnd what's more, it's FUN to discover where you end up. You're discovering at the same time as everyone else, and it's enjoyable.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAfter tonight's show I went to a gig with a classmate where our teacher, Erica Elam, was performing. I felt self conscious for her, worried that she would be put off by our presence, but I needn't have.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEverything we've learned from the course was on full display, and then some. She's was fearless and present, and the comedy flowed naturally.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis course has been a life-changing experience. \u0026nbsp;From the people I've met, to the things I've learned. I feel personally changed for the better, and I hope beyond hope that I can continue to practice [improv].\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003E\nLast Day\u003C\/h2\u003E\nThe last day was extremely emotional. After a physically and mentally exhausting five days, I feel a bit lost. Tomorrow I won't be pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I have no big scary thing to face... and I miss it already.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI can't think of anything that's pushed me quite as hard, or excited me quite as much. We've finished [Second City Improv] Level A, but there's no Level B waiting for us [like there is in the US]. We're on our own now... and that \"we\" has no leader, only the vaguest collective idea of how to move forward, and we will ultimately, inevitably dwindle.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt's a sad moment.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOn the flip side I've learned a lot about what I'm capable of. I've got a solid foundation in the basics of improv, and I've achieved my goal: I'm more in touch with my instincts than ever before. Right now I trust in my ability to take a situation and find something funny it. I know my brain will fill in the gaps and make the connection, all I have to do is listen [and practise!].\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe most difficult part of improv is learning to trust in your instincts. It's a personal battle for every new improviser, and I'm sure it's ongoing [even when you've mastered it]. As our teacher put it, it's a struggle against our societal conditioning. Kids are great at improvising, but as we get older we're taught to restrain ourselves, and improv is sort of fighting back against that pressure, getting in touch with our most creative part... without fear.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis week has been a major step toward that [for me].\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEverything seems a little brighter today. Building seem bigger, colours seem more vibrant.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nNow is a sad moment, but I'm happy that I was brave enough to give it to myself.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003E\nThe Morning After\u003C\/h2\u003E\nAfter spending the last five days feeling like I was being shot out of a canon (at ever increasing speeds), and last night's resulting free-fall once class was over, this morning was a painful crash-landing back into reality. But I've dusted myself off and what I'm noticing is that I'm different. The most obvious thing is that I'm less self-critical. I feel like I should be able to create more easily now, and with less self-awareness. This was my main goal when I decided to take the course, and I'm more than a little amazed that it's what I feel I'm taking away from the experience.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThere's still a long way to go, but I'm definitely on the right path. I just have to keep walking down it, and not get waylaid.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Chr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nPushing myself out of my comfort zone for that week was immensely rewarding, and something I highly recommend. For those interested, here's how I felt I'd changed after one week with Second City:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI noticed my default reaction to everyday frustrations was altered. Instead of getting irritated and annoyed by little things that didn't go exactly how I expected\/wished them to, I found myself reacting as you would in an improv scene: Accepting them as a gift and focusing on my reaction instead. (A much more desirable and productive response!)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EI found myself less in my head, and more paying attention to what was going on around me - again as you would in an improv scene when you're listening.\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nAs for improv itself, I now can see what the pros are doing more whenever I watch it. They really do make a pretty tricky process look effortless.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nAs the saying goes, \"Improv is getting up in the air and building the plane as you go\". I now fully appreciate what that means. I've learned that taking a leap of faith is part of the process, and that it's not a problem if you don't know what you're going to say or do, because when you're doing it right, you're truly allowing yourself to be completely open and react in the moment (which I can imagine takes years to master). \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFor me it was a leap of faith, and it felt great when it worked. What I discovered is that, if you're brave enough to step out, your brain will make the connections for you. It's what it does all day anyway -- we're all improvising all of the time. The trick is to allow yourself to trust in that process.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt's jumping off the cliff and figuring it out on the way down, or as Keegan-Michael Key puts it, zooming out...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ciframe allowfullscreen=\"\" class=\"YOUTUBE-iframe-video\" data-thumbnail-src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/coZARWbdNls\/0.jpg\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"266\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/coZARWbdNls?feature=player_embedded\" width=\"320\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nThanks to our instructor, Erica Elam, and my classmates. If you're reading this wondering whether you should take a Second City improv course, my advice is YES! Be brave and go for it. You'll thank yourself later.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nLinks:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.angelcomedy.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAngel Comedy\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.kickstarter.com\/projects\/angel-comedy\/angel-comedy-club\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAngel Comedy's Kickstarter\u003C\/a\u003E (ends July 21, 2016)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.secondcity.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESecond City\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/comedyblogedy.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EComedy Blogedy\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/980760521993527439\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=980760521993527439","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/980760521993527439"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/980760521993527439"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2016\/06\/london-second-city-improv-class-my.html","title":"London Second City Improv Class: My Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-WAB9wtBlzWA\/V2gO5s4rSjI\/AAAAAAAAA1g\/gYUOgLtmqSM_LSuTqwmuYe1GDYQ87MA6wCLcB\/s72-c\/lovely-people.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-2746762645992987626"},"published":{"$t":"2016-05-14T22:58:00.000+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-08-08T23:39:51.539+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"game fixes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"MGSV: The Phantom Pain - S++ Solider Mod"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EUpdated for MGSV: TPP v1.10.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEver notice how you never retrieve S+ and S++ soldiers in the field while Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain? You may come across some Boasters that appear to have such high stats, but once you're back in motherbase they will always drop down to S Rank or below.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt turns out that, although the game was once supposed to give you those soldiers, they have been disabled from ever spawning in the single player game, forcing you to get involved in online gameplay (and so hopefully spend real money on \"MB coins\") if you want to see them.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn a practical sense, this unfortunately means that once you reach an average motherbase platform rank of 64, the quality of the soldiers you find in the game will suddenly grind to a near halt.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nConsider the following:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWith an average motherbase platform level of 58, you have a 15% chance of finding an S Rank soldier in the field. By the time you reach level 64, that's doubled to 30%. This is the sort of progression you see throughout the game with other ranks... but work hard and reach level 98, and you'll STILL have a 30% chance of finding an S Rank soldier in the field!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOnce you reach level 64, around the time S+ and S++ \u003Ci\u003Eshould\u003C\/i\u003E be introduced, soldier rank progression just stops...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHere's the game code in question, with my comments after them showing the average motherbase platform level, so you can see for yourself:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-3m7xwXSmE_U\/VzeealnFSlI\/AAAAAAAAA0w\/YEnWC4PfrngzCXV4QpywsCTZJMutIQ4IgCLcB\/s1600\/TPP-1.09-Full.PNG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-3m7xwXSmE_U\/VzeealnFSlI\/AAAAAAAAA0w\/YEnWC4PfrngzCXV4QpywsCTZJMutIQ4IgCLcB\/s1600\/TPP-1.09-Full.PNG\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: \u0026quot;courier new\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;courier\u0026quot; , monospace;\"\u003EKey: \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;courier new\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;courier\u0026quot; , monospace;\"\u003Eg\u003C\/span\u003E = E Rank, \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;courier new\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;courier\u0026quot; , monospace;\"\u003Ef\u003C\/span\u003E = D Rank, \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;courier new\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;courier\u0026quot; , monospace;\"\u003Ee\u003C\/span\u003E = C Rank, \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;courier new\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;courier\u0026quot; , monospace;\"\u003Ed\u003C\/span\u003E = B Rank, \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;courier new\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;courier\u0026quot; , monospace;\"\u003Ec\u003C\/span\u003E = A Rank, \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;courier new\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;courier\u0026quot; , monospace;\"\u003Eb\u003C\/span\u003E = A+ Rank, \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;courier new\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;courier\u0026quot; , monospace;\"\u003Ea\u003C\/span\u003E = A++, \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;courier new\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;courier\u0026quot; , monospace;\"\u003Es\u003C\/span\u003E = S Rank, \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;courier new\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;courier\u0026quot; , monospace;\"\u003Esp\u003C\/span\u003E = S+ Rank, \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;courier new\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;courier\u0026quot; , monospace;\"\u003Espp\u003C\/span\u003E = S++ Rank\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhen you plot the first 100 levels, it looks like this:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-0pg19vWPObU\/VzfbeDo43FI\/AAAAAAAAA1Q\/rS2GPnvUpicMXaHiZVLD0Zs-1PbLvZvOQCLcB\/s1600\/t8S5mAM.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"283\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-0pg19vWPObU\/VzfbeDo43FI\/AAAAAAAAA1Q\/rS2GPnvUpicMXaHiZVLD0Zs-1PbLvZvOQCLcB\/s640\/t8S5mAM.png\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnd, as had been stated already, you may have notice that S+ and S++ soldiers are never set to never appear...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBut what if someone altered the code so that the appearance of S+ and S++ soldiers mimicked the appearance of the other solider ranks, slowly being integrated into the game at a pace that doesn't break the game progression. Maybe like so...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-q37nWxKK5is\/V6kJE6f2LOI\/AAAAAAAAA2U\/ccNzr-A_OEQOaqVqrE6rrOIjTvsXlSGhgCLcB\/s1600\/TYMDOqd.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"265\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-q37nWxKK5is\/V6kJE6f2LOI\/AAAAAAAAA2U\/ccNzr-A_OEQOaqVqrE6rrOIjTvsXlSGhgCLcB\/s640\/TYMDOqd.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\nWouldn't that be more fun?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEach level of soldier has a different AI, so rather than just make everyone S++ (which makes the game unbelievably dull, trust me) the patch ensures there's always a smattering of tactics you will face. This keeps the game challenging while rewarding you with S+ and S++ soldiers as you progress.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n(Huge thanks to\u0026nbsp;\u003Cb\u003Efound-a-universe\u003C\/b\u003E for helping test this mod. Their feedback is what helps make TPP remain fun after the mod.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIf you think this sounds like a good idea, here's the simple mod that puts the above code into your game, so you can enjoy the game progress as you reach later levels:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EDOWNLOAD:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thunderpeel2001.com\/files\/TPP-SPP-110.zip\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMGSV: TPP S++ Solider Mod (v1.10)\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLet me know if you like it!"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2746762645992987626\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=2746762645992987626","title":"16 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/2746762645992987626"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/2746762645992987626"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2016\/05\/mgsv-phantom-pain-s-solider-mod.html","title":"MGSV: The Phantom Pain - S++ Solider Mod"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-3m7xwXSmE_U\/VzeealnFSlI\/AAAAAAAAA0w\/YEnWC4PfrngzCXV4QpywsCTZJMutIQ4IgCLcB\/s72-c\/TPP-1.09-Full.PNG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"16"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-3087442732584507279"},"published":{"$t":"2015-08-03T10:00:00.000+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-08-09T15:56:29.933+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"game fixes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Day of the Tentacle History Lesson: Part 2"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-x55jsbrj6C8\/Vb5Yn_exiuI\/AAAAAAAAAyc\/e1QG5ITZFQY\/s1600\/dott.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"223\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-x55jsbrj6C8\/Vb5Yn_exiuI\/AAAAAAAAAyc\/e1QG5ITZFQY\/s400\/dott.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nPart two of my little guide to increasing your enjoyment of Tim Schafer's and Dave Grossman's seminal adventure game classic DAY OF THE TENTACLE. The game makes many a reference to a somewhat mythological version of American history, which is great if you're an American. But what if you're not?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHere's a bunch of completely true, and no way wrong, commonly held American historical myths that are referenced to in \u003Ci\u003EDay of the Tentacle\u003C\/i\u003E. Ok, so maybe some of them aren't actually true (of course Benjamin Franklin didn't discover electricity), but that doesn't mean you shouldn't use this website as a reference to back up your next pub argument.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.co.uk\/2015\/08\/day-of-tentacle-history-lesson-part-1.html\" target=\"\"\u003EPart one is here!\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EThanks to the awesome people at the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.doublefine.com\/forums\/viewthread\/16713\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EDouble Fine forums\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;for helping out with this list!\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EBetsy Ross\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E...and the American Flag\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBetsy Ross, a modest and self-reliant seamstress, is approached by the founding fathers to see if she could produce a national flag for the new country, based on their design patterns. She was apprehensive, but willing. \"I do not know but I could try; I had never made one but if the pattern were shown to me, I do not doubt of my ability to do it.\" It took the founding fathers a few attempts to get their designs right, but Ross was successful, and so history was made.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EKey takeaway: Betsy Ross made the United States national flag from the founding father's designs.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-yrCJa-Hat1A\/Vb5SOezsPII\/AAAAAAAAAyE\/TF3EgupdV_8\/s1600\/4334583961_13cf7179cd_b.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"238\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-yrCJa-Hat1A\/Vb5SOezsPII\/AAAAAAAAAyE\/TF3EgupdV_8\/s320\/4334583961_13cf7179cd_b.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EBenjamin Franklin\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E...and electricity\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\nBenjamin Franklin did something with electricity with a kite that had a key attached. It's all very complicated and weird, and nobody really understands it, but basically by flying a kite in a storm, with a key attached, Franklin discovered electricity.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOk, while that does appear to be the general understanding on this myth, here's a little more information that makes it make more sense: Franklin's experiment was actually an attempt to prove that lightning and electricity (which was still poorly understood at the time) were one and the same thing. To prove this, he sent a key up into the air on a kite during a storm. Eventually lightning struck the kite and Franklin brought the kite down to earth. If his argument was correct, the key would have a ton of static electricity stored in it, just waiting to zap the next person who decided to touch it, and lo, if he wasn't right.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EKey takeaway: Benjamin Franklin \"discovered\" electricity with a key tied to a kite in a thunderstorm (leading to the kite being struck by lightning)\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E...and the National Bird\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\nBenjamin Franklin was not convinced that the United States should be represented by a bald eagle, and believed the national bird should have been a turkey. He wrote that he found the bald eagle to be of \"bad moral character\", as it lazily poaches its food from other animals, and is a \"rank coward\" as it can be driven from an area by a bird no bigger than a sparrow (the kingbird).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHe concluded from this that, \"the bald eagle is therefore by no means a proper emblem for the brave and honest America\", and instead looked at the turkey more favourably: \"The turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird, and additionally a true original Native of America, and a bird of courage.\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JR0rEL5Jj3M\/VcdHrBHh4vI\/AAAAAAAAAy8\/UYuqHqJZQDA\/s1600\/franklin-seal.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-JR0rEL5Jj3M\/VcdHrBHh4vI\/AAAAAAAAAy8\/UYuqHqJZQDA\/s320\/franklin-seal.png\" width=\"302\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EKey takeaway: Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the United States national bird\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThe Pony Express\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\nThe Pony Express was the fastest mail service in the United States, and became legendary for the speed of its delivery across the country.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DjZwO0BN6S0\/Vb5XGiPP10I\/AAAAAAAAAyQ\/whMJCp0qsVw\/s1600\/mailbox.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-DjZwO0BN6S0\/Vb5XGiPP10I\/AAAAAAAAAyQ\/whMJCp0qsVw\/s1600\/mailbox.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E...and the red flag on the mailbox\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nDon't forget, when the flag it up on a mailbox, it means that there's \u003Cb\u003Eoutgoing \u003C\/b\u003Email inside waiting to be picked up.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Chr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis I've missed something? Comment and let me know! And don't forget to read \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.co.uk\/2015\/08\/day-of-tentacle-history-lesson-part-1.html\"\u003EPart One\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3087442732584507279\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=3087442732584507279","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/3087442732584507279"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/3087442732584507279"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2015\/08\/day-of-tentacle-history-lesson-part-2.html","title":"Day of the Tentacle History Lesson: Part 2"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-x55jsbrj6C8\/Vb5Yn_exiuI\/AAAAAAAAAyc\/e1QG5ITZFQY\/s72-c\/dott.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-7754905296298496"},"published":{"$t":"2015-08-02T19:01:00.002+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-05-18T16:10:45.872+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"fun"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"game fixes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Day of the Tentacle History Lesson: Part 1"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-x55jsbrj6C8\/Vb5Yn_exiuI\/AAAAAAAAAyc\/e1QG5ITZFQY\/s1600\/dott.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"223\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-x55jsbrj6C8\/Vb5Yn_exiuI\/AAAAAAAAAyc\/e1QG5ITZFQY\/s400\/dott.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nFans of classic LucasArts adventure games will know that Tim Schafer's and Dave Grossman's seminal adventure game classic DAY OF THE TENTACLE (which is due for a Special Edition some point soon) makes references to a slightly-exaggerated (but still very popular) version of American history. There are some great references to get if you're American, but what if you're not?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWith that in mind, here are a bunch of \u003Ci\u003Ecompletely true\u003C\/i\u003E, and not in anyway exaggerated or simplified, commonly-held American historical \"facts\" that are referenced to in \u003Ci\u003EDay of the Tentacle\u003C\/i\u003E, for us non-Americans.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThese are the stories you would have heard growing up as a child if you were raised in the US (that you'd later learn as adult were a bit more complicated). They are the shared folklore of the United States, and they are referenced to heavily in \u003Ci\u003EDay of the Tentacle\u003C\/i\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEnjoy!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\nSome basic scene-setting\u003C\/h3\u003E\nDuring your time in the world of\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003EDay of the Tentacle\u003C\/i\u003E, you'll meet some founding fathers of the United States; George Washington (soon to become the first President), Benjamin Franklin (famous inventor), Thomas Jefferson, and John Hancock. They've declared Independence from Europe, but now they're trying to write a Constitution for their new country.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSee also: \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.co.uk\/2015\/08\/day-of-tentacle-history-lesson-part-2.html\"\u003EPart two!\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EThanks to the awesome people at the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.doublefine.com\/forums\/viewthread\/16713\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EDouble Fine forums\u003C\/a\u003E for helping out with this list!\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nge2_ChsVv8\/Vb5aK_oqVXI\/AAAAAAAAAyo\/ZrrIrD36nNY\/s1600\/georgewashington.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EGeorge Washington...\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E...and the Cherry Tree\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nge2_ChsVv8\/Vb5aK_oqVXI\/AAAAAAAAAyo\/ZrrIrD36nNY\/s1600\/georgewashington.jpg\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-nge2_ChsVv8\/Vb5aK_oqVXI\/AAAAAAAAAyo\/ZrrIrD36nNY\/s320\/georgewashington.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003EA six year old George Washington was given a hatchet to play with (hey, it was the 1700s, things were different back then), and it became one of his prized possessions. He would enthusiastically hack at just about anything he could get his hands on, but usually his mother's plants.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOne morning, however, he got a little bit carried away with his hacking, and, while nobody was watching, chopped down a beautiful young English CHERRY TREE in his family's back garden.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAs it turns out, the tree was a particular favourite of his Dad's, and when he saw what befallen (heh) it he was very angry. He called over his favourite hatchet-happy son, and began the interrogation.\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\"George,\" said his father, \"do you know who killed that beautiful little cherry tree in the garden?\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nGeorge realised he was in serious trouble, but braced himself for punishment and told the truth anyway: \"I can't tell a lie, Pa ; you know I can't tell a lie. I did cut it with my hatchet!”\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHis Dad was so surprised and impressed with his son's honesty in the face of inevitable punishment that he immediately forgave him. \"A son's honesty is worth more than a thousand trees!\", he said, and gave him a big hug.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EKey takeaway: George Washington likes cutting down cherry trees.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E...and Valley Forge\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\nLater in his career George Washington commander of the US Army, and things weren't looking good. The British had just taken control of Philadelphia, and were close to victory. Washington's troops were so close to collapse that he had no choice but to retreat to Valley Forge in the hope of getting them some much needed supplies and rest. Unfortunately they found anything but.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nCongress had been unable to get supplies through, so his men suffered an incredibly harsh winter at Valley Forge without clothes, blankets, or appropriate food.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWashington refused to give up, however, and forced his men to stick together through the cold, hard winter, despite the terrible conditions. If he hadn't, it's considered that it might have been the end of the Revolutionary War.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EKey takeaway: George Washington can handle a bit of cold weather\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E...and his wooden teeth\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\nGeorge Washington had false teeth... made from wood. Yes, really.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003E\nThomas Jefferson\u003C\/h2\u003E\nHey, it's that guy from the nickel!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-VnWRXYt3Ys4\/Vb0WWmY-63I\/AAAAAAAAAxU\/T-ugjGrnn0I\/s1600\/Nickel.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-VnWRXYt3Ys4\/Vb0WWmY-63I\/AAAAAAAAAxU\/T-ugjGrnn0I\/s320\/Nickel.png\" width=\"317\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003E\nJohn Hancock\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\n...and his massive signature\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nJohn Hanock's signature on the Declaration of Independence (and other documents) is always so damned big.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-MRhuv8g82K4\/Vb0Xxxj342I\/AAAAAAAAAxg\/bEur8xm4NuE\/s1600\/gty_declaration_of_independdent_mi_130729_16x9_992.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-MRhuv8g82K4\/Vb0Xxxj342I\/AAAAAAAAAxg\/bEur8xm4NuE\/s400\/gty_declaration_of_independdent_mi_130729_16x9_992.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nRemember: All of the information here is completely true and in no way a simplified or exaggerated version of history. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nRead \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.co.uk\/2015\/08\/day-of-tentacle-history-lesson-part-2.html\"\u003Epart two now\u003C\/a\u003E!\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7754905296298496\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=7754905296298496","title":"4 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/7754905296298496"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/7754905296298496"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2015\/08\/day-of-tentacle-history-lesson-part-1.html","title":"Day of the Tentacle History Lesson: Part 1"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-x55jsbrj6C8\/Vb5Yn_exiuI\/AAAAAAAAAyc\/e1QG5ITZFQY\/s72-c\/dott.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"4"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-8665895180169342090"},"published":{"$t":"2015-08-01T18:19:00.000+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-08-01T18:19:08.724+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"fun"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"This just in... from 2050"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"A few years back the BBC started a season of speculative fiction called \"What If?\", and these funny short news reports, purported to be from 2050, were part of that broadcasting.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI think they're rather brilliant. They feel very real (even if, aesthetically, they've already dated), and I can believe the reports coming true at some point in human history. They just ring true, but with a bit of a cheeky wink. Very clever and amusing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWill they be loosely accurate, or will they say more about today than about 35 years from now? I hope I live to 2050 to find out!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ciframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"281\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/133569268?color=39608a\u0026amp;title=0\u0026amp;byline=0\u0026amp;portrait=0\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"500\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E \n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ciframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"281\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/133567397\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"500\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E \n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ciframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"281\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/133566949\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"500\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E \n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ciframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"281\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/133565030\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"500\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\n\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ciframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"281\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/133564221\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"500\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8665895180169342090\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=8665895180169342090","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/8665895180169342090"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/8665895180169342090"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2015\/08\/this-just-in-from-2050.html","title":"This just in... from 2050"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-2085947338635411777"},"published":{"$t":"2015-07-29T16:14:00.004+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-20T17:10:16.170+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ramblings"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Windows 10: Here's what I see when I see the new Start Menu..."},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-njxYpoG-0KE\/Vbjt0S8du1I\/AAAAAAAAAxA\/PCs1B6e8cpY\/s1600\/Windows10.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-njxYpoG-0KE\/Vbjt0S8du1I\/AAAAAAAAAxA\/PCs1B6e8cpY\/s400\/Windows10.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nThankfully someone alerted me to the fact that you can make the Start Menu full screen again :)\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2085947338635411777\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=2085947338635411777","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/2085947338635411777"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/2085947338635411777"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2015\/07\/windows-10-heres-what-i-see-when-i-see.html","title":"Windows 10: Here's what I see when I see the new Start Menu..."}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-njxYpoG-0KE\/Vbjt0S8du1I\/AAAAAAAAAxA\/PCs1B6e8cpY\/s72-c\/Windows10.png","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-1146583811291622907"},"published":{"$t":"2015-07-28T19:21:00.002+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-07-28T19:22:27.729+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"deeper ramblings"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The voice on the page: Do internet comments ruin everything? "},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Something has bugged me about internet comments for years, and I've never been able to put my finger on exactly what it was... but I think I've just figured it out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI saw Jerry Seinfeld talk about the relationship between the comic and the audience, and how critics, no matter how they may try, cannot get in between their bond. The comic has a direct link, artist to audience, that cannot be interfered with. In the moment of the performance, two people are connected.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nCharlie Kaufman has talked about the importance of this same connection, about how hearing a voice revealing some shared truth makes us feel less alone. (You might even argue that's the function of art itself.) Stephen King has also written about what he sees as a genuine form of psychic communication, an almost magical connection, between author and audience, that allows for the sending of ideas from one brain to another.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThat connection, the one we all feel while experiencing a piece of art that touches us, is sacrosanct. It's important, holy, ancient. It's the deepest parts of two people having a conversation that can't be put into words. At that moment artist and audience are connected.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnd then someone forces their way into that conversation, sharing their opinion before you've had time to fully appreciate the experience.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nImagine going on a date with someone. The two of you are hoping to find a deep connection with another. Now imagine having a third-party sat nearby commenting after every sentence. Unless it lead to mutual frustration and the desire to go elsewhere, that person would completely prevent any chance of connection forming, and to me, that's often what internet comments do.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nDon't get me wrong, debate is important and it's healthy, but it has its time and place. Do we really need the ability to comment on \u003Ci\u003Eeverything\u003C\/i\u003E? Do we really want people interfering with our deeper connection to things? I think we need time to find our own thoughts and opinions about what we've just experienced, our own connection with it, and only then can we enter a debate about it -- should we feel the need.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBut I worry that all this superficial conversation is just making us more lonely for a deeper connection."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1146583811291622907\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=1146583811291622907","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/1146583811291622907"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/1146583811291622907"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2015\/07\/the-voice-on-page-are-internet-comments.html","title":"The voice on the page: Do internet comments ruin everything? "}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-4255107340496001623"},"published":{"$t":"2015-04-19T20:50:00.001+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-07-28T19:22:46.324+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"game fixes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"\"Grand Theft Auto V has stopped working\" - Potential Fix"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Like millions of others, I 've recently purchased Grand Theft Auto V for the PC, and unfortunately like many of those the game kept crashing no matter what my settings were. After looking through Windows Event Viewer, at the Application Error list, I saw the following:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cpre\u003EFaulting application name: GTA5.exe, version: 1.0.331.1, time stamp: 0x552e6cfd\nFaulting module name: ICProxy64.dll, version: 2.2.7.7, time stamp: 0x5297da23\nException code: 0xc0000417\nFault offset: 0x0000000000043430\nFaulting process id: 0xfbc\nFaulting application start time: 0x01d07a1d9a56e133\nFaulting application path: X:\\SteamLibrary\\steamapps\\common\\Grand Theft Auto V\\GTA5.exe\nFaulting module path: C:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\ICProxy64.dll\nReport Id: fc235624-e610-11e4-bfa7-10bf48b8b8dc\nFaulting package full name:\nFaulting package-relative application ID:\n\u003C\/pre\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAfter a quick Google I discovered that \u003Cb\u003EICProxy64.dll\u003C\/b\u003E belonged to a program I'd installed many months prior called \"\u003Cb\u003EIdentity Cloaker\u003C\/b\u003E\".\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI never used this program (I can't even remember why I installed it), so I decided to get rid and uninstall it. I then loaded GTA V and reset my graphical settings. The game crashed.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLuckily, it was just a one off. Since removing Identity Cloaker the game has worked flawlessly. If you're having problems playing Grand Theft Auto V (or Grand Theft Auto Online), and have this program installed, you should probably remove it... It may be just the thing that's causing all your problems.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIf not, make sure you open a support ticket at Rockstar Games. They should be able to help you, eventually.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nGood luck!"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/4255107340496001623\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=4255107340496001623","title":"9 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/4255107340496001623"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/4255107340496001623"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2015\/04\/grand-theft-auto-v-has-stopped-working.html","title":"\"Grand Theft Auto V has stopped working\" - Potential Fix"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"9"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-8693434601357829821"},"published":{"$t":"2015-02-17T19:18:00.000+00:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-06-20T17:11:37.314+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"fun"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Becoming a billionaire in Grand Theft Auto V using BAWSAQ stock market!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I'm super pleased to announce that my latest pet-project has gone live; It's a simple website designed to help players of \u003Ci\u003EGrand Theft Auto V\u003C\/i\u003E become billionaires using the ingame BAWSAQ stock market (it's fun, you know). It began as a project to re-sharpen my coding skills after an extended break and turned into a bit of a labour of love.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.gta-bawsaq-billionaire.com\/\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"242\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-IrN17CuyFbI\/VOVUPVzduUI\/AAAAAAAAAu8\/ZnoHd-jxrZM\/s1600\/Capture.PNG\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.gta-bawsaq-billionaire.com\/\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"242\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-2IiQ4IKZ4GE\/VOuejaIZgXI\/AAAAAAAAAv4\/-6Fhu-lwkYU\/s1600\/Capture2.png\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt's still early days, but I've designed it to be as simple as possible, and hopefully it will be very useful to players of \u003Ci\u003EGrand Theft Auto\u003C\/i\u003E! New features will continue to be added, too.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nVisit the site:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.gta-bawsaq-billionaire.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehttp:\/\/www.gta-bawsaq-billionaire.com\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLet me know your thoughts and feedback if you use it!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EUPDATE\u003C\/b\u003E: The API has broken, so the site no longer functions as it should :("},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8693434601357829821\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=8693434601357829821","title":"5 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/8693434601357829821"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/8693434601357829821"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2015\/02\/becoming-billionaire-in-grand-theft.html","title":"Becoming a billionaire in Grand Theft Auto V using BAWSAQ stock market!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-IrN17CuyFbI\/VOVUPVzduUI\/AAAAAAAAAu8\/ZnoHd-jxrZM\/s72-c\/Capture.PNG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"5"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-7365070856056076663"},"published":{"$t":"2015-02-02T12:58:00.002+00:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-04-20T03:18:02.980+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"viewing guides"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"All the WINGS episodes missing from Netflix\/Hulu"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-DGDHmy9JdqU\/VOVVHAPPlXI\/AAAAAAAAAvE\/Agp9pxcm6QU\/s1600\/01tony-shalhoub-wings1.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-DGDHmy9JdqU\/VOVVHAPPlXI\/AAAAAAAAAvE\/Agp9pxcm6QU\/s1600\/01tony-shalhoub-wings1.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSitcom junkie that I am, I've been watching WINGS each night to fall asleep to. It's an amusing series from the creators of the FRASIER that never found the popularity of that show (or its predecessor), but I've grown to really enjoy it. Yes, it may not have been edgy or boundary pushing, and the differences between the characters were sometimes ill defined (or subtle?),\u0026nbsp;but whatever its faults may or may not be, it's still a very underrated and enjoyable show, and I was a little miffed when I discovered that Netflix doesn't have every episode on its service.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn fact, it turns out that 23 episodes are missing, an entire season's worth(!), and unfortunately, due to music licensing issues, there's very little chance of them being added. The biggest shame is that they frequently feature important story-changing episodes (and WINGS was mostly very careful about keeping its backstory -- although don't ask what happened to Budd, or Lowell's kids).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhile watching on Netflix, did you wonder where Helen's sister, Casey, suddenly appeared from? How Brian, Casey and Antonio got a house together? Where Helen got a new cello from? What Brian did with his insurance money? It's all explained in episodes that were cut. You also missed Craig Bierko's cameo in Season 2, Kirstie Alley's \"Rebecca Howe\" from CHEERS in Season 4, and The Monkees's Peter Tork in Season 7 (if that's your bag). Often these were some of the best episodes, too.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo here's a list of each of the episodes missing from Netflix:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ESeason 2 \u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n01 - The Puppet Master\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n11 - A Terminal Christmas\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n15 - My Brother's Back and There's Going to Be Trouble\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ESeason 3 \u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n09 - Try to Remember the Night He Dismembered\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ESeason 4 \u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n11- Exit Laughing\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n15 - The Gift: Part 1\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n16 - The Gift: Part 2\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n17 - I Love Brian\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n21 - Another Wedding\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESeason\u0026nbsp;6 \u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n02 - Twisted Sister\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n07 - All's Fare\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n18 - Gone But Not Faygotten\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n21 - The Love Life and Times of Joe and Helen\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ESeason 7 \u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n06 - She's Gotta Have It\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n10 - 'Twas The Heist Before Christmas\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n17 - Lynch Party\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n20 - A Tale Of Two Sister Cities\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n23 - Life Could Be A Dream\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ESeason 8 \u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n03 - Maybe It's You\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n07 - Olive Or Twist\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n15 - Fay There, Georgy Girl\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n16 - Escape From New York\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n17 - House Of Blues\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nUnfortunately the only place these appear to be now available is on the DVD releases. Shame! (It's especially a shame because sometimes the music in question is only incidental and could be changed to anything else.)\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7365070856056076663\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=7365070856056076663","title":"30 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/7365070856056076663"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/7365070856056076663"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2015\/02\/wings-episodes-missing-from-netflix.html","title":"All the WINGS episodes missing from Netflix\/Hulu"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-DGDHmy9JdqU\/VOVVHAPPlXI\/AAAAAAAAAvE\/Agp9pxcm6QU\/s72-c\/01tony-shalhoub-wings1.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"30"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-6053163437160369213"},"published":{"$t":"2014-03-19T03:05:00.000+00:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-12-04T22:55:34.376+00:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ramblings"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Woody Allen v. Mia Farrow Court Documents"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"In the recent furore sparked by Robert Weide's article, lots of damning things have been written about Woody Allen, none more so than the open letter penned by his own daughter, Dylan. With the articles going back and forth between both camps, and comments being thrown around, I found myself wanting to refer back to the court documents from the time. How did what we're hearing now relate to what was known then?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMany fans of Allen's work, like myself, are interested in having solid answers, but it's clear we will probably never get them. That doesn't seem to stop people taking sides based on nothing more than an article arguing one side or another, though, and some people will always make up their minds without taking the time to research the facts, but for those who want to make as much of an informed decision as they can before coming to any conclusions, the supreme court's 1993 judgement is an important document, and one, I believe, Mia Farrow and her family wish more people would take the time to read.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nUnfortunately Justice Wilk's summary did not appear to be anywhere online. I was surprised by this and decided to began the slow process converting the document digitally from Farrow's book. (Of course, as soon as I was finished I immediately discovered the documents did exist online elsewhere. Doh.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt may be impossible for a bystander to speak with authority, but at least we can try to avoid ignorance. This document reveals several outright lies in Woody Allen's recent \"final word\" on the matter. (For example, he boldly declares that \"I had been going out with Mia for 12 years and never in that time did she ever suggest to me anything resembling misconduct\", when he'd been directly confronted by Farrow of looking at the child in a sexual way, and his behaviour had been characterised as \"inappropriate\" by the doctor involved. Vanity Fair catch several more of such lies in their article \u003Ci\u003E10 Undeniable Facts About the Woody Allen Sexual-Abuse Allegation\u003C\/i\u003E.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHere are all the articles from both camps to date, along with the aforementioned Vanity Fair one:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thedailybeast.com\/articles\/2014\/01\/27\/the-woody-allen-allegations-not-so-fast.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThe Woody Allen Allegations: Not So Fast\u003C\/a\u003E by Robert B. Weide (January 27, 2014)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/kristof.blogs.nytimes.com\/2014\/02\/01\/an-open-letter-from-dylan-farrow\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAn Open Letter From Dylan Farrow\u003C\/a\u003E by Dylan Farrow (February 1, 2014)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\"I love and support my sister and I think her words speak for themselves.\" \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/RonanFarrow\/status\/430112126707843072\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ETweeted\u003C\/a\u003E by Ronan Farrow (aka Satchel Farrow) (February 2, 2014)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.people.com\/people\/article\/0,,20783306,00.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMoses Farrow Defends Woody Allen\u003C\/a\u003E by People Magazine (February 5, 2014)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2014\/02\/09\/opinion\/sunday\/woody-allen-speaks-out.html?_r=0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EWoody Allen Speaks Out\u003C\/a\u003E by Woody Allen (February 7, 2014)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.vanityfair.com\/online\/daily\/2014\/02\/woody-allen-sex-abuse-10-facts\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E10 Undeniable Facts About the Woody Allen Sexual-Abuse Allegation\u003C\/a\u003E by Vanity Fair (February 7, 2014)\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nPersonally, I think that if you're going to share your opinion on this matter publicly, I think you owe it to the parties involved to at least familiarize yourself with the facts.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nSome quick information on the people involved:\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EDylan Farrow\u003C\/i\u003E - Mia Farrow's adopted daughter, with whom Woody Allen assumed a parental role. Aged 7\u0026nbsp;at the time of these proceedings.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003ESatchel Farrow\u003C\/i\u003E - Woody Allen's biological son. Now known as Ronan. Aged 5 at the time of these proceedings.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003EMoses Farrow\u003C\/i\u003E - Mia Farrow's adopted son. Aged 15 at the time of these proceedings.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nThe court case was Allen's seemingly frivolous and hurtful attempt at gaining sole custody of the above children.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nBasic timeline:\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nJanuary 13, 1992 - Mia Farrow discovers that Allen is having an affair with Soon-Yi. They break up.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nAugust 4, 1992 - The alleged sexual molestation took place.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nAugust 6, 1992 - Woody Allen is informed of the allegations.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nAugust 13, 1992 - Allen files for sole custody of the three children.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thunderpeel2001.com\/files\/Allen-v-Farrow.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EDownload the court document in PDF format here\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Chr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003EI have reproduced the state supreme court decision in its entirety,\nwhich perhaps is an unusual document in a memoir. My purpose, however, in doing\nso is to reassure the reader that extracts from it have not distorted what was\ndecided by the Court. This decision was upheld in the Appellate Division, First\nDepartment, and the New York City Court of Appeals. Furthermore, incidents\nreported prior to the custody trial were included in the testimony at that\ntrial.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003EMia Farrow, “What Falls Away” (1997). \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , sans-serif;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;\"\u003E\n\u003Cdiv align=\"center\" class=\"MsoTitle\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 26.0pt;\"\u003EAllen\nv. Farrow (1993) - Justice Wilk\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-variant: small-caps; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ESupreme Court: The New York County\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIndividual Assignment Part 6\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-variant: small-caps; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003EWoody Allen, Petitioner\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n- against –\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMaria Villiers Farrow, also known as, Mia Farrow\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-variant: small-caps; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003EElliot Wilk, J.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv align=\"right\" class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-variant: small-caps; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003ESU24A\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIndex No. 68738\/92\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;\"\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoTitle\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 26.0pt;\"\u003EIntroduction\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EOn August\n13, 1992, seven days after he learned that his seven-year-old daughter Dylan\nhad accused him of sexual abuse, Woody Allen began this action against Mia\nFarrow to obtain custody of Dylan, their five-year-old son Satchel, and their\nfifteen-year-old son Moses. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EAs mandated\nby law, Dr. V. Kavirajan, the Connecticut pediatrician to whom Dylan repeated\nher accusation, reported the charge to the Connecticut State Police. In\nfurtherance of their investigation to determine if a criminal prosecution\nshould be pursued against Mr. Allen, the Connecticut State Police referred\nDylan to the Child Sexual Abuse Clinic of Yale-New Haven Hospital. According to\nYale-New Haven, the two major questions posed to them were: \"Is Dylan\ntelling the truth, and did we think that she was sexually abused?\" On\nMarch 17, 1993, Yale-New Haven issued a report which concluded that Mr. Allen\nhad not sexually abused Dylan. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EThis trial\nbegan on March 19, 1993. Among the witnesses called by petitioner were Mr.\nAllen; Ms. Farrow; Dr. Susan Coates, a clinical psychologist who treated\nSatchel; Dr. Nancy Schultz, a clinical psychologist who treated Dylan; and Dr.\nDavid Brodzinsky, a clinical psychologist who spoke with Dylan and Moses\npursuant to his assignment in a related Surrogate's Court proceeding. Dr. John\nLeventhal, a pediatrician who was part of the three-member Yale-New Haven team,\ntestified by deposition. Ms. Farrow called Dr. Stephen Herman, a clinical\npsychiatrist, who commented on the Yale-New Haven report. What follows are my findings\nof fact. Where statements or observations are attributed to witnesses, they are\nadopted by me as findings of fact.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003E* I acknowledge the assistance of Analisa Torres in the preparation of\nthis opinion.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;\"\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoTitle\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 26.0pt;\"\u003EFindings of Fact\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen\nis a fifty-seven year old film maker. He has been divorced twice. Both marriages\nwere childless. Ms. Farrow is forty-eight years old. She is an actress who has\nperformed in many of Mr. Allen’s movies. Her first marriage, at age twenty-one,\nended in divorce two years later. Shortly thereafter, she married Andre Previn,\nwith whom she had six children, three biological and three adopted. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMatthew and\nSascha Previn, twenty-three years old were born on February 26, 1970. The birth\nYear of Soon-Yi Previn is believed to be 1970 or 1972. She was born in Korea\nand was adopted in 1977. Lark Previn, twenty years old, was born on February\n15, 1973. Fletcher Previn, nineteen years old, was born on March 14, 1974.\nDaisy Previn, eighteen years old, was born on October 6, 1974. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EAfter eight\nyears of marriage, Ms. Farrow and Mr. Previn were divorced. Ms. Farrow retained\ncustody of the children. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen\nand Ms. Farrow met in 1980, a few months after Ms. Farrow had adopted Moses\nFarrow, who was born on January 27, 1978. Mr. Allen preferred that Ms. Farrow's\nchildren not be a part of their lives together. Until 1985, Mr. Allen had\n\"virtually a single person's relationship\" with Ms. Farrow and viewed\nher children as an encumbrance. He had no involvement with them and no interest\nin them. Throughout their relationship, Mr. Allen has maintained his residence\non the east side of Manhattan and Ms. Farrow has lived with her children on the\nwest side of Manhattan. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EIn 1984,\nMs. Farrow expressed a desire to have a child with Mr. Allen. He resisted,\nfearing that a young child would reduce the time that they had available for\neach other. Only after Ms. Farrow promised that the child would live with her\nand that Mr. Allen need not be involved with the child's care or upbringing,\ndid he agree.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EAfter six\nmonths of unsuccessful attempts to become pregnant, and with Mr. Allen's\nlukewarm support, Ms. Farrow decided to adopt a child. Mr. Allen chose not to\nparticipate in the adoption and Ms. Farrow was the sole adoptive parent. On\nJuly 11, 1985, the newborn Dylan joined the Farrow household. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen's\nattitude toward Dylan changed a few months after the adoption. He began to\nspend some mornings and evenings at Ms. Farrow's apartment in order to be with\nDylan. He visited at Ms. Farrow's country home in Connecticut and accompanied\nthe Farrow-Previn family on extended vacations to Europe in 1987, 1988 and\n1989. He remained aloof from Ms. Farrow's other children except for Moses, to\nwhom he was cordial. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EIn 1986,\nMs. Farrow suggested the adoption of another child. Mr. Allen, buoyed by his\ndeveloping affection for Dylan, was enthusiastic. Before another adoption could\nbe arranged, Ms. Farrow became pregnant with Satchel. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EDuring Ms.\nFarrow's pregnancy, Mr. Allen did not touch her stomach, listen to the fetus,\nor try to feel it kick. Because Mr. Allen had shown no interest in her\npregnancy and because Ms. Farrow believed him to be squeamish about the\ndelivery process, her friend Casey Pascal acted as her Lamaze coach. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EA few\nmonths into the pregnancy, Ms. Farrow began to withdraw from Mr. Allen. After\nSatchel's birth, which occurred on December 19, 1987, she grew more distant\nfrom Mr. Allen. Ms. Farrow's attention to Satchel also reduced the time she had\navailable for Dylan. Mr. Allen began to spend more time with Dylan and to\nintensify his relationship with her. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EBy then,\nMs. Farrow had become concerned with Mr. Allen's behavior toward Dylan. During\na trip to Paris, when Dylan was between two and three years old, Ms. Farrow\ntold Mr. Allen that \"[y]ou look at her [Dylan] in a sexual way. You\nfondled her. It's not natural. You're all over her. You don't give her any\nbreathing room. You look at her when she's naked.\"\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EHer\napprehension was fueled by the intensity of the attention Mr. Allen lavished on\nDylan, and by his spending play-time in bed with her, by his reading to her in\nhis bed while dressed in his undershorts, and by his permitting her to suck on\nhis thumb. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMs. Farrow\ntestified that Mr. Allen was overly attentive and demanding of Dylan's time and\nattention. He was aggressively affectionate, providing her with little space of\nher own and with no respect for the integrity of her body. Ms. Farrow, Casey\nPascal, Sophie Raven (Dylan's French tutor), and Dr. Coates testified that Mr.\nAllen focused on Dylan to the exclusion of her siblings, even when Satchel and\nMoses were present. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EIn June\n1990, the parties became concerned with Satchel's behavior and took him to see\nDr. Coates, with whom he then began treatment. At Dr. Coates' request, both\nparents participated in Satchel's treatment. In the fall of 1990, the parties\nasked Dr. Coates to evaluate Dylan to determine if she needed therapy. During\nthe course of the evaluation, Ms. Farrow expressed her concern to Dr. Coates\nthat Mr. Allen's behavior with Dylan was not appropriate. Dr. Coates observed:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EI\nunderstood why she was worried, because it [Mr. Allen's relationship with\nDylan] was intense, … I did not see it as sexual, but I saw it as inappropriately\nintense because it excluded everybody else, and it placed a demand on a child\nfor a kind of acknowledgment that I felt should not be placed on a child …\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\nShe\ntestified that she worked with Mr. Allen to help him to understand that his\nbehavior with Dylan was inappropriate had to be modified. Dr. Coates also\nrecommended and that Dylan enter therapy with Dr. Schultz, with whom Dylan\nbegan treatment in April 1991.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EIn 1991,\nMs. Farrow expressed a desire to adopt another child. Mr. Allen, who had begun\nto believe that Ms. Farrow was growing more remote from him and that she might discontinue\nhis access to Dylan, said that he would not take \"a lousy attitude towards\nit\" if, in return, Ms. Farrow would sponsor his adoption of Dylan and\nMoses. She said that she agreed after Mr. Allen assured her that \"he would\nnot take Dylan for sleep-overs . . . unless I was there. And that if, God\nforbid, anything should happen to our relationship, that he would never seek\ncustody.\" The adoptions were concluded in December 1991. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EUntil 1990,\nalthough he had had little contact with any of the Previn children, Mr. Allen\nhad the least to do with Soon-Yi. \"She was someone who didn't like me. I\nhad no interest in her, none whatsoever. She was a quiet person who did her\nwork. I never spoke to her.\" In 1990, Mr. Allen, who had four season\ntickets to the New York Knicks basketball games, was asked by Soon-Yi if she\ncould go to a game. Mr. Allen agreed. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EDuring the\nfollowing weeks, when Mr. Allen visited Ms. Farrow's home, he would say hello\nto Soon-Yi, \"which is something I never did in the years prior, but no\nconversations with her or anything.\" \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003ESoon-Yi\nattended more basketball games with Mr. Allen. He testified that\n\"gradually, after the basketball association, we became more friendly. She\nopened up to me more.\" By 1991 they were discussing her interests in\nmodeling, art, and psychology. She spoke of her hopes and other aspects of her\nlife. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EIn\nSeptember 1991, Soon-Yi entered Drew College in New Jersey. She was naive,\nsocially inexperienced and vulnerable. Mr. Allen testified that she was lonely\nand unhappy at school, and that she began to speak daily with him by telephone.\nShe spent most weekends at home with Ms. Farrow. There is no evidence that\nSoon-Yi told Ms. Farrow either that she was lonely or that she had been in\ndaily communication with Mr. Allen.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EOn January\n13, 1992, while in Mr. Allen’s apartment, Ms. Farrow discovered six nude\nphotographs of Soon-Yi which had been left on the mantelpiece. She is posed\nreclining on a couch with her legs spread apart. Ms. Farrow telephoned Mr.\nAllen to confront him with her discovery of the photographs. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMs. Farrow\nreturned home, showed the photographs to Soon-Yi and said, \"What have you\ndone?\" She left the room before Soon-Yi answered. During the following\nweekend, Ms. Farrow hugged Soon-Yi and said that she loved her and did not\nblame her. Shortly thereafter, Ms. Farrow asked Soon-Yi how long she had been\nseeing Mr. Allen. When Soon-Yi referred to her sexual relationship with Mr.\nAllen, Ms. Farrow hit her on the side of the face and on the shoulders.\u003Csup\u003E1\u003C\/sup\u003E\nMs. Farrow also told her older children what she had learned. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Csup\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003E1\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/sup\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003E Ms. Farrow has commenced an action in the Surrogate's Court to vacate\nMr. Allen's adoption of Dylan and Moses. In that proceeding, she contends that\nMr. Allen began a secret affair with Soon-Yi prior to the date of the adoption.\nThis issue has been reserved for consideration by the Surrogate and has not\nbeen addressed by me.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EAfter\nreceiving Ms. Farrow's telephone call, Mr. Allen went to her apartment where,\nhe said, he found her to be \"ragingly angry.\" She begged him to\nleave. She testified that:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E[w]hen\nhe finally left, he came back less than an hour later, and I was sitting at the\ntable. By then, all of the children were there . . . and it was a rather silent\nmeal. The little ones were chatting and he walked right in and he sat right\ndown at the table as if nothing had happened and starts chatting with . . . the\ntwo little ones, said hi to everybody. And one by one the children [Lark,\nDaisy, Fletcher, Moses and Sascha] took their plates and left. And I'd, I\ndidn't know what to do. And then I went out. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoListParagraph\"\u003E\nWithin the\nmonth, both parties retained counsel and attempted to negotiate a settlement of\ntheir differences. In an effort to pacify Ms. Farrow, Mr. Allen told her that\nhe was no longer seeing Soon-Yi. This was untrue. A temporary arrangement\nenabled Mr. Allen to visit regularly with Dylan and Satchel but they were not\npermitted to visit at his residence. In addition, Ms. Farrow asked for his\nassurance that he would not seek custody of Moses, Dylan or Satchel.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoListParagraph\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EOn February\n3, 1992, both parties signed documents in which it was agreed that Mr. Allen\nwould waive custodial rights to Moses, Dylan and Satchel if Ms. Farrow\npredeceased him. On the same day, Mr. Allen signed a second document, which he\ndid not reveal to Ms. Farrow, in which he disavowed the waiver, claiming that\nit was a product of duress and coercion and stating that \"I have no\nintention of abiding by it and have been advised that it will not hold up\nlegally and that at worst I can revoke it unilaterally at will.\" \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EIn February\n1992, Ms. Farrow gave Mr. Allen a family picture Valentine with skewers through\nthe hearts of the children and a knife through the heart of Ms. Farrow. She\nalso defaced and destroyed several photographs of Mr. Allen and of Soon-Yi. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EIn July\n1992, Ms. Farrow had a birthday party for Dylan at her Connecticut home. Mr.\nAllen came and monopolized Dylan's time and attention. After Mr. Allen retired\nto the guest room for the night, Ms. Farrow affixed to his bathroom door, a\nnote which called Mr. Allen a child molester. The reference was to his affair\nwith Soon-Yi. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EIn the\nsummer of 1992, Soon-Yi was employed as a camp counselor. During the third week\nof July, she telephoned Ms. Farrow to tell her that she had quit her job. She\nrefused to tell Ms. Farrow where she was staying. A few days later, Ms. Farrow\nreceived a letter from the camp advising her that: \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E[it]\nis with sadness and regret that we had to ask Soon-Yi to leave camp midway\nthrough the first camp session … Throughout the entire orientation period and\ncontinuing during camp, Soon-Yi was constantly involved with telephone calls.\nPhone calls from a gentleman whose name is Mr. Simon seemed to be her primary\nfocus and hits definitely detracted from her concentration on being a\ncounselor.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Simon\nwas Woody Allen. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EOn August\n4, 1992, Mr. Allen travelled to Ms. Farrow's Connecticut vacation home to spend\ntime with his children. Earlier in the day, Casey Pascal had come for a visit\nwith her three young children and their babysitter, Alison Stickland. Ms.\nFarrow and Ms. Pascal were shopping when Mr. Allen arrived. Those present were\nMs. Pascal's three children; Ms. Stickland; Kristie Groteke, a babysitter\nemployed by Ms. Farrow; Sophie Berge, a French tutor for the children; Dylan;\nand Satchel. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMs. Farrow\nhad previously instructed Ms. Groteke that Mr. Allen was not to be left alone\nwith Dylan. For a period of fifteen or twenty minutes during the afternoon, Ms.\nGroteke was unable to locate Mr. Allen or Dylan. After looking for them in the\nhouse, she assumed that they were outside with the others. But neither Ms.\nBerge nor Ms. Stickland was with Mr. Allen or Dylan. Ms. Groteke made no\nmention of this to Ms. Farrow on August 4. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EDuring a\ndifferent portion of the day, Ms. Stickland went to the television room in\nsearch of one of Ms. Pascal's children. She observed Mr. Allen kneeling in\nfront of Dylan with his head on her lap, facing her body. Dylan was sitting on\nthe couch staring vacantly in the direction of a television set. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EAfter Ms.\nFarrow returned home, Ms. Berge noticed that Dylan was not wearing anything\nunder her sundress. She told asked Ms. Groteke to put underpants on Dylan. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMs. Stickland\ntestified that during the evening of August 4, she told Ms. Pascal, “I had seen\nsomething at Mia’s that day that was bothering me.” She revealed what she had\nseen in the television room. On August 5, Ms. Pascal telephoned Ms. Farrow to\ntell her what Ms. Stickland had observed. Ms. Farrow testified that after she\nhung up the telephone, she asked Dylan, who was sitting next to her,\n\"whether it was true that daddy had his face in her lap yesterday.\"\nMs. Farrow testified:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EDylan\nsaid yes. And then she said that she didn't like it one bit, no, he was breathing\ninto her, into her legs, she said. And that he was holding her around the waist\nand I said, why didn't you get up and she said she tried to but that he put his\nhands underneath her and touched her. And she showed me where . . . Her behind.\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EBecause she\nwas already uncomfortable with Mr. Allen's inappropriate behavior toward Dylan\nand because she believed that her concerns were not being taken seriously\nenough by Dr. Schultz and Dr. Coates, Ms. Farrow videotaped Dylan's statements.\nOver the next twenty-four hours, Dylan told Ms. Farrow that she had been with\nMr. Allen in the attic and that he had touched her privates with his finger. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EAfter\nDylan's first comments, Ms. Farrow telephoned her attorney for guidance. She\nwas advised to bring Dylan to her pediatrician, which she did immediately.\nDylan did not repeat the accusation of sexual abuse during this visit and Ms.\nFarrow was advised to return with Dylan on the following day. On the trip home,\nshe explained to her mother that she did not like talking about her privates.\nOn August 6, when Ms. Farrow went back to Dr. Kavirajan's office, Dylan\nrepeated that she had told her mother on August 5. A medical examination\nconducted on August 9 showed no physical evidence of sexual abuse. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EAlthough\nDr. Schultz was vacationing in Europe, Ms. Farrow telephoned her daily for\nadvice. Ms. Farrow also notified Dr. Coates, who was still treating Satchel.\nShe said to Dr. Coates, \"it sounds very convincing to me, doesn't it to\nyou. It is so specific. Let's hope it is her fantasy.\" Dr. Coates immediately\nnotified Mr. Allen of the child’s accusation and then contacted the New York\nCity Child Welfare Administration. Seven days later, during a meeting of the\nlawyers at which settlement discussions were taking place, Mr. Allen began this\naction for custody. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EDr. Schultz\nreturned from vacation on August 16. She was transported to Connecticut in Mr.\nAllen's chauffeured limousine on August 17, 18 and 21 for therapy sessions with\nDylan. Dylan, who had become increasingly resistant to Dr. Schultz, did not\nwant to see her. During the third session, Dylan and Satchel put glue in Dr.\nSchultz's hair, cut her dress and told her to go away.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EOn August\n24 and 27, Ms. Farrow expressed to Dr. Schultz her anxiety about Dr. Schultz\ncontinuing to see Mr. Allen, who had already brought suit for custody of Dylan.\nShe asked if Dr. Schultz would\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E. .\n. please not come for a while until all of this is settled down because . . . I\ncouldn't trust anybody. And she said she understood completely . . . And soon\nafter that . . . I learned that Dr. Schultz had told [New York] child welfare\nthat Dylan had not reported anything to her. And then a week later, either her\nlawyer or Dr. Schultz called [New York] child welfare and said she just\nremembered that Dylan had told her that Mr. Allen had put a finger in her\nvagina. When I heard that I certainly didn't trust Dr. Schultz.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EDr. Schultz\ntestified that on August 19, Paul Williams of the New York Child Welfare\nAdministration asked about her experience with Dylan. She replied that on\nAugust 17, Dylan started to tell her what had happened with Mr. Allen but she\nneeded more time to explore this with Dylan. On August 27, she spoke more fully\nto Mr. Williams about her August 17 session with Dylan and speculated about the\nsignificance of what Dylan reported. Mr. Williams testified that on August 19,\nDr. Schultz told him that Dylan had not made any statements to her about sexual\nabuse. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMs. Farrow\ndid not immediately resume Dylan's therapy because the Connecticut State Police\nhad requested that she not be in therapy during the investigation. Also, it was\nnot clear if the negotiated settlement that the parties were continuing to\npursue would include Mr. Allen's participation in the selection of Dylan's new\ntherapist. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EDr. Coates\ncontinued to treat Satchel through the fall of 1992. Ms. Farrow expressed to\nDr. Coates her unease with the doctor seeing Mr. Allen in conjunction with\nSatchel's therapy. On October 29, 1992, Ms. Farrow requested that Dr. Coates\ntreat Satchel without the participation of Mr. Allen. Dr. Coates declined,\nexplaining that she did not believe that she could treat Satchel effectively\nwithout the full participation of both parents. Satchel's therapy with Dr.\nCoates was discontinued on November 28, 1992. At Ms. Farrow's request, Dr.\nCoates recommended a therapist to continue Satchel's therapy. Because of a\nconflict, the therapist recommended by Dr. Coates was unable to treat Satchel.\nHe did, however, provide the name of another therapist with whom Satchel is\ncurrently in treatment. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EOn December\n30, 1992, Dylan was interviewed by a representative of the Connecticut State\nPolice. She told them—at a time Ms. Farrow calculates to be the fall of\n1991—that while at Mr. Allen's apartment, she saw him and Soon-Yi having sex.\nHer reporting was childlike but graphic. She also told the police that Mr.\nAllen had pushed her face into a plate of hot spaghetti and had threatened to\ndo it again. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003ETen days\nbefore Yale-New Haven concluded its investigation, Dylan told Ms. Farrow, for\nthe first time, that in Connecticut, while she was climbing up the ladder to a\nbunk bed, Mr. Allen put his hands under her shorts and touched he Ms. Farrow\ntestified that as Dylan said this, \"she was illustrating graphically where\nin the genital area.''\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;\"\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoTitle\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 26.0pt;\"\u003EConclusions\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch1\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EA) Woody Allen\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h1\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen\nhas demonstrated no parenting skills that would qualify him as an adequate\ncustodian for Moses, Dylan or Satchel. His financial contributions to the\nchildren's support, his willingness to read to them, to tell them stories, to\nbuy them presents, and to oversee their breakfasts, do not compensate for his\nabsence as a meaningful source of guidance and caring in their lives. These contributions\ndo not excuse his evident lack of familiarity with the most basic details of\ntheir day-to-day existences. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EHe did not\nbathe his children. He did not dress them, except from time to time, and then\nonly to help them put on their socks and jackets. He knows little of Moses'\nhistory, except that he has cerebral palsy; he does not know if he has a\ndoctor. He does not know the name of Dylan and Satchel's pediatrician. He does\nnot know the names of Moses' teachers or about his academic performance. He does\nnot know the name of the children's dentist. He does not know the names of his\nchildren's friends. He does not know the names of any of their many pets. He\ndoes not know which children shared bedrooms. He attended parent-teacher\nconferences only when asked to do so by Ms. Farrow. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen\nhas even less knowledge about his children's siblings, with whom he seldom\ncommunicated. He apparently did not pay enough attention to his own children to\nlearn from them about their brothers and sisters. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen\ncharacterized Ms. Farrow's home as a foster care compound and drew distinctions\nbetween her biological and adopted children. When asked how he felt about\nsleeping with his children's sister, he responded that \"she [Soon-Yi] was\nan adopted child and Dylan was an adopted child.\" He showed no\nunderstanding that the bonds developed between adoptive brothers and sisters\nare no less worthy of respect and protection than those between biological\nsiblings. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen's\nreliance on the affidavit which praises his parenting skills, submitted by Ms.\nFarrow in connection with his petition to adopt Moses and Dylan, is misplaced.\nIts ultimate probative value will be determined in the pending Surrogate's\nCourt proceeding. In the context of the facts and circumstances of this action,\nI accord it little weight. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003ENone of the\nwitnesses who testified on Mr. Allen's behalf provided credible evidence that\nhe is an appropriate custodial parent. Indeed, none would venture an opinion\nthat he should be granted custody. When asked, even Mr. Allen could not provide\nan acceptable reason for a change in custody. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EHis\ncounsel's last question of him on direct examination was, \"Can you tell\nthe Court why you are seeking custody of your children?\" Mr. Allen's\nresponse was a rambling \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003Enon sequitur\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\nwhich consumed eleven pages of transcript. He said that he did not want to take\nthe children away from Ms. Farrow; that Ms. Farrow maintained a non-traditional\nhousehold with biological children and adopted children from all over the\nworld; that Soon-Yi was fifteen years older than Dylan and seventeen years\nolder than Satchel; that Ms. Farrow was too angry with Mr. Allen to resolve the\nproblem; and that with him, the children \"will be responsibly\neducated\" and \"their day-to-day behavior will be done in consultation\nwith their therapist.\" The most relevant portions of the response — that\nhe is a good father and that Ms. Farrow intentionally turned the children\nagainst him — I do not credit. Even if he were correct, under the circumstances\nof this case, it would be insufficient to warrant a change of custody. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen's\ndeficiencies as a custodial parent are magnified by his affair with Soon-Yi. As\nMs. Farrow's companion, he was a frequent visitor at Soon-Yi's home. He accompanied\nthe Farrow-Previns on extended family vacations and he is the father of\nSoon-Yi's siblings, Moses, Dylan and Satchel. The fact that Mr. Allen ignored\nSoon- Yi for ten years cannot change the nature of the family constellation and\ndoes not create a distance sufficient to convert their affair into a benign\nrelationship between two consenting adults. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen\nadmits that he never considered the consequences of his behavior with Soon-Yi.\nDr. Coates and Dr. Brodzinsky testified that Mr. Allen still fails to\nunderstand that what he did was wrong. Having isolated Soon-Yi from her family,\nhe left her with no visible support system. He had no consideration for the\nconsequences to her, to Ms. Farrow, to the Previn children for whom he cared\nlittle, or to his own children for whom he professes love. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen's\nresponse to Dylan's claim of sexual abuse was an attack upon Ms. Farrow, whose\nparenting ability and emotional stability he impugned without the support of\nany significant credible evidence. His trial strategy has been to separate his\nchildren from their brothers and sisters; to turn the children against their\nmother; to divide adopted children from biological children; to incite the\nfamily against their household help; and to set household employees against\neach other. His self-absorption, his lack of judgment and his commitment to the\ncontinuation of his divisive assault, thereby impeding the healing of the\ninjuries that he has already caused, warrant a careful monitoring of his future\ncontact with the children. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch1\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EB) Mia Farrow \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h1\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EFew\nrelationships and fewer families can easily bear the microscopic examination to\nwhich Ms. Farrow and her children have been subjected. It is evident that she\nloves children and has devoted a significant portion of her emotional and\nmaterial wealth to their upbringing. When she is not working she attends to her\nchildren. Her weekends and summers are in Connecticut with her children. She\ndoes not take spent extended vacations unaccompanied by her children. She is\nsensitive to the needs of her children, respectful of their opinions, honest\nwith them and quick to address their problems. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen\nelicited trial testimony that Ms. Farrow favored her biological children over\nher adopted children; that she manipulated Dylan's sexual abuse complaint, in\npart through the use of leading questions and the videotape; that she\ndiscouraged Dylan and Satchel from maintaining a relationship with Mr. Allen;\nthat she overreacted to Mr. Allen's affair with Soon-Yi; and that she\ninappropriately exposed Dylan and Satchel to the turmoil created by the\ndiscovery of the affair. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EThe\nevidence at trial established that Ms. Farrow is a caring and loving mother who\nhas provided a home for both her biological and her adopted children. There is\nno credible evidence that she unfairly distinguished among her children or that\nshe favored some at the expense of others. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EI do not\nview the Valentine's Day card, the note affixed to the bathroom door in\nConnecticut, or the destruction of photographs as anything more than\nexpressions of Ms. Farrow's understandable anger and her ability to communicate\nher distress by word and symbol rather than by action. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EThere is no\ncredible evidence to support Mr. Allen's contention that Ms. Farrow coached\nDylan or that Ms. Farrow acted upon a desire for revenge against him for\nseducing Soon-Yi. Mr. Allen's resort to the stereotypical \"woman\nscorned\" defense is an injudicious attempt to divert attention from his\nfailure to act as a responsible parent and adult. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMs.\nFarrow's statement to Dr. Coates that she hoped that Dylan's statements were a\nfantasy is inconsistent with the notion of brainwashing. In this regard, I also\ncredit the testimony of Ms. Groteke, who was charged with supervising Mr.\nAllen's August 4 visit with Dylan. She testified that she did not tell Ms.\nFarrow, until after Dylan's statement of August 5, that Dylan and Mr. Allen\nwere unaccounted for during fifteen or twenty minutes on August 4. It is highly\nunlikely that Ms. Farrow would have encouraged Dylan to accuse her father of\nhaving sexually molested her during a period in which Ms.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EFarrow\nbelieved they were in the presence of a babysitter. Moreover, I do not believe\nthat Ms. Farrow would have exposed her daughter and her other children to the\nconsequences of the Connecticut investigation and this litigation if she did not\nbelieve the possible truth of Dylan's accusation. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EIn a\nsociety 'where children are too often betrayed by adults who ignore or\ndisbelieve their complaints of abuse, Ms. Farrow's determination to protect\nDylan is commendable. Her decision to videotape Dylan's statements, although\ninadvertently compromising the sexual abuse investigation, was understandable. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMs. Farrow\nis not faultless as a parent. It seems probable, although there is no credible\ntestimony to this effect, that prior to the affair with Mr. Allen, Soon-Yi was\nexperiencing problems for which Ms. Farrow was unable to provide adequate\nsupport. There is also evidence that there were problems with her relationships\nwith Dylan and Satchel. We do not, however, demand perfection as a\nqualification for parenting. Ironically, Ms. Farrow's principal shortcoming\nwith respect to responsible parenting appears to have been her continued\nrelationship with Mr. Allen. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMs. Farrow\nreacted to Mr. Allen's behavior with her children with a balance of appropriate\ncaution, and flexibility. She brought her early concern with Mr. Allen s\nrelationship with Dylan to Dr. Coates and was comforted by the doctor's\nassurance that Mr. Allen was working to correct his behavior with the child. Even\nafter January 13, 1992, Ms. Farrow continued to provide Mr. Allen with access\nto her home and to their children, as long as the visits were supervised by a\nresponsible adult. She did her best, although with limited success, to shield\nher younger children from the turmoil generated by Mr. Allen's affair with\nSoon-Yi. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMs.\nFarrow's refusal to permit Mr. Allen to visit with Dylan after August 4, 1992\nwas prudent. Her willingness to allow Satchel to have regular supervised\nvisitation with Mr. Allen reflects her understanding of the propriety of balancing\nSatchel's need for contact with his father against the danger of Mr. Allen's\nlack of parental judgment. Ms. Farrow also recognizes that Mr. Allen and not\nSoon-Yi is the person responsible for their affair and its impact upon her\nfamily. She has communicated to Soon-Yi that she continues to be a welcome\nmember of the Farrow-Previn home. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch1\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EC) Dylan Farrow \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h1\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen's\nrelationship with Dylan remains unresolved. The evidence suggests that it is\nunlikely that he could be successfully prosecuted for sexual abuse. I am less\ncertain, however, than is the Yale-New Haven team, that the evidence proves\nconclusively that there was no sexual abuse. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EBoth Dr.\nCoates and Dr. Schultz expressed their opinions that Mr. Allen did not sexually\nabuse Dylan. Neither Dr. Coates nor Dr. Sc­hultz has expertise in the field of\nchild sexual abuse. I believe that the opinions of Dr. Coates and Dr. Schultz\nmay have been colored by their loyalty to Mr. Allen. I also believe that\ntherapists would have a natural reluctance to accept the possibility that an\nact of sexual abuse occurred on their watch. I have considered their opinions,\nbut do not find their testimony to be persuasive with respect to sexual abuse\nor visitation. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EI have also\nconsidered the report of the Yale-New Haven team and the deposition testimony\nof Dr. John M. Leventhal. The Yale-New Haven investigation was conducted over a\nsix-month period by Dr. Leventhal, a pediatrician; Dr. Julia Hamilton, who has\na Ph.D. in social work; and Ms. Jennifer Sawyer, who has a master's degree in\nsocial work. Responsibility for different aspects of the investigation was\ndivided among the team. The notes of the team members were destroyed prior to\nthe issuance of the report, which, presumably, is an amalgamation of their\nindependent impressions and observations. The unavailability of the notes,\ntogether with their unwillingness to testify at this trial except through the\ndeposition of Dr. Leventhal, compromised my ability to scrutinize their\nfindings and resulted in a report which was sanitized and, therefore, less\ncredible. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EDr. Stephen\nHerman, a clinical psychiatrist who has extensive familiarity with child abuse\ncases, was called as a witness by Ms. Farrow to comment on the Yale-New Haven\nreport. I share his reservations about the reliability of the report. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EDr. Herman\nfaulted the Yale-New Haven team (1) for making visitation recommendations\nwithout seeing the parent interact with the child; (2) for failing to support\nadequately their conclusion that Dylan has a thought disorder; (3) for drawing\nany conclusions about Satchel, whom they never saw; (4) for finding that there\nwas no abuse when the supporting data was inconclusive; and (5) for\nrecommending that Ms. Farrow enter into therapy. In addition, I do not think\nthat it was appropriate for Yale-New Haven, without notice to the parties or\ntheir counsel, to exceed its mandate and make observations and recommendations\nwhich might have an impact on existing litigation in another jurisdiction. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EUnlike\nYale-New Haven, I am not persuaded that the videotape of Dylan is the product\nof leading questions or of the child's fantasy. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003ERichard\nMarcus, a retired New York City police officer, called by Mr. Allen, testified\nthat he worked with the police sex crimes unit for six years. He claimed to\nhave an intuitive ability to know if a person is truthful or not. He concluded,\n\"based on my experience,\" that Dylan lacked credibility. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EI did not\nfind his testimony to be insightful. I agree with Dr. Herman and Dr. Brodzinsky\nthat we will probably never know what occurred on August 4, 1992. The credible\ntestimony of Ms. Farrow, Dr. Coates, Dr. Leventhal and Mr. Allen does, however,\nprove that Mr. Allen's behavior toward Dylan was grossly inappropriate and that\nmeasures must be taken to protect her.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch1\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003ED) Satchel Farrow\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h1\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen\nhad a strained and difficult relationship with Satchel during the earliest\nyears of the child's life. Dr. Coates testified, \"Satchel would push him\naway, would not acknowledge him. . . . If he would try to help Satchel getting\nout of bed or going into bed, he would kick him, at times had scratched his\nface. They were in trouble.\" Dr. Coates also testified that as an infant,\nSatchel would cry when held by Mr. Allen and stop when given to Ms. Farrow. Mr.\nAllen attributes this to Ms. Farrow's conscious effort to keep him apart from\nthe child. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EAlthough\nMs. Farrow consumed much of Satchel's attention, and did not foster a\nrelationship with his father, there is no credible evidence to suggest that she\ndesired to exclude Mr. Allen. Mr. Allen's attention to Dylan left him with less\ntime and patience for Satchel. Dr. Coates attempted to teach Mr. Allen how to\ninteract with Satchel. She encouraged him to be more understanding of his son\nwhen Satchel ignored him or acted bored with his gifts. Apparently, success in\nthis area was limited. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EIn 1991, in\nthe presence of Ms. Farrow and Dylan, Mr. Allen stood next to Satchel's bed, as\nhe did every morning. Satchel screamed at him to go away. When Mr. Allen\nrefused to leave, Satchel kicked him. Mr. Allen grabbed Satchel's leg, started\nto twist it. Ms. Farrow testified that Mr. Allen said \"I'm going to break\nyour fucking leg.\" Ms. Farrow intervened and separated Mr. Allen from\nSatchel. Dylan told the Connecticut State Police about this incident. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EThat Mr.\nAllen now wants to spend more time with Satchel is commendable. If sincere, he\nshould be encouraged to do so, but only under conditions that promote Satchel's\nwell being.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch1\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EE) Moses Farrow\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h1\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen's\ninteractions with Moses appear to have been superficial and more a response to\nMoses’ desire for a father—in a family where Mr. Previn was the father of the\nother six children—than an authentic effort to develop a relationship with the\nchild. When Moses asked, in 1984, if Mr. Allen would be his father, he said\n\"sure\" but for years did nothing to make that a reality. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EThey spent\ntime playing baseball, chess and fishing. Mr. Allen encouraged Moses to play\nthe clarinet. There is no evidence, however, that Mr. Allen used any of their\nshared areas of interest as a foundation upon which to develop a deeper\nrelationship with his son. What little he offered—a baseball catch, some games\nof chess, adoption papers—was enough to encourage Moses to dream of more, but\ninsufficient to justify a claim for custody. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EAfter\nlearning of his father's affair with his sister, Moses handed to Mr. Allen a\nletter that he had written. It states: \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cblockquote class=\"tr_bq\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E…\nyou can't force me to live with you. …. You have done a horrible, unforgivable,\nneedy, ugly, stupid thing … about seeing me for lunch, you can just forget\nabout that … we didn't do anything wrong … All you did is spoil the little\nones, Dylan and Satchel. … Everyone knows not to have an affair with your son's\nsister … I consider you my father anymore. It was a great feeling having a\nfather but you smashed that feeling and dream with a single act. I HOPE YOU ARE\nPROUD TO CRUSH YOUR SON’S DREAM. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen\nresponded to this letter by attempting to wrest custody of Moses from his\nmother. His rationale is that the letter was generated by Ms. Farrow. Moses\ntold Dr. Brodzinsky that he wrote the letter and that he did not intend for it\nto be seen by his mother.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;\"\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoTitle\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 22.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 26.0pt;\"\u003ECustody\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003ESection\n240(1) of the Domestic Relations Law states that in a custody dispute, the\ncourt must \"give such direction … as… justice requires, having regard to\nthe circumstances of the case and of the respective parties and to the best\ninterests of the child.\" \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EThe case\nlaw of this state has made clear that the governing consideration is the best\ninterests of the child. \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003EEschbach v. Eschbach\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E,\n56 NY2d 167 (1982); \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003EFriederwitzer v.\nFriederwitzer\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E, 55 NY2d 89 (1982). \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EThe initial\ncustodial arrangement is critically important. \"Priority, not as an\nabsolute but as a weighty factor, should, in the absence of extraordinary\ncircumstances, be accorded to the first custody awarded in litigation or by\nvoluntary agreement.\" \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003ENehra v. Uhlar\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E,\n43 NY2d 242, 251 (1977). \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\"[W]hen\nchildren have been living with one parent for a long period of time and the\nparties have previously agreed that custody shall remain in that parent, their\nagreement should prevail and custody should be continued unless it is demonstrated\nthat the custodial parent is unfit or perhaps less fit (citations\nomitted).\" \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003EMartin v. Martin\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E, 74 AD2d 419, 426\n(4th Dept 1980). \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EAfter\nconsidering Ms. Farrow's position as the sole care-taker of the children, the\nsatisfactory fashion in which she has fulfilled that function, the parties'\npre-litigation acceptance that she continue in that capacity, and Mr. Allen's\nserious parental inadequacies, it is clear that the best interests of the\nchildren will be served by their continued custody with Ms. Farrow.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EVisitation,\nlike custody, is governed by a consideration of the best interests of the\nchild. \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003EMiriam R. v. Arthur\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E D.R., 85 AD2d\n624 (2d Dept 1981). Absent proof to the contrary, the law presumes that\nvisitation is in the child's best interests. \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003EWise v. Del Toro\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E,\n122 AD2d 714 (1st Dept 1986). The denial of visitation to a noncustodial parent\nmust be accompanied by compelling reasons and substantial evidence that\nvisitation is detrimental to the child's welfare. \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003EMatter\nof Farrugia Children\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E, 106 AD2d 293 (1st Dept 1984); \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003EGowan v. Menqa\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E, 178 AD2d 1021 (4th\nDept 1991). If the noncustodial parent is a fit person and there are no\nextraordinary circumstances, there should be reasonable visitation. \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003EHotze v. Hotze\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E, 57 AD2d 85 (4th\nDept 1977), \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003Eappeal denied\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E 42 N12d 805. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EThe\noverriding consideration is the child's welfare rather than any supposed right\nof the parent. \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003EWeiss v. Weiss\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E, 52 NY2d 170, 174-5\n(1981); \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003EHotze v. Hotze\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E, \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003Esupra\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E at 87. Visitation should be\ndenied where it may be inimical to the child's welfare by producing serious\nemotional strain or disturbance. \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003EHotze v. Hotze\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E, \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003Esupra\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E at 88; see also \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003EMiriam R. v. Arthur D.R.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E, \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003Esupra\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E; \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003Ec\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003Ef\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E, \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003EState ex rel. H.K. v. M.S.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E, 187\nAD2d 50 (1st Dept 1993). \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EThis trial\nincluded the observations and opinions of more mental health workers than is\ncommon to most custody litigation. The parties apparently agreed with Dr.\nHerman's conclusion that another battery of forensic psychological evaluations\nwould not have been in the children's best interest and would have added little\nto the available information. Accordingly, none was ordered. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EThe common\ntheme of the testimony by the mental health witnesses is that Mr. Allen has\ninflicted serious damage on the children and that healing is necessary. Because,\nas Dr. Brodzinsky and Dr. Herman observed, this family is in an uncharted therapeutic\narea, where the course is uncertain and the benefits unknown, the visitation\nstructure that will best promote the healing process and safeguard the children\nis elusive. What is clear is that Mr. Allen's lack of judgment, insight and\nimpulse control make normal noncustodial visitation with Dylan and Satchel too\nrisky to the children's well-being to be permitted at this time. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch1\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EA) Dylan \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h1\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen's\nrequest for immediate visitation with Dylan is denied. It is unclear whether\nMr. Allen will ever develop the insight and judgment necessary for him to\nrelate to Dylan appropriately. According to Dr. Brodzinsky, even if Dylan was\nnot sexually abused, she feels victimized by her father's relationship with her\nsister. Dylan has recently begun treatment with a new therapist. Now that this\ntrial is concluded, she is entitled to the time and space necessary to create a\nprotective environment that will promote the therapeutic process. A significant\ngoal of that therapy is to encourage her to fulfill her individual potential,\nincluding the resilience to deal with Mr. Allen in a manner which is not\ninjurious to her. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EThe\ntherapist witnesses agree that Mr. Allen may be able to serve a positive role\nin Dylan's therapy. Dr. Brodzinsky emphasized that because Dylan is quite\nfragile and more negatively affected by stress than the average child, she\nshould visit with Mr. Allen only within a therapeutic context. This function,\nhe said, should be undertaken by someone other than Dylan's treating therapist.\nUnless it interferes with Dylan's individual treatment or is inconsistent with\nher welfare, this process is to be initiated within six months. A further\nreview of visitation will be considered only after we are able to evaluate the\nprogress of Dylan's therapy.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch1\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EB) Satchel \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h1\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMr. Allen's\nrequest for extended and unsupervised visitation with Satchel is denied. He has\nbeen visiting regularly with Satchel, under supervised conditions, with the\nconsent of Ms. Farrow. I do not believe that Ms. Farrow has discouraged\nSatchel's visitation with Mr. Allen or that she has, except for restricting\nvisitation, interfered with Satchel's relationship with his father. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EAlthough,\nabsent exceptional circumstances, a non-custodial parent should not be denied\nmeaningful access to a child, \"supervised visitation is not a deprivation\nto meaningful access.\" \u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003ELightbourne v. Lightbourne\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E,\n179 AD2d 562 (1st Dept 1992). \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EI do not\ncondition visitation out of concern for Satchel's physical safety. My caution\nis the product of Mr. Allen's demonstrated inability to understand the impact\nthat his words and deeds have upon the emotional well being of his children. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EI believe\nthat Mr. Allen will use Satchel in an attempt to gain information about Dylan\nand to insinuate himself into her good graces. I believe that Mr. Allen will,\nif unsupervised, attempt to turn Satchel against the other members of his family.\nI believe Mr. Allen to be desirous of introducing Soon-Yi into the visitation\narrangement without concern for the effect on Satchel, Soon-Yi or the other\nmembers of the Farrow family. In short, I believe Mr. Allen to be so\nself-absorbed, un-trustworthy and insensitive, that he should not be permitted\nto see Satchel without appropriate professional supervision until Mr. Allen\ndemonstrates that supervision is no longer necessary. The supervisor should be\nsomeone who is acceptable to both parents, who will be familiarized with the\nhistory of this family and who is willing to remain in that capacity for a\nreasonable period of time. Visitation shall be of two hours' duration, three\ntimes weekly, and modifiable by agreement of the parties.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch1\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: small;\"\u003EC) Moses\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/h1\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EUnder the\ncircumstances of this case, giving respect and credence to Ms. Farrow's\nappreciation of her son's sensitivity and intelligence, as confirmed by Dr.\nBrodzinsky, I will not require this fifteen-year-old child to visit with his\nfather if he does not wish to do so. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EIf Moses\ncan be helped by seeing Mr. Allen under conditions in which Moses will not be overwhelmed,\nthen I believe that Ms. Farrow should and will promote such interaction. I hope\nthat Moses will come to understand that the fear of demons often cannot be\ndispelled without first confronting them. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 4.0pt 0cm;\"\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoTitle\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 26.0pt;\"\u003ECounsel Fees \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMs.\nFarrow's application for counsel fees is granted. Mr. Allen compounded the pain\nthat he inflicted upon the Farrow family by bringing this frivolous petition\nfor custody of Dylan, Satchel and Moses. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EDomestic\nRelations Law §237(b) provides that upon an application for custody or visitation,\nthe court may direct a parent to pay the counsel fees of the other parent\n\"as, in the court's discretion, justice requires, having regard to the\ncircumstances of the case and of the respective parties.\" \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EMs. Farrow\nadmits to a substantial net worth, although she is not nearly as wealthy as Mr.\nAllen. Clearly, she is able to absorb the cost of this litigation, although it\nhas been extraordinarily expensive. However, \"[i]ndigency is not a\nprerequisite to an award of counsel fees (citation omitted). Rather, in exercising\nits discretionary power to award counsel fees, a court should review the\nfinancial circumstances of both parties together with all the other circumstances\nof the case, which may include the relative merit of the parties' positions.\"\n\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003EDeCabre\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003E v. C\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: \u0026quot;calibri\u0026quot; , \u0026quot;sans-serif\u0026quot;; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: \u0026quot;Times New Roman\u0026quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;\"\u003Eabrera-Rosete\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E, 70 NY2d R79 881 (1987). Because\nMr. Allen's position had no merit, he will bear the entire financial, burden of\nthis litigation. If the parties are unable to agree on Ms. Farrows reasonable\ncounsel fees, a hearing will be conducted for that purpose. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003ESettle\njudgment. \u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EDATED: June\n7, 1993.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv align=\"right\" class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: right;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003EJ.S.C.\u003Co:p\u003E\u003C\/o:p\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/6053163437160369213\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=6053163437160369213","title":"5 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/6053163437160369213"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/6053163437160369213"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2014\/03\/woody-allen-v-mia-farrow-court-documents.html","title":"Woody Allen v. Mia Farrow Court Documents"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"5"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-5771329340159710109"},"published":{"$t":"2013-08-11T17:56:00.002+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2013-09-10T14:21:32.412+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"fun"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"I, Partridge Tracklisting (Complete)"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/i1.cdnds.net\/11\/34\/618w_alan_partridge_bio_cover.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"200\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.cdnds.net\/11\/34\/618w_alan_partridge_bio_cover.jpg\" width=\"129\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nAfter watching ALPHA PAPA and really enjoying it, I dug out my copy of \u003Ci\u003EI, Partridge: We Need to Talk About Alan\u003C\/i\u003E by Alan Partridge and decided to give it another read. This time I wanted to enjoy the full Partridge experience, so I compiled the recommended tracklisting from the book (all mention of which is sadly missing from the audiobook, I might add), to enhance my reading pleasure.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHere's the complete* tracklisting for your enjoyment.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ciframe allowtransparency=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"380\" src=\"https:\/\/embed.spotify.com\/?uri=spotify:user:1138467418:playlist:2YUYhDSDnx1fYWSF1Abboz\" width=\"300\"\u003E\u003C\/iframe\u003E\n\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n* - Unfortunately two of the 46 tracks could not be found on Spotify, but fortunately there were some sterling-quality cover versions available. With such, ahem, \"good\" substitutes, who needs the originals? I'm sure Alan would approve ;)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n** - The two tracks were: \u003Ci\u003ELicense to Kill\u003C\/i\u003E by Gladys Knight and \u003Ci\u003EAlright Now\u003C\/i\u003E by Free."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5771329340159710109\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=5771329340159710109","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/5771329340159710109"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/5771329340159710109"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2013\/08\/i-partridge-tracklisting-complete.html","title":"I, Partridge Tracklisting (Complete)"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-1875466075548059641"},"published":{"$t":"2013-05-18T16:12:00.000+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2023-07-15T19:32:01.637+01:00"},"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Julie Maroh's thoughts on Blue is the Warmest Colour"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv\u003E\nI recently watched \u003Ci\u003EBlue is the Warmest Colour \u003C\/i\u003E(aka\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003ELa Vie\u0026nbsp;d’Adele\u003C\/i\u003E)\u0026nbsp;and, like many people, I was keen to hear what the author of the original comic book, Julie Maroh, had to say about the film, and its many controversies. As far as I know, she has only publically spoken of it once, and that was in a single blog post on her website, and she now declines all requests to discuss it further.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nI found a few articles that took a few choice quotes out of this blog post and made stories out of them, but I wanted to read all of the author's comments in context. Unfortunately it appeared that only one English translation existed, and while it was occasionally excellent, and even linked to from Maroh's blog, it was also largely terrible. (I don't know if Maroh wrote it herself, but it seems likely that friends of hers may have done it for her, either way, it wasn't very easy to decipher.)\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nSo I decided to go back to \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.juliemaroh.com\/2013\/05\/27\/le-bleu-dadele\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EMaroh's original blog post\u003C\/a\u003E and translate it myself (with a little help from the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/sd-4.archive-host.com\/membres\/up\/204771422545612119\/Adele_blue.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Eoriginal English translation\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;--\u0026nbsp;it was very helpful at times).\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nIf you can suggest any improvements, let me know. This is the first time I've ever attempted a translation, but I do believe that, despite the bits of weirdness that still exist in this version, you get a much better idea of what she was trying to say. (Please comment if you disagree. Thanks.)\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Chr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EAdele's Blue\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nby Julie Maroh (27 May, 2013)\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThe Original Color\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nFor nearly two weeks I've shied away from speaking about\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003ELa Vie\u0026nbsp;d’Adele (\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Ci\u003EBlue is the Warmest Colour)\u003C\/i\u003E. And for good reason; as the author of the adapted book, I've gone through a process too huge and intense to easily put into words.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nThis is not just about what [writer-director] Kechiche has created.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nIt's about processing the impact of our actions -- about writing a silly story one summer as a 19 year old and arriving at...\u0026nbsp;\"this,\" today.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nIt's about processing the desire to communicate feelings about Life, Love and Humanity as an artist, in general. It's about processing me and the choices I made.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo, yes... I'm dealing with indescribable emotions to do with repercussion. About standing up and speaking, and where\u0026nbsp;it can lead.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhat interests me is the normalization of homosexuality.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI did not write a book to preach to the choir, nor was it only for lesbians. My wish from the beginning was to attract the attention of those who:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ehad no idea\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ehad misconceptions due to ignorance\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ehated me\/us\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\nI know that some are engaged in an entirely different fight: to keep this unconventional, subversive. I'm not saying I'm not ready to defend\u0026nbsp;that. I'm just saying that what interests me the most is that, myself, those that I love, and all the others, should no longer be:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Einsulted\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Erejected\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eattacked\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eraped\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Emurdered\u003C\/li\u003E\n\u003C\/ul\u003E\nin the street, at school, at work, with family, on holidays, at home. Because of our differences.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEveryone interprets and identifies with the book in their own way, but I just wanted to clarify what inspired me.\u0026nbsp;The aim was also to tell the story of a romantic encounter, how a tale of love can grow, be destroyed, and what remains of the love that was awakened after a break up, mourning, death. This is what interested Kechiche.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nNeither of us had any intention to be activists. However I quickly saw after the publication of \u003Ci\u003EBlue \u003C\/i\u003Ein 2010, that the mere mention of a minority makes you a participant in the discussion (either for or against), whether you like it or not.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThe Change from Comic to Movie\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nKechiche\u0026nbsp;and I met before I agreed to sign away the adaptation of my book, more than two years ago. I've always had a great amount of affection\u0026nbsp;and admiration for his work, but it was mostly this meeting that led me to trust him. I stated from the outset that I did not want to participate in the project, it was his film. Perhaps this is what led him to trust me in return. Never-the-less, we met several times afterwards. I remember the copy of the \u003Ci\u003EBlue\u003C\/i\u003E he carried under his arm: there was not one centimetre of space in the margins; it was filled with his scribbled notes. There was much talk of the characters, love, pain - life basically.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nWe talked about losing our Great Love. I had lost mine the previous year. When I think back to the last part of \u003Ci\u003ELa Vie\u0026nbsp;d’Adele\u003C\/i\u003E, I find the salty taste of this wound.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFor me this adaptation is another version\/vision\/reality of the same story. One does not destroy the other. What\u0026nbsp;came out from Kechiche's film reminded me of falling onto gravel; of the pain of skin scraping against asphalt. The film is purely \u003Ci\u003EKechichian,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003Ewith characters typical of his work. Consequently his heroine is very remote compared to mine, it's true. But what he created is coherent, justified and fluid. It's a master stroke.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nDo not go see and it hoping to feel what you felt when \u003Ci\u003EBlue\u003C\/i\u003E. You will recognize tones, but you will also find something else.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBefore seeing the film in Paris, I had been warned, \"It's freely adapted. Really, it's very loosely based.\" I was already expecting the worst. At the Quat'Sous Films office, all of the rough arrangement of the scenes were\u0026nbsp;pinned up on the wall. I blinked in surprise, observing that the two-thirds of it were clearly following the progression of \u003Ci\u003EBlue's\u003C\/i\u003E scenario. I could even recognize the shots, backgrounds, etc.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAs some already know, too many hours of footage had been shot, and before Kechiche made the final cut, he removed part of the middle.\u0026nbsp;Yet, being the writer of \u003Ci\u003EBlue\u003C\/i\u003E, I still recognize my book in it. It was with a pounding heart that I recognized all the North of France,\u0026nbsp;where I come from, that I had tried to transpose into my drawings, finally made ''real''. And given\u0026nbsp;my introduction to this article, you can imagine how I felt seeing these shots, scenes, conversations, by actors whose features resembled my drawings, passing before my eyes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo, whatever you might hear or read in the media (who too often get caught up with basics and ignore the details)\u0026nbsp;I restate here that indeed, \u003Ci\u003ELa Vie d‘Adele\u003C\/i\u003E is the adaptation of my comic book, and that there is nothing wrong with saying so.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EAs for the sex\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAs for the sex... Yes, the sex... Since it's been on the lips of everyone who saw the movie... It is first useful to point out that, in a three hour movie, these scenes only fill a few minutes. If we talk about it, it is only because\u0026nbsp;of the director's visual emphasis on it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI believe that Kechiche and I have opposite ideas of how beauty should presented, perhaps complementary. The way he\u0026nbsp;chose to shoot these scenes is consistent with the rest of his creation. Certainly it seems to me far from my own creative tastes, but it would be very silly of me to reject something simply because it's not how I imagined it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThat was me as a writer. Now, as a lesbian...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt appears to me that this was what was missing on the set: Lesbians.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI don't know where the director and the actresses (who are all straight, unless proven otherwise) got their information, I was never consulted beforehand. Maybe someone gave them rough ideas for possible hand positions, and\/or who showed them some so-called \"lesbian\" porn (which unfortunately is hardly ever actually for a lesbian audience).\u0026nbsp;Because - except for a few instances - this is what it brought to my mind: A brutal and surgical display; a cold demonstration of lesbian sex, which turns into porn, and made me feel very ill at ease. Especially when, in the middle of a movie\u0026nbsp;theatre, everyone was giggling.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nThe heteronormative laughed because they don't understand it and found the scene ridiculous. The gay and queer people laughed because it wasn't convincing at all, and they also found it ridiculous. And among the only people we didn't hear laughing were the guys who were too busy feasting their eyes on an incarnation of their fantasies on\u0026nbsp;screen.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI understand Kechiche's intention to film pleasure. The way he shot these scenes seemed to me directly related to another scene, in\u0026nbsp;which several characters talk about the myth of the female orgasm, as... mystical and far superior to the male one. But here again we sanctify women in such a way that I find dangerous.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nAs a feminist and lesbian spectator, I can not endorse the direction Kechiche took on these matters.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBut I also want to hear what other women think; this is only my very personal opinion.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhatever it may be, I don't see the movie as a betrayal. When it comes to adapting something, I believe that the notion of\u0026nbsp;betrayal should be reconsidered. I lost the control of my book as soon as I gave it away to be read. It's an object meant to\u0026nbsp;be handled, felt, interpreted.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nKechiche went through the same process as any other reader, he entered it and identified with it in a unique way. As the author, I have no control over this, and it would have never crossed my mind to expect Kechiche to go in any particular direction with this film, because it is only appropriate that -- humanly, emotionally -- it no longer belonged to me as soon as it appeared on the shelves of a bookstore.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThe Palme\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis conclusion in Cannes is obviously wonderful and breathtaking.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAs mentioned in my introduction, all that I have felt in the past few days have been so insane and enormous that I\u0026nbsp;cannot put into words.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI remain absolutely overwhelmed, amazed, and grateful for these events.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLast night I realized this is the first time in Cinema's history that a comic book has inspired a Palme d'Or winning movie, and this idea leaves me petrified. It's a lot to carry.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI deeply wish to thank all those who appeared surprised, shocked, disgusted with the fact that Kechiche made no mention of me when he received his Palme. I have no doubt he had good reasons for not doing so, just like he certainly had for not making me\u0026nbsp;more visible on the red carpet in Cannes (even though I crossed the country to join them), for not receiving\u0026nbsp;me - at least for an hour - on the set, for not having someone keep me informed about the production between June\u0026nbsp;2012 and April 2013, or for not answering my emails since 2011. However, to those who reacted strongly, I want to say that I don't carry any bitterness. He hasn't mentioned it in front of the cameras, but the night of the official screening in\u0026nbsp;Cannes, a few witnesses heard him say to me, \"Thank you, you were the starting point\", while he strongly shook my hand.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTo learn more about the film, you can \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.festival-cannes.com\/assets\/Image\/Direct\/049027.pdf\"\u003Edownload the press release\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nand on lesbian porn, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.buzzfeed.com\/skarlan\/real-lesbians-react-to-lesbian-porn\"\u003Ea small link\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/1875466075548059641\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=1875466075548059641","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/1875466075548059641"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/1875466075548059641"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2014\/01\/julie-marohs-thoughts-on-blue-is.html","title":"Julie Maroh's thoughts on Blue is the Warmest Colour"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-5525152463319050275"},"published":{"$t":"2013-05-12T15:32:00.003+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2018-07-17T03:29:38.470+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"viewing guides"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"George Lucas's THX 1138: Detailed Comparison of Theatrical and Director's Cuts - Part 1"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-OBC5LashBz4\/UY-o2yeYKdI\/AAAAAAAAAns\/2wR1PMORpK0\/s1600\/thx_1138_ver2.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-OBC5LashBz4\/UY-o2yeYKdI\/AAAAAAAAAns\/2wR1PMORpK0\/s320\/thx_1138_ver2.jpg\" width=\"216\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003ETHX 1138\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;is George Lucas's most unusual, idiosyncratic, and interesting movie. For a man\u0026nbsp;synonymous\u0026nbsp;with the Hollywood blockbuster, it shows a side of his work that most people would be very surprised to see. Despite being critically lauded, it's uncompromising and uncommercial nature means that not many people have seen it, and indeed, it was a flop on its original release in 1971.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThe film was Lucas's first feature, and was based on his award-winning USC student film, \u003Ci\u003EElectronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB.\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;It was produced by Francis Ford Coppolla's \"American Zoetrope\" productions, with investment from Warner Bros., and is filled with lots of unusual flourishes that would have never been allowed had a big studio controlled production.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nPulling no punches in its bleak vision of the future, \u003Ci\u003ETHX 1138\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;features televised police brutality, a masturbating Robert Duvall, government enforced drug abuse, corrupt religions, nudity, and lots of other things that would never be seen in the \u003Ci\u003EStar Wars\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;or \u003Ci\u003EIndiana Jones\u003C\/i\u003E universes. (Although there are some surprising ties to \u003Ci\u003EStar Wars\u003C\/i\u003E in its technology, aesthetics\u0026nbsp;and sound design.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIt's challenging, different, affecting, and if you've never seen it, I think you owe it to yourself to give it a shot.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ERelease, Re-release and Re-re-release\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAlthough it was completed (and possibly premiered) in 1970, Warner Bros. released the film to American\u0026nbsp;theatres\u0026nbsp;in 1971, but only after insisting on five minutes of cuts. Despite some good reviews, it was an immediate flop, and it was only after the huge success of \u003Ci\u003EStar Wars\u003C\/i\u003E in 1977, that, in an attempt to cash-in,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003ETHX 1138\u003C\/i\u003E was re-released in its original, longer cut. It was this director approved version that was initially released on home video. As technically this \"longer\" cut was the original cut completed by George Lucas in 1970, I will often refer to it by that year (instead of 1971 or 1977).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn 2003, while preparing the release of\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003ETHX 1138\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;for DVD, Lucas took the time re-visit his old movie. He (perhaps unsurprisingly) spent a great deal of that year re-editing the entire film, adding CGI detail and effects, and even shooting new footage. Considering the extreme depth of these changes, it's perhaps surprising that this new version of the film (never sold as anything other than a \"Director's Cut\" on its 2004 debut) was met warmly by fans and critics alike. Despite the outcry that came as a result of the changes he made to \u003Ci\u003EStar Wars\u003C\/i\u003E, nobody appear to mourn the loss of the original \u003Ci\u003ETHX 1138\u003C\/i\u003E. Maybe it's because Lucas didn't soften any of the edges of his original vision, instead just expanding the film's universe, while attempting to make it more emotionally engaging, or maybe it's just because the it didn't have as many die-hard fans.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nConsidering the sheer number of changes made to the film, it's perhaps astonishing that both versions manage to convey the same story so well, and indeed it's partially for this reason that I think it's worth exploring what was changed, and how it affected the storytelling.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003ENote: This article only concerns itself with the two director approved cuts of THX 1138; The 1970\/77 version and the re-cut 2004 version. (The 1971 theatrical version, with its distributor imposed cuts, is ignored.)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003ETHX 1138\u003C\/i\u003E's main theme is that we are both the slaves and the jailers of a prison of our own making. Ultimately it offers an extremely cynical, but also satirical, view of Western consumerist culture. It is fuelled by anger, frustration and, like all satire,\u0026nbsp;optimism. Like the character it's named after, \u003Ci\u003ETHX 1138\u003C\/i\u003E ultimately wants to shake the world free of the self-imposed shackles that bind us, and hopefully lead us to a brighter future.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLet's examine how the two versions of the film attempt to do this, while comparing the artistic changes Lucas has made.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EBut first... \u003Ci\u003EBuck Rogers\u003C\/i\u003E!\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBoth versions of THX 1138 open with a trailer for an episode of the 1939 serial, Buck Rogers, depicting \"the wonderful world of the future\".\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_s2B0dlOKss\/UKojgRdv8LI\/AAAAAAAAAlY\/ItDh8HAOR1M\/s1600\/0-a.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"234\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-_s2B0dlOKss\/UKojgRdv8LI\/AAAAAAAAAlY\/ItDh8HAOR1M\/s320\/0-a.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nThe clip's glimpse into a\u0026nbsp;Utopian\u0026nbsp;future works on two levels: Firstly it's an obvious juxtaposition between what we may hope the future to be, and the bleak future about to be shown in \u003Ci\u003ETHX 1138\u003C\/i\u003E, but secondly it jolts something deeper within us. This clip wasn't staged for the \u003Ci\u003ETHX 1138\u003C\/i\u003E, it's real. \u003Ci\u003EBuck Rogers\u003C\/i\u003E was actually enjoyed by real children (George Lucas being one of them), and their parents may have enjoyed it with them, hoping offspring might live to see such a bright future.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nIt encapsulates a\u0026nbsp;very real innocence that we can all relate to. The wonder, joy, and optimism of the future, where anything is possible. It's no accident that it's held up to us before we watch Lucas's bleak depiction of the future because, as with most sci-fi, the world it portrays is actually our present. \u003Ci\u003ETHX 1138\u003C\/i\u003E wants to connect with contemporary frustrations, and asks if we can't just choose a better world.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo much does Lucas want us to think about the \u003Ci\u003Epresent\u003C\/i\u003E day that he adds a voice-over to the trailer that proudly announces the famous \u003Ci\u003E25th century\u003C\/i\u003E adventurer is actually exploring the futuristic\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003E20th\u003C\/i\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003Ecentury \u003C\/i\u003E(a subtle change that's easy to miss). As the \u003Ci\u003ETHX 1138's \u003C\/i\u003Etheatrical poster declared, \"The future is here\".\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn Lucas's eyes, we are living in the exciting, technological future we were promised from our childhood. We are surrounded by electronic wonders that our grandparents could only dream about, but rather than finding ourselves in utopia, our humanity has been stripped away while we weren't looking.\u0026nbsp;\u003Ci\u003ETHX 1138 \u003C\/i\u003Ewants to explore where we are today and ask why.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThe Credits!\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nThis doesn't alter the storytelling, but nevertheless Lucas made some changes and they are mentioned here for completeness. The Laserdisc version of the 1970 Director's Cut shows the Warner Bros. logo from the time of the Laserdisc's release in the 1980s (golden logo over idyllic blue skies). The 2004 Director's Cut restores the logo that would have been seen in 1970.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-FaT3b2yPWm8\/UKoSRlnOyoI\/AAAAAAAAAeQ\/7Nane11IoDY\/s1600\/1.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"140\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-FaT3b2yPWm8\/UKoSRlnOyoI\/AAAAAAAAAeQ\/7Nane11IoDY\/s640\/1.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nA very minor, but unusual, change is that Hal Barwood's opening titles are changed from white to green, possibly hinting at the old CRT green computer screen technology.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-4UzVOY6rVwc\/UKoSSTsvt3I\/AAAAAAAAAeU\/djci3BjBbR8\/s1600\/2.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-4UzVOY6rVwc\/UKoSSTsvt3I\/AAAAAAAAAeU\/djci3BjBbR8\/s640\/2.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe next change is to the \"blocks\" that form the opening images of security guards \"helping\" a beaten detainee. As you can see, the newer version (again, on the right) has video scan lines added, giving us the impression this is being monitored somewhere (and it is).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-a0eUyHZXYPw\/UKorCFlg2oI\/AAAAAAAAAls\/stQNQCTijcs\/s1600\/2a.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-a0eUyHZXYPw\/UKorCFlg2oI\/AAAAAAAAAls\/stQNQCTijcs\/s640\/2a.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EA Brighter Future\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nRight at the beginning of the film, where we see the titular character, played by Robert Duvall, doing his job, Lucas has replaced a blurry, blue \"video\" image with an entirely new shot showing men all lined up in a factory. This new shot helps better establish where THX works: He's one of many on a production line. An ant in the colony.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nNote: As with the rest of the article, the left image is from 1970, the right image is from 2004. The film's soundtrack remains the same across both versions, and the images shown below are what's seen in the two different versions at the same time, with the same soundtrack.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DuO12kr6VJk\/UKoSyLrFyqI\/AAAAAAAAAeg\/vUctwxnkYX8\/s1600\/3.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-DuO12kr6VJk\/UKoSyLrFyqI\/AAAAAAAAAeg\/vUctwxnkYX8\/s640\/3.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nUnafraid of CGI as ever, Lucas replaces another shot of THX at work, with an intricate CGI of close-up of what he is building (ironically, although we don't fully know it yet, his job is to help construct the complex's robotic jailers -- yes, he's literally helping construct his own prison).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-s_RJzz1LO-M\/UKoTO5dyr7I\/AAAAAAAAAeo\/Nyo6Dz_CKIM\/s1600\/3b.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-s_RJzz1LO-M\/UKoTO5dyr7I\/AAAAAAAAAeo\/Nyo6Dz_CKIM\/s640\/3b.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLucas makes some minor modifications to the original shots next, making them match the previous shot by adding some CGI and grading them with a warm, orange hue.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hkIvFTipIQw\/UKoTP8duiNI\/AAAAAAAAAes\/AM1Z8W55Dpc\/s1600\/3c.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hkIvFTipIQw\/UKoTP8duiNI\/AAAAAAAAAes\/AM1Z8W55Dpc\/s640\/3c.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rH174xxxUoc\/UKoTQd8jzqI\/AAAAAAAAAe0\/MmwvDDsJFqQ\/s1600\/4.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"140\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rH174xxxUoc\/UKoTQd8jzqI\/AAAAAAAAAe0\/MmwvDDsJFqQ\/s640\/4.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAfter we leave THX, we are introduced to LUH\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E3417\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;(Maggie McOmie) and SEN\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003E2541 (Donald Pleasance)\u003C\/span\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThere are some significant changes here, but you probably wouldn't notice them. The biggest change is that SEN is no longer positioned next to LUH. In the 1970 version they were colleagues in the same department, sat next to each other, but in the later version SEN is somewhere else in the complex. This change is maintained throughout the 2004 edition, and it has a few effects. Originally it was implied that the repressed SEN developed a confused crush on LUH from working with her, which seemed quite innocent. In the 2004 version his infatuation comes from afar, and feels more sinister as a result.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhenever we see LUH in long shot (and so would have seen SEN next to her), the 2004 version replaces him with anonymous workers, inserted with footage almost indistinguishable\u0026nbsp;from the original (see below).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn addition to this, more anonymous workers are shown in the background, making LUH's entire department seem bigger. Another effect of both of these changes is that LUH seems just as anonymous and powerless as THX. (The original cut gave the mild\u0026nbsp;impression\u0026nbsp;that she was in a position of authority compared to THX, overseeing everyone else.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-OZoIChUhYWM\/UKoTRGenarI\/AAAAAAAAAe8\/w8aZJEI0hXs\/s1600\/5.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-OZoIChUhYWM\/UKoTRGenarI\/AAAAAAAAAe8\/w8aZJEI0hXs\/s640\/5.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAdditionally, if you look closely (click to see full size) new controls are added to everyone's desks, and a few new monitors have been added. A small detail you may not notice is the addition of the base of LUH's chair. It doesn't mean anything, of course, it just shows the attention to detail that's been applied to the 2004 edition.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nKeeping with the idea that SEN is in a different part of the complex (making the world feel bigger), a shot of LUH looking over at SEN is replaced with a shot of bank of monitors in the 2004 version.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Y33WASB3a7s\/UKoTheapQ1I\/AAAAAAAAAiM\/U_-QQ-XoeCQ\/s1600\/6.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Y33WASB3a7s\/UKoTheapQ1I\/AAAAAAAAAiM\/U_-QQ-XoeCQ\/s640\/6.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAfter this comes our first really big divergence from the original cut.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn 1970, the sequence unfolded thusly:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFirst we cut to THX at his job.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-PKNcwI2ZzBc\/UKoTRnZE2bI\/AAAAAAAAAfA\/V5pfW5Q4bt0\/s1600\/6-1a.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-PKNcwI2ZzBc\/UKoTRnZE2bI\/AAAAAAAAAfA\/V5pfW5Q4bt0\/s320\/6-1a.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nThen back to LUH and SEN monitoring THX, which then changes to them responding to a consumer complaining about a product he's bought.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oGm5jRSZYK8\/UKoTSFQWEmI\/AAAAAAAAAfM\/sDXtqaT14Ug\/s1600\/6-1b.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-oGm5jRSZYK8\/UKoTSFQWEmI\/AAAAAAAAAfM\/sDXtqaT14Ug\/s320\/6-1b.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nLUH presses a button and he's informed that, for \"greater enjoyment and efficiency\", his product will no longer do the thing he wants it to.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1Bji2UFx4PE\/UKoTSiu4CyI\/AAAAAAAAAfQ\/wCA1AyWflpo\/s1600\/6-1c.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1Bji2UFx4PE\/UKoTSiu4CyI\/AAAAAAAAAfQ\/wCA1AyWflpo\/s320\/6-1c.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nWith the consumer being taken care of, we then see footage of \"illegal sexual activity\" being beamed into the monitoring station, and SEN's childlike reaction to it.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-FIEH3siWNLw\/UKoTTS22bUI\/AAAAAAAAAfc\/AUQSMzH3nHY\/s1600\/6-1d.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-FIEH3siWNLw\/UKoTTS22bUI\/AAAAAAAAAfc\/AUQSMzH3nHY\/s320\/6-1d.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-twjkcoghE9k\/UKoTT60iQwI\/AAAAAAAAAfk\/y5c6dUTBawA\/s1600\/6-1e.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-twjkcoghE9k\/UKoTT60iQwI\/AAAAAAAAAfk\/y5c6dUTBawA\/s320\/6-1e.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nWe then cut back to THX's work (showing that he's literally constructing this prison's jailers -- the security robots which maintain order in the complex). We also see that he's apparently in some distress.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-v-o0ddOQMeY\/UKoTUl7KR9I\/AAAAAAAAAfs\/EH33Brk_inM\/s1600\/6-1f.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-v-o0ddOQMeY\/UKoTUl7KR9I\/AAAAAAAAAfs\/EH33Brk_inM\/s320\/6-1f.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-MZoAQWqxN50\/UKoTVQXkBMI\/AAAAAAAAAf0\/eIEEWbq9Bg4\/s1600\/6-1g.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-MZoAQWqxN50\/UKoTVQXkBMI\/AAAAAAAAAf0\/eIEEWbq9Bg4\/s320\/6-1g.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nWe drift back across a bank of monitors in the monitoring station, this time they show a child poking around in a medicine cabinet, with an automated voice stating, \"If you feel you are not properly sedated, call 348-844 immediately. Failure to do so may result in prosecution for criminal drug evasion.\" We then see LUH looking maternally at the monitors.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-AnJ50odJWew\/UKoTWcCDIKI\/AAAAAAAAAgA\/7NN8LEZCDp0\/s1600\/6-1h.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-AnJ50odJWew\/UKoTWcCDIKI\/AAAAAAAAAgA\/7NN8LEZCDp0\/s320\/6-1h.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis editing highlights the lyrical \"tone poem\" style of the original cut, pulling us into the film's weird world, as the characters go through a typical day. It's quite hypnotic and effective, but Lucas apparently felt it was lacking in focus. Indeed, the only thing we can infer from the above sequence is that LUH and SEN work together in some sort of monitoring station, and that THX is in some sort of distress. We get a sense of their personalities, but not of their motivations.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn the new cut, the above sequence is changed:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe start with SEN viewing some computer monitors with THX and LUH on them. Why he's watching them, we don't know, but he looks menacing, and this establishes him as a dubious figure at best.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Vi6bxHXe2iw\/UKoTXWprLzI\/AAAAAAAAAgE\/EZncVNNO4e4\/s1600\/6-2a.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Vi6bxHXe2iw\/UKoTXWprLzI\/AAAAAAAAAgE\/EZncVNNO4e4\/s320\/6-2a.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dXBJBaBoJTQ\/UKoTYOpYxYI\/AAAAAAAAAgM\/kICtyMRZ_eI\/s1600\/6-2b.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-dXBJBaBoJTQ\/UKoTYOpYxYI\/AAAAAAAAAgM\/kICtyMRZ_eI\/s320\/6-2b.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-_AVJwJwFbh8\/UKoTY4NKd5I\/AAAAAAAAAgU\/nEWhpDD9sUo\/s1600\/6-2c.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-_AVJwJwFbh8\/UKoTY4NKd5I\/AAAAAAAAAgU\/nEWhpDD9sUo\/s320\/6-2c.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nWe then go back to LUH at her monitors, where she's also apparently watching THX at work. (Note the added green lights behind her -- a minor change.)\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-cIBDesh4_f0\/UKoTZQwOVAI\/AAAAAAAAAgY\/FDxrFIsIewc\/s1600\/6-2d.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-cIBDesh4_f0\/UKoTZQwOVAI\/AAAAAAAAAgY\/FDxrFIsIewc\/s320\/6-2d.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-_Cejya1IUmc\/UKoTZ4CXdmI\/AAAAAAAAAgg\/PwW4brWbi_E\/s1600\/6-2e.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-_Cejya1IUmc\/UKoTZ4CXdmI\/AAAAAAAAAgg\/PwW4brWbi_E\/s320\/6-2e.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1ZuwmWaDzDw\/UKoTaaLYHJI\/AAAAAAAAAgk\/Au84u8kcPMk\/s1600\/6-2f.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-1ZuwmWaDzDw\/UKoTaaLYHJI\/AAAAAAAAAgk\/Au84u8kcPMk\/s320\/6-2f.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nThen we cut to THX at his job.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-XaJlX25hFzs\/UKoTa39HZYI\/AAAAAAAAAgw\/AU0LXRNCzcc\/s1600\/6-2g.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-XaJlX25hFzs\/UKoTa39HZYI\/AAAAAAAAAgw\/AU0LXRNCzcc\/s320\/6-2g.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-8L_jbVXI_YQ\/UKoTbQl2plI\/AAAAAAAAAg0\/a-x5qX8_5v4\/s1600\/6-2h.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-8L_jbVXI_YQ\/UKoTbQl2plI\/AAAAAAAAAg0\/a-x5qX8_5v4\/s320\/6-2h.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nThen back to LUH monitoring THX (and in keeping with what I said before, SEN has been replaced from the original shot), which then changes to her responding to a consumer complaining about a product he's bought.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nLUH presses a button and he's informed that, for \"more enjoyment and greater efficiency\", his product will no longer do the thing he wants it to.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-yl9oIOhpdgo\/UKoTbspI2MI\/AAAAAAAAAhA\/WAXZiE9D-Pg\/s1600\/6-2i.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-yl9oIOhpdgo\/UKoTbspI2MI\/AAAAAAAAAhA\/WAXZiE9D-Pg\/s320\/6-2i.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nWe then cut to a new CGI shot of THX's workplace (replacing the first shot in the old version), and then see him apparently in distress.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-dIUjoXkICnU\/UKoTcQ_Ru9I\/AAAAAAAAAhI\/bJqfC5JzDyo\/s1600\/6-2j.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-dIUjoXkICnU\/UKoTcQ_Ru9I\/AAAAAAAAAhI\/bJqfC5JzDyo\/s320\/6-2j.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RBy27mtBMlw\/UKoTcwl3tZI\/AAAAAAAAAhY\/liwbtRKaGp4\/s1600\/6-2k.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RBy27mtBMlw\/UKoTcwl3tZI\/AAAAAAAAAhY\/liwbtRKaGp4\/s320\/6-2k.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nWe drift back across a bank of monitors in the monitoring station, this time showing a child poking around in a medicine cabinet, with an automated voice stating, \"If you feel you are not properly sedated, call 348-844 immediately. Failure to do so may result in prosecution for criminal drug evasion.\" We then see LUH looking maternally at the monitors.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-LrqUVJYrMdE\/UKoTd_aJmzI\/AAAAAAAAAhc\/zhPScVuph4Q\/s1600\/6-2l.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-LrqUVJYrMdE\/UKoTd_aJmzI\/AAAAAAAAAhc\/zhPScVuph4Q\/s320\/6-2l.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nWe then cut to THX at work again, before cutting back to LUH looking bored at work.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-aP9yt3D7MMU\/UKoTegRcdrI\/AAAAAAAAAhk\/4pT8ieUYKL0\/s1600\/6-2m.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-aP9yt3D7MMU\/UKoTegRcdrI\/AAAAAAAAAhk\/4pT8ieUYKL0\/s320\/6-2m.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tAcbCHbYSb0\/UKoTfXPShSI\/AAAAAAAAAho\/KPjNY8PKkQE\/s1600\/6-2n.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tAcbCHbYSb0\/UKoTfXPShSI\/AAAAAAAAAho\/KPjNY8PKkQE\/s320\/6-2n.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;Now we see the \"illegal sexual activity\", but instead of showing SEN's reaction to it, we see LUH's.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-yI1LViIxBmc\/UKoTfiFtcoI\/AAAAAAAAAh0\/SoJ-ffVuiSA\/s1600\/6-2o.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-yI1LViIxBmc\/UKoTfiFtcoI\/AAAAAAAAAh0\/SoJ-ffVuiSA\/s320\/6-2o.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ntxa6PAfmEY\/UKoTgfeAEPI\/AAAAAAAAAh8\/RQ9FHpRiXGo\/s1600\/6-2p.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Ntxa6PAfmEY\/UKoTgfeAEPI\/AAAAAAAAAh8\/RQ9FHpRiXGo\/s320\/6-2p.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nShe looks confused, and then she suddenly she jolts to life as sirens start going off. (At this point both versions then converge on the \"radiation leak\" sequence.)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nIn the new edit, we now have more things to mentally chew on: SEN is apparently monitoring both LUH and THX. Is he in a position of power over the both of them? Is he infatuated with them? Is he suspicious of them?\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nLUH apparently works in some sort of call center, helping those who need assistance, rather than in a position of security. She also has some reason for monitoring THX (could it be personal?), and seems more emotional than the world around her.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nWe see THX is in distress, as before.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nIt's a more traditional introduction to the main characters than the 1970 version, but it's still very unusual.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nThe last shot of LUH watching the sexual activity also shows that perhaps something isn't quite right insider her, either, and she looks seriously perturbed at the sound of an alarm going off. Not nearly as emotionally dead as the world around her.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-u4ScJPfBs2w\/UKoTgg8cXaI\/AAAAAAAAAiE\/WSuUYuXGWXE\/s1600\/6-2q.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-u4ScJPfBs2w\/UKoTgg8cXaI\/AAAAAAAAAiE\/WSuUYuXGWXE\/s320\/6-2q.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ERadiation Leak\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nJust as soon as both versions converge, we diverge again. Lots of new footage was added for the radiation leak sequence in the 2004 edition. The 1970 edition starts off with the following montage:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-U7WGvh8medo\/UKoTiJ4LQBI\/AAAAAAAAAiQ\/nmCbFWVI85g\/s1600\/7-1a.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-U7WGvh8medo\/UKoTiJ4LQBI\/AAAAAAAAAiQ\/nmCbFWVI85g\/s320\/7-1a.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-p3zBdYv-k1w\/UKoTiu-8wxI\/AAAAAAAAAiY\/jItkJJZc5Jg\/s1600\/7-1b.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-p3zBdYv-k1w\/UKoTiu-8wxI\/AAAAAAAAAiY\/jItkJJZc5Jg\/s320\/7-1b.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ixUMVWIOwlw\/UKoTjD_h6xI\/AAAAAAAAAik\/0d4zdm1XbOo\/s1600\/7-1c.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-ixUMVWIOwlw\/UKoTjD_h6xI\/AAAAAAAAAik\/0d4zdm1XbOo\/s320\/7-1c.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nWe then see a series of explosions through the eyes of these monitors.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-oEwToz6p25Q\/UKoTjz6YESI\/AAAAAAAAAio\/8GCMzNRrJ7I\/s1600\/7-1d.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-oEwToz6p25Q\/UKoTjz6YESI\/AAAAAAAAAio\/8GCMzNRrJ7I\/s320\/7-1d.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe 2004 version changes this:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe begin with the monitors, but now there's lots of new footage on them, of people fleeing the meltdown.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-lzsKkiZzrCA\/UKoTkEhoRSI\/AAAAAAAAAis\/uFPmULp2LgQ\/s1600\/7-2a.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-lzsKkiZzrCA\/UKoTkEhoRSI\/AAAAAAAAAis\/uFPmULp2LgQ\/s320\/7-2a.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nWe now also see LUH's reaction, apparently affected by all the deaths in the way those around here are not. (Note the added lights in the background have now turned red.)\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-uXx_CKiYIVs\/UKoTks4pdjI\/AAAAAAAAAjA\/wpHVS0VkRA8\/s1600\/7-2b.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-uXx_CKiYIVs\/UKoTks4pdjI\/AAAAAAAAAjA\/wpHVS0VkRA8\/s320\/7-2b.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nA completely new shot.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-H3ubG0FT_xc\/UKoTlXieZrI\/AAAAAAAAAjE\/MtZqCR8dci0\/s1600\/7-2c.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-H3ubG0FT_xc\/UKoTlXieZrI\/AAAAAAAAAjE\/MtZqCR8dci0\/s320\/7-2c.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThen both versions re-converge again:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSame shot, but now there's new footage on the left monitor.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-036JVB0_iH8\/UKoTlwZiw6I\/AAAAAAAAAjI\/atr6HRmyJMI\/s1600\/7-3a.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-036JVB0_iH8\/UKoTlwZiw6I\/AAAAAAAAAjI\/atr6HRmyJMI\/s640\/7-3a.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\nMore people and detail are added behind THX, expanding the world.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xts3sIYJPW4\/UKoTmbkb8eI\/AAAAAAAAAjU\/IZ6AKEveBw0\/s1600\/7-3b.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xts3sIYJPW4\/UKoTmbkb8eI\/AAAAAAAAAjU\/IZ6AKEveBw0\/s640\/7-3b.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\nThe next two shots are identical in both versions, but are included for completeness.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-FUJKU3-Maqg\/UKoTmy519OI\/AAAAAAAAAjg\/W2Px9LgCpt8\/s1600\/7-3c.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-FUJKU3-Maqg\/UKoTmy519OI\/AAAAAAAAAjg\/W2Px9LgCpt8\/s640\/7-3c.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tXMma_yH-PQ\/UKoToK5DRQI\/AAAAAAAAAjk\/UdaHQlYSR38\/s1600\/7-3d.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"140\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-tXMma_yH-PQ\/UKoToK5DRQI\/AAAAAAAAAjk\/UdaHQlYSR38\/s640\/7-3d.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe next change happens when LUH glances over to her right (green lights again!)...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-IDPHGuLQWfk\/UKoTo1UNbDI\/AAAAAAAAAjo\/MniD1hXWh7M\/s1600\/7-3e.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-IDPHGuLQWfk\/UKoTo1UNbDI\/AAAAAAAAAjo\/MniD1hXWh7M\/s640\/7-3e.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n...to a shot of SEN looking back at her. This has been replaced with her watching THX amid the explosions in the other sector for the 2004 edition.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-SVUhYauQMV0\/UKoTpebSliI\/AAAAAAAAAj0\/gh5Wx3iOFLA\/s1600\/7-3f.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-SVUhYauQMV0\/UKoTpebSliI\/AAAAAAAAAj0\/gh5Wx3iOFLA\/s640\/7-3f.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe next shots just add more detail and depth to THX's working environment (and to Lucas's credit, it's very well done).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Qi3lvh2DxJQ\/UKoTqB3LqXI\/AAAAAAAAAj8\/C9OwMe_vZ9o\/s1600\/7-3g.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-Qi3lvh2DxJQ\/UKoTqB3LqXI\/AAAAAAAAAj8\/C9OwMe_vZ9o\/s640\/7-3g.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-L9w5k8eEffI\/UKoTqVmZS5I\/AAAAAAAAAkA\/EJJJh64Itnc\/s1600\/7-3h.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-L9w5k8eEffI\/UKoTqVmZS5I\/AAAAAAAAAkA\/EJJJh64Itnc\/s640\/7-3h.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zPxChQtbq6E\/UKoTq08_mZI\/AAAAAAAAAkI\/mQ5lJ4Cpqn4\/s1600\/7-3i.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-zPxChQtbq6E\/UKoTq08_mZI\/AAAAAAAAAkI\/mQ5lJ4Cpqn4\/s640\/7-3i.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hlPZDYc8Qr0\/UKoZlgCcbII\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/XXN64nDdi5Y\/s1600\/7-3j.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"140\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-hlPZDYc8Qr0\/UKoZlgCcbII\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/XXN64nDdi5Y\/s640\/7-3j.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nMost of these changes increase the sense of danger and scope of the meltdown, but there's also more of a feeling that LUH is emotionally affected by these deaths, and that she is especially concerned about the well-being of THX.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nBoth versions juxtapose the brutality of the leak with the cold and emotionless reaction by the rest of the complex. Yes there was an explosion, lots of people died, but your shift is over now. See ya 9am tomorrow!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EShift Over... It's Shoppy Time!\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nThe next scenes plays out the same in both versions, but with some world expanding and aesthetic changes made for the 2004 version:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTHX leaves work, goes shopping for a random red object, and then, apparently burdened by something, goes to \"confession\" with the computerised\u0026nbsp;religious\u0026nbsp;figure, OMM. During his unburdening to the emotionless OMM, he reveals that he and his \"partner\" seem to be having problems, but he doesn't know why.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThese are the only visuals that are changed (some of them are very clever in how they use the original footage -- look closely -- but they only increase the size of the world, or help establish a more cohesive world aesthetic).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-pxqg2BlaE84\/UKoZmFTE6CI\/AAAAAAAAAks\/XYbWTJARi4o\/s1600\/8-a.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-pxqg2BlaE84\/UKoZmFTE6CI\/AAAAAAAAAks\/XYbWTJARi4o\/s640\/8-a.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-cj-WWFSG3_M\/UKoZnc10ygI\/AAAAAAAAAkw\/Yaoif37pIi0\/s1600\/8-b.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-cj-WWFSG3_M\/UKoZnc10ygI\/AAAAAAAAAkw\/Yaoif37pIi0\/s640\/8-b.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-c9GDTXAkoRM\/UKoZofxEujI\/AAAAAAAAAk4\/h-UFXWp9qUQ\/s1600\/8-c.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-c9GDTXAkoRM\/UKoZofxEujI\/AAAAAAAAAk4\/h-UFXWp9qUQ\/s640\/8-c.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-LI3eUXV-WT4\/UKoZpG6GfdI\/AAAAAAAAAlA\/ZLYObocMjg0\/s1600\/8-d.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-LI3eUXV-WT4\/UKoZpG6GfdI\/AAAAAAAAAlA\/ZLYObocMjg0\/s640\/8-d.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EComing up in Part 2: Robert Duvall goes home and watches porn.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5525152463319050275\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=5525152463319050275","title":"14 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/5525152463319050275"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/5525152463319050275"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2013\/05\/george-lucass-thx-1138-explored-part-1.html","title":"George Lucas's THX 1138: Detailed Comparison of Theatrical and Director's Cuts - Part 1"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-OBC5LashBz4\/UY-o2yeYKdI\/AAAAAAAAAns\/2wR1PMORpK0\/s72-c\/thx_1138_ver2.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"14"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-3027588625205036746"},"published":{"$t":"2013-03-03T20:24:00.007+00:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-11-08T02:05:00.524+00:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"fun"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Patton Oswalt's Deleted Scene from \"Die Hard\""},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cb\u003EPatton Oswalt\u003C\/b\u003E used to have a MySpace profile, and way back when, he posted this little treat for \u003Ci\u003EDie Hard \u003C\/i\u003Edie hards (like myself). His profile, and his blogpost, have long been deleted, but I found a copy and thought I'd repost it here, for posterity. I've added photos to help you remember which of the characters he's referring to. I even asked for his blessing and got it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003ESo here it is. It's just a bit of fun. I hope you enjoy it!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nKeep up to date with the hilarious Patton Oswalt at his website:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pattonoswalt.com\/\"\u003Ehttp:\/\/www.pattonoswalt.com\/\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Cdiv\u003E(If you think this is funny, you haven't seen anything yet!)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Chr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;\"\u003EINT. – CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;\"\u003EHANS GRUBER, German criminal mastermind, meets with a crew of international, professional thieves.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EHANS GRUBER\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EThank you all for coming. I trust your respective flights were uneventful.\u003Cspan style=\"color: #0b5394;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E(He reads from a Filofax)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EYour presence indicates to me that each of you has reviewed my plan for the Nakatomi heist, and that you've agreed to participate. You will each receive a generous share of the $640 million in negotiable bearer bonds we will steal from the vault.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003ETHEO\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EHate to speak out of turn, but I had a question about that.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-5jsN35AA7tg\/UTOwjnpoO1I\/AAAAAAAAAnE\/D1Hync-Ya0k\/s1600\/Marco.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-5jsN35AA7tg\/UTOwjnpoO1I\/AAAAAAAAAnE\/D1Hync-Ya0k\/s1600\/Marco.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EMARCO\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EWe all did, as a matter of fact.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EHANS\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EOh?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003ETHEO\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EYeah. And since I'm the one with the charming personality, I'll elect myself group spokesperson.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E(he turns to the Karl and Tony)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EGuten tag?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003EThey both cock their heads, confused.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EHANS\u003Cbr \/\u003EThey're Swedish.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003ETHEO\u003Cbr \/\u003EOopsie. I keep forgetting. I owe you guys a Swiss Miss.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003EUli eyes a bowl of M\u0026amp;Ms in the middle of the conference table. Eddie watches Uli intently.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aOxpyGE7mzQ\/UTOoFIJvWUI\/AAAAAAAAAnA\/Unsnu7GUZ2o\/s1600\/Eddie.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aOxpyGE7mzQ\/UTOoFIJvWUI\/AAAAAAAAAnA\/Unsnu7GUZ2o\/s1600\/Eddie.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EEDDIE\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E(under his breath)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EC'mon…c'mon, just take one.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zyuLdRbm69Q\/UTOlpMyrw1I\/AAAAAAAAAmo\/PyF7eZNd2OU\/s1600\/Uli.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zyuLdRbm69Q\/UTOlpMyrw1I\/AAAAAAAAAmo\/PyF7eZNd2OU\/s1600\/Uli.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EULI\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EI heard that.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aOxpyGE7mzQ\/UTOoFIJvWUI\/AAAAAAAAAnA\/Unsnu7GUZ2o\/s1600\/Eddie.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aOxpyGE7mzQ\/UTOoFIJvWUI\/AAAAAAAAAnA\/Unsnu7GUZ2o\/s1600\/Eddie.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EEDDIE\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EWell, you've been eyein' them candies ever since you got in here.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zyuLdRbm69Q\/UTOlpMyrw1I\/AAAAAAAAAmo\/PyF7eZNd2OU\/s1600\/Uli.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-zyuLdRbm69Q\/UTOlpMyrw1I\/AAAAAAAAAmo\/PyF7eZNd2OU\/s1600\/Uli.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EULI\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EWell, I'm a nervous eater. I've got a wicked sweet tooth when I'm nervous.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EHANS\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EWhat is there to be nervous about?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003ETHEO\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EWell, there's one hole in the plan. At least, there's one detail you've left out.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EHANS\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EEvery conceivable detail has been paid attention to.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003ETHEO\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EExcept the electromagnetic lock on the vault. You know I can't crack it. None of us can.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EHANS\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EI've got that all figured out.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003ETHEO\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EWell, could you maybe share it with us? That's what we're all nervous about. We like the whole blowing the roof to cover our escape, and the driving away in the ambulance during all the confusion.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-h9T6_gwRg1A\/UTOlozzX3sI\/AAAAAAAAAm4\/4tyKY4Topu8\/s1600\/Karl.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-h9T6_gwRg1A\/UTOlozzX3sI\/AAAAAAAAAm4\/4tyKY4Topu8\/s1600\/Karl.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EKARL\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EBut we've all invested a lot of time and money, not to mention many of us have\u0026nbsp;traveled\u0026nbsp;a long way.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5jsN35AA7tg\/UTOwjnpoO1I\/AAAAAAAAAnI\/zsb3EmOANiI\/s1600\/Marco.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5jsN35AA7tg\/UTOwjnpoO1I\/AAAAAAAAAnI\/zsb3EmOANiI\/s1600\/Marco.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EMARCO\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EAll the way from Italy, in my case! I am almost out of my favorite cigarettes!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003ETHEO\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003ESo we need you to tell us exactly how you'll crack the electromagnetic lock.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EHans stares everyone down. This is a crucial moment, and will decide whether these sober, risk-averse professionals will proceed.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EHANS\u003Cbr \/\u003EI would much rather surprise you with the solution during the heist.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003ETHEO\u003Cbr \/\u003EYou're serious? All of this build-up, and we're going to have to take it on faith you've got it worked out, plus be excited about it being a surprise?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EHANS\u003Cbr \/\u003EYes.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003EEveryone stares at Hans, then at each other. This does not look good.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003EThen:\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-h9T6_gwRg1A\/UTOlozzX3sI\/AAAAAAAAAm4\/4tyKY4Topu8\/s1600\/Karl.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-h9T6_gwRg1A\/UTOlozzX3sI\/AAAAAAAAAm4\/4tyKY4Topu8\/s1600\/Karl.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EKARL\u003Cbr \/\u003EOkay!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-FcjBypzx86Q\/UTOlpFoIWaI\/AAAAAAAAAms\/gGLmoJswy98\/s1600\/Theo.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003ETHEO\u003Cbr \/\u003EYep! I think I speak for everyone when I say a surprise might be kind of fun!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5jsN35AA7tg\/UTOwjnpoO1I\/AAAAAAAAAnI\/zsb3EmOANiI\/s1600\/Marco.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-5jsN35AA7tg\/UTOwjnpoO1I\/AAAAAAAAAnI\/zsb3EmOANiI\/s1600\/Marco.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EMARCO\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EIt's worth the risk!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s1600\/Hans.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EHANS\u003Cbr \/\u003EI'm so pleased.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003EUli finally steps back from the M\u0026amp;Ms. He doesn't take one.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-h9T6_gwRg1A\/UTOlozzX3sI\/AAAAAAAAAm4\/4tyKY4Topu8\/s1600\/Karl.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-h9T6_gwRg1A\/UTOlozzX3sI\/AAAAAAAAAm4\/4tyKY4Topu8\/s1600\/Karl.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EKARL\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E(to Eddie)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003ETold you.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aOxpyGE7mzQ\/UTOoFIJvWUI\/AAAAAAAAAnA\/Unsnu7GUZ2o\/s1600\/Eddie.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-aOxpyGE7mzQ\/UTOoFIJvWUI\/AAAAAAAAAnA\/Unsnu7GUZ2o\/s1600\/Eddie.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: courier;\"\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EEDDIE\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EDamn, I had fifty bucks on this guy.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;\"\u003EHe hands a fifty dollar bill over to Karl, and everyone leaves the room.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Chr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ENerd Alert!\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\nExcuse me while I geek out a bit. I ended up reading the script, and as it turns out, this particular issue \u003Ci\u003Ewas \u003C\/i\u003Ecovered...\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cpre style=\"font-size: 14px;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EVAULT ROOM - 31ST FLOOR                               73  \n\u003C\/b\u003E\n        Hans and Theo enter the safe room.  The huge corporate safe\n        looms in front of them.  Theo places three kit bags onto a\n        table and rolls up his sleeves.  He swivels a computer console\n        into handy reach, sits down.\n\n\u003Cb\u003E                                HANS\n\u003C\/b\u003E                 How long?\n\n\u003Cb\u003E                                THEO\n\u003C\/b\u003E                 Thirty minutes to break the code...\n                 Two hours for the five mechanicals.\n                 The seventh lock...that's out of\n                 my hands.\n\n\u003Cb\u003E                                HANS\n\u003C\/b\u003E                 If our plan works...the FBI will\n                 get rid of it for us.\u003C\/pre\u003E\n\u003Cpre style=\"font-size: 14px;\"\u003E\u003C\/pre\u003E\n\u003Cpre\u003E\u003Cpre style=\"font-size: 14px;\"\u003E        Theo grins, begins typing.\u003C\/pre\u003E\n\u003C\/pre\u003E\n\u003Cdiv arial=\"\" font-family:=\"\" helvetica=\"\" sans-serif=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\nBut the line was cut, presumably to keep the audience in the dark, so it's possible they did discuss the plan -- \u003Ci\u003Ebut we didn't see it\u003C\/i\u003E. Well, that could have been the case if it wasn't for this exchange (also from the original script)...\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cpre\u003E\u003Cpre style=\"font-size: 14px;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; white-space: normal;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/pre\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 14px;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cpre style=\"font-size: 14px;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003E293     INT. VAULT ROOM - NIGHT                               293\n\u003C\/b\u003E\n        Hans and Theo lean over a monitor watching a DWP truck near\n        the parking garage.\n\n\u003Cb\u003E                                THEO                                  *\n\u003C\/b\u003E                        (tapping the screen)\n                 There's the city engineers...they're\n                 going into the street circuits...But\n                 who are these guys in the suits?\n\n\u003Cb\u003E                                HANS\n\u003C\/b\u003E                 That's the FBI...ordering them to cut                *\n                 the building's power.  They're as\n                 regular as clockwork...or a time lock...\n\n        ON Theo's look:\n\n\u003Cb\u003E                                HANS\n\u003C\/b\u003E                 ...the circuits that cannot be cut...\n                 are cut automatically in response to\n                 a terrorist incident...You ask for\n                 miracles, Theo...I give you the FBI...\n\n\u003Cb\u003E                                THEO\n\u003C\/b\u003E                 When you're hot, you're hot.\u003C\/pre\u003E\n\u003C\/pre\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E(I'm glad they cut Theo's last line!)\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003ESo it seems that this little inconsistency was introduced as part of a rewrite, or at least that's the only reasonable explanation I can think of for having\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;Theo be completely in on the plan in one scene, but still need it explained to him later. I seem to recall McTiernan saying during his commentary that the script wasn't finished when they started shooting. I guess it's stuff like this that he was referring to.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EWhatever the reason, I do think it works better the way it happens in the film. Yes, it's not quite logical, but it's much more of an enjoyable moment for the audience when the plan's cleverness is revealed... which leads directly into the \"joyous\" moment that McTiernan was so keen on getting when the vault finally opens.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan face=\"Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\"\u003EAs he explains it: In \u003Ci\u003EDie Hard\u003C\/i\u003E, the villains are the protagonists, and McClane is the antagonist. As such, we need to feel their joy when they get what they want. It's an usual twist, but it works brilliantly, and our excitement probably would have been dampened if we knew exactly what was coming.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3027588625205036746\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=3027588625205036746","title":"4 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/3027588625205036746"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/3027588625205036746"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2013\/03\/patton-oswalts-deleted-scene-from-die.html","title":"Patton Oswalt's Deleted Scene from \"Die Hard\""}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-hfTPOls4Yiw\/UTOlQ8xhqHI\/AAAAAAAAAmQ\/_eI8vtnoc_o\/s72-c\/Hans.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"4"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-2289104446738889912"},"published":{"$t":"2012-11-14T22:16:00.004+00:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-02-04T00:17:13.396+00:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"fun"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The \"Raiders of the Lost Ark\" Story Conference Tapes [ebook edition]"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"When the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/mysterymanonfilm.blogspot.co.uk\/2009\/03\/raiders-story-conference.html\"\u003E\"Raiders of the Lost Ark\" Story Conference transcriptions appeared on the internet in 2009\u003C\/a\u003E, I was absolutely overjoyed. To be given the opportunity to see inside the writing process of one of the most iconic movies from my childhood was a wondrous\u0026nbsp;thing. The only downside was that it was only available in PDF format, and a lot of e-readers, like mobile phones and Kindles aren't great when it comes to PDFs.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThat's why I decided to put it in an e-book format for easy reading!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI've created two versions:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EePub\u003C\/b\u003E - for iPhones, iPads and other e-readers that can handle the ePub format\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EMobi\u003C\/b\u003E - for Kindle users\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003ELatest version 1.2\u003C\/b\u003E - Fixed a (another) ton of typos! (Should be pretty solid now.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca class=\"file\" href=\"http:\/\/www.thunderpeel2001.com\/files\/RaidersStoryConference.epub\"\u003Eepub\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003Ca class=\"file\" href=\"http:\/\/www.thunderpeel2001.com\/files\/RaidersStoryConference.mobi\"\u003Emobi\u003C\/a\u003E \n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSimply take your pick!"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/2289104446738889912\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=2289104446738889912","title":"5 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/2289104446738889912"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/2289104446738889912"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2012\/11\/the-raiders-of-lost-ark-story.html","title":"The \"Raiders of the Lost Ark\" Story Conference Tapes [ebook edition]"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"thr$total":{"$t":"5"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-5916858189322535618"},"published":{"$t":"2012-06-03T14:10:00.002+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2015-02-04T00:17:24.752+00:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"ramblings"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Thoughts on Prometheus"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-SagzqVTn8Co\/T8tdfHteGyI\/AAAAAAAAAcM\/azHfwH9vEug\/s1600\/Prometheus.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-SagzqVTn8Co\/T8tdfHteGyI\/AAAAAAAAAcM\/azHfwH9vEug\/s1600\/Prometheus.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThe excitement I felt before watching \u003Ci\u003EPrometheus \u003C\/i\u003Ewas probably the most I'd felt since I bought my ticket to see the last \u003Ci\u003EIndiana Jones\u003C\/i\u003E movie. Being a huge fan of Ridley Scott, the original \u003Ci\u003EAlien\u003C\/i\u003E, and of Damon Lindelof's writing (via \u003Ci\u003ELost\u003C\/i\u003E), I couldn't wait to see what these three ingredients produced when mixed together.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSadly, as I walked out the cinema, all my excitement had been replaced by disappointment. Yes, it was \u003Ci\u003EKingdom of the Crystal Skull\u003C\/i\u003E all over again.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cb\u003EUpdate:\u003C\/b\u003E I watched Prometheus a second time and had a different reaction. My new reaction is at the bottom. \u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe film is beautiful, no argument there. Scott's technical prowess as a director is perfectly on display. The story itself touches on some interesting areas: Questions about belief, religion, and humanity's origins, seem timely and apt. Michael Fassbender does a great job as this movie's android, David.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe broader strokes of the movie are quite interesting, and the ending, from the \"Ripley\" character's point of view, was satisfying. But...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n(Be warned: \u003Ci\u003ESpoilers dead ahead!)\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EA beginning is a delicate time...\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nActually, one of the first things that leaps to mind is how few surprises there were in the film. The very first scene explicitly reveals what the \"Engineers\" look like, so their later appearance is not a surprise. Another early scene explains precisely what the mission hopes to find, so that when they eventually do, it's also no longer a surprise.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI have to say that I found both of these to be baffling choices. The second one can be explained because it gives a reason for certain character to be onboard (the surprise guest -- but that only begs the question: \u003Ci\u003EWhy \u003C\/i\u003Ewas that guest on board? It did nothing for the story, but I'll get to that later). I really would have imagined that the scientific discovery would have been an interesting twist for the audience. Instead it's hinted at in the poster, the trailer, and spelled out right at the beginning of the film itself.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSpeaking of which, if you've seen the goosebump-inducing trailer for \u003Ci\u003EPrometheus\u003C\/i\u003E, you'll also be know that certain things from \u003Ci\u003EAlien\u003C\/i\u003E will make an appearance at some point. They surely could have been wonderful surprises, too, but instead, as the movie drags, you'll find yourself starting to become impatient for them to appear (and wait you will, they only arrive at the very end).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAlong with the lack of surprise and mystery, you don't feel any empathy for any of the characters, despite having 17 to choose from. In fact, this large amount of characters hurts our relationship with them: We never get to know \u003Ci\u003Eany \u003C\/i\u003Eof them particularly well.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis larger crew smacks of something that's felt a few times throughout the film; More money = bigger, shinier everything. The ship feels bigger. The rooms cleaner. The technology flashier. I don't know if this was intentional, but overall it lacks the claustrophobic, \"used\" feeling that Scott tried to so hard to convey in \u003Ci\u003EAlien\u003C\/i\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nReally it's hard not to believe that the crew should have been reduced to the smallest possible number needed to tell the story effectively. At it stands, we see glimpses of interesting relationships, but they never go anywhere. For example, the clash between the button-down scientist and the unsociable, volatile geologist, felt interesting and dramatically fruitful, but it's all over before it's begun.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEven the film's \"Ripley\" character is somewhat difficult to empathise with. Arguably worse still is the fact that the crew never feels like a cohesive whole. You could contend that this is because they don't know each other before the mission begins, and that's true, but even by the end it's unclear what their relationships are. (How does the captain feel about Noomi Rapace's character? Theron's? Fassbender's? I have no idea.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe film has plenty of Scott flourishes (the captain, like Dallas in \u003Ci\u003EAlien\u003C\/i\u003E, enjoys music recognizable to modern listeners), but there's just no substance.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOne screenwriting technique I've read about involves reading through your script once for each of your characters, in order to make sure they have a satisfying arc. I can't think of \u003Ci\u003Eone\u003C\/i\u003E character that managed to reach this goal.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThat's illogical, Captain...\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe next big issue with the film is simple character motivation and logic. We often don't understand why a character is doing something. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFor example, when the crew first land on their new-found planet, there are members of the exploration team with a healthy fear for what they're discovering. When one of the members decides to take off his helmet, against all common sense, after being told the air is breathable, he is rightfully chastised by those around him.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBut soon afterwards, the rest of the team follow suit, even those who are fearful about what they've discovered. It's one thing for a \"believer\" to risk catching alien space-flu (it's very much a \"John Locke-ism\"), but it seems to go against everything we know about the other characters. So why would they risk it? We're never given a reason. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLater on, a pair of characters get lost in the alien spacecraft. Again, this appears to make no sense. For a start, we can see everyone's position clearly on the ship's 3D map (very cool, by-the-way), and they apparently have perfect communications with those on board, so why didn't they get in touch and say, \"We're lost, tell us which way to go\"? What's even more baffling is that one of these lost characters is introduced as being the most \u003Ci\u003Eau fait\u003C\/i\u003E with the mapping technology, and explores caves for a living using said technology. Surely he should be the \u003Ci\u003Elast\u003C\/i\u003E member of the crew to lose his bearings?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nYet another example is when Noomi Rapace finally discovers what she's been hoping to find. It's possibly the greatest scientific discovery in human history, and yet nobody in the ship seems particularly bothered, including her. Surely the news would spread like wildfire through the small crew? On Earth, it would make the lead story on the evening news, but for the people who discovered it, they don't seem to care. Even \u003Ci\u003Eshe\u003C\/i\u003E doesn't run and tell her own research partner.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis odd character decision leads to a frustrating scene where we have to watch a character learn something we've just seen another character learn. Surely repeating information to the audience is uniformly understood to be a bad thing? One thing is certain, it impedes the flow of the story. This same problem happens several more times with different bits of information. It's baffling.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn terms or production, one also has to wonder why in Guy Pearce was in the film, and not some elderly actor (Peter O'Toole? -- well maybe, Christopher Plummer?). Surely it wasn't just so he could do the TED talk? I'm not even sure why his \u003Ci\u003Echaracter\u003C\/i\u003E was in the film, to be honest. I can only presume the film was trying to say something about humans being sometimes more robotic than their robotic creations (the daughter was arguably colder than David). Or perhaps something about how our relationship with our creators shapes who we are? Unfortunately, like most ideas and themes in the film, it's never fully fleshed out.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThey should have sent a poet...\u003C\/b\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAll of these issues pale in light of the film's biggest problem, though: It's just not a satisfying story. The crew explore the alien world, they could back to the ship, they go back to the alien world, they go back to the ship. It's every bit as dull as I just made it sound. There's no clear sense of what the threat is, what people's motivations are, or what the \"rules\" of the world are (so we can gauge the cause and effect of their decisions).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nStory strands are left unresolved, seemingly to deliberately try and spread more mystery into the world, and possibly leave some options for a sequel, but they're just not that interesting. I don't really care who or what the Big Head was supposed to represent. I don't really care what the grey goo supposedly does. Or what the worms are. Or what was in the grey cannisters. Or why sometimes they were lined up on their sides, or why they were sometimes laid out like the eggs in \u003Ci\u003EAlien\u003C\/i\u003E.\u0026nbsp; \u003Ci\u003EBut I could have\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Ci\u003E.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEven the immediately interesting questions regarding science versus religion, faith versus evidence, staples of \u003Ci\u003ELost\u003C\/i\u003E, and clearly within Lindelof's talented writing grasp, aren't explored to their full potential.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EKHAAAAAN!\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAs I said at the beginning, I haven't felt this disappointed in a film since \u003Ci\u003EKingdom of the Crystal Skull\u003C\/i\u003E, and in both cases you'd be tempted to blame the scriptwriter, but really, you can't blame anyone but those who had final say. Just like George Lucas, Ridley Scott is powerful enough to not make a film until he's happy with the script. One can only presume that Lindelof saw this as Scott's project, and did his best to take Scott's ideas and turn them into something better than they were before. It's understandable that Lindelof would want to make Scott happy, it was his job, but Scott, as talented as he may be, is not a scriptwriter.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFrom Scott's point of view, you have to imagine he was very happy with it. As a director, the script gave him plenty of exciting opportunities to flex his visual muscles, but for the rest of us, it was lacking.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI still love and respect both Scott and Lindelof, and I look forward to seeing what they do next, but this was a remarkable disappointment from two remarkable people.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EUpdate:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo sure was I that I was going to enjoy \u003Ci\u003EPrometheus\u003C\/i\u003E, that I made plans to see it a second time before I'd watched it the first.\u0026nbsp; As such I was forced to sit through it again, lest I'd let down the person I'd agree to watch it with. Against all my expectations, though, I actually kind of enjoyed it the second time.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nYes, I was surprised, too.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis second viewing allowed me see it more for what it is, rather than what I wished it was. And guess what; the film kept my attention and entertained me throughout. Yes, most of the above complaints were still there (nng!), but they didn't completely ruin the experience this time around.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMy best advice for those who have somehow missed \u003Ci\u003EPrometheus\u003C\/i\u003E so far: Don't go in expecting \u003Ci\u003EAlien\u003C\/i\u003E, and try and avoid watching the trailer if you can!"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/5916858189322535618\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=5916858189322535618","title":"4 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/5916858189322535618"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/5916858189322535618"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2012\/06\/thoughts-on-prometheus.html","title":"Thoughts on Prometheus"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-SagzqVTn8Co\/T8tdfHteGyI\/AAAAAAAAAcM\/azHfwH9vEug\/s72-c\/Prometheus.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"4"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-6428767189441861470"},"published":{"$t":"2012-01-30T22:06:00.000+00:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2020-01-01T22:27:43.554+00:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"reviews"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"A closer look at Serenity -- Why didn't it save Firefly?"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1L2yjGqY_jo\/Tyb383VKstI\/AAAAAAAAAW8\/IQgqMPZwAMA\/s1600\/Firefly.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"181\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1L2yjGqY_jo\/Tyb383VKstI\/AAAAAAAAAW8\/IQgqMPZwAMA\/s320\/Firefly.jpg\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EAfter the Fox TV network lost faith in the show they'd ordered and coldly watched it die, both fans and the cast and crew of\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Ci\u003EFirefly\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cb\u003Ewere heartbroken, but the good vibes surrounding the show were strong enough for the almost-impossible to happen: A major feature film was made.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003ESerenity\u003C\/i\u003E was creator Joss Whedon's vision, pure and unfiltered (for the most part), without any of the meddling executives. Unlike Fox, Universal actually \u003Ci\u003Ewanted\u003C\/i\u003E to see more \u003Ci\u003EFirefly\u003C\/i\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe feature film version (named, for legal reasons, \u003Cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003ESerenity\u003C\/span\u003E after the central ship), was an opportunity for everyone who believed in the show\u003Cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003Eto prove the world (and especially Fox), that it shouldn't have been cancelled, that its universe \u003Ci\u003Edid \u003C\/i\u003Ehold widespread appeal. Fans  on both sides of the camera hoped that this could be the new \u003Cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003EStar Wars\u003C\/span\u003E. Some wryly speculated that its success might even spawn a TV spin-off...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nExcept none of that happened.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nDespite garnering critical praise and winning numerous awards, \u003Cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003ESerenity \u003C\/span\u003Ewas a flop at the cinema, and, although DVD sales helped put the movie into the black, they weren't high enough to create interest in a sequel.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nInitially there were some grumbles about how the film had been marketed, but after all this time, was that the only reason it failed to set the world alight? Were there flaws within the film itself?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAfter recently working my through all 14 episodes of the \u003Cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003EFirefly \u003C\/span\u003ETV series, and falling in love with it all over again, I viewed the film with fresh eyes, made a few notes... and came to the conclusion that, yes, I think there may have been a few issues with the movie itself.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nNote: This isn't a \"review\" of \u003Ci\u003ESerenity\u003C\/i\u003E, it's a critical look at what I see as its major faults, with a specific focus on how someone new to the \u003Ci\u003EFirefly \u003C\/i\u003Euniverse might perceive them (it was them who needed to be won over, after all). And while the film \u003Ci\u003Edid\u003C\/i\u003E successfully convert me to a \u003Ci\u003EFirefly\u003C\/i\u003E (and Joss Whedon) fan, it never managed to cross-over to a larger market, and I wanted to know why.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHere's what I see as the film's undeniable problems... \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EBest. Opening. Ever.\u003C\/b\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOk, so this is the opposite of a problem, but watching the film again for this piece, it struck me how \u003Cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003ESerenity\u003C\/span\u003E has just about the best opening 10 minutes of any sc-fi film ever. It's smart, gripping, exciting, it's near perfect. After it's finished, the title appears, and a wonderful, lifting score kicks in. It's goosebump city.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nA portion of the audience has already decided that this film is utterly amazing (I was in that portion). Just as you think it can't get any better, a chunk of metal flies off the spaceship, and with a quick cut, before we can even laugh, we see the Captain turn to his pilot. \"What was that?\" And so begins the story proper. And so, unfortunately, do the problems.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe're introduced to our protagonists, the crew of Serenity, through a long scene without any cuts. According to writer\/director Whedon, this was done to try and give the audience a sense that they were on \"solid ground\" after all that jumping around in time and space. In other words, this ship just got real. (Sorry.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI love continuous takes as much as the next continuous takes fan, but there's a time and place for them, and this one doesn't really work for a number of reasons. For a start, it didn't make \u003Ci\u003Eme\u003C\/i\u003E feel on \"solid ground\". It's actually very frantic, we're\u0026nbsp;pummelled\u0026nbsp;with lots of information, and lots of camera movements. That could be fine by itself, but definitely doesn't do what Whedon \u003Ci\u003Ehoped \u003C\/i\u003Eit would.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThere's a bigger problem as a result of this shooting choice, however, and that's the fact that we don't get all the information we need. Dramatic moments do not have much available film language with which to give them any weight. You can't cut to someone's reaction, for example, you can only swing the camera around as fast as you can. With film, the camera should be part-narrator, helping to tell the same story the actors are.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nUsing long takes seems to work best when you're in a scene where you know who everyone is, and what the stakes are going in (see \u003Ci\u003ECrimes and Misdemeanors\u003C\/i\u003E), but it definitely works against you when you're trying to impart lots of information. You can't easily inform the audience about what's important, and what's non-essential (but amusing) chit chat, and it's possibly because of these limitations that the Simon and Mal confrontation doesn't work as well as it should. It's a great moment on paper, but it doesn't work for someone new to the characters because the film language doesn't give any indication of its importance.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAlso, rather unfortunately, the ADR work on the scene (where actors dubbing their lines in a studio afterwards to hide the clomping the camera crew in the background) was very poorly done, making us feel even less \"connected\" to what's happening. (The opposite of what Joss said he wanted.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnd unfortunately the problems are just the beginning for the newbies...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThe Chase Sequence\u003C\/b\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOur first major force of conflict appears, they are known as \"Reavers\". We don't know anything about them, but in order for them to be a legitimate threat the audience has to believe one thing: The Reavers are a very real and very terrifying danger. Even if you're a group of fully-armed war-vets and mercenaries, it's pant-wetting time. The audience \u003Ci\u003Eneeds\u003C\/i\u003E to believe this for not only the chase sequence to work, but also for the story to work as a whole. After they've been introduced, the idea of meeting one again should haunt the audience.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhedon attempts to sell this necessary fear in a simple (and you might say, classic) way: If all the characters are scared at the mere mention of Reavers, then not only must they be something worth being scared of, but it's left up to the audience to decide exactly why.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis can be a very effective trick, as I'm sure we all know. A viewer's imagination can tailor a movie monster's menacing qualities to their own idiosyncratic fears, in theory creating a scarier threat for themselves. All it takes is a sense of creeping danger to get audiences' creative fear-juices flowing...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nUnfortunately, when the Reavers appear, the viewer is completely in a comfort zone: A bank-heist that's actually going well, and is highly amusing to boot. There's no real sense of threat, and no reason to believe the characters can't handle anything the universe throws their way. It's even broad daylight, in a populated area. There's nothing to help germinate a sense of fear in the audience (although I think Whedon was hoping the jump from funny to fearful would be unsettling).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOutwardly there's even less to fear: Our heroes carry guns, while the Reavers are apparently too feral for that. We're never actually shown how ineffective four people with guns could be  against a horde of Reavers. Hell, we never even \u003Cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003Esee\u003C\/span\u003E a horde of Reavers, we only really see about three, but surely guns could take them out?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe also don't actually know how tough our characters are. If we'd already seen them kick ass against a terrifying foe, but then act afraid of Reavers, we may be able to gauge that this new enemy was a very serious threat (this is how they were introduced in the series). But we don't. Our protagonists have only tackled a group of country-bumpkins, and since they've just committed a crime, it's natural to think that they'd like to leave ASAP anyway, Reavers or no Reavers.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis lack of terror hurts the movie immediately, and is felt so strongly that, when we see a townsman run  towards our gang, begging to be taken with them, my immediate thought was not, \"He wants to get away from the Reavers\", it was, \"Poor guy, stuck on this backwoods world, wants to go on space adventures with some space bandits\". (I did get what Whedon wanted me to get, just not immediately.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnd the damage continues: In the ensuing chase sequence, our heroes are escaping from... what? A bunch of stunt men in make-up? A ship covered in red paint? It's hard to feel emotionally involved because we have no reason to feel our protagonists are in any real danger. Also, it's not very well directed, sad to say. (Joss Whedon is apparently very aware of début directorial short-comings on the film's Blu-ray, admitting he'd completely re-shoot the whole scene if he could.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe chase's climax is also falls limp; Our hearts should already be pounding when a final bit of flaming debris nearly slices Mal in two (this \"second shock\" trick worked brilliantly in \u003Ci\u003EDie Hard\u003C\/i\u003E), but not only is our heart beating calmly, but the debris looks far too flimsy as it bounces along the deck. It's a huge shame, as the script is tight and the story beats are good.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe're then back on Serenity, with the crew and their ill-gotten gains, and we've learned a lot about the characters and their relationship to one another, that's good. (Watchers of the original series will have note that Mal has returned to his infinitely more interesting \"hardened\" self from the original pilot.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nUnfortunately there's one more problem...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThe Bar Fight\u003C\/b\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn a bar, that classic Western\/sci-fi staple, we learn that the successful bank-heist has turned somewhat sour. Mal is being forced to give up 15% of his crew's earnings, but in an odd editing choice, we're not allowed to hear the justification as to why. A few words from his shady employers explaining that they're taking the extra percentage \u003Cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003Esimply because they can\u003C\/span\u003E, would have been all that was needed, and indeed this dialogue \u003Ci\u003Ewas\u003C\/i\u003E filmed, but it was cut (presumably in order to try and make the viewer focus more on River -- a controversial choice).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo we're left wondering what's going on, why the one plot thread they've been introduced to has been yanked out of earshot, when River suddenly gets \"activated\". The inevitable bar fight ensues.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAlthough Summer Glau's flexible fighting skills are incredible, the brawl itself doesn't emotionally engage with the audience because there's no context: Why are the people in the bar fighting with her? If they're under threat, why aren't people trying to escape?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhen Luke Skywalker had his scuffle with the ugly man with the death mark on three systems, the rest of the bar acted in a way we could understand: Avoid a fight, hope it will go away on its own. In \u003Ci\u003ESerenity\u003C\/i\u003E it becomes a Wrestlemania cage fight for no apparent reason. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI'm fairly certain that the idea was supposed to be that a dispassionate and indiscriminate killing machine had just been released into a public space, but once again there's not a sense of immediate danger because the exit appears to be available to everyone in the bar, and hardly anyone is shown making a break for it. If these people want to stay and fight and get their asses kicked, then you can't help but feel that's their problem. Sure, some people try and leave, but the set design and direction never makes us feel as though River is holding people these people against their will: A lot of them seem to be attacking \u003Ci\u003Eher\u003C\/i\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhat are we supposed to be feeling here? Are we supposed to feel bad for the patrons as River is taking them down? (Are they all \nthugs? Are they normal tax payers looking for a quiet night out? Do they want to escape? If they want to fight, why do they want \nto fight? Out if pride? Out of ego? Out of a desire to prove how manly \nthey are? Out of self-defence? For the enjoyment of a battle? To see if \nthey could best her? We don't know.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nCompare this again with the cantina in \u003Cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003EStar Wars\u003C\/span\u003E. That venue had a vibe. You expected trouble there. You felt like you knew the patrons, that they \nweren't faceless nobodies. You could probably can imagine how they would react in this situation. Can anyone say the same about the patrons of the \u003Ci\u003ESerenity\u003C\/i\u003E bar? Were they hard-working, innocent miners looking for a drink after a long day drilling? Were they all smugglers and bandits making shady deals? Were they deadly mercenaries? We don't know: They were just more\n stuntmen in generic costumes.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis confusion about who is attacking who and why is a shame because it hurts the final shot of the fight; Mal slowly putting down his weapon, his heart racing. This would have worked much better if it we'd felt he was in danger against his will. Instead we're wondering why this cold, selfish man didn't run out the bar's open exit. (Although it's possible he was trying to protect the patrons of the bar, it doesn't seem to be in keeping with his character -- although maybe I'm wrong there.) This problem isn't as bad as the audience not fearing the Reavers, but it also wasn't as engaging directed as it was written, and so another opportunity to engage the audience was lost.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEither way, the audience \u003Ci\u003Eshould\u003C\/i\u003E have had two big jolts of adrenaline at this point in the movie. They should also be secretly hoping that the Reavers aren't going to come back.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIf they'd had those things, I think the film would have been largely fine at this point. Everything would have been set up so the subsequent story turns would have had all the weight and resonance they needed.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWell, apart from one other minor hiccup before we reach the end: Shepherd Book.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEveryone unfamiliar with \u003Ci\u003EFirefly\u003C\/i\u003E had no idea who the hell he was, and it felt like we should have (I was one of them). The scene with Mal and Book was pointless and weird, and didn't help explain who this man was or why the crew were there. Or what his relationship with them was. But hey, that's pretty minor compared to these other problems.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n(Note: Shepherd Book was originally on Serenity throughout the film, and it was another unknown character they sought refuge with. When Whedon was forced to write Book out of the story, it made sense to switch the characters -- the crew did have a relationship with him, after all. At least for fans of the show -- those new to the party were wondering why such weight was given to his scenes.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThe Ending\u003C\/b\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOk, I lied. There is actually one final big problem: The triumph of the protagonists is not something we, the audience, can easily relate to. Consider, once again, the final battle in \u003Cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003EStar Wars\u003C\/span\u003E or \u003Ci\u003EThe Matrix\u003C\/i\u003E. When our heroes win, we feel their victory, we feel their triumph. In \u003Ci\u003ESerenity\u003C\/i\u003E, their (most obvious) successes are felt by unknown people across the universe. People we don't care about. Our heroes survive, but they also suffered serious losses, and this \"down\" feeling is what we're left with. Yes, I believe that more people felt and related to Zoe's pain, than Mal or River's salvation.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EYou big whiner! So you're saying \u003Ci\u003ESerenity\u003C\/i\u003E failed as a movie?\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAbsolutely not, at least not for fans of the series. Upon watching it an additional time for this blog post (to make sure I wasn't totally wrong about the problems I'd identified), I noticed that it actually works as a perfect ending for the series itself.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFor the first time I saw really Mal's story. And not Mal's story from the beginning of the film, but his story from the beginning of the series. In the very first scene of the series, we watch Mal lose all faith as he has everything he believes in taken away from him. In the final scene of the film, we see man restored, optimistic about the future, with something to \u003Ci\u003Ebelieve in\u003C\/i\u003E again. (And, aptly enough, the first episode of the show shares the title of the movie.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThis layer means that the passengers we watched Mal take onboard at the beginning of the series, Simon, River, and Book, actually held the key to his own personal salvation. This character arc is in the film, but Whedon buried it deep.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIf you missed it, consider Shepherd Book's dying words. A man of faith talking to a man without any: \"I don't care what you believe. \u003Ci\u003EJust believe it\u003C\/i\u003E.\"\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLikewise, thanks to River, Mal discovers a truth\u0026nbsp;that leads to him finally seeing something bigger than himself (self-obsession is usually the cause of nihilism). By the end of the film he's a whole person again, his heart no longer dead.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn the process of re-developing his own belief system he shatters that of his nemesis, The Operative, who is the ultimate nihilist. (His final words, after Mal tells him he'd better not see him again, \"You won't. There is nothing left to see.\")\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nRiver also finds her salvation through Serenity, finally finding peace at the end of the film thanks, not just to the love of her brother, and the family she's found on the ship, but to Mal for helping her excise her demons (in the original script it's made clear that a large part of her mental problems stem from the horrible truth about Miranda). \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003ESerenity\u003C\/i\u003E is Mal's and River's story, of how they saved each other, and if there's ever a sequel, we'll be seeing a different side to them than we've ever seen before. (Note: There's never going to be a sequel.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nIn this way, it's actually an utterly fantastic and rewarding script. But we knew the problem was never going to be on the page, didn't we?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EBut...\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nUnfortunately it took me five watches to see Mal's journey. As a first-time viewer I wasn't left with a sense of joy, or even success, it was pain and loss. Hell, it wasn't even bittersweet. Our losses as a viewer were too great, and the gains too small, too hidden. Joss cut us too deeply to notice the salve he tried to apply. And yes, Wash's death is a big part of that.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n(Interestingly, Whedon justifies his decision to kill Wash on the \u003Ci\u003ESerenity\u003C\/i\u003E Blu-ray commentary, making the point that if the audience is upset, it means he did the right thing. The obvious response to that is: \u003Ci\u003EDear Joss, if you killed off Willow, you would probably have to go into hiding. That doesn't mean it's the right thing to do -- it just means you made us \u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Ci\u003Ecare\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/u\u003E\u003Ci\u003E. Signed, Everyone.\u003C\/i\u003E)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWouldn't you have just loved the movie even more if Wash and Book survived? I know I would have. And indeed that's exactly what happened in Whedon's original 190 page \"kitchen sink\" version of the script (available online, \u003Ci\u003EFirefly\u003C\/i\u003E fans!). And don't forget that Whedon revealed that he had every intention of resurrecting both characters if there was a sequel. (There won't be a sequel.)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThat original script also featured this wonderful piece of dialogue between Zoe and Simon, that really helps the audience become aware that Mal's spiritual salvation is an important part of the story:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv align=\"center\" style=\"font-family: courier, courier new;\"\u003E\nSIMON\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"font-family: courier, courier new; margin: 0 auto; width: 305px;\"\u003E\nYou were in that same war. But\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nyou live almost like a person\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nmight; you have an actual\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nrelationship — a marriage. You\u003Cbr \/\u003E\ndidn't turn into some... Gorgon...\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv align=\"center\" style=\"font-family: courier, courier new;\"\u003E\nZOE\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"font-family: courier, courier new; margin: 0 auto; width: 305px;\"\u003E\nI'm career Army, my whole family\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nis. I was already in when the war\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nstarted. Mal volunteered. He\u003Cbr \/\u003E\njoined the fight because he\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nbelieved. He believed his planet\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nshould be left alone. Believed we\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nwould win if we gave our hearts to\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nit, that his generals wouldn't lay\u003Cbr \/\u003E\ndown arms while his men were still\u003Cbr \/\u003E\ndying around him... that God would\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nhelp us in our darkest place.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"font-family: courier, courier new; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nShe cinches a knot tight, moves to the next body.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv align=\"center\" style=\"font-family: courier, courier new;\"\u003E\nZOE\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n(continuing)\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"font-family: courier, courier new; margin: 0 auto; width: 305px;\"\u003E\nSee, that's the difference between\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nMal and me. All I ever lost was a war.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSo, when all is said and done, we finally have a complete understanding as to why we won't be seeing any more Firefly: \u003Ci\u003EBecause the executives at Fox sold us all down the river.\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe end.\u003Ci\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/i\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/6428767189441861470\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=6428767189441861470","title":"36 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/6428767189441861470"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/6428767189441861470"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2010\/05\/why-there-isnt-any-more-firefly.html","title":"A closer look at Serenity -- Why didn't it save Firefly?"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-1L2yjGqY_jo\/Tyb383VKstI\/AAAAAAAAAW8\/IQgqMPZwAMA\/s72-c\/Firefly.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"36"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570525113758995236.post-8579811964402889432"},"published":{"$t":"2011-09-07T23:32:00.000+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2011-11-25T07:49:33.165+00:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"fun"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"So you want to go to Hollywood?"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-nol71cCyda0\/Tmfw2lBJoVI\/AAAAAAAAASs\/_6--UZ2NQ5Q\/s1600\/campbell.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-nol71cCyda0\/Tmfw2lBJoVI\/AAAAAAAAASs\/_6--UZ2NQ5Q\/s1600\/campbell.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThis questionnaire is something I read on Bruce Campbell's website 10 years ago. I found it so thought-provoking that it has stayed with me all this time.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI recently wanted to show it to a friend but was dismayed to discover it was no longer to be found on the internet. Thankfully, after some jiggery-pokery involving The Wayback Machine (a website hosted over at Archive.org), I was able to retrieve a copy.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI think it deserves to be preserved and, if you've ever entertained notions of working in the dream factory known as Hollywood, contemplated.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI hope you find it as interesting and provocative as I did.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTop tip: There's no wrong answers, so be honest with yourself.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EVisit Bruce Campbell at: \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.bruce-campbell.com\/\"\u003Ewww.bruce-campbell.com\u003C\/a\u003E. Also, buy his books!\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Chr \/\u003E\n\u003Ci\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETo all good people contemplating a leap into the frigid waters of the entertainment industry, please read the attached questionnaire. I consider this to be a kind of litmus test for those of you with grand aspirations. Read, ponder, act...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBest,\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBruce \"Mr. Know-It-All\" Campbell\u003C\/i\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI aspire for a career in the film\/television industry because:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; a) I need a quick million.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; b) I have personal problems and being rich and famous will solve them.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; c) I failed as a Clinical Psychologist.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; d) I've got show biz in my blood.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EMy ultimate goal(s) is(are):\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; a) To win an Academy Award © or:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ___1) An Emmy.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ___2) A Star on Hollywood Blvd.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ___3) A trip to Disneyland.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; b) To be famous. I will be famous when:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ___1) I win a Peoples Choice Award.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ___2) I get recognized at my high school reunion.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ___3) Everyone on the planet knows and loves me.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; c) To be stinkin' rich. I will be rich when:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ___1) My phone stops getting cut off.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ___2) I can buy medicine for little Billy.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; ___3) I can do a leveraged buyout of MCA and cast myself in anything I want.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; d) Both b and c.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; e) To be gainfully employed doing what I enjoy.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EMy main cultural influences are:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; a) Films where things blow up a lot.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; b) Nick at Nite.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; c) Literature.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; d) Life.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI hope to become involved in this type of project:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; a) Story-driven.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; b) Genre-driven.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; c) Forget it, Mom will drive.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI know I am talented because:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; a) Um, because my friends and loved ones say so?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; b) I know it in my heart.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; c) I received the \"Ken and Barbie\" award in high school.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; d) I have an extensive resume.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI define talent as:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; a) The ability to do one thing, really well.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; b) The ability to be mediocre at lots and lots of things.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; c) The ability to suck the chrome off a trailer hitch.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; d) The ability to make my friends think I'm cool.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EMy unique talent lies:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; a) In front of the camera - I want to act.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; b) Behind the camera - I want to direct...oh yeah, and write too...\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; c) In front and behind the camera - I want to be a hyphenated person.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; d) Behind the Auto Parts store.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI define the success of a film by:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; a) How well it does at the Box Office.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; b) How well it is received by the critics.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; c) How hard everyone worked on it.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; d) How many good-looking women\/men I met on the crew.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI will be successful when:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; a) I meet the right people.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; b) My new Hummer arrives.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; c) I own my own island.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; d) I get that tummy tuck for Christmas.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; e) Hell freezes over.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; f) Nonsense, I am successful now.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EI will fail if:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; a) I don't meet the right people.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; b) Failure is not an option.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; c) Enough people tell me I will.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; d) The odds are too great.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EThe market price of my soul is:\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n(hint: you will need to know this at some point)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; a) $1,000,000 in tax-free Municipal Bonds.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; b) 3 magic beans.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; c) I cannot be bought! My self-esteem is priceless!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n* Take this test before you ride the rails west.\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cblockquote\u003E\n\u003Cb\u003EHint: There are no right or wrong answers.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8579811964402889432\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=1570525113758995236\u0026postID=8579811964402889432","title":"4 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/8579811964402889432"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/1570525113758995236\/posts\/default\/8579811964402889432"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com\/2011\/03\/hollywood-questionnaire-by-bruce.html","title":"So you want to go to Hollywood?"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Johnny Walker"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13302545167970532080"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-nol71cCyda0\/Tmfw2lBJoVI\/AAAAAAAAASs\/_6--UZ2NQ5Q\/s72-c\/campbell.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"4"}}]}});