text:
Spots in Osaka Area
USJ / Bay Area
Kita / Osaka Station / Umeda / Yodoyabashi
Namba / Shinsaibashi
Sakai / Kishiwada
Uehonmachi / Tennoji / Southern Osaka City
Shin-Osaka / Esaka / Juso
Osaka Castle / Kyobashi / Eastern Osaka City
Higashi-Osaka
Minami-Kawachi
Toyonaka / Takatsuki / Ikeda
Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Doutombori
Dotonbori's famous Glico sign seems to be peering into the Dotonbori River; meanwhile, a giant crab sign moves in a perpetual dance. Crowded with restaurants and lined with giant signs, Dotonbori is a bustling entertainment district where visitors can truly experience Osaka—the city of kuidaore (extravagant eating). Have a bite at a shop selling kushiage (fried vegetable and meat skewers) or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes filled with meat and vegetables), Osaka specialties. Or spend a day visiting the various takoyaki (octopus dumplings) or butaman (steamed pork bun) restaurants. Day and night, this lively thoroughfare is frequented by great numbers of tourists.
The poster child of Osaka. Business area for everything, and l mean everything. From takoyaki to electric massage chair to drones. Everything is in here, so is everyone. Get ready for the human bumps.
Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Osakajou 1-1
Osaka Castle was built by the Imperial Regent Toyotomi Hideyoshi between 1583 and 1598. The castle was built on a magnificent scale, but was destroyed just 17 years later after the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the destruction of the Toyotomi clan in the Siege of Osaka in 1615. Thereafter, the castle was rebuilt by the Tokugawa shogunate under the command of Todo Takatora but was once again lost due to a fire caused by a lightning strike. The current castle tower is the third generation to stand here and was completed in 1931 through donations from local citizens. The interior of the castle is a history museum and visitors can enjoy information about the history of Osaka Castle and dioramas. The castle was registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property in 1997.
One of the reasons to visit Osaka. Great for history buffs like me. Just too crowded but still worth the travel and walk.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Nippombashi 2-4-1
Kuromon Ichiba Market, located not far off from Namba, helps keep Osaka, "the Kitchen of the Nation" functioning. The market where professionals from a number of famous restaurants do their shopping, shops here stock the highest quality seafoods as well as the freshest vegetables. In recent years, the market has also come to be a popular tourist destination, and one can frequently catch sight of visitors sampling the various wares on offer. Come here when you're looking for "honmamon" (the genuine article).
The Kuromon market offers many a special treat that will be hard to find in any market in Germany, where I live. Hence it is quite the spectacular walk through that can very well be combined with a...
Umeda Sky Building Kuchu-Teien Observatory
Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Oyodonaka 1-1-88 Umeda Sky Building
An observatory facility located at the top of the 173 meter high Umeda Sky Building skyscraper located in Osaka City's Kita Ward. Visitors can enjoy a 360 degree panorama of the streets of Osaka from the open air Sky Walk circular gallery, and many tourists both Japanese and international alike come to this famous spot to view the setting sun and Osaka's nightscape. At night, the area is lit up by small, foot-level lights, creating a magical atmosphere. There is a fence at the site where lovers can attach a heart-shaped padlock to vow their love for one another, a popular destination for couples on dates. There is also a café on the 40th floor where you can take a break while enjoying the view.
This place provided great Observation Desk. I would suggest to come during night because the view is really nice.
Tsutenkaku
Osaka Osakashi Naniwa-ku Ebisuhigashi 1-18-6
A viewing tower located in Naniwa Ward, Osaka City and a famous Osaka landmark. Originally erected in 1912 and modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the current 108 meter tower is actually the second Tsutenkaku. The fourth and fifth floors are a viewing floor overlooking Osaka. There are figures of the Seven Gods of Fortune on the fifth floor as well as a statue of Billiken which is said to bring good luck when the soles of its feet are rubbed. The tower is filled with other interesting things to see and do, including the Kinnikuman Museum; a café produced by Mother Farm; and showroom shops by Morinaga, Glico, and Nisshin.
Tsutenkaku was an old district but it was lively with hostels around the area. There were a few old shops, restaurants and cafes. There was also a big Donki Shop nearby. Worth the visit.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Osaka Osakashi Minato-ku Kaigandori 1-1-10
The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is located in Tempozan Harbor Village in Osaka's Bay Area. When it opened to the public in 1997, the wheel, which has a height of 112.5 meters and a diameter of 100 meters, was the largest ferris wheel in the world, and consequently attracted a great deal of interest. During the 15-minute ride, visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the Kinki region, including the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Kansai International Airport, Mt. Rokko, etc. The Tempozan Ferris Wheel has four see-through cabins with transparent walls and a transparent floor, which are very popular with young people and tourists. At night, the Ferris Wheel is illuminated using a combination of indirect and direct LED lighting, which is a sight not to be missed.
You can see the Osaka view from thie Tempozan Ferris Wheee. Its value for your money. There a lot of restaurant near by. Near the Osaka port.
Osaka Osakashi Konohana-ku Sakurajima 2-1-33
A theme park in Osaka City. Come enjoy a variety of attractions based on famous Hollywood movies including Jaws and Jurassic Park. Following the popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter, they opened the Minion Park in 2017 to great domestic and international interest. There is also the Universal Cool Japan area with limited collaboration attractions based on popular video games and anime.
Rinku Premium Outlets
Osaka Izumisanoshi Rinkuouraiminami 3-28
The biggest outlet mall in Kansai, you'll find this facility in Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture across from the Kansai International Airport inside "Rinku Town." It has two areas, the "Main Side" and the "Sea Side," and each is two floors. You'll find top-class overseas brands as well as casual brands, lifestyle goods, and more in the approximately 200 shops onsite. It feels like a beautiful resort, and there's even a playground for kids. It's popular as a spot where you can spend all day shopping.
Lots of brand shops, mainly clothing, which all seemed expensive. There is also a Lego shop which was interesting, but again expensive. It could be worth visiting if you like any particular brands of...
Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine)
Osaka Osakashi Sumiyoshi-ku Sumiyoshi 2-9-89
Known affectionately as "Sumiyossan," the Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine) is a Shinto Shrine located in the Sumiyoshi Ward of Osaka City, in Osaka Prefecture. It is the head shrine of all the Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan, of which there are around 2,300 in total. The Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of the most popular shrines in the Kinki region for the Hatsumode (the first visit to a shrine in the New Year), and it is thronged with worshippers every January. The founding of the Sumiyoshi Taisha is recorded in the Nihon Shoki ("Chronicles of Japan"), which notes that the Empress Jingu ordered the construction of the shrine to worship Sumiyoshi no Ohkami. Sumiyoshi no Ohkami (which is actually three Shinto deities in one) is renowned as the god of the sea and the god of exorcism. The four halls that make up the Hon-den (main hall) of the Sumiyoshi Taisha are built in the architectural style known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri; all four have been designated as National Treasures.
This attractive spot is really gorgeous. It is a very old shrine, which was already mentioned in Nihonshoki. You can see the red bridge and took photo from this bridge.
CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
Osaka Ikedashi Masumichou 8-25
This museum in Ikeda City, Osaka, first opened in 1999 at the birthplace of instant ramen. With a variety of displays and hands-on exhibits you can learn all about the history and development of instant ramen by Nissin Foods' founder, Ando Momofuku. Don't miss the display which shows off almost 800 different products from throughout Nissin Foods' history. The Chicken Ramen Factory where you can make your own chicken ramen (fee and reservation required) and the My CupNoodle Factory where you can make your own personal CupNoodle blend (fee required) are both very popular. Admission is free.
Was interesting to learn the history of Ramen and have fun painting your own labeling. Quirky little museum to spend an afternoon :)
Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)
This aquarium in the Tempozan Bay Area is the world's largest aquarium. It is even more popular now as they have drastically changed how guests view the exhibits, including the Pacific Ocean Tank where you can see whale sharks leisurely swimming about. Enjoy a wide variety of Pacific-Rim themed exhibits to see and enjoy including California Sea Lions, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, and a fish tank with a tunnel from which you can observe the animals.
Osaka Suitashi Senribampakukouen 2-1
A massive entertainment complex located inside Expo'70 Commemorative Park in Suita, Osaka which was built on the site of the Expoland amusement park and first opened in November 2015. The complex hosts eight entertainment facilities, including the large Lalaport Expocity shopping mall; the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan-produced Nifrel aquarium; the Pokemon Expo Gym, popular with children; and Orbi Osaka, a nature-oriented hands-on amusement and exploration center. This popular destination features shopping, fun, and learning, making it a fun place for families, couples, and men and women of all ages.
Good shops and good food hall. We found what we were after the day we went and got a good lunch also. We were hoping the pokemon gym was still there but sadly not.
Tennoji Zoo
Osaka Osakashi Tennouji-ku Chausuyamachou 1-108
A municipal zoo located in Tennoji Ward, Osaka City first opened in 1915. The zoo cares for some 200 species and around 1,000 individual animals and is famous the efforts it takes to recreate their natural environments. Popular zoo areas include the African Savanna Zone, home to giraffes, lions, and hippos; Reptile House; Asian Tropical Rain Forest, site of the popular elephant exhibit; and the Friendship Square, a favorite for children where they can pet sheep and goats. Visitors can also watch animals such as the elephants, lions, and penguins being fed.
The zoo have many exhibits that are no longer active, elephants, koala etc.. Unfortunately we found out only after entering. Of those active, the animals seemed well taken care of though mostly...
SpaWorld Onsen hot springs resort
Osaka Osakashi Naniwa-ku Ebisuhigashi 3-4-24
SpaWorld Onsen is a hot springs facility located in the Naniwa Ward of Osaka City. The facility is divided into an Onsen (Hot Spring bath) area and a swimming pool area. The Onsen area is further divided by theme into an Asian-style baths section and a European-style baths section; it includes a wide range of bath types, including outdoor pools that recreate the scenery of a mountain stream, and baths modeled on ancient Roman public baths. The swimming pool area features three exciting water-slides. There is also a bedrock bath, a gym, a food court, and a hotel. *The water slides are currently undergoing maintenance work, but are scheduled to reopen on April 21, 2017.
Was a nice spa which offered indoor and outdoor spa pools. I was there in the morning which was not too busy. Recommended.
Expo'70 Commemorative Park
Boasting a size about 65 times that of the Koshien Baseball Stadium, the Expo '70 Commemorative Park is a huge park built on the site of the Osaka Expo. Whether for children or adults you can enjoy a day of activities here with facilities ranging from cultural facilities and natural and cultural gardens to the Japanese Garden and an onsen (hot spring facilities). Also, in the central rest area of the Japanese Garden you can see videos of the Expo that took place here in 1970 making it an important place to witness the events that occurred. Access the park from Bampaku-kinen-koen Station on the Osaka Monorail.
Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store
Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Kakudachou 8-7
Hankyu Umeda Main Store is one of Osaka's longest-established department stores, having been founded as a station terminal department store in 1929 when Umeda Station was renovated. Hankyu Umeda Main Store has a total of 15 floors (13 floors above ground and two basement levels); the total floor space is larger than any other department store in Japan. With a concentration of the world's leading brands in "International Boutiques" on the fifth floor, and another floor with a concentration of Japanese and international cosmetics brands, etc. Hankyu Umeda Main Store is renowned as the starting point for new fashion trends in the Kansai region.
Its a grand department store with many offerings as one would expect. Must say the customer service is good. In particular we were excited by the many beautiful and delicate food offerings at the...
Osaka Museum of History
Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Otemae 4-1-32
This museum northwest of Naniwanomiyaato Park in Chuo Ward, Osaka City opened in 2001. A permanent exhibit entitled ''Toshi Osaka no Ayumi'' covering the history of Osaka from ancient times to today takes up the 7th to 10th floors. The top floor features a recreation of the council hall of the Nara-period Naniwa Palace complete with 70 cm-thick vermillion-lacquered pillars and life-sized figures of government officials. Each floor presents the history and culture of Osaka through recreations of buildings, miniature models, videos, and abundant artifacts. The remains of Naniwa Palace are preserved in the museum's basement. Tours are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
This museum provide a lot information you need to know about Japan. The dioramas area excellent. Great view and permanent display.
Mino Falls
Osaka Minoshi Minokouen
This 33-meter-tall waterfall was chosen as one of Japan's 100 most beautiful waterfalls. It is located inside Meiji no Mori Mino Quasi-National Park in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture. Known as a popular fall foliage spot, many visitors come during the autumn season. There is a "waterfall walkway" approximately 2.8 kilometers long that starts in front of Minoh Station and offers wonderful views of the natural forests of Osaka. The fall foliage is best from mid-November through the beginning of December. In the middle of the walkway is the Mino Park Museum of Insects, another popular spot.
The place is so wonderful; so refreshing, calm and peaceful. It is a 2.7km walk! First time to eat maple leaves.
Ichiran (Dotonbori Main Store)
Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Souemonchou 7-18
The Dotonbori Annex of the famous tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen restaurant Ichiran. The retro Showa fashioned store is adorned with tables where you can enjoy a conversation with friends or family over a bowl of ramen. Their tonkotsu broth is a closely guarded secret refined over many years. Come taste the unique flavor of their noodles paired with a secret blend of chili pepper in their tonkotsu ramen. Ichiran's famous solo counter spaces are also available for the single customer.
I arrived shortly after 9 AM, for a quick ramen breakfast. There were no lines, and I walked straight in, purchased my meal tickets in the vending machine, and was told to sit anywhere. The menu...
Minoo Park
Osaka Minoshi Mino
This natural park extending along the northern mountainous district of Mino City has close to 1,000 varieties of plants and is inhabited by more than 3,000 varieties of insects. Visitors can enjoy a variety of nature in all four seasons such as spring's cherry blossoms and winter's frost-covered trees and icicles, but the changing leaves in autumn are particularly beautiful. This is also known as a famous place for its waterfall, and the Mino-no-Taki waterfall with a width of five meters and a drop of 33 meters has been designated as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls. A hiking course follows a mountain stream from the bridge at the park entrance to the large waterfall, and is constantly traversed by people throughout the year. The park is approximately 30 minutes by train from downtown Osaka.
If youre looking for a nature trek away from the bustling Dotonbori and Namba, Minoo is the nearest place instead of taking a trip to Nara or Kyoto. Minoo Park is great during Autumn, as they sell...
USJ / Bay Area Kita / Osaka Station / Umeda / Yodoyabashi Namba / Shinsaibashi Sakai / Kishiwada Uehonmachi / Tennoji / Southern Osaka City Shin-Osaka / Esaka / Juso Osaka Castle / Kyobashi / Eastern Osaka City Higashi-Osaka Minami-Kawachi Toyonaka / Takatsuki / Ikeda
A list of Osaka sightseeing courses
A list of Osaka articles
A list of Osaka spots
Osaka Areas
While Osaka prefecture is the country's second smallest prefecture, its capital, Osaka City, is the country's third-largest and arguably one of the most popular in the Kansai region thanks to its vibrant nightlife, the Osaka people's openness, and its much-loved cuisine, which has earned it the nickname "the nation's kitchen."
Osaka Photo Album
Best of Osaka


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Top 5 Apps to Check Out This Week: Bumper Jump, Debateball, More
Written by Istvan Fekete
Updated on March 7, 2016
What's better than a good coffee on a Monday morning for iAddicted? A fresh avalanche of apps, of course. After going through tons of apps that hit the App Store and Google Play each week, I hand-picked a few for you in order to have a fresh start this week. So, without further ado, here is my app recipe for this week.
Bumper Jump
The Windows Phone store is small enough for Microsoft employees to start writing apps targeting major app storefronts. As such, a former Microsoft employee is writing games for iOS now, and I think this one is really worth your time. In Bumper Jump your UFO friends forgot to beam you up, and now you have to bounce into space to catch up with them. Tap to create bumpers that bounce you as high as you can go on this journey through space. Try it out now for free – download Bumper Jump from the App Store.
Debateball
Election 2016 is a hot topic, so there is an app for that. Debateball brings together two American favorites, baseball and debate, but with a twist: You'll finally enjoy politics as the app helps users to make sense of all the rhetoric, boil it down to runs, strikes and fouls, and helps them decide who is a good match for their values. Download Debateball from the App Store or Google Play for free.
The creators of Clash of Clans have just released a new real-time multiplayer starring the Royales, a Clash favorite. What you'll need to do is collect and upgrade dozens of cards featuring the Clash of Clans troops, spells, and defenses you know and love, as well as the Royales: Princes, Knights, and Baby Dragons. Lead the Clash Royale Family to victory and download Clash Royale from the App Store for free!
Train Conductor World: European Railway
If you love trains (as I do), you'll enjoy Train Conductor, a high-speed train traversal puzzler. You are in charge of the tracks: conduct and control them, manage train movements, and watch your rail network grow. Make order out of chaos and download Train Conductor from the App Store now!
Lost Tracks
Lost Tracks was made by a team of third-year Character Animation & CC Art students at the Animation Workshop in Viborg, Denmark. The poetic art and adventure game you enter with Lost Tracks invites you to try to mend your conflicting self. It's a journey through your subconscious world, which will make you deal with the fears and doubts that hinder you when talking to strangers. Download Lost Tracks from the App Store!
Istvan Fekete Writer
Freelance tech journalist István Fekete covers the latest technology news and trends, such as mobile payments, Apple news and app reviews for multiple publications.

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Kathryn Maloney
Principal Policy Analyst, New Zealand Aged Care Association
New Zealand Aged Care Association
Michael Hodin
CEO, Global Coalition on Aging
Bradley Schurman
Founder and Author, The Super Age
Bradley Schurman is Founder and CEO of The Super Age – a global strategic research and advisory firm helping public and private organizations understand the challenges and harness the opportunities of demographic change, with a focus on population aging. The Super Age works to ensure that these subjects are considered across organizational strategies from human resources, marketing and communication, public policies, and product and service design. Schurman is also the author of the forthcoming book, The Super Age: How Longer Lifespans Are Changing Everything We Know About Work, Life and Learning, which will examine how this shift is driving social and economic change around the world. It will be published by HarperCollins. Prior to launching his company and authoring the book, Schurman was Co-Founder and Managing Partner of EconomyFour, where he led business development in Asia and Europe. He also served at AARP – the world's largest organization dedicated to improving the lives of older people – where he was Director of Global Partnerships and Engagements. Schurman was instrumental in securing the topics of aging and longevity as focus areas at both the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and World Economic Forum (WEF). He was also responsible for visioning and executing the Aging Readiness and Competitiveness Report – a groundbreaking collaborative research project between AARP and Foreign Policy Group. Schurman has been featured on NBC's TODAY Show and quoted in the New York Times, HuffingtonPost, and USA Today, as well as in local and national media outlets around the world. He speaks regularly at thought leader forums, and has advised national governments and major businesses on their longevity strategies.


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Home Football Soccer News OF THE 23 PLAYERS, WHICH HAVE TRAVELLED TO BRAZIL FOR THE EXPOSURE...
OF THE 23 PLAYERS, WHICH HAVE TRAVELLED TO BRAZIL FOR THE EXPOSURE TRIP, 11 PLAYERS HAVE BEEN FOUND OUT THROUGH THE SCOUTING NETWORK
SPORTS LIBRO FOOTBALL- FOOTBALL NEWS:
1 SPORTS LIBRO FOOTBALL- FOOTBALL NEWS:
1.0.1 With less than a year left for India to host its first ever FIFA World Cup — the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, recently the All India Football Federation organized three scouting camps to find out more talented Players ahead of the ensuing FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, under the Director of AIFF, Abhishek Yadav.
INDIAN FOOTBALL NEWS:
With less than a year left for India to host its first ever FIFA World Cup — the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, recently the All India Football Federation organized three scouting camps to find out more talented Players ahead of the ensuing FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, under the Director of AIFF, Abhishek Yadav.
Together with SAI, we created an online portal, which has been a first of its kind to scout talent: @abhiy10 #BackTheBlue #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/bB182vZAS4
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) December 1, 2016
The India U-17 World Cup Team Head Coach Nicolai Adam has selected four boys in his squad from the scouting camps, which were conducted by the All India Football Federation.
LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS:
And recently the former Indian Captain Abhishek Yadav talks abreast about the Scouting project, talent identification, the scouting process, and a lot more, in an exclusive interview with www.the-aiff.com,
FOOTBALL MATCH:
*How many Players are there in the Indian U-17 World Cup Squad that came through scouting?
Of the 23 Players, which have travelled to Brazil for the exposure trip, 11 Players have been found out through the Scouting network.
*Can you name some of the Players?
Aniket Jadhav, Aman Chhetri, Saurab Meher, Hendry Antonay, Shubham Sarangi, Narender, Lalengmawia and Sharif Khan to name a few. All of these Players were part of the squad for the AFC U-16 Championship and the BRICS U-17 Tournament.
*How much beneficial has the Scouting network been for the Indian Team?
The mammoth numbers of Players that are in the Indian U-17 World Cup Squad are a statement of how much beneficial the scouting network has been for the Team. Not only had the network enabled the base of the Players pyramid structure it also gave more Players that are talented in the pipeline for the Head Coach to chose.
As a Chief Operation Officer for the U-17 World Cup Squad it is my duty to provide the best Players for Nicolai to look at.
*What do you wish to achieve through the Overseas Scouting Project?
By the Overseas Scouting Project, we further wish to scout talent having Indian passports but living abroad. This was an unprecedented and a unique step in Indian Football, which we took to extend the horizons of scouting so that no one should be left alienated. Together with SAI, we created an online portal (http://scouting.the-aiff.com/), which has been a first of its kind to scout talent. I was personally present to observe the Overseas Scouting Project when it kicked-off to assess talent.
*Was the demography of the Nation a challenge in Scouting?
The demography of such a huge Nation is a challenge as well as a boon. A challenge for us personally because it requires a lot of hard work from our side – waking up early, taking long flights, being on the ground for a good number of hours to assess talent.
A boon because India being a huge country has a lot of potential and there are different type of Players all over the Nation. For example the ones in Punjab are tall and physical while the ones in North-East India are quick with their feet. The country has a lot to offer we just have to work hard from our side to unravel talent.
*What next for Scouting in India?
We will spread the Scouting network amongst other age groups as well including the Women's Teams. We strive to create a solid system through which the Indian Team across all age groups including the senior Team will benefit.
*Does being a Scout require determination, let alone an eye for talent?
An eye for talent is a default for any scout but Scouting requires more than determination. You need to be dedicated to scout talent. It is a painstaking job, not for everyone and therefore you need dedicated scouts who are hardworking.
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Menelikornis was een geslacht van vogels uit de familie toerako's (Musophagidae). Uit nader verwantschaponderzoek bleek dat deze soorten kunnen worden opgevat als soorten van dit geslacht.

Soorten
Het geslacht kent de volgende soorten:
Menelikornis leucotis  – witwangtoerako
Menelikornis ruspolii  – Ruspoli's toerako

Musophagiformes

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Q: \arrow{} need to make thicker arrows I am trying to create a 6*5 foot poster where I am using text size of 48. Now when I am using chemfig, the arrows in relation to text are really small.
I tried using \setarrowdefault{...thick} but it dosen't give me satisfactory results.
I tried using \definearrow, but couldn't work my way through it. Can any one please help make my arrows stand out. Example in picture.
And my MWE:
\begin{document}
\usepackage{chemfig}
\usepackage{chemmacros}
\usetikzlibrary{arrows}
\usepackage{mychemistry}
\usepackage{mhchem}
\enablefixedbondlength \setarrowoffset{20pt}
\setarrowdefault{,,,thick}
\schemestart
(i)
\chemfig{S} {\small (s)}
\+{-0.25em,-0.2em,0pt}
\chemfig{O_2} {\small (g)}
\arrow(start.mid east--.mid west){->}[,0.5]
\chemfig{SO_2} {\small (g)}
\schemestop
\chemnameinit{}\disablefixedbondlength
%-------------------------------------------------
\newline
\enablefixedbondlength \setarrowoffset{20pt}
\schemestart
(ii)
\chemfig{2SO_2} {\small (g)}
\+{-0.25em,-0.2em,0pt}
\chemfig{O_2} {\small (g)}
\arrow(start.mid east--.mid west){->[\small \chemfig{V_2O_5}]}[,0.6]
\chemfig{2SO_3} {\small (g)}
\schemestop
\chemnameinit{}\disablefixedbondlength
%-------------------------------------------------
\newline
\enablefixedbondlength \setarrowoffset{20pt}
\schemestart
(iii)
\chemfig{SO_3}
\+{-0.25em,-0.2em,0pt}
\chemfig{H_2SO_4}
\arrow(start.mid east--.mid west){->[\small \chemfig{V_2O_5}]}[,0.6]
\chemname[0.5ex]{\chemfig{H_2S_2O_7}}{\small Oleum}
\arrow(start.mid east--.mid west){->[\small \chemfig{H_2O}][\small Dilution]}[,0.65]
\chemfig{H_2SO_4}
\schemestop
\chemnameinit{}\disablefixedbondlength
\end{document}

A: I don't know how you compile it, but using your code (after fixing the header) I get this output:

I guess this is not what you want, or?
A "simplified version" of the first line of your reaction/code (which I find unnecessarily overcomplicated) can look like this:
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{chemfig}

\begin{document}

(i)\schemestart[0,1,line width=2mm]
\chemfig{S} {\small (s)}
\+{-0.25em,-0.2em,0pt}
\chemfig{O_2} {\small (g)}
\arrow
\chemfig{SO_2} {\small (g)}
\schemestop

\end{document}

Observe that instead of "thick" in the definition of arrow, you can use any tikz style, i.e., for line thickness modify line width. This produces:

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Punch Lines
Columns,
While on vacation from Alberta, visiting my mother at Raybrook Manor in Grand Rapids, Mich., my sister and I went with Mom to a Sunday-evening worship service at the chapel. The preacher was The Banner's own Jacob Eppinga, and we were treated to a finely crafted and engagingly delivered sermon on what heaven will be like. Afterward, I was moved to say, "I don't think I'll be preaching that well when I'm in my late 80s."
To which my sister responded, "I don't think you're preaching that well now!"
—Pastor Fred Bultman
On the last day of school, the children brought gifts for their teacher. The florist's son brought the teacher a bouquet of flowers. The candy-store owner's daughter gave the teacher a pretty box of candy. The liquor-store owner's son brought a big, heavy box. The teacher lifted it up and noticed that it was leaking a bit. She touched a drop of the liquid with her finger and tasted it.
"Is it wine?" she guessed.
"No," the boy replied.
She tasted another drop and asked, "Champagne?"
"No," said the little boy. "It's a puppy!"
—George Vander Weit
A little boy asked his grand-father if he could make a noise like a frog. "I suppose I could," Grandpa said, "but why would
you want me to do that?" The
boy replied, "Daddy says that when you croak we're going to Disneyland."
—Ray De Vries
Our granddaughter was very young when she got in
the car after church and asked, "Does anybody else notice that the preacher talks an awful lot about God?"
Later when she was with us a guest minister in our church remarked that older married women worry about losing their husbands—who will do the taxes and take care of the car? On the way home she remarked, "Grandma already does the taxes and takes care of her car." Then with a big sigh she added, "It's as if she's lost him already."
—Nancine Bruxvoort
My young grandson Jake, age 8 at the time, was sitting with me in church. It was Communion Sunday, and when the elements were passed he wondered when he could participate. I told him he had to know he loved Jesus and would try to live like him. He said, "When I call Ben names, I feel bad in my heart, and I tell him I'm sorry." I said, "That's a start." He thought a minute then said, "Grandma, I think I'll wait till I'm 10." Guess he wants to call his brother names a little longer.
—Kathryn Timmer
One Sunday morning we were having breakfast as a family. Our church service had been canceled due to a blizzard, and we were talking about having our own service at home. The kids were trying to decide who should give the message. They decided that Dad should because most ministers are men. Our 5-year-old stated, "I think men like to be ministers so they only have to work one day a week!"
—Duane and Lori Hinken
I had recently begun my ministry at Lebanon (Iowa) Christian Reformed Church. There were five or six tall stumps on the property line between the church and the Christian school.
One evening at dinner part of the conversation went like this:
Five-year-old David: "Daddy, what are those big posts by the school?"
"Those are stumps, Dave."
"What's stump, Daddy?"
"A stump is what's left after
you cut down a tree. Sometimes they're tall, mostly they're short."
"Who cut down those trees, Daddy?"
"The school board, I guess."
David was silent. I assumed the conversation had ended until he brought the house down with his next question: "Daddy, was that board sharp?"
—Alan Arkema
Around our table we often sing a prayer before we eat. Recently our children have been taking the initiative to pray in some unique ways. Our 2-and-a-half-year-old son was eager to begin eating, and I told him we needed to pray to God first. Immediately he sang with gusto, "God keep our land, glorious and free, O Canada we stand on guard for thee!" A few days later I gave our 4-year-old daughter a snack of crackers and cheese, and she looked up to heaven and called out, just like Jesus would have at the feeding of the 5,000: "Blessed art Thou, King of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth!"
—Christine DeRuiter


New coach Richard Pitino earned his first Big Ten victory in a nail-biter against Purdue.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Austin Hollins had 18 points and nine rebounds, and Minnesota went 23 for 27 from the free-throw line to hang on for an 82-79 victory over Purdue on Sunday, the first in the Big Ten for new coach Richard Pitino.
Andre Hollins added 17 points and five assists and made 9 of his 11 foul shots for the Gophers (12-3, 1-1), who led by as many as 19 points in the second half before surviving a determined comeback. The Boilermakers (10-5, 0-2) grabbed 21 offensive rebounds to stay in the game, and after Malik Smith missed two free throws with 4 seconds left, Kendall Stephens had a half-court heave to tie it that fell well short.
Stephens hit a 3-pointer right before that sequence from the top of the key to pull Purdue within three points.
Terone Johnson had 18 points and Ronnie Johnson had 13 points for the Boilermakers, but A.J. Hammons lost the big-man battle with Elliott Eliason.
The Gophers led 70-54 with 7:10 left, but Terone Johnson and Sterling Carter hit 3-pointers to bring Purdue within 76-72 with 2:16 remaining, the closest the Boilermakers came since the same mark in the first half. Until Smith's misses, though, the Gophers sank six straight foul shots over the closing minutes to stay in front.
With a subzero temperature outside and students still on winter break from classes, the crowd was a bit thinner than the usual conference-game gathering, but the Gophers provided plenty to cheer. Austin Hollins and Oto Osieneks sandwiched 3-pointers around a two-handed block by Eliason late in the first half, and Austin Hollins added another one before the break to push Minnesota's lead to 42-35.
Shortly after halftime, Austin Hollins found an opening on the baseline and soared to the rim for a tomahawk dunk that put the Gophers up by 10 points.
The Boilermakers made five 3-pointers over the first 16 minutes of the game, but when they were able to drive through the zone they rarely looked for Hammons, who had 18 points plus a career-high 16 rebounds, five blocks and four assists on Tuesday against No. 3 Ohio State. Hammons attempted only two field goals and finished with seven points.
For the Gophers to keep up in the top-heavy Big Ten, with Ohio State, Wisconsin and Michigan State all ranked this week in the top five of the Associated Press poll, this was one of those games they simply had to win. They slipped a little down the stretch, missing too many free throws, and dropped a 63-60 decision here three days ago when Michigan was missing stars Mitch McGary for the whole night and Glenn Robinson III for most of the second half. Up next for Minnesota is a trip to Penn State. But then comes a four-game meat grinder: at Michigan State, against Ohio State, at Iowa and against Wisconsin.
The Gophers never finished with a winning conference record in six seasons under coach Tubby Smith, and this year won't be any easier given the competition, but if they can continue to shoot like this from the outside they'll have a good chance.
The perimeter starts and ends with the Hollins boys, who aren't brothers like Purdue's Johnsons but have the same hometown in Memphis and have grown close enough over their time at Minnesota to become related. Andre Hollins was fouled on all but one of the jumpers he took in the first half, but he swished it from 3-point range. Austin Hollins made three from behind the arc before the intermission.
The Hollinses combined for only 14 points against Michigan on Thursday.
The Boilermakers brought a promising young core into this season after finishing 16-17 and missing the NCAA tournament for the first time in seven years, with three sophomores and a freshman in the starting lineup and three other freshmen part of the rotation off the bench.
But coach Matt Painter's attempt to restore the stifling defense his mentor Gene Keady instilled in this proud program has not been working. Purdue gave up the second-most points in the Big Ten last season and is second-to-last in scoring defense again, allowing an average of 71.3 points per game.


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Pradip Sangwan's body language was showing every fear of a rookie bowler bowling against a gifted player. Viru did a costly mistake to introduce him when Nannes was punished for five consecutive fours in the very first over.
Full credit goes to Gilli. He put all his experience of playing finals and winning them. He not only scored runs but killed opponents attitude to play the game to win from the very first over. Even Viru seemed confused when Gilli was in full flow. Only Nehra was looking confident and positive.
With the record of fastest fifty in IPL in just 17 balls, he is also having height strike rate and score (85). This player is unstoppable in full flow. This style of hammering down the ball was introduced by West Indians in early 70s. Richards, Lloyd, Sobers played with the hammer in hand. Recently, Lara had that magic in his bat. In late 80s and early 90s, Aussie era started and won three world cups. Gilli was integral part of the team and Aussies success.
Now, morals are charged up and opponents must be thinking of tightening the screws against him. Another Aussie making his mark with quick 24 in 15 balls was Symonds. A player out of Gibbs, Symonds, Rohit, Gilli and others with quick fire 40-50 runs can make 250+ runs possible. And yeah, this total seems very very difficult for any team in finals.
It's all ifs and buts but, with such a stunning performance, Deccan Chargers has become strong contender for holding the shining IPL trophy.


After seven years of service to the community, the Warrensburg Police Department is looking to retire their police dog, Gunner.
However, the Police Department is asking members of the community to assist in funding the purchase of a new dog.
Chief Rich Lockhart said Gunner was diagnosed in November with degenerative myelopathy, a disease in the lower back that results in a loss of mobility.
Lockhart said Gunner joined the department approximately seven years ago after being trained by Sgt. Adam Wade, his handler. Lockhart said Gunner specializes in tracking narcotics, patrol work, fugitive apprehension and field and article searches.
However, Lockhart said Gunner's specialty is interacting with the community through public demonstrations.
Lockhart said the disease hasn't negatively impacted Gunner's drive and he seems to not feel any pain. He said Gunner has been treated using steroids and chiropractic techniques. Since the diagnosis, Gunner has been used primarily for narcotics searches.
Gunner's retirement date is unknown, and Lockhart said the Police Department is taking it day-by-day. Gunner may be retired before a replacement is found. In that case, other area K-9 units will step up and be utilized by the department when needed.
One such K-9 is Echo, a German shepherd who's approximately 7 years old. Capt. Dan Othic, of the UCM Public Safety, said the Warrensburg Police Department could utilize Echo when he is not needed on the university campus.
Following his retirement, Lockhart said Gunner will remain with Wade as a family pet.
Locating and training a replacement K-9 is much more complex than going to the local animal shelter.
Lockhart said there are few police K-9 breeders in the United States. One such breeder is Vohne Liche Kennels of Denver, Indiana, which he said supplies the K-9 units for the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department. Lockhart said the selection of a kennel will likely be done via a request for proposal process.
When a kennel is chosen, the handler will view a variety of dogs. Lockhart said the Police Department is looking at purchasing a pre-selected dog, which is bred from other potentially good working dogs. He said that the average cost of a pre-selected dog is approximately $15,000 before training and other costs.
"The way the process was explained to me is that they (the breeder) keeps bringing dogs out to you until one clicks," Lockhart said.
He said breeders provide a year-long warranty on health and training.
After a dog is chosen, Lockhart said the handler will spend three weeks at the kennel for the intensive initial training of the dog. He said this process trains the dog for bonding, communicating with the handler, detecting narcotics and working patrols. Following the completion of the intensive initial training process, the dog is transported home where they join the police department and proceed with additional training.
After the completion of the initial training, the approximate total cost is $20,000. To pay for it, the Warrensburg Police Department is looking to the community for help. The Police Department has set up a GoFundMe campaign where community members have contributed over $3,800 as of Wednesday. Lockhart said the Early Bird Rotary Club has designated the Police Department to receive the proceeds from the "Taste of Johnson County" event.


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12/06/2018 2:59 AM IST | Updated 14/06/2018 7:40 PM IST
19 Great Places To Travel For Non-Drinkers
Non-drinkers can go anywhere, but these options might feel more sober-friendly.
By Caroline Bologna, HuffPost US
Regina Gulyás / EyeEm via Getty Images
"You can explore Buda Castle, hike Gellért Hill, or visit any number of monuments and museums." -- Rachel Medlock on Budapest
Travel often offers an opportunity to relax, explore a new place and have a good time.
For many, this entails winding down with some beachside cocktails, tasting a region's wine or hitting up a local bar. But for people who don't drink, it may sometimes feel like the "good time" options are more limited.
HuffPost reached out to a number of travel experts for recommendations of places that are ideal for visitors who don't drink, from destinations with cultures that don't emphasize drinking to those that offer a variety of nighttime activities.
Of course, you can go anywhere if you're sober. As travel blogger Melissa Giroux said, someone who doesn't drink doesn't have to travel differently than people who do.
"I've been sober for six years, and I'm pretty convinced I can travel anywhere I want," she said, adding that she enjoys going out dancing. "To be fair, it might not be the case for everyone, and it could even get harder if you recently quit drinking."
© Naufal MQ via Getty Images
Man doing yoga on the peak of a mountain in Tamilnadu, India.
Indeed, certain travel destinations can seem more sober-friendly than others. Keep scrolling for 19 options for people who want to avoid temptation or would prefer a place that isn't centered around alcohol.
"I've felt much more confident as a sober traveler in parts of Asia and Africa, where a large percentage of the local people don't drink alcohol for religious or cultural reasons. In predominantly Buddhist or Muslim cultures, sobriety is totally normal. Sri Lanka is my favorite country I've traveled through recently because it has endless options for outdoor activities and the local culture is intriguing and welcoming." ― Carrie Hoffman, world traveler and co-founder of the alcohol-free Bigger Life Adventures yoga and adventure retreat
"I had the opportunity to travel to Kyoto, Kobe and Tokyo at five months pregnant, so no booze for me! I didn't even miss it with all the delicious food, the sights and the views. It's sensory overload ― you want to be sober to take it all in. Although beer and sake are common in restaurants, you don't have waiters pushing for alcohol as you see in the States. You can easily pair your meals with tea or water." ― Jessica van Dop, travel media specialist and blogger at The Dining Traveler
Yanis Ourabah via Getty Images
Tea ceremony in Japan.
"There are so many fun things to do in Seoul that don't involve alcohol. One thing that is a must is shopping at the night market. Yes, there are huge markets that only open at night, closing at 5 a.m. Almost everything you can imagine is sold, from clothes and stationery to kitchen supplies. Korea is known for its street food, and there's so much to eat! Where there's a night market, there's street food. It's not unusual to be walking around at 1 a.m. with spicy rice cakes in one hand and grilled squid on a stick in the other.
With restaurants, cafes, and spas that are open 24 hours, there's so much to do that's not centered around drinking. I don't drink alcohol but I drink a lot of tea, so I'm always seeking out tea houses scattered around Seoul. There's a wide range from modern to traditional tea houses, and it's always fun for me to try them out. I usually end up learning a lot about the country's culture through tea. In my travels, I always bring back tea as a souvenir." ― Jee Choe, digital designer and blogger at Oh, How Civilized
"While I'm a little biased toward my own city, Los Angeles is a great option for sober travel. You can hike and surf in Malibu, find a day spa, play beach volleyball on the famous Manhattan Beach courts, take any number of Hollywood tours, and you're always surrounded by healthy food. One of my favorite things to do with visitors is to find a vintage car rental for cruising the Pacific Coast Highway." ― Rachel Medlock, blogger at Wayfaring Rachel
Kyle Sparks via Getty Images
A surfer in Malibu.
"Scandinavian countries such as Sweden are great for non-drinkers. Not only are drinks quite expensive at restaurants and bars, but also in Sweden, hard liquor is only sold through government-controlled stores called Systembolaget." ― Lola Akinmade Åkerström, travel writer and National Geographic photographer
"Santorini isn't a party island like Mykonos, so nightlife on this island isn't all about drinking. The days are filled with beaches, hikes, gyros and frappes. At night is when the town comes to life ― all the shops and restaurants are brightly lit and open late. It's the perfect time to go shopping. You can also watch a movie at the outdoor cinema, have a late dinner at 10 p.m., or sit in the cool breeze overlooking the ocean at a cafe. Santorini is great for people who don't drink since there are other things to do other than go to bars." ― Choe
"Consider going to certain Muslim-majority destinations. For example, alcohol is available in Morocco, but it's not part of the culture. There might be alcohol served in certain hotel bars, or you could maybe purchase it from a single shop somewhere that doesn't really advertise it, but broadly speaking alcohol is not a big thing. Morocco also happens to be an amazing destination with buzzing markets, ancient maze-like cities with windy streets and the Sahara Desert. It's one of those countries where you can enjoy a coffee or a shisha but where alcohol is mostly out of sight and out of mind."― Marek Bron, travel blogger at Indie Traveller
Oscar Wong via Getty Images
Market in Morocco.
"Get away from the parties at the beach. Mexico City is full of history, culture, architecture, museums and great food. It is also one of the safest places in Mexico." ―Shawn Coomer, founder and managing editor of Miles to Memories, and Mark Ostermann, senior editor at Miles to Memories
"I love a spa vacation to indulge without imbibing. After tapping into a wellness-focused environment, passing on alcohol feels even easier. My favorite is the Scandinave Day Spa in Whistler for a tranquil spot tucked away in the mountains. You'll walk around the indoor-outdoor spa in fluffy robes, jumping between heated environments (steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs), cold treatments (ice pools), and relaxation solariums or cozy fireplaces." ― Medlock
"Alcohol is pretty widely available in Malaysia, but it's taxed heavily and consumption is much more moderate than in some neighboring countries. Whereas in Thailand, alcohol gets sold to tourists in very large quantities (even in buckets in the most commercialized tourist areas!), Malaysia takes it very easy. That's why I think Malaysia can be an amazing tropical destination for anyone wishing to avoid alcohol altogether." ― Bron
"[There are] countries that have stricter alcohol regulations but are still dream vacation destinations, like Malaysia. These countries would be better suited for the solo traveler, the adventurer or self-planner. If you prefer the city, places like Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown should be high on your list. I fell in love with all of the street art in Georgetown and the melding of the three cultures; Malay, Chinese and Indian result in fantastic options for any foodie." ― Annette Richmond, blogger and travel journalist.
Annette Richmond
"I fell in love with all of the street art in Georgetown," blogger Annette Richmond said of Malaysia.
"As a solo female traveler in Latin America, I choose not to drink mostly for safety reasons, but partially because I just hate hangovers. When I first started traveling, I didn't go out after dark. So I always chose places where there was a lot to do during the day. This way I didn't feel like I was missing out. Then when I moved to Colombia, everything changed. I discovered salsa and bachata dancing. This enabled me to get up the confidence to go out after dark on my own and not feel pressured to drink. I also never felt like a loner, as I would spend the night dancing rather than sitting down. I recommend Medellin in Colombia or Antigua in Guatemala as two destinations I felt very safe traveling solo and have great salsa and bachata scenes. I could go out every night of the week in both of these places and dance the night away without needing a drop of alcohol. I did need a lot of water, though!" ― Claire Summers, travel blogger at Claire's Itchy Feet
"Budapest is full of thermal baths and day spas, with plenty of cultural activities as well. Skip the party crowd at Széchenyi and opt for the quieter Gellért or Lukács baths. When you get tired of soaking, you can explore Buda Castle, hike Gellért Hill, or visit any number of monuments and museums." ― Medlock
"Due to the altitude, one of the things that is recommended is not to consume alcohol your first week in Cuzco. If you're in Peru for Machu Picchu or the nature of the Andes, you will probably have very early mornings that are motivation enough not to drink! Bonus: Peru had delicious nonalcoholic drinks, such as indigenous herbal teas and chichas made from corn and other fruit flavors." ― van Dop
Juan Jose Napuri via Getty Images
Chicha is typically made with corn and comes in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic forms.
"Even though there is a big bar scene in New York, there are also tons of options outside of that ― Central Park, Statue of Liberty, museums, Staten Island Ferry, Chelsea Market, the High Line, etc. There are a lot of options for a weekend trip." ― Ostermann and Coomer
"If you're all about soaking in that 'Vitamin Sea' while on vacay, try the Maldives. This tropical country is comprised of over 1,000 coral islands. As a Muslim country, you'd be hard-pressed to find alcohol outside of the tourist islands. So live like a local and forgo some of the comforts of Western societies. Immerse yourself in the culture and stay in a more affordable location, as tourist traps are generally more expensive. However, you can still explore these places by ferry if you want to spend some time island hopping." ― Richmond
Bandon, Oregon
"A golfer's dream with some of the best public courses in the U.S. in the same area. There are also hiking trails and a beautiful coastline." ― Ostermann and Coomer
Klaus Lang via Getty Images
Coastline in Bandon, Oregon.
"I'm biased toward India, my home country, especially if you get off the beaten track and explore the incredible beauty and culture of the countryside. I recommend sustainable travel options for a meaningful trip." ― Shivya Nath, travel blogger at The Shooting Star
Triglav National Park, Slovenia
"This stunning park that sits on the Slovenian Alps is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. With the idyllic waterfalls, snowcapped mountains and turquoise streams, your mind is more focused on taking in the sights than getting your buzz on. Dealing with the altitude and hikes will detract you from late nights of drinking!" ― van Dop
"Though drinking is oftenlegal for non-Muslims, drinking is usually done out of sight behind closed doors in Bangladesh. Rather than be pressured into pub crawls, wine tastings and drinks on the terrace everywhere you look, you can easily focus on historical sights, tropical landscapes and, best of all, sober exchanges with equally sober locals. The only caveat: You may be pressured to drink copious amounts of sugary ― but delicious ― tea." ― Alex Reynolds, travel blogger at Lost With Purpose
Quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.
Caroline Bologna .
MORE: lifestyle sober travel travel advice


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Tag Archives: Ninth House
Review: Ninth House (Alex Stern #1) by Leigh Bardugo
Galaxy "Alex" Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale's freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. By age twenty, in fact, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she's thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world's most elite universities on a full ride. What's the catch, and why her?
Still searching for answers to this herself, Alex arrives in New Haven tasked by her mysterious benefactors with monitoring the activities of Yale's secret societies. These eight windowless "tombs" are well-known to be haunts of the future rich and powerful, from high-ranking politicos to Wall Street and Hollywood's biggest players. But their occult activities are revealed to be more sinister and more extraordinary than any paranoid imagination might conceive.
The mesmerizing adult debut from #1 New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo.
Well, this was a colossal waste of time. It pains me to say that, but Ninth House was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not even come close to meeting my expectations. I'm going to go the list route for the rest of this review.
-Let's talk about those expectations. Ninth House is Bardugo's first adult novel. However, it pretty much read exactly like all of her YA novels. Plus, it's set in a college, so the main character is a freshman (though she's 20 instead of 18, so I guess that's supposed to make her more adult?) and it still follows a basic YA formula – the dumb adult doesn't listen to the young main character's concerns, so she goes behind their backs to figure things out on her own.
-Almost every review I've read described this book as DARK, but it wasn't really. Maybe slightly darker than her YA novels, but if we're comparing to similar adult novels, I wouldn't describe it that way. It wasn't even very creepy, which was disappointing.
-If you're on social media, you've probably seen some trigger warnings and debates about a rape scene. I was really preparing myself for something graphic and horrible and don't get me wrong, it's a sensitive subject and is always awful to read. But the scene was very brief and not graphic and didn't leave much of a lasting impact. I don't think there needed to be that much of a fuss kicked up over it. I also don't think it was necessary to include in the story since there were other traumatic things that happened to her that had a bigger impact on the overall story.
-This book was several hundred pages longer than it needed to be. It took over 300 pages for the plot to actually move forward. Before that, the book is mostly made up with descriptions of Yale, New Haven, magic, and the secret societies. It was really a chore to get through and I almost DNF-ed it so many times, but I pressed on because it was Leigh Bardugo and I thought she would pull through in the end. I wish I would've DNF-ed it.
-I was really interested in the whole secret society subject. When I first started reading, it reminded me a little bit of the movie The Skulls which was one of my favorite movies as a teenager. However, the societies never really lived up to their potential. They ended up coming across as nothing more than boring covens.
-The characters weren't really that likable. I don't know how the author that brought us characters like Kaz Brekker and Sturmhond/Nikolai could fill this book with such flat, forgettable characters. I feel like all of her energy and attention went into creating the atmosphere and the magic and the characters were left as afterthoughts. While Darlington was my favorite character of the book, I found myself wanting to like him, more than I actually liked him.
-The story did start to pick up for me towards the end, where there was actual plot that focused on the murder mystery and I even started to enjoy it a little bit. However, the ending made me really not want to read the next book. It's something straight out of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and was such a lame way to end the story.
Overall, Ninth House left me incredibly disappointed. It focused way too much on the "let me show off the research I did for this book" descriptions and not enough on plot or on creating credible, likable characters. I am obviously in the minority here, though, so fans of Bardugo might find it much more enjoyable than I did.
Alex Stern, Book Review, Disappointing, Leigh Bardugo, Ninth House, Unpopular Opinion, Urban Fantasy 16 Comments
The Long Call (Two Rivers #1) by Ann Cleeves. Read September 28-30 (yes this was September, but it was after I posted my September installment of Reviewing the Unreviewed). 3 Stars.
I found this a pretty average mystery. It was very character driven, which is fine, but the pace seemed soooo slow. It did pick up towards the end, though. The main characters were likable enough, but not really memorable. It was a decent read, but I'm not sure if I'm interested enough to continue the series.
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James. Read October 4-6. 3 Stars.
This was ok, but not what I expected. I didn't think the alternate timelines were used that well, nor did I think we really needed POVs from all four girls in the past. I thought the story was a little too long and large parts of it were too unbelievable. And the most unbelievable wasn't even the ghost parts (which made me take the whole book way less seriously, as well)
Reveal Me (Shatter Me #5.5) by Tahereh Mafi. Read October 13-14. 2 Stars.
Did we really need another novella full of Kenji's feelings? Honestly, getting his POV just makes me like him a little less.
The Bridal Party by J.G. Murray. Read October 15-16. 2 Stars.
There was so much potential for this story, but it failed to reach it. The events weren't very feasible and the big reveal wasn't at all surprising. I was still holding out for a fun twist at the end, but there wasn't one and it was just kind of depressing instead.
The Burning Shadow (Origin #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout. October 17-19. 3 Stars.
This was ok, but I can't really say much more for it than that. It was much too long and repetitive and I was bored for large parts of it. There were also thinly veiled political analogies between unregistered Luxens and undocumented immigrants and I found it a little annoying. There were multiple scenes of the main character yelling at protesters that just kind of felt like wish fulfillment from the author. And I'm not saying that's bad, but I feel like everything that is wrong in the country comes down to two sides yelling names at each other instead of trying to talk and work things out. It's so unproductive and I get enough of that in real life. I did enjoy getting more Luc, though, and I liked the romance, which is what JLA is always good at. I also liked the cameos from the Lux series. There was more of all the characters I love than the last book had, so that helped make up for some of the boredom.
After the Flood by Kassandra Montag. DNF at 9%. I wasn't too impressed after I started this, so I set it down to read something else. Two weeks later and I just have no interest in picking it back up again.
Rain Will Come by Thomas Holgate. DNF @ 4%. Sometimes you know right away if you're not going to click with a story and that was my experience with this book. The first chapter was enough to make me not like the main character – mainly because some of the events remind me a lot of my father. The writing style didn't really mesh with me either. However, I will say that the reviews I've seen so far for this book are pretty positive, so this is probably just a case of not being the right book for me.
Lake Season (Bluebell Inn Romance #1) by Denise Hunter – 2.5/5 Stars
Meet Me on Love Lane (Hopeless Romantics #2) by Nina Bocci – 3/5 Stars
Ninth House (Alex Stern #1) by Leigh Bardugo – 2/5 Stars
The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica Walters – 2.5/5 Stars
Reputation by Sara Shepard – 3.5/5 Stars
The Wives by Tarryn Fisher – 3/5 Stars
Yours in Scandal (Man of the Year #1) by Lauren Layne – 4/5 Stars
After the Flood, Alex Stern, Ann Cleeves, Bluebell Inn Romance, Damien Angelica Walters, Denise Hunter, Hopeless Romantics, J.G. Murray, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Kassandra Montag, Lake Season, Lauren Layne, Leigh Bardugo, Man of the Year, Meet Me on Love Lane, Nina Bocci, Ninth House, Origin, Rain Will Come, Reputation, Reveal Me, Reviewing the Unreviewed, Sara Shepard, Shatter Me, Simon St. James, tahereh mafi, Tarryn Fisher, The Bridal Party, The Broken Girls, The Burning Shadow, The Dead Girls Club, The Long Call, The Wives, Thomas Holgate, Two Rivers, Yours in Scandal 8 Comments
Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My Fall 2019 TBR
This week's Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is: Books On My Fall 2019 TBR. My list is comprised of ARCs, anticipated fall releases, and a couple others that I'm hoping to just be able to make time for soon.
1. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
2. The Burning Shadow (Origin #2) by Jennifer L Armentrout
3. Lake Season (Bluebell Inn Romance #1) by Denise Hunter
4. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
5. Marriage on Madison Avenue (Central Park Pact #3) by Lauren Layne
6. The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica Walters
7. Endgame (Fawkes and Baxter #3) by Daniel Cole
8. The Plus One by Sophia Money-Coutts
9. Crime and Poetry by Amanda Flower
10. The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
What are you reading this Fall?
Amanda Flower, Bluebell Inn Romance, Central Park Pact, Crime and Poetry, Damien Angelica Walters, Daniel Cole, Denise Hunter, Endgame, Erin Morgenstern, Fawkes and Baxter, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Lake Season, Lauren Layne, Leigh Bardugo, Marriage on Madison Avenue, Ninth House, Origin, Sophia Money-Coutts, Tarryn Fisher, The Burning Shadow, The Dead Girls Club, The Plus One, The Starless Sea, The Wives, Top Ten Tuesday, TTT 22 Comments
Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Releases of the Second Half of 2019
This week's Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is: Most Anticipated Releases of the Second Half of 2019.
1. Shamed (Kate Burkholder #11) by Linda Castillo. Publishing July 16, 2019.
2. Dark Age (Red Rising #5) by Pierce Brown. Publishing July 30, 2019.
3. Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins. Publishing August 6, 2019.
4. The Killing Tide (Coastal Guardians #1) by Dani Pettrey. Publishing August 6, 2019.
5. The Last Widow (Will Trent #9) by Karin Slaughter. Publishing August 20, 2019.
6. Elevator Pitch by Linwood Barclay. Publishing September 17, 2019.
7. Where Do I Begin? by Elvis Duran. Publishing October 1, 2019.
8. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. Publishing October 1, 2019.
9. The Burning Shadow (Origin #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Publishing October 8, 2019.
10. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. Publishing November 5, 2019.
What are your most anticipated releases?
Coastal Guardians, Dani Pettrey, Dark Age, Elevator Pitch, Elvis Duran, Erin Morgenstern, Jennifer L. Armentrout, JLA, Karin Slaughter, Kate Burkholder, Kristan Higgins, Leigh Bardugo, Life and other Inconveniences, Linda Castillo, Linwood Barclay, Ninth House, Origin, Pierce Brown, Red Rising, Shamed, The Burning Shadow, The Killing Tide, The Last Widow, The Starless Sea, Top Ten Tuesday, TTT, Where Do I Begin?, Will Trent 24 Comments


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By Andy Patrizio
Apple's 64-bit Chip Could Change Things, but Not Overnight
Test and Monitor | Posted November 26, 2013
[caption id="attachment_14828" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Credit: Cult of Mac[/caption]
The 64-bit nature of the A7 chip is nice. However, any potential tech exploitation of that 64-bit nature is a long ways off, say developers.
Apple's latest generation of non-Mac products sport a new processor that's touted as 64-bits, which is causing a bit of an uproar in the tech sector. And we all know the impact Apple can have far beyond its own borders.
For the record, the performance gains in the new A7 over earlier versions don't come from being a 64-bit chip. They are the result of an aggressive new architecture and some performance tweaking by Apple engineers. The result is a very fast processor that flattens past generations, according to recent benchmarks.
The move to 64-bits on PCs and especially servers has been a significant one. A decade ago, people deployed row upon row of 32-bit Xeon servers that, once the sysadmins loaded Windows Server, IIS, and other applications, often had less than a gigabyte of memory left over for actual applications. The result was server sprawl, with a whole bunch of servers running at 2-3% utilization.
The advent of 64-bit architectures (capable of addressing as much as 16 exabytes of RAM) and the operating systems to run on those servers led to a massive revolution in server architecture. Virtualization and the cloud would never have happened in the 32-bit world. But on the client side? PCs routinely come with 8GB of memory, mostly because RAM is now cheap. Unless you are doing graphic or video editing, you would have to really push your computer system to maximize that memory.
In the smartphone and tablet world that ARM dominates, it's a completely different situation. The ARM cores used all across the industry are 32-bit, but that's not an impediment for smartphone and tablet developers. Nothing they were doing was coming even remotely close to the 4GB limit of a 32-bit processor.
If anything, AnandTech points out, there are good reasons to stay 32-bit. Putting 8GB of memory in a phone would mean eight times as much memory to power and initialize as a 1GB phone like the iPhone 5S; and with all the drains on the battery, Apple is not about to do that. Plus, 32-bit apps can't see the extras of a 64-bit app, and 64-bit apps tend to use more memory than a 32-bit version of the same app.
Given the iPhone 5S has only 1GB of DRAM, being able to address more than 4GB does seem rather pointless. Developers feel the memory issue isn't significant for tablets and phones.
"The most common thing associated [with 64-bit] is memory addressing, and the ability to address more than 4 GB of memory. But I don't see Apple making the choice to go 64-bit in iOS because they want to stuff more than 4 GB of memory into iPhones and iPads," says Ronan O'Ciosoig, co-founder and head of mobile development for Mobile Genius, LLC. 64-bit allows for many other things, such as video editing and filters, he says.
But app development? Maybe not. "64-bit architecture also means a larger address space for RAM, but mobile devices haven't even reached the limit on this anyway," says O'Ciosoig. "Mobile applications in general don't use a lot of RAM compared to their desktop counterparts. Most apps run just fine on 32- bits."
O'Ciosoig praises the iPhone 5S camera, and its video recording and editing; the chip's 64-bit nature, with its extra registers, could come in handy. "This is where the extra code can be compiled to run faster. Run real-time algorithms and filters for improved image quality, focus and stability, faster frame rates and so on," he says.
However, Mark Reid, a freelance Mac and iOS software developer in the U.K., has a different take on 64-bit: that it's not just more accessible memory. "In the case of this 64-bit transition, it's not just about being able to address more memory," Reid says. "The chip itself has larger registers. That means that more data can be stored on the processor so there will be times that it doesn't even need to go to the memory. Apple has been able to make huge improvements to the set of instructions the chip uses to get its work done giving huge speed improvements over the 32-bit counterpart."
Apple's Xcode developer tools compiles an app in both 64-bit and 32-bit versions at the same time so it's really not as much of a hurdle as the 64-bit transition was and still is for Windows developers, Reid notes.
"I would agree with many industry bigwigs that 64-bits just isn't all that significant for consumers," O'Ciosoig adds. "It didn't make much difference on the desktop when this change happened – so it isn't likely to be even perceivable for most people."
Will the Mac OS Migrate Again?
In 2006, Apple announced it would defect from the PowerPC architecture to Intel's x86 chip, marking the second CPU migration for the Macintosh in its history. The first, from Motorola's 68000 series, wasn't too painful, since Motorola also made the PowerPC chip; some shared technology and architecture made it easy to emulate a 68k environment on PowerPC.
This was important, because Mac System 7 was written in a lot of 68k low level Assembly code for performance reasons; the move wasn't so painful. Likewise, the transition to Intel architecture was helped along by the fact that Mac OS X was built on the NextStep OS, which in turn used the Mach kernel and BSD Unix, both of which were on x86 already.
With the release of the 64-bit A7, there is speculation (and no real hints) that Apple might unite its products under ARM and possibly one OS, either iOS or MacOS. That would mean the same pain for developers as the last time. At best, it would mean one code base and two compiles, one for x86 and one for ARM. At worst, it would mean two very different code bases.
Both iOS and OSX use Mach-O, the Mach object file format, a file format for executables, object code, shared libraries, dynamically-loaded code, and core dumps. One of its advantages (or shortcomings, depending on how you look at it) is that they use only the registers that are present on all CPUs. Given the difference in architecture between ARM and x86, that's really hitting the lowest common denominator.
So what do developers think of this notion? They don't like it, nor do they think it will happen.
"A7 is just the beginning and has a long way to go before it would be capable of competing with Intel's CPUs," says Adam Lindley, a developer with ACME AtronOmatic, maker of the MyRadar weather app for smartphones. "Apple doesn't really like to rush things. If they were to make that kind of switch we probably wouldn't see it happen for at least four to six years from now, but then again Mac has gone through three major CPU architectures and the Mach kernel does allow for multiple binaries in the app package."
"The biggest boon Apple will receive from switching to ARM 64 for iOS devices would be that OSX and iOS can share even more of the base/foundation source code, with them both being 64 bit," Lindley adds.
There is no chance at all that this is going to happen in the immediate future, says O'Ciosoig. "But maybe in a few years we will have some kind of convergence. For now, the processing power of an Intel chip is a high multiple of what the A7 is capable of." Plus, Intel and ARM are on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to microchip architecture. "ARM is low power RISC design principles whereas Intel have stuck to their CISC model since the 80s," he says.
CPUs are more than just instruction processing pipelines, points out Maurice Sharp, a developer and author of the book Learning iOS 7 Development (Addison-Wesley); they contain much more functionality. For example, Intel's new Haswell line of chips for laptops has an integrated GPU and security instructions for AES encryption. The ARM chips Apple uses in the iPhone are more about low energy, high speed instruction processing but they also have specialty instructions, such as an image signal processor for stabilizing camera shots.
"So the basic answer is, sure, they could switch to ARM on Mac, the question is 'Why would they?'" says Sharp. "Doing so would be a fair bit of engineering work, even though both Mac OS and iOS have the same parent. If you consider the ROI (return on investment) of doing that work, it is not clear it makes sense at the moment."
Switching to ARM would mean switching the kernel and possibly other low-level code, which would essentially change what Mac OS is about, since it's built on the Mach kernel.
Sharp thinks a more likely scenario is a longer term migration to iOS for everything. "You can already see it happening. Many of the changes in Mavericks made desktop applications more like their iOS cousins," he says. "The look and feel also is starting to unify, in as much as it makes sense for desktop/laptop versus handheld/tablet."
The bottom line, Sharp says, it that is technically feasible to make a switch, but the transition cost does not seem worthwhile at the moment. So enjoy your x86 coding.
When Multicore Makes Sense for Mobile Apps
Gelsinger and Meyer: Two CPU Designers Who Changed the World
What Intel and AMD's Latest Multicore Development Moves Mean to You
15 Code Editors For the iPad – For Free or Very Cheap
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The 25 Best Stealth Games On PC
Our favourite places to hide.
former Deputy Editor
17th November 2015 / 7:00PM
15. Batman: Arkham Asylum [official site] (2009)
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
Arkham Asylum is still the greatest Batman game and its unusual approach to sneaking and clobbering makes it stand out in the field of stealth games. The majority of games in this list are what we might refer to as pure stealth games, in which the player character has few tools other than those that keep him or her concealed, and Arkham Asylum is far from pure. In between exploration of the titular institution, the game divides into two types of encounter: straight-up combat and stealth-based Predator sections.
The clue as to Arkham's distinctive approach to stealth is in that name: Predator. While most stealth games concentrate on the vulnerability of the protagonist, who uses the shadows as a sort of flimsy armour, Arkham Asylum makes Batman into a thing of fear. Enemies panic as he picks them off one by one and while a burst of automatic fire can bring his crimefighting career to an end, the darkness empowers him and the temptation to toy with the final thug in an area as he jumps at every sound is almost impossible to ignore.
Notes: The storyline for Asylum (and follow-up City) was penned by Paul Dini, perhaps best known for his work on the much-loved Batman: The Animated series, which also shares several voice actors with the Arkham games.
Read more: Our review of Arkham City and our review of Arkham Knight.
Where can I buy it: Steam.
What else should I be playing if I like this: The sequels are worth playing, although the lack of gadgets in the opening predator stages of the first game are the best example of the stealth at its most basic and best.
14. Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive [Moby Games] (2001)
Developer: Spellbound Entertainment
Publisher: Infogrames
Desperados is the pinnacle of the stealth-strategy genre represented elsewhere in this list by Commandos 2. Across beautifully drawn levels, the heroes of the piece move through a hit parade of Western locations and scenarios, sneaking by, shooting and subduing the outlaws who stand between them and their bounty.
The various player characters have a diverse skillset and several abilities can operate in combination to unleash new tactics. Explosives expert Sam Williams can plant a barrel of TNT as distraction or weapon, for example, and then gambler Kate O'Hara can use a mirror to direct just enough rays in its direction to light the fuse. Daft? Yes. Enjoyable? Absolutely.
Read more: Mark Filipowich's analysis of the game.
Where can I buy it: Steam, GOG.
What else should I be playing if I like this: The Commandos series, mentioned earlier in this list, and Robin Hood: Legend of Sherwood.
13. Gunpoint [official site] (2013)
Developer: Suspicious Developments
Publisher: Suspicious Developments
Gunpoint's player character is wearing a pair of 'hypertrousers' that can propel him through the air at a rapid clip. While airborne, he can tackle enemies, defenestrating them in the process. That these mighty garments are not the star of the show is testament to the brilliance of the game's key gadget: the Crosslink device.
Essentially allowing the player to rewrite the rules of a level on the fly, the Crosslink targets specific features of the building to be infiltrated and rewires their connections. A light switch can be connected to a security door, causing guards to inadvertently toggle the lock when they try to turn the lights on. Eventually, as the gadget is upgraded, it's possible to interfere directly with weaponry and other items in the world. Gunpoint is a game in which it is possible to trap guards within their own security rooms by confusing computer systems. It is a game in which propulsion pants are somehow secondary to intelligent and intricate stealth.
Notes: Designer Tom Francis was an editor at PC Gamer during development of Gunpoint. When he made his development costs ($30 for a copy of Game Maker) back just over a minute after opening pre-orders, he decided to move into full-time game dev.
Where can I buy it: Steam, direct from the developer.
Read more: Our review, and a preview.
What else should I be playing if I like this: The Swindle is a faster and more chaotic 2d infiltration and robbery game. Ronin falls somewhere between the two – it's a turn-based action game.
12. 12. Neon Struct [official site] (2015)
Developer: Minor Key Games
Publisher: Minor Key Games
Neon Struct looks like a working prototype for a new Deus Ex game. The visuals are beautifully minimalist, ensuring that levels are legible, and yet the locations you infiltrate are recognizable as real places. They're functional, the buildings, with all of the features and utilities in places as you'd expect, and that makes sneaking through them much more enjoyable – rather than travelling quietly and unseen through a world designed to accommodate your activities, you're a real agent doing real agent stuff.
Despite its brief running time and abstract appearance, Neon Struct manages to tell a story and build a world. The sneaking that holds everything together never requires a great deal of complex interactions: guards won't notice if you switch off the lights and as long as the lights are low, you can hide in plain sight. Guards operate on an entirely legible traffic light system, moving through unaware to alert to hunting as required, and hacking takes the form of a miniature ball 'n' bat Breakout game. But the simplicity and brevity are virtues in this case. From a few ingredients, including a superb synth soundtrack, Neon Struct delivers a delicious course of slick and stylish stealth.
Notes: Designer David Pittman worked at 2K Marin before going indie, where he wrote AI code for The Bureau: XCOM Declassified and Bioshock 2.
Read more: Our review.
What else should I be playing if I like this: Pittman's first independent game, Eldritch, isn't quite as stealth-focused but it's a creepy experience in more ways than one. And a superb game.
11. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory [Ubisoft shop site] (2005)
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Set in the near-future of 2007, Chaos Theory's plot is typical Clancy-guff. Tensions are high, geopolitics are determined by a few gruff men and private military corporations rather than centuries of social and geographical development, and only Sam 'Ironsides' Fisher is capable of restoring order to a world on the brink of Big War #57. The plot is fine because it's the perfect scaffolding for the best globetrotting stealth action in the Splinter Cell series to date – the bathhouse level alone is enough for it to secure a place on this list.
With Clint Hocking (who would be creative director on Far Cry 2 three years later) as the creative lead, having been promoted from a design position on prior Splinter Cells, Chaos Theory ramped up the emergent possibilities of the military reconnaissance equipment at the player's disposal. Cameras could be fired from guns and attached to walls or ceilings to provide remote viewing of locations, and sound as well as light travelled within the environments. The Splinter Cell games can seem dated, perhaps due to their near-future now being the recent past, but Chaos Theory provides a superb collection of toys within its grim military playgrounds.
Notes: The soundtrack is the work of Amon Tobin. His jazzy 1997 album Bricolage is a stone cold classic.
Where can I buy it: Steam, Uplay.
Read more: Eurogamer's Review.
What else should I be playing if I like this: There are all kinds of games in the wider Clancyverse, including the earlier Splinter Cell games, which are recommended, and the later ones, which you should read about before taking the plunge. Action creeps in and stealth is somewhat displaced.
Tagged with Bestest Bests, feature, Hidden & Dangerous 2, Inc, Manhunt, the saboteur, Alien: Isolation, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Commandos 2, Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive, Deus Ex, Dishonored, Gunpoint, Hitman: Blood Money, Invisible Inc, Mark of the Ninja, Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Monaco: What's Yours Is Mine, NEON STRUCT, No One Lives Forever 2, Payday 2, Styx: Master of Shadows, The Chronicles Of Riddick: Assault On Dark Athena, The Evil Within, The Swindle, Thief II: The Metal Age, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Volume.
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text:
Report, 2009
Strategic analysis of Swedish agriculture
Fogelfors, Håkan; Wivstad, Maria; Eckersten, Henrik; Holstein, Fredrik; Johansson, Susanne; Verwijst, Theo
Read fulltext (pdf)
This strategic analysis of Swedish agriculture – production systems and agricultural landscapes in a time of change – focuses on climate change, future availability of natural resources and economic regulation in a global food market. The background to the project was that the Faculty of Natural Resources and Agriculture of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences identified an urgent need to explore the implications and opportunities of coming changes for agricultural production systems, arable land use and farm landscape functions in Sweden. Another objective was to determine the research needed to ensure that we are equipped to adapt to the coming changes. The analysis was carried out in the form of three literature reviews (Climate Change and Agricultural Land Use in Sweden: A Literature Review, (Eckersten et al., 2008a); Changes in the Global Natural Resource Base Relevant for Future Agriculture in Sweden – A Literature Review, (Johansson, 2008); and Economic Globalisation and Swedish Agriculture – Future Changes Affecting Swedish Agriculture from an Economic Perspective with Special Emphasis on Globalisation, (Holstein, 2008). It also comprised workshops and seminars and finally production of this synthesis report, which summarises the work done and suggests six research themes. Different IPCC emission scenarios describe pathways for those factors that are regarded as important for emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), such as demography and social, economic and technological development. The projected global temperature increase varies from a little less than 2 °C up to 3.5-4.0 °C by the end of this century. Shrinking glaciers and rising sea levels are some of the consequences of the temperature increase. This climate change will have considerable consequences for agriculture, ecosystem function and human health on a global scale. The conditions for food production in Sweden are projected to become more favourable in terms of potential productivity as a result of future climate change. However, despite more favourable average cropping conditions, there could be drawbacks in the form of more frequent extreme weather events and, for example, more severe crop pathogen attacks and increased risks of nutrient leaching. The temperature increase is predicted to be greater during winter than during summer. Furthermore, precipitation will probably increase and the precipitation pattern will change. The temperature increase may lead to an extension of the growing season by several months in southern Sweden. Swedish agriculture is currently dependent on high inputs of external resources. The situation at present is that agricultural demands are increasing with regard to the natural resource base, e.g. ecosystem services and fossil fuels. The use of fossil fuels to sustain food production cannot continue indefinitely; agriculture world-wide must adopt mitigation strategies. One way is to search for self-sustaining, diversified, low-input, energy-efficient agricultural systems, using local renewable resources and ecosystem services. Another way to meet the challenges of future food supply and at the same time sustain life-support systems might be through intensive high-input agriculture on the 'best' land in order to save other areas for nature conservation. Swedish agriculture and food production are closely linked to the global food and feed market. Increased globalisation means that the profitability of Swedish farms is influenced to an increasing extent by actors on the global market. Conditions for Swedish agriculture in the past have been largely determined by political regulations, national and subsequently by CAP (Common Agricultural Policy in EU), but are gradually becoming more dependent on world market forces. Sweden has a comparative disadvantage in primary production compared with many other countries but the competitiveness of the Swedish food sector as a whole has increased during recent years due to increased exports of processed products. Another opportunity is to increase production of products with added value, e.g. organic products. However, the effects of globalisation on Swedish agriculture are hard to predict. Increased liberalisation will lead to increased competition, which will most probably lead to decreased production in Sweden. However, future changes in land productivity could potentially affect land use more than does the degree of liberalisation in trade. The conclusion that Swedish agriculture will decrease, at least in terms of land use, may very well turn out to be incorrect. This should be clear, not only from scenarios where climate change makes Swedish production more competitive but also from the latest developments on the world market where large increases in demand for agricultural products have been noted. This increase may have the consequence that land in less competitive countries will become sufficiently productive. Twelve climate scenarios for different regions in Sweden were developed within the FANAN project, from south-west Skåne in the south to Övertorneå in the north. Projections of future cropping systems under the new climatic conditions are described for three regions, south-west Skåne, Mälardalen district and the coast region of Västerbotten. There are diametrically opposed scenarios for future land use and appropriate design of agricultural production systems in the literature, which implies a need for a great variety of research. Research in adaptation as well as mitigation strategies will be important. Problems are interlinked and interdisciplinary research will probably be necessary to solve the complex problems concerning agriculture and the food supply of future populations. Six different strategic research themes are presented as a result of the FANAN project: 1.Future analyses of long-term sustainable land use, p.54. 2.Sustainable production systems — crop and animal sciences, p. 55. Cooling crops — crop-soil interactions Crop breeding — perennial cereals Domestic animal production Cultivation techniques 3.Ecosystem services in production systems of the agricultural landscape, p. 59. 4.From words to action, p. 60. 5.Monitoring of agricultural production, p. 62. 6.Multidisciplinary research network, p. 62. Large research programmes rather than small disciplinary projects will promote the solution of future complex problems. It will be necessary to combine empirical research with modelling and synthesis work in order to generate good science that is relevant to the challenges in sustainable agricultural management. FANAN concludes that SLU has a central role to play in developing these sustainable strategies
cropping systems; climate change; ecosytem services; economic globalisation; crop production; land use
Report from the Department of Crop Production Ecology (VPE)
2009, number: 10
Publisher: Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Fogelfors, Håkan
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Crop Production Ecology
Wivstad, Maria
Eckersten, Henrik
Holstein, Fredrik
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Economics
Johansson, Susanne
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Centre for Sustainable Agriculture
Verwijst, Theo
Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/28897


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