text:
\section{Introduction}
Due to  important applications based on the promising concepts of spintronic and magnonic, nanomagnetism has become an  area of intense research in the last decades.  In fact, the production of magnetic nanostructures with different shapes and sizes have been reported in several works \cite{Cowburn-PRD-2000,Streubel-APL-2012,Streubel-Nano-2012,Bacho-NanoTec-2014}. In this context,   magnetic nanorings have become the focus of strong research because of their magnetic behavior. Several works have addressed the  static and dynamic properties of ring?s magnetization  from the theoretical  \cite{Landeros-APL-2007,Bellegia-JMMM,Kravchuck-JMMM,Landeros-JAP,Vagson-JAP-2010,Sebastian-JAP-2014,Riveros-JMMM-2016,Smiljan-JAP-2016,Smiljan-JAP-2017} as well as from the experimental \cite{Klaui-PRL-2001,Klaui-JPC-2003,Zhu-PRL-2006,Vaz-JPC-2007} points of view, .

Ring-shaped particles are defined by their external and internal radii, $R$ and $r$, respectively, and their thickness, $h$. From magnetic measurements and micromagnetic simulations, three ideal internal magnetic configurations have been identified  in such nanostructures: i) the out-of-plane ferromagnetic state (SD$_\text{z}$); ii) the onion (O); and iii) the vortex (V) configurations \cite{Bellegia-JMMM,Kravchuck-JMMM,Landeros-JAP,Grimsditch-PRB-1998,Abraham-JAP-2001,Hwang-JAP-2000,Cowburn-PRL-1999}. In the SD$_\text{z}$ state, the magnetic moments are parallel to the ring axis, whereas in the other two, the magnetization vector field lays parallel to the ring base. The onion state is accessible from an in-plane saturation of the magnetization and it is characterized by the presence of two opposite walls \cite{Ross-PRB-2003}. In the O and SD$_\text{z}$ states the ring magnetization is nonzero and then the resulting demagnetizing field leads to deviations in the direction of the magnetic moments close to the particle borders, giving rise to edge domains \cite{Lebib-2001}. In the V state, the magnetic moments circulate around the ring axis, and then most of the magnetic flux is confined within the particle. The absence of the highly energetic core region in rings stabilizes the vortex state \cite{Kravchuck-JMMM}, leading to simpler and reproducible switching processes. Consequently, the determination of the conditions for occurring the vortex state in nanorings has been regarded as a key point for the production of new magnetic devices\cite{Chineese,Application-1,Application-2}.

The resulting magnetization ground-state in nanomagnets is the result of a competition between dipolar, anisotropy and exchange interactions. The phase diagram describing anisotropic nanorings \cite {Landeros-JAP} reveals that magnetization groundstate depends on the relation $R/r$ and the thickness $h$ of the particle. In fact, an increase in the thickness of the nanoring can lead to the formation of a SD$_\text{z}$ state while the increasing in $R$ can favor the formation of O or V states, depending on $r$. Nevertheless, the presence of an uniaxial anisotropy pointing along the ring axis can reduce the thickness for which the SD$_\text{z}$ state becomes the ground-state \cite{Zhang-PRB-2008}.  Therefore, anisotropy could play a very important role in the determination of the magnetization state in a nanoring.

Recently, a large effort has been made to create novel materials with variable magnetic anisotropy, in which the anisotropy could be controlled by electric field \cite{Nicod,Nicoe,Nicof}, temperature \cite{Nicoa,Nicob,Nicoc}, and  ion implantation  \cite{Nicog,Nicoh,Nicoi}. Moreover, it has been shown that reversal magnetization, and domain-wall movement can be controlled by a defined perpendicular anisotropy gradient in Co/Au multilayers using He+ ion-bombardment through a wedged Au stopped layer \cite{Nicoj}. Therefore, a magnetic anisotropy gradient has the potential to lead different domain walls and magnetic states. However, a detailed  study of the effect of an anisotropy gradient
on magnetic nanorings has not been presented yet.

Following these ideas,  the focus of this study  are ring-shaped nanoparticles with variable anisotropy along their radii.  Using analytical calculations and micromagnetic simulations we observe the relative lower energy states of the magnetization, evidencing  two new possible magnetic configurations, here called meron and knot states.

This work is organized as follows: in Section \ref{THModel} we present the theoretical model used in this work. Section \ref{ANResults} brings the obtained analytical results and micromagnetic simulations are presented. Finally, in section \ref{Conclusions} we present the conclusions.

\section{Theoretical model}\label{THModel}
Aiming to determine the magnetization ground state of nanorings with variable anisotropy, we will use a continuous theory in which the magnetization is described as a vector field $\mathbf{M}(\mathbf{r})$ consisting of a smooth function of the position $\mathbf{r}$ inside the magnetic body. For our purposes, the magnetization density will be then written as
\begin{eqnarray}\label{MagProfile}
\mathbf{M}(\mathbf{r})\equiv\mathbf{M}=M_z(\rho,\phi)+M_\phi(\rho,\phi),
\end{eqnarray}
where $\hat{z}$ and $\hat{\phi}$ are unitary vectors in cylindrical coordinates, and $M_z^2+M_\phi^2=M_S^2$, with $M_S$  the saturation magnetization.

We will consider that the dimensions of the nanoring are such that, for vanishing anisotropy,  a vortex configuration is the lower energy state\cite{Landeros-JAP}. For non-vanishing anisotropy, four magnetic configurations are studied. Three of them can be described as $m_{z}=[1-(R_{\bot}-\rho)^2/R_{\bot}^2]^4\cos\kappa\phi$ and $m_\phi=\sqrt{1-m_z^2}$, with $R$ and $r$ the external and internal radii of the cylindrical nanoring, respectively. $R_{\bot}\geq R$ is the limit in which the magnetization points parallel to the $z$-axis in such a way that the larger $R_{\bot}$ the lower the magnetization component  along the $z$-axis direction in the external border of the ring. The value of $R_{\bot}$ will be determined from energy minimization. The three states that can be described by this parametrization are: i) a vortex state (V), obtained in the limit  $R_\bot\gg R$; ii) a meron-like state ($\mathcal{M}$), described as a half-skyrmion configuration \cite{Allende-JMMM-2016}, given by $\kappa=0$; and iii) a knot-like state ($\mathcal{K}$) obtained when  $\kappa\neq 0$ with  the magnetic moments turning around the $z$-axis when the the azimuthal angle is mapped. In this case, $\kappa$ describes how many times the magnetization vector field rotates around the ring axis direction ($z$-axis) in the knot state (See Fig. 1). The fourth magnetization texture  considered is a single domain state (SD$_\text{z}$) in which the magnetic moments  point along the $z$-axis.

\begin{figure}
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[scale=0.12]{Vortex}\includegraphics[scale=0.12]{Knot_k0}\includegraphics[scale=0.12]{Knot_k1}\includegraphics[scale=0.12]{Knot_k2}\caption{Magnetic textures a) a vortex, in which all magnetic moments form a close structure. b) a meron-like state, consisting of a vortex state with the magnetic moments gradually pointing upward such that at the external border of the ring $m_z=1$. c) a state with $\kappa=1$, consisting in a smooth transition of the magnetic moments going from -1 at the left of the ring to +1 at its right. d) a SD$_z$ configuration. In all figures, $R_{\bot}=R$}
\end{center}
\end{figure}

In a continuous approach, the  energy ($E_{\text{tot}}$) of a magnetic structure is given by
\begin{eqnarray}\label{MagneticEn}
E_{\text{tot}}=A\int(\nabla\mathbf{m})^2dV-\int K(\rho)m_z^2\,dV+\frac{\mu_0M_S}{2}\int \mathbf{m}\cdot\nabla U(\mathbf{r})\, dV\,.
\end{eqnarray}
The first, second and third terms in the previous equation correspond to the exchange, dipolar and anisotropy contributions to the magnetic energy, respectively. Here, $A$ is the exchange stiffness, $\mathbf{m}=\mathbf{M}/M_S$, $M_S$ is the saturation magnetization and $K(\rho)$ consists in a  radius-dependent anisotropy constant.
The exchange energy of the magnetization field described by Eq. (\ref{MagProfile}) is given by
\begin{eqnarray}\label{ExchangeEq}
E_{ex}=Ah\iint\left\{\frac{1}{\rho^2}\left[\frac{1}{1-m_z^2}\left(\frac{\partial m_z}{\partial\phi}\right)^2+1-m_z^2\right]\right.\nonumber\\\left.
+\frac{1}{1-m_z^2}\left(\frac{\partial m_z}{\partial\rho}\right)^2\right\}\rho d\rho d\phi\,.
\end{eqnarray}
It can be notice that if ${m_z}$ does not depend on $\phi$, Eq. (\ref{ExchangeEq}) is reduced to
\begin{eqnarray}\label{ExchangeEqReduced}
E_{ex}=2\pi Ah\int \left[\frac{1}{1-m_z^2}\left(\frac{\partial m_z}{\partial\rho}\right)^2+\frac{1-m_z^2}{\rho^2}\right]\rho d\rho \,
\end{eqnarray}
according to results presented by Landeros \textit{et al.} \cite{Landeros-PRB-71-2005}.

\begin{figure}[h!]
\centering
\includegraphics[scale=0.6]{AnisotropyShapeWhite}
\caption{Profile of the radius-dependent anisotropy. $K_a$ represents  the anisotropy value at the ring external border}
\label{AnisotropyShape}
\end{figure}

To determine the dipolar energy of the ring, we need to calculate the magnetostatic potential $U(\mathbf{r})$, which can be determined from the surface and volumetric magnetic charges associated with the magnetization. The surface and volumetric magnetic charges are formally defined as $\sigma=\textbf{m}\cdot\mathbf{n}=m_z$ and $\nu=\nabla\cdot\mathbf{m}=m_z(1-m_z^2)^{-1/2}\,\partial_\phi m_z$, respectively. In the absence of currents, the magnetostatic potential can be obtained from solving the Laplace equation, whose formal solution is given by $U(\vec{r})=U_\sigma+U_\nu$, where
\begin{eqnarray}\label{MagnPotSurface}
U_\sigma=\frac{M_S}{4\pi}\left\{\int_{S_1}\frac{\sigma}{|\vec{r}-\vec{r}_1|}dS_1-\int_{S_2}\frac{m_{z}}{|\vec{r}-\vec{r}_2|}dS_2\right\}
\end{eqnarray}
and
\begin{eqnarray}\label{MagnPotVolume}
U_\nu=-\frac{M_S}{4\pi}\int\frac{\nu}{|\vec{r}-\vec{r}'|}dV ,
\end{eqnarray}
are  the magnetostatic potential due to the surface and volumetric magnetostatic charges, respectively. In Eq. (\ref{MagnPotSurface}) $S_1$ and $S_2$ are the surfaces of the top and bottom basis of the cylindrical ring and we have assumed that the ring thickness is very small, in such a way that $m_z$ is constant along the $z$-axis.

In this work we adopt a model in which the magnetic nanoring has an an easy-axis anisotropy gradient pointing along the $\hat{z}$-axis direction and varies linearly with $\rho$. Thus, the anisotropy term varies in the form $K(\rho)=K_a(\rho-r)/(R-r)$, where $K_a$ is the anisotropy at the external border of the ring (see Fig. \ref{AnisotropyShape}).

\section{Results and Discussions}\label{ANResults}
From the described  model, we can calculate the magnetic energy of each  magnetization configuration under consideration. The most simple case is the vortex state, since it has vanishing dipolar and anisotropy energies. Then the magnetic energy of a V state can be evaluated only from the exchange contribution

\begin{eqnarray}
E_{\text{ex}_\text{V}}=2\pi Ah\ln(\frac{R}{r})\,.
\end{eqnarray}

On the other hand, SD$_z$, $\mathcal{M}$ and $\mathcal{K}$ configurations present magnetostatic charges because they have magnetic moments pointing along the $z$-axis  and, consequently, these states present surface magnetic charges. In this context dipolar and anisotropy energies must be taken into account to determine the magnetic energy of such states. Configurations given by $\kappa\geq2$ must demand high exchange energy and then, they will not be considered in this work. Thus, aiming to find the phase space of the SD$_z$, $\mathcal{M}$ and $\mathcal{K}$ states in magnetic nanorings, we will calculate explicitly only the energy associate with $\kappa=0$ and $\kappa=1$. We will start  calculating the exchange energy of such states. Since the magnetization in this case is $\phi$ independent, the exchange energy of the $\mathcal{M}$ configuration is obtained from Eq. (\ref{ExchangeEqReduced}), being evaluated as
\begin{eqnarray}\label{ExEnMS}
E_{\text{ex}_\text{$\mathcal{M}$}}=2\pi Ah\int_r^R\left[64\frac{{m_{z}}^{3/2} }{1-{m_{z}}^2}\frac{(R_\bot-\rho)^2}{R_\bot^4}-\frac{{m_{z}}^2}{\rho^2}\right]\rho d\rho+E_{\text{ex}_\text{V}}\,.
\end{eqnarray}

The $\mathcal{K}$ state given by $\kappa=1$ represents a state in which the magnetic moments turn once along the  $z$-axis direction when going through the nanoring around the azimuthal angle. Due to the azimuthal dependence of the magnetization configuration, the energy of this state must be calculated from Eq. (\ref{ExchangeEq}), giving

\begin{eqnarray}\label{ExEnKSSimp}
E_{\text{ex}_\text{$\mathcal{K}$}}=2\pi Ah\int\left\{\left[64\frac{{m_{z}}^{-1/2} }{\sqrt{1-{m_{z}}^2}}\frac{(R_\bot-\rho)^2}{R_\bot^4}\right]\right.\nonumber\\\left.\times\left(1-\sqrt{1-m_z^2}\right)-\frac{m_z^2}{2\rho^2}-\frac{\sqrt{1-m_z^2}}{\rho^2}\right\}\rho d\rho + 2E_{\text{ex}_{\text{V}}}\,.
\end{eqnarray}

Now, aiming to determine the magnetostatic energy, we can use the Green's function in cylindrical coordinates to describe the inverse of the distance \cite{Morse-book}. After some algebraic manipulation, we can write the magnetostatic potential associated to surface magnetic charges for a generic $\kappa$ as

\begin{eqnarray}\label{SurfacePot}
U_{\sigma}=\frac{M_S\varepsilon_\kappa}{4\pi}\int_{r}^R\rho'd\rho' m_{z}(\rho',\phi')\int_{0}^{\infty}dqJ_\kappa(q\rho)J_\kappa(q\rho')\text{e}^{i\kappa\phi}[\text{e}^{-q(h-z)}-\text{e}^{-qz}]\,,
\end{eqnarray}

\noindent
where $\varepsilon_{\kappa=0}=2\pi$, $\varepsilon_{\kappa\neq0}=\pi$ and $J_\kappa(x)$ is the cylindrical Bessel function of order $\kappa$. The substitution of the previous expression into the dipolar term of Eq. (\ref{MagneticEn}) yields the magnetostatic energy associated to the surface magnetostatic charge, given by

\begin{eqnarray}\label{DipEnSur}
E_{\sigma}=\frac{\mu_0M_s^2\varepsilon_\kappa^2}{4\pi}\int_{0}^{\infty}dq\left[\int_{r}^{R}m_{z}J_\kappa(q\rho)\rho d\rho \right]^2(1-\text{e}^{-hq})\,.\nonumber\\
\end{eqnarray}

\noindent
It can be noticed that if we consider the $\mathcal{M}$ ($\kappa=0$) configuration, the above equation is reduced to the magnetostatic energy of the end-width of a skyrmion \cite{Allende-JMMM-2016}.

The calculation of dipolar energy associated to volumetric magnetostatic charges appearing in the $\mathcal{K}$ state can be performed from the evaluation of the magnetostatic potential given in Eq. (\ref{MagnPotVolume}) for a generic value of $\kappa$. In this case, the magnetostatic volumetric charge is evaluated as

\begin{eqnarray}
\nu=\nabla'\cdot \mathbf{m'}=\frac{m_{z}^2\kappa\,\cos\kappa\phi'\sin\kappa\phi'}{\sqrt{1-m_{z}^2\cos^2\kappa\phi'}}\,.
\end{eqnarray}

\noindent
Following the same procedure used to calculate the magnetostatic potential of the surface term, we can expand the inverse of the distance in cylindrical coordinates. Therefore, the volumetric contribution to the magnetostatic potential is given by

\begin{eqnarray}\label{VolumePotential}
U_\nu=\frac{M_S}{4\pi}\int_{0}^\infty dq\int_{0}^{H}dz'\text{e}^{-q(z_{>}-z_{<})}\int_{r}^R\rho' d\rho'\nonumber\\\times\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty J_{m}(q\rho')J_{m}(q\rho')\int_{0}^{2\pi}\nu\,\text{e}^{im(\phi-\phi')}d\phi'\,.
\end{eqnarray}

\noindent
In order to simplify our analysis, we  use the property $\cos^2 \kappa\phi'=(1+\cos2\kappa\phi')/2$. Thus, we can calculate the integral in $\phi'$ by using the following series expansion \cite{Morse-book}

\begin{eqnarray}
\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-m_{z}^2\cos^2\kappa\phi'}}=\frac{\sqrt{2}}{m_{z}}\frac{1}{\sqrt{\cosh\eta-\cos 2\kappa\phi'}}\nonumber\\=\frac{2}{\pi m_{z}}\sum_{n=0}^\infty Q_{n-1/2}^0\left(\cosh\eta\right)\cos 2n\kappa\phi'\,,
\end{eqnarray}
where $\cosh\eta\equiv{(2-m_{z}^2)}/{m_{z}^2}$ and $Q^0_{n-1/2}(\cosh\eta)$ is the Legendre function of half-integer order of second kind. In this case, volumetric magnetic charge can be rewritten as
\begin{eqnarray}
\nu=\frac{2\kappa\,m_{z}}{\pi}
\sum_{n=0}^\infty Q_{n-1/2}^0\left(\cosh\eta\right)\cos\kappa\phi'\sin\kappa\phi'\cos 2n\kappa\phi'\,.\nonumber\\
\end{eqnarray}

\noindent
Substituting the previous expression in Eq. (\ref{VolumePotential}), and assuming that $\kappa$ is an integer and using the properties of integrals of trigonometric functions, we obtain $U_\nu=0$. Therefore, the dipolar energy of $\mathcal{M}$ and $\mathcal{K}$ states can be calculated from Eq. (\ref{DipEnSur}). The magnetostatic energy of SD$_z$ state has been was obtained in Ref. \cite{Landeros-JAP}.

Finally we determine the anisotropy energy for  the $\mathcal{M}$, $\mathcal{K}$ and SD$_z$ configurations and  arbitrary $\kappa$ values from the third term in Eq. (\ref{MagneticEn})
\begin{eqnarray}\label{EAni}
E_{\text{Ani}}=-\varepsilon_\kappa\,h\,K_a\int_r^R\frac{\rho-r}{R-r}\,m_z^2\,\rho\,d\rho\,.
\end{eqnarray}

\noindent
Since in the considered parametrization $\kappa$ is an integer (0 or 1), one can notice that the anisotropy energy of the $\mathcal{K}$ state does not depend on this parameter. Despite the integral in Eq. (\ref{EAni}) has analytical solution, it is cumbersome and will be omitted here.

\begin{figure}[h!]
\centering
\includegraphics[scale=0.1]{DiagPhases}
\caption{Magnetic energy of different magnetic states for Permalloy rings as a function of the anisotropy parameter $K_a$. Results are obtained using $h=20$ nm, $R= 200$ nm and $r=50$ nm. Orange dashed lines represents anisotropy values used to perform micromagnetic simulations.}
\label{Result1}
\end{figure}

The anisotropy contribution for the SD$_z$ state has a simple analytical expression and can be evaluated as
\begin{eqnarray}\label{EAni1}
E_{\text{Ani}}=-\frac{\pi\,h\,K_a}{3}(R-r)(2R+r).
\end{eqnarray}

Aiming to perform a subtle analysis of Eqs. (\ref{ExEnMS}), (\ref{ExEnKSSimp}) and (\ref{DipEnSur}) we have solved the integrals numerically. The nominal magnetic parameters associated to Permalloy are used; that is, $A=1.3 \times 10^{-11}$ J/m, $M_S=8.6 \times 10^5$ A/m, $\mu_0=4 \pi \times 10^{-7}$ J/mA$^2$ and exchange length $\ell_{ex}=5.3$ nm. Such values enables to stabilize all considered magnetization configurations by changing  $K_a$ values. Our results for the energies, considering the different configurations are illustrated in  Fig. \ref{Result1}. These results evidence that, despite the curves for V and $\mathcal{K}$ states are practically superimposed for  $K_a<450$ kJ/m$^3$, there is a small difference in the energies of these magnetic states. In fact, the V state minimizes the energy for $K_a<350$ kJ/m$^3$ but when the anisotropy increases, $\mathcal{K}$ state is the configuration the minimizes the total energy.  Despite the $\mathcal{K}$ state presents lower magnetostatic energy when compared to the $\mathcal{M}$ state, the difference of the anisotropy energy can stabilize the $\mathcal{M}$ configuration for $k_a>700$ kJ/m$^3$. It can be observed that this magnetization pattern is highly stable compared to the SD$_z$ configuration in such a way that SD$_\text{z}$ state does not minimize the total energy in the range of evaluated $K_a$ values.

To corroborate our analytical results, we have performed micromagnetic simulations using the 3D Object Oriented MicroMagnetic Framework (OOMMF) package \cite{oommf}, which solves the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert \cite{LLwork,Gilbertwork} equation using finite element methods.

\begin{figure}
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[scale=0.45]{VortexAll}\\\includegraphics[scale=0.45]{Knot}\\\includegraphics[scale=0.45]{Meron450All}\\\includegraphics[scale=0.45]{Meron1400All}\\\includegraphics[scale=0.45]{BarraCores}\caption{Final states for different anisotropies from OOMMF simulations. From left to right we show the magnetization components $m_y$, $m_z$ and the vector field (VF). Results obtained for a) $K_a=300$ kJ/m$^3$, b) $K_a=350$ kJ/m$^3$, c) $K_a=450$ kJ/m$^3$ and d) $K_a=1400$ kJ/m$^3$.}\label{Final}
\end{center}
\end{figure}

Simulations were run using a  mesh  size  of  $2\times2\times2$  nm$^3$ and a damping constant of 0.5. Aiming to allow the system to reach equilibrium, we have used a usual torque condition that establishes when  simulations can stop.  That is, the minimum energy state is reached when the torque on the magnetic moments is below 0.001 A/m. Our  simulations were performed  starting from four different initial  configurations:  i) a V configuration; ii) a state in which half of the ring is in a vortex state and the other half with two opposite saturated configurations; iii) a state in which the magnetization in half of the ring is a vortex state and in the other half magnetic moments are pointing along the $z$-axis; and iv) a  single domain pointing along the $xy$-plane. The energy of the final state associated with each initial configuration was calculated, leading us to obtain the lower energy state for each $K_a$ value.

We have then simulated magnetic nanorings with four different anisotropy parameters: 300 kJ/m$^3$, 350 kJ/m$^3$, 450 kJ/m$^3$ and 1400 kJ/m$^3$. The  final states are shown in Fig. \ref{Final}. It can be noticed that the magnetic configuration of the lower energy states agrees with the magnetic configuration of the lower energy state   from analytical calculations. Nevertheless, it can be observed that the final $\mathcal{K}$ state (Fig. \ref{Final}-b) is different from that one described in the analytical model. Indeed, while our analytical model predicts a $\mathcal{K}$ state in which the region with out-of-plane components of the magnetization has the same area that the region with in-plane components, the analysis of Fig. \ref{Final}b shows that the  area occupied by the out-of-plane component of the $\mathcal{K}$ state is larger than the in-plane one. However, the mathematical formalism describing such configuration leads to cumbersome equations and does not present different qualitative changes with the obtained phase diagram. Another important observation coming from the analysis of Fig. \ref{Final}c and \ref{Final}d is that the region of the out-of-plane component to the magnetization for $\mathcal{M}$ state increases with the anisotropy in such a way that for very high values of $K_a$, a SD$_z$ state can be observed. That is, by increasing the anisotropy  the region of the out-of-plane component of the magnetization occupy a larger area of the ring. This finding reveals that the region occupied by the out-of-plane component can be controlled by varying the anisotropy at the border of the ring.

\section{Conclusions}\label{Conclusions}

In this work we have studied the possible magnetic groundstate of a nanoring having an anisotropy gradient along its radius. We have analytically calculated the magnetic energy of four different magnetization configurations and have obtained the energy curves in function of the anisotropy for each considered magnetization configuration. We have also performed micromagnetic simulations and analyzed the  possibility of obtaining two new magnetic configurations in magnetic nanorings, the so called meron and knot-like states.

The possibility of obtaining the $\mathcal{M}$ and $\mathcal{K}$ states in nanomagnetic systems is very interesting, from the fundamental and the applied points of view. From the fundamental point of view, is always an important issue the appearence of new magnetic textures. From the applied perspectives,  the existence of different magnetic configurations may be associated with new properties that could allow applications in technological developments based on the concept of spintronic and magnonic. Due to emergent new experimental techniques controlling magnetic anisotropy gradient, such new states could be observed.

We thank Brazilian agency CNPq for finantial support (grant numbers 401132/2016-1 and 301015/2015-5). In Chile we acknoledge Fondecyt under grants 1160198, and the Basal program under grant FB 0807. N. M. Vargas acknowledges the financial support from the Department of Energy's Office of Basic Energy Science under grant DE-FG02-87ER-45332.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


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text:
Annoucment delay until monday
By shof515,
March 27, 2020 in Carnival Cruise Lines
2 hours ago, TNcruising02 said:
It's easy for people to say it's not a big deal if they don't have an April cruise booked. We saw what happened to the last few cruises. People got turned away at the port because they implemented new health requirements. People arrived at ports after Carnival knew they had cancelled cruises. Maybe the people with cruises booked in April think Carnival could have made decisions about the April cruises on the day they told people they would.
Nobody is holding up a pitchfork. People are wondering why other cruise lines were able to make these decisions, yet Carnival continues to lag behind. I love taking Carnival cruises, but that doesn't mean I think every decision they make is a good one.
I'll start by saying I, too, enjoy taking Carnival cruises and I've made it abundantly clear on this forum that I'll criticize Carnival when I feel they deserve it. This isn't one of those instances. You realize that my "torches & pitchfork" comment is just an expression, right? Have you read all the anger that's being posted in this thread alone? All because they decided to delay an announcement THREE days...one weekend. If you ask me, that expression is quite fitting of some of the reactions. You yourself used the example of people who have lost their jobs and need the refund from their cancelled cruise. I have people very close to me who have been financially hurt by this, so I feel their pain, but I'm sorry, this three day delay isn't going to make much of a difference for anyone in the situation you described.
User lensonlife spoke of the emotional, physical, and financial stress inflicted on Carnival customers because they're not getting the announcement three days sooner. Seriously? Think about the financial stress that this whole situation puts on these businesses. Like I said before, they have HUGE decisions to make that have massive implications on their businesses. This entire situation changes regularly. New statements and reports come out from different organizations and government entities. Whatever their reason, Carnival wanted to take the weekend before saying what they have to say. I understand the frustration, I never said I didn't, but I personally don't think it's worthy of the more extreme reactions.
Since you said it's easy for those of us who don't have April cruises booked to say it's no big deal, I'll do something that I do quite often in my life. I'll put myself in someone else's shoes and ask myself how it makes me feel. After all, I'm pretty sure I know me better than you know me. First I'll say that if we could swing a cruise in the next few months, we'd love to take advantage of some of these prices. But we just got back from one, so as it is now, our next is booked for January. If I had a cruise in April...yes, I'd want to know what's going to happen, but I wouldn't be angered by Carnival's decision to delay the announcement for one weekend. For one, because it's only a few days. It'd probably frustrate me and make me feel impatient, but I wouldn't throw a fit. Also, as I've already said, I understand how quickly this situation changes on a regular basis. Maybe they're waiting for something important to come through, I don't know. I believe that there's probably a good reason for the delay and it isn't just to tick off a bunch of people on Cruise Critic.
We drive to our cruises, so we often leave home two days before embarkation day when sailing out of south Florida. We would take responsibility into our own hands and do everything in our power to ensure the cruise hasn't been cancelled. Our first move would be to call our PVP...and call him often in the days leading up to the start of our trip. We'd continue to call him while we're driving to the home port, because if cancellation were to happen, the sooner we found out, the better. This cruise forum is a great source of information, but in a situation as important as that, don't just use a cruise forum. But none of that matters because that's not what's happening here. You kept talking about people who got all the way to the port only to find out their cruise was cancelled. Yeah, I'd be mad if Carnival didn't notify me sooner, but that's not why everyone in this thread is so angry. As far as we know, this three day delayed announcement isn't putting anyone in that predicament, so it's a moot point.
lensonlife
10 minutes ago, Mary49 said:
I just cancelled my Radiance cruise for June 29th before Carnival decided to cancel. I just put down a deposit and they said I will get $50 on my next cruise. However, since they cancelled anyway shouldnt I get the full refund back? Thanks for the info.
They also haven't technically cancelled yet. We know it's coming, but I'm also scheduled to sail on the 6/29 Radiance and according to Carnival I'm still sailing 😫. I won't be canceling as I am hopeful to get the most OBC with FCC possible (as I'm paid in full). We will see what they have to offer.
xDisconnections
You played the game of chicken against Carnival and lost.
48traveler
On 3/27/2020 at 11:20 AM, loohoo1 said:
With the current cancellation policy (I can't keep up!), would I be able to get a full refund to my cc for a cruise booked for 5/9 if I cancel today?
I really don't want OBC for a future cruise. I can't imagine getting on a cruise ship again until there aren't any COVID cases worldwide for at least several months. When that happens, I'll be roaring to go!
Our May 11th scheduled cruise shows a $579 cancellation fee as of now
9 minutes ago, Organized Chaos said:
I just want to clarify that I was never specifically speaking about Carnival needing another 3 days to make an announcement (although I realize it was on a thread titled as much so I own accountability for that). That said, I personally think I was clear in my communication in stating an example in which I feel that they could have been better and more forthcoming with communication- where great numbers of customers very likely did encounter emotional, physical, and financial stress. It's also fine if we agree to disagree on the matter. And I'm not at all angry- it takes a lot more than this to make me angry.
Honolulu Blue
45 minutes ago, xDisconnections said:
Disney Cruise Line may have adopted a similar policy to Walt Disney World: closed until further notice. As of now, WDW is accepting reservation for dates of June 1 and later but they are tentative and not guaranteed to open on that date.
Not sure though... haven't been following DCL.
They may get to WDW's policy, but they haven't done it yet. DCL has only canceled their cruises through April 12 according to their March 20 update. Source: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/advisory/ . I assume the link will change when they update their policy, which I expect soon.
Edited March 29, 2020 by Honolulu Blue
1 minute ago, Honolulu Blue said:
They may get to WDW's policy, but they haven't done it yet. DCL has only canceled their cruises through April 12 according to March 20's update. Source: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/advisory/ . I assume the link will change when they update their policy, which I expect soon.
jimbo5544
Connecticut/Florida
4 hours ago, jperry2011 said:
Most of those are self explanatory though. Europe wont allow cruises until late fall or winter.
The radiance hasn't been refurbished or named the radiance yet if the port doesnt allow the work to get done it's kinda hard to redo the ship.
The Mardi Gras has another setback in work due to the virus as well. You have to be able to work on the ship for it to get done.
Where did u see that on Europe cruises?
jperry2011
17 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:
75% of Europe is in lockdown.
US has a travel ban from Europe.
cltcruiser
Yes.... we are scheduled to leave for our cruise next week! That stings to say since we all know it isn't going to happen....but it hasn't been officially canceled yet.
I'm just hopeful we get a similar offer to what the folks on the previously-canceled cruises received. I'm happy to let them keep my money.....would prefer it actually.... but let's keep the OBC going.
We have a big family with kids that play a ton of sports. Carving out the time to do vacations while missing the least amount of activities and work is extremely challenging....that's why the loss of this spring break cruise really stinks.
1 hour ago, lensonlife said:
I was just using your comment to point out that we, as customers, aren't the only ones who are experiencing financial strain and stress. Yeah, many of these cruise lines are huge corporations that can withstand some heavy hits, so to speak, but they (meaning the people within them) aren't immune to the same feelings of stress and financial worry. Despite what some people think, I am able to sympathize with those who are waiting for word about their cruise. Especially those who have their final payment dates next week. I can't say it enough...I'm not speaking out again people who are frustrated and feeling impatient. They have every right to feel that way. All I've been saying is that I think the anger is unwarranted. We're in uncharted waters here, no pun intended. Some things can't be done as easily or as simply as they normally could.
23 minutes ago, beerman2 said:
Hotels and airlines are being very, very flexible right now. So those shouldn't be a worry. I've just dealt with that situation on a land vacation.
They were probably easier to deal with than the cruiselines are right now,
Within 3 days I received a credit from airlines ( 6 months to book another flight and until the end of year to fly)
Hotel credited my CC in 5 days of cancelling.
Unfotunately the cruise lines seem to be holding the cards right now. You will get an offer on your cancelled cruise when they figure it out.
DOT requires airline refunds are processed within 7 business days if you are actually owed one. Hotels and cruise lines do not have any DOT regulations regarding length of time to process which is why some are quoting 90 days. For hotels, it's usually easier to cancel the reservation right then and there and process a refund for any advance deposits taken as most reservations are not prepaid (unless reserved through a third party).
From DOT (aviation refunds only):
If a passenger is owed a refund, an airline, travel agent, or online travel agency must process it within seven business days if the passenger paid by credit card, and 20 business days if the passenger paid by cash or check.
https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds
Edited March 29, 2020 by xDisconnections
MJSailors
I think perspective is needed here.
Yes, people's vacation plans are uncertain now. Concerns about cancellations, refunds, FCC, airline and hotel reservations needing to be cancelled, coordinating calendars wth family,y or friends for future travel etc are very real to those needing to make decisions based on Carnival's announcement.
But, consider a wider view of the affect of this virus.
One of our niece's husband lost his job last Friday. They have an infant daughter and a three year old son. They have a mortgage. She is on paid maternity leave,thankfully ,with benefits intact. The baby's Christening has been postponed.
A friend's daughter has had her May wedding postponed until August - hopefully.
My Goddaughter's job is in jeopardy as she is an interior decorator for a firm in NYC. Clients have been cancelling or postponing projects they had with the firm. No one is calling with new business. She is trying to plan for a late September wedding ,which hopefully will take place.
Our community just lost a very respected member to the Corovi-19 illness. He was an much loved family man, Air Force veteran and volunteer firefighter who was about to be recognized for his 50years of service. He is to be buried in a National Cemetary where the family is not allowed to attend his burial. The fire company will transport his casket to the cemetery, going past his home where his wife of 62years can bid him goodbye.
None of these people are complaining about their lives at the moment. They are accepting their situations, making plans and coming to grips with the turn their lives have taken. Are they sad, concerned, upset? Of course. But,not one that I have spoken to are angry.
Some lost money spent for a vacation or disappointment over a missed cruise pales by comparison to what I have detailed. The affects of the virus that I have posted is just a small glimpse into what is affecting families and people all over our country and the world.
Have patience,you will hear the Carnival statement soon.
10 minutes ago, MJSailors said:
This is incredibly profound, and well-put. I understand that this pandemic is much greater than anything we are grappling about here and I don't think anyone has ill-intentions. Crises often create a level of worry, fear and panic- and not everyone responds to that in equal ways. I work for state government and with vulnerable populations, often at the front lines of crisis, and am very sensitive to how this situation is impacting individuals, families and systems at all levels. Thank you for your insight. Thoughts and prayers for you and yours. Take care.
Wow, so much hate going on. Does anyone know there's a pandemic going on and tens of thousands have died?
1 hour ago, Organized Chaos said:
It's all good. I understand- I only needed you to know that I was not 'complaining' about the 3 days so much as the lag (which has not been specific to these 3 days). I do really feel that Carnival should let people know as soon as they've made a decision- that's all I was trying to say. These 3 days does not change anything for me personally. Am I disappointed that I'm not going to be able to go on a vacation? Sure! Am I disappointed with Carnival? NO! At this point, I don't even think I'm going to try and rebook for this summer- too concerning giving the state of everything (unless things quickly and significantly turn around and that's doubtful). Maybe we'll drive the 6 hours to Bar Harbor. I also was following your recent vacation, so I knew you drove and elected to drive straight back through to home which was a LONG jaunt (and not one I would do)! That said, I realize you are not without financial implications- not that it matters.
beerman2
Sandusky Oh
Ok here's another example of the hotel i cancelled. Large chain that I purchased a pre-pay rate (no cancellation). Yes it saved me a decent amount.
They are letting me cancel my June booking up to April 30th. After talking with them they anticipate this being extended.
Did they have to waive the no cancellation-No, they did it because they know it's the right way to do it. That's why I stated many chains are being very, very flexible.
TNcruising02
Perspective can be used for any situation. There are always tragedies happening, but it doesn't mean we should stop living and should not be upset about anything because bad things are happening. In the past three weeks someone I knew was murdered, another has a mother in hospice, and another just shaved her head and started intensive chemo. Those are all horrible things. Put in perspective, I should never be upset about anything. But we are human beings with emotions. It's ok to be upset about something that isn't life or death. It's ok to have feelings about minor things, even though there is always something worse happening in the world. Actually, focusing on minor things often helps people deal with major things.
2 minutes ago, beerman2 said:
April 30? Sounds like Marriott.
From my experience, up until the updated waiver program on March 15, they weren't being so accommodating on the prepaids.
I can rebook at regular rate (Senior or AAA discount) and get rid of the prepay. Pay X amount more or chance the reason I'm traveling is still going to be held (Granddaughters National Dance Competition).
Being Disney has cancelled hotel booking until June, I'm not do sure this epidemic will be over by then.
lottiegreen56
It may be hurricane szn before they get the cruise ships moving again.
1 minute ago, lottiegreen56 said:
at this point I really have no idea anymore.
12 minutes ago, lottiegreen56 said:
It's coming up pretty quickly
poz222
Got word from a friend onboard they are going to start disembarking some crew (gift shop/entertainment) and sending some home when contracts are up... can't be a good signal ...
3 minutes ago, poz222 said:
Didn't they already start doing this with the Carnival Spirit?
Jacinta acknowledged this a few days ago.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Shark Diver : Shark Diving : Swimming With Sharks: Shark Diver in new book "Travel Therapy"
Shark Diver in new book "Travel Therapy"
A few months ago Karen Schaler called us about a new book she had in the works. As the owner of the hugely popular travel blog Travel Therapy - how could we refuse?
Karen, as it turns out, is a smart cookie. Aside from being one of the best looking writers to ever grace the genre, take THAT "Ms.Devils Teeth", she also knows the ways of the broken heart.
Karens newest book takes women on a journey to the best places on the planet to get over a break up. One of those places is Isla Guadalupe with the crews of Shark Diver. Not to say that our crews know anything about break ups, but we do know sharks.
If there's one thing a broken heart does know it's "beating". Think of us as the "crash cart of love". If your heart has stopped beating for lack of love, one day with a 15 foot great white shark will get it going again.
Kudos to Karen for the book, and thanks for the section in it!
Thanks for mentioning the book and all your insight! You guys are a fantastic TRAVEL THERAPY for anyone wanting to push themselves into a new frame of mind and take a "bite" out of their old life!!!
Anyone interested in checking out the book can find the link with a big discount on the TRAVEL THERAPY website at www.traveltherapytrips.com.


The Greensboro Coliseum Fieldhouse served as the site for the 2019 North Carolina Scholastic Basketball Classic on Saturday, Jan. 12.
Game one featured the Greenfield Knights (16-4) vs. the Northwest Guilford Vikings (11-2). The Knights jumped out to an early lead and never trailed in the game. The Bengals dominated the boards on both ends of the floor and led 41-23 by the half. Early in the third quarter, Greenfield led 51-33 before the Vikings closed to within seven, 57-64, with 1:57 remaining. Junior guard Christian Hampton led Northwest with 23 points while Dean Reiber and Johnny Pagano each netted 13 points.
In the nightcap, the Greensboro Day School Bengals (GDS) cruised past the Walkertown Wolfpack by a score of 77-51. Greensboro Day improved to 17-5 while the Wolfpack dropped to 9-5.
Sophomore guard Carson McCorkle paced the Bengals with 16 points. Teammates Nicholas Evtimov scored 14 points while Banks Handy added 12 points. Jalen Cone led the Wolfpack with a game-high 28 points.
"It's nice to see the ball go in the basket for us. When we shoot the ball well, we're good enough on defense to make it an interesting game against anybody." said GDS head coach Freddie Johnson.


text:
CVF Capital Partners
Deal Partners
California and the Central Valley
Hispanic Businesses
jblanco@cvfcapitalpartners.com
José Blanco is a Managing Partner at CVF Capital Partners and brings over 30 years of investment experience to the firm. Before co-founding the firm in 2005, Mr. Blanco served as a Regional Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at AIG Investment Corporation (AIG), where he supervised direct investments in a variety of industries including manufacturing, logistics, distribution, business services and financial services.
Following his tenure at AIG he served as the CFO for a NASDAQ listed company. This experience allows Mr. Blanco to combine his tenure as an investment officer with his operating experience as a CFO to assist companies execute on their business plans and build value for all stakeholders.
At CVF Capital Partners, Mr. Blanco has led investments in healthcare, manufacturing, recycling, aerospace, logistics, business services and telecom throughout the Western U.S. He currently sits on the boards of Pioneer Recycling Services, BC2 Environmental, Gary Platt Manufacturing, ComAv and Cool Mountain Transport where he has teamed up with owners and founders to build value for all stakeholders..
Mr. Blanco earned a PhD in Economics from Utah State University, an M.S. from the University of Utah, an M.B.A. from Claremont Graduate University, and a B.A. from Saint Michael's College.
Edward McNulty
emcnulty@cvfcapitalpartners.com
Edward McNulty is a Managing Partner at CVF Capital Partners and brings over 35 years of experience in corporate finance, investment, turnaround, and general advisory experience to the firm. Before joining the firm in 2006, Mr. McNulty held various senior positions in merchant and investment banking at the Chase Manhattan Bank. At Chase he oversaw multi-billion dollar leveraged credit portfolios and had oversight responsibility for the structuring and valuation of new leveraged finance transactions. He has acted as lead banker on over $23 billion worth of deals, involving acquisition finance, recapitalizations and restructurings. As a banker and investor, he has focused on middle market companies, providing debt and equity financing, as well as actively working with management teams to grow their businesses.
Mr. McNulty earned a Masters in International Finance from Columbia University and a Bachelor's degree from Colgate University.
Brad Triebsch
btriebsch@cvfcapitalpartners.com
Brad Triebsch is a Managing Partner at CVF Capital Partners and contributes over 25 years of experience in taking companies from concept to a successful exit. Prior to co-founding CVF, Mr. Triebsch served as a public finance investment banker for Westhoff, Cone and Holmstedt. Previously, Mr. Triebsch worked with former Los Angeles Dodger personnel on a successful turnaround for a sports medicine company. Mr. Triebsch also co-founded and was President of ConVault Mid-Atlantic, Inc., an Inc 500 environmental manufacturing firm. Early in his career, Mr. Triebsch worked for a boutique investment banking firm called First Chesapeake Capital and on Capitol Hill as an aide to Majority Whip Tony Coelho (D-CA).
Mr Triebsch is a graduate of Saint Mary's College of California and attended law school at the University of San Francisco. Mr. Triebsch is a fourth generation Central Valley native and maintains strong business and political ties to the region. He has served on several public and private boards including the UC Merced Foundation Board of Trustees, The Board of Regents for Saint Mary's College of California, Fresno State's Lyles Center for Entrepreneurship, The Stockton Business Council and nationally on the Board of Governors for the Small Business Investor Alliance (SBIA)- the trade association for SBIC's.
Stefan Okhuysen
sokhuysen@cvfcapitalpartners.com
Stefan Okhuysen is a Principal at CVF Capital Partners and heads the San Diego office. He brings over 10 years of investment, investment management and operational experience to CVF and has either led or participated in transactions in several sectors, including logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, business services, education, food and beverage, and retail. He has sat on a number of boards in these sectors, either as a member or advisor in both Mexico and the U.S.
Mr. Okhuysen joined CVF in 2011 but between 2013 and 2016 he served as Vice President at Tresalia Capital's Private Equity team, where he led and participated in several transactions throughout the U.S. and Mexico.
Prior to transitioning into Private Equity, Mr. Okhuysen was founder and CEO of SOU Group, a Los Angeles-based imports and distribution firm focused on Hispanic products. Previously, he worked at Banco Santander Suisse's Asset Management division in Geneva, Switzerland, as a Fixed Income Analyst.
Stefan received an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a B.A. in Financial Management from Tec de Monterrey.
Chris Carleson
ccarleson@cvfcapitalpartners.com
Chris Carleson joined CVF Capital Partners in 2012. Prior to joining the firm, he worked at ING Variable Annuities as an internal wholesaler. As part of his responsibilities, he worked in conjunction with the external wholesaler to expand the Midwest territories by aggressively pursuing leads and modeling financial scenarios for the client. At CVF Capital Partners, Mr. Carleson analyzes new investment opportunities, participates in the due diligence process, and monitors investments in the portfolio.
Mr. Carleson received an M.B.A. from the University of California, Davis, and a B.S. from the University of California, Irvine.
Brian Hoblit
bhoblit@cvfcapitalpartners.com
Brian Hoblit is a Vice President and brings strong expertise in operations, management, and capital structuring for small to mid-sized businesses. His finance and operations experience spans over twenty years in a variety of industries including commercial lending, business services, transportation, and emerging technology.
In his role as a commercial lender, Mr. Hoblit helped middle market companies, including private equity firms and their portfolio clients, grow via debt financing and other strategic initiatives to facilitate their success. As the Chief Financial Officer of multiple middle market firms, he served on the executive team, built operating budgets, executed on business plans, and raised capital. The variety of industries in which he served provided him a unique understanding across a breadth of situations of the operating needs, challenges, and opportunities of small to mid-sized businesses.
Mr. Hoblit received an M.B.A. (graduating with honors as a member of Beta Gamma Sigma) from UC Davis with a focus in finance and entrepreneurship; he was awarded the Alumni Association's Outstanding Service Award in 2015. Mr. Hoblit also received a B.S. with a dual major in civil engineering and economics and M.S. in environmental engineering, both from Rice University.
Ben Consoli
(530) 757-7004 ext.205
bconsoli@cvfcapitalpartners.com
Ben Consoli joined CVF Capital Partners in 2019. Prior to joining the firm, he gained experience at Oath (now Verizon Media Group) and Lucha Capital Management. While at Oath, Ben supported the sports and finance divisions, working on a financial evaluation for a new product rollout - NFL streaming on the Yahoo! mobile app. At Lucha Capital Management, he focused on the TMT sector, using fundamental valuation and analysis to examine existing long and short positions and identify potential investment opportunities.
Mr. Consoli graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Orfalea College of Business at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a B.A. in Finance. He is currently studying the CFA curriculum, determined to further his knowledge of finance.
jcanfield@cvfcapitalpartners.com
Jack Canfield joined CVF Capital Partners in 2019. Prior to joining the firm, he worked on the finance and global sales operations teams at Equinix, a colocation provider and data center company. At Equinix, he was able to identify sources of sales drag and help increase the productivity of sales reps as well as create a financial and operational reporting tool. While in school, Jack gained investment experience as part of a team that invested a portion of his school's endowment fund.
Mr. Canfield graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Orfalea College of Business at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Spanish. He is currently working toward his CFA charter.
Anthony Bretting, CPA
abretting@cvfcapitalpartners.com
Anthony Bretting joined CVF Capital Partners in 2017. Prior to joining the firm, he worked in KPMG, LLP's audit practice for 5 years. During his time in public accounting, he led engagement teams performing a range of assurance services including financial statement and internal control audits, federal compliance audits, and agreed upon procedures. He gained experience spanning a diversified client portfolio with primary focus on mid-market private companies in the consumer goods and services, agriculture, manufacturing, utilities, and higher education industries.
Mr. Bretting graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State University, Sacramento, with multiple honors and received a B.S. in Business Administration, Accountancy Concentration. He earned his California CPA license in 2014 and achieved attestation certification thereafter.
Wesley Guymon
wguymon@cvfcapitalpartners.com
Wesley Guymon joined CVF Capital Partners in 2016. Prior to joining the firm, he gained accounting experience working for Mantyla McReynolds (now BDO) and Gold Dust West. During this time, his responsibilities included supervising accounting staff, maintaining accounting records, and ensuring regulation compliance.
Mr. Guymon received a MAcc from Southern Utah University where he graduated with honors as a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. He received a B.S. in Accounting from Utah Valley University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He earned his California CPA license in 2018 and received the Elijah Watt Sells Award for his performance on the CPA Exams.
Fernando Carranza
Winter Intern
fcarranza@cvfcapitalpartners.com
Fernando Carranza began his career in investment banking at KPMG Corporate Finance and Société Générale in Chicago, advising industrial and consumer sector clients on cross-border debt/equity financing options, mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures across the EMEA region. After leaving Société Générale, Fernando led Cohort 4 of the Latinx Incubator 1871, preparing early-stage entrepreneurs from underserved communities in raising catalytic capital. He also worked in Mexico City as an impact investor with Agora Partnerships, focusing on growth stage social impact companies across Latin America.
Fernando is currently a second year MBA student at the Kellogg School of Management and received his B.S. in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a Robert Toigo Foundation Fellow, a MLT MBA Fellow, and ICM Mosaic Fellow.
CVF Capital Partners, Inc.


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text:
On October 22, 2019 October 23, 2019 By brentabellIn Uncategorized
I don't watch a bunch of shows on television. Between my job and writing, I have to pick and choose what I take the time to watch. Surprisingly, most of what I view is dark or horror based. I have been disappointed on so many levels by so many shows. One show I revere and followed for years was X-Files.
This brings me to CBS's new show Evil. On the face, it is a new X-Files. Mike Colter (Luke Cage) stars as David Acosta, a priest-in-training who has been tasked by the Catholic Church with investigating the enormous backlog of cases dealing with possession. His job is see if the case is caused by psychosis or if the person is truly the dwelling place for a demon requiring an exorcism. He is joined by Ben Shakir (Aasif Mandvi) who acts as his tech and environmental guy. If there are questions about things being grounded in reality, Ben can figure out the technical and real-world side of the investigation.
Essentially, David and Ben are like Fox Mulder. David has the faith and conviction in his duty. Ben is along for the ride, and he has his own belief structure. Ben is Muslim and one interesting aspect of the show has been his sister's reactions and interactions as he assists the Catholic Church on its mission to find the true causes of evil.
But, they lacked a Dana Scully. They find their version of her in Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers). She works as a forensic psychologist who is used as an expert witness in court cases by the DA's office. David hires her to help determine if the case he is working on is possession or only the work of a psychopath. Kristen acts as the same check on David that Scully was to Mulder. She tempered David's spiritual side of the investigation with the science of the mind. Kristen is also working to keep up with her four daughters. Her mother helps out, but the real mystery is what is really going on with her husband. The story told to viewers is he is out of the country working as a mountain guide The forth episode adds a wrinkle to it that should hopefully play out in the final three episodes of the season.
The show has aired four episodes and has been doing respectful in the ratings. Each week brings a new case and new twists to their investigations. There have been small plot threads teasing a larger story, but the tidbits have been less than revealing or disjointed. The initial episode order was for seven episodes, and it has yet to receive a full season pick-up. Maybe they are waiting to have the full seven episodes play out before deciding on its fate. They could also be finishing out the initial run and giving it a second season instead of ordering more episodes for this season.
Overall, the show is very enjoyable. The ending to episode 4 (Rose390), turned very dark and I found it very refreshing for a basic network show. The progressing season seems to want to take bigger risks by diving into a much darker world. I hope CBS will let the show to carry on and allow it to grow organically. Letting Evil get down and dirty with the root of evil and all it can do to people is how it needs to progress. The show has started to follow this path with the very talented Michael Emerson (Lost) as the questionable Leland Townsend. The man is all about evil, and there is plenty to explore with his role in David's life.
If you haven't watched it yet, it is worth seeing on a cool October Thursday night. I stated earlier it has had a decent ratings increase since it starting airing. I can only hope CBS lets the evil thrive and not let it be another victim to cancellation before it can really hit its stride (I'm looking at you NBC for cancelling Constantine).
Thanks for hanging our for something completely different. I'm going to start doing a few more things to spotlight what is happing in the horror world besides what I'm up too. We are a community and we need to support the genre any way we can. If not, networks cancel good horror-based shows and we get another NCIS or doctor show.
Well, until next time,


text:
Hastings Law Journal is the oldest law journal at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.  It began in 1949 in San Francisco, California.  As of 1997, it is under the umbrella of the O'Brien Center for Scholarly Publications.
The Journal has six issues per volume in December, January, March, May, June, and August.
Every year, the Journal hosts a symposium inviting speakers from around the country on varied topics.  One issue per volume is dedicated to articles on the Symposium.
Washington & Lee ranks Hastings Law Journal well, coming in at number 31 in 2011.
The application process is an anonymous write-on competition during the summer after first year exams.  Some students are accepted by grades alone, some by the writing competition alone, and some by a combination.  Special circumstances expressed in a personal statement are also considered.  Transfer students may also participate in the write-on competition later in the summer.

Articles Cited in the U.S. Supreme Court
A 1987 article was cited in the recent Supreme Court Case of American Needle Inc. v. National Football League.  The article, Conflicts of Interest and Fiduciary Duties in the Operation of a Joint Venture was written by Professor Zenichi Shishido of Japan.
The famous Fourth Amendment case, Terry v. Ohio
, cites a note, Stop and Frisk Law in California, by then-student Harvey E. Henderson, Jr.

Notable alumni
Associate Justice of California Supreme Court Carol A. Corrigan
Chief Justice of Montana Supreme Court Karla M. Gray
First African American California Supreme Court Justice Wiley Manuel (Editor in Chief of the 1953 volume)
U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens

Faculty advisors
Justice Roger Traynor

References

American law journals
Bimonthly journals

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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You are here: Home1 / Blog2 / Build, Habitat News, SCHFH Blog3 / Habitat for Humanity and Lowe's unite women to spotlight global need f...
Habitat for Humanity and Lowe's unite women to spotlight global need for safe and affordable housing during International Women Build Week
March 3, 2020 /0 Comments/in Build, Habitat News, SCHFH Blog /by development
Habitat for Humanity International, Lowe's and approximately 6,000 women volunteers will unite in more than 235 communities in the United States, India and Canada for International Women Build Week, March 1-8, to highlight the global need for safe and affordable housing. A prelude to International Women's Day, the global event aims to build and improve 540 homes while raising awareness of housing issues facing women and their families.
"More than 18 million U.S. households spend half or more of their income on a place to live, and almost 31% of women-headed households with children are below the poverty level," said Sue Henderson, vice president of U.S. operations, Habitat for Humanity International. "History has proven that women and their families have the power to make remarkable changes and spark meaningful conversations. With the support of Lowe's and thousands of volunteers around the world, we will advocate for positive change in the housing needs of women and their families."
In the U.S., one in six families must choose between having a place to call home and paying for food, health care, childcare, education or reliable transportation. Habitat for Humanity and Lowe's are calling on women across the world to help bring attention to this important issue by raising a hammer with their local Habitat chapter.
"Lowe's and Habitat have seen firsthand the transformative power women can have when we come together for communities in need," said Jennifer Weber, Lowe's executive vice president, human resources, and board chair of the Lowe's Foundation. "More than 138,000 volunteers have built or repaired more than 5,325 homes during our 12-year partnership of supporting International Women Build Week, and this year, we encourage all women, whether a home improvement professional or a do-it-yourselfer, to join a build alongside other women. Together, we can make a difference to improve access to safe and affordable housing in our communities."
The Lowe's partnership with Habitat began in 2003, and since then, the company has committed more than $71.1 million to support the nonprofit. Lowe's longstanding support of Habitat has helped more than 6,500 Habitat partner families improve their living conditions.
For this year's Women Build week, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity will be hosting employees from the Lowe's in Stockbridge, GA. The event is a safe-haven for women to practice, excel, and build for other women. To learn more, visit habitat.org/womenbuild or follow #BuildHer and #WomenBuild on social media to share and view stories from around the world.
About Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity
Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing ministry dedicated to providing low-income families an opportunity to become successful homeowners through a program of education and support, interest free lending, and volunteer driven construction. SCHFH builds stronger families and neighborhoods by partnering with donors and volunteers to build attractive and affordable homes, repair existing homes, and to address community needs through neighborhood revitalization. Since its founding in 1986, SCHFH has built 205 homes and repaired over 170 homes.
About Lowe's in the Community
Lowe's has supported the communities where its associates live and work for more than 70 years. As a FORTUNE 50 home improvement company, Lowe's is committed to creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts through nonprofit partnerships. Across every community we serve, Lowe's associates donate their time and expertise through the Lowe's Heroes volunteer program. For the latest news, visit Newsroom.Lowes.com or follow @LowesMedia on Twitter.
Tags: Lowes, Women Build
http://www.schabitat.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IWBW20-social-post-A-Instagram.jpg 600 600 development http://www.schabitat.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/SCHabitat_LogoMain_Black.png development2020-03-03 11:25:392020-03-03 11:25:41Habitat for Humanity and Lowe's unite women to spotlight global need for safe and affordable housing during International Women Build Week
Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity Empowers Women to Build Everyday
Southern Crescent Habitat's Women Build Attracts Hundreds of Women to Repair Homes Across the South Metro Atlanta Area
Habitat News Articles
Habitat News Articles Select Category Build Build, Habitat News, SCHFH Blog Habitat Happenings Habitat News ReStore SCHFH Blog SCHFH Partners
Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity and The Home Depot Foundation Change... Community Resources


Brioche – a magnificent gentle bun that just melts in your mouth. The first recipe for brioche bun was proposed by the French brioche pastry.
1. Sift the flour, yeast mixed with water, add the flour sugar and salt, knead the dough.
2. At the end, add the eggs and softened butter.
3. The dough is put in the refrigerator for a day of rest.
5. Leave a small portion to form a ball "head".
6. Put the dough into the mold, promazh brush on the surface of the egg and the rest of the dough will form small balls and put them on the surface of the main body and promazh egg again.
7. Let the dough rise for 20-30 minutes and bake at 180 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
8. In the formation of the envelope with the chocolate dough rested as divided into parts of 40 grams and a chocolate wrap prefab ganache cream and chocolate.
9. Cooking time 20 minutes at 180 degrees.


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Homework help made hilarious.
Classic Lit
1 Sentence Summaries
Book Related
5 Books on Your English Syllabus That Other Famous Authors Hated
by Elodie August 18, 2020 August 17, 2020
What is a classic novel, anyway? Basically, a classic novel is born when someone says, "I think this book is a classic novel," and everyone else says, "Sure, I guess."
That's it. There's no official consensus, no panel of judges, no final arbiter of classic criteria. If, in 100 years, a well-known literary critic decides that Fifty Shades of Grey is a classic novel and everyone agrees, then alert the media, because a best-selling fanfic that features such bonkers sentences as "His voice is warm and husky like dark melted chocolate fudge caramel… or something" is now every bit as significant to the Western canon as The Grapes of Wrath.
But just because most people think a book is good enough to be a classic doesn't mean the book won't have critics. For instance, the following books may be considered classics, but they were pretty deeply despised by other classic authors.
Start the slide show
6 Famous Authors Who Hated Their Own Books
By Elodie April 14, 2020
Honest Names for All the Books on Your English Syllabus
By Elodie May 5, 2020
All the Books on Your English Syllabus Summed Up in Pie Charts
By Elodie November 7, 2019
All the Books on Your English Syllabus, Summed Up in Pop Songs
By Shahzoda September 11, 2019
Trending on the Sparknotes Blog
By Elodie January 15, 2021
6 Sci-Fi Books That Predicted the Future
By Elodie
QUIZ: Is This a Panic! at the Disco Song, or Les Miserables Chapter Title?
QUIZ: What % Hero and Villain Are You?


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Q: Am trying to add an animation to a class that has extended UIView, but it is not adding it at all! This is the strangest error i have come across.
Am trying to add a countdown animation onto a Class that extends UIView. The code is shown below:
NSArray *myImages = [[NSArray alloc] initWithObjects: [UIImage imageNamed:@"3.png"], [UIImage imageNamed:@"2.png"], [UIImage imageNamed:@"1.png"], [UIImage imageNamed:@"Go.png"], nil];
UIImageView *myAnimatedView = [[UIImageView alloc] initWithFrame:CGRectMake(50, 50, 80, 80)];
myAnimatedView.animationImages = myImages;
myAnimatedView.animationDuration = 3;
myAnimatedView.animationRepeatCount = 0;
[self addSubview:myAnimatedView];
[myAnimatedView startAnimating];

It is just not appearing on the screen. Any Ideas?

A: Have you made sure those images are added to your project?
Can you add them as a flat image (non-animated) -- as in:
UIImageView *myAnimatedView = [[UIImageView alloc] initWithImage:[UIImage imageNamed:@"3.png"]];
[self addSubview:myAnimatedView];

(just to make sure that works first)?
If, instead of extending UIView, you extended UIImageView, would that make a difference?

A: Try switching the last 2 lines. From:
[self addSubview:myAnimatedView];
[myAnimatedView startAnimating];

To:
[myAnimatedView startAnimating];
[self addSubview:myAnimatedView];

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Person of the Week: Maksim Panfilov
posted 4 Apr 2017, 03:26 by Rights in Russia [ updated 4 Apr 2017, 03:27 ]
On 29 March 2017 Moscow's Zamoskvoretsky district court convicted Bolotnaya Square defendant Maksim Panfilov of offences under Section 2 of Article 212 ("Participation in Civil Unrest") and Section 1 of Article 318 ("Use of Force against an Official") of the Russian Criminal Code during the Bolotnaya Square protest on 6 May 2012. The court ruled that Maksim Panfilov should undergo compulsory psychiatric treatment as an in-patient, RAPSI reported. The ruling was in line with the prosecutor's demand; the defence had argued that out-patient treatment at his place of residence was adequate.
On 7 April 2016 Maksim Panfilov had been detained in Astrakhan, where he lives, and charged with the above offences. On 8 April 2016 he was remanded in custody by the Basmanny district court in Moscow. The prosecution alleged that Maksim Panfilov had pulled a helmet from the head of a riot police officer's head on May 6, 2012. As RAPSI reports, 'Investigators claim that Panfilov suffers from chronic personality disorder.'
As HRO.org has reported [citing Каsparov.ru], in court Maksim Panfilov denied the charges. He stated that he had himself been a victim, since his rights were violated at the protest and he was guilty of no wrong-dong: "My rights were violated by the rigging of the elections. Article 31 of the Russian Constitution, on the right to peaceful protest without weapons, was violated during this very protest. Riot police began to constrict the crowd, they used special equipment, beat people with nightsticks, and sprayed some sort of caustic gas." The prosecution claimed that riot police officer Filippov, whose helmet Panfilov had allegedly ripped off, had been hurt "due to the fact that Panfilov allegedly crushed the helmet forcefully with his hands." Panfilov said in response to the allegation: "I don't deny that I took off Filippov's helmet, but it was not fastened. When I took it off, I threw it aside. I did not crush the helmet, it's steel, shockproof, I physically wouldn't be able to do that. I acted this way to distract him, because he was twisting someone's arms, but he didn't even pay attention to me. I took off his helmet and ran off to the side. I didn't see anything else. I'm not even sure that it was Filippov; he didn't even turn his head towards me."
Panfilov also complained that the police officers used force when detaining him: "They detained me very roughly, tearing my clothes. They tore off a piece of my turtleneck, they tore my coat, they hit my legs with a nightstick. I fell down, after which four riot officers took me by the limbs, another squeezed me around the neck, choked me, and carried me to a police van. There's a picture of this on the internet. At the police station, they fined me for 'insubordination,' I paid it, back in Astrakhan."
On 12 April 2016 Amnesty International issued a statement about the case of Maksim Panfilov in which it stated that it considers "the charges of participation in mass riot in connection with the Bolotnaya Square demonstration on 6 May 2012 to be politically motivated." Amnesty International expressed concern "that Maksim Panfilov's right to a fair trial has been violated. He was denied a lawyer during the first crucial interrogation while in detention, and he has been remanded in custody without due consideration of alternative measures despite concerns for his health in violation of Russian law and international human rights law and standards. Furthermore, Maksim Panfilov has been deprived of his regular medication following his arrest, which may amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment." Amnesty International affirmed its view that "Most of the violence that occurred during the [Bolotnaya Square] protest [of 6 May 2012] was at the hands of the police who used excessive force against mostly peaceful protesters, or resulted from the failure of the police to effectively conduct those wishing to enter the square in accordance with arrangements previously agreed with the organisers. Nonetheless, not a single police officer has been investigated for abusive use of force."
Bolotnaya case defendant Panfilov to undergo compulsory treatment,' RAPSI, 29 March 2017
' "PRISONERS OF BOLOTNAYA": MAKSIM PANFILOV, THE LATEST VICTIM OF A POLITICALLY-MOTIVATED PROSECUTION,' Amnesty International, 12 April 2016
'Maksim Panfilov: "I physically wouldn't be able to crush a shockproof helmet",' HRO.org, 20 March 2017 [for translation, see: Rights in Russia]


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Home › Game Forums › EverQuest Next
Example of a Realistic art-style for EQN?
Nitth Member UncommonPosts: 3,904
November 2014 in EverQuest Next
For people that don't like the stylized art, Can you give an example of how an realistic EQN "should" look?
TSW - AoC - Aion - WOW - EVE - Fallen Earth - Co - Rift - || XNA C# Java Development
Chinspinner Member Posts: 31
Originally posted by Nitth
LegacyGame Member UncommonPosts: 132
Originally posted by Chinspinner
Forum interactions in a nutshell and we wonder why developers don't like engaging communities on the forums ;D
I think stylized art looks great, most of the EQ stuff looks good, there's just some things (like kerran faces) that are unappealing. If they didn't go with stylized art then probably this?:
Allein Member RarePosts: 2,101
While I can't speak for anyone else, I'm assuming it is something along the lines of these games, which to me all have the same forgettable fantasy look to them. Yes they look good, but none really stand out to me where I can really see the unique qualities.
Tech limitations are also a big deal, where most of these games are single/small group and not mmos. TESO is just blah to me, yet finds the balance of being a "realistic" look and being a mmorpg. Black Desert looks great when you zoom in on models, but in regular game play (what we do 99.99% of the time), it looks like any other Eastern mmo/game, simply with a higher poly count or whatever.
I think people on the anti-stylized train, want more of a fantasy sim where they are able to be their mature selves in a world that fits them. Hard to do in a game that can easily be compared to Disney. Not easy to be virtual macho (because all gamers are in real life) when everything is sunshine and rainbows.
All these games and styles have their place, just as EQN does. Everything doesn't have to be the same. Unfortunately, it is hard to get a game that hits all the bullet points we are seeking and in this case I've seen many that are interested in EQN's game play, but can't get behind the art.
Not to mention voxels and the tier system that EQN will have. Guessing it would be hard to do that along with these styles. Then again, I'm sure plenty would love SOE to scrap all of that and just go the pretty route. No need to step outside the box because being the same has proven to be what we all play for so long...
If you don't know this one....shame!
TESO..not the best pic, but funny to me
Rydeson Member UncommonPosts: 3,852
good screenshots Allein
I like that style, but.. But would having detain graphics like that be more a technical hindrance, then a bonus.. To me content and gameplay is what really matters, and eye candy down further on the list.. It is why I hate combat that has firework animations, as it stresses graphic cards too much.. I want to see and feel raid size groups in close proximity without the unwanted lag.. My preference is stylized art, as it reflects something in the middle between cartoony and realistic..
CrazKanuk Member EpicPosts: 6,130
Yeah, post away!!!!
All the nice, pretty pics are great. I actually just finished up SoM and I must say that it was superb. Maybe a little anti-climactic at the end, but I won't ruin the let-down for anyone. I've pre-ordered The Witcher 3. I've pre-ordered DA:I.
That being said, I am still very critical of realistic graphics. It's not because of stills, though. It's never really about the stills, it's about the animations. This is where stylized graphics actually have an advantage. It's very much in our brain, though, it's not necessarily that stylized are implemented any better, they just get creative liberties because our brains accept that it's not real, whereas with realistic graphics we don't make the same exceptions. Also, our brain picks up on issues with realistic animations more easily since we have very clearly defined expectations about how something moves.
Crazkanuk
Azarelos - 90 Hunter - Emerald
Durnzig - 90 Paladin - Emerald
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Tankinpain - 90 Monk - Azjol-Nerub - US
Brindell - 90 Warrior - Emerald Dream - US
Kabulozo Member RarePosts: 923
Like Lineage Eternal.
Originally posted by Prenho3
You mean the poster art or actual game play aka Diablo 3 + mmo? Not sure if the game itself falls in the "realistic" art category. I'll probably give it a go, but click click click games get my wrists crying.
Originally posted by Allein
I'm talking about the artstyle as the concept art I posted. Much better than the Disneyquest Next.
Hrimnir Member RarePosts: 2,413
Its really very simple. Stop exaggerating features. Bam, problem solved. No more eyes twice the size of normal eyes. No more shoulder armor that if you actually leaned your head one way or the other you would impale your face on spikes or slice it open with sharp edges. No more gorilla arms/legs/feet/hands. Less super bright primary colors/pastels, more earth tones and realistic colors.
The sad part is they can still have a cool stylized art style while not making it look so damn ridiculous. But, they wanted to copy WOW, and they bought into that garbage about how that art style "ages better". Which is total crap.
But, in the end, i've literally 0 intention of playing this game, so its 6 of one half a dozen to me. I'm no worse off than i was before.
"The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently."
Phry Member LegendaryPosts: 11,004
Good examples really, and while i do like the aesthetics of ESO, the game play was just not fun for me. i think Wildstar may well turn out to be just an example of why players don't particularly like these overly stylised graphics, they do look cartoony, and i don't think on the whole that they appeal to the majority of the 'older' gamers, i may be wrong, but it would explain why perhaps Wildstar failed so badly
While i wouldn't expect an MMO to achieve the level of detail of games like Shadow of Mordor, i think the style of the graphics themselves also were part of the games success. I do think that the heavily stylised graphics are less appealing generally, and not just to the 'older' player, and while younger players might react favourably to the 'disney' look, thats not to say that they also wouldn't prefer something more 'natural' looking.
SOE may not have a choice at this point, but its probably going to have them more than a little concerned that the games image is already looking a bit 'naff', i wouldn't even rule out SOE doing a 'Titan' on EQN, it might work out cheaper in the long run, and i have to wonder if Blizzard themselves canned Titan for the same reason.
I assumed so, but concept art =/= game art unfortunately.
Originally posted by Hrimnir
So basically your are suggesting the game looks like those I posted above which vary very little? Again, they all look great, but I bet someone unfamiliar could easily be confused as to which game is which. The whole gorilla/bright style is to go along with the "heroic" design theme.
Could you give some examples of "cool stylized art" that doesn't have bright and or slightly unrealistic dimensions? Actually think the humans look fairly normal and I'm glad the non-humans actually look like different races, not just human + animal head or whatever.
bcbully Member EpicPosts: 9,848
Originally posted by Phry
While I can't say one way or another why WIldstar "failed" (not sure how that is determined anyway), I'm going with WoW 2.0 simply isn't as exciting as it sounded to all the grindy/raiders out there. The art style is also dated. Not terrible, but compare WoW/Wildstar to EQN and for me it is no contest as far as detail and "life" between them. Wildstar shares the same bland, life less look that all the "realistic" games have. Too bad the game doesn't look like the cinematics.
The "older" gamers need to realize they aren't the only target for games anymore. WoW changed that forever. I'm an "older" gamer and wouldn't mind a SOM looking mmorpg, but I'm betting there are plenty of different demos of players that wouldn't want their mmo to be brown and then more brown, with some green.
Luckily for EQN's future, SOE is smart enough to know that there are gamers out there beyond the 30-40+ male, dark/gritty, "realistic" type.
Giffen Member UncommonPosts: 276
Originally posted by bcbully
It makes me want to vomit what they did to the EQ franchise with the Disney art style.
Hopefully SOE has learned their lesson and they've already said the Kerran is a WIP, along with the armor and what not. The concept art they've shown since then is much improved and quite different then Tony.
While TESO looks good overall, I'm a fan of races actually being different instead of the human + cat head + tail = new race. It works and many games do it, but doesn't really scream original to me.
Also would rather have some what over the top armor if it goes along with the design philosophy (heroic) instead of a lot of painted on armor skins. Not down WoW's path with 5' shoulders, but a little flash can add to the game when done right.
Oh well, good think there is a long list of games that share exactly what many of you are looking for when it comes to art style.
He's very opinionated, but I can't really disagree with a lot of what he says in this area.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w36385GeQOU
"Because....Skyrim"
Honestly would like to hear some responses to his rant. Stepping beyond the "me me me" POV, I can't figure out why people think another generic fantasy mmorpg would be a hit (which is SOE goal). Not to say a super cartoony approach will have any more success, but simply by looking at games and fans within the mmorpg genre and other genres that SOE is trying to tap, I can't see any reason they would go for TESO 2.0. The reach EQN's style has is far greater then the games I posted above.
SlyLoK Member RarePosts: 2,672
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/Vectus_2006/20110708-092438.jpg
Or I dunno.. What they already had prior to deciding to rip off Disney? Not hyper realistic but definitely not Disney either. It is almost as if SOE didnt want to bother to come up with their own style so they decided to rip off something that was popular.. Disney style.
Nadia Member UncommonPosts: 11,798
images from 2011 -- before it was scrapped
http://www.eqnforum.com/threads/eqnext-screen-shots-and-concept-art-update-obsolete-as-of-2012.11/#post-2278
EQ2 fan sites
iridescence Member UncommonPosts: 1,552
Guy in the video is a douche who makes ridiculous statements. Where is the proof that bright colors and cartoons make more people want to play games? If he can say people like Skyrim for other reasons I can say people like WoW for other reasons.
It comes down to personal choice. I don't watch cartoons and I don't really like playing games with them in. I'm trying to immerse myself in these worlds not recapture my childhood or whatever. I'm not saying people who like cartoons in games are wrong but there's no evidence that just having cartoons in games makes them more popular except maybe with people with garbage PCs who can't run games with good graphics.
Originally posted by iridescence
While proof is hard to come by, the numbers are pretty clear. Obviously there is a long list of reasons people play games, art style is usually the gate way into them. If you look at something and are disgusted, probably going to be very hard to ever even try the game, despite it's gameplay. Which is what he was getting at I believe. Any art style can be attached to a high quality experience, but the visuals are what get people through the door initially and can influence them sticking around.
While sports, military, racing, and dark/realistic games are hugely popular, they don't really compare to Nintendo, Blizzard, MOBAs, Final Fantasy, The Sims, Minecraft, along with many other popular games/franchises. Someone can go back and play Mario Galaxy after playing part 2, how often do people go back and play Madden 2012 or old Elder Scrolls games?
You might not like cartoons, but Dinsey, Pixar, Dreamworks, Marvel (real life cartoons), Comics, Cartoon Network, Anime... seem to be doing just fine without you.
I don't believe WoW's art style made it such a success, but if it had looked like TESO, I'd bet it wouldn't have done nearly as well. Other way around, I doubt TESO would have 10+ million subs if it looked like WoW. Too many factors, but art style cant be totally ignored for having an impact.
At the end of the day, I think it comes down to gameplay. I'll never play a game only for the art style. While I might let my eyes suffer if the experience is worth it. If EQN can bring a quality experience, it will get those that are willing to accept the Disney look and those that actually like it, which I'm betting is quite a few people overall. Only ones losing are those probably going from one game to the next because it is "better" due to poly count or whatever. Then again I found MUDs to be more enjoyable then many games in the last 20 years so I might be an oddball.
I think they are all popular games. People are still playing Skyrim 3 years after it come out to the point where it is often in the top 25 games played on Steam and don't see why they will suddenly stop any time soon . I know a lot of people go back and play Morrowind even to this day (Oblivion probably not as much but that's more on the gameplay.) Sure, those cartoony games you listed are also popular games but not really more popular at least not vastly so.
Agreed but there are plenty of realistic movies and what not that do really well too which is why I said it comes down to personal preference.
I don't believe there is any evidence that WoW's artstyle made it a success other than allowing it to run on a wider variety of computers . How many times do you hear people talking about how amazing WoW's visuals are? Most like it for other reasons.
I'm not saying that a lot of people don't like the cartoon stuff or that there's anything wrong with having that preference but I do object to the way the guy in the video was claiming that it's obvious that most people prefer a cartoon style. It's not "obvious" to me at all.
I'll play a game with terrible "realistic" graphics (currently I'm playing a lot of DDO). DDO is actually far more immersive to me than Wildstar despite the fact that W* has way better fidelity. I'm aware that's probably a particular strong preference on my part though. If EQ:N is heavily cartoon it'll turn me off a bit but I'll still play it if the gameplay is good I guess.
DMKano Member LegendaryPosts: 21,925
Originally posted by Giffen
ESOs face is much better, but the painted on armor -no thanks
Then again EQNs over exaggerated armor is not appealing to me.
Originally posted by Nadia
This IMO looked better than anything after the revamp.
If EQ:N is heavily cartoon it'll turn me off a bit but I'll still play it if the gameplay is good I guess.
I think that is pretty much the conclusion many will come to.
It's hard to accept, but the games I posted above are simply geared towards a smaller group. No different then fantasy movies that despite being "good", make little at the box office because they only appeal to a small crowd. Good luck getting Aunt Susan to go watch Gladiator without tossing in some eye candy actors.
SOE could of went after the die hard EQ fans or mature fantasy crowd, but they want to make money, plain and simple. Only way they are going to bring in young/old, vets/noobs, casual/hardcore, and various gaming backgrounds is to make it as accessible as possible.
He mentioned in the video that stylized/cartoony graphics appeal to soccer moms, younger/older generations, and larger demographics. While we personally might not care if Jane the soccer mom plays EQN, I'm betting SOE does. EQ games have always been accessible to a variety of folks (at least over time they have), no clue why EQN would go for a limited fan base now. They are in the business of making money, not making sure some of our personal tastes are catered to, especially when after all the huffing and puffing is over with, most will still give it a try.
Which is why I get a kick out of some of the very critical folks, even those that swear they won't play EQN, still spend time commenting and complaining about a game they aren't going to play. Bluffing online doesn't accomplish much. Even if they uninstall after 5 minutes of playing, over time enough people will stick around that those turning their backs won't count for much.


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Q: ThinkorSwim Linux install with 4k Display I'm trying to install thinkorswim on my POP 20.04 system.  I have a 4k display which is rendering the installer to be small, unsizable, and unable to scroll through the options to move onto the next step of the installation.
bash ./thinkorswim_installer.sh

perhaps there is a way to launch it via the terminal with different size settings?

A: I found the solution here:
https://askubuntu.com/questions/1244711/thinkorswim-installer-too-small
Changed the display scaling to 100% then ran the installer.


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Faisal Daoud () is a Lebanese Druze politician. He was born in 1954. Daoud served as general secretary of the Lebanese Arab Struggle Movement between 1986 and 2014.

He studied Arabic literature at the Lebanese University. He was inducted to parliament in 1991, replacing his father Salim Daoud. He was elected to parliament in the 1992, 1996 and 2000 elections.

He stood as the March 8 Alliance candidate for the Druze seat in West Bekaa-Rachaya in the 2009 Lebanese general election, obtaining 28,026 votes (43.4%).

References

1954 births
Living people
Lebanese politicians
Lebanese Druze
Lebanese Arab nationalists