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Covid: Panic over deadly new strain - WHO labels variant a 'concern'
THE World Health Organisation has officially labelled the deadly new COVID-19 variant 'of concern'.
By Tara Fair
Covid LIVE: Panic over deadly new strain - WHO labels variant a 'concern' (Image: GETTY)
The WHO declaration comes amid warnings of the new Omicron variant which experts have warned could pose a risk to vaccine efficacy. David Nabarro, special envoy on Covid-19 for the World Health Organisation, told BBC News: "Really it is appropriate to be concerned about this – I tell you why. "The virus looks like it will have greater capacity to evade the defences that we've all built up as a result of the vaccinations we've received since the beginning of this year, and that is a concern because that would then mean, it's a bit like having to reset the dial and to go back and start dealing with a totally new pandemic all over again, we have to treat it as a new virus, so that's the concern."
THIS LIVE BLOG IS NOW CLOSED.
Additional reporting by Olivia Stringer
WHO labels new variant 'of concern'18:11
More than 50k new Covid infections recorded in UK16:16
Good afternoon15:01
Booster jabs available for severely immunosuppressed. 13:55
World may be faced with new pandemic, says WHO envoy11:22
Israeli PM says country on verge of 'state of emergency'10:15
New variant panic as WHO assesses highly contagious new strain10:11
Health secretary to make statement on new variant 09:46
England puts South Africa on red list following variant concerns 07:52
2 months ago21:42 Tara Fair
R number rises to between 1.0 and 1.1
The weekly estimated R number in England has risen to between 1.0 and 1.1.
This latest estimate is up from between 0.8 and 1.0 last week.
The reproduction number, from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), means that for every 10 people with coronavirus they will, on average, infect between 10 and 11 others.
Omicron variant will reach the UK, warns scientific government advisor
The Omicron variant will reach the UK and ministers should prepare now, according to a scientist advising the Government.
Professor John Edmunds, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), told BBC Radio 4's PM programme: "We're seeing cases cropping up elsewhere, in Israel now and in Belgium, that's really very worrying.
"So, we need to look at whether we need to extend those border restrictions.
"Then, of course, we have to look at other measures. At some point we're going to get this variant here in the UK, what are we going to do about it when we do get cases here?
"Even the vaccines don't work particularly well against this new variant, they do against Delta, and we're still fighting a Delta wave and we certainly don't want to be fighting both at the same time.
"There are things we can do and we need to get on with it very rapidly.
"We need to get rid of the Delta wave as fast as we can" because having it circulate alongside the new variant could create a "very, very, very difficult situation".
Latest Irish Covid statistics
There have been a further 4,620 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, the Department of Health has said.
As of Friday morning, there were 571 patients in hospital with the disease, with 118 in intensive care.
AstraZeneca 'hopeful' vaccine will work against Omicron variant
AstraZeneca is "hopeful" its vaccine will be effective against the Omicron variant and is conducting tests to investigate whether this is the case.
In a statement, AstraZeneca said: "As with any new emerging variants, we are looking into B.1.1.529 to understand more about it and the impact on the vaccine.
"We are also testing our long-acting antibody combination AZD7442 against this new variant and are hopeful AZD7442 will retain efficacy since it comprises two potent antibodies with different and complementary activities against the virus."
AstraZeneca 'hopeful' vaccine will work against Omicron variant (Image: GETTY)
'Get vaccinated to avoid Christmas restrictions!' says vaccine minister
Vaccines minister Maggie Throup has urged people to get vaccinated to help avoid restrictions at Christmas as experts grow increasingly concerned over a new coronavirus variant.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Any Questions? programme, she said: "At the moment we don't know if it will evade the vaccines that we've all been having and if it will be more infectious than the current variant.
"When it comes to Christmas my message is that the best way we can have that Christmas this year that we didn't have last year ... is to get vaccinated."
Her comments come hours after the World Health Organisation labelled the Omicron strain a "variant of concern".
Ms Throup went on to urge hesitant people to get their first vaccine and others who are eligible to come forward for their boosters.
'Get vaccinated to avoid Christmas restrictions!' says vaccine minister (Image: GETTY)
Hundreds of passengers from South Africa held in Amsterdam Airport
Hundreds of passengers arriving on the last two flights from South Africa before a travel ban was imposed have been held at the airport for hours.
Any travelers from South Africa who test positive for Covid-19 after arriving at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport will be kept in quarantine, the ANP news agency reported on Friday, citing local health officials.
The results of the trapped travelers' tests are not yet known.
So I'm in my 3d hour on a tarmac at Schipol. While my flight from Jo'burg was somewhere over Chad, Europe went into variant panic; by the time we landed, we weren't allowed off the plane.
They won't even let a catering truck bring us water.
\u2014 Stephanie Nolen (@snolen) November 26, 2021
Canada restricts travel from southern Africa
Canada is closing its borders to travelers who have recently been to seven southern African nations to help reduce the spread of the Omicron variant, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced on Friday.
The seven nations are: South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
US restricts travel from southern Africa
The United States will restrict travel to the US from eight southern African countries from Monday due to concerns over the Omicron variant.
The restrictions will apply to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Malawi.
The policy does not apply to American citizens or permanent residents.
Paris makes mask wearing outdoors mandatory at public gatherings
Paris has made the wearing of face masks outside mandatory again at public gatherings as the COVID-19 infection rate in the French capital soars.
The police announced in a statement that masks will have to be worn for gathering in public spaces, at festivals and spectacles, on markets and when standing in line.
Paris makes mask wearing outdoors mandatory at public gatherings (Image: GETTY)
BioNTech can create a new vaccine in six weeks
German biotechnology company BioNTech has said it would take less than two weeks to establish whether the new strain eludes the current vaccines in circulation, according to Wall Street Journal journalist Bojan Pancevski.
If a new vaccine is needed, it can be developed within six weeks.
The first batches of the new can then be delivered within 100 days of the decision being made that a new vaccine is necessary.
Germany\u2019s @BioNTech_Group says it takes ~2 weeks to establish whether the new strain eludes the vaccine. If a new vaccine is needed, it can be developed within 6 weeks and the first batches will be delivered within 100 days.
\u2014 Bojan Pancevski (@bopanc) November 26, 2021
WHO names new variant Omicron
The World Health Organisation has named the B.1.1.529 variant after the Greek letter Omicron.
The new #COVID19 virus variant - Omicron - has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. This is why we need to speed up our efforts to deliver on #VaccinEquity ASAP and protect the most vulnerable everywhere. https://t.co/b9QBMJXtJl
\u2014 Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) November 26, 2021
WHO labels new variant 'of concern'
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially declared the B.1.1.529 variant "of concern" and warned it carries a "higher risk of re-infection than other variants of concern".
The WHO said: "The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021.
"This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning.
"Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other VOCs.
"The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all provinces in South Africa."
The designation of Variant of Concern means:
countries should share genome sequences
report initial cases/clusters to WHO
perform field investigations & lab assessments to understand impacts, epidemiology, severity, effectiveness of public health & social measures https://t.co/n4pQC1SHxb
\u2014 World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 26, 2021
EU follows Britain's lead restricting travel from seven African countries
The European Commission has followed Britain's lead and restricted travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Spokesman Eric Mamer said: "Member States agreed to introduce rapidly restrictions on all travel into the EU from 7 countries in the Southern Africa region.
"Tests, quarantine and contact tracing for incoming passengers are important."
Member States agreed to introduce rapidly restrictions on all travel into the EU from 7 countries in the Southern Africa region:
Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe.
Tests, quarantine & contact tracing for incoming passengers are important. https://t.co/CXGq4S428L
\u2014 Eric Mamer (@MamerEric) November 26, 2021
South African official says WHO will designate variant as 'of concern'
A senior South African health official said he had been told on Friday that the World Health Organisation (WHO) would designate the new COVID-19 variant detected in South Africa as a variant "of concern".
Nicholas Crisp, acting director general in the health department, said: "We are busy trying to get some information behind the scenes about what was discussed at the WHO meeting today.
"Earlier in the day I just got a message to say that they were going to promote this variant to a 'variant of concern'."
Mr Crisp refused to be drawn on who had sent the message.
France records more than 1,500 people in ICU with COVID-19
France has reported a total of 1,563 people currently in ICU in the country for COVID-19.
This is an increase of 64 on the previous week.
'Britain did not warn us about travel ban!' says South Africa
South African Health Minister Joe Phaahla said on Friday that Britain did not discuss possible measures before imposing travel restrictions on his country.
Britain banned flights from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia after the detection of a new variant of the COVID-19 virus in South Africa.
More than 50k new Covid infections recorded in UK
Another 50,091 coronavirus infections were reported in the UK on Friday - an increase on 44,242 cases recorded a week ago.
There have been another 160 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
Ireland extends COVID-19 booster shots to all adults
Ireland will make COVID-19 booster shots available to all adults in an acceleration of plans to provide additional protection to the population amid new variant fears.
Ireland is already one of the world's most vaccinated nations with almost 90 percent of its eligible 3.9 million people over the age of 12 fully vaccinated.
Booster shots had previously been approved for those over the age of 50 and for those with underlying health issues but will be opened up to all adults amid fears of the soaring cases across Europe and the new variant.
Some 670,000 boosters have been administered to date.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said: "We continue to prioritise boosters because we know they are having a positive impact on the level of hospitalisation, severe illness and mortality from COVID-19 in those aged over 70."
Good afternoon from London. I'm Tara Fair, I'll be bringing you all the latest developments on the COVID-19 pandemic. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: Tara.fair@reachplc.com
Twitter: @TaraFair_
2 months ago14:03 Olivia Stringer
Brazil health regulator calls for restrictions following emergence of variant
Brazil's health regulator Anvisa said on Friday that travellers should be restricted from coming from African countries South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia and Zimbabwe due to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant.
However, the health authority does not have the power to restrict travel and any decision on this matter will have to be taken by executive branches such as the ministries of Justice, Health and Infrastructure.
Booster jabs available for severely immunosuppressed.
The NHS in England has said that anyone who is severely immunosuppressed can now book a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine.
Belgium detects first case of new variant
Belgium has detected its first case of the new COVID-19 variant, first located in southern Africa.
A virologist has stated that the case came from a traveller returning from Egypt and stated that they developed symptoms on November 22.
Spain to suspend flights to South Africa and Botswana
Spain will suspend flights to South Africa and Botswana on Tuesday, amid rising concern about the new variant of COVID-19.
This news comes after the European Commission pushed for an EU-wide travel ban to and from southern Africa, due to the rise of the B.1.1.529 variant.
Scientists fear this new variant may evade vaccines.
No.10 say its too early to say whether vaccines need to be updated
Number 10 has said that it is too early to say whether vaccines need to be updated to tackle the new variant of COVID-19.
When asked whether the Government predicted a 'specific' vaccine would be needed to tackle the variant, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister said: "We are in an early stage and, as the Health Secretary said today, there remains a high degree of uncertainty, which is why it is important that the work is being undertaken internationally to understand more about the variant.
"But I would point you back to what the scientific experts - I think it was the chief scientific adviser (Sir Patrick Vallance) - who spoke a while ago about the new technologies in terms of vaccines and the ability to tweak them as required if we need to."
Bahrain bans travellers from southern African states
Bahrain has banned travellers from southern African states amid concerns over the new variant of COVID-19, thought to be more transmissible than any previous variant.
However, this excluded Bahraini citizens and Bahraini residency visa holders.
French states official residence attacked in Martinique
The official residence of France's most senior representative on the Caribbean island of Martinique was set on fire last night, amid protests against COVID-19 protocols.
The local prosecutor's office also said that police officers had been attacked and that one of them had been seriously injured during the protests.
Journalists from news channel BFM TV, RMC radio, Agence France Presse and the ABACA agency have also reportedly been attacked.
A curfew was ordered by authorities on the island on Thursday after protestors looted shops and burned barricades to show their opposition to COVID-19 protocols put in place across France's overseas territories.
World may be faced with new pandemic, says WHO envoy
A new variant of COVID-19 could pose such a risk to vaccine efficacy that the world could be faced with a whole new pandemic, a health expert has warned.
David Nabarro, special envoy on Covid-19 for the World Health Organisation, told BBC News: "Really it is appropriate to be concerned about this – I tell you why.
"The virus looks like it will have greater capacity to evade the defences that we've all built up as a result of the vaccinations we've received since the beginning of this year, and that is a concern because that would then mean, it's a bit like having to reset the dial and to go back and start dealing with a totally new pandemic all over again, we have to treat it as a new virus, so that's the concern."
Javid urges people to get boosters
Mr Javid urged those that are eligible to get their booster jabs, stating that the emergence of the new variant means that it is now more important than ever to get a booster shot.
Javid says anyone who has been to southern Africa should take PCR
Mr Javid has said that anyone who has been to one of the six southern African countries put on the red list yesterday will be contacted to take a PCR test.
Mr Javid says we must move quickly
Mr Javid says we must move quickly to tackle the variant.
He said the UK is in a good place but we must act with caution.
Javid says the UK is concerned about new variant
Mr Javid told the Commons that the UK is concerned that the variant may pose a 'substantial risk to public health'.
He said early indications show this variant may be more transmissible than Delta and may be vaccine evasive.
Sajid Javid is now making a speech in the Commons
Health secretary Sajid Javid is now making a speech in the Commons.
Mr Javid reassured the house that there are no cases in the UK currently.
He stresses that there remains a high level of uncertainty surrounding the variant.
He says the UK was the first country to identify the threat of the virus.
Japan to tighten border controls
Japan will tighten its border controls and following the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant.
From midnight (3pm GMT) flights from South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Lesotho will be required to undergo a 10-day quarantine period in government-determined accommodation.
South African government urges people to get vaccinated
The South African government has urged people to get vaccinated against coronavirus following the emergence of a new variant.
Scientists are currently studying the variant to determine whether it is a variant of 'interest' or of concern.
Israeli PM says country on verge of 'state of emergency'
The Israeli Prime Minister has stated that Israel is on the verge of a 'state of emergency' following the emergence of the new variant of COVID-19.
Naftali Bennett said: "We are currently on the verge of a state of emergency.
"Our main principle is to act fast, strong and now."
Israel has detected one case of the new variant found in a traveller returning from Malawi.
New variant panic as WHO assesses highly contagious new strain
The WHO will meet on Friday to discuss the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, first detected in South Africa, which is thought to be the most contagious variant yet.
The variant was first identified on Tuesday and sparked interest due to the fact that it has an "extremely high" number of mutations. Today's meeting will decide whether this new variant is of "interest" or of "concern". Some world leaders have responded to the news by imposing new travel restrictions in a bid to prevent the virus from reaching their countries.
Germany's air force to transport Covid patients as hospitals overwhelmed.
Germany's air force is preparing to transport Covid patients from overwhelmed hospitals from the southern town of Memmingen to Muenster near Osnabrueck in the north.
The airforce will use planes named 'flying intensive care units' and fitted out with ICU beds to transport severely ill patients.
Cases in Germany have skyrocketed in recent weeks with daily new infections hitting a record 76,000 on Friday.
Health secretary to make statement on new variant
The health secretary Sajid Javid will make a statement in the Commons at 11 am on Friday on the latest developments on the Covid-19 crisis, including discussion of the new variant.
EU aims to halt air travel from southern Africa
The EU is aiming to halt air travel from the southern African region, amid fears surrounding the new variant of Covid-19.
In a tweet, President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen said: "The Commission will propose, in close coordination with Member States, to activate the emergency brake to stop air travel from the southern African region due to the variant of concern B.1.1.529."
An EU official added that the Commission will urge all 27 member states toto implement the measure and hopes to get the go-ahead from the European Council as soon as possible.
The @EU_Commission will propose, in close coordination with Member States, to activate the emergency brake to stop air travel from the southern African region due to the variant of concern B.1.1.529.
\u2014 Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 26, 2021
Italy imposes ban on South African states
Italy has imposed an entry ban on people who have visited a number of South African states in the last 14 days following the detection of a new Covid-19 variant.
Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza signed an executive order banning entry from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini, a statement said.
Mr Speranza said: "Our scientists are studying the new B.1.1.529 variant. In the meantime, we will adopt the greatest possible caution."
Variant causes stocks to shrink
Stocks in Europe have fallen due to fears that the new Covid-19 variant could cause a fresh hit to the economy.
European stocks fell by three per cent while the UK's FTSE 100 fell by 3.3 per cent.
Travel and leisure stocks fell 6.5 per cent after the UK imposed a travel ban on South Africa.
Shares in TUI fell somewhere between 12 and 15 per cent and shares in Easy Jet fell over 12 per cent.
What do we know about the new variant so far?
The B.1.1.529 is was first discovered in South Africa.
There are now around 50 confirmed cases of it, in South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana.
The variant has an 'unusual' constellation of mutations that are different to variants previously detected and may mean that it is more transmissible or vaccine evasive.
On Thursday, senior scientists described the variant as the worst they has seen since the start of the pandemic.
It has 32 mutations on the spike protein, which is about double the amount associated with the Delta variant.
The spike protein is the part of the virus that vaccines use to prime the immune system against Covid.
PCR tests fail to pick up variant
Dr Eric Feigl-Ding has reported via Twitter that a traveller from South Africa flew to Hong Kong whilst infected with the variant, but it wasn't picked up until the travellers 4th day of quarantine and second PCR test.
He also reported that a second traveller across the hallway also had the variant and that wasn't picked up until their 8th day of quarantine and 4th PCR test.
Both were Pfizer vaccinated.
8) It has leaked out of Africa now too\u2014but fortunately caught by \ud83c\udded\ud83c\uddf0\u2019s quarantine system for international arrivals. But that\u2019s where the good news ends\u2014 #B11259 was barely caught by a 4th PCR test in cross infection across a hotel hallway. Worse\u2014both were Pfizer vaccinated. See\ud83d\udc47 https://t.co/c7uX2dFTkz
\u2014 Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) November 26, 2021
England puts South Africa on red list following variant concerns
England has added six countries in southern Africa to its red list, following concerns of a new Covid-19 variant, which could be the deadliest yet.
Flight from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini and Zimbabwe will be banned from Friday and officials are reviewing whether there should be a limited return to PCR tests.
According to sources, the new variant could pose "a potentially significant threat to the vaccine programme which we have to protect at all costs".
Christmas Coronavirus Vaccine Lockdown Variant
Zara, 19, lands in record book as youngest girl to fly round world
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Anaphylaxis is a topic covered in the 5-Minute Clinical Consult.
Nonimmunologically mediated acute systemic reactions are called "nonallergic anaphylaxis," the term anaphylactoid reaction has been eliminated.
Up to 47,000 cases of idiopathic anaphylaxis with no identifiable cause occur each year.
Drug-induced anaphylaxis occurs in 1/2,700 hospitalized patients (most common = antibiotics).
Food allergic reactions constitute 1/3 to 1/2 of all anaphylactic reactions worldwide.
Asthmatics are at a higher risk of severe anaphylaxis than nonasthmatics. Female asthmatics are at greater risk of anaphylaxis than males.
Chemical mediators: Histamine and products of arachidonic acid metabolism (leukotrienes, thromboxane, prostaglandins, and platelet-activating factor) cause smooth muscle spasm, mucus secretion, increased vascular permeability, activation of nociceptive neurons, platelet adherence, eosinophil activation, and chemotaxis.
Mast cell and basophils recruit other inflammatory pathways including kallikrein-kinin, complement, and coagulation pathways.
Strictly avoid inducing drugs and foods.
For those with history of anaphylaxis, carry epinephrine autoinjector at work/school and in vehicle. Protect epinephrine autoinjectors from temperature extremes.
If allergic to bee stings, avoid areas where insect exposure is likely. Avoid wearing insect attractants (e.g., perfumes, colored clothing); avoid bare feet outdoors.
Carry or wear a medical alert ID about the anaphylaxis-causing substance or event.
When radiologic contrast is unavoidable, use of low-osmolar contrast agents (e.g., iothalamate) reduces the risk of contrast reactions to 3.1%.
Only 0.22% were considered severe.
Stop β-blockers before administering contrast materials.
Pretreat with diphenhydramine (50 mg IV) and a steroid (e.g., methylprednisolone 60 mg IV q6h) until procedure. Start methylprednisolone the day before the procedure is scheduled.
Have a latex-free kit (gloves, etc.) available for the treatment of latex-allergic patients. Some latex-allergic patients will react to tropical fruits, such as kiwi, bananas, avocados, and chestnuts.
Stephens, Mark B., et al., editors. "Anaphylaxis." 5-Minute Clinical Consult, 27th ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2019. Medicine Central, im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816693/all/Anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis. In: Stephens MB, Golding J, Baldor RA, et al, eds. 5-Minute Clinical Consult. 27th ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2019. https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816693/all/Anaphylaxis. Accessed April 26, 2019.
Anaphylaxis [Internet]. In: Stephens MB, Golding J, Baldor RA, Domino FJ, editors. 5-Minute Clinical Consult. Wolters Kluwer; 2019. [cited 2019 April 26]. Available from: https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816693/all/Anaphylaxis.


I can't seem to find anything about which of the 3 NVidia ports to use for this card.
See https://www.nvidia.com/object/unix.html. There is a "Supported Products" tab at each download page.
Nine out of ten times it's the 'regular' x11/nvidia-driver. The others are for legacy cards.


text:
Most Expensive Yacht Charter
by tom103No commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fmost-expensive.com%2Fyacht-charter-worldMost+Expensive+Yacht+Charter2006-11-13+00%3A27%3A01tomhttp%3A%2F%2Fmost-expensive.net%2Fyacht-charter-world
A luxury cruise is something that people often save for years to be able to experience. Modern cruise ships are floating luxury resorts with full hospitality services. Many luxury cruise ships have almost as many crew members as they do capacity for passengers. Private charters are the most expensive and exclusive way to experience a vacation on the sea. If you want to experience the ultra-luxury available only for the select few who can afford extravagance, you have to ask what is the most expensive yacht in the world?
The Annaliesse and her sister ship, Alysia are the world's most expensive charter yachts. These recently built 85.3 meter (280ft) yachts are the first to be launched with SOLAS classification available for the charter market. Not only are they the most expensive yachts available for charter at a rate of €94,500 per day, €661,500 per week, they are also the most luxurious with impressive facilities.
The ships are equipped to carry up to 36 passengers with 34 crew and a range of over 7,000 nautical miles. The expensive yachts offers 2,400 sq meters (25,833 sq feet) of guest space. On board facilities may help explain the price of the most expensive yacht charter: a marble faced Roman bath, saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge pools, Jacuzzis, a beauty salon, therapy beds and massage facilities, a fully equipped gymnasium, cinema, library, business center, creche, and a helicopter landing pad.
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World's Most Expensive Classic Motorcycle
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HMS Terrible Toy Battleship, Most Expensive Toy in the UK

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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The Achieve Anything Foundation was formed to develop and implement year-round projects and programs of lasting value towards inspiring female future leaders in STEM, and STEM-based fields such as Aviation, Aerospace, Marine and Defense.
British Columbia Youth Parliament is a youth service organization dedicated to the motto of "Youth Serving Youth". The organization spans almost a century. During the Winter break 97 youth ages 16 to 21 from across the province meet in the Legislative Buildings in Victoria. There they debate a variety of legislation that outlines projects that will be run throughout the year. In addition to this, Private Members Resolutions are introduced. These give members the ability to propose debate on issues close to hearts and communities, while still participating in a practical lesson on the parliamentary process.
Camp Ignite is a four-day camp that educates and inspires young women to follow their dreams. The camp is open to British Columbia girls in grades 11-12 (ages 16-18 ), and gives them an introduction to the world of firefighting. Aside from firefighting, each participant will learn about fitness, nutrition, health and teamwork.
Debate Camp offers an opportunity to students to participate in a one-week summer camp in public speaking, Parliamentary debating, and model United nations. The program is open to students in grades 5 through 11, and has helped thousands of young people become better advocated for their ideas, develop strong persuasion and public speaking skills and ultimately feel empowered to speak well to a variety of audiences.
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Encounter with Canada provides a unique opportunity for Canadian teens age 14-17 to meet other young people from across the country. Expand your horizons and explore the possibilities for exciting careers that you've never before imagined! Visit important Canadian institutions, meet famous and accomplished Canadians, develop your leadership skills and enjoy an extraordinary, bilingual experience. Select from one of 14 theme weeks.
Forum for Young Canadians provides an opportunity to take part in an incredible and unforgettable week! Meet parliamentarians and learn about our Canadian system of government. Participate in simulations and take part in the decision-making process all while developing strong relationships with people from across Canada. If you like to contribute to the future of your community and your country and are interested in learning more about the decision-making process in Canada this opportunity is one not to miss.
Go Explore! Explore is an intensive language-immersion program. You can take the program in the spring or summer, whichever you prefer. Participants in Explore receive funding that covers tuition fees for the programs, instructional materials, meals and accommodations, workshops, and other mandatory activities. Discover another region of Canada while learning French. Have an adventure and make new friends
Minerva Learning to Lead Leadership is a three-day leadership program for Grade 11 girls. Participants gain confidence through a series of interactive workshops and activities. They leave the program with greater self-awareness, and the inspiration to take on new challenges and opportunities.
RCMP National Youth Engagement Week. The RCMP will invite 32 grade 12 students from across Canada for the Youth Engagement Week held at the Police Training Academy in Regina, Saskatchewan. This is a great opportunity for students who are interested in a career in law enforcement to experience a week of what training in the RCMP looks like and get an overview of the RCMP organization.
Rotary Youth Exchange provides students with life changing experiences who want to live and study overseas. District 5050's Rotary clubs provide students with these experiences by both sponsoring local students who want to live and study overseas, and by hosting international students in our district. The journey brings challenges and rewards unlike any other.
Science World Future Science Leaders is an after-school science enrichment program in Vancouver or Surrey, BC, designed to engage curious minds with the nature of science, unleash creative potential, and build a life-long network of like-minded peers.
Shad Canada is a STEAM and Entrepreneurship program for students in grade 10 and 11. Shad Canada's program attracts students with high aptitudes for risk taking, curiosity, excellence and resilience, and prepares them to take on social and economic challenges. The month-long program includes a real-world design challenge that asks students to work on issues such as food security, water management and waste.
UBC Archimedes Talk is a speaker series aimed at talented high school students in Vancouver interested in mathematics and engineering. The goal is to provide promising students with opportunities to explore different aspects of math and applied science in an engaging environment. Once a month during the semester, students come to the University of British Columbia's main Vancouver Campus. Every session includes two expert speakers, a tour of an interesting location on campus, and lunch. Students must be nominated to participate. See Career advisor if interested.
UBC Geering Up Engineering Outreach is a non-profit organization with the mandate of promoting science, engineering, and technology to youth across British Columbia. Affiliated with the University of British Columbia, Geering Up is designed, organized and operated by UBC students. UBC Geering Up provides summer camps, high school programs, and special events throughout the year in the Lower Mainland.
University of Toronto Summer Law and Medicine Youth Programs- Step into the University of Toronto and explore the worlds of Law and/or medicine. The youth summer program was established in 2008 and every summer students from across North America and around the world are offered an exclusive glimpse into the world of Medicine and Law. Registration for application is open but first come first serve. High school students have the opportunity to sign up for weekly modules in either the Faculty of Law or the Faculty of Medicine. Fees do not include accommodations, lunch or transportation. Cost of the law programs are approximately $1000 per week and the medicine program $1488 per week/ plus $98 registration fee.
Youth Innovation Showcase allows youth ages 12-24 from all areas of BC and the Yukon to pitch their innovative solutions at the Youth Innovation Showcase! Top students in each age category will be invited to pitch their ideas to a panel at a BC Tech industry event in Vancouver, in the Spring of 2020.
Youth leadership Challenge (YLC) is a day long competition, consisting of three core activities focused on building leadership skills. The event is open to all grade 11 and 12 students across BC, and each year, 16-24 youth are accepted for registration into the program
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2018-Aug-30 | School Reconfiguration
2021-Jan-18 | PAC Meeting
2021-Jan-22 | Term 2 Ends
2021-Jan-25 | Literacy Assessment Week
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2021-Feb-01 | Octet 5 Begins
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Journalism education in Germany is institutionalised in several bodies. Traditionally, journalists-to-be take part in and successfully complete a two-year internship within a publishing house or in broadcasting corporations. This professional experience has to be completed with additional courses within a journalist's academy, with further vocational training. The biggest one of these is the Akademie für Publizistik in Hamburg.
Additionally, several universities also offer degrees in Journalism Studies (Hamburg, Dortmund, Leipzig, and Eichstätt, among others). Journalism education is also offered in independent journalism schools (such as in Munich), and in schools owned by media houses, like the Axel Springer Academy. With the growing amount of commercial media outlets and the increasing importance of online journalism, the landscape of journalism is more and more scattered, and the degree of education among journalists varies heavily.
Germany does not have a strong tradition of media-related NGOs. Media issues are dealt with within each party's' political foundations. Media research is hosted by a vast variety of institutions, like university-based institutes, media research divisions of both public and commercial broadcasters, and independent research institutes such as the GfK and Nielsen Media Research.


Welcome. This is just a simple web page i built to pay hommage to a man who unlocked the door for me and with a cheshire cat grin (well, truth be told the door was not locked, but he gave me his place in line ahead of him with a smirk and a sincere gesture, and kind of pushed me...phurther) I never met the man, nor him me and yet if there was ever a vibration in tune with my own it was found in his words.
Please if you come across this edge of the web - dont make a big deal out of it. Dont worship it. We are not trying to start some revolution, or religion, or cult, or urge you out of your caves and into the light.
Live your life. If you dont dare to do that there probably is nothing here for you.
If you do dare, welcome.


The Level 1, WSET wine education class is for those preparing for, or employees starting, their first job in wine, as well as for consumers looking for challenging wine classes. You'll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
The cost of the class is $250. Included in this cost is a study manual, lectures, guided tastings and the exam. The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. Students who pass the exam will receive a certificate and pin.


text:
La Terra Trema La Terra Trema
A fishing family attempts to escape poverty and exploitation by becoming the owner of its own boat in Luchino Visconti's work of uncompromising realism.
Special Prize, Venice Film Festival 1948
La terra trema is a work of uncompromising realism that is universally acknowledged as a masterpiece of post-war Italian cinema. Entirely set and shot in a small village on the east coast of Sicily and using non-professional actors, it tells the story of a fishing family which attempts to escape from poverty and exploitation by becoming the owner of its own boat.
To acquire the boat the family is forced to mortgage its house but the boat is destroyed in a storm and the family is ruined. However, the film ends on a hopeful note, with the community able to learn from the events and succeed together in overthrowing exploitation.
Upon the film's release, the Valestro family, who were the main participants, wrote to Luchino Visconti expressing deep gratitude to him for telling their story to Italy and the world.
La terra trema instantly reveals the quality of Visconti's direction, particularly in the sheer beauty of the images and the vibrant performances he achieved from the villagers. Many of its themes recur in Visconti's later work but nowhere else are they so firmly anchored in realism and respect for life.
Director biography.
BFIVD581
A film by Luchino Visconti
Product contents
Sicilian, Italian
DVD region


text:
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Aaron creates a virtual writers' room to "break" part of the Season 5 premiere—an episode he's never seen.
We wanted to, as part of this, try recreating a writer's room, OK. But here's the problem. In script writing there are two big parts of scriptwriting. One is the fun part and one is the agonizing part. The fun part is the writing. Just the actual writing of it is fun. It's the thinking of what you're going to write that is just agonizing. Because you can't force yourself to think. At least if your job was digging ditches, as backbreaking and thankless as that might be, at least you know what you're supposed to do, right? You show up to work and there's a shovel, and somebody points and says dig a five foot ditch there. Like I said, it's not a job I would want to have, and I tip my cap to those who have it, but at least you know what you're supposed to do. OK. By the way, same thing with directors. Directing is a really hard job. But at least when you come to work in the morning, there's a set of instructions for you. It's a script. We have this, OK. It's just a blank piece of paper with nothing on it. And it's a soul crushing experience, because humans are not able to make themselves, force themselves to come up with ideas. OK, you can't go, (SNORTS) and have it happen. So when they talk to me about how can we have a sort of virtual writers room in here, I balked because I said it's going to be mostly filming people lying down on couches and not having any ideas. And I thought to perhaps cut through that we'd do something a little crazy, which is this. I left The West Wing after season four. OK, I wrote the first four seasons with the exception of two episodes. And I left at the end of season four. I have not seen an episode of The West Wing from seasons five, six, and seven. There's a reason why. When it was announced that I was leaving the show, Larry David called me. He had left Seinfeld before Seinfeld was over. And he said, listen, you can never watch the show again. You can never watch the West Wing again. Because either it's going to be really great without you, and you're going to be miserable. Or it's going to be less than great without you, and you're going to be miserable. But either way you're going to be miserable. And I thought, well, it's Larry David, he's professionally miserable. So I had them send me episode 501, the season five, episode one. It was on half inch tape. That's how we looked at things back then. I had them sent to my house a couple of days before it aired, popped it in the VCR, hit play. And I don't think 20 seconds went by before I lept at the TV and slammed it off. Not because it was fantastic or less than fantastic, but simply because it was like watching somebody make out with my girlfriend. Donna was speaking words that I didn't write. Josh was saying these things. And for me, it was tough. So I then followed Larry's advice. I didn't...


A guide to the best of the best Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizona day hikes. Every hike a guaranteed winner. No filler. Accurate, down to earth, easy to read maps. Each description features contour profile, distance, time, effort required, type (out and back, loop, etc.) and best season to hike. Included are detailed directions to the trailhead plus a verbal description of each hike. There is a "critter foot finder" guide to the footprints of many of the animals found in northern Arizona and hiking directions to vortex sites around Sedona.


text:
As at 3rd February 2014
WOODWARD, Rt Hon Shaun (St. Helens South and Whiston)
2. Remunerated employment, office, profession etc
£194.18 received from The Guardian News and Media Ltd, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU for an article published on 27 December 2012. Hours: 2 hrs. (Registered 31 January 2013)
From 19 February 2013, Advisor to Reichmuth & Co Privatbankiers, Tödistrasse 63, CH-8002 Zurich. Remuneration: £35,000 a half year. Hours: expected to be approximately 10 days. (Registered 11 June 2013)
From 2 May 2013, advisor to R K Harrison, insurance and reinsurance brokers, One Whittington Avenue, London EC3V 1LE. Remuneration: £10,000 a year. Hours: as required. (Registered 11 June 2013)
6. Overseas visits
Name of donor: L88
Address of donor: The Homer Building, Eleventh Floor South, 601 Thirteenth Street NW, Washington DC 20005
Amount of donation (or estimate of probable value): Air travel to the US on 19 March 2013 and return flight on 11 April 2013, plus one night's accommodation; total value £11,500
Destination of visits: Washington DC
Date of visits: 19 March & 11 April 2013
Purpose of visits: To attend a briefing meeting and to speak at a meeting organised to mark the visit of Havel Fellows from the Czech Republic (Registered 15 May 2013)
8. Land and Property
I own properties in France, New York State and the West Indies from which rental income is received.
9. Registrable shareholdings
(a) Office of Shaun Woodward MP (Registered 23 April 2013)
(b) J. Sainsbury PLC.
Unremunerated trusteeships:
Human Dignity Trust (from April 2012)
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) (from February 2013)
LAMDA Capital Campaign (Chairman) (from February 2013)
The Hamptons International Film Festival (Hon Chairman) (from February 2013)
(Registered 28 February 2013)
Prepared 10th February 2014


Previous PostPrevious The 90 Minute Menu available now in The Koyla Sports Bar.
A Happy Bonfire Night to all our lovely customers & friends from Koyla Kitchen.
Exclusive Offer! Kids Eat for only £1 during Half Term Holidays! Monday – Friday.


Via Silvio Ferrari, 15, 15057, Tortona, Italy.
Please find above all details for Europcar's Tortona car hire branch – location map, address, phone and fax number. To reserve a car at our Tortona car hire location, just click on the "Book" button next to the branch details below and you will be re-directed to our booking engine with the Tortona car hire location details pre-filled.
Car hire at Tortona is made easy with Europcar. Friendly service, new cars and low prices are part of our every day offer. Whether you are hiring a car for business or pleasure, or you need a car or van, Europcar has the right hire car at Tortona for you. Europcar is looking forward to serving you at its car hire branch: Tortona. Remember to always bring your driving license, valid credit card and additional proof of identity (such as a passport if you are hiring abroad). Hire a car with Europcar today. Europcar's Green Program: At Europcar, we understand the environmental impact of car hire. That's why we have wholeheartedly embraced a sustainable development program, and are proud to be the first car hire company at Tortona with certified commitments. After all, what's good for the earth is good for our drivers.
Address: Apt Cristoforo Colombo, 16154, Genova, Italy.


text:
Home Conditions | Fovea centralis
Fovea centralis
By Autumn Sprabary
The fovea is a tiny part of the eye's anatomy that makes a huge difference in our eyesight. Resting inside the macula, the fovea (also called "fovea centralis") provides our absolute sharpest vision.
Fovea definition
The name "fovea" comes from the Greek word meaning "small pit." This is an appropriate name, as the fovea is a tiny depression (or pit) in the macula, a small structure located in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye.
The retina, macula and fovea work together to provide the best central and peripheral vision and visual acuity possible.
Fovea function
To fully grasp the fovea's function, it's important to understand its anatomy related to the macula.
The macula is a super light-sensitive part of the retina that contains two types of photoreceptor cells: cones and rods. This dynamic duo of cells takes light rays and converts them into signals that are then sent to the brain.
Cone cells are responsible for producing color and fine details, while rods provide peripheral vision, movement and shades of grey. Rods are mostly located outside the macula, and the cones are located inside.
The fovea eye pit does not have any rods or other neurons, only millions of tightly packed cones. By grouping en masse, cones get optimal exposure to soak up light as it comes into the eye, allowing them to create the sharpest possible image.
Fovea centralis function also includes the discernment of other image details, such as distinguishing between different colors and sensing three-dimensional depth.
Fovea vs. macula
Fovea anatomy can be tricky because the retina and macula are also light-sensitive parts of the eye that create sharp vision. So, where does the fovea come into play, and how is it different from the macula and retina?
Think of it as "sharp, sharper, sharpest": The retina is the tissue that lines the back of the eyeball and produces sharp vision whenever light hits it correctly. The macula is the center portion of the retina that produces even sharper vision with its rods and cones. The fovea is the pit inside the macula with only cones, so vision can be at its sharpest.
While the fovea and the macula have the same objective of providing clear vision, they achieve that goal in different ways.
Conditions that may affect the fovea
Because the fovea is such an essential part of a person's vision, it's important to prevent and/or monitor the conditions that may jeopardize its function. Conditions that may affect the fovea include:
Macular degeneration (both wet and dry forms) — Age-related thinning and abnormal protein growth on the macula (dry) or macular scarring due to abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage (wet).
Stargardt's disease — Form of macular degeneration in which photoreceptors in the macula die off. Unlike age-related macular degeneration, it can affect young adults and children.
Diabetic retinopathy — Occurs when consistently high blood sugar levels cause damage to the retina.
Macular hole — An age-related tear or hole that forms in the macula.
Macular pucker — When a bulge, wrinkle or crease develops on the macula and affects central vision.
Macular edema — Fluid buildup in the macula.
Retinal detachment — When the retina lifts or tears away from the back of the eye.
Retinoblastoma — Cancer of the eye that begins in the retina.
Retinal vein occlusion — When a vein or artery in the retina becomes blocked.
Retinopathy of prematurity — Condition in which abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina; affects babies born prematurely.
Choroidal neovascular membranes — Irregular, damaged blood vessels that begin to develop under the retina in an area called the choroid.
Cytomegalovirus retinitis — Viral infection that affects the retina.
Retinitis pigmentosa — Genetic condition that affects how the retina responds to light; commonly seen in individuals with Usher syndrome.
Macular telangiectasia — A condition that causes blood vessels around the fovea to dilate and leak.
The best way to protect your sight and keep your eyes healthy is to undergo routine comprehensive eye exams — it may be possible for an eye doctor to detect early signs of a fovea-related condition before you notice any symptoms.
READ MORE: Eye anatomy: A closer look at the parts of the eye
Eye anatomy: A closer look at the parts of the eye
Choroid of the eye: Anatomy and function
The Retina: Where Vision Begins
Sclera: The White Of The Eye
Macula lutea
Photoreceptors and their function in the eye


Orange County's representative on the state Board of Equalization officially began her campaign this week for a seat on the county's Board of Supervisors.
Michelle Steel, a Surfside resident, is running for the District 2 seat during the June 2014 primary election that will be vacated by Supervisor John Moorlach, who is prevented from seeking another term after serving on the five-member board since 2006.
District 2 includes Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach and portions of Fountain Valley.
"In these tough economic times, and as governments on all levels are struggling to tighten their belts while preserving excellent service, I believe that my experience as one of California's fiscal officers, and an advocate for taxpayers, will help keep Orange County on a strong path for economic freedom and sound public policy," Steel, a Republican, said in her campaign announcement Thursday.
Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, county Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and former Assemblyman Jim Silva (R-Huntington Beach) are serving as honorary co-chairs for her campaign, Steel said.
Assemblyman Allan Mansoor (R-Costa Mesa) of the 74th District has also expressed interest in running for the position. The former Costa Mesa mayor sent out an email May 8 that sought opinions about whether he should run for supervisor or reelection to the 74th.
"For over a year, a number of people have asked me if I was interested in running for county supervisor in 2014," Mansoor wrote. "I hadn't given it much thought, but there are many people who believe that our next supervisor should come from the community. ... I think that my experience representing the region locally and in Sacramento will make me a strong candidate and [I] have been discussing the idea with my family, friends and supporters."
On Friday, Mansoor sent an email statement to the Daily Pilot: "I've been overwhelmed by the amount of responses I've received from asking folks for their opinion on this. A lot of people took the time to send me well thought-out responses, and I'm going to take my time to go through them before I make a decision.
Huntington Beach City Councilman Joe Carchio has also said he may run for the supervisor seat. Like Mansoor, he too has sent out exploratory letters to his constituents asking for their input.
"I'm waiting for their responses," Carchio told the Huntington Beach Independent earlier this week. "If it comes back positive, I will make an announcement. If it doesn't, then I will think of something else to do."
Past media reports have said Moorlach, a Costa Mesa resident, wants to run for county auditor-controller or as a Republican against Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown next year.
The former county treasurer told the Pilot on Friday, however, that he has not made "any firm commitment" regarding his political future or whether he is eyeing something at the local or state level — including Steel's seat on the Board of Equalization.
"One of the options is just to get out," Moorlach said. "I've given my public service. I'm getting a lot of friends together next week and we'll make a decision."
While he has not made any formal endorsements in the race yet, he expressed some support for Mansoor and Carchio, but some reservation about Steel, who moved to Surfside in recent years from the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County.
"Michelle Steel is a fine individual," Moorlach said. "My disappointment is that she is someone from L.A. County, and it would seem to me that someone of her stature on the state Board of Equalization would either move up to a statewide position or at least try to run for Assembly or Senate there in the Rancho Palos Verdes area."
The Republican Party "needs someone at the state level," Moorlach added. "And we need to regain some districts here in the L.A. area."
Mansoor, however, is someone who "pretty much grew up in the district. That has a real appeal," Moorlach said. "There won't be much of a learning curve for Allan. He could hit the ground running."
"He's a good, longtime resident with a good portfolio of public service here in the county," Moorlach said.


The Coltsfoot is a very common plant. You find it all over the country, and along with the Celandine it is one of the first flowers to appear in spring. The flowers come out before the leaves. They grow singly at the end of straight, woolly stalks which have many little pink scale-like leaves, from top to bottom. When the flowers are withering, their heads begin to droop; but when the downy seed-ball is ready to open, the flower-stalks stand straight up again.
The flowers are bright yellow, and like the Daisy and Dandelion, which belong to the same family, they are made up of a great many tiny tubes grouped close together. Those tubes round the edge have a long, narrow, yellow strap at the outside.
After the flowers are withered, the seeds remain at the end of the stalk, and each seed sends out a tuft of beautiful, straight, white down which forms a delicate ball as in the Dandelion. But the Coltsfoot down-ball is neither so starry nor so beautiful as that of the Dandelion.
The leaves of the Coltsfoot are entirely covered with cotton wool when they are small; as they grow bigger, they become glossy grey-green above, and are white only underneath.
Each leaf is nearly round, with beautiful pointed scollops at the edge, and it has a long stalk.
What do you think about the Coltsfoot Plant? Why not write a comment below.


text:
Software est le quatrième album studio de Grace Slick, sorti le .

L'album a été enregistré alors que Slick faisait partie du groupe Jefferson Starship.

Liste des titres

Personnel
Grace Slick – chant, chœurs
Peter Wolf – claviers, programmation du LinnDrum, synthé basse
Peter Maunu – guitare sur tout sauf sur "Rearrange My Face"
Brian MacLeod – batterie Simmons
Bret Bloomfield – basse sur "Me and Me"
Michael Spiro – percussions sur "Me and Me", "Fox Face", "Rearrange My Face" sur "Bikini Atoll"
Dale Strumpel – effets sonores sur "All the Machines" et "Bikini Atoll"
Sean Hopper, Paul Kantner – chœurs sur "All the Machines" and "It Just Won't Stop"
John Colla, Mickey Thomas – chœurs sur "Call It Right Call It Wrong", "Me and Me", "All the Machines", "Through the Window", "It Just Won't Stop" et "Rearrange My Face"
Ron Nevison – chœurs sur "Me and Me"
Ina Wolf – chœurs sur

Notes et références

Album de Grace Slick
Album musical sorti en 1984
Album publié par RCA Records
Album enregistré aux Record Plant Studios

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


It's common knowledge at this point that when a White person starts a sentence "Some of my best friends are Black, but" you know you're speaking to a racist.
There's an analogue to this when discussing issues involving race, I've discovered. In a conversation with a family member, I was challenged with "so, how many Black friends do you have?" The family member took it a few steps further, with such questions as "When was the last time you had a Black couple over for dinner?" It was not the first time I've encountered this. Nor was it the second or third.
And it's as ignorant as the guy who thinks having a Black acquaintance whom he classifies (often dishonestly) as one of his "closest friends" gives him license to malign and stereotype an entire race.
… that doesn't mean I'm a racist and, far more importantly, it doesn't excuse or justify your racism.
Logically, racism must be defined from the perspective of its victims. So, do Blacks as a group really care about how many Black friends I or any other White person has? I may be missing something, but of all the grievances I've heard from members of America's Black population, "I don't have any White buddies" has not been included.
I have a small circle of friends. I may not happen to have any Black friends at the time (I have at times in the past), but I do have Black acquaintances with whom I'm comfortable speaking about issues involving race. I've also read dozens of articles and blog posts by Black writers on such issues, and a few books as well. Are there Whites with more Black connections than I and a broader knowledge base than mine who could speak better to the question? Absolutely. But based on what I've learned from Blacks about racism, I don't think the number of Black friends I or any other White person has is especially important to the Black community at large.
Why this post? Here's why: White America, as a whole, needs to clean up its act on this front. Calling out those who attempt to frame racism in terms of how many Black friends a person has would help.
saw your article in the Populist ….. way to go Bob Lord!
I have been thinking about it and I think that in your reach to legitimatize the actions of a handful of blacks in rioting, looting and burning as a cry of outrage over the treatment of blacks by the Police and society, you are over reaching by a significant margin. The marches did express an uncomfortable level of frustration at such treatment and at an even greater sense of frustration at things in general. I know you believe you hold the moral high ground when it comes to supporting blacks in their opposition to whites and the Police, but I think you do the majority of blacks a disservice by trying to justify the actions of the criminal element that showed its hand in Baltimore. Most blacks want what all of us want: an opportunity to succeed and live a comfortable life free from fear of the government or criminals. I am sure you are aware that a significant amount of crime in this country is black-on-black crime. You do them no favor in giving a sympathetic voice to the hoodlums and thugs that are in their midst.
As far as "thug" becoming the new "N-word", that is plain silly. The word has no historic connotation to blacks (its origin dates from early 19th Century India). However, I would not put it past the left from trying to male the word "thug" politically incorrect in order to limit discussion on the subject. It would still be silly, but conceivable.
In a world which is dominated by White People, it is easier for us nonwhite people to stick with folks of our own culture/background (for me it's Asian, Japanese, and Hawaiians, as I identify with all of them). We are familiar with people of our own culture, and we share the suspicion towards the dominant race, who often treats us as "lesser" than them. Since Black Americans only make up 12.6% of the U.S. population, they have to fight this "minority"status, plus deal with decades of racism, poverty, and to undo the slave treatment they received here. You're right Bob, there's still a long way to go before we reach any type of racial equality in America.
You know, Bob, with the attitude you are projecting toward the Police, it is as if you are soon going to be saying, "Some of my best friends are cops, but….".
I think you just made my point.
They are a readily identifiable subset of our society, so I think my comparison does apply. You are complaining about the Police and their relationship eith blacks and you are painting them all with the same brush.


text:
Q: Getting the name of the day based on the value in a previous cell Is there a way to get day name (Mon, Tue, Wed, etc.) based on the value of another cell?
I have a spreadsheet for projecting work status.  I populate a cell, for example "F3" called "Start Date", and then I display the name of the day of the week in another cell using "=TEXT(F3,"ddd").
I then want to place the name of the day of the week in the remaining cells in the row.   I did it, rather clumsily, by putting the same formula in those cells and incrementing by a value of one, id est - =TEXT(F3+1,"ddd"), =TEXT(F3+2,"ddd"), and so on out to a value of +31, as that is presently the number of days addressed.
I'm am looking for a more elegant way to accomplish the task.   Any suggestions appreciated.
Respectfully,
Fergie

A: You can simply use the column count itself, that will save you from manually increasing the value:
=TEXT(F3+COLUMN(),"ddd")
You might need to subtract a constant, as you are not starting in column 1:
=TEXT(F3+COLUMN()-5,"ddd")
or similar.

A: If you are starting with "Start Date" in F3 then you can use absolute referencing based on this (use $F$3) so when you drag the formula then this starting point does not change.
Formula next to F3 is in G3 assuming you are going across columns in same row. So column G will have the Start Dates day (hence -1 in formula) below.

Formula in G3:
=TEXT($F$3+COLUMN()-COLUMN($F$3)-1,"ddd")

Then you copy or drag this single formula across from column H onwards.
So Formula in G3:

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
05.10. Berlin: offenes Treffen des "Straßen aus Zucker"-Bündnisses
Expanding the floor of the cage?
Instead of an introduction
• Am 6. Oktober 2012 veröffentlicht
Why an internationalist antinational magazine?
"Routes sucrées", or "Straßen aus Zucker", is a left magazine of politics published in German – until now. Founded in Berlin in 2009 as a one-off project for young people re-acting to rising nationalist sentiment fueled by soccer World Cup and reunification festivities, the massive positive feedback it received turned it into a regular magazine. Meanwhile, eight issues have been published; our latest reached a print-run of 120.000 copies and is read all over the German-speaking world. The articles deal with topics such as the critique of everyday life, nationalism, love, gender relations, sexuality, the critique of capitalism, religion, and much more. We try to keep our texts comprehensible – there are already enough left texts which are alienating and make you feel small.
When writing in German, however, a very important aspect is missing: international exchange. Again and again, we are surprised at how much discussions within the left are confined to language. It seems that oftentimes we only have a stencil-like image in our heads of the debates going on in other parts of the world. And likewise, when we travel we are confronted with funny ideas about what is apparently going on in the German-speaking left.
But as the world needs heaps of people everywhere in order for it to be changed, we need to get in touch and understand each other. So, finally, our first international issue in English. We want to debate and network. We want topics discussed across the borders of language (let alone national borders). This issue therefore contains texts on topics that are dear to our hearts.
If you'd like to contribute and discuss, get in touch: [NOSPAMinfo@strassenauszucker.tk]
We will collect and anonymously publish comments and debates on our website, if you're ok with it.
Our wish for exchange and debate is grounded in two concerns we would like to briefly outline. A movement which represents our interests and ideas would have to be, among many other aspects, two things: internationalist and antinational.
Why antinational?
The most common objection we hear to our statement of being antinational is that, in the end, this is 'our country' as well. Part of this is true: people as residents of a certain country do own the respective country's passport or other official documents, making them 'legal' residents. So when they don't manage to find a job, it is the authority of 'their country' that harasses or even criminalizes them. It is 'their' country which offers a world full of competition, which provides education in schools either in an understanding way, or just by hammering it into you that to make it in this society you have to struggle. All because your 'own state' must compete against other nations, and unfortunately, you are all dependent on its economic success on the world market. And when times are tight, like in the current crisis, you are called upon to sacrifice 'for the good of the nation', which has in fact never done you any good. And once 'your country' decides any other (alliance of) state(s) to be their 'enemy', and its mercenary soldiers are not sufficient, you will be the one to shoot others or be shot. Thank you very much!
For people without a passport of the country they live in, the concept of 'nation' is all the more violent. They have to protect themselves against harassment by the state on the one hand,and against racist violence on the other. You can see our concern is not that nationalism – or patriotism, for that matter – have gotten out of hand somewhere, or that the 'wrong' politicians are in power. We see the problem to lie deeper, which is why we are not only 'anti-nationalist', which is something liberals as well as conservatives may agree to be a good thing these days, but 'antinational': Nations, and the love for them, are deadly.
Our regime goes by the name of Deutschland. For people in Argentina, it is Argentina, and in Russia, Россия. An example might illustrate the thought here: In 2012, during the soccer world championship, some wished for Greece to win, as the "battered nation needed hope and joy". This shows what ties nationalism is supposed to mend. Social antagonisms are danced away, all the newly homeless Greeks shall, even if they have nothing to eat, at least cheer and be proud of 'their county'. But this pride is actually a hindrance to changing the current conditions which cause hunger and homelessness. Many people in Greece don't give a shit about national success as they know it won't better their lives. They start, within their boundaries, to take matters into their hands collectively, as done a few years ago in Argentina.
We don't put any hope in raising the GNP neither; because we know we won't see anything from it. And even those who do profit from it could be better off in a society that was more rationally organized. We reject the blabber about 'business location' for which we are supposed to endure austerity measures. We also reject the liberal talk that we should take pride in 'our' state's constitution, or its social legislation. It is not that we could decide which constitution in the world we liked best and then become a citizen of that state. This alone is enough toexpose the idea of the "nation as wellness agency" as a lie. We reject cheering for 'our' national team, we will only call out "our" regime's name in commemoration of its victims. Therefore, instead of the black-red-gold the German flag displays, we might remake it into more hopeful color combinations (red and black for instance), or not give a shit about flags altogether. We don't need a nation, we need friends.
We want good living conditions for all people, and we want everybody to be able to take part in deciding what that would mean, and not have some administration or parliament argue that bogus capitalist constraints determine that wages, welfare, and asylum seeker support are sufficient.
Why internationalist?
We see internationalism as an attempt at overcoming national frontiers. Which is why the concept as it prevails in some left circles gives us a headache: internationalism does not mean automatically supporting any resistance movement in the whole world. We do not uncritically offer solidarity with any insurrectionary movement but first ask for their reasons. We think the logic that 'our enemy's enemy is our friend' is illogical. We tie our support to the emancipatory aims which we fight for with arguments. We criticize people who are into martial habits and male dominance, request party discipline and don't reduce workload but want to elect the 'employee of the month,' as well as people who tolerate racism and antisemitism in their midst, or reject homosexuality and transgendered people. We don't have anything in common with people whose critique of capitalism consists of making bankers personally responsible for all evils caused by it, nor with those who want to sustain an imaginary 'purity of race', or those who only dislike dominance when it is exercised by the wrong people (we have no problem with foreign domination, but with domination). Even if we happen to criticize the same dominance, we don't want random success, but success with our political goals. Those who forget what they struggle for just to achieve greater numbers can override our political goals.
What then do we understand by internationalism? Presently, people are divided as 'nations' and 'peoples'. Our goal is to make all people see that these separations distract them from uniting with each other. There is only one humankind. The love of one's 'own' nation – for any reason – is the exact opposite of the political solidarity amongst all people we want to achieve. Patriotism and international political solidarity are mutually exclusive. Patriots will, sooner or later, turn out to be our opponents as their goal is, in the end, not the liberation of all.
This explains our reasons for internationalism. Why confine our discussion within the borders we fight against, when we feel a lot closer to a feminist in Benin than to a racist in Berlin? On the other hand, capitalism'sconstitution is a global one. The anti-authoritarian communism we struggle for, which will finally have production follow needs, is unthinkable to establish in a single country. It would take little time for a military intervention to destroy, as we have seen before, any attempt at setting up conditions for a better life for all. And in a world economy based on the division of labor, one would have to support the criteria of competition and the capitalist economy to have access to things one could not produce or harvest in one's own region, which would have an enormous effect on one's own need-driven production. That is why we have to organize, even in times when a revolution is not in sight. In these times, when we are only a small minority, we can build up structures which function beyond language barriers. Structures which make it possible to create the forms of organization for revolutionary times, so that once events unfold, we can discuss a liberated society in the most non-hierarchical way possible, which we think is a form of communication that has to be tested and learned. How can hierarchies of knowledge be eroded, how can we make sure it is not just always the male or older ones talking? But also: how can we write texts together, so we can all understand them but without making things more simple than they are? What forms of organization could prove useful? We want to give it a try!
Are you up for it, too? Contact us! If you know a group or collective with the same aims, then let us know! Would you like to help us distribute this magazine, or know a good spot in your neighborhood that should have it for people to pick up? Get in touch, we can send you copies free of charge (though it might take us a while)!
But for now, have fun reading! And if you have criticism for our articles, drop us a line, too!
For further reading
State, World Market, and the Reign of False Freedom. 20 Theses against State, Nation, Capitalism by the "…ums Ganze!" alliance
Why antinational? by Kittens London
Platypus Affiliated Society
SIC – International Journal for Communisation


After about 4-5 years, hosted EOC has moved!
Last edited by Akkadius; 01-04-2018 at 01:40 AM..
If you'd actually like to connect right now (DNS Issues?). As always, this tool is amazing. It goes without saying though.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."


A court in Bangladesh sentenced 21 Islamic militants to death for their role in the deadly bombings that rocked the country last year.
A court in Bangladesh on Tuesday sentenced 21 Islamic militants to death for their role in the deadly bombings that rocked the country last year.
A court in western Bangladesh's Jhenidah district gave the verdict for the serial bombings on August 17 last year.
The blasts, claimed by an outlawed Islamic militant group, killed three people.
Judge SKM Anisur Rehman Khan on Tuesday sentenced 21 men to death by hanging after they were found guilty of carrying out the bomb blasts, a media report said.
Three of the defendants were sentenced in absentia following the three-month trial, it said.
All 21 are members of the militant group Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and they were sentenced under the country's Explosive Substances Act, it said.
The group has also been blamed for a series of other attacks, including suicide bombings, the first in Bangladesh, which claimed 28 lives, including those of four suicide bombers.


text:
SRPG Game 32 – Majin Tensei II: Spiral Nemesis (SFC) (Scenes 1 and 2)
Majin Tensei II: Spiral Nemesis (魔神転生II SPIRAL NEMESIS)
Developer: Atlus
Publisher: Atlus
This is Atlus' second attempt at a strategy RPG based on the Megami Tensei franchise. As with the other games in the series, the highlight of the game is the ability to recruit monsters to your side and fuse them to make different (hopefully stronger) monsters. It also features the alignment system from the other games.
The major differences from the first game are:
The story is much more developed. The game takes place mostly in Tokyo (although in different time periods).
Some monsters can equip things. The monsters have a fixed level but you can raise their rank; unlike MT1 they can raise up many ranks (at least 50) and they improve their stats in addition to gaining new abilities.
You can turn off battle animations.
Recruiting monsters is much easier; rather than going through a random dialogue tree you can just give them MAG or gems and they'll join up. You can also combine monsters by just moving them into each other; I don't remember if this was possible in MT1.
Movement is more restricted, with more walls and terrain that slows the characters. This can be very annoying at times, but it fixes one of the big problems I had with MT1, where monsters could swarm your weak monsters by just going around all your other characters.
If one unit's speed exceeds another unit's by 6 or more, that unit will get a second attack.
Before attacking, you get a much more detailed analysis of what will happen, showing the attacker and defender's stats and compatibility, as well as if they will get a second attack.
One big problem that many Japanese players complain about is how long the enemy turns take, particularly the "thinking" time. I've seen Japanese players saying they would read books or clean their house on the enemy turns, which at some points in the game can take over 10 minutes for a single turn. This is definitely a game you want to play on an emulator with a speedup key.
The game is divided into six "scenes" (although the game itself doesn't seem to recognize them; it's six separate overworld maps). I'll cover the first two in this post.
Scene 1 – 1996 Tokyo
The backstory for the game is that someone has used demons and monsters to suddenly take over Tokyo. In response, people have formed a resistance group called Partizan. The main character Naoki joins Partizan and meets Tomoharu and Kaoru. Their first task is to free Shibuya.
The goal is to reach the red square on the left. Right now we cannot summon or talk to the demons yet, so we just have to kill everything. I used this chance to move the main character up levels. As usual in the MT series, you can't talk to a demon that is higher level than you. Because of this, you don't want to spread out the XP too much among your human characters.
By the way, the place immediately below the main characters is a train line. These are constant annoyances in the game, reducing your movement rate to near zero unless you cross at the station (where you still need to go slowly).
Initially I was dividing points between Strength, Vitality, and Speed. But I realized that Speed is much more important than Strength because you can get a second attack. So eventually I was putting most of the points into speed.
We learn that Naoki's parents are scientists, but the same day that all the demons came into Tokyo, there was an accident at the lab that blew it up, apparently killing both his parents..although he thinks they might have survived.
Next up is Meguro, where we get into a research lab.
In the lab, Naoki meets a mysterious woman named Karen who seems to know who he is, and gives him something important. They then head back to the Partizan HQ. It's been attacked, and Ogiwara, who is the leader of the enemies, has appeared himself. Naoki is able to get away, but the rest of the companions are left behind.
He ends up in Ikebukuro, where he meets Aya, and also figures out that Karen gave him a computer called DIO. Now we can recruit monsters. As I said above, it's much easier to recruit monsters in this game than in MT1. Although at least at the moment we can't recruit Light or Dark enemies, just Neutral. (Light and Dark enemies can still be fused, just not recruited.) Now there's a "world" map.
The green dots are places I've cleared, and the coin is a shop. The shop interface is inexcusable! You can't see what the power of weapons/armor are, or who can equip them. This is 1995! We're not in the NES era anymore; designers really need to be taking responsibility for making a usable interface.
Anyway, the goal is to get to the enemy HQ over at the right. Once there, Ogiwara is gone, and we easily free Tokyo from the demons. But a mysterious machine in the base transports them somewhere. It seems to be Ueno, but it turns out to be Ueno from thirty years in the future.
Scene 2 – 2040 Slum Tokyo
Scene 2 introduces two types of places — the Remix shop on the left, where you can combine monsters in an easier to use interface than doing it on the battle screen. The purple area on the right can be repeated and lets you recruit monsters you might want. You can't win the battle so the only way to get out of it is to use a smoke bomb or Escape (which loses money). I did need a Pixie for an optional event in Scene 3.
Tokyo in 2040 is a ruin, and there are a lot of damage areas. I continued to recruit new monsters in this area as well as get better equipment for them, and focus the XP on Naoki. Eventually Tomoharu and Kaoru rejoined, and both Kaoru and Aya develop magical ability so they can start using spells.
At the end of this scene, Karen appears again and reveals more of the back story that involves time travel and such — since this game has a translation I won't give away too much in the first post. My goal usually for the first post is to introduce the gameplay and give some intro for the story, but the rest of the posts may have spoilers. I'm going to take more detailed notes for Scene 3 and beyond, but this is where I will stop for now.
This entry was posted in Strategy RPGs, Super Famicom RPGs on March 29, 2020 by Kurisu.
PCE Game 30 – Kaze no Densetsu Xanadu (Part 2)
I'm going to structure this post as more of a review than an account of my playthrough — at times I've considered that the whole blog should be like that; one initial post covering the first few hours of gameplay and story in detail, followed by a review post. This is partly because it's easier to write, but also I notice that when I read other blogs like CRPG Addict I find myself mostly interested in the first and last post, and tend to skim the middle posts unless I've played the game and know what he's talking about. In some cases (like Dragon Quest V) I've found a lot to write about in each post, but often I struggle to say much because the gameplay is so repetitive and the story is not that interesting.
Anyway, back to Xanadu. First, the gameplay.
The game's 12 chapters are mostly structured around the same idea. You warp into a church in the area, and then have to solve a problem in the area to be able to move on to the next place. This involves a great deal of running back and forth from place to place. The NPCs and towns do have a lot of life, with memorable people whose dialogue changes as the game progresses. It reminds me a bit of the Trails series in embryo. It's also an interesting touch that you knock on the doors to the houses instead of just blundering in.
The backtracking gets excessive at times. You will find yourself having to talk to person A, then go all the way out to a cave or area to talk to person B, then go back to A again, and then once again back to B. This to me is the weakest aspect of the game and I've seen Japanese players complain about it as well. The only thing that saves the game from being unplayable is that the travel speed is very fast and you can buy Wings to warp back to the towns (which are trivial to afford after the first few chapters).
Another issue is that it's often not clear what you're supposed to do next. There are a lot of places where you have to talk to a specific person or go to a location to make the next plot event happen, but sometimes they don't give you any real clues. You'll stumble upon it eventually because the areas are fairly small, but I found this game a lot more tolerable with a walkthrough.
The final stage has a 31 floor castle that puts the Darm Tower of Ys to shame; this is possibly the longest and trickiest final dungeon in any game I've played (Ao no Kiseki had a pretty long final dungeon too). Overall when you think about how short the Ys games tend to be, this game has an impressive volume.
The combat is Ys style. As I mentioned in the first post, the distinctive feature here is leveling up your weapons and armor. This means a lot of sitting in place letting the enemies beat you up, but eventually you'll have a strong enough armor to survive everything in the chapter.
Death is interesting. If you get to 0 hp with no healing items, you turn into a ghost. This actually lets Arios fly freely around the map (through walls, etc), but cannot interact with anything or use stairs. Sometimes this is actually helpful in a dungeon to figure out where you need to go to get to the stairs or item, but you have to make your way back to the town where the priestess can revive you. But this means that there is no such thing as a game over.
I found the side-scrolling action scenes to be the weakest part of the game. There are only two healing items in the game — one that heals 1000 HP and the other that heals you fully. The full heal elixirs are very rare until the final chapter where you can buy them (for a huge price). So you rely mostly on the 1000 HP heals. In the early chapters, you can easily get enough of these that the action stages are trivial. You just run through them and let the items heal you, and the bosses go down without much trouble as well.
But there's a rather sudden change from this to the point where your HP is too high for these items to be worthwhile. Then the action stages are very difficult. There is no invincibility frame, which means a wrong move can cost you half or more of your HP. I used a lot of save states in these scenes; I would not have had the patience to go back to the church to get revived over and over again. The second to last one is by far the hardest — I would actually recommend that you use all of your elixirs against the boss; you'll get more than enough in the last stage to make it through the final action stage (which is significantly easier, especially considering how easy it is to make it up to 999,999 HP). Now, I'm not all that good at action games so it's possible others won't have as much of an issue with this.
The graphics are serviceable but a bit disappointing; the PCE is capable of better, which Falcom will deliver in Xanadu II next year. The cutscenes between stages are not as good as the ones in other games like Emerald Dragon.
The music is good as usual for a Falcom game. It's unfortunate that all the music outside of the cutscenes are chiptunes, but they probably didn't have the space to make CD audio for all the BGM they wanted to use.
The story is fine. It relies on a lot of old cliches — chosen descendant, legendary hero, age-old evil, etc. There's not all that much about the overall main plot that's unfamiliar (although the earlier chapters have some interest). What Falcom does do right here is flesh out all the party characters better than most games are doing in this era. They don't just join your party and then never talk again. This, coupled with the rich (for this era) NPC dialogue, makes the world seem more alive.
Overall this is a decent game for the period. I'll be interested to see what changes or improvements they make for Legend of Xanadu II.
Next up will be a return to Super Famicom with the game Kabuki Rocks (after Majin Tensei II on my other channel).
This entry was posted in PC Engine RPGs on March 21, 2020 by kurisu.
PCE Game 30 – Kaze no Densetsu Xanadu
Kaze no Densetsu Xanadu (風の伝説ザナドゥ)
Released 2/18/1994, published by Falcom
This game is part of the long-running "Dragon Slayer" franchise by Falcom. The title Xanadu first appeared as the second Dragon Slayer game, which CRPG addict did a review of (although he didn't like it). For a while I thought the PC Engine would be a remake of that game, but it's actually an entirely new title. Falcom normally did not develop console games, relying on other companies to make ports of their games to various consoles. But here they actually were behind the development, and of the 1995 sequel.
There is a fan translation in progress, but I believe it is stalled for a long time over the voice acting to dub the cutscenes.
It looks and feels like a combination of Legend of Heroes and Ys. The main gameplay is the top-down "run into the enemies" style of Ys, but each chapter ends with a side-scrolling action section that recalls the earlier Dragon Slayer games. This game also carries over from the older Xanadu the system where each weapon and armor has its own experience level. When you get a new weapon or armor it typically starts anywhere from 30-50% power. So if the sword has a max 100 power it might start only at 50. You level up weapons by attacking, but not killing, enemies (so once you start killing enemies in one hit, you can't level up the weapon on them anymore). You level up shields and armor by taking damage, although eventually enemies in an area won't be able to harm you anymore.
This system results in a rather comical growth in the numbers — the first weapon has a max power of 12, the strongest weapon has a max power of 598,000. The game also does not have experience levels; you gain HP from resting and from getting hearts from enemies.
The game is divided into 12 chapters, each of which takes place in its own little area usually with a couple of towns and dungeons. This game is well known for having a lot of running back and forth between places talking to people, and it's not always clear who you are supposed to talk to or why. I definitely think this game benefits from a walkthrough.
The main character is Areios, a knight commander in the kingdom of Ishtar. He begins shipwrecked on a small island. His goal is to get back to the kingdom, but while he's waiting for the boat he decides to solve a problem happening in the island. Two towns, which produce different kinds of alcohol, are rivals, causing a bunch of problems.
The graphics are somewhat disappointing, but serviceable for the game. The music is good but unfortunately it's almost all chiptune music instead of the CD-quality music that Falcom used to such good effect in the Ys games. The only voiced sections are the short cutscenes between chapters.
The action scenes are not too bad; the enemies do a lot more damage than the ones in the normal areas, but you get to shoot a wave out of your sword.
If you equip the healing items, you get restored 1000 HP when you get to 0, so that makes the action scenes fairly easy — even if you don't really figure out the boss patterns you can just sit in front of it and attack and you might use a couple of heal items, but that's easily replaced.
I'm up to chapter 3 now, so I'll say more about that in the next update. The story is not bad, and the NPCs and towns are memorable. Overall this is a pretty good game although the fetch quest nature of the gameplay can get somewhat annoying.
This entry was posted in PC Engine RPGs on March 7, 2020 by kurisu.
SRPG Game 31 – Gundam: Cross Dimension 0079 (SFC)
Turn type: Unclear (see below)
Maps: Each stage has a few separate maps chained together.
Character Customization: Prime Point system (see below)
Character Development: Standard XP level system.
Party Size: 3, from what I saw.
Game Flow: 20 stages, no alternate paths, no repeating.
Saving: You can save between battles.
Death: If Gundam dies, you get a game over although you keep your XP. If other units die they leave for that battle.
This game is on the borderline of SRPG status; I didn't find it on my first passthrough but I added it later. It has a translation patch and a good walkthrough; I'm just going to give a general review of it — I played about 10 stages but it's not really my cup of tea. The game is divided into two parts: the first 14 stages are the story of First Gundam (0079), and the last 6 are a new side story taking place immediately after the end of FG with new characters. This little side story later shows up again in the SD Gundam G Generation series.
After an initial cutscene, you control Amuro in an easy fight against the two hapless Zaku units.
The 120 there is the Gundam's power; this goes down from moving and also from getting hit. "Member" lets you see the maps and choose other units, and "Lost" sends you back to the beginning of the map with your XP gains preserved. However, that's also what happens when you get a game over so there's not much purpose to that since you might as well fight and gain some XP.
You can either attack with ranged weapons, or close in and fight. Once you close in, the fight continues (with the two trading blows) until you either kill the enemy, or disengage from the fight with the B button. This gives the enemy a free attack, though.
Between stages, or when you level up, you can assign "prime points". You can freely assign them on this screen, even ones you've already assigned before. This is also where you give the units items that restore energy or special weapon power. The ability to refill your items when you level up is an essential part of the game. Part of the issue I had with the game is that after the first few levels, the stages are impossible to finish without a lot of energy refills.
You also have these fighting-game style special attacks. As you use them, the percentage increases and when it hits 100% you can use them as your initial attack to start a fight.
Because of the Minovsky Craft particles, you can only see a little bit of the area around you, and have to rely on this "heat detection" to find out where the enemies are.
After a few stages you get the Guntank and the Guncannon, which have ranged attacks that can hit multiple enemies. They're not well balanced, though. The turn system is strange — you move one of your units, then the enemy moves, and then you can move any unit you want again. This means that most of the time you just want to use the Gundam, and trying to move the other units up levels is a tedious process that requires using your Gundam as a damage tank while the other units pick at the enemies. If the enemies close in on the tank or cannon they're helpless. This is another problem I had with the game.
The last stage I played was vs. Char and Lalah. First, you have to chase Char all over the maps — this happens in a number of stages, but it's especially annoying in this one. Once you attack Char once, he flees to a different map. If you miss too many times, or have too much trouble finding him, you run out of energy and can't deal with the second part of the map where you have to fight Lalah and her Elmeth with the bits. Some of the bits require ranged weapons to beat, so you have to keep some weapon refills. I kept losing on this stage either because I missed Char too much or couldn't find him, and I just got tired of it.
Maybe there are aspects of this game I didn't appreciate, but I think it only technically qualifies as an SRPG under my definition; it doesn't really feel like one. There is a translation patch, though, so try it out if you want to see for yourself.
Next up is Majin Tensei II.
This entry was posted in Strategy RPGs, Super Famicom RPGs on March 1, 2020 by Kurisu.