text:
Sequences and Dragons: "Storylets" in King of Chicago (1989) and Dragon's Lair (1983)
On April 9, 2021 April 9, 2021 By Dan CoxIn Storylets
I really miss conferences! Earlier today, @Yakkafo accidently kicked off a branching conversation I've been following across different threads on Twitter about storylets, their use with Twine, and some of the design problems within the space. It's the type of on-going discussion often only possible when multiple people all come together and start talking about a topic in different ways.
It started with a new Harlowe update. One of the advantages I have (or had, as I am about to step down) of being on the Twine Committee is hearing about updates early. When Leon shared that the Harlowe 3.1 update had storylet functionality in a private Twine Committee meeting back in January this year, I decided I would write up some examples of how to do things. (As some foreshadowing, those very examples might end up in the Twine Cookbook soon, as we have an open issue on adding examples on storylets I'm hoping to write next week.)
Today, Yakkafo started a thread about storylets and Twine and linked to my examples. This soon grew into conversations about solutions with Twine (Josh's great TinyQBN, my SimpleQBN, and dmasad's StoryletManager) and me chiming in about the sculptural model (as this was most of the feedback on my ICIDS paper-turned-blog-post from last year). Some time later, Emily Short mentioned King of Chicago (1989) and Stacey Mason pointed to Dragon's Lair (1983) as prior examples.
I want to explore those two games here some as a form of public notes.
King of Chicago (1989): When a "failure" sparks a model
While I felt silly forgetting that Kreminski and Wardrip-Fruin (2018) mentioned King of Chicago (1989) in their Sketching a Map of the Storylets Design Space article earlier today, it's an important 'first stop' toward what many commonly call storylets today.
In a blog post now only available from the Internet Archive, Doug Sharp (1989) describes the "battle" of interactive fiction from a GDC 1989 talk on the same topic. Within the post, Sharp (1989) mentions a project called King of Chicago and how it is an "honorable failure." Toward the end of the post, Sharp (1989) writes about a design of a "big bags with smaller bags inside which hold clips, which I called episodes." Each one of these episodes would:
specif[y] things like who is to be onscreen, chooses background graphics, switches between close-ups and medium shots, drives the character's animation and facial expression, and feeds dialog to them. The episode script reads a lot like a playscript or screenplay. A single episode might put Pinky and his girlfriend Lola in her bedroom, and have her badger Pinky about earning more money. This episode might take two minutes of screen time.
Sharp (1989), Story vs. Game: The Battle of Interactive Fiction
What Sharp (1989) is discussing is a narrative management system. It's how Façade (2005) would later work, guiding how a story would be presenting elements to players through choosing things like "facial expressions" and "feed[ing] dialog" to them. It's also some of the same parts that would later arise in storylet design as possible "qualities" or more commonly known as prerequisites.
In the next paragraphs, Sharp (1989) relates the interface between the state (collection of values) and how it affects episode navigation. As Sharp (1989) writes it: "The episode selector looks at all the keys of available episodes and selects the one that most closely matches current game variables. Its method is to look for a least square fit." Part of the design of storylets, its state and prerequisites design, is outlined in 1989, earlier than even Bernstein's (2001) introduction of the sculptural hypertext model!
In pulling from the model Sharp (1989) writes about, there are several major concepts:
Story: Multiple episodes, each govern by character
Episode: Selection of sequences influenced by player actions within rules of player interactions
Narrator: decides episode order and when each ends
Sequences: set of phases (act-like structure within episode)
Actions: player input
A story starts with an episode, composed of sequences. The player takes actions, which changes the values watched by the Narrator. This affects which sequences are chosen next, if the episode ends, and any future changes carried over into future episodes. When the episodes are exhausted, play ends.
Dragon's Lair (1983): The start of so many things
On the Dragon's Lair Project's website, there is a breakdown of scenes from Dragon's Lair (1983) as well as some notes about when they appear. While, on face value, interesting but not directly connected to storylets, there is an introduction of some terms used by DLP to discuss Dragon's Lair (1983): scenes, cycles, and the conditions in which scenes become part of cycles.
"There are three cycles in a full game," starts the breakdown. A scene is chosen at random from a set, and then each progressive scene is chosen from another set at random. Seemingly simple, with random chance governing which scene of which set is chosen when play starts. However, DLP also notes something else:
The scenes that a player dies on are queued, (an unlimited lives game queues a maximum of 8 scenes for each player), and these scenes are replayed later, immediately after the third cycle, before entering the dragon's lair (29).
Jeff Kinder & Dave Hallock, Dragon Lair Scene Sequencing
There are scenes from a set, conditions placed on how new scenes are chosen, and values used to influence these decisions. This is a micro version of the storylet model with prerequisites, content, and effects! Instead of cards, each scene is its own unit of narrative. Then, depending on actions, values are affected within the state of the game. In other words, the player is interacting within the "content" of a scene and its state (and narrative manager!) is governing which next scenes are shown to the player.
Which is first?
There is a strong argument to be made that Dragon's Lair (1983) is an execution of a storylet model. It has many of the same parts and operations in the same general manner. King of Chicago (1989), with its "big bags of smaller bags," is much closer to articulating a fuller model other projects could follow, however. The same can also be said, two years later, with the sculptural (hypertext) model in 2001 and its revision in 2002.
And then there is the storylet model, which dates to 2010.
Dragon's Lair (1983)King of Chicago (1989)
Understanding the Game Design Document (GDD)
Saying Goodbye to the Twine Cookbook
One thought on "Sequences and Dragons: "Storylets" in King of Chicago (1989) and Dragon's Lair (1983)"
Pingback: Les narramiettes (storylets) dans Twine 2 – Fiction-interactive.fr


Devon & Jones® CrownLux Performance™ Men's Plaited Polo 5.1-oz./yd2/172 gsm, 100% polyester face plaited to 60% polyester, 40% cotton back (total overall garment 61% polyester, 39% cotton) with moisture-wicking performance. Proprietary dual-sided mesh pique knit constructed of fine denier wicking polyester on the outside and soft-as-cotton wicking blend on the inside. Matching flat knit collar. Luxury, comfort and performance in one. Three-button placket. Dyed-to-match buttons.


text:
Hottest Year Linked to 'Devastating' Human Disaster Toll
Posted by News Editor in At Risk, Latest News, RSS on February 11, 2016 4:02 pm / no comments
NEW YORK, New York, February 11, 2016 (ENS) – At least 98.6 million people were harmed by natural disasters in 2015, the hottest year on record; and climate, intensified by a strong El Niño pattern, was the driver in 92 percent of those events, finds a new analysis by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNISDR.
In Guatemala indigenous mothers hit by recurrent drought line up at the bank to cash their EU-funded food vouchers distributed by the UN World Food Programme. April 2015 (Photo by H. Avril /EU/ECHO)
The disasters having the greatest impact were the 32 major droughts recorded during 2015, which amounted to more than double the 10-year annual average and affected 50.5 million people.
"The main message from this trends analysis is that reducing greenhouse gases and adapting to climate change is vital for countries seeking to reduce disaster risk now and in the future," said Robert Glasser, the secretary-general's special representative for disaster risk reduction and head of UNISDR.
The five countries hit by the highest number of disasters in 2015 are: China, with 26 disasters; the United states, with 22; India, with 19; Philippines, with 15; and Indonesia, with 11.
Floods had the second-greatest impact in 2015, after droughts, with 152 floods affecting 27.5 million people and claiming 3,310 lives.
This compares with the 10-year average of 5,938 deaths from floods and 85.1 million people affected.
In Chennai, India the War Cemetery, where hundreds of WWII dead are buried, is prone to flooding, 2013 (Photo by Aschevogel)
Storms resulted in 996 deaths and affected 10.6 million people around the world in 2015, compared with a 10-year average of 17,778 deaths and 34.9 million people affected, the analysis shows.
Asia and the Pacific bore the brunt of the 90 storms reported this past year, which included 48 cyclone-strength storms, attributable to rising sea levels and sea surface temperatures.
But fewer people in Asia died in storms last year that over the 10-year average. "National disaster management agencies in Asia are doing good work in reducing death tolls from storms through early warnings and timely evacuations, especially in the Philippines, China, Japan and the small island states of the Pacific," Glasser said.
The Belgian-based Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, CRED, which helped to compile the analysis, calculates the death toll from 346 major reported disasters this past year was 22,773, including 8,831 deaths from the Nepal earthquake alone.
Survivors of an earthquake in Nepal on April 25, 2015. The quake killed more than 8,000 people and injured 20,000. These survivors are waiting to receive plastic sheeting for shelter. (Photo by U.S. Embassy, Kathmandu, Nepal)
Noting that the overall disaster mortality for 2015 was down on the 10-year average of 76,424 deaths, CRED Director Debarati Guha-Sapir emphasized that early warnings are having an impact in the case of storms.
"Further investment in this area is warranted by these numbers," she said.
Guha-Sapir observed that extreme temperatures, mostly heatwaves, were severe in 2015, leading to the hottest year on record and contributing to a combined total of 7,346 deaths that affected 1.2 million people, particularly in France, India and Pakistan.
This compares with the 10-year average of 7,232 deaths and 8.7 million affected.
"Mortality from extreme temperatures are very under-estimated and need better evaluation of their impact," she explained.
The analysis also shows that earthquakes and tsunamis killed 9,525 people and affected 7.2 million.
In addition, landslides, triggered by heavy rains, killed 1,369 people and affected 50,332; while wildfires took 66 lives and affected almost 495,000 people.
The UN is engaging its agencies and hundreds of scientists, policy makers and members of the private sector and civil society in reducing disaster risk by working to implement the new Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
This plan was adopted at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, on March 18, 2015. Over the next 15 years, it aims to prevent new and reduce existing disaster risks by strengthening and promoting collaboration and capacity-building.
The Sendai Framework outlines four priorities for action:
* – Understanding disaster risk
* – Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage the risk
* – Investing in disaster reduction for resilience
* – Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response, and to build back better in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
In late January, hundreds of participants from all over the world met in Geneva to launch the UNISDR Science and Technology Partnership and the Science and Technology Road Map for the implementation of the Sendai Framework.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


At the request of many of our enterprise customers, we have a developed a comprehensive course on data modeling for NoSQL database. The course is mostly vendor-neutral, with only the last 20% focused on advanced features of Hackolade.
Data modeling has been under pressure in the context of Agile development and NoSQL, with modelers sometimes feeling left out of the process. It is necessary to re-invent data modeling to make it relevant again!
If you don't need a customized on-premises course, why not sign up for our next course on Nov 15-16 in Morristown, NJ?
Click here for more details. Attendance is limited so register early! If three or more people attend from the same organization, the fourth person is free.
Receive an extra 10% off if you combine it with the Data Modeling Master Class taught by Steve Hoberman himself!


text:
DICT MC3, AdDU to set up digital transformation hub in Davao City
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through its Mindanao Cluster 3 (MC3), entered into a partnership with Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) for the establishment of a Digital Transformation Hub in Davao City on July 6, 2021.
"Your DICT recognizes the need to help Filipino educators, learners, and workers advance in the digital economy during the new normal. With this, we are establishing Digital Transformation Centers or Hubs across the country that will offer various digital trainings and services to different sectors of our society," DICT Secretary Gregorio "Gringo" B. Honasan II said.
The Digital Transformation Hub is an "infrastructure equipped with the latest multi-purpose technologies that may cater to a wide range of audiences from local policy-makers and city administrators; distance learners and open university practitioners; start-ups and rural impact developers; technopreneurs, applications and content developers; researchers and network engineers; as well as those not fairly exposed or have no access to ICT, such as elementary and secondary students, indigenous people and differently-abled."
DICT MC3 said that both the public and private sectors can work and interact with each other through the hub for the betterment of Davao City's ICT industry.
"This agreement offers an excellent opportunity to expand educational and training cooperation between us (DICT and AdDU), particularly because of its true emphasis placed on public service by both institutions," DICT-MC3 Regional Director Alimbzar P. Asum stated.
"The coordination and partnership created by this memorandum of agreement will also trigger the interchange of ideas between us. It will also allow us to create synergy and spark innovative ideas, sowing the seeds that one day will bring forth long-term benefits to our people," he added.
AdDU expressed their optimism on the many benefits that the Digital Transformation Hub will bring to Davao City.
"We share with the DICT our commitment to entrepreneurship and to strengthening the local technology startup community. We also share in the dream, even here in Mindanao, of being an active start-up hub in Asia and in the world," Rev. Fr. Joel E. Tabora, AdDU President, said.
"Through this collaboration in this digital transformation hub, may Davao then be transformed into a magnet for venture capitalists and a haven for businesses that are truly responsive to humanizing needs in society," he added.
The Ceremonial Virtual MOA was signed by DICT MC3 Regional Director Asum and AdDU President Fr. Tabora. Also present in the signing were DICT Assistant Regional Director Erlito Tancontian, Tech4ED/IIDB Focal Albert C. Gabriel and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) XI Regional Director Frances Mae Macapagat.


text:
trending Market Intelligence /marketintelligence/en/news-insights/trending/ixFXLfSuIboJMEaLNMrW1w2 content esgSubNav
Ekiz Kimya Sanayi Ve Ticaret swings to profit in Q2
Ekiz Kimya Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS said its second-quarter normalized net income was 5 kurus per share, compared with a loss of 8 kurus per share in the prior-year period.
Normalized net income, which excludes unusual gains or losses on a pre- and after-tax basis, was 335,340 lira, compared with a loss of 589,710 lira in the prior-year period.
The normalized profit margin increased to 9.7% from negative 26.0% in the year-earlier period.
Total revenue rose 57.5% on an annual basis to 3.6 million lira from 2.3 million lira, and total operating expenses rose on an annual basis to 4.8 million lira from 2.4 million lira.
Reported net income came to 1.3 million lira, or 18 kurus per share, compared to a loss of 943,530 lira, or a loss of 13 kurus per share, in the year-earlier period.
As of Aug. 9, US$1 was equivalent to 2.97 Turkish lira.


I began writing Gunfire Lullabies, or rather a version of it, in 2005, and it's being published later this year. I sold my old home in Canberra and used the proceeds to fund a year off work to write it. This writing year felt wickedly indulgent yet very right, and I absolutely loved it. It's often said that the first book has a radical creative freedom about it that no future one does because you're truly writing for you, unhindered by publisher, editor or market constraints that come later on during the process of being, or trying to get published.
But how can one novel take so long to write? Am I just really, really slow?
First, I didn't write it full-time after the initial year. I either had to work, my book was being vetted by publishers while I waited, or I needed a break from the damn thing. A couple of times, when a publisher was interested, they would request rewrites before committing, which would take another six months to complete. These never came through for me, but they took a lot of time.
Second, Gunfire Lullabies is a bit of an epic at over 120,000 words long. Long novels take more time.
Third, I was learning to write, which meant I needed to do a lot of rewriting as I learned my craft. It's unusual for writers to get their first novel published. Often it's their third of fourth story that succeeds.
Fourth, I wrote three different versions of Gunfire Lullabies. In other words, I wrote three novels in that time equating to each one taking around four years. That's a normal amount of time for plenty of literary fiction writers.
Fifth and finally, my manuscript was rejected many times, meaning I had no choice but to go back, perfect my craft and try again. The only other options were to self publish, which I felt was too early to consider, or give up.
What does my prolonged writing process really point to? For me, the learning was that persistence and determination pay. Overnight success is a rare thing, no matter what people might claim or how the situation appears. Usually people spend years learning and perfecting their craft. So many times writing teachers talk about talent meaning little if there's no bum on the seat. I doggedly kept on writing an East Timor story until I got it right. I say simple, but honestly, it was really hard.
But, there was another key element in the process for me: the spiritual one. There were plenty of times when my bruised ego and I would have a discussion. Quit, you're a rubbish writer, you're a slow learner, you're not a natural.
At these times, I would need to get really still with myself, delve deep and answer some questions with bare honesty. Is writing really it part of my purpose? Do I believe in my story? Do I want to do this story justice by writing it well?
Sometimes I would recall that when applying for my first posting, I had in mind to write a novel. It had been a long-term dream. So I wished for a posting where something momentous would happen that I could write about, and that's exactly what happened. First I witnessed the downfall of dictator President Soeharto, which then paved the way East Timor's journey towards independence. But wishing for something and experiencing it are different things. The cost was horrendous in terms of human life and suffering, and the impact on others and me was profound.
So the answer to my questions about whether I should finish the story was always, and inevitably, yes. With this realisation, the need to pander to my bruised ego after repeated rejections would drop away, my fears of rejection and failure would fall back, and I would realise again that I was writing the story for what felt the right reasons for me: because it was my purpose, because I believed in it with all my heart and soul, because I felt it needed to be told, and because I couldn't not write it.


I finished my Persimmon Candy Box quilt right before Thanksgiving but this is the first chance I've had to blog about it.
It finished at 72" x 84"
It has approximately 1,050 pieces.
The blocks do have a partial seam when putting all the pieces together, but it's not a big deal and didn't cause me any issues, don't let that stop you from making this pattern. I enjoyed piecing every block.
Additionally, I got a few questions on my last blog post regarding the Essex Linen. I cut the yardage into one yard pieces. I washed those cuts in warm water and dried them in the dryer. I then sprayed the pieces with starch until they were completely wet and let them air dry. The fabric was easy to work with, did not fray, but does require some heaving pressing to avoid losing your points. I would use it again.
I also pieced a few Village scrap houses, I'm getting close to the end of the year, and close to the total number of houses required. I love it when a plan comes together.
I'm so happy it's December, I have two Christmas projects that I hope to finish this month, and even though I've already made 4 Christmas tops this year, I love Christmas quilts, and particularly love making them the month of December, generally while listening to Christmas music.
I love-love-love your color palette for your Candy Box top. There's just something both sophisticated and soothing about subtle neutrals used together.
This quilt is incredibly pleasing to me, Thelma. It sparkles to me and not sure if its the pattern or the fabric or the combination of the two!
Such a restful quilt! And I am so in love with the pattern and your fabric choices. I am sure I can find a charm pack needing a great project!
Love your Candy Box quilt and your houses!
I can't wait to see all of your Village houses!
A lovely quilt. I especially enjoy the houses adding up from your projects. Very nice!
That Candy Box quilt is won!!! Love the colors.


text:
The Albanian Volleyball Federation (FSHV) () is the head governing body for the sport of professional volleyball in Albania. It organises the first division, second division leagues and a cup competition.

History

The Albanian Volleyball Federation was found on 2 September 1945. In September 1949, the FSHV became a full-fledged member of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) and a member of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV). Since October 2000 he is a member of the Balkan Volleyball Association (BVA).

See also
 Sports in Albania

References

External links

Albania
Volleyball
Volleyball in Albania

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Necker Island - World's Best Private Island Resort.
Necker Island - Best Private Island.
ResortWorld AwardsTM - Necker, The Best Private Island In The World.
Necker Island takes the ResortWorld award for the best private island in the world!
Necker Island has won the prestigious ResortWorld award for the best Island resort in the World. The award was judged by 3 of ResortWorld's most senior and experienced travel consultants.
Necker Island is found in the British Virgin Islands, a jewel in the sparkling blue Caribbean sea. Necker has a general Balinese theme and exudes the elegance and lifestyle of the rich and famous. You can "rent" the whole island for yourself and your guests, staying in the cliff-side villas with your own pool and never-ending views to the sea.
Please contact a ResortWorld consultant here if you are interested in booking the island.
You can see more of Necker Island here, a video of the island here, and the island's own website here.


Nearly 8 in 10 Americans (78%) support creating family and medical leave savings accounts. The national Cato 2018 Paid Leave Survey of 1,700 adults finds the public favors allowing workers to set aside money in tax-advantaged savings accounts that could be used if they need to take family or medical leave. A fifth (20%) would oppose the creation of family and medical leave accounts.
Read about the full survey results and methodology here.
Establishing family leave savings accounts enjoys rare bipartisan support: 82% of Democrats, 80% of Republicans and 69% of independents support offering tax-advantages to people who set aside money for parental, family, or medical leave.
Women (80%) and men (76%) also overwhelmingly agree about establishing these types of accounts. These numbers include 85% of Democratic women, 82% of Republican women, and 78% of Democratic and Republican men.
Support for parental and family leave savings accounts aren't reserved for the wealthy. Nearly three-fourths (73%) of those earning less than $25,000 a year also support such savings accounts. Support heads upwards from there with 86% in favor among those earning $80,000 a year or more.
Finding an image of a piggy bank or savings jar with "family leave" or "parental leave" written on the side to compliment this post was difficult. Instead, one can easily find images of piggy banks and savings jars with labels to save for retirement, to buy a house, for college as well as future travel and stocks. For these needs and wants, we've cultivated a culture of saving.
Over time our society has fostered a set of social norms that we instill in our young people starting at an early age. We were reminded when we were young, just as we remind the next generation, to start saving early for an education, a house, big purchases, emergencies, investments in the future, etc. We were reminded to delay consumption today so we have more for later. Doing so can provide peace and security to feel like we've done our part to prepare for the future. People usually don't enter the world with a set of expectations about the value of saving and what they should save for. Thus it's useful to establish social norms that encourage saving early on.
However, a gap exists in our present cultural norms when it comes to saving for parental and family leave. The fact that I could not easily find an image of a piggy bank or savings jar with "parental leave" or "family leave" as a savings goal is indicative of our culture not yet establishing a norm for these savings goals. While family leave savings accounts need not crowd out other innovations to help support working people who take time to care for new children, family members, or themselves, it can be part of the discussion. These poll results suggest society may be ripe for establishing new social norms of saving for parental and family leave.
America's political elite is nauseating for many reasons, but perhaps most of all when they blame others for problems that are caused by misguided government policies. A stark example is the way they attacked the Facebook billionaire who moved to Singapore because of punitive taxation and class-warfare policy.
Today, let's look at an example that affects almost everybody rather than just a handful of rich people. Many people in Washington sanctimoniously say that American households and businesses are too focused on the short term and that we don't save enough.
But as I explain in this CBNC interview, tax and spending policies from Washington have undermined the incentive to save.
Allow me to elaborate on three of my examples.
1. Look at this post comparing the red ink from America's bankrupt Social Security system with the huge levels of private savings generated by Australia's system of personal retirement accounts.
Good politicians would respond by copying Australia and reforming Social Security. But good politicians are like unicorns.
2. Or look at this chart showing the extensive double taxation in our tax code, as well as these international comparisons of how America over-taxes dividends and capital gains.
Good politicians would respond by junking the tax code and adopting a flat tax, which has no double taxation of income that is saved and invested. But good politicians are like the Loch Ness Monster.
3. And consider the fact that the Obama Administration has just imposed a regulation that will discourage foreigners from depositing money in American banks, thus driving capital from the U.S. economy.
Good politicians would minimize the damage of anti-savings policies by keeping America a haven for foreign capital. But good politicians are like Bigfoot.
The moral of the story, just in case you haven't picked up on the theme, is that bad things happen because politicians can't resist expanding the burden of government when they should be doing the opposite. Which is why this poster is funny, but in a painful way.
P.S. I should have mentioned that some politicians think that we can boost savings by imposing a value-added tax! This is not only a perverse example of Mitchell's law, but it's also completely illogical.
A VAT does not change the incentive to save since current consumption and future consumption are equally taxed. But it does reduce the amount of money people have, thus reducing both private consumption and private savings.
Statists would argue that a new tax will reduce the budget deficit and thus reduce the amount of private savings that is being used to finance government debt. That's only true, though, if you're naive enough to think politicians won't spend the new revenue. Good luck with that.


text:
\section{Introduction}

The interaction between electromagnetic waves and magnetized plasmas has been studied for decades \cite{ginzburg_textbook_1970}, but only recently has it been recognized that they share a deep topological connection \cite{silveirinha_chern_2015}. Topological electromagnetics generally hinges upon discretely translatable systems, where the closed nature of the Brillouin zone permits the definition of the Chern number, which in turn provides a nonreciprocal band structure protected by the global topology \cite{Bisharat_2021}. The use of ferrite materials has become standard for use in nonreciprocal devices, owing to the off-diagonal elements of the material's permeability tensor influencing transverse-magnetic (TM) modes \cite{haldane_possible_2008,raghu_analogs_2008,wang_reflection-free_2008,wang_observation_2009}. For a plasma with an applied perpendicular magnetic field, off-diagonal terms also appear within the material's permittivity tensor (the Voigt effect), influencing transverse-electric (TE) modes \cite{boyd_textbook_2007}. This has led to the proposal of a new class of nonreciprocal systems based on plasmas, specifically those in the experimentally relevant area of photonic crystals \cite{hojo_dispersion_2004}. Prior studies have numerically investigated the band diagram of 1D to 3D plasma photonic crystals with and without magnetization using methods including finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD), transfer matrix method, or plane wave expansion method \cite{kuzmiak_photonic_1994,zhang_study_2009,qi_dispersion_2010,zhang_photonic_2012,qi_properties_2010,qi_photonic_2012,fathollahi_khalkhali_effect_2016}. A number of experimental works have verified wave interaction with periodic arrays of unmagnetized plasma rods \cite{sakai_verification_2005,sakai_interaction_2005,sakai_characteristics_2007} and demonstrated tunable plasma photonic crystal filters \cite{wang_tunable_2015, wang_plasma_2016}.

Nonreciprocity has long existed in non-periodic ferrite systems, such as circulators, isolators, and other energy-directing devices. It has recently been shown that bulk plasma likewise possesses nontrivial band topology \cite{silveirinha_chern_2015, hassani_gangaraj_berry_2017,parker_topological_2020, parker_topological_2021,fu_topological_2021}, even in the absence of periodicity. This interaction between nonreciprocity and topology can thus be readily explored within magnetized plasma systems, where it is possible to engineer both a bulk nonreciprocal response as well as a non-trivial band structure. Previous works have numerically studied nonreciprocal propagation and wave-routing behavior via bulk plasma \cite{yang_one-way_2016,xi_polarization-independent_2018}, but the experimental integration of magnetized plasma rods within closed systems has not been seen.

In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate an E-plane microwave circulator based on a magnetized plasma rod and verify its configurability with plasma parameters and the magnetic field profile. As a proof-of-concept, we evaluate the performance of the device using the same metrics as used for ferrite circulators, though here we are concerned with the verification of the underlying nonreciprocal interaction.

\section{Wave Propagation in Plasmas}
As a collection of ions and electrons, plasma exhibits varying material properties susceptible to its characteristic parameters and background environments, making it a promising platform for tunable devices. For a simplified model, we assume the collective plasma fluid to be an unbounded, homogeneous, quasi-neutral gas. By making these assumptions, we neglect the pressure gradient at the plasma boundary that causes the charge fluid to flow and assume the ion charge density is equal to the electron charge density, $n_i\approx n_e$. In addition, since ions are much heavier than electrons and respond much slower to the electromagnetic field perturbation in the GHz frequency range, we ignore the interaction between ions and waves such that ions only serve as a static scattering background. For a low-frequency wave or a 'hot' plasma with a high collision rate, a rigorous thermodynamics analysis of the ion and electron fluids should be made \cite{boyd_textbook_2007}.

In a non-magnetized cold plasma, under the influence of an incoming electromagnetic (EM) wave, the charged particles move to counteract the field disturbance for wave frequencies lower than the plasma frequency, reflecting most of its energy \cite{boyd_textbook_2007}. However, when a magnetic field is present, electromagnetic waves with specific polarizations can penetrate through the plasma. For this study, we are specifically interested in the X-mode wave, whose electric field is simultaneously perpendicular to the direction of propagation and the applied magnetic field. In this case, the charged particles gain angular momentum under the Lorentz force. The critical feature used in this study is the gyrotropic response, which makes it useful for building a circulator or for time-reversal symmetry breaking in topological insulators \cite{haldane_possible_2008}.

Considering an X-mode wave propagating inside an unbounded isotropic cold plasma with wavevector $\bm{k}=(k\sin\theta,0,k\cos\theta)$ and angular frequency $\omega$, the wave equation can be expressed by \cite{boyd_textbook_2007, ginzburg_textbook_1970},
\[(\mathbf{k} \cdot \mathbf{E}) \mathbf{k}-k^{2} \mathbf{E}+\left(\frac{\omega}{c}\right)^2\bm{\varepsilon_r} \cdot \mathbf{E}=0,\]
\begin{equation}
\bm{\varepsilon_r}=\left[
\begin{array}{ccc}\varepsilon_m & -i\varepsilon_k & 0 \\ i\varepsilon_k & \varepsilon_m & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & \varepsilon_p\end{array}\right]
,\quad
\begin{array}{l}
\varepsilon_m\approx1-\frac{\omega_{p}^{2}(\omega-j\nu_c)}{\omega\left((\omega-j\nu_c)^{2}-\Omega_{e}^{2}\right)},\\
\varepsilon_k\approx\frac{\omega_{p}^{2} \Omega_{e}}{\omega\left((\omega-j\nu_c)^{2}-\Omega_{e}^{2}\right)}\\
\varepsilon_p\approx 1-\frac{\omega_{p}^{2}}{\omega(\omega-j\nu_c)}
\end{array}
\label{eq:xmodedisp}
\end{equation}
where we have defined the coordinate system in such a way that the $z$ axis is along the $\bm{B}$ field and the $y$ axis is normal to the plane containing $\bm{k}$ and $\bm{B}$ with $\theta$ being the angle between them. $c$ is the speed of light in vacuum, $\omega_p$ is the electron plasma frequency, $\Omega_{e}$ is the electron gyrotropic frequency, and $\nu_c$ is the electron collision frequency. These frequencies are determined by several factors including the plasma electron density $n_e$, the applied magnetic flux density $B$, the elastic collision cross-section $\sigma$, and the electron velocity $v_{e}$ \cite{ginzburg_textbook_1970}. Specifically,
\begin{equation}
\omega_p=\sqrt{\frac{e^2n_e}{m_e\varepsilon_0}},\quad \Omega_{e}=-\frac{e B}{m_{e}},\quad \nu_c\propto n_e\langle\sigma v_{e}\rangle
\label{eq:plasmapar}
\end{equation}

\begin{figure*}[htp]
    \includegraphics[width = 0.95\linewidth ,height=0.27\linewidth]{xmodedisp_wlwr.png}\\

    (a)\hspace{0.33\linewidth}(b)\hspace{0.33\linewidth}(c)
	\caption{(a) The band diagram for X-mode wave propagation in a magnetized collision-less plasma. Solid lines are propagating modes. The dashed grey line is the light line $\omega=kc$. Shaded regions are band gaps. The evolution of the characteristic frequencies with plasma density (b) and magnetic field strength (c) calculated from Eq. \eqref{eq:charw}. The blue region marks frequencies above $\omega_R$ . The red region covers frequencies between $\omega_L$ and $\omega_{UH}$. }
	\label{fig:theory}
\end{figure*}
Fig. \ref{fig:theory}(a) shows the dispersion relationship of the X-mode wave traveling in a collision-less isotropic plasma. The lower hybrid propagating mode dominated by ions has been neglected in this case. The upper hybrid propagating mode dominated by electrons starts from the left cutoff at $\omega_L$ until it reaches resonance at $\omega_{UH}$. At the resonance, the phase velocity $v_p=\omega/k$ of the wave becomes zero, so that the wave stops propagating due to strong interaction with the charged particles. Above the right cutoff $\omega_R$, the plasma becomes transparent as the electrons cannot respond fast enough to the incoming wave. For a collision-less plasma, the characteristic frequencies can be estimated from the solution of Eq. \eqref{eq:xmodedisp} \cite{boyd_textbook_2007},

\begin{equation}
\begin{array}{rlr}
 \omega_{LH} &\ll \omega_p  &\text{(Lower Hybrid) }\\
  \omega_{UH} &\approx \sqrt{\omega_p^2+\Omega_{e}^2} &\text{(Upper Hybrid) }\\
 \omega_{R,L} &\approx \frac{1}{2}\left(|\Omega_{e}| \pm \sqrt{4\omega_p^2+\Omega_{e}^2}\right) &\text{(Right/Left Cutoff) }
\end{array}
\label{eq:charw}
\end{equation}

The characteristic frequencies are calculated from Eq. \eqref{eq:charw} for different settings. Fig. \ref{fig:theory}(b) suggests that at constant magnetic field strength, increasing plasma density moves the upper hybrid mode to the higher frequency region with little change in the bandwidth. On the other hand, Fig. \ref{fig:theory}(c) shows that increasing the magnetic field strength under a constant plasma density would broaden the upper hybrid band and the bandgap above.
\section{Plasma Microwave Circulator}
\label{sec:PlasmCirc}
\subsection{Platform design}
\label{subsec:platform}

\begin{figure}
	\includegraphics[width = 0.9\linewidth]{setup.png}
	\caption{An expanded visualization of the three-port Y-junction circulator. The circulator has three WR187 rectangular-to-coaxial waveguide adaptors (in gold). The neon blue cylinder represents the plasma column. Ring magnets are placed around the tube on the top and bottom of the structure (in purple).}
	\label{fig:setup}
\end{figure}
To satisfy the boundary conditions for the X-mode wave propagation, we design an E-plane Y-junction structure made of aluminum alloy with standard rectangular waveguide channels. A visualization of the setup is illustrated in Fig. \ref{fig:setup}. The fundamental mode supported by this structure has its electric field vector and the direction of propagation in the $x-y$ plane so $\theta=90^\circ$. The Y-junction is connected to a four-port Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) through three WR187 waveguide-coaxial adaptors. The adaptors support wave propagation in the range of 3.95 - 5.85 GHz with a voltage standing wave ratio less than 1.25. The design is optimized to support the desired frequency range and ensure roughly 68\% of spatial overlap between the propagating mode and the plasma tube. The specifications of the components are summarized in table \ref{tab:component_geometry}.

\begin{table}[htp]
    \centering
    \begin{tabular}{p{1.6cm}p{1.2cm} p{5.8cm}}
        \toprule
        Component & Model No. &Specification\\
        \midrule
        Waveguide & WR187  & 1.872 in x 0.872 in, 3.95-5.85 GHz\\
        Plasma &G4T5 & 15.5 mm OD x 13.5 cm Long, 1 mm thick quartz wall\\
        Magnets & RXC88 & 4.45 cm OD x 1.27 cm ID x 1.27 cm thick\\
        &RX8CC  & 3.8 cm OD x 1. 9cm ID x 1.9 cm thick\\
        \bottomrule
    \end{tabular}
    \caption{The geometries of the components used.}
    \label{tab:component_geometry}
\end{table}
For the plasma source, a Ushio G4T5 germicidal UV lamp filled with low-pressure argon gas and mercury drops is used. When a high voltage is applied, the tungsten filaments of the electrodes heat up rapidly and produce electrical discharge through ionized argon gas. The mercury atoms are vaporized and excited when they collide with the accelerated electrons. UV light at 253.7 nm is emitted when the atoms are de-excited \cite{lama_analytical_1982}. The lamp is powered by a variable transformer that is adjustable from 0 to 148 V. An AC ballast operating at 33.1 kHz \cite{luc_2022} is connected in series to regulate the power drawn by the negative resistance of the lamp. In laboratory settings, a glow discharge can usually sustain a plasma with electron density of $10^{10} \sim 10^{12}$ cm$^{-3}$ , corresponding to plasma frequencies of $f_p=\omega_p/2\pi=1 \sim 9$ GHz \cite{Conrads_2000}.

The design strategy for the magnetic field is to maximize the field at the center by using a combination of neodymium ring magnets, minimizing the distance between them, and using thicker magnets with larger cross-sectional areas. In this setup, the magnets are separated by a minimum distance of 5.2 cm, so long as the UV lamp does not obstruct the path and passes through the ring. Therefore, we place RXC88 and RX8CC ring magnets on the bottom and another RXC88 magnet on the top for the lamp to pass through. Using a 3-axis hall effect sensor, the axial magnetic field at the center is measured to be 104 mT $\pm$ 1 mT. The radial component is less than 11 mT in magnitude and varies no more than 5 mT across the diameter.

\subsection{Simulation}
\label{subsec:sim}
A simplified model of the circulator is simulated with ANSYS HFSS driven mode solver using the Finite Element Method (FEM). The circulator is assigned an aluminum boundary with wave port excitation at each of the three ends. By doing so, we de-embedded the coaxial-waveguide transition in the simulation. The plasma tube is simulated by defining a homogeneous anisotropic material with a frequency-dependent permittivity tensor calculated from Eq. \eqref{eq:xmodedisp}. In addition, a quartz envelope of 1 mm thickness is placed around the plasma. The background material is air. Parametric sweeps on the collision frequency, plasma density, and magnetic field strength are performed to study wave propagation through the circulator. The effective isolation, $\Delta S=S_{21}(\text{dB})-S_{31}(\text{dB})$, is used to characterize the circulator's performance.

\begin{figure*}[htp]
	\includegraphics[width = \linewidth]{sim_sum.png}\\
	(a)\hspace{5cm} (b)	\hspace{5cm} (c)
	\caption{(a) The simulated S parameters when $n_e=8\times 10^{11}$ cm$^{-3}$, $\nu_c/\omega_p=0.17$, B=104 mT (solid lines) and B=-104 mT (triangle marker). The change of the effective isolation peak with (b) the plasma density (c) the magnetic field strength.}
	\label{fig:sim_neB}
\end{figure*}

\begin{figure}[htp]
	\centering
	\includegraphics[width = \linewidth]{sim_fields425_7375GHz.png}	\\
	(a) \hspace{2cm} (b) \hspace{2cm} (c)
	\caption{The normalized magnitude of the E field (a), H field (b) and the approximate relative permittivity profiles (c) at 4.3 GHz and 7.4 GHz for the solution in Fig. \ref{fig:sim_neB}(a) when B=104 mT.}
	\label{fig:sim_expBnB}
\end{figure}

An example of the driven solver solution when $B=\pm$ 104 mT, $n_e=8\times 10^{11}$ cm$^{-3}$, and $\nu_c/\omega_p=0.17$ is shown in Fig. \ref{fig:sim_neB}(a). As expected, inverting the direction of the magnetic field switches the output and the isolation ports. For the positive magnetic bias case, the isolated power ($S_{21}$) can be as low as -49 dB at 4.3 GHz and the 10 dB effective isolation bandwidth is around 1 GHz. The return loss ($|S_{31}|$), however, is higher than commercial circulators. Plasma absorption and impedance mismatch are the two main factors to account for the loss. At maximum isolation, around 46\% of the power is absorbed by the plasma. The normalized field magnitude and relative permittivity are plotted in Fig. \ref{fig:sim_expBnB} to confirm the circulator behaviour at 4.3 GHz and equal power splitting at 7.4 GHz.

By changing the ratio between the collision frequency and the plasma frequency, we found that the collision frequency varies the amplitude of the effective isolation peak (see Appendix Fig. \ref{fig:sim_vc}). In contrast, it has little effect on the return loss or the peak isolation frequency. The optimum $v_c/\omega_p$ for maximum isolation is correlated to the applied magnetic field strength. Since it is difficult to accurately measure and reconfigure the collision frequency with non-invasive methods, we use the optimum value $v_c/\omega_p=0.17$ for the simulation so that the simulation results can serve as a reference performance for a perfectly matched circulator.

Assuming the same $v_c/\omega_p$ ratio, Fig. \ref{fig:sim_neB}(b) suggests that increasing plasma density will shift the effective isolation peak to higher frequencies. The 10 dB bandwidth is roughly 1.0 $\pm$ 0.1 GHz for plasma density ranging from $5\times 10^{11}$ to $11.5\times 10^{11}$ cm$^{-3}$. Outside of this range, part of the isolation peak resides outside of the operating band of the waveguide. Furthermore, Fig. \ref{fig:sim_neB}(c) shows that with the same collision and plasma frequencies, the overall effective isolation peak increases with the magnetic field strength, whereas the peak isolation frequency only shifts by a negligible amount.

\subsection{Experimental results}
The VNA is calibrated to the end of the coaxial cable, and all measurements are taken with a time averaging of 20 frames. When the lamp is turned off, the measured return loss ($|S_{11}|$) of the radio-frequency (RF) signal fluctuates in the waveguide operation band with a mean value of 7.6 dB. As discussed previously, the high reflection could be due to the impedance mismatch at the center of the Y-junction. In addition, the coaxial-rectangular mode transition varies the power coupled into the circulator for different frequencies. Despite the high reflection, the difference in the power transmission to the two output ports, $S_{21}$ and $S_{31}$, is always below 0.3 dB within the frequency range of interest.
\begin{figure*}[htpb]
	\includegraphics[width = 0.95\linewidth]{UV_104mT_ne_60andfit.png}\\
	(a)\hspace{5cm} (b) \hspace{5cm} (c)
	\caption{The experimental results. (a) The S parameters when $B_{z0}=104$ mT and the variable transformer is set to $V_{var}=60$ V. (b)  The effective isolation vs frequency. The peak shifts to the right with higher excitation voltage. (c) Peak values, extracted from the experimental data. The peak effective isolation (top) and the frequency at the peak (bottom) vs the voltage of the transformer.}
	\label{fig:exp_100mT_ne}
\end{figure*}

Assuming the plasma is generated uniformly inside the lamp of radius $R_a$, the plasma's electron density can be related to the current and voltage of the UV lamp through current density $J$,
\begin{equation}
\begin{split}
J=e \langle n_e \bm{v_d}\rangle=I/(\pi R_a^2),\quad n_e \propto I
\label{eq:current}
\end{split}
\end{equation}
where $v_d$, the electron drift velocity, depends on the electron mobility $\mu_e$ and the electric field strength $E$ that is proportional to the electric potential. The $I_{rms}$ passing through the lamp increases with the voltage output from the transformer as measured in Appendix Fig. \ref{fig:UV_IV}. Therefore, to study the effect of the plasma density on the circulator performance, we measure the S parameters when $B_{z0}=104$ mT while changing the output voltage of the variable transformer from 40 to 148 volts. The lamp is always ignited at high voltage first to warm up the electrodes for a stable excitation.

Fig. \ref{fig:exp_100mT_ne}(a) shows the S parameters when the transformer is sending power at 60 V. Looking along the $z$-axis, the device demonstrates a right-hand clockwise (CW) circulation with the effective isolation peaked at 18.6 dB around 4.1 GHz. At least 10 dB of effective isolation is observed for 40\% bandwidth from 3.3 to 5.0 GHz. The averaged power transmission is summarized in Table \ref{tab:my_label} for the bandwidth inside the waveguide operation band. The averaged signal loss from the system $L=1-\sum_{i=1}^{3}|S_{i1}|$ is 57\% due to the absorption inside the plasma.

\begin{table}[htp]
    \centering
    \begin{tabular}{cccc}
    \toprule
        \text{power} & $S_{11}$ (dB)  &$S_{21}$ (dB) &$S_{31}$ (dB)  \\
    \midrule
    \text{off}&-7.6&-4.1&-4.2\\
    \text{on}&-8.7&-5.7&-15.7\\
    \bottomrule
    \end{tabular}
    \caption{The mean value of the S-parameters when the lamp is turned off and when it is turned on at 60 V with $B=B_{z0}=$ 104 mT in the range of 4 - 5 GHz.}
    \label{tab:my_label}
\end{table}

Fig. \ref{fig:exp_100mT_ne}(b) summarizes how the effective isolation changes with the voltage output from the transformer. The effective isolation peak has a 10 dB bandwidth of around 1 GHz and increasing the voltage moves the peak to higher frequencies without altering its bandwidth significantly. This resembles the simulation results in Fig. \ref{fig:sim_neB}(b). We can therefore associate the plasma density of the lamp to the voltage from the transformer by matching the peak isolation frequencies obtained from the experiment and the simulation. For voltage below 52 V, a large portion of the isolation peak sits outside the band of the waveguide adaptors causing fluctuations near the band edge. To avoid finding the local maxima, the center frequencies of the overall peak envelope are extracted by fitting the data with a Lorentz distribution. The results are plotted in Fig. \ref{fig:exp_100mT_ne}(c) with the parameter variance as the errors.
\begin{figure}
	\includegraphics[width = 0.75\linewidth]{104mT_estne.png}
	\caption{The estimated plasma charge density at different transformer voltage ouputs for $B_{z0}$=104 mT.}
	\label{fig:104mT_estne}
\end{figure}
By matching the peak isolation frequencies, the plasma density of the UV lamp is estimated to vary between $5\times 10^{11}$ to $19\times 10^{11}$ cm$^{-3}$ for transformer voltages ranging from 40 to 148 V (Fig. \ref{fig:104mT_estne}). The order of magnitude of the estimated plasma density is in good agreement with other estimates \cite{luc_2022}. Since the lamp used in this study has higher r.m.s current and similar radius, our estimation is reasonably higher than the values in the reference.

\begin{figure*}
	\includegraphics[width = 17.2cm]{UV_B92Vandfit.png}\\
	(a)\hspace{5cm} (b) \hspace{5cm} (c)
	\caption{The experimental results. (a) The S parameters when the variable transformer is set at 92 V. (b) The effective isolation vs frequency at different $B_{z0}$. (c) Peak isolation magnitude and frequency variation. Blue error bars are data extracted from (b). The green dashed line are results from the simulations when $n_e=11.5\times 10^{11}$ cm$^{-3}$, $\nu_c/\omega_p=0.17$. The orange solid line is the linear regression between the maximum effective isolation and the center magnetic field strength with $R^2\approx 0.99$.}
	\label{fig:exp_B}
\end{figure*}

To study the effect of $B$ on the isolation peak, we vary the center magnetic field strength by introducing plastic spacers in increments of 0.5 mm thickness. Since it is difficult to experimentally reconfigure the field strength without shifting the field center, we remove the RXC88 magnet to keep $\bm{B}$ symmetric about the center. The center field strength decreases exponentially from 86 mT to 34 mT by adding spacers with a combined thickness of 0 to 23 mm (see Appendix Fig. \ref{fig:Bvsd}). The transformer output is kept fixed at a single value between 64 V to 120 V.

The S parameters are plotted in Fig. \ref{fig:exp_B}(a) when the variable transformer is set to 92 V and the center magnetic field is set to -86 mT by reversing the direction of the magnets. As expected, the wave propagation is rerouted to port 3 instead of port 2 when the field direction is flipped. In Fig. \ref{fig:exp_B}(b-c), we observe that empirically, the amplitude of the isolation peak increases proportionally to the magnetic field strength. However, the position of the peak center does not shift significantly. Fig. \ref{fig:exp_B}(c) also shows that the peak isolation frequency extracted from the experiments is in good agreement with that from the simulation when $n_e=11.5\times 10^{11} cm^{-3}$ for all field strengths.

Multiple factors can explain the discrepancy in the magnitude between the simulations and the experiments. First of all, the actual collision frequency could be different from the resonant collision frequency used in the simulation. In addition, the mode mismatch during the coaxial-rectangular transition can degrade the isolation because of high reflection. Furthermore, the simulation assumes an isotropic magnetic field and a homogeneous plasma rod which would not be the case for actual experiments. The spatial inhomogeneity in the field profile could spread the peak power over a range of frequencies due to dispersion.

Finally, from both simulations and experiments, we observe band shifting with the plasma density and amplitude increasing with the magnetic field strength. These phenomena demonstrate interesting similarities to the evolution of the upper hybrid mode in Fig. \ref{fig:theory}(b). However, if we plot the peak isolation frequencies at different plasma densities from the simulation onto Fig. \ref{fig:theory}(b), they lie about halfway through the bandgap region below the upper hybrid mode. The key differences between these models are the presence of waveguides and collisions. Limited by the scope of this paper, we will investigate this question more in-depth in future works.

\section{Conclusion}
We have demonstrated nonreciprocal transmission of electromagnetic waves through magnetized plasma through an E-plane Y-junction circulator using a commercially available germicidal bulb and permanent ring magnets. Nonreciprocal transmission is observed in the range of 4 to 6 GHz both in simulations and experiments with the circulation direction chosen by the direction of the applied magnetic field. The nonreciprocal transmission is an essential proof of using magnetized plasma as an experimental platform for plasma integrated photonic topological insulators with versatile tunable options. Specifically, the original demonstrations \cite{wang_observation_2009} for topologically non-trivial devices employed gyromagnetic materials, as most solid state gyroelectric materials have a very low Voigt parameter. Within magnetized plasmas, this value can be much higher and can be tuned by several parameters (magnetic field strength, electron density, etc.).

The design of the circulator involves optimizing the geometry for laboratory-achievable plasma densities and magnetic field strengths. For an effective circulator, the return loss needs to be lower than the insertion loss so that enough power is transmitted to the preferred port. In the low voltage regime, plasma absorption dominates the transmission loss. In the high voltage regime, more particles are ionized increasing the plasma and the collision frequencies, leading to more reflection and power loss through heat. As a result, the excitation voltage for the plasma needs to be carefully balanced for high isolation and low return loss. For this specific design, the circulator can reach up to 18.6 dB effective peak isolation at 4 GHz with a 10 dB bandwidth of 1.6 GHz when the variable transformer is set to 60 V and the center magnetic field strength is 104 mT. The performance could be further improved by enlarging the waveguide structures to support lower plasma frequencies and increasing the magnetic field strength to increase the total isolation. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the return loss at the designated frequency by adding a matching structure at the center, such as a circular cavity or step structures.

From both the simulations and the experiments, we found that with our design, the operating frequency band of the circulator is primarily determined by the plasma density. At the same time, the strength of the magnetization mostly controls the magnitude of the peak isolation. By matching the peak isolation frequency from the simulations and the experiments, we estimate the full range plasma density of the UV lamp to be $5\times 10^{11} \sim 19 \times 10^{11}$ cm$^{-3}$ when it is powered by a 40 to 148 V AC transformer. The FEM simulation shows good reliability as a design tool for optimizing the circulator's performance.

This project mainly focused on the GHz frequency range for gaseous plasma in a discharge lamp using simple commercially available components. However, nonreciprocal transmission could also be explored for other frequency bands by using different plasma generation techniques and electromagnets.

\begin{acknowledgements}

The authors acknowledge the support from the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research through the Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI Grant NO. FA9550-21-1-0244). The authors thank Dr. H. Bernety, L. Houriez, J. Rodriguez, Dr. B. Wang, and Professor M. Cappelli from Stanford University for generously providing us with the plasma tubes and the ballasts and for our fruitful discussions on the topic of characterizing plasma parameters.
\end{acknowledgements}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


text:
"I was literally sitting in my basement watching 'For Love of the Game,' and I didn't even consult with my wife, I didn't consult the owners," Robertson said. "I decided this is what I was going to. Then I told my wife and she was shocked, because she would have expected me to be at the stadium for another 20 years.
"… Family is the main thing for me. This is based solely off family and spending more time with them and being on a more normal schedule."
The Wingnuts were always a family endeavor for Robertson, a Wichita native. He is the oldest among four brothers – Luke, Nate and Matt – who all played significant roles within the franchise.
Luke was the pitching coach for the first nine years and Nate, a former major-leaguer, has served as part owner since the team's inception. All three brothers have pitched for the team briefly.
Robertson built teams that reached the American Association playoffs nine times, including a current streak of seven straight division titles. Under seven-year manager Kevin Hooper, the Wingnuts won their only championship in 2014.
The Wingnuts have sent four players to the major leagues. Pitcher Junior Guerra hadn't pitched above Class-A when he came to Wichita and 2011, and outfielder David Peralta, had only elevated to rookie ball – as a pitcher – when he joined the Wingnuts in 2012.
Robertson will help build the 2018 roster with Turner and new manager Brent Clevlen, who replaced Pete Rose Jr. after Rose's two seasons. The future of the Wingnuts beyond this year is in doubt with Mayor Jeff Longwell promising a new downtown stadium and an affiliated team.
"All of our staff members, if an affiliated team does come – we don't know what's going to happen – we're certain that a lot of our staff members are going to have the opportunity to work for them," Robertson said.
Watch Wichita Wingnuts turn their first triple play in a decade
Wingnuts manager Pete Rose Jr. talks about this year's team.
Legendary City League brothers headline Wichita Sports Hall of Fame's 2019 Class
Wichita East High School's Arthur and Bryce Brown are among the inductees of the 2019 Wichita Sports Hall of Fame class. Collegiate tennis coach Dave Hawley and Northwest soccer coach Bobby Bribiesca were also named.
MORE WICHITA WINGNUTS
Wichita Wingnuts
Wingnuts baseball equipment, memorabilia up for public auction after buyout by city
Pair of Wichita ballplayers hope summer success with Wingnuts launches comebacks
Watch the Wichita Wingnuts turn their first triple play in a decade
Pete Rose Jr. says no hard feelings after Wingnuts departure
Winnipeg knocks out Wingnuts in final game of championship series
Game 5 of American Association championship series postponed


text:
Seated T'ai Chi in older Taiwanese people using wheelchairs
A randomized controlled trial investigating mood states and self-efficacy
Chen Yuan Hsu, Wendy Moyle*, Marie Cooke, Cindy Jones
Objective: There is growing interest in t'ai chi, but little research has addressed whether t'ai chi is effective in older people using wheelchairs for mobilization. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of seated t'ai chi exercise and usual standard activities on mood states and self-efficacy in older people living in a long-term care facility and using wheelchairs for mobilization. Design: Randomized controlled trial (trial registration no. ACTRN12613000029796). Setting: One long-term-care facility in Taiwan. Participants: Sixty participants were randomly assigned by a computer-generated random sequence to a t'ai chi group (n = 30) or a usual exercise and entertainment activities group (n = 30). Intervention: Seated t'ai chi exercise for 40 minutes three times a week for 26 weeks was provided. Main outcome measures: Mood states (Profile of Mood States Short Form [POMS-SF]) and self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Exercise [SEE]). Results: At week 26, participants in the t'ai chi group reported significantly lower mood states on the fatigue-inertia dimension of the POMS-SF (mean score ± standard deviation, 3.56 ± 3.71) than did the control group (mean score, 7.16 ± 6.36) (F [1, 58] = 7.15; p < 0.05). The t'ai chi group recorded significantly higher SEE levels (mean, 35.66 ± 36.83) than did those in the control group (mean, 15.30 ± 26.43) (F [1, 58] = 6.05; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of t'ai chi for a reduction in the fatigue-inertia mood state and an increase in self-efficacy for older people using wheelchairs.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0191
Tai Ji
Hsu, C. Y., Moyle, W., Cooke, M., & Jones, C. (2016). Seated T'ai Chi in older Taiwanese people using wheelchairs: A randomized controlled trial investigating mood states and self-efficacy. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 22(12), 990-996. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0191
Hsu, Chen Yuan ; Moyle, Wendy ; Cooke, Marie ; Jones, Cindy. / Seated T'ai Chi in older Taiwanese people using wheelchairs : A randomized controlled trial investigating mood states and self-efficacy. In: Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2016 ; Vol. 22, No. 12. pp. 990-996.
@article{2cb5316bcd514c4cb3acfecad3c50c9c,
title = "Seated T'ai Chi in older Taiwanese people using wheelchairs: A randomized controlled trial investigating mood states and self-efficacy",
abstract = "Objective: There is growing interest in t'ai chi, but little research has addressed whether t'ai chi is effective in older people using wheelchairs for mobilization. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of seated t'ai chi exercise and usual standard activities on mood states and self-efficacy in older people living in a long-term care facility and using wheelchairs for mobilization. Design: Randomized controlled trial (trial registration no. ACTRN12613000029796). Setting: One long-term-care facility in Taiwan. Participants: Sixty participants were randomly assigned by a computer-generated random sequence to a t'ai chi group (n = 30) or a usual exercise and entertainment activities group (n = 30). Intervention: Seated t'ai chi exercise for 40 minutes three times a week for 26 weeks was provided. Main outcome measures: Mood states (Profile of Mood States Short Form [POMS-SF]) and self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Exercise [SEE]). Results: At week 26, participants in the t'ai chi group reported significantly lower mood states on the fatigue-inertia dimension of the POMS-SF (mean score ± standard deviation, 3.56 ± 3.71) than did the control group (mean score, 7.16 ± 6.36) (F [1, 58] = 7.15; p < 0.05). The t'ai chi group recorded significantly higher SEE levels (mean, 35.66 ± 36.83) than did those in the control group (mean, 15.30 ± 26.43) (F [1, 58] = 6.05; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of t'ai chi for a reduction in the fatigue-inertia mood state and an increase in self-efficacy for older people using wheelchairs.",
author = "Hsu, {Chen Yuan} and Wendy Moyle and Marie Cooke and Cindy Jones",
doi = "10.1089/acm.2015.0191",
journal = "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine",
publisher = "Mary Ann Liebert Inc",
Hsu, CY, Moyle, W, Cooke, M & Jones, C 2016, 'Seated T'ai Chi in older Taiwanese people using wheelchairs: A randomized controlled trial investigating mood states and self-efficacy', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 22, no. 12, pp. 990-996. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0191
Seated T'ai Chi in older Taiwanese people using wheelchairs : A randomized controlled trial investigating mood states and self-efficacy. / Hsu, Chen Yuan; Moyle, Wendy; Cooke, Marie; Jones, Cindy.
In: Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Vol. 22, No. 12, 01.12.2016, p. 990-996.
T1 - Seated T'ai Chi in older Taiwanese people using wheelchairs
T2 - A randomized controlled trial investigating mood states and self-efficacy
AU - Hsu, Chen Yuan
AU - Moyle, Wendy
AU - Cooke, Marie
AU - Jones, Cindy
N2 - Objective: There is growing interest in t'ai chi, but little research has addressed whether t'ai chi is effective in older people using wheelchairs for mobilization. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of seated t'ai chi exercise and usual standard activities on mood states and self-efficacy in older people living in a long-term care facility and using wheelchairs for mobilization. Design: Randomized controlled trial (trial registration no. ACTRN12613000029796). Setting: One long-term-care facility in Taiwan. Participants: Sixty participants were randomly assigned by a computer-generated random sequence to a t'ai chi group (n = 30) or a usual exercise and entertainment activities group (n = 30). Intervention: Seated t'ai chi exercise for 40 minutes three times a week for 26 weeks was provided. Main outcome measures: Mood states (Profile of Mood States Short Form [POMS-SF]) and self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Exercise [SEE]). Results: At week 26, participants in the t'ai chi group reported significantly lower mood states on the fatigue-inertia dimension of the POMS-SF (mean score ± standard deviation, 3.56 ± 3.71) than did the control group (mean score, 7.16 ± 6.36) (F [1, 58] = 7.15; p < 0.05). The t'ai chi group recorded significantly higher SEE levels (mean, 35.66 ± 36.83) than did those in the control group (mean, 15.30 ± 26.43) (F [1, 58] = 6.05; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of t'ai chi for a reduction in the fatigue-inertia mood state and an increase in self-efficacy for older people using wheelchairs.
AB - Objective: There is growing interest in t'ai chi, but little research has addressed whether t'ai chi is effective in older people using wheelchairs for mobilization. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of seated t'ai chi exercise and usual standard activities on mood states and self-efficacy in older people living in a long-term care facility and using wheelchairs for mobilization. Design: Randomized controlled trial (trial registration no. ACTRN12613000029796). Setting: One long-term-care facility in Taiwan. Participants: Sixty participants were randomly assigned by a computer-generated random sequence to a t'ai chi group (n = 30) or a usual exercise and entertainment activities group (n = 30). Intervention: Seated t'ai chi exercise for 40 minutes three times a week for 26 weeks was provided. Main outcome measures: Mood states (Profile of Mood States Short Form [POMS-SF]) and self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Exercise [SEE]). Results: At week 26, participants in the t'ai chi group reported significantly lower mood states on the fatigue-inertia dimension of the POMS-SF (mean score ± standard deviation, 3.56 ± 3.71) than did the control group (mean score, 7.16 ± 6.36) (F [1, 58] = 7.15; p < 0.05). The t'ai chi group recorded significantly higher SEE levels (mean, 35.66 ± 36.83) than did those in the control group (mean, 15.30 ± 26.43) (F [1, 58] = 6.05; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of t'ai chi for a reduction in the fatigue-inertia mood state and an increase in self-efficacy for older people using wheelchairs.
U2 - 10.1089/acm.2015.0191
DO - 10.1089/acm.2015.0191
JO - Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
JF - Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Hsu CY, Moyle W, Cooke M, Jones C. Seated T'ai Chi in older Taiwanese people using wheelchairs: A randomized controlled trial investigating mood states and self-efficacy. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2016 Dec 1;22(12):990-996. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0191
10.1089/acm.2015.0191


text:
Q: Как разместить четыре картинки "квадратом" внутри секции? Есть такая секция в учебном макете:

А в ней блок с галереей:

Как его можно сверстать? У меня все ссылки, в которых картинки, идут друг за другом вертикально. Я знаю про существование различных библиотек и плагинов с готовой версткой и скриптами, но этот блок хочу сверстать сам. Скрипт модальных окон я уже написал, остались только стили и разметка. Моя верстка внутри секции такая:

                            Hotel
                            Sultan Cave Suites

                            В этом уникальном отеле, расположенном на вершине холма Айдынлы,
                            вы можете забронировать высеченные в скале номера, обставленные антикварной мебелью со всей Турции.
                            С солнечной террасы отеля открывается прекрасный панорамный вид на Национальный парк Гереме.

                            Большинство номеров отеля Sultan Cave Suites высечены в скале, что обеспечивает прохладу и покой.
                            Все номера оборудованы гостиной зоной и современной ванной комнатой.
                            В большинстве из них есть собственная терраса или балкон.

                            Отель Cave Suites Sultan располагает изысканным рестораном, где подают фирменные блюда региона Каппадокии.
                            После ужина, пройдя на террасу, вы сможете заказать напиток и полюбоваться закатом солнца над деревней.

scss:

.page-section {
    width : 100%;
    height: 100%;
    margin: 200px auto;

}
.page-section__title {
    font-size: 96px;
    line-height: 128px;
    color: #E2AB3F;
    font-family: "Balqis";
    font-weight: 300;
    margin-bottom: 100px;

    span{
        line-height: 28px;
        font-size: 24px;
        font-family: "Roboto";
        font-style: italic;
        color: #000;
        display: block;
        margin-top: -30px;
    }
}

.page-section__inner {
position: relative;
display: flex;
justify-content: space-around;
}
.page-section__contant {
    display: flex;
    flex: 1 1 auto;
    position: relative;
}

.page-section__container {
    position: absolute;
    margin: 0 auto;
    padding: 0 15px;
    max-width: 1230px;
    left: 0;
    top: 0;
    right: 0;
    bottom: 0;
}
.page-section__body {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    justify-content: space-around;
    max-width: 50%;
    height: 100%;
}
page-section__text {
    padding: 10px 0;
}
.page-section__boby-title {
    font-family: "Roboto";
    font-weight: 400;
}
.hotel__title {
    span{
        margin-left: 120px;
    }
}

.hotel__img {
    margin-right: 100px;
}
.hotel__galery{
    width: 100%;
    margin-top: 80px;
    padding: 50px 40px;
}

.hotel__text {
    margin-bottom: 20px;
}

Вот что у меня получилось:

Думаю на скрине видно, что картинки располагаются вертикально. Хотя если их вынести за блок с классом page-section__body вот так:
'''

                        Hotel
                        Sultan Cave Suites

                        В этом уникальном отеле, расположенном на вершине холма Айдынлы,
                        вы можете забронировать высеченные в скале номера, обставленные антикварной мебелью со всей Турции.
                        С солнечной террасы отеля открывается прекрасный панорамный вид на Национальный парк Гереме.

                        Большинство номеров отеля Sultan Cave Suites высечены в скале, что обеспечивает прохладу и покой.
                        Все номера оборудованы гостиной зоной и современной ванной комнатой.
                        В большинстве из них есть собственная терраса или балкон.

                        Отель Cave Suites Sultan располагает изысканным рестораном, где подают фирменные блюда региона Каппадокии.
                        После ужина, пройдя на террасу, вы сможете заказать напиток и полюбоваться закатом солнца над деревней.

То картинки разместятся так:

Что тоже не правильно, но уже что-то. Помогите сверстать блок с галереей, пожалуйста. Уже полчаса пытаюсь разместить его по макету.

A: Грид, как предложил @MaximLensky тоже мне не помог, хотя должен был... Поэтому я подумал, что проблема в свойствах page-section__container или page-section__body. Как оказалось ширины page-section__body тупо не хватало, чтоб разместить все картинки... Я поменял
.page-section__body {
max-width: 50%;
...
}

На
.page-section__body {
min-width: 50%;
...
}

Проблема была в одном свойстве... Вернулся к первоначальной разметке. Спасибо всем за ваше потраченное время.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Alois Riedler, född 15 maj 1850 i Graz, död 25 november 1936 i Wien, var en österrikisk ingenjör.

Riedler blev 1880 professor vid tekniska högskolan i München, flyttade 1884 i samma egenskap till Aachen och 1888 till tekniska högskolan i Charlottenburg, där han även var rektor under ett läsår. Han utövade en betydande verksamhet som maskinkonstruktör (särskilt i fråga om ångmaskiner och pumpverk) och teknisk författare. Bland annat verkade han livligt för de tekniska högskolornas utveckling och förhållande till universiteten. Han blev 1898 livstidsledamot av preussiska herrehuset.

Bibliografi (i urval)
Unterirdische Wasserhaltungsmaschinen mit gesteuerten Ventilen (1888)
Die Kraftversorgung von Paris (1889)
 Neuere Schiffshebewerke (1897)
Unsere Hochschulen und die Anforderungen des 20. Jahrhunderts (1898)
Die technischen Hochschulen und ihre wissenschaftlichen Bestrebungen (1899)
Schnellbetrieb (1899)
Wissenschaftliche Automobilwertung (1911-1912)
Armeelastwagen (1912)

Källor

Österrikiska ingenjörer
Österrikiska professorer
Personer verksamma vid Münchens tekniska universitet
Personer verksamma vid Technische Universität Berlin
Ingenjörer under 1800-talet
Ingenjörer under 1900-talet
Österrikiska forskare under 1800-talet
Österrikiska forskare under 1900-talet
Födda 1850
Avlidna 1936
Män
Ugglan


text:
/*
 * To change this license header, choose License Headers in Project Properties.
 * To change this template file, choose Tools | Templates
 * and open the template in the editor.
 */
package core;

import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.List;

/**
 *
 * @author mhrcek
 */
public class Path {

    private List<Coordinate> coords;

    public Path(Coordinate... coords){

        this.coords = new ArrayList<>();

        addCoordinate(coords);
    }

    public void addCoordinate(Coordinate... coords){
        for(Coordinate coord: coords){
            this.coords.add(coord);
//            System.err.println(coord.getName());
        }
    }

    public List<Coordinate> getCoords(){
        return coords;
    }

    public Coordinate[] getCoordsAsArray(){

        Coordinate[] coords = new Coordinate[this.coords.size()];

        for(int i=0; i<coords.length; i++){
            coords[i] = this.coords.get(i);
        }

        return coords;
    }

    public boolean contains(Coordinate coordinate){
        for(Coordinate coord: coords){
            if(coord == coordinate){
                return true;
            }
        }

        return false;
    }

    public double getTotalLength(){
        double distance = 0;
        for(int i=0; i<coords.size()-2; i++){
            distance += Coordinate.distance(coords.get(i), coords.get(i+1));
        }

        return distance;
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Kansas City Wedding Entertainment Director™ Ron Ruth is known by others in the wedding industry for his passionate, collaborative and very personal approach to helping brides and grooms design and create unforgettably fun wedding receptions. Ron is the founder and owner of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment, spending over two decades on the front lines of wedding celebrations as the creative partner to countless wedding couples. As a respected industry leader, he shares his talent and expertise as a mentor and personal wedding coach and has become a popular speaker at regional and national wedding conferences. Ron is among the most illustrious wedding entertainment professionals invited to speak at Wedding MBA in Las Vegas, and has been a spotlight presenter at national, regional and local conferences for the Disc Jockey News, the Mobile Beat DJ Conference, the Association of Bridal Consultants, the National Association of Catering Executives, the American Disc Jockey Association, the Wedding Marketing Expo and more. Ron has served as president for his local ADJA chapter, in addition to other positions of honor. He is a respected member of top wedding industry associations, such as Professional Keynote Speakers, Wedding Professionals' Network, Wedding and Events Professionals Kansas City, and more.
You can contact Ron through his website, http://KC-Wedding-DJ.com, Ron@KC-Wedding-DJ.com or 816-224-4487.


Don't be fooled by her age! This two owner yacht has super low hours and shows much newer than her model year suggests!! She has received many recent upgrades from her current owner. Representing the largest model in the Phantom range from Fairline, "No Tan Lines" is all luxury and performance with the heart of an athlete. Robust all fiberglass construction with fully tabbed decks and bulkheads means she is as tight as the day she was built; unlike lesser built yachts in her class that give you an audible reminder with every wave.


The atmosphere at Buck & Rider is an upscale and very on trend spot at the heart of Arcadia. However, it is the great cuisine that keeps people coming back over and over again.
🏆 Yelp Review by Ann G. "If you crave fresh seafood..."
Curiosity on What Kind of Place It Is?
This casual seafood restaurant has been serving local residents.
An assortment of seafood that is of the highest quality and variety. The restaurant was established in the fall of 2015.
The place is so ocean-centric that the original design for the restaurant was inspired by Australian boathouse.
The Buck & Rider has a patio facing the northeast side of the read.
It offers the people dining outdoors excellent vistas of the Camelback Mountain.
It's situated at 4225 E Camelback Road, a short walk down the road from the Scottsdale Fashion Center.
Buck & Rider was established as part of the La Grande Orange umbrella. It is known all over Scottsdale for its raw bar and Sushi Sundays.
NOt only Tummy Can Be Full but Also Your Eyes!!
Indoors, the centerpiece of the restaurant is the Abby's Oyster Bar where seemingly countless amounts of seafood consisting of crabs, oysters, and lobsters await their shucking fate.
The interior also features a raw bar menu that is separate from Abby's whose menu changes on a daily basis.
Regardless of which bar you choose to sample your meals from, you can be sure that everything served is of the freshest and highest quality.
All the seafood used that is not available in Phoenix is flown in every morning and is used to completion on the same day. Buck & Rider is so serious about the freshness of the seafood that is served that there is no freezer inside.
On offer is a selection of seasonal raw oysters, which are quite popular with regular patrons.
If you have never sampled raw oysters before, you should consider stopping by at Buck & Rider as they have all options ready that range from mild oysters to extra salty ones to accommodate an inexperienced customer.
All the oysters are shucked and served over ice alongside a side option of cocktail sauce, hot sauce or horseradish.
The Buck & Rider oyster plate is the most popular offering on the menu as it is a perfect fusion of salty and sweet.
The Mer Blue is also just as good and can suit a newbie. For anyone that is not quite ready to experience the raw oysters, the Buck & Rider signature dish which consists of a creamy mixture of crabmeat, potatoes, and served with watermelon radish would make an excellent alternative. The Buck & Rider also serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.


This is a small handled folding walking stick for ladies. All of the dimensions are petite and the stick folds down into four parts for easy storage in a bag or drawer. The height can be adjusted between 78 and 85 centimetres (30 to 40 inches) by using the simple adjusting mechanism and then once the correct height is set, it won't need to be altered again. The aluminium shaft and the handle have a delicate black floral design covering them and the stick is finished with a rubber ferrule. Please add a couple of spare rubber ferrules to your order for future use as they will wear down with use. We have a large range of folding sticks in a whole array of colours and designs. Please use the menu above to browse our folding walking sticks.


Since 1986 Watercure USA has been providing clean, safe, and affordable water treatment services and quality solutions to the residents of Holland, NY and the surrounding area.
We had our filtration system put in June 2016. Drew has been very professional, informative, and responsive. The service has been outstanding. We are so happy with our filtration system and the quality of service we have been receiving. Highly recommend.
I have purchased two systems from Watercure and am very pleased with the service and the results.


The premiere of Sailor Moon R: The Movie will take place in Los Angeles on January 13th 2017 at 8pm. This screening of the film will be held at the Theatre at Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. A live Q&A session with the cast and some of the staff will follow the film. Since this is a premiere event attendees are strongly encouraged to "dress to impress". Since this is not your average Hollywood premiere event I think it goes without saying that cosplay would be welcome and encouraged! This will be the English dubbed version of the film, featuring Viz's new voice cast, and will include the Make Up! Sailor Guardians special. Some cities will also be showing the film in Japanese with English subtitles.
Only tickets for this premiere event are currently on sale on the Ace Hotel site for $29.99 a piece. Details about other showings will be posted to the Eleven Arts web site. I'll be sure to post updated information about screenings in other cities as I learn about them. Fans in Canada such as myself have been wondering if the movie would be out here. Previous Viz titles distributed theatrically by Eleven Arts such a Boruto Naruto The Movie did play in major cities in Canada. Viz posted a survey online asking people where they live and if they were interested in seeing the film. I encourage all fans to fill it out with information about their own city if they're hoping to see it!
Are any of you lucky enough to be attending this premiere in LA?
I filled out the survey. Though knowing how these sort of films are usually shown in my city, it'll be shown at the somewhat artsy theater near the university in my city. That's where they did Shin Godzilla, the Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood film, and the Madoka and Evangelion films. Without a car, it's a bit of a distance for me. And while I can use Uber, I try to limit my use of that app, for my own reasons.
What! I can't go to Los Angeles. It's too far away. Will the movie be coming to normal movie theaters too?
No cuz I live in Michigan!


text:
Henrietta Lacks biographer Rebecca Skloot responds to US parent over 'porn' allegation
Author says parent from Tennessee is confusing 'gynaecology with pornography' over description of Lacks discovering a lump in her cervix
Rebecca Skloot: 'I hope the students of Knoxville will be able to continue to learn about Henrietta and the important lessons her story can teach them'. Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian
Wed 9 Sep 2015 06.55 EDT
Last modified on Thu 22 Feb 2018 10.04 EST
Writer Rebecca Skloot has hit back at a Tennessee parent who is trying to have her acclaimed biography of Henrietta Lacks removed from local schools, saying the complainant is confusing "gynaecology with pornography".
Knoxville news station WBIR reported that Jackie Sims, the mother of a 15-year-old boy at Knox County Schools' L&N Stem Academy, had objected to Skloot's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks when he brought it home as part of his summer reading. Her son has now been assigned a different text, but Sims is attempting to get Skloot's biography of the African-American whose cancer cells – taken from her without her knowledge and which subsequently changed modern medicine – pulled from all Knox County schools.
"I consider the book pornographic," Sims told WBIR, citing a passage in which Skloot imagines Lacks discovering a lump in her cervix: "With the door closed to her children, husband, and cousins, Henrietta slid a finger inside herself and rubbed it across her cervix until she found what she somehow knew she'd find: a hard lump, deep inside, as though someone had lodged a marble just to the left of the opening to her womb". Sims also objected to a passage about Lacks' husband's infidelity.
"It could be told in a different way," Sims said. "There's so many ways to say things without being that graphic in nature, and that's the problem I have with this book ... I was shocked that there was so much graphic information in the book."
Skloot, writing on Facebook, said that "Just in time for Banned Books Week," a US-wide celebration of the right to read which takes place at the end of the month, "a parent in Tennessee has confused gynaecology with pornography and is trying to get my book banned from the Knoxville high school system".
Skloot pointed to the "many other local parents" who disagree with Sims, and to the "other schools throughout the US" who support her biography, saying: "I choose to focus on those stories, and I hope the students of Knoxville will be able to continue to learn about Henrietta and the important lessons her story can teach them. Because my book is many things: It's a story of race and medicine, bioethics, science illiteracy, the importance of education and equality and science and so much more. But it is not anything resembling pornography."
Reviewing the book for the Guardian, novelist Hilary Mantel wrote: "Rebecca Skloot revivifies Henrietta, studying her not only as the originator of her cell line but as a woman embedded in history. Her absorbing book is not just about medicine and science but about colour, race, class, superstition and enlightenment, about the painful, transfixing romance of being American."
Skloot was later contacted on Facebook by Jimm Allen, assistant principal of the school attended by Sim's son, who told her: "Know that the book and teachers have the complete support from the administration of the school. It's an amazing book that fits with our Stem curriculum better than almost any book could. The next book that the sophomores are reading? Fahrenheit 451... Oh, sweet, sweet, irony."
Ray Bradbury's dystopian novel about a world in which books are burned has been the subject of repeated attempts to ban it since it was published in 1953. "I keep joking with my friends that this is a big *You Know You've Made it When* moment for me and the book," wrote Skloot on Facebook. "I'm in great company on the list of books people have tried to ban."
US education


Hiring a Disability Management professional in house to work daily on your WCB claims might be the right fit for your company. Considering budget, your company's culture, and other expectations, finding a qualified and competent professional can be a challenge. Artis can help you find the right fit for your needs and providing ongoing training and support if required.


It all started years ago when we went looking for other families like our own — families raising gender bending boys who like wearing skirts and playing with dolls.
We came up with nothing…until we found each other. Every day we are grateful for the relationships that have developed between our families. We've always been aware that we have it good and, now, we are giddy as hell to help other families connect.
This blog post marks the official launch of Rainbows At Play. Rainbows At Play is an online community that connects families raising gender nonconforming kids so they can playdate and find fierceness in numbers.
If you don't already have a Lefora.com membership, go there and create an account so that you can access communities, groups and forums hosted by Lefora.
Go to Rainbows.Lefora.com and fill out the application.
Be patient. Initially, Kelly and I will be reviewing all applications ourselves. We hope to have so many families apply that it takes us a few days to get to new applications. Wouldn't that be wonderful? The more who join, the better your odds of finding a local playdate mate and family just like yours.
Once you are accepted into the community, read the "Rules and Guidelines" and "Getting Started" topics found at the top of the Community's homepage.
Spread the word and the sparkle.
This parenting journey can be lonely, but it doesn't have to be. Let's get playing!
This entry was posted in All Posts and tagged Gender, gender creative, gender nonconforming, Gender Stereotypes, Kelly, Living A Bold Life, Orange County, parenting, playdates, Rainbows At Play, raising a gay child, Raising My Rainbow, twirl. Bookmark the permalink.
42 Responses to Introducing Rainbows At Play!
Is this group still active? I applied for membership in early November, but haven't heard anything.
Hello, I'm not sure if this is the best way to reach out to other families or not, but I want to let you know that we have a state-wide support organization in Colorado. We have 50 families connected to each other via Facebook and/or email. Historically most if our children have had strong cross gender identities that required transition. That is changing now as we are seeing more rainbow children who do not transition. We are currently working together to propose single stall gender neutral restrooms at all grade levels in a local school district. If you are interested in connecting with our group as well as this organization, please contact us at tyes.group@gmail.com.
What a great organization! I hope this really takes off! I can see one in every city! Good luck!
I just found your website, and it seems cool. I have been thinking about Angelina Jolie's little girl who likes to dress like a boy, and the magazines seem to make a big deal of it. Now, I am a middle aged woman, and I would have always preferred more masculine styles – but never have had the nerve to do so too much, although I almost never wear a dress, or makeup Anyway, what you're doing with CJ seems ok, but, you seem to say that he likes things girls like. But really, not all girls.like "girly" stuff. My daughter never liked any dolls but Barbie and her favorite colors were black and white. .That's the other point, which is kids do change preferences over time, such as what clothes they like, colors, toys whatever. So CJ is cool as he is, but that doesn't mean he might not change. He may end up liking purple and hating dresses. So what? My favorite color has always been blue, and I hated wearing those school uniform jumpers.
Thank you for doing this. I'm holding back tears. I'm hoping to find playmates in the Vancouver, BC area for my awesome 8 year old sparkle boy.
This sounds awesome! I hope this takes off!
I am so excited that you found a way to connect families!! Yeay, yeay, yeay!!!
Love love love! I can't wait to sign up and find other local families to play! Brilliant idea!
Lori, I want to gush for a minute. C.J. reminds me a lot of me when I was his age. Or who I would've liked to be, if I'd been given the opportunity to explore it. I'm 22 now and only now coming to grips with understanding everything, and I've had to do it on my own, because completely unlike C.J., I was extremely shy, and what little I did express, my parents didn't really support. Reading this as both someone with gender identity issues as well as a child development and education major, you make me so hopeful. I'm so glad there are kids out there that get to have something like this. I third the notion of allowing non-members of this group donate. 'Cause heck, you can just have my wallet.
What an amazing undertaking. I also agree with the people asking for a way "non-primary caregivers" can donate or help out in some way. I have no children, but this is a venture I want to help succeed.
My son is 13 now. All growing up he played with barbie dolls, and dressed up. He has always related and has always preferred female relationships. Now that he is in middle school (which is a breeding ground of intolerance), I feel he is socialized to the point he would not participate.
I am so glad to see you are helping your child be himself and provide a safe place in the world for that!
How wonderful! I'm glad to have a place to refer families of gender non-conforming kids!
I would love to have an auxiliary group to this of families with kids that would love to be welcoming allies & friends! My spouse is transgender, my kids have been raised to look beyond the gender binary (and while I don't think my kids fit the definition of transgender themselves, they are not afraid to embrace interests & self expression regardless of gender stereotypes…my sons are both My Little Pony fans & have been known to pick "girly" things, such as sparkly rings, when it suits their fancy. They embrace & enjoy people for their differences & stick up for their friends.) Considering the status of my spouse, it means a great deal to find playmates for my kids that they know will be equally supportive of them & their family. So being able to be connected as an ally & potential friend to this group would be wonderful for us.
You should join the Rainbows At Play community and let families in your area know that you're a family of allies and friends who would love to play, connect, support and celebrate!
We raise our kids in a gender neutral environment supporting whatever they want to wear or play with but our kids do not necessarily identify as trans or gnc. Can we still join?
Yes! You should join the Rainbows At Play community and offer your friendship and support!
Well done! We have just recently found some differently gendered friends for our child here and it does make such a difference – for our children and ourselves alike! Yay!
Great initiative! Also: for other parents: there is a group on Facebook called "Parents of transgender Children"…it is a FANTASTIC community (and a PRIVATE group!) Can't wait to see if we find some more kids here in our community with this new Lefora initiative! THANKS Lori and Kelly!!!
I think of playdates as being for younger kids, but my gender fluid child is a teen. Would it be worth our while to sign up and try to find connections?
Yes! Join Rainbows At Play and let's see if we can find you some other teen families to connect with.
My daughter recently asked my husband and I- Why we made her a girl, that she clearly prefers to be a boy. My husband is having a hard time and keeps calling it a phase. I'm not too sure and I'm not about to prohibit or prevent my daughter from being anything but herself. She loves dinosaurs and race cars, hates dresses, etc. I would love to be a part of this community. I love reading your blog but I realize it's geared mostly towards rainboy boys and I wonder if you would have parents of rainbow girls……?
Go to Facebook and look up "Parents of Transgender Children"…you have to ask to be invited, but that group is chock full of info and support both Female to male and Male to Female…and us with kids in between too.
Thanks for the info for support on Facebook!
Yes! Join the Rainbows At Play Community and let's find a family near you with a gender creative daughter.
OMG this is the best news I have ever heard! I am signing up ASAP and can't wait to connect with other families like mine!
Rainbows at Play is a community for families of gender variant children to help them connect with one another and find playmates for their children. If you are raising a gender creative child you should definitely check it out!
What a wonderful concept/idea you have come up with. Congratulations on the success of your book and with this new project.
Lori & Kelly–thank you. I am so happy I'm in tears. No joke. Thank you, thank you, thank you for doing this.
I second this motion! I don't have much, but I would definitely like to chip in some, if money can be of use to this project.