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Home/ukraine/what I write in the Exodus Metro preview
what I write in the Exodus Metro preview
ukraine January 17, 2019 ukraine
Less than a month is left before the launch of one of the most anticipated games this year, Metro Exodus. Recently, the Deep Silver publisher has allowed journalists to try a new version of the preview, and on January 16th lifted the ban on publishing preliminary reviews and videos. From articles you can find out more details – the most important ones we've collected for you in this article.
According to DailyTech, in the version provided, journalists were asked to explore three large open locations – on the banks of the Vlei (spring) in the desert, once at the base of the Caspian Sea (summer) and taiga (autumn). All journalists have appreciated the game for its unusual surroundings, unique atmosphere, exciting locations, a constant sense of tension, high quality sound (using binaural sound), an impressive image and dark tunnels, where you have to scare your enemies with a lighter. Exodus Metro borrowed some elements from Far Cry: different systems interact with each other, which sometimes leads to an unexpected result. The main character may lose an important event and can only see the consequences of the event. Collisions with NPCs and monsters, as well as weather events are dynamically generated.
Deficiencies have also found many. The game does not have an open world (instead of it – many more spacious locations), but even very large cards, as noted by PC Gamer employee Samuel Roberts, are not very interesting to study because of lack of experience and other elements RPG. Visiting unnecessary places and listening to journals is not rewarded in any way – this is research for the sake of research. In some places you can find improvements for weapons, but in most cases, deviating from the trail, the player gets into unpleasant situations-you can stumble on a large group of opponents, spend all your ammunition, and die. For this reason, the journalist decided to strictly follow the designated route, as in a linear game.
Roberts also mentioned that not everyone likes the rhythm of the story: Metro Exodus has many long episodes in which "Nothing is happening". However, four hours later, the journalist did not lose interest in the game. According to the journalist, some scenes of action seem to be inappropriate and seem to be made – For the sake of entertainment. Journalists showed a large-scale battle, during which Artyom did not destroy his enemies, but he slipped along the wall creating munitions and medals on the move. "The subway is not Call of Duty and I like it, but this scene seems to be taken from another game, – he wrote. – She rejects a little.
there are no secondary missions in the game;
the animation of opponents is much worse than the models themselves;
killing mutants is generally useless: ammunition falls only out of people. On the one hand, this is realistic, but on the other hand, the player feels that each bullet fired at the mutant is wasted;
employed VG247 Kirk McKeand does not recommend playing on the console due to the too complex objective and control scheme, in general, unsuccessful. He called Metro Exodus "Hardcore Computer Game, Anything To Say";
Journalist informant Matt Bertz (Matt Bertz) complained about Artyom's slumber: the main character moves heavily and fails to act quickly during a shootout. The animations are too long and, until it's over, Artyom will be completely defenseless;
according to Bertz, desert locations are very well developed, which is very rare in games. The bottom of the Caspian Sea is not only a huge desert: there are docks, a beacon, a crane, several prisoners and a cave system;
DualShockers viewer Ryan Meitzler complained about the performance of the Xbox One X version. Despite the console's power, the cadence rate during enemy battles and in lots of details fell to 30 frames / s (and sometimes less), although the remaining time close to 60 frames per second.
However, flaws could not ruin the overall impression of the game. Maitzler admitted that even after he met the imperfect preview version of Metro Exodus, it remained one of the most anticipated games since the beginning of 2019. According to him, the new game demonstrates that Metro's ideas can work in a vast world. He praised developers for having managed to create spacious locations without affecting the narrative, which the previous parts remind them of.
Below you can see new gameplay fragments from GamesRadar, RPS, GameByte, Eurogamer, Polygon, IGN and Pass the Controller.
Metro Exodus will be released on February 15 on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
If you notice an error, select it with your mouse and press CTRL + ENTER.
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Window Treatment : Jewel Curtains Draft Curtain Hemming Curtains Sheer Curtains Easy Hang Curtain Track System. Draft Curtain. Motorized Curtains. Lowes Curtains. Mint Curtains.
By BiSM1LLah-empiritrage. Window Treatment. At Monday, April 15th 2019, 03:31:47 AM.


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How Downtowns Can Rebound After the Pandemic
Tulsa officials say its downtown has become a 24-hour neighborhood. Taylor A. Stewart/Shutterstock
By Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene
They have to offer more than office space.
Before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, there was reason for good cheer about the nation's downtowns. "Walking around big cities the past few years," a Brookings Institution report issued in May 2020 stated, "one could sense a reversal underway from the post-WWII norm. . . the downtown boom is real."
But Brookings' researchers questioned whether downtowns could survive the pandemic—and that's a question that has grown ever more important.
"As we went into the pandemic, things got quiet pretty fast," said Michael Edwards, president and CEO of the Chicago Loop Alliance. As of mid-December occupancy of downtown office buildings was between 10% and 15% of what it had been before Covid-19. The Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) had been populated by 15,000 people before the pandemic, "but it's closer to 1,500 now," said Edwards.
The dramatic shift to remote working, coupled with restrictions on restaurants, bars, shops, gyms, movie theaters and other operations, have driven many small businesses to shutter. Others have survived by changing their nature—sometimes aided by alterations in city and state regulations.
Take the KC Daiquiri Shop in downtown Kansas City. It was successful after it opened in March 2019 with a combination of liquor and food. Its owners had high hopes for its second year in operation, when the Big 12 basketball tournament would be held in the T-Mobile Center, just a block away from the Daiquiri Shop.
"The week of the tournament, the first set of games got canceled because of the pandemic," said co-owner Kinley Strickland, "and no one knew what was going to happen. Here we were, about to celebrate our one-year anniversary and now everything was shut." The salvation for Strickland and his partner Calvin Vick came when Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas permitted to-go alcohol sales. The state followed up with a similar move.
"We had curbside pickups and we'd bring things to the car," said Vick. "Or people could walk up and get daiquiris. We had social distancing inside and social distancing lines, so no one was too close to the other person."
While new business plans enabled by regulatory changes, like that which helped save the Daiquiri Shop, have been helpful, they are far from a full solution for downtowns. Even as there's renewed hope for the future in the form of vaccines that are being distributed now, there's a general consensus among city leaders that occupancy rates in office buildings are not going to return to previous levels. People who have the opportunity to work from home are likely to want to continue that practice, at least a few days a week, and the corporations that employed them are inevitably going to want to cut down on the expense of maintaining office space.
What are cities going to do?
"The medium term is an incredible challenge, and this speaks to the need for the federal government to provide aid to the cities," said Brooks Rainwater, senior executive and director of the Center for City Solutions at the National League of Cities.
Longer term, Rainwater said, "downtowns are going to look different. We will see an increased number of experiential entities like places for cooking classes or to taste wine." One key to the future of downtowns is to grow as destinations for people from the suburbs or residential neighborhoods in the cities by offering services they can't find on their own tree-lined streets.
"What we've been offering as a downtown is more than office space. It's easy access to amenities," says Scott Murphy, vice president for economic development at the Downtown Dayton Partnership in Ohio. For example, the first Friday of every month, Downtown Dayton has offered a free event from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. that has included—when the pandemic hasn't made it impossible—"a variety of entertainment options like street performances and roaming entertainers, arts exhibitions, live music, dining and shopping specials," according to the Downtown Dayton Partnership's website.
These amenities can help foster another significant hope for the future of downtowns: Getting people to move there, not just visit during their workdays or on weekends. "If we hold onto the majority of our amenity base, like first floor retail, restaurants, pubs, events and so in, even as elements of the office market grow challenging, we'll be on a positive trajectory for residential occupancy of downtown," said Murphy.
Leaders in Tulsa, Oklahoma have much the same vision. "Downtown in Tulsa has become more like a 24-hour neighborhood where people live, work and play," said Clay Holk, the city's coronavirus relief fund program manager since August and formerly its senior policy adviser for entrepreneurship, small business and economic innovation. "That's a countervailing trend when compared to the office space that's sitting empty."
The future of the nation's downtowns, unfortunately, can't be pinned entirely on attracting people from residential areas or bringing them to live there. It appears clear that new kinds of businesses are going to have to emerge in center cities to unlock the doors and open the windows of the shops and restaurants that have closed down in these bleak times.
Tulsa is taking steps to encourage that kind of transition, by providing inducements aimed at attracting the kind of men and women who are inclined to start their own businesses. Leaders there, with philanthropic support, have built a program called Tulsa Remote that has spawned similar efforts in other cities like Topeka, Kansas and Fayetteville, Arkansas. The program pays remote workers or entrepreneurs who live outside of Oklahoma $10,000 and provides them with free desk space if they move to Tulsa.
"Once they move here, they can form a community and enjoy being part of the community here," said Holk.
"We need to be developing small businesses that are going to grow from four employees to 20 employees," he said. "Not all of them will make it. But some will."
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age. PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance and carries an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of GDM in women with a history of PCOS. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a single center in Vietnam between January 2014 and December 2017. A total of 400 women who conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART) were included, 200 who had been diagnosed with PCOS, and 200 without a PCOS diagnosis as controls. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between risk of GDM and PCOS after adjusting for confounders. GDM was present in 37% of those with PCOS, compared with 26.5% in those without PCOS (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.04–1.87, p=0.02). The prevalence of GDM did not differ significantly between PCOS phenotype groups (p=0.28). Women with PCOS undergoing ART had a higher risk of GDM after adjusting for differences in age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, type of infertility, ART indications, and type of ART (adjusted OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.06–3.92). First-trimester fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was also an independent predictor for GDM (adjusted OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.01–2.34). This study suggests that PCOS and first-trimester FPG are independent risk factors for the development of GDM.


I love these bags equally, but not too sure on which one would be more of a classic style. I was hoping you guys would give me your input...negative or positive.
in black though or they're just about the same price. I have a few MJacobs, but not in this style...always wanted one in this style.
I like texture so I naturally lean towards the black quilted bag.
I think both are pretty timeless, but the black is slightly more IMO.
I like the black one the best. The other one is ok. I don't really like the shape or the straps on the side. Jmo. Good luck with your choice.
I love both bags- seriously but there is just something about the quilted leather that I really love. The first one reminds me of a typical MJ bag (which is not a bad thing) while the quilted just stands out more and will always be a classic- never go out of style really. Either way, you can't go wrong. Let us know what you decide!
I like the yellow (is that considered yellow?) one The black one is nice, but it's a little too shiny for me, almost patent leather-like.
As far as being a more classic bag, I'd go with the black one.
I like the black one better. I think it get more use. The first looks very seasonal imo.
Thanks all for your input...I knew I could count you! They're actually the same bag, but in different textures...just couldn't decide if I should go with the quilted patent or the smooth leather and of course I'm sticking with black (not very daring, I'm afraid :worried: ).
I like the second bag because it looks classier than the first bag. The first bag looks a bit boring to me.
I like the quilted bag. Where do you live in Northern California? I live in San Jose.
Definitely the second! Even better IRL!
Quilted! It's not so plain, like the first one.


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Kathie Lee Gifford on relocating: 'I moved here because I was dying of loneliness'
The talk show veteran said she has found joy and a new creative energy in Middle Tennessee that is helping her finally pursue her childhood dreams
Brad Schmitt
Gifford will star in two events this weekend, a fundraiser gala Saturday and a Christmas concert Sunday
The former talk show host has had a house in Franklin for two years
Gifford has written with some of Nashville's biggest songwriters, including Brett James and Kelley Lovelace
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Kathie Lee Gifford watched her football star husband, Frank Gifford, die in 2015 in the same Connecticut house their adult children moved out of a few years prior.
"That huge beautiful memory-filled home was like a morgue to me," said Gifford, whose mom died two years ago.
So she bought a house in Tennessee.
"I moved here because I was dying of loneliness," the longtime TV talk show host – who left NBC's Today show in April – said in a 90-minute interview in her opulent brownstone near the Franklin town square.
"Here's the bad news — I'm a widow, an orphan, and an empty-nester. The good news is, I have the freedom of a widow, an orphan and an empty-nester. I've got all the time to spend my days writing. I'm having the life I could've only ever dreamed of."
Kathie Lee Gifford's daughter engaged:'I am beyond the moon and stars'
Since buying a home here, Gifford has connected with songwriters, producers, Christian and country artists and others, unleashing a manic pursuit of creativity.
Among her recent projects:
♦ Four songs she co-wrote and recorded, spiritual tunes around losing her husband, including "He Saw Jesus" and "Love Me to Death;"
♦ A romantic comedy, "Love Me to Death," that she wrote, produced and co-starred in with comedian Craig Ferguson;
♦ A new children's book, "The Gift I Can Give";
♦ Two Hallmark Channel movies;
♦ Songwriting with some of Nashville's biggest songwriters, including Brett James, Kelley Lovelace and Stephanie Bentley; and
♦ Creating oratorios — large-scale religious narrative-music productions like Handel's Messiah — with Christian artist Nicole C. Mullen and others.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT:Kathie Lee Gifford was a Hee Haw Honey
Mullen and Gifford debuted an oratorio Sunday night as part of the Nashville Pop Orchestra's 1,000 Voices of Christmas concert. The night before, Gifford hosted a $350-a-person fundraiser gala at the Musicians Hall of Fame. (Proceeds will go to the pop orchestra's student scholarship program.)
Gifford said she is thrilled to get back to fulfilling her childhood dreams. She grew up wanting to be Barbra Streisand or Meryl Streep, and now, Gifford is making movies and writing songs.
But don't look for Gifford to get back into being a recording artist. (Gifford recorded 16 albums through her career.)
Kathie Lee Gifford exits 'Today':The host through the years
Gifford stopped singing professionally 15 years ago when scar tissue on her lungs from double pneumonia took away about 25% of her ability to breathe.
Songwriter James convinced her to record a few songs recently, but Gifford said she won't be releasing full albums or touring.
"No. No. No," she said, swirling her eponymous chardonnay in a chilled wine glass.
"I've done that for 40 years. No more concerts. I don't have the breath control. I've really moved on."
Creating the music has been invigorating for Gifford, who realized quickly that Nashville songwriters like to collaborate through, well, conversation.
"They sit around and talk and yaw and chaw and, you know, scratch and chew," Gifford said, laughing. "And an hour's gone by and I'm going, 'Have we written something?'"
Still, Gifford has embraced the process and loves to host songwriters at her house.
"They come over here and I've got mounds and mounds of lyrics. I write every single day. I let them go through them and see what moves them and touches them. If there's nothing, we write from scratch, even though that's been hard for me," she said.
The songwriters love it too.
"I give them a beautiful lunch and I let them go to the wine cellar and get something for their spouses."
Gifford seems to have a particular fervor for her oratorios, making Bible stories come to life. But she loves it all.
"I had these these childhood dreams that I never had time to make it happen. Now I do," Gifford said.
"These are just gifts from God. I'm just trying to keep them growing."
Nashville is a great spot to do that, she told the Today show on a return visit this week.
"It's a culture of kindness in Nashville. They're authentically kind... and joyful!"


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Maria Menounos shares touching Mother's Day message
ENTERTAINMENT, WORLD News
by GCT Team
While Mother's Day is a day to celebrate and honour the maternal figures in our lives, it's important to note that the holiday can be immensely hard for people who have dealt with loss in their life.
Earlier this month, Maria Menounos' mother Litsa Menounos passed away after battling stage 4 brain cancer for more than four years.
On Mother's Day, Maria shared a beautiful message of grief, hope, family and love:
"Happy Mother's Day Mama. To anyone who has lost their moms here in the physical world, I want to share a portion of my speech that I unfortunately wasn't allowed to deliver at her funeral. Not sure why our churches don't allow for it, but it is what it is.
"I worked with a very kind woman who knows loss and helps others through, @Diannebgray these last few weeks to prepare for what might happen with my mom. Though I held out hope for a miracle, I also was preparing for any outcome. Mom's soul had its own trajectory and I had to respect that. Dianne asked-what do you love about your mom. I said well my mom was the most selfless person I know. Dianne said, funny you didn't mention anything about her hair, her nails, or anything physical. The only thing that dies is her cellular body. Her soul is what you love about your mom, she said. And that's energy. Energy between two people is love and energy is neither created nor destroyed. Science proves that. Our love is everywhere all the time. Dianne taught me that I was going to have to learn a new way to connect with her and hear her: kind of like my connection with god.
"I share this with you so that you know your moms are still with you. I know my mom is and I'm chatting with her constantly.
"My biggest fear in life was always losing my parents. I worked tirelessly to delay that. These last five years have taught me that I will never be alone now. I'm guided, protected and loved from above and now I have the greatest guardian angel around in Mom. I love you forever mom. ❤"
Maria Menounos, who is currently pursuing having children through surrogacy with her husband Keven Undergaro, talked about keeping her mom "thinking of the future with grandchildren to come" in an April episode of her YouTube show Better Together, which detailed Litsa's COVID-19 diagnosis in the middle of her cancer battle.
"I said to her, 'You gotta get strong, you gotta hang on—you've got grandchildren coming,'" Maria shared on the show.
Litsa is survived by her husband, Costas, and their two children, Maria and Peter.
*More on GCT: Maria Menounos and her family play 'Celebrity Family Feud' (VIDEO)
Tags: brain cancer, Greece news, Greek Easter, Greek news, greek news today, Keven Undergaro, Litsa Menounos, Maria Menounos, Mother's Day, RIP mom
GCT Team
This article was researched and written by a GCT team member.
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Greek unemployment rate fell in December, inflation fell in January
The first snows in Parnitha! See the photos


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Glycerine Queen Media
News, opinion and everything in between
People are worried about Christmas costs
Post author By Sara Harnetty
No Comments on People are worried about Christmas costs
Image: Liliboas, iStock
'Tis the season… to be extra frugal. And, unfortunately, worry about finances.
According to Herald Sun, recent research revealed that some people are planning to go without gifts this Christmas, due to financial strain.
40% of survey respondents told online market researchers, Toluna, that they are stressing about not having enough money for gifts. 19% of couples plan to forego gifts altogether.
Young adults under thirty- four have been hardest hit financially, with 75% of young adults saying they've changed plans due to cost pressures.
Even workplace Secret Santa is causing stress.
Toluna director, Sej Patel isn't surprised that people are stressed about Christmas.
…it's not a surprise that Aussies are also feeling the pinch this Christmas.
Our research shows that despite being under financial strain, the social pressures and expectations around gift- giving are making this a particularly difficult time of year, with some saying it is dampening their Christmas spirit
Sej Patel as told to the Herald Sun, 1 December 2022
Cost of living also a worry in Britain and the U.S.
Australians aren't the only ones worrying about costt of Christmas.
Prices of essentials have skyrocketed in the UK.
Experts predict that inflation will remain at 11% for the rest of the year. According to British Retail Consortium, the cost of fresh food increased by 14.3% in November.
To ease financial stress, UK's government has offered Brits a one- off paymebt of £650 (A$1154). That may help a little bit in the moment.
Regardless of what governments have done, people are struggling. Recent events around the world has turned everything on its head, including at the 'most joyful time of year'.
Not surprisingly, cost of living has hit the U.S, too. According to the Ameican Psychological Association, almost 90% of U.S adults says inflation is causing stress.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 90% of people are literally losing sleep because of financial stress.
This is catastrophic on people's health. Lack of sleep causes a number of health problems including:
Loss of short and long term memory
Troubles with concentration
Increase risk of accidents
Increased risk of high blood pressure
Higher risk of heart disease
Tips on easing stress of Christmas spending
Image: Geber86, iStock
So, what can you do to combat financial stress this Christmas?
Lisa Rapaport wrote some tips on Everyday Health. These include:
Don't avoid financial reality. Deal with debts, expenses, etc with eyes wide open. Ignorance isn't going to make it go away.
Set financial boundaries. Only buy gifts and other festivity items that you can afford. It's a good idea to plan in advance and write a list of what to buy.
Focus on experiences, rather than gifts. Make the gift exchange into an event. Do a potluck or a family meal that will create lasting memories.
If you are in real dire need, turn to the local food banks in your area. Don't feel ashamed if you need to turn to these services. The last couple of years have been a rollercoaster for everybody. Try and allow yourself and your family to enjoy Christmas. If you need extra support, get it.
Whatever you do for Christmas, try and make it as enjoyable as possible. Preferably without a massive debt following you into 2023.
Have you adjusted your plans this Christmas? Leave any thoughts in the comments below.
Tags Christmas, cost of living, financial stress, gift- giving, News
Herald Sun accuses Facebook users of trying to rort NDIS
No Comments on Herald Sun accuses Facebook users of trying to rort NDIS
Image: iStock
Newscorp columnist, Andrew Koubardis wrote a list of requests Facebook users were allegedly trying to claim.
The opening sentence is pure sensationalism:
From dog washes, electric toothbrushes, iPads, vinyl floorboards, personal training sessions and sex workers – nothing is off limits.
Full list of NDIS claims Australians are trying to claim, Andrew Koubardis, 22 October, 2022
No explanation on what iPads are used for? Vinyl floorboards?
The article copped some backlash:
Without knowing the specific needs of any of these people, or the severity of their disability, we really can't judge their request.
Martin — 23 October 2022
Commenters attacked the using of Facebook as proof for dodgy requests:
This are posts [sic] from a Facebook group… they are not advice or pollicy of the NDIS. Several of those items absolutely would not be justified as a purchase in the legislation, and this article takes the advice of random people on Facebook as confirmation it would be abused. The sort of article that does nothing but make the general public hate on people with a disability, even more than they already do.
Sandy — 22 October 2022
Koubardis and commenters were slammed for misrepresenting NDIS funding and why it may be needed:
This article and many of the comments being made are shockingly inaccurate, there are so many people with significant disabilities who can barely get enough NDIS funding to cover their everyday care needs, yet people commenting here seem to think NDIS is a free bucket of cash to spend on luxury items!! An iPad is a reasonable and necessary disability expense for someone whose disability means they are unable to communicate verbally. An electronic toothbrush is a reasonable and necessary disability expense for someone whose physical disability means they struggle to manually brush their own teeth effectively. Meal deliveries are a reasonable and necessary disability expense for someone whose disability means they are unable to cook for themselves (far more effective than a support worker having to come and cook for them everyday). Just because something is a luxury for one individual doesn't mean that it isn't a reasonable and necessary disabilty expense for person with disability. *
Lucy — 21 Octobe4 2022
*Comment is published how it was written in the Herald Sun.
History of Newscorp attacking the NDIS… and the people on it
This isn't the first time a Newscorp columnist has attacked the NDIS.
Andrew Bolt has been a critic of the scheme from the start. He slammed fifty lawnmowing and gardening companies for allegedly signing up to the NDIS to help famiilies with children with autism.
An unnamed business owner allegedly "secretly wondered" whether all his clients needed his assistance.
A landscaper and cleaner allegedly claimed that 2500 people in Tomakin, New South Wales were signed up to the NDIS.
In 2017: Daily Telegraph columnist, Miranda Devine was slammed for suggesting there was an "autism boom" when the NDIS was rolling out. And, like Bolt, Devine suggested the NDIS was just a pot if gold to be exploited.
I'm saying that the NDIS can't and has never been exploited. But this constant demonisation from, arguably Australia's largest commercial media outlet is wrong. It doesn't do any good, especially for the people already dealing with complexities of the NDIS.
We're talking about people's lives. Lives that have been ignored and abused for too long.
Nobody has the right to judge the needs for someone from a marginalised group. It's up to GPs, psychologists, occupational therapists, etc to determine a client's disability and their needs. Not click – bait hungry journalists.
What do you think? Do you have any experience with the NDIS? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Tags Andrew Bolt, journalist, Miranda Devine, NDIS, News, Newscorp
The issue with Kanye West is lack of accountability. Until now
No Comments on The issue with Kanye West is lack of accountability. Until now
Tucker Carlson gave soft interview to Ye West
Content warning: antisemitism and mention of the Holocaust
American rapper, Ye West (formerly Kanye) has caused a stir after a number of scandals.
He was seen at Paris Fashion Week with conservative commentator, Candace Owens. They both wore 'White Lives Matter' shirts.
Twitter deletes tweet for antisemitism
On Thursday, Twitter deleted one of West's tweets. His tweet is condemned for antisemitism. West has hit back, claiming he can't be antisemitic because he's black.
Candace Owens also defended him on her show. She claimed:
[shows deleted tweet] That was the tweet and people subsequently demanded that the Tweet be taken down for antisemitism. Now, if you are an honest person you did not think this tweet was antisemitic. You did not think that he wrote this tweet because he hates or wants to genocide Jewish people. This is not represent the beginning of the Holocaust.
Candace Owens, Candace Owens Podcast,
Instagram also reacted, restricting West's account.
In the aftermath, Fox News' Tucker Carlson gave a relatively soft interview toward West. From the start, he strongly defended West, castong doubt of the antisemitism claims. He also defended the display of the 'White Lives Matter' shirt.
Fox News' Tucker Carlson defended Ye West on his show, including denying Ye's tweet was antisemitic
Is bipolar disorder to blame?
Ok, let me say this from the outset. Mental illness is never an excuse for being abusive, bigoted, etc. Having said that, a number of commentators, including Ana Kasparian fron The Young Turks and Kyle Kulinski from Secular Talk have pointed out West's bipolar disorder as an explanation to his recent behaviour.
However, London – based forensic psychiatrist, Sohom Das disagrees. While he acknowledged West's bipolar diagnosis, Das said that his recent behaviour isn't usually indicative of grandiosity in mania.
According to Verywell Mind, grandiosity (or grandiose ideation) in bipolar is an exaggerated sense of self – importance. In contrast, delusions of grandeur are delusions of superiority with no evidence to back it up.
Latest update: There's a backlash against Ye West. According Billboard YouTube channel, LeBron James pulled an entire episode of The Shop which featured West. He cited 'hate speech' to defend the axing of the episode.
On Tuesday, Missouri Attorney General, Republican, Eric Schmitt caused controversy for posting a tweet supporting West after he wrote the antisemitic tweet.
America needs a @kanyewest @KidRock tour
After an uproar, Schmitt deleted the tweet from his personal account. In his defence, Schmitt said that he liked both Kid Rock and West's music. However, he was quick to point out that he didn't always agree with their views.
This comes less than a month before the US Midterm elections.
So, what's up with Ye West? In my opinion, West is an attention seeker. I also think that he's got away with so much over the years (i.e. the 2009 VMAs, pretending to kill Pete Davidson in a video, etc). I think he's pushing the envelope, to see how far he can go.
Luckily, people are waking up. I really think he needs less 'yes' men and more accountability.
Tags antisemitism, News, Tucker Carlson, Twitter, Ye West
Treatment guidelines for ADHD have been revealed
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Earlier this year, the ADHD Professional Association came under fire for recommending ADHD medication under six as a first resort.
This went against the Therepeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The TGA warned against using medication as a first resort for children under six.
Well, treatment guidelines for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have come out.
ADHD treatment guidelines are implemented
According to the ABC, the first official guidelines for treating ADHD have been approved.
It's hoped that these guidelines will help improve the lives of approximately 1 million Australians that live with the condition. It also offers a uniform treatment for those who have ADHD.
So, what are the guidelines? Was AADPA's initial controversial proposal approved?
According to the guidelines, diagnosis and treatment are extensive and conplex. Both psychological and medicinal treatments are discussed.
Here are some of the recommendations:
Clinicians (General Practitioners or psychiatrists) conduct a "comprehensive assessment" to determine ADHD diagnosis
If the patient has a cardiac condition, GP must contact the patient's cardiologist for an opinion on treatment
The ADHD symptoms must cause "significant impairment" before medication is prescribed
If close monitoring is required, clinicians are advised to offer short – acting stimulants (i.e. immediate release methylphenidate or dexamfetamine)
Medications that clinicians canQQ prescribe include:
Lamotragine
Desvenlafaxine
If a certain medication isn't working, clinicians are advised to try out other medications. If all else fails, psychological interventions are advised.
People with ADHD should have access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Trigger warning: mental illness and suicide
Another recommendation suggests that people diagnosed with ADHD should have access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Since we're talking about severe ADHD, in theory, I agree. However, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has badly let people with mental illnesses down.
There have been a number of reports of people with mental illnesses waiting too long to have their NDIS plans (funding) to be approved.
Unfortunately, the result has been tragic. There have been reports of people taking their own lives while waiting for plans to be approved.
Again, people with psychosocial disabilities —including ADHD — should be supported. But the NDIS needs to be fixed so people with mental illnesses can be aporoved.
What else can be done? Make mental health free under Medicare
First, for non – Australians. Medicare is meant to make medical care in public doctors/ public hospitals more affordable. If you go to a GP, for example, you are bulk billed.
Australians with a Medicare card can go in a doctor's office or public hospital and not get slugged with a multi – thousand dollar bill.
However, mental health care isn't properly covered. Under the Better Access Scheme, only ten therapy sessions a year are given half price annually. This includes people who are diagnosed with serious mental illnesses.
I think this should change. I believe if you are diagnosed with a serious mental illness, all therapy should be government funded and completely free for patients. I know sone people won't agree, but it's how I feel.
Question to readers: I looked up medications I listed while writing this post. Lamotragine is an anti – seizure medication. Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic. How are these supposed to help with ADHD?
Tags ADHD, guidelines, Medicare, mental health, News
Workplacement a hindrance for single parents in university
No Comments on Workplacement a hindrance for single parents in university
When I was twenty -four, I was studying the Diploma in Conmunity Services online. I didn't conplete the Diploma for one main reason: I couldn't complete the workplacement.
According to the ABC, many university students are falling over a similar hurdle. Especially single parents.
Tess Williams is one of those parents. The mother – of – two tried to study to become a teacher. Unfortunately, after her marriage ended, completing six weeks of unpaid workplacement was proving difficult:
I was trying to fit it all in like a jigsaw. I'd organised for my mum to come and stay. All of these moving parts had to fit together to be able to make that placement work.
Finishing the degree would have made Williams max credit cards and get deep in debt. Unfortunately, Williams didn't finish the degree. She only had six months to go.
That was eight years ago. She's remarried, but never went back to finish her degree. She believes she still couldn't afford it.
University drop out rate is astounding
Williams is not alone in dropping out of study. The drop out rate is shocking. According to the Grattan Institute, in 2018, 70% of part – time students did not finish their studies.
Clashes between study and family commitments was a main reason why students couldn't finish their studies. Chief Executive for 'National Council for Single Mothers' , Therese Edwards reinforced the finding.
Female dominated degrees most affected
There is a sex – based bias here. Many of the degrees that require extensive, often unpaid workplacements, are dominated by women. As you can see above, education is one such field.
When I saw the article on Facebook, some commenters claimed that Social Work students also found workplacement to be a common hurdle. (Social work was the degree I had my heart set on when I wa# in my mid twenties. I don't feel so alone, now).
Universities in Australia need an overhaul
The more I read (and sometimes write) about universities, the more I realise that something is broken. The way that universities operate needs an overhaul.
From students having to choose what debts to pay off to the drop out rates, the way Australian universities are being run isn't working. Too many people are not having their career dreams fulfilled because of roadblocks placed by university bodies.
The university sector isn't friendly to young students that aren't already wealthy or mature – aged students, especially if they're parents. I mean, what's the point? More importantly, what can be done?
I think that university degrees (especially bachelors) should be government funded. With that, I also support the number universities places being capped.
Secondly, workplacement requirements need obvious reform. I think workplacements should be paid, similar to apprenticeships and traineeships. Maybe the federal or state governments can subsidise these wages. Maybe the wages don't nedd to be that of a full-time employee, but they should be fair.
Everyone should be given a fair go. And currently, university students aren't getting that. I think that should change.
What do you think? Should the university sector in Australia change? If so, how? Feel free to put your thoughts in the comments below.
Tags career, News, part-time students, universities, workplacements
Thai massage therapists are being asked for 'happy endings'
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CW: sexual harrassment, including descriptions. If this is a triggering topic for you, feel free to skip this post.
Massage therapists are being asked to give male clients 'happy endings'.
According to SBS News, Susan* has been working as a massage therapist in Australia for a decade. The Thai – born visa holder did massage therapy in Sydney to comply with the conditions of her visa.
Massage is easy for a non – English speaking visa holder to get into. Unfortunateky, these workers are easy for people to take advantage of.
Clients ask for 'happy endings'.
Susan told SBS News:
Ninety-five percent are good clients. When you are given good feedback, it feels really good… I love my work.
Yet, some of the five percent are… well sleazy. Men have asked Susan to give them 'happy endings', i.e. to masturbate them to orgasm.
Susan also says that clients have tried to touch her while she was performing the massage.
University studies sexual harrassment victimisation among migrant communities
Needless to say, this is sexual harrassment, pure and simple. Unforrtunately, Susan is not the only one who has been harassed.
Monash University has partnered with Harmony Alliance and Women's Alliance to get a glimpse into sexual violence suffered by migrants and refugees. According to Associate Professor Marie Segrave, migrants and refugees are often overlooked in sexual violence studies in Australia.
When the SBS article was published last week, 1,000 people had responded to Segrave's questionnaire. More people were expected to respond.
How Susan protects herself
It's disgusting that this is happening. However, experienced therapists are able to deal with potentially sleazy clients. They often have to read between the lines.
My experience, when the guy asking about full body, I have aware what is meaning [sic]
Massage isn't sex work
Let me start with a statement. If someone wants to do sex work, erotic massage, etc, that's their perogative.
If someone wants to give clients 'happy endings' or sexual services, that's their perogative.
This is NOT what massage therapists are about. In fact, massage therapists vehemently reject the idea that they are sex work services. If you look up massage and sex work on Google, you will see link after link with the same arguments.
This message should go out far and wide. Because what is happening to many massage therapists is sexual harassment, pure and simple.
The race aspect
We obviously need to talk about race, too. Many massage therapists that face sexual harrassment and indecent assault are often migrants or visa holders from non – English speaking backgrounds.
Why aren't those with a working visa in Australia being offered transalation services? Aren't they being told what their rights are? What the laws are?
Are migrant workers being told who to turn to if they are being harassed or indecently assaulted? If migrants and work visa holders aren't being told this, then there's huge flaws in our migration system. Then again, I guess it isn't surprising, given how many migrant workers often get financially exploited.
This shouldn't be happening. No one, regardless of where they come from, should be abused, harassed or exploited at work.
Anyone facing harassment at work can contact the Fair Work Commission: 1300 799 675
To get more information, you can go to the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
*Not real name
Tags immigration, massage therapy, News, rights, sexual harassment, work
Queen Elizabeth II's death and free speech: where is the line?
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Queen Elizabeth II passed away last week. She was ninety – six – years – old.
The news of her passing has left many grief – stricken. A national day of mourning has been called for the 22 September. Australia will join the mourning, with businesses closing down as a mark of respect.
Mourners have come from around tge world; including Australia and the U.S. However, not everyone has been grieving. In fact, some have been disrespectful.
Professor wished Queen a "excruciating death"
A Carnegie Mellon University professor had a tweet degrading the Queen censored.
According to The Intercept, Professor Uju Anya wrote:
I heard the chief monarch of a thieving, raping, genocidal empire is finally dying. May her pain be excruciating.
Uju Anya via Twitter 9 September 2022
Amazon's Jeff Bezos was quick to condemn the tweet. Twitter was quick to deem the tweet "abusive" and Twitter removed it.
Secular Talk's Kyle Kulinski pointed outvthat Anya is friends with a pro – Union protestor. Bezos has fought tooth and nail against unions.
NRLW player kicked out of Round over Instagram post
Last Friday (9 September), Newcastle Knight's Caitlin Moran was penalised for an Instagram post degrading the Queen. Moran used a derogatory term against her (I won't repeat it).
The tweet was deleted eight hours later. On Tuesday, the NRL banned Moran for a game and 25% of her pay was cut. The NRL has also ordered Moran to undergo education on appropriate social media use.
Newcastle Knights' coach, Ronald Griffiths defended Moran:
The relationship bwtween Indigenous people and the monarchy is a complicated one.
If Caitlin has done something, then it will be investigated by the Integrity Unit and we'll work our way through the process.
Ronald Griffiths
The NRL rejected Griffiths' defence, condemning Moran's comments as unacceptable. They claimed that players were expected to not make comments that could potentially cause "damage to the game".
Lastly (on this incident), the NRL has been accused of double standards. People have highlighted the belated suspension of Penrith Panthers' Taylan May.
May was found guilty of assault after Panthers' premiership win last year. His two match susoension has been suspended.
There are calls for the NRL to reverse Moran's ban and apologise,
The Markle effect
Let me start by saying this. Queen Elizabth II's death is devastating for those who knew and loved her.
That said, the Queen's death has obviously opened a can of worms. The legacy of the British Empire is still felt. And it's not all positive.
What Anya and Moran said was disrespectful. And probably attention seeking, to be honest.
However, I can't help but think the panalities they faced were excessive. They should have been called out and criticised. They should have been debated.
People don't have to like what they said. Remember the whole 'I may not like what you say, but I'll defend the right to say it'?
This is about power. This is about how the British Monarchy has become something to be protected at all costs. I have felt this since Meghan Markle left the UK and took Prince Harry to the US.
Since then, criticism of the monarchy hasn't been tolerated. To me it's defending the status quo.
I don't condone disrespect. But you either defend free speech or you don't.
Tags Caitlin Moran, free speech, monarchy, News, NRL, Queen Elizabeth II
Queensland paper condemned over domestic violence 'joke'
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Image: Pixaby
TW: domestic violence
A regional Queensland newsletter has been condemned for publishing a 'joke' about domestic violence.
Murgon Moments published the joke in its August monthly newsletter.
I won't go into detail on what the joke was. I'll just say that implied that domestic violence victims should just keep their mouths shut.
Yeaaah. How anyone thought tbat was a 'joke' worth publishing I'll never know.
Not surprisingly, outrage has been swift. Queensland's Attorney – General and Women's Minister, Shannon Fentiman expressed her outrage on social media on Wednesday.
…[it's] a stark reminder of just how far we still have to go. Already this month, it has been reported that several women have lost their lives due to family violence — that's just in Queensland alone.
Queensland's Attorney – General Shann9n Fentiman
Numerous people commented their agreement with Fentiman's criticism. Commenters said the 'joke' was "horrific and unacceptable". Another commenter exclaimed:
Are you kidding!!???? It wasn't funny or appropriate in 1963, let alone today. That's a disgrace.
Another commented:
Appalled and ashamed. My heart goes out to every woman who has read this and had their abuse belittled like this.
Sexual consent activist, Chanel Contos shared Fentiman's post on Instagram stories. She wrote:
[it's] genuinely disgusting that an Australian newspaper would publish this.
Sexual consent activist, Chanel Contos
On Thursday, Fentimore confirmed that a complaint against Murgon Moments had been lodged to the Australian Press Council.
Publisher pulls joke and 'apologises'
I know I'm using inverted commas a lot in this post, but it's warranted. In response to the outrage, Murgon Moments' publisher has pulled the 'joke' from the website and has offered an 'apology'. If you can call it that.
In a now – deleted post, Editor, Leo Geraghty wrote:
To my valued readers, I am sorry you found it offensive. Perhaps it might be better to remove all the snippets that used to be classed as jokes from the Murgon Moments which I have voluntary done for the last 190 issues.
Perhaps doing the copy for print at one o'clock in the morning, I should have been more careful to what I was including instead of including jokes from the 2007 edition.
Leo Geraghty
I find it ironic that Geraghty opened the apology with a common gaslighting statement ("I'm sorry you…"). I'm not saying Geraghty meant to. Just an observation.
Domestic violence is NEVER a joke
Needless to say, donestic violence is never, ever funny. It wasn't funny in 2007 and isn't now.
Domestic violence is such a serious issue. According to Australian Institute of Health and Wellness, around 1 in 16 men and 1 in 6 women over the age of fifteen have experienced partner violence.
In 2016, the PSS (Personal Safety Statistics) revealed that 3.6 million Australian adults reported experiencing some form of domestic violence. In more than ten per cent of cases (11.8%), the perpetrator was a partner.
Final point: domestic violence is NEVER the victim's fault. They shouldn't just keep quiet if they're being abused.
To all victims and survivors of abuse, my heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry for the trauma you've suffered. I'm sorry for those who've had old wounds open because of this story. I genuinely hope you find peace and the support you need.
If you're in Australia and need help, you can contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
If you or someone you love is in danger, call 000 (or your national emergency number).
Tags domestic violence, News, outrage
Wren Eleanor and the not – so innocent world of kid-fluencers
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People are getting concerned about children safety online.
According to The Australian, concerns over American toddler, Wren Eleanor has Australian influencers question posting their children online.
Wren's mother, Jacquelyn, has received backlash after inappropriate comments were found under videos of the three – year – old. Videos of Wren eating attracted worrying comments.
Jacquelyn called the comments "disturbing".
Influencers start questioning posting images of their children online
The scare over Wren has made other influencers think twice about posting their children's images online. Social media creator, Caleb Finn told The Australian:
[Wren] is going to grow up and the mother claims it's a digital scrapbook for her daughter to look back on, but if you go on any of the videos, it's all these older people pining for this baby.
Adding to Finn's comment, many of the comments on Wren's and other children's accounts appear to be by men.
Concerns for kids on social media isn't new
The issue of children on social media has been discussed on social media since 2020. This was largely sparked by Myka and James Stauffer, who exploited, then 'rehomed' their Chinese – born adopted son.
Canadian YouTuber, Josh Barbour has been particularly critical of family vloggers who use children. He covered the Stauffer case, and has since exposed other family vloggers such as: Cole and Sav Labrant, Jessfam and Ruby and Kevin Franke (formerly Eight Passengers).
Since 2020, Canadian YouTuber has exposed the dangers of family vlogging and kid-fluencers
His argument has been consistent: children can't give informed consent. When asked whether children can give informed consent, former Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and professor, Dr Kirk Honda said: "No. It's obvious".
In late 2020, Dr Kirk Honda confirmed that kids can't properly give consent to having their images/ videos shared online
Barbour has exposed what I mentioned above — that young girls' accounts are often targeted by men. Children such as Everleigh Labrant (Cole & Sav) and Piper Rockelle are exploited and numerous men make inappropriate comments.
Even infants and toddlers aren't safe. More recently, Barbour has exposed TikToker, Maia Knight and the inappropriate parasocial relationships created between her twin infant daughters and Knight's audience.
TMI: parents divulge sensitive and traumatic information
Apart from the sexualisation of young children, family vloggers tend to overshare. They divulge very personal information about their children, especially medical.
Barbour has slammed family vloggers who share their children's sensitive information and traumas to their subscribers. Earlier this year, he slammed Tiffany Nelson for exploiting adopted daughter, JourNee's traumatic past.
JourNee is twenty – three, but the video was so uncomfortable to watch. JourNee looked visibly uncomfortable.
Tiffany went into detail about JourNee's living conditions in Russia before being adopted. JourNee didn't remember it. Barbour was angered by these revelations.
Having adopted sons himself, he knows how information about trauma should be handled. It's up to the adopted child when they're an adult. They can access their file, or let it be. It's not up to adopted parents to disclose the infornation or make it public.
Family vlogging may have sounded cute and fun. But there's no other way to say it. It's exploitation. Every day a parent decides to profit off their child's image or video, they're exposing them to danger.
Say it with me: kids can't consent.
Tags consent, influencers, News, Social media, wren eleanor
Controversial guidelines suggest medicating children under six for ADHD
1 Comment on Controversial guidelines suggest medicating children under six for ADHD
Image: timnewman, iStock
New treatment recommendations for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is causing an uproar.
The 2012 Current Clinical Practice advises against using medication as a first resort for very young children.
The guidelines read:
Psychological, environmental and family interventions should, if possible, be trialled and evaluated before starting any medication treatment. If all of these other interventions have not been effective then stimulants might be considered.
Currently, the Therepeutic Goods Administration (TGA) does not recommend ADHD medication for children under six.
However, this could change. There is a push for medication to be the first port of call rather than last resort.
Financial interests
The Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) admitted on their website that members have financial interests in ADHD medications.
However, Professor and AADPA President, Mark Bellgrove insisted:
…we're entirely confident that we have taken the necessary steps to minimise any impact of conflicts.
Professor Bellgrove claimed that all researchers were:
…exonerated and cleared of any misconduct regarding their declarations about links to pharma.
Professor Bellgrove may be right. All members of the AADPA may have followed all their laws and guidelines. But the question of whether children under six should be given ADHD medication still remains.
The heartbreaking effects of ADHD
ADHD can be a devastating condition for the sufferer and people closest to them. According to WebMD, untreated ADHD can have a wide range of effects in both children and adults. These can include:
Impulsivity can make school and work harder
Children may not be able to retain information and fall behind in class
Difficulty relating to others; may have issues with sharing, taking turns and reacting appropriately in certain situations
Difficulty making friends (and dating in adolescence)
May suffer low self – esteem
impulsivity may result in frequent injuries
Conflicts with parents
Risky behaviours such as: alcohol and drug abuse, smoking and risky sexual activity
Eating disorders (especially in girls)
Being involved in car accidents
Work issues such as: being on time and trouble completing tasks
ADHD is no joke. It's clear that it needs to be taken seriously.
My take: ADHD should be treated. But get financial interests out of it
Let me say from the outset: ADHD is real. I don't doubt that it is debilitating for many sufferers. However, the push from AADPA reinforces ideas that many critics of ADHD already have.
Psychiatry has been bastardised by the pharmaceutical industry. Real illnesses, like ADHD and depression are often given Band – Aid solutions, rather than lasting change.
It's easy to see why.
In 2019- 2020, the Australian Government subsidised A$566million for mental health prescriptions. Under Medicare, Australians still pay a small amount for medication (approximately A$8 to A$60). So pharmaceutical companies are making bank.
I have not been able to find the amount the Australian Government or consumers spend on medications like Ritalin alone. That's suss.
I'm not saying medication is never the answer for mental illnesses. But the pharmaceutical industry need to forget their financial interests and focus on helping people who are genuinely suffering. And offer real, long lasting solutions.
Do you think children under the age of six should be prescribed ADHD medications? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Tags ADHD, children, medication, mental health, News
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This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 9th, 2018 at 8:05 am	and is filed under Field Herping, Field Trips, Snakes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
How cool is this snake. Some authentic colors for camouflage and the perfect killing machine!


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News & Highlights » News » 2022 » Press Release: International Women's Day
Press Release: International Women's Day
08 March 2022 in 2022
International Women's Day is a time to celebrate the progress made on women's rights, celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and to call for an end to gender inequality. In this context, the General Delegation of the State of Palestine to Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific would like to recognise and congratulate all women and girls everywhere, particularly Palestinian women.
Globally, the fight for women's equality is ongoing. Palestinian women are in a unique situation of struggling for gender equality and resisting the Israeli occupation simultaneously. Israel's colonial occupation threaten the rights to life and safety of all Palestinians, including women and girls, with illegal policies such as home demolitions, land confiscation, forced displacement, harassment, settler terrorism, extrajudicial killings and assault of civilians, and arbitrary arrest and detention (Israeli occupation forces have unlawfully killed 65 women, including 22 girls, and injured 534 women, including 315 girls, since the beginning of 2021, and currently 32 women are being held in Israeli detention centres with no legal basis). Israel's restriction of movement for Palestinians prevents women from access vital health services and employment opportunities, hindering their equal participation in public life.
Palestinian women should be honoured for their unique steadfastness, and for their significant contributions towards gender equality and the national struggle for the self-determination of the Palestinian people. These struggles are connected; women's liberation is a necessary prerequisite for democratic transition, and directly aligns with the Palestinian Declaration of Independence which calls for governance, "based on principles of social justice, equality and non-discrimination in public rights on grounds of race, religion, color or sex."
Happy International Women's Day.
For more information, please contact the General Delegation of Palestine to Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific: ph. (02) 6286 9193.


Today my son received his Cradle USB Charger Dock for his BlackBerry Z10. This is a real simple charging dock that comes with an extra charging slot for an additional battery. We found this on Amazon for $9.99 + free shipping , the only draw back is that it's not eligible for Amazon Prime.
Here is a quick demo video by BlackBerry Ian and a link to the device. You can follow BlackBerry Ian on twitter @ianblackberry.
actually would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject that has been discussed for decades.


text:
Skiing in Orange County? Here's how a group of friends pulled it off
ORANGE COUNTY (KABC) — Skiing in California may not seem like a big deal — until you find out that the mountain is in Orange County.
Spencer Buchanan discovered a winter wonderland on Monday when he decided to go skiing. The Newport Beach resident and his friends didn't have to travel far to find snow.
Buchanan had hoped that weather conditions on Saddleback Mountain, also known as Santiago Peak and the highest point in Orange County, would be just right if a storm moved through the area early in the week.
"It snows about once a year and the snow only lasts for a few hours, so we had to time it right," said Buchanan. "It says it's going to rain, but it would be cold enough. So we drove over, I think it was Sunday night, and camped there, had a miserable night, slept in a van for about an hour or two.'
On Monday, he said the group trekked about 10 miles through mud and water in search of enough snow.
"We hiked as high as we could, which was probably 5,000 feet," Buchanan said. "We eventually got to a point where we thought we wouldn't completely destroy our skis, even though we mostly destroyed our skis."
His friend, Julian Doyle, was just as thrilled.
"I didn't really expect it to be that much snow, but it was like Big Bear," he said.
Doyle said the views were spectacular.
"It was super foggy above us and it was all snowing and then you look down and it looks like a normal sunny day in Newport or Long Beach or wherever," he said.
Tower camera footage from the top of Santiago Peak on Wednesday morning showed some snow still on the ground.
Buchanan said it shows anything is possible in the OC.
"We didn't ski too far, but we're still going to say we skied in Orange County," he said.
Buchanan and his friends said the hike was not an easy one and would not recommend it to anyone who has no hiking experience.
They said they are ready for their next adventure the next time it snows in Orange County.
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Q: Aligned equation doesnt align properly
Hi there. I try to simply align an equation but either way I try to do it, it doesnt look nice. In the first case there is no space behind the equal sign (clearly I can make some space there but I dont think this is the preferred way) and in the second case the 'p's are not aligned. What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance for any help.
\documentclass[a4paper,10pt]{scrartcl}
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}
\usepackage{amsmath,commath}

\begin{document}
\begin{align*}
 &p((p-1)r_1^{p-2}r_2^{2q}(\overline{z}_1-z_1)^2+r_1^pr_2^{2q}-4\abs{z_{n+1}}^2(p-1)r_1^{p-2}r_2^{2q}+2r_1^{p-1}r_2^{2q}(z_1+\overline{z}_1))\\
 =&p(p-1)r_1^{p-2}r_2^{2q}((\overline{z}_1-z_1)^2-4\abs{z_{n+1}})
\end{align*}

\begin{align*}
 &\phantom{=}p((p-1)r_1^{p-2}r_2^{2q}(\overline{z}_1-z_1)^2+r_1^pr_2^{2q}-4\abs{z_{n+1}}^2(p-1)r_1^{p-2}r_2^{2q}+2r_1^{p-1}r_2^{2q}(z_1+\overline{z}_1))\\
 &=p(p-1)r_1^{p-2}r_2^{2q}((\overline{z}_1-z_1)^2-4\abs{z_{n+1}})
\end{align*}

\end{document}

A: Use one of these codes:
\documentclass[a4paper,10pt]{scrartcl}
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}
\usepackage{mathtools}%,commath
\DeclarePairedDelimiter{\abs}\lvert\rvert

\begin{document}

\begin{align*}
 &p((p-1)r_1^{p-2}r_2^{2q}(\overline{z}_1-z_1)^2+r_1^pr_2^{2q}-4\abs{z_{n+1}}^2(p-1)r_1^{p-2}r_2^{2q}+2r_1^{p-1}r_2^{2q}(z_1+\overline{z}_1))\\
={}&p(p-1)r_1^{p-2}r_2^{2q}((\overline{z}_1-z_1)^2-4\abs{z_{n+1}})
\end{align*}

\begin{align*}
 &\phantom{{}={}}p((p-1)r_1^{p-2}r_2^{2q}(\overline{z}_1-z_1)^2+r_1^pr_2^{2q}-4\abs{z_{n+1}}^2(p-1)r_1^{p-2}r_2^{2q}+2r_1^{p-1}r_2^{2q}(z_1+\overline{z}_1))\\
 &=p(p-1)r_1^{p-2}r_2^{2q}((\overline{z}_1-z_1)^2-4\abs{z_{n+1}})
\end{align*}

\end{document}

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