105 definitions by The Centurion
The Gurkhas (Nepali : गोर्खा) (/ˈɡɜrkə/ or /ˈɡʊərkə/), also spelled as Gorkhas, are soldiers from Nepal. Historically, the terms "Gurkha" and "Gorkhali" were synonymous with "Nepali," and derived from the hill town and district of Gorkha from which the Kingdom of Nepal expanded. Legend has it that the name may be traced to the medieval Hindu warrior-saint Guru Gorakhnath who has a historic shrine in Gorkha. Gurkhas are traditionally recruited from various Nepali hill ethnicities, but do not come from a single group or region in the multi-ethnic country.
Although the Gorkhas found in Himachal are mostly from Nepal, there have been reports of non-Nepalese Gorkhas (such as Thai Gorkhas, Naga Gorkhas and Chinese Gorkhas). There are Gurkha military units in the Nepalese, British and the Indian army (Gorkhas) enlisted in Nepal. Although they meet many of the requirements of Article 47 of Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions regarding mercenaries, they are exempt under clauses 47(e)&(f) similar to the French Foreign Legion.
Gurkhas are closely associated with the Khukuri, a forward-curving Nepalese knife and have a well known reputation for their fearless military prowess. The former Indian Army Chief of Staff Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, once stated that "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha."
Although the Gorkhas found in Himachal are mostly from Nepal, there have been reports of non-Nepalese Gorkhas (such as Thai Gorkhas, Naga Gorkhas and Chinese Gorkhas). There are Gurkha military units in the Nepalese, British and the Indian army (Gorkhas) enlisted in Nepal. Although they meet many of the requirements of Article 47 of Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions regarding mercenaries, they are exempt under clauses 47(e)&(f) similar to the French Foreign Legion.
Gurkhas are closely associated with the Khukuri, a forward-curving Nepalese knife and have a well known reputation for their fearless military prowess. The former Indian Army Chief of Staff Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, once stated that "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha."
During the Gurkha War (1814–1816) between the Gorkha Kingdom in Nepal and the East India Company the British were impressed by the Gorkhali soldiers which they called Gurkhas. Their war cry was and is to this very day: Jaya Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali (Nepali: जय महाकाली, आयो गोर्खाली) (Glory to Great Kali, Gorkhas approach)! In the Peace Treaty it was agreed that Gorkhalis could be recruited to serve under contract in the East India Company's army.
Traditionally, recruitment had been mainly from the Nepali hill groups such as the Chhetri, Thakuri, Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Rai, Limbu and Nepali indigenous people such as other matwali(Alcohol Drinkers) Groups like Bhujels. Bahun (Brahmin), Sherpa were not permitted for the Gurkha Army, it was later on where all Nepalis were allowed to join. Gurkhas were thought to be a martial race because they were considered to be naturally warlike and aggressive in battle; to possess qualities of courage, loyalty, self-sufficiency, physical strength, resilience, orderliness; to be able to work hard for long periods of time and; to fight with tenacity and military strength.
Traditionally, recruitment had been mainly from the Nepali hill groups such as the Chhetri, Thakuri, Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Rai, Limbu and Nepali indigenous people such as other matwali(Alcohol Drinkers) Groups like Bhujels. Bahun (Brahmin), Sherpa were not permitted for the Gurkha Army, it was later on where all Nepalis were allowed to join. Gurkhas were thought to be a martial race because they were considered to be naturally warlike and aggressive in battle; to possess qualities of courage, loyalty, self-sufficiency, physical strength, resilience, orderliness; to be able to work hard for long periods of time and; to fight with tenacity and military strength.
by The Centurion January 31, 2015
The Spirit is a fictional masked crimefighter created by cartoonist Will Eisner. He first appeared June 2, 1940 in "The Spirit Section", the colloquial name given to a 16-page Sunday supplement, distributed to 20 newspapers by the Register and Tribune Syndicate and reaching five million readers during the 1940s. From the 1960s to 1980s, a handful of new Eisner Spirit stories appeared in Harvey Comics and elsewhere, and Warren Publishing and Kitchen Sink Press variously reprinted the feature in black-and-white comics magazines and in color comic books. In the 1990s and 2000s, Kitchen Sink Press and DC Comics also published new Spirit stories by other writers and artists.
The Spirit chronicles the adventures of a masked vigilante who fights crime with the blessing of the city's police commissioner Dolan, an old friend. Despite the Spirit's origin as detective Denny Colt, his real identity was virtually unmentioned again, and for all intents and purposes he was simply "the Spirit". The stories range through a wide variety of styles, from straightforward crime drama and noir to lighthearted adventure, from mystery and horror to comedy and love stories, often with hybrid elements that twisted genre and reader expectations.
The Spirit chronicles the adventures of a masked vigilante who fights crime with the blessing of the city's police commissioner Dolan, an old friend. Despite the Spirit's origin as detective Denny Colt, his real identity was virtually unmentioned again, and for all intents and purposes he was simply "the Spirit". The stories range through a wide variety of styles, from straightforward crime drama and noir to lighthearted adventure, from mystery and horror to comedy and love stories, often with hybrid elements that twisted genre and reader expectations.
While fighting the evil Dr. Cobra, young policeman Denny Colt was hit by a liquid which put him in a state of a deep coma. Believed dead, Denny was buried at Wildwood Cemetery, but awoke from his grave 24-hours later. He established a base under his tombstone and using his new-found anonymity, he began to fight crime and protect the people of Central City as The Spirit.
His identity is known only to his "driver," Ebony White and Police Commissioner Dolan.
His identity is known only to his "driver," Ebony White and Police Commissioner Dolan.
by The Centurion December 20, 2014
Street Hawk is an American television series that aired for 13 episodes on ABC in 1985.This series was originally planned for a debut in 1984 but ABC executives changed their minds and Street Hawk was pushed back to next year.
Street Hawk made its debut on January 4, 1985 on ABC and ran until May 16, 1985.
The Man
The series' protagonist is Jesse Mach(Rex Smith), a police officer and former amateur dirt-bike racer.Jesse Mach is secretly chosen to test a top secret project called Street Hawk.
Street Hawk is a high-tech, all-terrain attack motorcycle capable of speeds in excess of 300 miles per hour.
The Machine
MODEL: Top secret government project.
TOP SPEED: 200 MPH, 300 MPH with Hyperthrust.
WEAPONRY: Laser Cannon,Machine Guns,Rocket Launcher.
OTHER FEATURES: Infrared Cameras,Compressed Air Vertical Lift System,On and off road capability.
Street Hawk also had a computerized command system that allowed its operator to provide the motorcycle's rider with real-time information from various sources,and even operate the motorcycle on "autopilot" during its high-speed runs, achieved through a process called "hyperthrust".
Street Hawk
The show featured a number of guest appearances by up-and-coming actors who would go on to find success in their acting careers.
They include:George Clooney(ER);James Avery(The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air);Christopher Lloyd(Back to the Future); and Dennis Franz(NYPD Blue).
Street Hawk made its debut on January 4, 1985 on ABC and ran until May 16, 1985.
The Man
The series' protagonist is Jesse Mach(Rex Smith), a police officer and former amateur dirt-bike racer.Jesse Mach is secretly chosen to test a top secret project called Street Hawk.
Street Hawk is a high-tech, all-terrain attack motorcycle capable of speeds in excess of 300 miles per hour.
The Machine
MODEL: Top secret government project.
TOP SPEED: 200 MPH, 300 MPH with Hyperthrust.
WEAPONRY: Laser Cannon,Machine Guns,Rocket Launcher.
OTHER FEATURES: Infrared Cameras,Compressed Air Vertical Lift System,On and off road capability.
Street Hawk also had a computerized command system that allowed its operator to provide the motorcycle's rider with real-time information from various sources,and even operate the motorcycle on "autopilot" during its high-speed runs, achieved through a process called "hyperthrust".
Street Hawk
The show featured a number of guest appearances by up-and-coming actors who would go on to find success in their acting careers.
They include:George Clooney(ER);James Avery(The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air);Christopher Lloyd(Back to the Future); and Dennis Franz(NYPD Blue).
The man...the machine...Street Hawk.
by The Centurion February 5, 2012
Gambit is a fictional character, a superhero who appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He has held membership in the team known as the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Jim Lee, the character first appeared briefly in Uncanny X-Men Annual #14 (1990), weeks before a more comprehensive appearance in Uncanny X-Men #266 (August 1990). As of 2013, there have been three attempts at an ongoing title starring the character. Gambit also had two miniseries and starred prominently in the X-Force replacement title during the Age of Apocalypse, Gambit & the X-Ternals.
A mutant, Gambit can mentally create, control and manipulate pure kinetic energy to his every whim and desire. He is also incredibly knowledgeable and skilled in card-throwing, hand-to-hand combat, and the use of a bō.
Few X-Men trusted Gambit, who was originally a professional thief, when he first joined the group. There was consistently a source of stress between him and his on-again, off-again love interest Rogue. This was exacerbated when his connections to villain Mister Sinister were revealed, although some of his team members accept that Gambit honestly seeks redemption.
Often written as a "ladies' man", Gambit has shown a more vulnerable side of himself over the years, especially when it comes to Rogue. Gambit remains fiercely proud of his Louisiana heritage, and speaks in a very thick Cajun accent.
A mutant, Gambit can mentally create, control and manipulate pure kinetic energy to his every whim and desire. He is also incredibly knowledgeable and skilled in card-throwing, hand-to-hand combat, and the use of a bō.
Few X-Men trusted Gambit, who was originally a professional thief, when he first joined the group. There was consistently a source of stress between him and his on-again, off-again love interest Rogue. This was exacerbated when his connections to villain Mister Sinister were revealed, although some of his team members accept that Gambit honestly seeks redemption.
Often written as a "ladies' man", Gambit has shown a more vulnerable side of himself over the years, especially when it comes to Rogue. Gambit remains fiercely proud of his Louisiana heritage, and speaks in a very thick Cajun accent.
Gambit is a mutant who has the ability to take the potential energy stored in an object and convert it to pure light pink-colored kinetic energy thus “charging” that item with highly explosive results. He prefers to charge smaller objects, such as his ever-present playing cards, as the time required to charge them is greatly reduced and they are much easier for him to throw. The only real limitation to this ability is the time required to charge the object: the larger it is the more time it takes to charge. Most charging takes place through direct skin contact. The power of his explosions is dependent on the mass of the object he is charging, for example, a charged playing card explodes with the force of a grenade. Gambit can also use his mutant abilities to accelerate an object's kinetic energy instead of converting its potential energy; for example, he can charge his Bo staff with enough kinetic energy and power to level a house.
Gambit's ability to tap kinetic energy also grants him incredible superhuman physical abilities (strength, speed, reflexes and reactions, agility, flexibility, dexterity, coordination, balance, and endurance), as his body constantly generates bio-kinetic energy and so is perfectly constructed for constant motion. This gives him an added edge that he has used to his advantage by developing a unique acrobatic fighting style.
Gambit's ability to tap kinetic energy also grants him incredible superhuman physical abilities (strength, speed, reflexes and reactions, agility, flexibility, dexterity, coordination, balance, and endurance), as his body constantly generates bio-kinetic energy and so is perfectly constructed for constant motion. This gives him an added edge that he has used to his advantage by developing a unique acrobatic fighting style.
by The Centurion November 10, 2014
How It Should Have Ended (HISHE) is a satirical website that was created in 2005 by Daniel Baxter and Tommy Watson that parodies major films, TV shows and video games from popular culture.
HISHE provides its own version of "how it should have ended", as opposed to what actually did, by showcasing satirical cartoons which have alternative endings that are usually more logical, realistic and often quite funny.
The team responsible for these satirical animations are:
Series Directed by
Daniel Baxter
Series Writing credits
Tina Alexander
Daniel Baxter
Tommy Watson
Matt Dannevik
Series Produced by
Tina Alexander
Daniel Baxter
Steve Sargent
Series Film Editing by
Daniel Baxter
Series Art Department
Daniel Baxter
Otis Frampton
Series Animation Department
Daniel Baxter
Brian Andersen
Eric Mehner
Series Music Department
Bryan English
Series Thanks
Tina Alexander
HISHE provides its own version of "how it should have ended", as opposed to what actually did, by showcasing satirical cartoons which have alternative endings that are usually more logical, realistic and often quite funny.
The team responsible for these satirical animations are:
Series Directed by
Daniel Baxter
Series Writing credits
Tina Alexander
Daniel Baxter
Tommy Watson
Matt Dannevik
Series Produced by
Tina Alexander
Daniel Baxter
Steve Sargent
Series Film Editing by
Daniel Baxter
Series Art Department
Daniel Baxter
Otis Frampton
Series Animation Department
Daniel Baxter
Brian Andersen
Eric Mehner
Series Music Department
Bryan English
Series Thanks
Tina Alexander
The following How It Should Have Ended (HISHE) is a parody of a key scene from The Avengers where Loki has the chance to escape (from Thor and Iron Man), but doesn't:
Thor: (to Captain America) You want me to put the hammer down?
(Captain America ducks and holds up his shield as Thor leaps at Cap. The impact of the hammer on the vibranium shield creates a massive shockwave)
Captain America: Are we done here?
Loki: Hello!
Iron Man: You're still here?
Loki: Yes!
Thor: Why didn't you run away while we settled our differences?
Loki: (laughs) I'll never tell.
Captain America: OK, we're not taking him back to base, he is definitely up to something.
Thor: (to Captain America) You want me to put the hammer down?
(Captain America ducks and holds up his shield as Thor leaps at Cap. The impact of the hammer on the vibranium shield creates a massive shockwave)
Captain America: Are we done here?
Loki: Hello!
Iron Man: You're still here?
Loki: Yes!
Thor: Why didn't you run away while we settled our differences?
Loki: (laughs) I'll never tell.
Captain America: OK, we're not taking him back to base, he is definitely up to something.
by The Centurion October 1, 2012
Iron Man is a 2008 American science fiction superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name.Directed by Jon Favreau, the film stars Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges.
The plot focuses on Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), an industrialist and master engineer, who has inherited the defence contractor Stark Industries from his father, is in war-torn Afghanistan with his friend and military liaison, Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes (Terrence Howard) to demonstrate the new "Jericho" missile.Tony Stark is critically wounded in an ambush and imprisoned in a cave by the terrorist group the Ten Rings.The Ten Rings leader, Raza (Faran Tahir), offers Tony Stark his freedom in exchange for building a Jericho missile for the group, but Tony Stark and Yinsen agree that Raza has no intention of keeping his word.Stark and Yinsen secretly build a suit of armour to escape, but the Ten Rings attack the workshop when they discover what Stark is doing.Yinsen sacrifices himself to divert them while Stark's suit powers up.The armoured Tony Stark battles his way out of the cave to find the dying Yinsen, then an enraged Stark burns the terrorists munitions and flies away, only to crash land in the desert, destroying the suit in the process.After being rescued by Rhodes, Stark returns home and builds an improved version of his suit, as well as a more powerful arc reactor for his chest.
The plot focuses on Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), an industrialist and master engineer, who has inherited the defence contractor Stark Industries from his father, is in war-torn Afghanistan with his friend and military liaison, Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes (Terrence Howard) to demonstrate the new "Jericho" missile.Tony Stark is critically wounded in an ambush and imprisoned in a cave by the terrorist group the Ten Rings.The Ten Rings leader, Raza (Faran Tahir), offers Tony Stark his freedom in exchange for building a Jericho missile for the group, but Tony Stark and Yinsen agree that Raza has no intention of keeping his word.Stark and Yinsen secretly build a suit of armour to escape, but the Ten Rings attack the workshop when they discover what Stark is doing.Yinsen sacrifices himself to divert them while Stark's suit powers up.The armoured Tony Stark battles his way out of the cave to find the dying Yinsen, then an enraged Stark burns the terrorists munitions and flies away, only to crash land in the desert, destroying the suit in the process.After being rescued by Rhodes, Stark returns home and builds an improved version of his suit, as well as a more powerful arc reactor for his chest.
Iron Man (2008):
(the Iron Monger lifts a car with a family in it)
Iron Monger: I love this suit!
Iron Man: Put 'em down!
Iron Monger: Collateral damage, Tony!
(Iron Man is launched into the sky by Iron Monger's missile, but instead of crashing, he activates his flight repulsors and hovers)
Iron Monger: Impressive! You've upgraded your armour! I've made some upgrades of my own...
(activates jets and starts to fly too)
Jarvis: Sir, it appears his suit can fly.
Iron Man: Duly noted.
Iron Monger: You had a great idea, Tony, but my suit is more advanced in every way!
Iron Man: How'd you solve the icing problem?
Iron Monger: Icing problem?
(his suit begins to fail)
Iron Man: Might want to look into it.
(He raps his fist on Iron Monger's frozen helmet as his suit fails and plummets to the ground)
(after end credits)
Tony Stark: (arriving home) Evening, JARVIS!
Jarvis: (voice distorted) Welcome home, sir...
(Stark stops as he sees a figure in his living room)
Nick Fury: "I am Iron Man". You think you're the only superhero in the world? Mr. Stark, you've become part of a bigger universe. You just don't know it yet.
Tony Stark: Who the hell are you?
Nick Fury: Nick Fury. Director of SHIELD.
Tony Stark: Ah.
Nick Fury: I'm here to talk to you about the Avenger Initiative.
(the Iron Monger lifts a car with a family in it)
Iron Monger: I love this suit!
Iron Man: Put 'em down!
Iron Monger: Collateral damage, Tony!
(Iron Man is launched into the sky by Iron Monger's missile, but instead of crashing, he activates his flight repulsors and hovers)
Iron Monger: Impressive! You've upgraded your armour! I've made some upgrades of my own...
(activates jets and starts to fly too)
Jarvis: Sir, it appears his suit can fly.
Iron Man: Duly noted.
Iron Monger: You had a great idea, Tony, but my suit is more advanced in every way!
Iron Man: How'd you solve the icing problem?
Iron Monger: Icing problem?
(his suit begins to fail)
Iron Man: Might want to look into it.
(He raps his fist on Iron Monger's frozen helmet as his suit fails and plummets to the ground)
(after end credits)
Tony Stark: (arriving home) Evening, JARVIS!
Jarvis: (voice distorted) Welcome home, sir...
(Stark stops as he sees a figure in his living room)
Nick Fury: "I am Iron Man". You think you're the only superhero in the world? Mr. Stark, you've become part of a bigger universe. You just don't know it yet.
Tony Stark: Who the hell are you?
Nick Fury: Nick Fury. Director of SHIELD.
Tony Stark: Ah.
Nick Fury: I'm here to talk to you about the Avenger Initiative.
by The Centurion June 1, 2012
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the largest mixed martial arts promotion company in the world featuring most of the top-ranked fighters in the sport. Based in the United States, the UFC produces events worldwide. The organization showcases nine weight divisions and enforces the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts. The UFC promotes a brand of MMA which is self-acknowledged as "not just a sporting event; it is also entertainment and theater. The fighters are athletes and performers both." The UFC has held over 250 events to date. Dana White serves as the president of the UFC while brothers Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta control the UFC's parent company, Zuffa, LLC.
The first Ultimate Fighting Championship event was held on November 12, 1993 in Denver, Colorado. The purpose of the early UFC competitions was to identify the most effective martial art in a real fight between competitors of different fighting disciplines, including Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo, Wrestling, Muay Thai, Karate, Judo, and other styles. In subsequent competitions, fighters began adopting effective techniques from more than one discipline, which indirectly helped create an entirely separate style of fighting known as present-day mixed martial arts.
by The Centurion October 31, 2014