Alien vs. Predator is a science fiction film released in 2004 by 20th Century Fox. It is an adaptation of a crossover franchise between the titular extraterrestrials from the Alien and Predator series, a concept which originated in a 1989 comic book. Set in 2004, Alien vs. Predator follows a group of paleontologists, archaeologists, and others assembled by billionaire Charles Bishop Weyland (Lance Henriksen) for an expedition near the Antarctic after discovering a mysterious heat signal. Hoping to claim the find for himself, Weyland and the group discover a pyramid below the surface of a whaling station. Hieroglyphics and sculptures reveal that the pyramid is a hunting ground for Predators who kill Aliens as a rite of passage. The humans are caught in the middle of a battle between the two species and attempt to prevent the Aliens from reaching the surface. Released in North America on August 13, 2004, Alien vs. Predator received mostly negative reviews from film critics. Some praised the special effects and set designs, while others dismissed the film for its "wooden dialogue" and "cardboard characters". Nevertheless, Alien vs. Predator became the most commercially successful film in the franchises, grossing a total of $172 million. The film's success led to a sequel in 2007 titled Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem.

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_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1793:

After a siege of 18 weeks, French troops in Mainz surrendered to Prussian forces, effectively ending the Republic of Mainz, the first democratic state on the current German territory. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Mainz

1881:

The International Federation of Gymnastics, the world's oldest international sport federation, was founded in Liège, Belgium. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A9d%C3%A9ration_Internationale_de_Gymnastique

1983:

Air Canada Flight 143 crash-landed in Gimli, Manitoba, Canada, without loss of life after the crew was forced to glide the aircraft when it completely ran out of fuel. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimli_Glider

1984:

Vanessa Williams resigned as Miss America in scandal after Penthouse magazine published nude photos of her that were taken two years prior. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanessa_L._Williams

1995:

Hale-Bopp , one of the most widely observed comets of the twentieth century, was discovered by two independent observers, Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp, at a great distance from the Sun. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet_Hale-Bopp

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

manitou (n): A god or spirit as the object of religious awe or ritual among some American Indians http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/manitou

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted, the indifference of those who should have known better, the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most, that has made it possible for evil to triumph. --Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Haile_Selassie_I_of_Ethiopia