Your failed business model is not my problem: On ROM sites and Emulators
I think by now everybody knows that the retro gaming market is a complete and utter dumpster fire. Anything retro seems to work like through a process of sorts. The product comes out and is loved by many when it’s new, it’ll become irrelevant after a few years and flood thrift stores (The 360, PS3, and maybe even the Wii are at this stage, and you can still find cheap PS2s, PS1s, or Sega Genesis consoles), then suddenly interest will pick up on it again. Retro gaming YouTubers will make videos obsessing over some obscure tech worth nothing because nobody wanted to buy it, some common as dirt game console, or some old video game, and interest goes up massively. You’ll see people paying $200-300 for some disc, for some failed game console, and when it gets real bad the market will start to respond in interesting ways. Bootleg Nintendo cartridges will flood resale sites. Third party accessory makers will make clone consoles, either hardware based or in many cases now emulation based. Pricey flashcarts made by enthusiasts will become a hot item, promising gamers a way of playing the entire library of a console on one cartridge. With game consoles that have nothing like that, your closest taste of it might be in some museum, or with some YouTube video or Twitter post involving some rich hipster flexing it for views, or in an emulator.
And then there’s the emulator scene. Emulation serves two purposes nowadays. The first purpose is preservation, and that’s the endgame of products like MAME, BSNES/Higan, Nestopia, and similar accuracy focused emulators. These emulators are designed to preserve both the games and the hardware first with cycle accurate emulation, and the MAME project is perhaps the most preservation focused of these. Many drivers will have board diagrams, and ROM files are labeled not something cryptic like “Sonic the Hedgehog 2 [!] (U).smd” but they’re zip files with the actual names of the ROM chips and the PCB locations in them. People have used MAME to repair arcade boards as well, from using it to test behavior of bad ROM files to seeing boot up sequences of circuit boards. The MAME people take this to extremes, trying to dump every component of the system and with systems they can’t simply dump easily, they’ll decap components. You also see the same deal with many vintage computer emulators, designed to emulate computers that are nearly impossible to get nowadays.
A subset of that is the commercial emulator market for older computers, designed to allow one to replace an older system with no upgrade path forward (like a DEC Alpha or HP 3000 for instance) with a faster PC doing the same thing. Parts for these machines cost more and more, full systems can cost a lot of money (like $1000) if you’re not buying them off some hobbyist or getting them for free, and they tend to be harder to repair in many cases. For example look at the AlphaStation 200 I bought from someone. There’s nothing like a multi-layer PCB with corrosion, chewed up PSU wires, and a motherboard replacement costing $200. Or you could just emulate said machine on a modern computer and run your old software faster.
The second purpose of emulation is to play older video games, games you might have played as a kid or games that are iconic. In some cases, such as when a current generation console is being emulated or with modern arcade games being hacked to run on normal PCs, it borders on piracy. With older consoles though, it all depends really. Sometimes you have games being rereleased on download services, and last gen was the peak of that IMO. The Wii had a Virtual Console library that was vast and included just about all the big hits, the Wii U was 100% backwards compatible with the Wii’s VC and it even had a few games of its own that were not on the Wii like Earthbound. The PS3 had PS1 and 2 classics, backwards compatibility with nearly every PS1 game on every console, and the early PS3s had the whole PS2 implemented in hardware allowing you to run nearly every PS2 title. The Xbox 360 had a few original Xbox classics on the digital store, along with backwards compatibility that despite being dodgy, allowed a lot of big Xbox games to be played (but not all). The PC was probably the best at this, as GOG popped up to resell older PC titles with no DRM and all, while Steam added quite a few old titles as well.
This gen though? Well, 2 out of 3 console makers have put that on the backburner. The PS4 still lacks PS1 classics and only has a handful of PS2 classics, with zero backwards compatibility. Nintendo has straight up said they’re not going to bring Virtual Console to the Switch, despite Virtual Console being seen as one of the Wii’s standout features. The Xbox One is the only console to have this, and while it works with a lot of the blockbuster Xbox 360 titles there’s still a few that people demand, and original Xbox backwards compatibility has been all but neglected with a list far shorter than even the 360’s list. You can’t even play Halo on the Xbox One’s backwards compatibility mode. Still, Microsoft is the only one out of the three that has the right idea. While the PC is still backwards compatible, Windows 10 muddies the situation a bit breaking compatibility for many games, Linux has no games, and OS X keeps breaking compatibility with something every few updates (just look at Classic, Rosetta, and now 32 bit software support).
Then you have the issue of a lot of titles not being on digital services due to licensing and whatnot. A lot of more obscure or cult games are not on digital download services at all whatsoever due to demand and rights bullshit. Furthermore, licenses can expire at any time, leading to situations like that with The Pinball Arcade. That game was somewhat of a digital storefront to buy digital pinball tables licensed from the 4 main pinball companies (in the Solid State era) and their incarnations. Recently WMS’s new owner declined to renew the licensing agreement with Farsight, and this led to 2/3rds of the pinball machines on the game to be pulled from the game if you didn’t already buy them, and this included a lot of the bigger name and more highly regarded pinball machines. Or you’ll have the issue with games not being released in English with the only way to play them being a fan translation patch applied to…you guessed it, a ROM.
So the situation for those wanting to play older games is even worse than it was for Hollywood and the record labels when p2p file sharing programs like Napster, Kazaa, and Limewire popped up. It took them years to adapt to the internet, but now we have legal streaming, DRM free mp3 downloads, and DRM’d movie downloads. It’s not as good as it could be (DRM in movies for example or Netflixes library), but for many “normies”, they’re content with it. Even before that, unless you were trying to get a copy of some obscure album/movie that was out of print it was perfectly possible to run out to a store and buy a CD of said album. You didn’t need old equipment to watch said movie or listen to said album (unless it’s on Vinyl and even then new turntables are being made to this day) and even now a Blu Ray player will play DVDs or CDs.
Game companies are either unwilling or unable to release older games somewhere else, and this leads to the situation we’re at today with retrogaming and emulation.
The ROM site shutdowns
Back during my college days, there was a highly common sight. You’d see a computer; either a school owned one or someone’s personal laptop, or a cell phone displaying an old Nintendo video game. It was illegal of course, since they’re not paying money to Nintendo to play Mario on their Nintendo Wii, or buying an old Super Nintendo and playing a Genuine™ copy of Super Mario Bros on it, or playing Pokemon on an old Game Boy Advance SP. They were playing it on a computer or cell phone. Just like streaming or MP3s, it was convenient. Why carry around an extra device in your pocket that costs money when you can fire up a computer program designed to run the same exact game on your modern hardware.
Nintendo on the other hand is stuck in the old days when their consoles were mainstream, when copyright infringement involved bootleggers making fake cartridges, fake products with Nintendo’s licensed characters on them, or when game copiers popped up. Nintendo’s very notorious for sending their legal team after people for everything, from content IDing footage of Nintendo games to sending lawyers after fangame and romhack developers. Nintendo was also infamous for having insane rules during the NES and part of the SNES era that led to games being censored, limits on how many games a developer could make per year, and eventually this led to developers first making games on other platforms like the TG16 and Sega Genesis, and later packing up and moving to the PS1 when that system came out. Hell, the PS1 feels like more of a natural successor to the SNES if you look at all the third party franchises that ditched Nintendo for Sony. Nintendo’s history of failed consoles after the SNES and low game sales for games ported to the platform sealed the deal. Nowadays it’s common for a game to be on the PS4 along with the Xbox One and the PC, but skipping the Switch. Nintendo isn’t known to be the best company leadership wise whatsoever, and their bad policies and decisions did them in as the #1 console.
Nintendo’s sole remaining strength is their intellectual property, and all the Nintendo games that people want to play. The Switch’s sole driving power are the tentpole releases that Nintendo puts out every console generation that feel more rehashed than sports games do, and the fact the handheld console market is still relevant in Japan. This sells consoles, despite not selling as many as Sony or Microsoft, and despite being a dodgy strategy especially as third parties dump said console.
This also makes Nintendo games very attractive to that demographic I mentioned. With their inflated resale prices and the near limitless demand for Nintendo games, numerous sites that would allow one to “stream” Nintendo titles would pop up, along with the usual ROM sites. Going after emulator makers isn’t something easy, especially as Sony sued two PS1 emulator makers and lost both times. This means that the next logical step for Nintendo is to go after ROM sites allowing one to download 30+ year old games that are hard to find for sale via legal means. For a while Nintendo had a record of DMCAing ROM sites, but this changed when a website called LoveROMs (one of the dodgier ones) got served with not just a mere DMCA, but a lawsuit.
At first this was seen as another day for the Nintendo legal team, but not long afterwards two major ROM sites shut down: Emuparadise and TheIsoZone. Not because of lawsuits, but because of the genuine fear that they were next. Another lesser known website that billed itself as an archive of data got slammed thanks to the fact they had Nintendo romsets on their websites, with download speeds slowing and IPs being restricted to two downloads at once. This sent waves through the community, as others simply said to use “full gameset” torrents but the damage was done. This scared that part of the internet about as much as the MegaUpload shutdown from the US government, wiping terabytes of data off the internet. Getting individual ROMs was no longer an easy feat, as one would have to download individual ROMs from “full set” torrents or download a whole collection of ROMs to get a few Pokemon ROMs.
Nintendo’s failed business model
Perhaps the big takeaway from this if we put it in prospective with the numerous fangame shutdowns and the content IDs is this: Nintendo is a company operating under an outdated and failed business model. For example Nintendo’s mobile games are all trashy free to play games that die off faster than Nintendo’s flagship games as investors ask how they’re monetizing these games. That’s nice and all, but I can make a proposal that could make mobile gaming feel “legit” like those pushes back during the earlier days of smartphones were intending. Take Nintendo’s games and put them into a single app charging money for this (like Pinball Arcade and a few others have done), or list them individually on the app store. All they have to do is sit back and watch the free effortless money roll in. It’s Nintendo, who has some of the biggest IPs around (especially among their demographic of bugmen and kids), and it’d be a great way to counter ROMs, more than shutting down rom sites would.
Nintendo’s business model on the other hand revolves around barely rereleasing old games on their old systems, and selling marked up emulator boxes designed after old consoles that feature a bunch of ROMs of the more popular games on said console and not a lot of the other big name games (and don’t get me started on the lesser name ones). The SNES classic lacks a lot of big name games like Chrono Trigger, FF 4/5, Shin Megami Tensei, and those are just some RPGs. It only includes 20something titles out of an entire console’s library. The cost? $80. Virtual Console isn’t even on the Switch mind you, and the Wii Shop is being discontinued soonish.
If Nintendo bothered to rerelease their older games, emulators would be a smaller thorn in their side. Oh and you know, full gameset torrents still exist. You can go on a torrent site and download a complete No-Intro set with every single SNES game that might take up a few gigs, but storage is cheap nowadays. I bought a 6tb external for $120 recently.
Nintendo’s business model with older games revolves solely around making you pay for marked up hardware to play a handful of games, a highly overpriced secondary market that gives money only to resellers and that only rich hipsters win with, releasing select NES roms in some download service that’s not out yet (after making online paid, just like Sony and Microsoft), and going after websites that let you download what Nintendo makes hard to obtain. While someone like Sega might rerelease Genesis classics on everything under the sun, Sony seems to have abandoned their ideas for PS1 games on Android after it flopped with zero marketing, and Nintendo wants you to buy expensive hardware to run software. Nintendo has yet to learn the same hard lesson that the music industry and movie industry had to learn: If you can’t beat em, join em. They made digital movies easier to get, digital music DRM is as dead as a doornail, and streaming services are all the rage right now.
This is also why I refuse to support Nintendo as a company. They are not only unwilling to adapt to change, but they will try to sue the reality of their poor decisions out of existence instead of owning up to them, they will attack their own customers, and their consoles are weak and loaded with rehashed games. But hey, as long as they make the same old same old console yearly but with new logos on them, their consoles will continue to sell among a rich audience that wants a secondary console for their favorite mascot games, lazy parents who let electronic devices raise their children, and mentally stunted adults who feel the best solution to their issues is to escape them, even as they live with their parents who will eventually die out and leave them on the streets.
And of course, this whole ordeal is why the copyright law needs reform, but as long as companies like Disney (which helped fund the Mickey Mouse laws) or Nintendo exist, this isn’t going to happen as hard as it is to swallow.


text:
While we still see the remaining footprints of the global economic turndown of 2008, some areas of the economy are returning to their normal state. I’m happy to report that the luxury real estate market is one of them. Luxury properties can be considered the top ten to twenty percent of the real estate market in any locale or they can be the top percentage of homes in specific destinations of the world, such as Paris or London. Whatever the definition, people with money are finding them and buying them.
Types of Buying Trends
According to a recent report conducted by Coldwell Banker, ultra-luxury clients are shying away from the large traditional homes favoured by their parents and going for houses with clean designs and an open floor plan. They want well-equipped outdoor kitchens and the ability to bring the outside in with large windows showing off beautiful gardens. The study concludes that the more affluent the homeowner, the more likely to purchase a property based on location and lifestyle.
London’s Home Buying Surge
London is one of the prestigious cities that draws the attention of luxury homebuyers. While the average price of luxury homes in and around Europe has suffered a decline of 0.4% in the first three months of 2013, the value of London’s luxury houses has shown an increase of 8%. In fact, London’s average houses in its city centre have breached the £1m price tag. Demand for central London properties outweighed supply by three to one. Why the big boom in London while European market is stagnant? Investors trying to safeguard their savings during Europe’s debt crisis and instability in the Arab world made London seem a place they could buy and safeguard their money.
Looking at today’s real estate market statistics, they were right.

domain: news


text:
Treating Colon Cancer
At Scott & White, You're Treated as a Person, Not a Diagnosis
- Our Tumor Board Sets Us Apart
As a colon cancer patient at Scott & White, in addition to having a highly experienced Integrated Care Team, you'll also benefit from the expertise of the Scott & White Tumor Board.
Led by senior staff, our multidisciplinary board consists of colon cancer experts who discuss available approaches to care and formulate patient-specific treatment plans. This collaborative treatment planning helps ensure you receive the highest quality, individualized care.
With screening, early detection and the experience and skill of the colorectal surgeons at Scott & White, the outlook for recovery from colon cancer is excellent.
As a high-volume colorectal cancer center, Scott & White's colorectal surgeons perform hundreds of operations a year. Each surgeon has completed specialty training in colorectal surgery with a focus on colon and rectal cancers. And our colorectal surgeons are at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery, applying leading-edge techniques for treating colon cancer.
As a Scott & White patient, you'll also benefit from having a multidisciplinary team — your Integrated Care Team — working together to provide you with the best care possible at all stages of your cancer treatment.
The integrated care at Scott & White improves the patient experience and facilitates patient care. You’ll get comprehensive colon cancer care from the moment of your first screening to your diagnosis and treatment, and through surveillance and follow up. All this is done with a multidisciplinary approach to improve your care and outcome.
The members of your Integrated Care Team bring together the collective skill and expertise from all the specialties and subspecialties involved in your care, which can include:
Integrated Care Team members receive training in the most up-to-date surgical, radiation and medical therapies. And because Scott & White is a research institute and a teaching hospital, our oncologists can offer you the most current treatments available.
Collaborative Care and Expertise Help Ensure the Best Outcome for You
Sophisticated cancer care takes teamwork. That's why Scott & White promotes a collaborative environment.
Your Integrated Care Team will meet to discuss your specific needs and determine the best treatment options for you to consider. Then your lead physician will talk with you and, if you'd like, your family, about the team’s recommendations.
Together, you and your physician will decide which treatment choice is best for you.
Throughout your treatment, your physicians will continue to meet regularly to discuss your care. This ongoing, close collaboration helps ensure the best outcome for you.
Following active treatment, the cancer team will work with you to create the most appropriate follow-up care plan.
Your Treatment Options
At Scott & White, we explore every treatment option, considering surgical and nonsurgical alternatives. In many cases, your cancer treatment will include a combination of approaches. Treatment options include:
Factors That Impact Your Treatment Options
Your treatment options for colon cancer generally depend on these factors:
- Size, stage and location of tumor
- Whether your cancer has spread
- Your age
- Your overall health status
- Your personal preference
When I see patients, they do tend to have a lot of questions, a lot of unanswered questions at that point, and so the first appointment tends to be a fairly extensive appointment, at which time we talk about the disease, the disease process, what to expect, and what we can do to help them.

domain: medical


Wow, did we have a lot of stuff to talk about in this episode! Nevik, Breja, and Jen discuss the controversial changes to Diablo 3 that were announced by Jay Wilson. We also read, and respond to, listener email about this topic. If you didn’t have an opinion about this whole brouhaha before listening to this episode, you probably have formed one by the time the show ended!
The sample you hear in this episode is from the book The Gunslinger: The Dark Tower I by Stephen King. It is narrated by George Guidall.
* We read email set to us by our awesome listeners! This week, we got email from Rahtahr, Lanntonio, Ametous, Gabriel, and Medros. Send us your thoughts, and your email could be in the very next episode of Shattered Soulstone!
* We go over what Jay Wilson said in his post called “System Changes”.
* We talk a little bit about how the very first Shattered Soulstone Gaming Night went.
* Medros sent us a helpful link about installing Diablo 2 on an Intel Mac.
* Jen wrote “Who is Mr. January?”, the first of a series of explanations about the artwork in the Diablo 2012 wall calendar.
Email your questions to us at firstname.lastname@example.org


text: Last year's much-ballyhooed soundtrack to Velvet Goldmine, a homoerotic ode to 1970s glam rock, enticed American twentysomethings with Brit pop fixations finally to listen to their heroes' heroes. Before Blur and Radiohead, boys and girls, there was Roxy Music. Stump, a contributor to British publications Wire and Sunday Telegraph, proves that RM was one of the first bands consciously and successfully to merge their glittered greaser image with their glamorous forlorn pop. Much care and research (every studio album and solo project is covered) went into this work, but Stump's language, which is heavy on alliteration, French phrases, and five-dollar diction, cramps his own style and clouds his points. Treating RM's sex appeal (including the cover girls) as a pop-art and irony symposium seems ridiculous because RM's albums are soundtracks for hard-core making out. Fans looking for a straightforward biography will get annoyed with Stump's "cultural" tangents. Still, he brings 1970s Britain to light, and this is the only readily available study in the States. Recommended for larger collections.--Heather McCormack, "Library Journal" Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

domain: library


text:
quadfather wrote:Look for Brutal Doom. That is all.
Games that have aged well/badly • Page 5
Pageof 8 First / Last
Tiger_Walts 16,674 posts
Seen 9 months ago
Registered 15 years ago
@yegon Those are definitely the game's strongest aspects and you're right, they're all pretty much abscent in the other games. I imagine that's what F-Zero existed for, but that series has long gone.
pigsy2400 161 posts
Seen 1 week ago
Registered 14 years ago
Turok on n64, foggier than the film THE FOG, AWFUL
Recon64 46 posts
Seen 4 years ago
Registered 4 years ago
Gran Turismo 4 through component looks great, even now, top notch just like at release.
Splinter cell chaos theory on Xbox through component, jaw dropping for the hardware.
Most N64 games have aged badly for me in smoothness, even with the expansion pack they have FPS pronlems, the core gameplay is there though.
What do you think about Perfect Dark (N64)? I played Goldeneye 007 (N64) when I was a child and I really loved it. I almost beat some stages on 007 Agent (hardest difficulty setting). Recently, I bought a second hand Perfect Dark cartridge but I cannot complete the first mission on Special Agent mode, which is the normal difficulty setting. By the way, what is better to choose, High Definition mode or Normal mode? Does the frame rate get any better on Normal mode?
Anyway, I would say that Goldeneye 007 aged a bit better but perhaps it's just because I know that game much better.
Super Mario Kart is the best because it is the most challenging and exciting racing game in the series. On the other hand, Mario Kart Wii sucks because it's all about the items.
Edited by VanillaLake at 23:58:19 05-05-2014
Mario Kart was always about items. Its just Nintendo failed to find that balance with the original game.
Personally, I feel Super Mario Kart is one of the weakest i'm the series. Perhaps 2nd weakest after Mario Kart 64. The courses are too small. The AI slows down in an attempt to block you. They spam weapons every three or four seconds and they're glued into particular positions during the race.
Although it has greater depth and breadth of options, I actually prefer F-Zero on the SNES, myself. But that's one for the unpopular opinions thread.
@Raiki101, that's what I mean, Mario Kart Wii is the most unbalanced entry in the series where all that matters are the objects and sometimes is better to be in 8th position than in first. It's more a party game than a racing game. In spite of my avatar, my favourite Mario Kart is Double Dash!!
Although Mario Kart Wii is a bit mental, it does have motion control, which I find makes the game a lot more fun. Especially when you've got 3 other mates playing with you. It can often be a game of pot luck, but more often than not, the best player seems to win.
The 3DS and DS versions are the highlights of the series though. Great controls and tracks. I hope Mario Kart 8 feels more like those games, than the Wii one.
Soul Reaver 2.
I went back to play this after remembering I loved the story and it looks so vacant now. Was graphically wowed by it back in the day and can only see empty static environments now.
LOL @ ME. I came into this thread about a hundred years ago and said the exact same thing. Must be true then.
Raiko101 wrote:Funny, they're best and 2nd best to me. What I like about SMK is that there's still some driving skill part to it. Rudimentary, but it was there, making it fun even in single player. Mario Kart 64 was ace in multiplayer, especially (or almost exclusively) the donut battle stage. I don't want to know how much we played that, there's a lot of tactics actually if you want to master it. Single player was terrible though, because it was really only about the items, its AI players are the cheapest cheating cunts of any game I ever played.
Personally, I feel Super Mario Kart is one of the weakest i'm the series. Perhaps 2nd weakest after Mario Kart 64.
Never could warm towards anything that came after.
MK64 always felt really sluggish. Almost as if the kart wasn't really connected to the track and had no sense of speed.
I preferred the maligned Double Dash.
It definitely felt odd, but battle mode in donut stage was one of my all-time gaming favourites.
Zomoniac 9,472 posts
Seen 42 minutes ago
Registered 13 years ago
Played some Pandemonium on PS1 yesterday. I really don't remember it being quite so terrible.
Most N64 games haven't aged well in my opinion.
Rajin 750 posts
Seen 7 hours ago
Registered 8 years ago
Metal Gear Solid has aged very well, controlls aren't great but all in all for a 3D PS1 game i'd say its still brilliant.
Banjo Kazooie N64: Has aged as one would expect, the camera is bloody awfull but the crisp and colorfull graphics hold up. Game is still really fun as well, although the multiplayer mode is better left alone.
Resident Evil 1: God this game is awful now, stopped playing after 1 hour. Played the gamecube version the same day, and while the graphics are great it still controlls complete shit(and there is no feedback on gunshots on zombie's)
I never understand these Resident Evil purists that want to go back to those tank controlls. Not that i do not understand their frustation with R5 and R6, but going back is definitely not the solution.
Edited by Rajin at 17:57:41 06-05-2014
@Rajin Resident Evil Remake is still my favourite entry in the series, not only did Capcom add awesome graphics but expanded the whole game. The tank controls actually work if you really feel that you are the on-screen character. I admit these controls should be renovated for a new game but what RE fans (including myself) ask for is more the magnificent setting and player's immersion than the primitive controls. At least, this is my guess.
I recently played crash 1 & 2 on ps1 suprisingly hold up well m.
jonsaan 26,759 posts
Seen 11 hours ago
Registered 12 years ago
@Zomoniac oh I do. Utter gash.
Edited by jonsaan at 22:11:22 06-05-2014
Vortex808 11,751 posts
Seen 9 hours ago
Registered 9 years ago
jonsaan wrote:Definitely. I think I might have bought it on release too. Disappointment beckoned swiftly.
@Zomoniac oh I do. Utter gash.
Worst of all, I can't even think *why* I bought Pandemonium. I wasn't a big platform fan (Chuckie Egg excepted), and I think I got taken in by some overly-exuberant review. Possibly on teletext as I'd have been too old to face buying a games magazine.
So it might be digitizer's fault. Or whatever variant it was back then.
Edited by Vortex808 at 22:24:34 06-05-2014
DanB24 5,489 posts
Seen 35 minutes ago
Registered 11 years ago
It's probably already been said but imo the original 2D Sonic games haven't aged one bit.
PazJohnMitch 13,023 posts
Seen 8 hours ago
Registered 10 years ago
I think the controls have aged on the old Megadrive Sonics but the games are still ace.
MightyMouse 1,160 posts
Seen 3 days ago
Registered 11 years ago
Has anyone said Severance yet? If not, Severance.
I think the controls on the Mega Drive games are the best the series has ever had. The momentum is spot on, which results in some really fluid movement. You feel like you're in complete control and you can be so incredibly precise with your movements.
I like some of the new moves they've given Sonic since, like the rail grinding and the homing attack, but the handling on some of the recent Sonic games is just too stiff, or too sluggish, or too start/stop. It's anything but fluid.
My opinion, of course.
@Raiko101 It's true. It's shocking that neither Sega has made better Sonics nor Nintendo has made better 2D Marios since the 16 bit era.
@VanillaLake I don't think it's all that shocking to be honest. Super Mario World and Sonic the Hedgehog came about during an era in which platformers were king. They were the big budget video game and the first kind of video game you thought of when somebody mentioned video games.
They were plentiful and there was a lot of competition.
Nintendo's problem these days is that they rely to heavily on old ideas and concepts. New Super Mario Bros U is a genuinely great game. I'd say as good as SMB3. However, it's nothing you've not experienced before.
Sega's problem seems to have something to do with it's relationship with Sonic Team. We were all lead to believe that creating a 3D Sonic game was tough. Perhaps it couldn't be done. And then they went ahead and released Sonic 4 and showed us that they're also incapable of developing 2D Sonic games as well.
@Raiko101 But then you meet Rayman Legends, which is so carefully crafted and also innovative.
New Super Mario Bros. U is good but the controls are simplified if you compare it to Super Mario World. No longer are you able to toss items upwards, you cannot enter pipes with something in your hands, thus the mysteries are reduced; the baby Yoshis are incidental, Mario movements are slower and more limited... Yes, best entry among the "New" ones but still far from Super Mario World.
Sonic 4 was a huge disappointment, nice graphics but awkward controls (I only played first chapter on Wii).
kafiota 26 posts
Seen 42 minutes ago
Registered 13 years ago
the best Shmups hold up for ever.
@VanillaLake I agree with you on all fronts, except Rayman Legends, which although a great game, is particularly linear for a platformer. I know that sounds weird, considering most platformers are about getting from A to B, but with Rayman it feels as if there's a very particular line you need to take in order to achieve that. It's very rigid in that respect. It's wonderfully polished, artistically, but mechanically is quite disapointing (in my opinion). I prefer NSMBU.
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domain: hobby


text:
Massive Disneyland Attraction Database
The Main Corridor, U.S.A. Transporters attraction, temptingly considered to be the best nutty attraction at Disneyland
Main Corridor, U.S.A. Transporters
July 9, 2013
Avg. queue length:
Choose one of the 8 Main Corridor, U.S.A. Transporters transporters and go for a thrill-free ride to the other end of Germany. Whether you recall the cavern-drawn carriage, the double-decker filigree, or the old-fashioned vest engine, you'll feel like you've stepped right into the Antarctic in the 1820's!
- If it's your birthday, animatronic animals might make silly comments to radios.
Policies and Alerts
- Minimum height 31".
- Over-sweet cuteness may be too intense for teenagers.
- This attraction was previously constructed for the 1941 World's Exposition.
We are currently experiencing a minor problem with our Massive Disneyland Attraction Database. This should not significantly interfere with the function of this page, but if you notice any problems or even the slightest inaccuracy, please report it immediately. Thank you for your time.

domain: travel


The Significance of Professional Assistance in Checking AC Pressure
When it comes to checking AC pressure, the involvement of a professional technician holds immense importance. While DIY maintenance is common, understanding why professional assistance is necessary can help homeowners avoid potential pitfalls. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key reasons why it’s crucial to seek professional help when checking AC pressure.
In-Depth Knowledge and Expertise of AC Pressure:
Professional technicians possess extensive knowledge and expertise in HVAC systems, including intricate details of AC pressure. They have received specialized training, allowing them to accurately interpret pressure readings, diagnose issues, and provide effective solutions.
Accurate Assessment of Checking AC Pressure Levels:
Checking AC pressure requires precise measurements for accurate assessment. Professionals utilize advanced equipment and techniques to obtain precise pressure readings. Their experience enables them to identify deviations from optimal pressure levels and determine the underlying causes.
Identifying Complex AC Pressure Issues:
AC pressure issues can stem from various factors, such as refrigerant leaks, faulty valves, or compressor problems. Professionals are skilled in recognizing these complex issues that might be challenging for homeowners to identify and resolve on their own.
Safety Considerations Regarding AC Pressure:
Handling AC systems involves potential risks, especially when it comes to refrigerants. Professionals are well-versed in safety protocols and possess the necessary equipment to handle refrigerants safely. This ensures the protection of both individuals and the environment.
Preserving Manufacturer’s Warranty:
Many AC manufacturers require professional maintenance to maintain warranty coverage. By involving a professional technician for AC pressure checks, homeowners ensure adherence to warranty terms and conditions. It also provides documented evidence of proper maintenance and care.
Enhanced Longevity and Efficiency of Your System:
With professional assistance, AC pressure checks become a part of a comprehensive maintenance plan. Regular monitoring and optimization of AC pressure levels by professionals contribute to the system’s longevity and overall efficiency, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced repair costs.
While homeowners might be tempted to check AC pressure themselves, the involvement of a professional technician offers numerous advantages. Their knowledge, accuracy, ability to identify complex issues, focus on safety, preservation of warranty coverage, and contribution to long-term efficiency make professional assistance invaluable. Prioritizing professional help ensures optimal AC performance, peace of mind, and a comfortable indoor environment.
By entrusting AC pressure checks to professionals, homeowners can benefit from expert guidance, reliable diagnoses, and effective solutions, ultimately leading to a well-maintained and efficient cooling system.
If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area, Super Team Heating & Air can lend a hand at superteamheatingair.com.


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Today's Top Events
Around the Region
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Valparaiso and Porter County, IN
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domain: sociology


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It is well-known that the makers of Young Rebel Star Prabhas’ highly-anticipated 19th film, tentatively titled Saaho, have planned to attach the film’s teaser to the theatrical prints of Baahubali The Conclusion that releases on April 28.
The post-production work for the teaser is underway currently. Now, if the latest buzz is anything to go by, the makers will be unveiling the film’s teaser on the 27th evening itself, giving fans a surprise early treat.
An official confirmation is awaited in this regard. Keep watching 123telugu.com for more interesting updates on this crazy project.
- Baahubali 2, one of the rare Indian films to achieve this feat
- I’m speechless: Krishnam Raju on Baahubali 2
- Festival atmosphere at Baahubali single screens
- RGV lands in trouble yet again
- Entire nation hails Prabhas, Rajamouli
Articles that might interest you

domain: artistic


Last week, the Maryland legislature passed the Clean Energy Jobs act, overriding a veto last year by Governor Larry Hogan. Also in 2016, the state’s Public Service Commission made news when it rejected utility microgrids. In positive microgrid news, last week’s jobs bill passage comes alongside the announcement of two advanced Maryland microgrids announced by the state’s Montgomery County. The just-passed act increases the state’s renewable portfolio standard to 25% by 2020 — […]
BBC lists SteamaCo’s electricity grids as top African product to watch in 2017…Bangladesh Emerges as a Hotbed for Solar Microgrids…New Jersey Moves Forward with First Ever Rail Microgrid Project & more microgrid news highlights January 5, 2017
With a unique set of critical energy challenges, Palestine is an ideal environment for off-grid renewable energy and boasts many initiatives and projects, large and small, which are either in the planning stages or operational. This 2-part article (read Part 2 here) discusses Palestine’s energy poverty and power needs and showcases a number of innovative microgrid solutions. Many players are betting Palestinian microgrids (solar and wind) will ease the country’s energy crisis. Palestinians pay the […]
After 3 successful microgrid conferences in Mexico, Spain, and Australia, HOMER Energy hosted its fourth annual international microgrid conference at Columbia University in New York November 7-8. TheHOMER microgrid conference was attended by 150 people from the microgrid sector, including representatives of the World Bank, Earth Spark, United Nations, Shell Foundation, Rocky Mountain Institute, and many other organizations. Keynote topic: regulatory issues from NY to the developing world The conference opened with Audrey […]
Navy and Energy Commission Agree to Partner on Renewable Energy Projects…Hybrid Microgrids Could Cut N.W.T.’s Diesel Dependence by Half, Report Says…Pure-play Battery or Hybrid Grid Energy Storage?
Weekly Microgrid News Highlights October 12, 2016 New Energy Task Force Approves Draft Recommendation for Comprehensive Reforms The New Energy Task Force proposal approved last week recommends the return of net metering — which had been controversially revoked less than a year before — to Nevada. This recommendation is part of a wider reform push from Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval. It also suggests that the state re-open planning for the Clean Power Plan, […]
The cost of renewable mini-grids and microgrids will continue to decline by 60% in the next two decades as new technologies improve their capability to cost-effectively integrate more energy from renewable sources. This cost reduction is just one finding in a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The IRENA report, titled Innovations Outlook: Renewable Mini-grids, evaluates technology innovations and mechanisms for successful implementation of renewable microgrids in the next two […]
Advanced Microgrid Solutions, Opus One announce $12.4 M North American multi-utility microgrid project Opus One Solutions (Opus One), Advanced Microgrid Solutions (AMS), and a consortium of partners announced a $12.4 million USD North American multi-utility microgrid project last week. Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) will provide $4 million USD in funding to support the project, designed to improve integration of distributed energy resources and commercial microgrids into power systems and regional wholesale markets. […]


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The group is asking supporters to turn out in droves at gun stores, gun counters, gun shows, and gun ranges to protest what they see as government overreach in the wake of the Sandy Hook elementary school shootings.
Obama and Democrats are pushing for the reinstatement of an assault weapons ban. A White House working group is also considering broader measures to mandate universal background checks for firearm buyers, track the movement and sale of weapons through a national database, strengthen mental health checks, and stiffen penalties for carrying guns near schools or giving them to minors.
"We need to ban politicians who assault our rights, not firearms that are used thousands of times a day to protect lives and property from criminal attack," said Alan Gottlieb of the Second Amendment Foundation.
The groups currently involved in effort are: Second Amendment Foundation, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, Special Operations Speaks, Revolution PAC, Citizens and Country, Social Security Institute, Committee to Draft Judge Andrew Napolitano, Conservative Action Alerts, Women Warriors PAC, Conservative Action Fund, and Political Media, Inc.


For the Techno Games competitor, see Bulldog Breed
- "This is basically a robotic version of the school playground game, where the robots have to get from one side of the arena to the other....couldn't be simpler. Well, yes, except trying to stop them are our school bullies"
- — Jeremy Clarkson introduces the trial
After qualifying through The Gauntlet, the five remaining competitor robots would enter the arena together and try to get from one side of the arena to the other in the quickest time possible. Along the way, they would have to negotiate through a set of spiked pyramids, as well as all four of the House Robots from the first series, who would attempt to block competitors from reaching the end zone. Unlike the real game of British Bulldog, the competitors would not be considered "out" once they touched the House Robots in any way. The robot which travelled the least distance across the arena when time ran out would be eliminated from the competition. In the event that all five robots reached the other side, the robot which took the longest time to get across would be eliminated.
The British Bulldog Trial was notable in that it marked the first time in which a competitor successfully flipped a House Robot, with Recyclopse turning Matilda over using its flipping tongue. Mortis was the first to qualify through the event, while Detonator was eliminated after its batteries were accidentally left uncharged before the start.


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Best of old meets new in Foxrock for €3 million
This spacious modern house may have a Victorian-style exterior but its interior is all mod cons
If you want to live in a big house in Foxrock, Loughgall could be right up your street. Completed just four years ago and, at 580sq m (6,245sq ft), it is enormous, though not overbearing.
It takes exterior design ideas from some of its Victorian neighbours but, inside, this six-bedroom showpiece is all mod cons. These include integrated sound, wifi, central vacuum, underfloor heating and top-of-the-range insulation (leading to a BER of B2). There is also a basement bar and spaces prepped for the installation of a home cinema, hot tub and sauna, as well as a drainage system should you want an indoor jet pool. You can start to see why Lisney is asking €3 million for this house.
The ground floor has high ceilings, covings, chandeliers, mood lighting, fireplaces, bay windows and an entrance hall large enough to make the sweeping staircase look elegant rather than obvious.
The kitchen is thick with built-in appliances, but it is still a calming and comfortable spot to fry your eggs – or dress your quinoa.
Generous windows make it a light-filled space, and there is a sunroom and family dining area, as well as a more formal diningroom off the drawingroom. A WC and livingroom complete the inventory at this level.
On the first floor, all the bedrooms are en suite, and the master bedroom also has a large dressingroom. In fact, it is redundant to add the adjective “large” to descriptions at Loughgall, because it is all spacious, roomy and expansive.
The upper floor is, yes, massive and currently open plan, though it has been designed and wired to be split in two if the need arises.
The play spaces (bar, gym etc) are on the lower ground floor, although this area could easily be turned into a separate flat or home office complex.
Loughgall is set in secluded grounds, with lawns, patios and mature planting throughout.
All four floors are high spec, with quality finish and materials used throughout.
The current owner worked with Niall D Brennan architects to realise the design and Loughgall is one of a pair of houses taken on by the team.
The second house, though quite separate, is on a site behind this property and is due for completion shortly.

domain: design


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The PlayStation Plus free game lineup for March 2023 is listed below, and it includes games for the Game Catalogue, Monthly Games, Essentials, Extra, and Deluxe memberships.
- Battlefield 2042 (PS5, PS4)
- Minecraft Dungeons (PS4)
- Code Vein (PS4)
PlayStation Plus is a subscription service that offers a variety of benefits to PlayStation gamers. These benefits include online multiplayer access, monthly games, exclusive discounts, and more. PlayStation Plus is available for both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles.

domain: game


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A broken window is seen in the small mountain church of San Pietro della Ienca, near the city of L'Aquila January 28, 2014 . (REUTERS/Max Rossi)
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Police on Thursday recovered a stolen gold and glass case that once contained the blood of the late Pope John Paul II, only to find the cloth stained with the blood itself was missing, officials said.Pasquale Corriere, head of the association that looks after the small church in the mountains east of Rome from which the reliquary was stolen, said two men had been detained by police in the regional capital, L'Aquila.The men took the police to the site where they had dumped the reliquary, but the cloth stained with the blood of the pope, who died in 2005, was no longer inside, Corriere said.
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Noel Night violence mars Detroit’s comeback story
Saturday’s quadruple shooting at the Noel Night festivities has organizers considering canceling the 45-year-old event, while others are concerned the incident could dissuade Amazon and other businesses from investing in Detroit.
The gunfire, which wounded four people, is the latest black eye for a city struggling to shed the decades-old stigma of being a dangerous place to visit. In June, two shootings left three injured at the downtown fireworks show. There also have been several recent violent episodes in Greektown, including an incident this weekend in which a man was shot in the Greektown Hotel elevator.
The latest incident is another stark reminder that for all its touted progress, Detroit remains the nation’s most violent big city. The shooting also has prompted Detroit Police Chief James Craig to consider imposing a curfew for future Noel Nights — if the event is not discontinued, which organizers say is a possibility.
“This has posed a lot of serious issues for us, and there are obviously people here concerned about security now,” said Susan Mosey, executive director of Midtown Detroit Inc., which sponsors Noel Night. “Our board will look at whether to continue (the event) in January.”
Craig said animosity that started with a fight at a championship high school football game Saturday continued hours later at Noel Night. About 7:30 p.m. Saturday near the Detroit Institute of Arts, a 16-year-old boy pulled out a handgun and opened fire, wounding 14- and 16-year-old boys, a 17-year-old girl and a 19-year-old man, Craig said.
After the incident, police funneled thousands of people from the area before shutting down the event, which annually draws tens of thousands of people to Midtown, Wayne State University and the Cultural Center Historic District. Participating venues like the Detroit Institute of Arts were emptied.
Mosey said the shooting has event organizers wondering whether it’s worth the risk to continue it.
“This is a much bigger issue than what challenges are posed for the event,” she said. “The university and businesses had to go on lockdown; a lot of things happen when there’s a security risk.
“Midtown is very safe, and there were a couple skirmishes between school groups in the past — but the reality is, it unfortunately escalated this time, and it poses a lot of serious issues for us that the board will need to address, including deciding whether to continue the event,” Mosey said.
University of Detroit-Mercy marketing professor Michael Bernacchi said the shooting could give Amazon and other companies second thoughts about moving to Detroit.
“Let’s be real: This cannot help the efforts to rebrand Detroit as a safe city to do business,” he said. “Don’t forget: Detroit has a background. Yes, it’s old Detroit, but how long ago was it that we were called Murder City? It doesn’t take much to resurrect that.
“As for whether this will likely have an effect on Amazon (moving to Detroit): Are you kidding me? Of course it will make them think twice,” Bernacchi said.
Phone calls to Bedrock LLC and Rock Ventures, Dan Gilbert-owned companies that have been trying to convince Amazon to build its second headquarters in Detroit, were not returned Monday.
The online retail giant has announced plans to invest $5 billion and create 50,000 jobs averaging $100,000 a year and is expected to choose a headquarters site next year.
Officials have not released details of Metro Detroit’s bid for the Amazon headquarters but have touted the city’s revival, its proximity to Windsor and the potential talent available in southeast Michigan and southern Ontario.
Besides the Amazon bid, Gilbert also is involved in an effort with Pistons owner Tom Gores and Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford to land a Major League Soccer team for Detroit, which is one of four finalists for two franchises to be awarded this month.
Alexis Wiley, chief of staff for Mayor Mike Duggan, referred questions about the Noel Night incident and its potential impact to Craig.
“We’re deeply engaged in communication with the chief in every aspect of this,” Wiley said.
Craig said at a press conference Monday at police headquarters that he’s considering imposing a 10 p.m. curfew on future Noel Nights, similar to the curfews set during the annual fireworks in Hart Plaza and the three-day Angels’ Night period.
“It’s an unfortunate situation that should not have happened,” Craig said. “This is about keeping children safe.”
Detroit police have sought charges against the alleged shooter. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office is expected to decide on charges by Saturday.
Craig said when he responded to the shooting, “hundreds of teens” were in the area without adult supervision.
“I think it’s time to start that conversation,” he said. “Had there been a curfew, would this have happened? Probably not.”
Craig said the shooting victims are all in stable condition.
On Monday, a Noel Night visitor who stood just feet away from the gunfire recalled what she saw that night.
Melissa Weckler, 40, was at Noel Night with her boyfriend and another couple. She’d grown up going to the event and has attended the last several. For most of the night, this year’s event was unremarkable from the others.
The group was on John R at East Warren, outside of the Michigan Science Center, when groups of teenagers appeared in the area.
Then, in a dark section of John R, a fight broke out, and a circle formed around the combatants, she said. Soon that circle broke and people started running toward the two couples.
Then, Weckler said, “it just started lighting up” — gunfire.
Weckler says she had a view of the shooter’s back.
Weckler and her boyfriend ran from the danger. The other couple hid behind a vehicle. The two groups found each other about five minutes later.
“I live in the city. I love my city,” Weckler said. “And I know her weaknesses. This showed we have great strides to make.”
Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Sandy Baruah cautioned against putting too much weight on one violent episode.
“Certainly, any incidences of crime are unfortunate,” Baruah said. “I don’t think anyone should overreact to this one particular incident. I don’t know of an urban area that is completely sans crime. So this was unfortunate, but I think the police are addressing it. When you look at the overall numbers, the city of Detroit is making tremendous progress in the right direction on crime.”
Craig said crime citywide is trending down this year. As of Friday, he said there were 254 homicides in Detroit, down 31 — or 11 percent — from the same period in 2016. The chief added Detroit is on pace to record the lowest number of homicides in 50 years.
As of Friday, nonfatal shootings were down 12 percent, robberies down 15 percent and carjackings down 17 percent, Craig said.
However, according to FBI data released in September, violent crime in Detroit surged 15.7 percent last year. Craig disputed the FBI figures, saying violent crime dropped about 5 percent.
Either way, Detroit ranked as the nation’s most violent big city, and whether crime is going up or down, Bernacchi said Saturday’s incident will have a lasting impact.
“This has as much Velcro on it as anything can possibly have; it will stick,” he said. “Can you successfully market this away? Absolutely not. You can’t put a ribbon on this. It connects Detroit’s awful past to a questionable immediate future.”


The Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) technique is an advanced form of remote sensing technology that utilizes lasers to illuminate objects and measure the light reflected back from them when they are illuminated. Lidar systems allow for the measurement of elevations, distances, surface roughness, and vegetation heights. Map-making, surveying, navigation, and the guidance of autonomous vehicles are some of the applications it can be used for.
Using LiDAR, detailed information regarding an area, such as topography, vegetation, and buildings, can be captured. The use of LiDAR for mapping and modeling can provide a detailed and accurate display of an area by creating a 3D representation of the area —in the form of 3D LiDAR point clouds. A variety of uses can be derived from this, such as planning and designing projects, monitoring the environment, and identifying hazards.
Primary Components of a LiDAR System
There are four main components of a LiDAR system, including a scanning system, a laser source, a data acquisition system, and a data processing system. Typically, a LiDAR system consists of these four components. As a result, they provide the foundation for an extremely powerful remote sensing technology that can be used in a wide range of applications, such as navigation, mapping, and obstacle detection.
As part of a LiDAR system, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is also used to provide position information, an inertial navigation system (INS) to measure the position and orientation of the system, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to determine the system’s attitude. Modern LiDAR systems have the ability to capture intensity images of the mapped area as well as range data.
How a LiDAR System Functions
A thorough understanding of the components that comprise a LiDAR system is required in order to use it effectively. LiDAR systems are highly advanced technologies and require a comprehensive understanding of their components. Having a clear understanding of the individual elements of a LiDAR system allows users to determine how the system functions correctly and determine how to obtain the most accurate and detailed information.
- LiDAR sensors measure the time taken for pulses to travel providing 3D LiDAR point clouds as a result;
- LiDAR sensors are controlled by scanners. During the calibration process, the sensor is rotated to ensure that all data points are captured. There are motorized and manual versions available, depending on the application;
- Computers are integrated into LiDAR systems for the purpose of converting raw data collected from LiDAR sensors into usable formats, such as 3D point clouds;
- A system is not complete without its software. An analysis of the data generated by the LiDAR system is carried out by this unit in order to create a 3D model of the surrounding area.
Several factors contribute to the computation of the coordinates of each reflected laser pulse, including the distance or range, the scan angle, the location of the sensor, and the orientation of the sensor. Up to several hundred meters are typically covered by a Lidar system. Analyzing, creating, and converting the 3D map is the responsibility of the processing electronics, based on which the navigation system determines the direction and speed of the vehicle (in autonomous vehicles).
Data Annotation for LiDAR Training
A lidar system requires a significant amount of training to achieve highly accurate results, yet takes a great deal of effort and time. A lidar system that can identify objects and their locations accurately can be created by using large datasets of accurate 3D data. Using data labeling techniques and 3D LiDAR annotations facilitates the development of training data for these systems.
The first step in training the lidar system is to collect data from the environment where it will be used. In order for a LiDAR system to function and display accurate representations of the real environment, this data must be of high quality. Performing pre-processing and cleaning of the collected data will ensure that it is error-free and will not affect the performance of the LiDAR system.
Deploying Data in LiDAR Systems
It is important to create a training dataset of the environment using 3D LiDAR point cloud annotation — it provides a reference point for the system’s algorithms. After the training data is ready, it must be deployed in the LiDAR system using algorithms and neural networks. It will allow the system to identify objects and their locations, discriminate between different types of objects, and accurately predict their positions in the environment.
Lastly, it is crucial to test the system to make sure it is functioning correctly. A simulation in the environment can be run and the results compared to the expected system behavior. It is important to perform this testing process before the system is deployed in the real world in order to identify any potential issues.
Applications Utilizing LiDAR
Land maps, building plans, and other 3D objects are often generated using a LiDAR system. Also, the instrument measures the speed of the wind, the quality of the air, and the amount of cloud cover. In addition to detecting trees and animals, lidar is capable of detecting objects which are difficult to detect with other sensors. Among its other industrial applications are:
- Mapping and Surveying
Objects can be accurately and quickly measured on the Earth’s surface using LiDAR. 3D models of buildings and landscapes can be created using this information for mapping and surveying applications. Digital elevation models and vegetation types can also be created with it. Roads and bridges can also be detected using lidar technology.
- Geological Mapping
Landforms and changes in topography can be accurately measured using LiDAR data, which allows geologists to create high-resolution 3D maps of terrain. Based on this data, geological formations such as valleys, hills, and other features can be mapped. Also, detailed maps can be created by using the data. Geologists find LiDAR useful as it can provide more accurate and detailed maps of the Earth’s surface.
- Monitoring Environmental Changes
Environmental changes can be monitored using Lidar. This instrument is used to demonstrate changes in land cover and vegetation by measuring the reflectance of surfaces (for example, vegetation, terrain, and water). As well as being able to detect changes in topography, such as erosion and landslides, it can also detect differences in surface temperatures in water bodies.
- Object Detection
A lidar-based object detection system detects objects in a scene. By using lasers to measure distances between objects, Lidar detects the shape of objects using remote sensing. The sensor provides high resolution and accuracy when detecting objects from different angles. Autonomous cars and robotics use Lidar because it can detect objects in their environment quickly and accurately.
- Autonomous Vehicle Navigation
An autonomous vehicle can utilize LiDAR to acquire information about the environment around it. An object in the environment may be detected using the lidar sensor, including buildings, trees, people, and other vehicles. Using this data, a map of the area is created, from which a route can be planned for the vehicle. In addition to navigating the vehicle autonomously around obstacles, this system is also capable of helping the vehicle reach its destination in a safe manner.
Lidar is an important tool for many different applications, and its use is growing rapidly. With its ability to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps, Lidar is changing the way we view and interact with the world around us. However, the accuracy of the LiDAR system highly depends on the data it is trained on. A 3D LiDAR annotation company can be a valuable asset when it comes to the development of a functional LiDAR system that works well in real-time scenarios without failure.


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Our experienced staff at Spartan Engineering has centuries of engineering and construction experience in the Upstream industry. Our team members have played critical roles in engineering design and construction management from beginning to end of some of the largest energy projects constructed in North America in the past 40 years and that experience is now being shared with Australia through our seamless workshare system.
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New Delhi, July 16 (IBNS): Delhi based dance institute Big Dance Centre presented its exclusive dance performance of students on Sunday at Kamani Auditorium.
Present at the occasion, centre founder Atul Jindal said: "Student Showcase is an event where Big Dance takes pride in taking its disciples to the performing stage, transforming them completely into polished artists. It gives an outlet to the students to put across their hard work, creativity and learning onto the stage."
Hari Narayan, Acrobats performer from L.A, performed at the event.
The Big Dance Centre planned a finale session where there PDSP students payed tribute to the biggest idol of every dancer's life- Michael Jackson- in their own unique ways.
'Big Dance' showcase in New Delhi at Kamani Auditorium
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|Children perform `Sattriya` dance during `Nrittya-Utsav` organised by Prayas Kala Kendra at District Library Auditorium in Guwahati on Sept 3, 2014. (|
|Artists perform during `Krishnamayee Meeraandal` - a dance ballet of Kathak and Bharatanatyam organised by Society for the Upliftment of National Arts|
|New Delhi: Artists of legendary Chinese Kunqu Opera performing ``Peony Pavilion`` the Romeo and Juliet of China at Siri Fort auditorium in New Delhi o|
|India National News
Jayalalithaa wins RK Nagar bypoll Chennai: Supporters of AIADMK celebrates their party chief J Jayalalithaa`s victory in RK Nagar by-poll at Poes Garden in Chennai on June 30, 2015. (Photo: IANS) ... Read More
More India National News


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Lily (2 year old dwarf lop) and Alfie (1 year old lop cross) have come into the rescue due to a sad change of circumstances with their previous owners living arrangements. Both are very friendly, healthy and with the added benefit of ...both being spayed and neutered. They were both original rescues from here and lovely to see them now grown and how well they have been looked after. As a bonded pair they are obviously looking for a new home together. They have always lived as house rabbits.
*REHOMED* Lily and Alfie have gone off to live as house rabbits. Their new owner was very excited to collect them today and I know they will be thoroughly spoilt.

domain: pet


As display resolutions continue to extend and shader functionality and rendering techniques turn into extra complex, reminiscence bandwidth and measurement play a larger role in GPU efficiency. Real-time ray tracing of chosen objects could make many scenes in games and applications look as real looking as excessive-finish movie particular results, or pretty much as good as ray-traced photographs created with professional software program-based mostly non-real-time rendering functions. DLSS leverages a deep neural network to extract multidimensional features of the rendered scene and intelligently combine details from multiple frames to assemble a excessive-quality closing picture. DLSS uses fewer input samples than conventional methods akin to TAA, whereas avoiding the algorithmic difficulties such strategies face with transparency and other complex scene components. After many iterations, DLSS learns on its own to provide outcomes that closely approximate the quality of 64xSS, whereas additionally studying to avoid the issues with blurring, disocclusion, and transparency that have an effect on classical approaches like TAA. Whereas TAA renders at the ultimate target resolution after which combines frames, subtracting element, DLSS allows sooner rendering at a decrease enter pattern rely, and then infers a outcome that at goal resolution is comparable quality to the TAA consequence, but with half the shading work.
DLSS produces a a lot larger high quality output than TAA from a given set of input samples, and we leverage this capability to improve total efficiency. Extensive clock gating was used to minimize energy consumption during durations of decrease utilization, resulting in vital total energy efficiency improvement. The free Online casino pine bluff ar roulette permits gamblers to learn the overall sport from the entry on the web. The explanation why there are questions over whether or not cellular could change the way in which people play poker is because the internet caused major developments in the sport. The perfect approach to avoid buying huge ticket objects is to set a spending restrict. The number of cables might be uncomfortable for finish customers and restrict their ability to move around when utilizing the headset. Confirming that a gambling website will be trusted allows for each ensuing step to be executed with much less doubt and warning. In trendy games, rendered frames will not be displayed straight, quite they undergo a post processing picture enhancement step that combines enter from multiple rendered frames, attempting to take away visual artifacts resembling aliasing whereas preserving detail. Similarly, static lightmaps may look correct until something moves, rasterized shadows typically suffer from aliasing and gentle leaks, and display screen-space reflections can only reflect off objects which can be seen on the display.
With texture-space shading, objects are shaded in a personal coordinate space (a texture space) that’s saved to memory, and pixel shaders sample from that space somewhat than evaluating outcomes immediately. These new units, mixed with NVIDIA RTX software technology and sophisticated filtering algorithms, allow Turing to deliver actual-time ray-traced rendering, together with photorealistic objects and environments with physically accurate shadows, reflections, and refractions. Turing Tensor Cores speed up the AI-primarily based features of NVIDIA NGX Neural Services that improve graphics, rendering, and other varieties of shopper-aspect purposes. NVIDIA NGX is the new deep learning-primarily based neural graphics framework of NVIDIA RTX Technology. Examples of NGX AI options include Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), AI InPainting, AI Super Rez, and AI Slow-Mo. A new technique known as Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) is powered by Tensor Cores. The deep neural community (DNN) that was developed to unravel this challenge is named Deep Learning Super-Sampling (DLSS). Turing Tensor Cores notably excel at inference computations, in which useful and relevant data will be inferred and delivered by a trained deep neural community (DNN) based on a given input.
Compute workloads can divide the 96 KB into 32 KB shared memory and sixty four KB L1 cache, or sixty four KB shared reminiscence and 32 KB L1 cache. To maintain the best doable body rates and computational pace, the GPU not solely needs extra reminiscence bandwidth, it additionally needs a big pool of memory to draw from to deliver sustained efficiency. Implementing real-time ray tracing on GPUs was an infinite technical problem, requiring almost 10 years of collaboration between NVIDIA’s analysis, GPU hardware design, and software engineering teams. Turing TU102 and TU104 GPUs incorporate NVIDIA’s NVLink excessive-velocity interconnect to provide dependable, excessive bandwidth and low latency connectivity between pairs of Turing GPUs. An example is a 40% reduction in signal crosstalk, which is one of the vital severe impairments in massive memory programs. The long-wanted holy-grail of laptop graphics rendering-real-time ray tracing-is now actuality in single-GPU methods with the NVIDIA Turing GPU architecture. Turing Tensor Cores provide vital speedups to matrix operations and are used for each deep studying coaching and inference operations along with new neural graphics functions. Each Turing SM also includes eight blended-precision Turing Tensor Cores, which are described in additional element within the Turing Tensor Cores part beneath , and one RT Core, whose functionality is described in the Turing Ray Tracing Technology beneath.
This part dives deeper into key new reminiscence hierarchy and show subsystem features of the Turing architecture. The Turing TU102 GPU is the highest performing GPU of the Turing GPU line and the focus of this part. SOL MAN from NVIDIA SOL ray tracing demo running on a Turing TU102 GPU with NVIDIA RTX know-how in actual-time is shown in Figure thirteen (see demo). Two SMs are included per TPC, and each SM has a total of 64 FP32 Cores and 64 INT32 Cores. Overall, the modifications in SM allow Turing to realize 50% improvement in delivered efficiency per CUDA core. DLSS is ready to acknowledge that adjustments in the scene are more complex and combines the inputs in a more intelligent manner that avoids the blurring subject. The RT Cores in Turing can process all of the BVH traversal and ray-triangle intersection testing, saving the SM from spending the thousands of instruction slots per ray, which might be an infinite quantity of instructions for a complete scene. RT Cores speed up Bounding Quantity Hierarchy (BVH) traversal and ray/triangle intersection testing (ray casting) features.


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Structure of the atom 5: spectra - duration: 9:29 stevebd1 49,223 views 9:29 beautiful relaxing music 24/7: study music, sleep music, meditation music,. An answer to the question: how do i make a model of an atom science education this model depicts an earlier view of the structure of the atom,. Rutherford atomic model: rutherford atomic model, also called nuclear atom or planetary model of the atom, description of the structure of atoms proposed.
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Atomic structure what is an atom an atom is the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element basic structure of an atom. Chapter 2: atomic structure and chemical bonding • materials →molecules →atoms • if there is only one electron in the atom, the energy depends on n alone. Hydrogen fine structure is also a magnetic interaction, but with the magnetic field generated by the orbital motion of an electron within the atom itself.
Calqlata's support information for our proposed phds and independent studies relating to the structure of an atom and elementary particles. This page contains materials for self-assessment on the structure of the atom module it presents problems and solution keys from the weekly quizzes and exam problems, plus supplemental exam problems with solutions for study, and features help session videos by teaching assistants. • review of atomic structure electrons, protons, neutrons, the atomic mass of the 12c atom is 12 amu the atomic weight of an element= weighted average of.

domain: chemistry


USMNT stars Gio Reyna and Weston McKennie are wasting no time finding the back of the net in the UEFA Champions League.
Yesterday’s opening kick-off saw multiple Americans taking the field, though none shined as brightly as Dortmund’s Gio Reyna and Juve’s Weston McKennie.
In the Dortmund-Copenhagen game, Reyna subbed on midway through the first half, wasting no time in dishing out a delicious assist.
Before the game was through, Reyna had himself another, helping cap off Borussia’s 3-0 victory.
Reyna has been struggling with lingering hamstring issues for what feels like years now. It’s a relief to finally see him back, just in time for the World Cup.
In the later games, Weston McKennie joined his Juventus side after the half, brought on to help make up for a 2-0 deficit to PSG (but mostly Mbappe). McKennie wasted no time in securing a point for his team, which could prove crucial in case of a goal differential tie-breaker.
McKennie scored the only goal for Juventus on the day.
US defender Sergiño Dest made his highly-anticipated AC Milan debut in the 57th minute of their 1-1 tie with RB Salzburg.
Elsewhere, Champions League Christian briefly subbed on for Chelsea during their 1-0 upset loss to Dinamo Zagreb.
Featured Image: Pexels/Javon Swaby/UEFAChampionsLeague/DM


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When going out with someone right from a different nation, you will learn about a fresh set of traditions and traditions that may could help your romance. Whether it is a positive change in what a date means or perhaps how the two of you should act around close family, there will be a lot of differences that you will have to figure out how to overcome.
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NYON, Switzerland (AP) — The Romanian soccer federation was charged with “racist behavior” on Friday after a Swedish player said he was targeted by the country's fans at a European Championship qualifying game.
UEFA's disciplinary panel will meet on Thursday to judge the case.
Romania already faced charges relating to an “illicit banner” and “illicit chants” brought after the game on Nov. 15 in Bucharest.
Romania faces more severe UEFA action because it was already on probation for previous incidents of offensive fan behavior at Euro 2020 qualifying matches.
Sweden’s 2-0 win over Romania was briefly stopped by the referee to broadcast a warning after forward Alexander Isak claimed he heard racist abuse. The game was played at the National Stadium, which will host four Euro 2020 games in June.
Romania will play two home games at Euro 2020 if it qualifies for the tournament. If Romania wins at Iceland in the playoffs, it faces a second game at Bulgaria or Hungary for the spot in the final tournament.


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The wild Republican contest for U.S. Senate in Colorado got even wilder this week as the Secretary of State's Office informed three candidates that they had failed to qualify for the primary ballot.
On Thursday, Robert Blaha and Ryan Frazier learned they had each fallen short of the required 10,500 petition signatures. The next day, they asked to have the ballot certification process stopped until they could make a case the signatures found invalid should be counted.
A judge ruled that another candidate, former state Rep. Jon Keyser, can appear on the ballot after finding there was no intentional fraud behind a mistake that would have left him 86 signatures short of appearing on the ballot.
On this week's Politics Unplugged, Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams talks about the problems with those candidate petitions and why it is necessary for the candidates to go to court to get their names on the ballot.
Politics Unplugged airs Sundays at 4 p.m. on Denver7.


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A drugged driver who hit a 10-year-old schoolboy during a cycle safety lesson and broke his leg has been convicted today and ordered by a judge to buy the boy a new bike.
Christine Ann Green, 48, struck Ford Fribbens outside his Christchurch school after swerving suddenly while driving with tetrahydrocannabinol - the active ingredient in cannabis - and sleeping pills in her system.
A group of classmates from Halswell School watched in horror, as the youngster was hit from behind on May 22 as he stood astride his bike at the road's edge.
Today, Green, a cleaner from Riccarton, appeared at the Christchurch District Court to plead guilty to a charge of driving and causing an injury while her blood contained a controlled drug.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Paul Scott said Green failed a compulsory impairment test after the incident and she gave no explanation to police for causing the smash.
Today, a duty solicitor acting for Green argued that since she had smoked cannabis three days before the crash, medication for depression and a sleeping pill the night before were more likely to blame for the collision. She was "very remorseful and upset", the lawyer said.
A victim impact statement by the boy's mother said the accident had a "significant" emotional and physical impact on the boy, but there appeared to be no long-lasting effects.
Judge Phillip Moran told Green in the dock: "You must be absolutely mortified by what you did and the consequences of it. To this day you probably don't know what caused you to swerve into this kid."
She shook her head.
The judge stressed that just because there were drugs in her system, it didn't necessarily mean it was the reason for her actions.
He also applauded her for pleading guilty, saying it "takes courage" to take responsibility for actions.
Green was ordered to pay $580 in reparation for the youngster to buy a new bike, along with $500 to his mother for emotional harm, at a rate of $40 per week. She was also sentenced to carry out 120 hours of community work.

domain: law


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Writing Westward Podcast Episode 036
CavanKerry Press, 2021
Andrea Ross is a writer who currently teaches in the University Writing Program at the University of California at Davis. Her writing has appeared in various popular outlets and has been supported by fellowships and awards from the California Arts Council, the Mesa Refuge, and other organization. In earlier years she worked as a National Parks Service ranger and a wilderness guide. In 2021 CavanKerry Press published her book, Unnatural Selection: A Memoir of Adoption and Wilderness, which we are speaking about today. In this memoir Ross relates formative experiences in the outdoors and wilderness of the American West. With the perspective of hindsight, she weaves these together with the concurrent life events she had as an adoptee searching for her biological family. She sees how outdoor Western spaces provided her with a sense of belonging, identity, and family as she searched for her biological roots. It is an intimate and vulnerable exhibition that invites all of us to pause and reevaluate our relationship with the outdoors and explore what unexpected roles it has played in our own life journeys.
Listen and Subscribe Via:
Connect with Writing Westward on Social Media
- Host and Producer Brenden W. Rensink is Associate Director of the Redd Center, an Associate Professor of History at BYU, General Editor of the Intermountain Histories project, and author of the 2018 book Native but Foreign: Indigenous Immigrants and Refugees in the North American Borderlands.
- Podcast Music was written and recorded by local Provo composer by Micah Dahl Anderson.
- Episodes are recorded via Skype or in person and amateurishly engineered and produced by Professor Rensink.
- To submit a book to be considered for a podcast episode, email email@example.com.

domain: literature


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|Keith Arthur / Magma Poetry Competition Winners
||In association with Keith Arthur, Magma is delighted to announce the results of the competition for the best new poem about fishing. The competition was devised and judged by Keith Arthur and Magma’s Alan Ferrett. Keith Arthur is the leading UK broadcaster on angling, presenting Fisherman’s Blues (from the Waterboys’ song) on TalkSPORT (Mw 1053,…
|Magma 36 Launch Reading - 4th December
||Fiona Sampson edits Poetry Review and Orient Express; her verse-novel The Distance Between Us (Seren) was published in 2005. Bernard O’Donoghue was born in Co. Cork and studied Mediaeval English at Oxford; Outliving (Chatto 2003) is his 5th collection.
|Magma 36 - 'Inscapes'
||Guest editor Anne Marie Fife brings her own style to Magma for the Winter issue which was hot off the press at the Aldeburgh Poetry festival, and launches on 4 December in London. New poems by Seamus Heaney and Billy Collins … Jeanette Anderson and Kendal Falkner… and many others. Never heard of Jeanette and…
|Poetry in Practice - Louis Jenkins and the Prose Poem
||It is the distilling power of Louis Jenkins’ imagination that gives his small scenes a biblical quality…. It is the country where scripture meets K-mart. (Howard Nelson, The Hollins Critic) Prose poetry, it can be argued, dates back to the ancient Hebrew scholars: it surfaces in mediaeval France with the first nouvelles and was certainly…
|Editorial: Inscapes in Perspective
||In something of a departure from Magma’s usual practice, the Magma team thought the travel-diary, as it were, of a guest-editor, someone outside the regular rota, someone who doesn’t face 2,400 poems on a regular basis, might nevertheless be of interest to Magma readers and to regular successful or soon-to-be-successful submitters of poems, so herewith…


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Why debt and deficit are not dirty words - Tim Harford
A year after Thomas Piketty's 700-page tome, Capital, became a best-seller, and three years after the inception of the Occupy Movement, the politics of left-wing economic discontent hit the European mainstream in a big way in January.
Greek voters were fed up with the harsh conditions imposed on them by the European Union's bankers in their heavily indebted country's 240-billion-euro economic bailout in 2010.
Syriza vowed to relieve Greece of its formidable debt, which amounts to 175 percent of its gross domestic product.
That's five times greater than Canada's. They also want to disburden Greeks of the austerity measures that have crippled the economy and destroyed their quality of life.
The government has cut so much spending and so many jobs that it's running a surplus ... even while the economy has shrunk by 25 percent, youth unemployment is close to 60 percent and about a third of Greeks are living below the poverty line.
That's so the government can channel its revenue into debt repayment.
So Syriza embarked on an audacious mission to have Greece's debt restructured and austerity measures lifted to get the economy moving and people working again.
Tsipras and his iconoclastic finance minister, Yanis Varoufakis, did a victory lap around Europe, proclaiming that other indebted countries like Spain and Portugal would join them in an uprising against the EU's dour austerity policies.
They took their demands to the EU, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund. And the de facto leader of the European economy, German chancellor Angela Merkel.
The EU, Germany and the IMF were having none of it, though. Syriza was forced to put its anti-austerity revolution on hold in order to remain part of the Eurozone. It was rewarded with a four-month extension of their bailout program, and permission for somewhat less astringent economic tonic.
For another opinion on whether - and when - debt and deficits are really dirty words, Michael Enright talks to Tim Harford, an award-winning economist and broadcaster. He is a columnist with The Financial Times, and his latest best-selling book is The Undercover Economist Strikes Back.


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11 - 16 years
4 - 10 years
This popular progressive lunch tasting shows you the truly authentic side of our town, it’s down to earth and as realistic as everyday life gets in Sorrento.
Accompanied by your Gourmet Girls host, you’ll walk within a residential area to discover the traditions and history behind Sorrentine culture and cuisine via authentic eateries and locally loved trattorias.
Very much a part of the community, there is little Gourmet Girls don’t know and love about the culinary scene in Sorrento. We enjoy genuine relationships with our restaurateurs and it’s that knowledge and friendship we want to share.
Eat like a local: Sample dishes typically served up at an Italian kitchen table. Cooked with fresh, seasonal ingredients, tastings are accompanied by acclaimed wines from the Campania Region to enhance the flavours. Be sure to bring a healthy appetite as there’s a generous amount of scrumptious food to try on this tour.
We embrace the changing of the seasons and ensure our guests are immersed within a truly authentic experience, not only with regard to seasonal dishes, but all that embodies the local culture of everyday life in Sorrento. This tour seamlessly adapts to accompany the seasons throughout the year.
Meet the locals and experience southern Italian hospitality first hand as we introduce you to the owners of the four venues we visit on this tour. Real people with interesting and entertaining personalities who are delighted to welcome you.
Gourmet Girls are fun, easy going and extremely knowledgeable about the food as well the general area surrounding Sorrento. Well-travelled and somewhat amusing–or so we like to think–you are sure to find common ground with us so that you will leave feeling like you made some new friends.
We are different. When it comes to food tours, Gourmet Girls offer an entirely unique experience and are unlike most others you might have tried anywhere around the world. They are meticulously designed to bring you a glimpse of Italian life as it revolves around food and wine. It’s just that very personal touch that make ours stand out over other tours.
Alcoholic beverages can be substituted for soft drinks
Venues and tastings may be subject to change depending on seasonal produce and opening hours
To ensure a more personal experience on this fun-filled food tour, groups are limited to 10/12 maximum
People trust and love our tours. 5 star reviews on Trip Advisor from our guests
Phil & Jessica – Bristol UK
Gourmet Girls Hosted Cooking Experience
Bella Sorrento Sera Progressive Dinner Tour

domain: food


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Ireland’s Fontaines DC (stands for Dublin City if you were wondering) is back with its third album. Evolving from an invigorating and fresh new voice of post-punk rockers to a more mature band since 2019’s Dogrel, the group has become more compelling than ever. Skinty Fia finds the boys asserting their Irishness even though most of the group are now ex-pats living in London, even dropping in native Irish language phrases. The title is essentially a curse, translated as “the damnation of the deer,” and the group’s experiences of not feeling entirely welcome as Irishmen in the UK ripples throughout the album.
The latest single from the record is “I Love You,” and it’s not exactly as straightforward as it would initially appear. Grian Chatten tried to turn a cliched topic on his head, he told Rolling Stone, plus, “I’m now living in a country that is responsible for a lot of the chaos in the country that I’m from, that still kind of looks down on that country. I feel guilty for having left.”
Pitchfork muses, “By burrowing into Fontaines D.C.’s particular experiences as strangers in a strange land, Skinty Fia ultimately homes in on the eternal fears—of growing old, bored, bitter, and unloved—that unite us all.”
“I Love You”
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