Story.

The story is set in a fictional Germany and centers on the outbreak of biomechanical creatures called "Demoniacs", who rise from corpses and attack people savagely. The Demoniacs have the ability to merge with most technology including cars and motorcycles, not only gaining control of them but also enhancing their performance greatly. Against them is a group of people known as XAT, Xenogenesis Assault Team, who police these Demoniacs in an attempt to keep the peace and discover the reasons for the "Demoniac" change. All the while, a number of human-turned-Demoniacs appear. Some use their powers for good, others for evil. One will rise above all other Demoniacs to become known as the "Blassreiter".

Gerd arc.

The story begins with the introduction of famous motorcycle champion, Gerd Frentzen. After a tragic accident at the circuit, Gerd is rendered a paraplegic, until offered a cure in the way of a drug, which miraculously cures his paraplegia - by transforming him into an Amalgam. Gerd publicly exposes his Amalgam form during an XAT operation and has agents Hermann and his partner Amanda assigned to him by the organization for constant surveillance to study the nature of his metamorphosis, but concluded that the Demoniac responsible for Gerd's accident was also an Amalgam-human hybrid—explaining its ability to elude capture. With the help of

Malek arc.

Malek, who has been ridiculed and attacked by his school's seniors since he was adopted by Amanda, is distraught by the death of Gerd. He believed that Gerd would punish his attackers, but Gerd ended up being a "coward" by letting himself be killed. When Malek's friend Johann commits suicide after realizing his mistakes in ridiculing, he wonders why no one will stand up for justice. After being offered a pill by Beatrice, Malek transforms into an Amalgam. Malek kills the delinquents and is hunted down by XAT. Joseph, who had met Malek before, attempts to stop Malek from losing control and intervenes, while Brad is shooting thermal shots on the roof top a couple buildings away. Before Brad is about to shoot to start shooting, Joseph jumps in front of Malek to take the shot for him, causing Joseph to be severely injured.

Joseph arc.

The arc follows Joseph's past. It turns out that Joseph was an Outsider that had been adopted by a church after his parents froze to death, using their remaining body heat to keep him alive in front of the church. He spent his childhood in a tightly knit community, helping the priest look after the other orphans' needs, tend to their home and helping people in need. After the nearby Jever river overflowed, the church became crowded with homeless citizens and wounded seeking refuge - the agitation eventually driving the old priest (who also was Joseph's paternal figure) to death by exhaustion. It was shortly thereafter that he met Magwald Xargin - then an enthusiastic researcher hoping to distribute medication to the impoverished population. It was through Xargin (and his hospitalization after the church was

Hermann arc.

Amanda and Joseph are brought to the castle of the organization Zwolf, an organisation that is working to defeat Xargin. Amanda is forced to join as they are holding Malek captive. As Amanda falls into depression about Malek, who is in a coma, Hermann appears before her. Whilst she is happy that her colleague is still alive, he appears to have lost parts of his memory. When his memory starts coming back to him, he realises that Beatrice had turned him into an Amalgam. He loses control and goes on a killing spree. Amanda chases him and tells him that by giving up on himself now, it'd be the same as giving up on Gerd Frentzen. This, combined with the fact that he feels he has to live to avenge his XAT colleagues, causes Hermann to regain control of himself. He heads to take on Wolf. Joseph also appears on the scene - but due to a device

Amanda arc.

Malek chases after Xargin using Hermann's Triple six motorcycle. Joseph realises and tells Amanda to wait at the orphanage, as he will bring back Malek. Malek loses to Xargin, but Joseph intervenes in time. Joseph and Xargin begin their fight, but Joseph is defeated. Meanwhile, Gerd and Hermann see Joseph appear in purgatory with them. Gerd decides to help Joseph, explaining to Hermann that he doesn't have a grudge against Joseph and admires his strong will. After being given the keys to Triple Six by Hermann, he enters Joseph's body. He loses and then Hermann does

Characters.

Main characters.

Joseph is a lone, mysterious figure who serves as a Demoniac hunter. He is often seen either talking to Elea or whittling a statue of the Virgin Mary and is considered as a good candidate for the role of Blassreiter since his extraordinary sense of self-control allows him to retain his sanity, at the cost of remaining weaker than other more 'open-minded' opponents like Xargin or Beatrice. During the course of the story, he causes motorcycle star Gerd Frentzen to become paralyzed. As a result, he becomes one of XAT's primary targets (he then becomes known as 'Blue' due to his body color). It was after one of his run-ins with the police forces that he befriends Malik, Amanda's adopted brother, with whom he shares similar experiences of bullying and social isolation. He is later reunited with the revived Sasha (who now bore white hair and a cybernetic implant in her left eye) and agrees to receiving the Pale Horse physical enhancement program, which will theoretically allow him to develop greater strength at the cost of his own self-control. The experiment later proves successful, turning himself into a berserker-like Blassreiter with red outlines instead of blue ones. But in the berserker state, haunted by illusions, he can't tell the difference between friend or foe, even attacking Sasha and Amanda. Only Snow was able to bring him to his senses after sustaining heavy injuries. Joseph fights outside Zwölf's base with Beatrice after the confrontation with Snow. He nearly kills her before Xargin interrupts and defeats him, claiming that the power Joseph had was fake.  In his Demoniac form, Joseph can make use of an energy whip, which he can also turn into a narrow-bladed sword. He uses the GARM motorcycle (masquerading as a Yotsubishi custom model), which he can fuse with once transforming. There is an A.I. installed in the GARM motorcycle called Elea who has the appearance of a scantly clothed, dark haired girl with horns on her head. If the

Secondary.

Wolf Göring The commander of XAT. Wolf is an imposing and powerfully built man with dark skin, whose strictness is often at odds with Hermann's rebellious nature. Wolf was wounded during the transportation of Gerd's infected girlfriend Jil Hoffman, after he fought her with a taser when she awoke as an Amalgam. From then on he began to show strange symptoms of illness that Beatrice confirmed to be signs of him changing into an Amalgam. Seduced by Beatrice Grese and warped into serving Xargin's cause, he infected most of his subordinates, hoping they would remain at his side when they turned to Amalgams as well. Wolf's actions after his infection were moderated by friendship toward them, as he was distraught after mortally wounding Al and Brad as they bought time for Hermann and Amanda to escape. After the destruction of XAT he tried to revive Al, Brad, and Lena with his blood, but succeeded only in reviving Al. He continued to direct his task force from there on, albeit as a human-hunting one. He fought against Amanda and a Demoniac-turned Hermann while counting on Al's help, but was fooled when Al regained his memories and blew most of his head off, allowing Hermann to slash him in half and kill him for good. He later appears with the other deceased characters with an apologetic look, asking Amanda for forgiveness.  Wolf's Demoniac form is an enormous, powerful humanoid with gorilla-like features and a horned head shaped like a skull. Though slower than most Amalgams he's immensely strong and resilient, using his

Minor.

Elea The A.I. installed in the GARM motorcycle, Elea has the appearance of a scantly clothed, dark haired girl with horns on her head. She usually criticizes Joseph to no avail, and calls the Demoniacs "beautiful".  Matthew Grant Former racing team manager of Gerd Frentzen, who turned into a Demoniac after 60 hours of coming in contact with Gerd's blood. Was killed in his Demoniac form by Joseph. He was having an affair with Jill Hoffmann behind Gerd's back and came in contact with Gerd's blood when he stabbed Gerd in defense of Jill.  Igor A racer who was a part of Gerd's former team, he was

Production.

The following are the main staff members for "Blassreiter".  The show was first announced on November 1, 2007, when Gonzo and Nitroplus at the Nitro Super Sonic event with Ichiro Itano as the director with Naoyuki Onda doing the character and mechanical designs of "Blassreiter". In addition, a manga adaption of "Blassreiter" was created with the

Media.

Anime.

The anime episodes were released on Japanese television and on to three internet video providers including BOST, CrunchyRoll and YouTube on 5 April 2008 by GDH. It is directed by Ichiro

DVD & Blu Ray.

DVDs of "Blassreiter" are being released with the 1st Volume released on August 8, 2008. Volume 2 has been

Figures.

Figures of Joseph in Blassreiter form had been released in August 2008 with other figures of Joseph, Elea

Literature.

A "Blassreiter" gaiden manga called "Blassreiter -Genetic-", which centers on Snow, is being published and distributed by Gonzo. A light novel version

Merchandise.

Some of the official "Blassreiter" merchandise

Music.

The "Blassreiter OST" was released on September 10, 2008, with 32 tracks on Disc 1 and 27 tracks on Disc 2.  GRANRODEO's OP was released

External links.

Japanese  English

Along with "", and later "Strike Witches", this series was officially broadcast with English subtitles on the video websites YouTube, Crunchyroll, and BOST TV. It has been licensed for a North American release by Funimation Entertainment.

《苍色骑士》是2008年GONZO和Nitro+合作推出的原创动画,2008年4月5日起播出。「苍色骑士」是此次GONZO和Nitro+合作推出的跨媒体制作(MEDIA MIX)计划,包括电视动画与漫画在内。2007年11月下旬,企划官网曾经推出过先行PV。


Development.

In an interview with "Complex", G-Dragon explained that he did not feel connected with his first solo album anymore. Commenting on the evolution of his sound, he stated:  G-Dragon mostly worked with YG's in house producers, Choice37, Teddy Park and Kush. In LOEN Entertainment's "Ask in A Box" interview, G-Dragon revealed that he took almost two years recording "Coup d'Etat". He first recorded demos for "Niliria" and "Runaway" in 2011. When discussing why the album took years to be completed, the rapper said:

Composition.

"Coup d'Etat" is an eclectic mix of hip-hop, dubstep, rock, electro, and pop. The record features collaborations from various artists such as Diplo, Baauer, Missy Elliott, Boys Noize, Sky Ferreira, Zion.T, Lydia Paek, and labelmate Jennie Kim. The album's title track, co-produced by American DJs Diplo and Baauer, is a slow tempo trap influenced song. The collaboration with Missy Elliott, "Niliria", was distinctive for its ethnic and surrealist beat. The duet with Lydia Paek, "R.O.D", is a dubstep track featuring Caribbean timbales while "Black" was compared to the early '90s R&B ballads. The single "Crooked" was described as a "catchy pop-punk" track that fuses "heavy drumbeats and metal guitar riffs." "Runaway" is a combination of alternative rock and electronic music and "I Love It", which was co-produced by German DJ Boys Noize, is a "smooth R&B-disco mash-up". Lastly, "Window" is a hiphop and pop track with melancholic 80s synths "blended with tribal beats".

Release.

The album was first released digitally divided in two parts: "Coup d'État: Part I" was released on September 2, 2013 with the first five tracks of the tracklist, while the seven additional tracks were released on September 5. The physical edition, including two exclusive tracks, was released on September 14.  On September 29, 2013, YG Entertainment announced that limited edition vinyl copies of "Coup d'Etat" would be released on October 18. The package was said to include a badge, a mask and a booklet with hand-written lyrics. Photos from the "Space Eight" art exhibition held in Seoul as well as photos from the "Coup d'Etat" music video would also be included. Only 8,888 units were sold. Pre-orders for the vinyl edition was made available on September 30, it sold out on October 2 after getting pre-orders for all copies.

Promotion.

On March 15, 2013 YG Entertainment announced that G-Dragon would release a new single to support his first world tour. "MichiGo" was released exclusively through mobile app Line on April 1, available only on South Korea, Japan and Thailand.  YG Entertainment announced in June that Missy Elliott and Diplo would be collaborating on the album. A series of teaser photos were then released by YG Entertainment on August 26 and on August 27, 2013. YG then released the full album track list on September 1 which revealed other collaborating artists such as Lydia Paek, Jennie Kim, Boys Noize, Baauer, and Sky Ferreira.  G-Dragon and Missy Elliott debuted the song "Niliria" with a live performance on KCON 2013 on August 25, 2013 in Los Angeles. YG Entertainment released the music video for "Coup d'Etat" on YouTube on September 1, 2013 which garnered over 750,000 views after a day. The music video for "Crooked" was then released on September 4, 2013. The first televised performance was held at the talk show "You Hee-yeol's Sketchbook" on September 6, where G-Dragon performed the single "Crooked" and the solo version of "Niliria". The first performance at a music show, which featured the tracks "Niliria", "Michi Go" and the debut of the song "Black", with the then YG trainee Jennie Kim, took place on SBS's "Inkigayo" on September 8, 2013. On November 13, the fourth music video of the album, "Who You?" was released on YouTube.  G-Dragon held an art exhibition in Seoul on September 10 to 17, 2013 which coincided with the release of the album. The exhibition was entitled "Space Eight". The art exhibition showcased 88 items which relates to the number 8.  On September 29, he and CL joined for the first live performance of "R.O.D", on the show "Inkigayo". YG was speculated to re-release the single as a sleeper single. The song "R.O.D." was rumored to be the final single of the album by various sources.

Commercial performance.

Tracks from "Coup d'Etat" topped major Korean music sites such as "MelOn", "Mnet", "Bugs", "Naver", and "Olleh". A total of seven tracks were placed from one to seven on the "Mnet" charts upon release, while six tracks from "Coup d'Etat" were also placed within the top 10 of the "Gaon" Singles Charts with "Who You?" being number one. Up to August 2016, the album has sold over 6.2 million copies of digital downloads. "Coup d'Etat" was the third best-selling digital album on Melon of 2013. The album also topped the iTunes charts in several countries.  On September 10, it was revealed the physical album had received pre-orders in excess of 300,000 copies in South Korea. The album eventually debuted at number one in the Gaon Albums Chart and went on to be number one on the same chart for the month of September after selling 198,489 copies.  "Coup d'Etat, Pt. 1" debuted at number 182 in the US "Billboard" 200 charts with first week sales of more than 2,000 copies. "Pt. 1" also topped "Billboard" World Album Chart, while "Pt. 2" held the second spot. On the Heatseekers Albums chart, the first and second parts debuted at number three and five, respectively. "Coup d'Etat" made G-Dragon, along with boy band Shinee, be the first Korean act to enter "Billboard"'s Year-end World Albums Artists.  "Coup d'Etat" debuted at number eleven in the Oricon Albums Chart in Japan with an estimated total of 11,150 copies sold during its first week of release. The Japanese version of the album named "Coup d'Etat + One of a Kind & Heartbreaker" debuted at number two on the same chart.

Critical reception.

In a review for MTV, Alexis Stephens wrote that G-Dragon "created a post-modern pastiche of worldwide pop idol sounds" that at times "feels like empty calories". Jeff Benjamin and Jessica Oak of "Billboard" felt that the album "establishes that K-pop stars are no different than pop stars of the West and, really, no different than everyday people strugging with insecurities, relationships and proving one's maturity perhaps just a bit prematurely." David Jeffries of AllMusic noted that G-Dragon "set his sights on America" with this album, and declared that, "when this flashy and slick effort goes deep", the listener will be shocked.  Jon Caramanica of "The New York Times" expressed that "K-pop is gloriously synthetic, and G-Dragon is a miraculous canvas to work with. He morphs easily into almost any style, he moves with panache and confidence, and he has a perpetual sense of theater about him." The critic also noted that "Coup d'Etat" "is perhaps the K-pop album with America most heavily on its mind and in its credits."  Corban Goble of "Pitchfork" felt that the album's best moments came from the delivery of "G-Dragon's superstar promise" and in the capitalization of "his enormous charisma." He concluded in his review that, "if you come to "Coup d'Etat" expecting some kind of revolution you'll be disappointed; it's an intriguing listen, if not an important one."  "Complex" ranked the album's red cover at number 20 on their "The 50 Best Pop Album Covers of the Past Five Years" list, with Dale Eisinger commenting that:

Track listing.

Notes  Sample credits

Coup d'Etat (stylized as COUP D'ETAT) is the second studio album by South Korean rapper G-Dragon, member and leader of the K-pop group Big Bang. The album was initially released on iTunes. The first five tracks of the album were released on September 2, 2013, the next seven tracks were released on September 5, and physical copies were released on September 13. The album contains the single "MichiGO" which was released earlier in 2013.

《COUP D'ETAT》是韩国流行音乐歌手G-Dragon的第二张正规专辑,此专辑总共收录了14首新歌其中4首为专辑的主打歌。主打歌分别是〈BLACK〉、〈WHO YOU?〉、〈放纵〉以及〈Niliria〉。在2013年9月2日在线上发行Part 1音乐和MV、2013年9月5日在线上发行Part 2音乐和MV。最后,在2013年9月13日发行实体专辑。


History.

The SPLM as a rebel movement was formed on 16 May 1983, after the Sudan government's abandonment of the Addis Ababa agreement signed between the Gaafar Nimeiry government and the Anyanya leader Joseph Lagu, who had first introduced the Southern Sudanese to the effective political, economic, social, educational, and religious situations they would face after Sudan's independence. The movement published a manifesto setting out its positions and attracted a group of rebellious south Sudanese soldiers of the Sudanese Army based in Bor, Pochalla, and Ayod (first called the Bor Mutiny). These joined remnants of the Anyanya rebels of the First Sudanese Civil War based in Ethiopia. Founders of the SPLA (the military wing of the movement) included Captain Salva Kiir Mayardit, Samuel AbuJohn Khabas, Major William Nyuon Bany, Major Kerubino Kuanyin Bol and many other South Sudanese officers of the Sudan armed forces. Joseph Oduho was made chairman of the SPLM and Colonel John Garang, a Dinka army officer, was made commander of the SPLA. Later Oduho was deposed by Garang, who made himself overall leader of the combined movement (SPLA/M).  The government of Sudan has been associated with Islam and Arab descent and culture since then, in deep contrast with the SPLA, associated instead with Africanism, indigenous beliefs, African culture and, in a measure, Christianity.  It fought against the governments of Gaafar Nimeiry, Sadiq al-Mahdi and Omar Hasan Ahmad al-Bashir in what is now called the Second Sudanese Civil War. SPLA/M's declared aim was to establish a democratic Sudan with it as the leading party in control of the southern areas. The war has been largely described in religious and ethnic terms, and also as a struggle for control of the water and oil resources located in southern and western Sudan.  In early 1991, the SPLA-Nasir faction led by Dr Riek Machar and Dr Lam Akol attempted to overthrow chairman Garang. The attempt failed but led to widespread fighting in the south and the formation of other rebel groups, such as Kerubino Kwanyin Bol's SPLA Bahr-al-Ghazal faction. These internal divisions hampered negotiations with the government. SPLA-Nasir renamed itself SPLA-United and then transformed itself, with substantial personnel changes, into the South Sudan Independence Movement/Army. Several smaller factions signed the Khartoum Peace Agreement with the government in April 1997 and formed the United Democratic Salvation Front (UDSF).  In July 1992, a government offensive seized southern Sudan, and captured the SPLA headquarters in Torit. The Sudanese government accused Uganda and Eritrea of supporting the SPLA/M, who were alleged to have operated on the Ugandan side of the Sudanese border with Uganda at the southern limit of Sudan.  In 2005, a treaty between the SPLA/M and the Sudanese government led to the formal recognition of Southern Sudanese autonomy. SPLM joined the government as part of the 2005 peace agreement, gaining about one-third of government positions. On 11 October 2007, the SPLM withdrew from the government, alleging violations of the peace agreement; this raised concerns about the future of the agreement.  In 2012, as a consequence of South Sudanese independence, SPLM became the new country's governing political party and the SPLA the country's army. The Sudan branch separated from the movement and formed SPLM-N to carry out anti-government activities in Sudan.  In 2020, the SPLM was awarded the award Top Overall Spoiler of the Peace in a Supporting Role as part of the Spoilers of Peace Awards for aiding and abetting efforts to derail, stall, and frustrate the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Factionalism.

As a result of the South Sudanese Civil War in 2013-2014, the SPLM factionalised into the SPLM-Juba, led by President Salva Kiir, and SPLM-IO (in opposition), led by former Vice President Riek Machar.

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) (, "Al-Ḥarakat ash-Shaʿbiyyat liTaḥrīr as-Sūdān") is a political party in South Sudan. It was initially founded as the political wing of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA; a key belligerent of the Second Sudanese Civil War) in 1983. On January 9, 2005 the SPLA, SPLM and Government of Sudan signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, ending the civil war. SPLM then obtained representation in the Government of Sudan, and was the main constituent of the Government of the then semi-autonomous Southern Sudan. When South Sudan became a sovereign state on 9 July 2011, SPLM became the ruling party of the new republic. SPLM branches in Sudan separated themselves from SPLM, forming the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North. Further factionalism appeared as a result of the 2013-2014 South Sudanese Civil War, with President Salva Kiir leading the SPLM-Juba and former Vice President Riek Machar leading the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition.

苏丹人民解放运动(英语:Sudan People's Liberation Movement),简称苏人解(SPLM),是南苏丹的执政党。


Premise.

After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy's top aviators, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. When he finds himself training a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen, Maverick encounters Bradley Bradshaw (Miles Teller), call sign: "Rooster," the son of Maverick's late best friend and radar intercept officer Nick Bradshaw, known as "Goose." Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Maverick is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it.

Production.

Development.

Development of the film began in 2010 when Paramount Pictures made offers to Jerry Bruckheimer and Tony Scott to make a sequel to "Top Gun". Christopher McQuarrie had also received an offer to write the sequel's screenplay, which was rumored to have Cruise's character Maverick in a smaller role. Peter Craig, Justin Marks, who described the film as a dream project, Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz would be credited as screenwriters on the project.  When asked about his idea for a new "Top Gun" film, Scott replied, "This world fascinated me, because it's so different from what it was originally. But I don't want to do a remake. I don't want to do a reinvention. I want to do a new movie." The film will reportedly focus on the end of the dog fighting era and the role of drones in modern aerial warfare and that Cruise's character, Maverick, will fly an F/A-18 Super Hornet. After Scott's suicide, the sequel's future remained in question, but producer Jerry Bruckheimer remained committed to the project, especially given Cruise's and Kilmer's interest.  In June 2017, Cruise revealed that the title would be "Top Gun: Maverick", with Harold Faltermeyer returning as composer for the sequel. Cruise further stated that, "Aviators are back, the need for speed. We're going to have big, fast machines. It's going to be a competition film, like the first one... but a progression for Maverick." Later the same month, it was confirmed that the film would be directed by Joseph Kosinski, while no title was officially confirmed.  Musician Kenny Loggins has confirmed that his iconic song "Danger Zone" will be featured in the film. In October 2018, it was reported that Hans Zimmer would also compose for the film alongside Harold Faltermeyer.  On June 19, 2019, at CineEurope in Barcelona, attendees were able to watch for the first time some early footage of the film from a special Paramount presentation. During the presentation the President of International Theatrical Distribution Mark Viane and Co-President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution Mary Daily appeared in flight clothes.

Casting.

Val Kilmer had campaigned on his social media page that he would like to reprise his role in the film, and by June 2018, "The Wrap" reported that he will appear in the film. In July 2018, Miles Teller was cast in the role of Goose's son, against Nicholas Hoult and Glen Powell. All three were flown to the home of Tom Cruise, the star of the film, for chemistry tests. Later that month, Jennifer Connelly joined the film's cast to play a single mother running a bar near the Naval base.  In August 2018, Powell joined the cast of the film in a pilot trainee role that was enlarged for him, having impressed star Tom Cruise, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, as well as executives at Paramount Pictures and Skydance, with his auditions. That same month, Monica Barbaro, Thomasin McKenzie, Charles Parnell, Jay Ellis, Bashir Salahuddin, Danny Ramirez, Ed Harris, Jon Hamm and Lewis Pullman joined the cast of the film with Barbaro, Ellis, and Ramirez portraying pilot trainees and McKenzie portraying Connelly's daughter. In September 2018, Manny Jacinto joined the cast of the film. In October 2018, Kara Wang, Jack Schumacher, Greg Tarzan Davis, Jake Picking, Raymond Lee, Jean Louisa Kelly and Lyliana Wray joined the cast of the film. Additionally, McKenzie was forced to drop out of the film after signing onto "Lost Girls". In November 2018, Chelsea Harris joined the cast of the film in an undisclosed role.

Filming.

Preliminary production on the film officially started on May 30, 2018, in San Diego, California. During late August a 15-person film crew from Paramount and Bruckheimer Films were aboard the Norfolk-based aircraft carrier to shoot flight deck operations. In mid-February 2019, Cruise and the production crew were sighted on board at NAS North Island. In March, filming was completed at NAS Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Washington.  On June 19, 2019, Miles Teller revealed in an interview that he had finished filming two days earlier. Principal photography was scheduled until April 15, 2019, in San Diego, California; Lemoore, California; China Lake, California; Lake Tahoe, California; Seattle, Washington; and Patuxent River, Maryland.  The movie was filmed in IMAX using IMAX-Certified Sony Venice 6K Full Frame cameras.

Marketing.

The film's first trailer premiered during a surprise appearance by Tom Cruise at the 2019 San Diego Comic Con on July 18, 2019. The first trailer received high praise from fans, with many lauding the return of the series and some comparing it to "". The second trailer was released on December 16, 2019. It was also well received, with many fans praising the aerial cinematography in particular. It was followed immediately by a behind the scenes video briefly exploring the film's stunts and use of IMAX cameras.  In February 2020, toy manufacturer Matchbox company (owned by Mattel) announced that they have been named global toy partner for the Paramount Pictures franchise, with a series of die-cast models and products featured in "Top Gun" and the sequel (including a F-14 Tomcat, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, North American P-51 Mustang and role play items) set to be released in stores on June 1, 2020.

Release.

"Top Gun: Maverick" is scheduled to be released on December 23, 2020, by Paramount Pictures. It was originally scheduled to be released on July 12, 2019. In August 2018, it was delayed to June 26, 2020. It was then moved up two days to June 24, but on April 2, 2020, it was delayed to December 23 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Top Gun: Maverick is an upcoming American action drama film directed by Joseph Kosinski from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer, and Christopher McQuarrie and a story by Peter Craig and Justin Marks. It is the sequel to 1986's "Top Gun". The film stars Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, Lewis Pullman, Ed Harris, and Val Kilmer. Cruise and Kilmer reprise their roles from the first film.

《捍卫战士:独行侠》(英语:"Top Gun: Maverick"),是一部2020年美国军事动作剧情片,由约瑟夫·柯金斯基执导,彼得·克雷格、贾斯汀·马克斯、艾许利·米勒 (编剧)和扎克·施坦茨编剧,电影为1986年电影《捍卫战士》的续集,主演包括汤姆·克鲁斯、麦尔斯·泰勒、方·基墨、珍妮佛·康纳莉、乔·汉姆、格伦·鲍威尔、路易斯·普曼和艾德·哈里斯。


History.

The name is derived from French "bel assis" meaning 'well situated'. The area has many thoroughfares bearing its name: Belsize Avenue, Belsize Court, Belsize Crescent, Belsize Gardens, Belsize Grove, Belsize Lane, Belsize Mews, Belsize Park (the road), Belsize Park Gardens, Belsize Place, Belsize Square, and Belsize Terrace.  The Manor of Belsize dates back to 1317, when as a subdivision to the Manor of Hampstead it was left to the Roman Catholic monks of Westminster Abbey. The original manor consisted of a number of subdivided farms, which were rented out for income. Hence after the reformation, King Henry VIII returned the estate to the newly constituted Anglican Dean of Westminster Abbey. By 1600, including the manor house there were at least three other properties on the estate, with diplomat and courtier Sir Isaac Wake (1581 – 1632) having a substantial property built on the west side of the main London to Hampstead road. Inherited by his daughter and her husband Charles West (1626–1687) the fifth Baron de la Warr, it passed through various hands into the ownership of William Paget the 6th Baron Paget by 1714, who had a substantial formal garden constructed.  The name Belsize Park comes from the 17th-century manor house and parkland (built by Daniel O'Neill for his wife, the Countess of Chesterfield) which once stood on the site. Rebuilt in 1663, it was sublet by 1721, when the parklands opened as pleasure gardens for those looking to escape the dirt and grim of the City of London, with concerts, singing dancing and country sports such as fishing and racing. In 1722 magistrates were instructed to act to stop riotous behaviour, although the parkland remained open until 1745. Belsize House was rebuilt in 1746, after which additional large country houses had been built on the surrounding farmlands for wealthy lawyers and merchants.  Between 1679 and 1714, the number of houses on the estate had increased from 8 to 14, and by 1808 there were still only 22 recorded. However, the formal division of the state in 1808 into eight separate lands - based on the structure of the underleases pertaining to the estates formal houses - allowed the church to maximise its income, and hence to allow additional substantial houses to be built on the lands. This income allowed the church to have Belsize House rebuilt in 1812 for additional letting income. The wealthy leaseholders soon enabled themselves to purchase the freehold from the church, allowing the accelerated development of Belsize as a Victorian country urban suburb of London. One of the new land owners George Todd redeveloped what was known as the White House in 1815 as a substantial Georgian stucco-villa with portico, and two lodges. Known as Belsize House, it was later sold to Matthew Forster (1786 – 1869) the Whig MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed as Belsize Lodge - it was demolished in 1937.  Victorian development started along the main London to Hampstead road from 1815 through the works of Edward Bliss, a self-made man who had leased and then bought the southeastern-located Newman's House lands, on the west side of Haverstock Hill north of England's Lane. Bliss not only built properties to lease out, but also allowed construction subleases. In 1829 Eton College advertised villa-sized plots on Haverstock Hill. The college then started developing an axis road to Finchley Road, naming it after Queen Adelaide. Development halted in the 1830s due to the proposal for the lines of the London and Birmingham Railway (L&BR) to be built through Belsize Park, but Eton College successfully argued via Parliamentary lobbying for the railway to be tunnelled underground via Primrose Hill, which was then designed and engineered by Eugenius Birch. All the 38 houses on the Newman's House lands had been built by 1830.  The passing of the Ecclesiastical Leases Act 1842 allowed all church lands to be let on long term construction leases, which unlocked the accelerated urban development of Belsize Park. The opening in 1851 of Hampstead Road railway station on the L&BR prompted William Lund in 1852 to agree a 99-year construction sublease on the former Forsyth estate. He proposed developments to the west of Haverstock Hill, although his plans were curtailed by construction issues associated with building over both the Pond Street sewer and the L&BR tunnel. In 1852 Charles James Palmer, a Bloomsbury-based solicitor bought the lease of Belsize House. In 1853 he proposed demolition of the main house, with Daniel Tiley taking the lead role in constructing Belsize Square and associated properties. Palmer commissioned architect James Piers St Aubyn to design St Peter's Church. In 1864 the church bought-back the lease on the undeveloped backlot of the Bliss lands. Tiley gained agreement from Palmer and Eton College to buy the construction lease from the church, and hence extend development south of Belsize Square to connect with the college's estate. Mimicking the then fashionable styles of Kensington and Bayswater, between 1851 and the late 1860s he built over 250 8-10 bedroom semi-detached stucco houses with large porticos, aimed at the middle classes. The church undertook a similar agreement in 1857, reacquiring full control over the portion of Todd's lease north of Belsize Lane in 1865, and again selling it to Tiley. With construction almost complete, fashion changed and Tiley went bankrupt in 1870.  Of the original eight lands defined by the church in 1808, the three leased to Thomas Roberts remained substantially undeveloped throughout much of the Victoria era. South End Farm continued as a farmhouse, whilst although Rosslyn House was sold in 1816 to the undertenant, it remained in place with its formal gardens until the house was demolished between 1896 and 1909. In 1855 Henry Davidson exchanged his lease for life of the Rosslyn House lands for a 99-year building lease. Due to issues associated with construction over the L&BR tunnels, in 1859 he sold Rosslyn House and it extended formal gardens to Charles Henry Lardner Woodd. Woodd decided to sublease the house out for income, with its occupiers until 1893 including Sir Francis Freeling (1764 – 1836) who was Secretary of HM General Post Office, and General Sir Moore Disney. Davidson developed his part of the Rosslyn lands, undertaking a mixed development of large semi-detached properties similar to Belsize Park, slowed by a lack of labour through both the substantial development of the neighbouring Maryon Wilson land and the 1860s housing rush. Developing housing resulted in the need for facilities, including the Metropolitan Railway from 1860 (Hampstead Heath and Finchley Road), and the L&BR form 1868 (Swiss Cottage and Finchley Road). From 1873 William Willett - the father of William Willett the tireless promoter of British Summer Time, who helped his father from 1881 onwards - took over the church's leases after the bankruptcy of Daniel Tiley. Willett redeveloped much of the former Eton College estate with newer, smaller but still substantial properties inspired by Queen Anne style architecture. By 1900, most of the residual country mansions and their gardens had been demolished, now to make way for smaller terraced houses. After World War I, the construction of blocks of flats began, and now a great many of the larger houses are also converted into flats. In World War II, a large underground air-raid shelter was built here and its entrance can still be seen near the tube station at Downside Crescent. The area on Haverstock Hill north of Belsize Park Underground station up to Hampstead Town Hall and including part of a primary school near the Royal Free Hospital was heavily bombed. When the area was rebuilt, the opportunity was taken to widen the pavement and build further back from the road.

Transport.

The nearest stations are:

Cultural references.

The lyrics of the international chart hit "Kayleigh" by rock band Marillion in 1985 include the line "loving on the floor in "Belsize Park"". It is also in the short film "Les Bicyclettes de Belsize" (although mainly filmed in Hampstead Village), of which the title song was covered by Mireille Mathieu, Engelbert Humperdinck, and others. Belsize Park is also referenced on Sleeper's 1995 debut album "Smart" in the song "Lady Love Your Countryside" with the lyrics "And we could spend our lives puking in Belsize Park". Cozy Powell's 1974 single "Na Na Na" suggests that "You're a wizard of Wembley Central, You're the J. S. Bach of Belsize park". The Camden Town Group artist Robert Polhill Bevan and his wife Stanislawa de Karlowska lived at 14 Adamson Road from 1900 to 1925. Kirsty MacColl's song "England 2 Columbia 0" features the line, "we went to a pub in Belsize Park and cheered on England as the skies grew dark..." It is also the place of residence for the Jewish community targeted by Hitler during the Second World War in the novel "The Morning Gift". Novelist Peter Straub entitled his 1983 poetry collection "Leeson Square and Belsize Park" in part after his time in residence in the Belsize Park region of London. Belsize Park and the surrounding quarters were the setting for a long-running radio drama, "Waggoner's Walk". This daily serial ran from April 1969 to May 1980 each weekday on Radio 2. Belsize Park is mentioned in the Hitchcock thriller, "Dial M for Murder" (1954) by the lead character Tony Wallace played by Ray Milland when coercing his accomplice, C.A. Swann into murdering his wife. Belsize Village was recently (2014) the setting for a Direct Line Insurance advert featuring Harvey Keitel.

Sport.

There are records of a Belsize Park Rugby Club in North-West London since the 1860s. In 1871, Belsize was one of the clubs at the inaugural meeting of the Rugby Football Union, and therefore pioneers of the game of Rugby Union. In 1878, Belsize moved to form Rosslyn Park RFC, becoming one of England's leading clubs. In 1971, Belsize Park RFC was re-established by a group of local players. The club is now one of the most central of all London Rugby Clubs, playing and training in Regent's Park. There are five regular teams playing every Saturday during the season as well as a touch rugby squad in the summer time.

Belsize Park is an area of the London Borough of Camden (the inner north-west of London), England. Electorally it gives its name to a ward of the borough, Belsize mainly overlapping; however some is part of Hampstead Town and Haverstock when that ward name is used.

贝尔塞斯公园(Belsize Park)是英格兰伦敦西北部的一个地区,属于康登伦敦自治市。贝尔塞斯公园位于查令十字西北,有一个北线车站。在国会选区上,贝尔塞斯公园属于汉普斯德和基尔伯恩。贝尔塞斯这个地名来自法语"bel assis",意为好地方。这里曾是一个庄园。


Premise.

The series follows Nate Parker, Jr. (Jason Jones), his wife Robin Randall (Natalie Zea), and their kids, preteen twins Delilah (Ashley Gerasimovich) and Jared (Liam Carroll), as they drive from their home in Syracuse, New York to Florida for a family vacation. The trip experiences several dramatic delays such as car trouble, run-ins with law enforcement, unforeseen medical mishaps, and intervening locals. Additionally, it is revealed that Nate caused some professional trouble before leaving Syracuse and has ulterior motives for the Florida trip, which fuels flashbacks and a framing device involving several law-enforcement agencies and an interrogation into his unspecified crimes.  In Season 2, the family settles in New York City as Nate finds a new career but more trouble as pieces of Robin's past resurface, including her relationship with her father, wanted felon J.R. Randall (James Cromwell). The framing device presents the couple being interrogated by the United States Postal Inspection Service as an attempt to get at J.R., led by the overzealous (and very pregnant) Agent Edie (Laura Benanti).  Season 3 sees the family flee to Alaska. This time the framing device involves Nate and Robin discussing their case with their lawyer, Joe Delicious (Max Casella), Over the course of their time there Jared becomes mayor of the town they settle in, Nate works on a fishing boat, and Robin becomes a stripper.  Season 4 sees Delilah on the run from the rest of the Parkers as they try to track her down. The journey to find her takes them to Tibet, Japan, New Zealand, and eventually back home to New York where she has apparently been the entire time.

Development.

TBS ordered the pilot, written by Jason Jones and Samantha Bee in October 2014. The show is based on the real life couple's own experience with family vacations.  It was picked up for ten episodes in February 2015. On April 6, 2016, the show was renewed for a second season before the premiere.

Broadcast.

In Canada, "The Detour" premiered on April 21, 2016 on The Comedy Network. In Latin America it premiered on June 9, 2016 on TBS Latin America. It premiered on Comedy Central India on October 5, 2016.  It is available in Australia on streaming service Stan as of January 2018.

Reception.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season has an approval rating of 78% based on 23 reviews, with an average rating of 6.9/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Sometimes raunchy, but often honest and endearing, "The Detour" brings the laughs as the story tries to find its way." On Metacritic, the first season holds a score of 69 out of 100, based on 19 critics.  On Rotten Tomatoes, season two has an approval rating of 100% based on 5 reviews, with an average rating of 6.9/10. On Metacritic, season two has a weighted average score 77 out of 100, based on 4 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

The Detour is an American comedy television series created by Jason Jones and Samantha Bee about a family vacation road trip that quickly devolves out of control. It stars Jones himself, Natalie Zea, Ashley Gerasimovich and Liam Carroll. The series aired on TBS from April 11, 2016 to August 20, 2019. The show was renewed for a second season on April 6, 2016, five days prior to the series premiere. The second season premiered on February 21, 2017. On April 25, 2017, TBS renewed the series for a third season.

《一路绕行》(英语:"The Detour")是一部由杰森·琼斯与萨曼莎·比开创,于2016年4月11日在TBS (电视频道)开播的家庭喜剧影集。2018年5月11日,本剧获TBS第4季续订。


Concept.

Aurecon, the engineering firm working on the project stated that Dubai's new tallest tower will emit a 'beacon of light' from its peak at night. At the top will be an oval-shaped bud, housing ten observation decks, including The Pinnacle Room, which will offer 360-degree views of the city, according to a statement from engineering firm Aurecon, which is working with Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava on the project. "The Tower will test the craftsmanship of Aurecon as we play our part in making a mark on the built fabric of mankind," said Adrian Jones, Aurecon's project director for The Tower. "It is an absolute privilege to be entrusted by Santiago Calatrava and Emaar Properties to work on this project, and we have assembled a stellar team to bring this idea to life." The design includes a distinctive net of steel cable stays that attach to a central reinforced concrete core that will reach into the skies.  Emaar Properties chairman Mohamed Alabbar described the new project as an "elegant monument" which is going to add value to property being developed by the company along the city's creek. "The tower will be slender, evoking the image of a minaret, and will be anchored to the ground with sturdy cables.  On 15 January 2017, a revised model of the original design was displayed at the Sales Center of the complex. The Observation deck height and the floor count was increased.  In February 2017, a rendering of the Tower appeared, which depicted it as a building supported by cables. Also, in one article, it was announced that the name of the tower will be Creek Tower.

Construction.

In October 2016, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the groundbreaking for the tower which began the tower's construction with the planned opening being in 2021.  In May 2017, the foundations for the Tower were completed. A video showing the construction so far was released in August 2017.

Dubai Creek Tower () is an observation tower under construction located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at a preliminary cost of AED 3.67 billion () and is expected to be completed in 2021 at the earliest. The tower was initially known as The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour.

迪拜河港塔(),是迪拜一座正在兴建的塔,造价约10亿美金,折合为36.7亿阿联酋迪拉姆,预计2020年迪拜世界博览会前完工。


Early life.

Gotti was born in the Queens borough of New York City on February 14, 1964, to Italian-American mobster, John J. Gotti and Victoria DiGiorgio Gotti, whose father was of Italian descent, and mother was of half-Italian half-Russian ancestry. Gotti was raised in a two-story house in Howard Beach, New York, with his four siblings, which include sisters Victoria Gotti, and Angel, and brothers Frank and Peter. Angelo Ruggiero was his godfather and middle namesake, whom he and his siblings considered an uncle. Gotti attended New York Military Academy in his youth.  After graduating school, Gotti's father helped him start a trucking business, Samson Trucking Company, and after the business failed, helped him get a position in the Carpenters Union.

Leadership of the Gambino crime family and imprisonment.

According to federal prosecutors, Gotti was inducted into the Gambino crime family on Christmas Eve 1988. According to fellow mobster Michael DiLeonardo, initiated in the same night, Gravano held the ceremony to keep Gotti from being accused of nepotism. He was named a "caporegime" (captain) in 1990, and is believed to be the youngest capo in the Gambino family's history.  In April 1992, his father, John J. Gotti, received a life sentence for racketeering and related offenses. His father asserted his prerogative to retain his title as boss until his death or retirement, with his brother Peter and his son Gotti Jr. relaying orders on his behalf.  Remembering how his father had been brought down by FBI bugs, Gotti adopted a more secretive way of doing business. He discussed mob business mainly through "walk-talks," or conversations held while walking alongside trusted capos. He also tried to pose as a legitimate businessman. However, several of his button men didn't think much of him, thinking he was incompetent. He was not nearly as good a negotiator as his father had been, and the Gambinos lost out on several disputes with the other families. The Genovese family was so unimpressed with Gotti that it refused to deal with him at all. In 1995, Charles Carneglia and John Alite were involved in a major conspiracy to murder Gotti.  In a 1997 search of the basement of a property owned by Gotti, the FBI found a typed list of the names of the "made" members of his organization, as well as $348,700 in cash, a list of the guests who attended his wedding, along with the dollar amount of their wedding gifts (totaling more than $350,000), and two handguns. Also found was a list of several men who were inducted into other families in 1991 and 1992; a longstanding rule in the New York Mafia calls for prospective wiseguys to be vetted by the other families before being inducted. However, normally these lists are destroyed almost as soon as the inductions take place. The discovery enraged Gotti's father as well as the other bosses, since it put dozens of other mafiosi at risk of government scrutiny. The episode earned him the nickname 'dumbfella' in the New York media.  By 1998, when he was indicted on racketeering charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Gotti Jr. was believed to be the acting boss of the family. Many of the charges related to attempts to extort money from the owners and employees of Scores, an upscale strip club in Manhattan. According to the indictment, the Gambinos had forced the owners of Scores to pay $1 million over a six-year period in order to stay in business, with Gotti's share of the money totaling $100,000. In addition to the lists seized in the 1997 raid, prosecutors obtained transcripts of prison conversations in which Gotti Jr. received advice from his father on how to run the family. Faced with overwhelming evidence, and against his father's wishes, Gotti Jr. pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years and five months' imprisonment in 1999. He had also given testimonial information against other mobsters, such as Alite. Federal prosecutors say his uncle, Peter Gotti, became head of the Gambino organization after Gotti Jr. was sent to prison, and is believed to have formally succeeded his brother shortly before Gotti Sr.'s death in June 2002. Gotti Jr.'s indictment had brought stress on his parents' marriage; his mother, up to that point, unaware of her son's involvement in the Mafia, blamed her husband for ruining her son's life and threatened to leave him unless he allowed Gotti Jr. to leave the mob.

2004 racketeering and kidnapping charges.

In 2004, months before he was released from prison, Gotti was charged in an 11-count racketeering indictment which included an alleged plot to kidnap Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, as well as securities fraud, extortion and loansharking. A radio talk show host for WABC, Sliwa had allegedly angered the family by denouncing the elder Gotti as "Public Enemy #1" on his show. During the trial, two former associates, Michael DiLeonardo and Joseph D'Angelo testified against Gotti. Through his attorney Jeffrey Lichtman, Gotti admitted that he had been involved in the Gambino crime family in the 1990s, and had even been slated to lead the organization after his father was sent to jail in 1992, but claimed he had left criminal life behind after his conviction in 1999. Three juries eventually deadlocked on the charges, the last in 2006, and federal prosecutors decided not to pursue a fourth trial.

2008 racketeering charges.

In August 2008, Gotti was arrested and indicted on racketeering and murder conspiracy charges brought in Florida. The charges stemmed from an alleged drug trafficking ring Gotti operated along with former associate-turned-informant John Alite, and with the murders of George Grosso in 1988, Louis DiBono in 1990 and Bruce John Gotterup in 1991. Prosecutors charge that the ring distributed at least five kilograms of cocaine in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Gotti's trial was later moved to New York, where he pleaded not guilty, and began in September 2009.  In January 2008, Alite pleaded guilty to two murders, four murder conspiracies, at least eight shootings, and two attempted shootings as well as armed home invasions and armed robberies in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida, stemming from his alleged involvement in a Gambino crew in Tampa, Florida. Alite agreed to testify in the trial of Gambino family enforcer Charles Carneglia, who was found guilty of four murders and is now serving a life sentence. He then served as a key prosecution witness against Gotti.  During the trial, Gotti allegedly threatened Alite by mouthing the words "I'll kill you", and engaged in a shouting match with his former associate. After the incident, Victoria Gotti told the "New York Daily News" that Alite was "a pathological liar—a rat caught in a proverbial trap, caught in his own lies..." Alite testified that Gotti was responsible for at least eight murders, among other crimes.  On December 1, 2009, the 12 jurors announced that they had failed to reach a unanimous verdict on all the charges and the judge declared a mistrial. After the trial, jurors said that they did not find witnesses, particularly Alite, to be credible. One of the jurors said, "they should stop this now—it's ridiculous," while another said, "It's abusive. It's almost become a mockery." Gotti, Federal Bureau of Prisons Register # 00632-748, was released on December 1, 2009. After Gotti's fourth mistrial, federal prosecutors had indicated that they would not seek another trial against Gotti. In January 2010, the government decided not to pursue further charges against Gotti.  Gotti Jr. maintains that he has since left the Gambino family, and in a 2015 interview with the "New York Daily News", Gotti denied claims that he was an informant, claiming that he did give the FBI information but that it was false information and that no indictments resulted from the information he gave agents.  In November 2013, Gotti was stabbed while breaking up a fight in Syosset, New York.

Personal life.

In 1990, Gotti married Kimberly Albanese, daughter of Joseph Albanese, a flooring/carpet installer. They have six children and live in Oyster Bay Cove on Long Island's North Shore. His son, John Gotti III, is a professional MMA fighter.  Gotti authored a 2015 book, "Shadow of My Father".

Biographical film.

In September 2010, Fiore Films announced that it had secured the rights from Gotti to produce a movie about his life, in particular his relationship with his father. According to "Variety", several producers had expressed interest, but Gotti chose Fiore, a small, newly created production company. The movie, tentatively titled "Gotti: in the Shadow of My Father," was to be directed by Barry Levinson. John Travolta was cast to star as Gotti's father, and Travolta's wife, Kelly Preston, played his on-screen wife, Victoria Gotti. Junior Gotti was played by Spencer Lofranco. The production of the film eventually lost Barry Levinson. On July 25, 2016 principal photography on the film renamed to "Gotti" had begun with Kevin Connolly as director. The film was released on June 15, 2018. On June 9, 2018 the documentary TV miniseries "Gotti: Godfather and Son" was released.

John Angelo "Junior" Gotti (born February 14, 1964) is an American former mobster who was acting boss of the Gambino crime family from 1992 to 1999 after his father, John J. Gotti, was sent to prison. Junior himself was imprisoned for racketeering in 1999. Between 2004 and 2009, Gotti was a defendant in four racketeering trials which all ended in mistrials. In January 2010, federal prosecutors announced that they would no longer seek to prosecute Gotti for those charges. He has been referred to as "Teflon Jr." for evading conviction like his father.

约翰·安杰洛·「小」高蒂(John Angelo "Junior" Gotti,1964年-2月14日)是一名美国前黑帮,他在他的父亲约翰·高蒂入狱后,从1992年至1999年担任甘比诺犯罪家族的代理老大。小高蒂本人于1999年因诈骗而被判入狱。2004年至2009年之间,高蒂在四次诈骗审判中都是被告人,所有审判都无效。2010年1月,联邦检察官宣布,他们将不再试图起诉高蒂。他因避过定罪而被称为「小铁氟龙」(Teflon Jr.),就像他父亲一样。


Plot.

John "Falcon" Chapman is a United States Marine Corps veteran who suffers from posttraumatic stress disorder. After playing Russian roulette, he enters a convenience store moments before it is robbed. He demands one of the robbers shoot him, and when the man hesitates, Chapman grows impatient, disarms the robbers, and foils the robbery. When he meets with his sister Cindy, who has briefly returned to New York for a wedding, she chastises him for not taking his medication and explains that she is returning to Brazil, where she has been doing charity work for a non-profit organization. Chapman receives word from Manny Ridley, a fellow veteran and diplomat, that his sister has been severely beaten. Chapman immediately leaves for Brazil.  Chapman meets Thiago Santo and his partner Carlo Bororo, who are investigating his sister's assault. Though no witnesses have come forward, Santo promises justice. Santo and Ridley warn Chapman to avoid the gangster-controlled favelas, but Chapman insists on performing his own investigation. Katarina Da Silva, a beat cop, shows Chapman where his sister was found. When Chapman visits his sister in the hospital, an Asian nurse administers medicine to Cindy's IV. Cindy goes into convulsions, and Chapman calls for help. The hospital says they have no Asian nurses, and Ridley suggests that the yakuza may be involved, as Brazil has a sizable Japanese immigrant population.  Chapman returns to the favela and beats up several people when he notices one is wearing Cindy's necklace. Da Silva arrives and stops him, explaining that the man is Cindy's friend. Da Silva translates for him, and Chapman learns that Cindy gave her necklace to him after his sister disappeared. The man gives Chapman Cindy's torn journal, which he recovered, and Chapman apologizes. Using carbon paper, Chapman recovers a phone number and contacts another of Cindy's friends, a photographer, who explains that she was investigating corruption and a possible conspiracy involving human trafficking. When the photographer is unwilling to part with proof, Chapman pickpockets it. The photographer dies in a car bomb seconds later.  After engaging in a gun fight with yakuza gangsters, Chapman investigates a nightclub with yakuza ties. There, he beats up a Brazilian smuggler who works for Hirimoto, the yakuza boss. Ridley identifies official documents as fakes and the two realize the yakuza are kidnapping young girls from the favela and forcing them into prostitution. At the same time, Santo organizes a violent raid of the favela, killing many Brazilian drug dealers. When one of his officers stumbles onto a yakuza kidnapping, Santo kills the officer and demands double his pay from the yakuza. Chapman investigates a yakuza brothel, where he is recognized and beats up several gangsters. Santo is called to kill him, but when Da Silva also arrives, Santo is unable to do anything.  Chapman hands over the evidence of smuggling and human trafficking to Santo but becomes suspicious when Santo accidentally reveals knowledge of the operation. On a hunch, Chapman sends Da Silva to protect his sister, and Da Silva kills the same yakuza assassin who previously pretended to be a nurse. Chapman tracks down a meeting between Santo, Bororo, and Hirimoto. After alerting Ridley, Chapman kills several yakuza and confronts the three men at once. Santo goes down first, then Bororo, and finally Hirimoto. As he lies dying, Santo denies involvement with Cindy's near-fatal attack, gives Chapman a key to a locker full of incriminating evidence, and requests a gun to commit suicide; Chapman obliges. Later, at a cafe, Ridley offers Chapman a job with the state department as an agent, which he accepts.

Release.

"Falcon Rising" was released on Video on Demand (VOD) platforms on September 4, 2014 and had a limited release in ten North American theaters on September 5, 2014. The film grossed $8,691 in its opening weekend and grossed $11,774 by the end of its theatrical run. "Falcon Rising" was released on DVD on October 27, 2014.

Reception.

Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregator, reports that 43% of seven surveyed critics gave the film a positive review; the average rating is 5.5/10. Metacritic rated it 49/100 based on four reviews. Frank Scheck of "The Hollywood Reporter" called it "a by-the-numbers thriller that mainly serves as a showcase for its star’s considerable fighting abilities". Nicolas Rapold of "The New York Times" likened the film to a 1980s TV cop show and wrote that although White's character is likeable, he is not menacing. Tom Long of "The Detroit News" wrote, ""Falcon Rising" is filled with so many action-flick cliches it could serve as a text on how not to do things." Simon Abrams of "The Village Voice" compared it to "Commando". Abrams wrote that White's character, despite his charisma, "comes across like another pseudo-heroic American behaving badly abroad". Soren Andersen of "The Seattle Times" wrote, "Nothing new here, in other words, but White’s electrifying performance makes it all seem somehow fresh." Charles Bramesco of The Dissolve rated it 3/5 stars and wrote, "Though Falcon Rising occasionally fails to distinguish itself from the glut of similar globe-trotting action potboilers, it succeeds on the merits of White's winning performance."

Falcon Rising is a 2014 American action adventure film directed by Ernie Barbarash and starring Michael Jai White, Neal McDonough, Laila Ali and Masashi Odate. Formerly titled "Favela", "Falcon Rising" was intended to be the first installment of Moonstone Entertainment's "CODENAME: FALCON" action franchise which was to revolve around former Marine character John "Falcon" Chapman, "a dark anti-hero driven by guilt, who will destroy himself unless given something else to destroy - a useful weapon-of-last-resort for the foreign ministry." "Falcon Rising" had a limited theatrical release on September 5, 2014.

《猎鹰上升》(英语:Falcon Rising,前称英语:Favela, Falcon Rising)是一部于2014年上映的美国动作冒险片,为厄尼·巴布拉许执导。由迈克·贾·怀特、尼尔·麦当诺和艾莉·拉特主演。《猎鹰上升》于2014年9月5日在美国限定戏院上映。


Plot.

In the mid-19th century, P. T. Barnum and his troupe perform a show at the circus ("The Greatest Show (Part 1)").  As a child, Barnum and his tailor father Philo work for the Hallett family. He loves their daughter Charity who is being sent to finishing school. The two keep in touch through letters ("A Million Dreams"), eventually marrying and raising two daughters, Caroline and Helen, in New York City. They live a humble life; though Charity is happy, Barnum craves more.  Barnum loses his job as a clerk at a shipping company after the company goes bankrupt, and returns home for Caroline's birthday ("A Million Dreams (Reprise)"). He takes out a loan from a bank, deceiving them into accepting his former employer's lost ships as collateral. He uses this loan to set up Barnum's American Museum in downtown Manhattan, an attraction showcasing various wax models. Initially, sales are slow. On the suggestion of his children to showcase something "alive", Barnum searches for "freaks" to serve as performers for his museum ("Come Alive"). He gathers a large group of them, including bearded lady Lettie Lutz. This attracts a large audience despite protests and poor reviews from well-known critic James Gordon Bennett, prompting Barnum to rename his venture "Barnum's Circus".  Searching for ways to further his reputation, Barnum meets playwright Phillip Carlyle and convinces him to join his venture ("The Other Side"). Phillip is mesmerized by the African American trapeze artist Anne Wheeler, but he hides his feelings. During a trip, Phillip arranges for Barnum and his troupe to meet Queen Victoria. Afterwards, Barnum convinces famed Swedish singer Jenny Lind to perform in America with him as her manager. Lind's first American performance is a rousing success ("Never Enough"); during the song, Phillip and Anne are spotted by Phillip's parents as they are holding hands. As Barnum gains favor with the aristocratic patrons, he begins to distance himself from his troupe as he advises them to work on their performances without him. Dejected, they decide to stand against their local harassers ("This Is Me").  Phillip and Anne attend the theatre but they run into Phillip's parents, who chastise Phillip for "parading around with the help". Anne runs off, and Phillip angrily berates them, then chases Anne and tries to convince her that they can be together, but she rejects him ("Rewrite the Stars"). As Barnum takes Lind on a US tour, Charity feels isolated from her husband as she stays home with their daughters ("Tightrope"). While on tour, Lind begins falling in love with Barnum. When he refuses her advances, she threatens to quit and orchestrates a kiss with him at the end of her last show, which is photographed by the press ("Never Enough (Reprise)").  Barnum returns home to find his circus on fire, caused by a fight between the protesters and the troupe. Phillip runs into the burning building, believing that Anne is still inside, and suffers serious injuries before being rescued by Barnum. Barnum gets word from a sympathetic Bennett that the culprits have been caught and that Lind has canceled her tour after her and Barnum's "scandal". Barnum's mansion is foreclosed upon and Charity takes their daughters to her parents' home.  Devastated by his selfishness, Barnum retreats to a local bar where his troupe find him and explain that despite their disappointments, they still consider themselves a family that needs him. Inspired, he resolves to start a new show and not let ambition overtake his love ("From Now On"). Phillip wakes in a hospital with Anne by his side. Barnum finds Charity and they mend their relationship.  Barnum is faced with the financial difficulty of rebuilding the circus, but the recovering Phillip steps in, offering to use his share of the circus's profits to rebuild it under condition of becoming a full partner, which Barnum happily accepts. To save money, Barnum transforms the enterprise into an open-air tent circus by the docks.  The revamped circus is a huge success ("The Greatest Show (Part 2)"). Barnum gives full control of the show to Phillip to spend more time with his family.

Cast.

Sandou Trio Russian Bar makes an uncredited background cameo during the revamped circus scene.  Pointe Ballerinas portrayed by Emerson Tate Alexander, Victoria Llodra, Louise Hindsbo, Laci Justice, GiaNina Paolantonio, Rachel Quiner, Madison Smith, and Brando Speach

Production.

During rehearsals for the 81st Academy Awards in 2009, producers Laurence Mark and Bill Condon compared host Jackman to Barnum. After Jackman expressed interest in a Barnum project, Mark and Condon approached Jenny Bicks, a writer for the ceremony. She and Condon wrote "The Greatest Showman". The project was first announced in 2009, with Jackman already set for the title role. In August 2011, Michael Gracey was chosen to direct. In 2013, Fox hired lyricists Pasek and Paul to write the songs.  On June 15, 2016, Zac Efron began negotiations to star in the film, and in July 2016, Michelle Williams was cast. The film was choreographed by Ashley Wallen.

Filming.

Rehearsals on the film began in October 2016 in New York City, and principal photography began on November 22, 2016.

Post-production.

In December 2017, it was reported that James Mangold, who had worked with Jackman on several projects (including 2017's "Logan"), had been brought in to serve as an executive producer during the film's post-production. In an interview, director Michael Gracey noted, "There were eight producers on this film, and it was amazing having one of them be a filmmaker."

Music.

Musical numbers.

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul wrote all the songs appearing in the film.

Soundtrack.

The soundtrack album is produced by Justin Paul, Benj Pasek, Greg Wells, Kevin Weaver and Pete Ganbarg, featuring the eleven tracks performed by the cast. In the United Kingdom, on March 23, 2018, it became only the second album in 30 years to achieve 11 consecutive weeks at number 1, equalling the record set by Adele's "21"., the album has spent the sixth most time at number one at 28 non-consecutive weeks, matching the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band".

"The Greatest Showman: Reimagined".

On November 16, 2018, a remix album was also released, "The Greatest Showman: Reimagined", which features covers of songs from the soundtrack by musicians including James Arthur and Anne-Marie, Sara Bareilles, Kelly Clarkson, Kesha, Pink, Panic! At the Disco, Years & Years and Jess Glynne, and Zac Brown Band among others.

Release.

"The Greatest Showman" held its premiere on December 8, 2017, aboard RMS "Queen Mary 2", while it was docked in New York City. The film was then released in the United States on December 20, 2017.  As with Disney's live-action "Beauty and the Beast", a sing-along version of the film was released in the United Kingdom on 23 February 2018. The film had a limited IMAX release on 2 February 2018.

Marketing.

On June 28, 2017, 20th Century Fox released the first international trailer to promote the film. On November 13, 2017, the second trailer was released.  On December 17, 2017, Fox televised a live performance of "Come Alive" from Warner Bros. Studios during its live musical special "A Christmas Story Live!" (which was based on fellow Pasek and Paul work ""). The number featured the film's stars and a cast of 150 dancers.

Home media.

In the United States, the film was released via digital download on March 20, 2018, and was released on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD on April 10, 2018.  In the United Kingdom, the film was released first on digital download on April 27, 2018, while DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD copies went on sale on May 14, 2018. These versions included the sing-along version, two hours of behind-the-scenes footage, and music machine jukebox features.

Reception.

Box office.

"The Greatest Showman" spent 219 days in release, closing on July 26, 2018, having grossed $174.3million in the United States and Canada, and $260.7million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $435million, against a production budget of $84million. It is the third-highest-grossing musical ever in North America and also the third-highest globally, and "Deadline Hollywood" estimated the film would turn a profit of $50–100 million.  In the United States and Canada, "The Greatest Showman" was released alongside "", and was projected to gross around $21million from 3,006 theaters over its first six days. It took in $2.5million on its first day and $2.1million on its second. Over the three-day weekend, it grossed $9million (for a six-day total of $19million), finishing fourth at the box office, behind "", "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" and "Pitch Perfect 3". In its second weekend, the film grossed $15.5million, again finishing 4th at the box office. The weekend-to-weekend increase of 76.3% marked the largest ever for a film playing in over 3,000 theaters, and the fourth biggest ever. In its third week, the film dropped 11% to $14million. The film made $13million in its fourth weekend and $11million in its fifth, finishing 4th and 5th at the box office, respectively. The film continued to hold well in its sixth week of release, grossing $9.5million and returning to 4th place, and again finished fourth in its seventh week, this time grossing $7.8million (a drop of just 18%). It is the 14th-highest-grossing film that never reached first place at the American box office.

Critical response.

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 56% based on 243 reviews, and an average rating of 5.93/10. The website's critical consensus reads, ""The Greatest Showman" tries hard to dazzle the audience with a Barnum-style sense of wonder—but at the expense of its complex subject's far more intriguing real-life story." On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 48 out of 100, based on 43 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale, while those at PostTrak gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars and a 70% "definite recommend".  Owen Gleiberman of "Variety" gave the film a positive review, writing, ""The Greatest Showman" is a concoction, the kind of film where all the pieces click into place, yet at an hour and 45 minutes it flies by, and the link it draws between P.T. Barnum and the spirit of today is more than hype." Richard Roeper of the "Chicago Sun-Times" gave the film 3/4 stars, saying, "With all that corn and cheese and old-timey sentiment, "The Greatest Showman" ends up scoring some very timely social arguments. P.T. Barnum himself would have approved the dramatic sleight of hand." Steve Persall of "Tampa Bay Times" gave the film an 'A', and said, ""The Greatest Showman" is the feel-good movie the holiday season needs," while William Bibbiani of IGN gave "The Greatest Showman" a score of 7.9/10, and called the film, "wildly entertaining".  Britton Peele of "The Dallas Morning News" said, "The story is interesting and the beats are well acted, but it's the musical numbers that make "The Greatest Showman"." Jackie K Cooper of "HuffPost" gave the film a score of 10/10 and wrote, "You will be overwhelmed by the music and magic that explode on the screen. The film has a message that should resonate with today's world concerning acceptance and courage." Hugh Armitage of "Digital Spy" said, ""The Greatest Showman" is a broad and solid crowd-pleaser. An undemanding spectacle for all the family." Alan Jones of the "Radio Times" called it "A joyously uplifting potpourri of visual resplendence, stylish choreography and solid gold magic, one engineered to approximate the lavish spectacle the movie musical once offered."  Sheila O'Malley of RogerEbert.com gave it 3.5/4, stating ""The Greatest Showman" is an unabashed piece of pure entertainment punctuated by memorable songs." Douglas Davidson of CLTure called the film, "An undeniable spectacle with a infectious soundtrack, a movie that dazzles and delights." James Berardinelli of ReelViews gave the film a 3/4 score, and said, "The film has show-stopping well-choreographed numbers with catchy tunes," and Calvin Wilson of the "St. Louis Post-Dispatch" called the film "highly enjoyable."  Carl Kozlowski of "Pasadena Weekly" gave the film an 'A', calling it "Groundbreaking & grandly innovative." Sean P. Means of "The Salt Lake Tribune" gave "The Greatest Showman" 3.5/4 stars, stating, "A strong cast give emotional power to this romanticized, tune-filled biography." Manuela Lazic of "Little White Lies" gave it 4/5, saying, ""The Greatest Showman" deserves to become a Christmas classic. The film's severe romanticism and ridiculous but affecting enthusiasm make it irresistibly life-affirming." Pete Hammond of "Deadline Hollywood" gave the film 4 out of 5 stars and called it, "A fantasia of song and dance, a joyous exercise in pure entertainment that is made for the holiday crowd."  Conversely, Mick LaSalle of the "San Francisco Chronicle" gave the film a negative review, criticizing the songs and characters and saying "There's idiotic, and there's magnificent, but "The Greatest Showman" is that special thing that happens sometimes. It's magnificently idiotic. It's an awful mess, but it's flashy. The temptation is to cover your face and watch it through your fingers, because it's so earnest and embarrassing and misguided—and yet it's well made." In a negative review for "The Hollywood Reporter", David Rooney wrote "This ersatz portrait of American big-top tent impresario P.T. Barnum is all smoke and mirrors, no substance. It hammers pedestrian themes of family, friendship and inclusivity while neglecting the fundaments of character and story."  Writing for "Rolling Stone", Peter Travers gave the film 1.5 out of 4 stars, saying, "How do you cast a virtuoso Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum, spare no expense in production values, add a score by Oscar and Tony winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and still end up with the shrill blast of nothing that is "The Greatest Showman"? Ask first-time director Michael Gracey, who cut his teeth on commercials and music videos without ever mastering the crucial knack of building snippets of musical comedy and drama into a satisfying whole." Justin Chang of the "Los Angeles Times" wrote that the film's failures "are rooted in something deeper: a dispiriting lack of faith in the audience's intelligence, and a dawning awareness of its own aesthetic hypocrisy. You've rarely seen a more straight-laced musical about the joys of letting your freak flag fly."  The film has been criticized for whitewashing Barnum's life and his perpetuation of human zoos as a form of entertainment.

Sequel.

On September 2019, it was reported that a sequel for the film was already in development, with Jackman confirmed to reprise his role.

The Greatest Showman is a 2017 American musical biographical drama film directed by Michael Gracey in his directorial debut, written by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon and starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zendaya. Featuring nine original songs from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the film is inspired by the story of P. T. Barnum's creation of Barnum's American Museum and the lives of its star attractions.

《大娱乐家》(英语:"The Greatest Showman")是一部于2017年上映的美国传记歌舞戏剧电影,是麦可·格雷希执导处女作,并由珍妮·比克斯与比尔·坎登共同编剧。演员阵容包括休·杰克曼、柴克·艾弗隆、蜜雪儿·威廉丝、蕾贝卡·弗格森与千黛亚等人主演。本片的灵感源由美国传奇马戏团大亨费尼尔司·泰勒·巴纳姆创办玲玲马戏团的意念,以及其银色星光的生活。


History.

Stadium Merdeka was constructed from 25 September 1956 to 21 August 1957, and was designed by architect Stanley Edward Jewkes. It is the site of one of Malaysia's most historically significant events. On 31 August 1957, power was transferred from the British Empire to the newly independent Malayan government. Tens of thousands of people crowded into the stadium, which was built specifically for this occasion.  The stadium served as the principal venue in Kuala Lumpur for celebrations and sporting events until the mid-1990s, when the Bukit Jalil National Stadium was built.  The stadium and its land were given to a private company which had intended to redevelop the land into a RM1 billion entertainment and office complex. In exchange, the company was required to build seven other stadiums in other locations. However, the company did not proceed with the redevelopment due to public outcry and the company's financial difficulties due to the late 1990s Asian economic crisis.

Sporting events and concerts.

The Stadium Merdeka, operated by Perbadanan Stadium Merdeka, was a venue for many major sporting events. These included the football matches for Selangor FA from 1957 until 1994, the fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Bugner on 1 July 1975, and the 1977 Southeast Asian Games and the annual Merdeka Football Tournament (Pesta Bola Merdeka). The Malaysia Cup final between Sarawak and Brunei was held there in 1999 which resulted in a Brunei win 2-1.  The Merdeka Stadium also hosted major concerts. Michael Jackson's HIStory World Tour filled the stadium to capacity (Jackson performed two sold out concerts on 27 and 29 October 1996, respectively, in front of 55,000 people each night.)

Heritage conservation.

In February 2003, Stadium Merdeka was named a national heritage building. In 2007, Merdeka Stadium underwent restoration to its original 1957 condition as part of Malaysia's 50th anniversary plans to relive the moment when Tunku Abdul Rahman proclaimed independence there. The restoration was completed by December 2009. The restoration received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific 2008 Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Events since 2009.

With the restoration of the Stadium Merdeka, the 45,000-capacity stadium was reduced to 20,000, which meant that several of the upper terrace blocks built over the years were demolished. The decision to reduced the capacity of the historic stadium was justified to ensure the integrity of the stadium as it was in 1957, with the Stadium Negara and the Chin Woo Stadium having the capacity to hold larger events. In February 2015, Kuala Lumpur FA returned to Stadium Merdeka for the first time in 17 years for the team's opening Premier League match of the season against Sabah. The last international match played at the stadium saw the Malaysian team drawing 1-1 with Cambodia in October 2001.

Transportation.

Access to the stadium is easy since the operation of KL Monorail began. Passengers can stop at Maharajalela Monorail station, next to one of the stadium's west exits. Stadium Merdeka also lends its name, but is not directly served, by the Merdeka MRT station. The MRT station serves the adjacent Stadium Negara instead.

Notes and references.

At the time of its independence, Malaya excluded Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah.

Stadium Merdeka (English: Independence Stadium) is a stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It has significance as the site of the formal declaration of independence of the Federation of Malaya on 31 August 1957 and the first modern building of the new nation. The stadium was the principal venue in Kuala Lumpur for celebrations and sporting events until 1962 when the Stadium Negara was built. In 2008, the Stadium Merdeka received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Excellence for Heritage Conservation owing to its cultural significance and embodiment of a unique independence declaration event.

默迪卡体育场(独立体育场)是一个位于马来西亚吉隆坡的运动体育场,是为了在1957年8月31日宣布马来亚联合邦独立而建造。


娜杰日达·安德烈耶夫娜·奥布霍娃

Childhood.

Obukhova came from an artistic family. Two of her uncles were professional singers, one of whom was the opera director of the Bolshoi Theatre. Her grandfather was a noted pianist, and her great-grandfather Yevgeny Baratynsky was a poet of Pushkin circle.  Her family had some wealth, and would often spend summers in Nice, France, where Obukhova received her first singing lessons from Eleanora Lipman. In 1907, she was enrolled at the Moscow Conservatory, where she was instructed by Umberto Masetti.

Career.

After her graduation, she found work singing in various concerts around Russia, but she did not make her operatic debut until 1916. Her operatic debut was in the role of Pauline in Tchaikovsky's "The Queen of Spades" at the Bolshoi. She quickly became a popular singer, appearing in a number of other productions including "Carmen", "Dalila", "The Tsar's Bride" (as Marfa and as Lyubasha), "The Snow Maiden", "Der Ring des Nibelungen" (as Fricka), "Marina" (by Emilio Arrieta), "Love for Three Oranges" and "Sadko".  She was a performer in the first radio concert in the Soviet Union, which took place in 1922. She sang Pauline's aria from "The Queen of Spades". She gave other radio concerts, including the first broadcast from the Bolshoi Theatre, a production of "The Tsar's Bride" with Antonina Nezhdanova, Leonid Speransky and Vasily Petrov. Increasingly through the 1920s and 1930s, she began to incorporate popular songs into her concert repertoire. In 1937 she made her first studio recording, of pieces from "The Queen of Spades".  Obukhova retired in 1943. After her retirement, she continued to give occasional concerts and radio performances. She died in the Crimea in August 1961, two months after giving her last concert.

Nadezhda Andreyevna Obukhova (, 1886–1961) was a Russian mezzo-soprano. She was awarded the title People’s Artist of the USSR in 1937. Pianist Heinrich Neuhaus said that "he who even once hears her voice, will never forget it...". Asteroid 9914 Obukhova is named for her.

娜杰日达·安德烈耶夫娜·奥布霍娃是一名俄罗斯女中音。1937年被授予“苏联人民艺术家”称号,钢琴家海因里希·纽豪斯曾说过:“在他听过她的歌声后,就再也无法忘却...”。小行星9914就以奥布霍娃命名。


Plot.

In 660, a Chinese fleet is attacked by a mysterious sea monster in the East China Sea, destroying many ships and leaving the remainder severely damaged. Empress Wu Zetian (Carina Lau) charges Yuchi (Feng Shaofeng), a member of the Ministry of Justice, to investigate the sea monster attacks, threatening execution if he does not succeed in ten days. The young Dee Renjie (Mark Chao) arrives in the Imperial Capital Luoyang, after receiving a recommendation to join the Court of Judicature and Revision (Da Li Si). By accident, he overhears a plan to kidnapp the offering to appease the sea monster, the courtesan Yin Ruiji (Angelababy). While Dee fights the kidnappers, Ruiji is taken by a different, humanoid sea creature, but is rescued by Dee before the creature is able to escape. Upon arriving at the scene, Yuchi has Dee arrested and sends Ruiji into protective custody. In prison, Dee befriends medical assistant Shatuo (Lin Gengxin), who helps him escape.  Meanwhile, the creature visits the recovering Ruiji. Realizing the creature is her missing lover, tea manufacturer Yuan Zhen, she tries to communicate with him just as a group of masked thugs attack the house. Dee, Yuchi and Shatuo arrive to fight off the thugs. After rescuing Yuchi, Dee is suddenly attacked by Yuan, who was hiding on the wide eaves. As they fight, Ruiji suddenly stabs Dee and threatens to kill herself, causing Yuan to flee. Afterwards, Ruiji tells Dee the truth about Yuan. Deducing the clues, Dee comes to the realization that the attackers hail from the small, war-ridden nation of Dondo, and seek Yuan to poison the imperial tea and thus kill Emperor Gaozong (Chien Sheng) and his court. Dee, Shatuo and Ruiji find the hiding place of a feral Yuan and manage to subdue him. They take him to the imperial doctor Wang Pu, who administers a sedative. Doctor Wang Pu uncovers that Yuan's transformation has been caused by dung beetles and is able to cure him from the infestation. Once Yuan recovers himself, he recalls how he was poisoned by the Dondo leader for not taking part in his scheme. Wang Pu manages to produce an antidote, which can be distributed to the whole imperial court, thus averting the catastrophe.  Afterwards, they uncover the traitor within the Da Li Si and while chasing him, they encounter the sea monster, a gargantuan manta ray mutated by the Dondo by using parasites and poison. Meanwhile, Empress Wu imprisons Ruiji since she is from Fuyu Kingdom, but Dee makes a bet with the Empress that if he captures the rebel leader within a day she will release Ruiji. Based on clues provided by Yuan, Dee and Yuchi deduce the island that the rebels must be hiding on, they land on the island at night and confront the rebels; a fight ensues and Huo Yi (Dong Hu), the head of the Dondo rebels, is finally killed. While returning from the island, they encounter the sea monster, which attacks their fleet. Finally, they launch poisoned fish bait at the sea monster, who drags down the last ship but lets go as the poison takes effect, dying. The Da Li si return victorious and Dee is awarded the prestigious "Dragon Sword" by the Emperor, along with being named the new head of the Da Li Si. On the advice of Dee, the now-cured Yuan and Ruiji flee the city in order to avoid further conflict with the vengeful empress.

Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon () is a 2013 Chinese action-adventure fantasy mystery film directed, produced, and co-written by Tsui Hark, and a prequel to Tsui's 2010 film "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame". Taiwanese-Canadian actor Mark Chao takes over from Andy Lau as a young Dee Renjie, while Feng Shaofeng, Lin Gengxin, Kim Bum (in his Chinese debut), and Angelababy co-star alongside a returning Carina Lau from "Mystery of the Phantom Flame", rounding up the ensemble cast.

是一部2013年由华谊兄弟出品、徐克执导的IMAX3D悬疑动作片,为2010年《狄仁杰之通天帝国》的前传。陈国富继续担任总监制,张家鲁、陈国富和徐克联合编剧,动作导演为元彬。赵又廷饰演年轻时的狄仁杰,其他主演包括冯绍峰、林更新、金泛和Angelababy(杨颖),刘嘉玲以友情演出身份继续饰演武则天。2013年9月28日于中国大陆、10月2日于韩国、10月4日于台湾上映。


History.

1970s.

Originally a division of Memphis-based wholesale grocer Malone & Hyde, the company was known as Auto Shack. After the sale of the grocery operation to the Fleming Companies of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the name of the company was changed to AutoZone to reflect the new focus and to settle a lawsuit brought by Tandy Corporation for infringing on Tandy's "Radio Shack" trademark.  On July 4, 1979, the first store opened in Forrest City, Arkansas under the name of Auto Shack. Doc Crain was the store's first manager. Sales that first day totaled $300.00.

1980s.

In 1981, Express Parts or VDP is implemented to get the customers hard to find parts by special ordering them through wholesalers. Total stores was 73 in 7 states.  In 1984, the company became the first auto parts retailer to create a quality control program for its parts. Total stores was 194 in 13 states.  In 1985, Doc Crain coined the term WITTDTJR, which stands for "What it takes to do the job right." Total store count is 263 in 14 states. Peter Formanek stepped in as president. He oversaw the auto parts firm's daily operations and worked on growth strategy.  By 1986, expansion had made the company grow into a large store chain across the South and the Midwest. That year, Darren Reltherford, manager of Auto Shack's Memphis, Tennessee store, received the first "Extra Miler" award, which has since been given to AutoZoners who show their dedication to customer satisfaction by "going the extra mile" for customer service. The Duralast line of alternators and starters is released. The Loan-A-Tool program begins allowing customers the ability to borrow specific tools for jobs. The 4th Distribution Center in Greenville, South Carolina opens. Total of stores is 339 in 15 states. In 1987, Auto Shack officially changed its name to AutoZone. The first AutoZone store was in Enid, Oklahoma. That year also, the company introduced WITT-JR, an electronic catalog used to look up parts and keep warranty information. Total of stores is now 459 in 16 states.  In 1989, the company began using a computerized store management system (SMS). The Duralast battery line is released consisting of Sub-Zero, Desert and long life. Total of stores is 513 in 17 states.

1990s.

In 1991, its stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange using the ticker symbol "AZO." It opened up at $27.50 a share. The 5th DC opens in Lafayette, Louisiana. The company also became the first auto parts retailer to register customer warranties in a computer database.  In 1994, AutoZone began using satellites to facilitate communication between stores and the corporate office. Sales hit $1.5 billion.  In 1995, AutoZone opened its 1,000th store in Louisville, Kentucky. Also, the "Duralast" trademark made its debut with the "Duralast" and "Duralast Gold" batteries. Total of stores is now 1,143 in 26 states.  1996 was the year when the Internet era arrived at the company, when AutoZone opened its company Web site. The new commercial program debuted in Germantown, Tennessee. ALLDATA, a software company based in Elk Grove, California that provides automotive diagnostic and repair information, was acquired.  Company founder Pitt Hyde retired as chairman and CEO in 1997. John Adams became the new chairman and CEO.  In 1998, AutoZone acquired Auto Palace, an auto parts chain in the northeastern United States with 112 stores, TruckPro L.P., a chain with 43 stores in 14 states, and the 560-store Chief Auto Parts Inc., a chain with a presence in 5 states. At the commencement of fiscal 1999, AutoZone made another acquisition by purchasing 100 Express stores from The Pep Boys—Manny, Moe & Jack. The company began a process of internationalization with their first store abroad, which opened in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. AutoZone closed the 1990s by debuting at the Fortune 500 list in 1999.

2000s.

Steve Odland became AutoZone's third CEO in 2001. Also in 2001, AutoZone sold TruckPro to Paratus Capital Management. In 2002, AutoZone developed a network of "hub, feeder, and satellite" stores to have more product in the market area, while reducing inventory investment. Sales hit $5.33 billion.  In 2003, the "Duralast tool" line was introduced. This was a year of important negotiations for AutoZone, as the company partnered with other important auto parts industry companies, such as CarMax and Midas. AutoZone de Mexico opens the first DC in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Total stores number 3,219 in 48 states and 49 in Mexico. In 2004, founder J.R. "Pitt" Hyde III was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame.  In 2005, William C. Rhodes III was named president and CEO. Steve Odland left to become the chairman and CEO of Office Depot.  In 2007, Bill Rhodes, then 42, was named chairman, president and chief executive officer of AutoZone, Inc. on June 6.  In 2008, AutoZone opened their 4,000th store in Houston, Texas. Sales hit $6.2 billion.

2010s.

On December 15, 2011, ALLDATA LLC, an operating unit of AutoZone, expanded its direct presence in Canada to better serve its growing customer base.  On August 17, 2012, AutoZone expanded into their 49th state Alaska by opening their 5,000th store in Wasilla, Alaska  In 2012 AutoZone opened their first store in Brazil.  In December 2012, AutoZone purchased AutoAnything.com, an ecommerce leader in aftermarket automotive parts based in San Diego, California.  By April 2017, AutoZone had been the largest retailer of automotive parts in North America for three consecutive years. As of August 2017, AutoZone had 5,465 locations in the United States, 524 locations in Mexico, and 14 locations in Brazil, for a total of 6,003.  On October 22, 2018, Pitt Hyde announced that he would be stepping down from AutoZone's board of directors.

Corporate affairs.

AutoZone is incorporated in the state of Nevada.

Headquarters.

Since October 1995, AutoZone has been headquartered in its J.R. Hyde, III Store Support Center (SSC), a, eight-story building in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee. As of 2013 there were over 1,200 employees there.  The project manager of the building's construction was Rob Norcross, a principal at LRK Inc. The building has the capability to withstand a 9.0 magnitude earthquake because it has a special base isolation system that had a price tag of $950,000.

Private labels.

Valucraft, Duralast, and Duralast Gold are AutoZone's private label brands for lead-acid automotive batteries (manufactured primarily by Johnson Controls, but also East Penn, Exide, and other manufacturers). Duralast Platinum is an AGM line of batteries. AutoZone also sells tools under the Duralast brand which carry a lifetime warranty. Brake pad labels include (ranging from least to most expensive):  Valucraft pads are being phased out, as of early 2015. Duralast GT Street pads introduced early 2018.  The Valucraft, Duralast, and Duralast Gold names are used on various other parts and accessories as well.

Retail stores.

Not franchises, AutoZone's 6,000+ retail outlets throughout the United States, Mexico and Brazil stock a variety of aftermarket parts.

Sponsorships.

In 2004, AutoZone celebrated its 25th anniversary and announced a corporate sponsorship agreement with auto racing association NASCAR.  In 2007, AutoZone sponsored Kevin Harvick and Timothy Peters in the NASCAR Busch Series.  AutoZone holds the naming rights to the downtown Memphis baseball stadium that is the home of the Memphis Redbirds of the Pacific Coast League. The company also sponsors the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The AutoZone Liberty Bowl, alongside the College Football Playoff Foundation donated $250,136.03 to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The AutoZone Liberty Bowl awarded 2018's Distinguished Citizen Award to Priscilla Presley.  They are an official sponsor of Bellator MMA, the world's second largest Mixed Martial Arts promotion.

Controversies.

AutoZone paid $3.3 million to settle a lawsuit to the families of a family who was killed due to being rear-ended by an AutoZone-owned truck. The suit alleges that AutoZone was negligent in training the driver of the truck.  AutoZone faced a lawsuit for gender discrimination, where the plaintiff alleges that men treated her differently when she was promoted and that she feared revealing a pregnancy to her superior. When the pregnancy was discovered, she alleges that her district manager pressured her to step down from her position. She was demoted in February 2006 and fired in November 2011. The jury on the case ruled in 2014 in favor of the plaintiff, awarding her $185 million in punitive damages as well as approximately $873,000 in back wages. AutoZone has announced its intention to appeal the verdict. The Wall Street Journal's Jacob Gershman suggested that the verdict would be scaled back, noting that the jury verdict is not the end-all be-all.  A Georgia woman was fired after a customer insulted her and used multiple racial epithets against her. She alleges that the district manager told her to "suck it up," and is filing a lawsuit against AutoZone for violating her Civil Rights.  AutoZone came under fire due to allegations that a district manager had told an employee to remove a flag displayed on the company's premises for the sake of improved diversity. AutoZone denies this, claiming that it was due to the poor means by which the flag was put up, using duct tape and suction cups.  In June 2019 AutoZone entered into an $11 million settlement against with the State of California to resolve allegations that the company violated state laws governing hazardous waste, hazardous materials, and confidential consumer information. AutoZone is charged with illegally disposing of millions of hazardous waste items, including used motor oil and automotive fluids, at landfills not authorized to accept hazardous waste.

AutoZone, Inc. is an American retailer of aftermarket automotive parts and accessories, the largest in the United States. Founded in 1979, AutoZone has over 6,300 stores across the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. The company is based in Memphis, Tennessee.

AutoZone (汽车地带)是美国第二大的汽车修配连锁品牌,主要经营汽车配件、维修器件等,同时也提供汽车信贷服务、销售汽车诊断和修理软件。成立于1979年,在美国和墨西哥拥有超过5000家专卖店。该公司总部设在田纳西州孟菲斯。1979年7月4日AutoZone在纽约股票交易所上市。