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The article discusses the video game Fallout: New Vegas and highlights the character Chief Hanlon as one of the game's best characters. Hanlon is portrayed as a weary and somber old man who is disillusioned with the direction his country, the New California Republic (NCR), is taking. He begins working towards the NCR's defeat in order to bring about a change in the establishment's imperialist policies. The article raises ethical questions about patriotism and the value of humility in an empire that is overstretching itself. It also praises the narrative vision of the game and contrasts it with other entries in the Fallout series. The author expresses a desire for the preservation and accessibility of Fallout: New Vegas. [Extracted from the article]

This article from PC Gamer titled "READ 'EM AND WEEP" by Emma Withington follows the adventures of Obsidian, a Dragonborn sorcerer, and her companion Warren, a Githyanki monk, as they strive to build a library in Baldur's Gate. Obsidian's love for books drives her to collect them from different locations, leading to encounters with various characters and challenges. The article highlights her encounters with a mummified man, tiefling refugees, druids, a wizard named Lorroakan, and a devil named Raphael. Despite obstacles and mishaps, Obsidian remains determined to fulfill her mission of creating a library that rivals Sorcerous Sundries. [Extracted from the article]

Casa Dragones, a small-batch tequila producer, has transformed a historic home in San Miguel de Allende into a luxury tasting venue. The property, which was once a stable for Mexico's legendary Dragones cavalry, now features a bar with tiles made from black volcanic-glass stone. Casa Dragones produces limited batches of tequila, made from hand-picked blue agave plants, and offers tastings of their four sipping tequilas at the bar. The brand's CEO, Bertha González Nieves, is committed to showcasing the best of Mexico to the world and hopes to leave a lasting legacy. [Extracted from the article]

This article recounts the story of the discovery and demise of Prometheus, one of the oldest living trees on Earth. In 1964, a graduate student named Donald Currey cut down the tree to study its rings, only to realize that he had killed the oldest known organism. The article follows the author's journey to find the remains of Prometheus with the help of an artist named Caroline, who later creates a glass sculpture of the tree. The article emphasizes the importance of preserving natural archives and appreciating the beauty of ancient objects. [Extracted from the article]

The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is a two-seater luxury grand tourer unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It is based on the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 and features a four-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 577 horsepower. The car has a luxurious design with an illuminated chrome grille, rose-gold accents, and Nappa leather upholstery. The price is expected to be over $200,000. The convertible also prominently displays Maybach logos on the outside. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Good Housekeeping highlights the winners of their parenting awards for 2024. The awards cover a range of categories, including baby gear, baby products, and tech for tweens. The winners were chosen based on testing and feedback from experts and parents. Some notable winners include a diaper bag from State Bags, sensitive wipes from Millie Moon, a glass baby bottle from Philips Avent, a compact stroller from Ergobaby, and a sound machine from Nanit. The article also includes recommendations for teaching kids financial skills, handwriting, and stress relief through journaling. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "NOCTURNE OF SPANISH MOSS" is a poem published in the journal Half Mystic. The poem explores themes of nature, love, and mortality. The speaker reflects on the beauty of the natural world, mentioning various plants and their significance. They also mention their own mortality and the desire for a meaningful life. The poem ends with a plea for guidance and a sense of wonder. [Extracted from the article]

Obsidian's upcoming game, Avowed, is a first-person fantasy RPG that has drawn comparisons to Skyrim. The game features familiar exploration mechanics with a unique twist, allowing players to mix and match skills from different combat types. The demo showcases a satisfying loop of ranged combat, but questions remain about the depth of the skill system and overall gameplay experience. Avowed is set to be released on February 18, 2025, developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a hands-on demo of the upcoming RPG game, Avowed, developed by Obsidian Entertainment. The demo covers the basic elements of the game, such as exploration, combat, and decision-making. However, the article suggests that the demo feels underwhelming and lacks depth in certain areas, such as the wider world and character progression systems. The player takes on the role of an envoy investigating a spiritual plague and encounters various characters and challenges along the way. The article also mentions the game's combat mechanics and the importance of companions in gameplay. Overall, the article provides an overview of the demo and raises some concerns about the game's potential. [Extracted from the article]

In February 2025, China's Chang'e 5 mission returned rock samples from the Moon, revealing evidence of explosive volcanism as recent as 120 million years ago. The samples contained glass beads formed by high-energy events, with only three of volcanic origin. The source of these volcanic glass beads remains uncertain, with potential links to nearby volcanic formations like Rima Sharp and Rümker volcanic dome complex. The discovery of very young lunar volcanics raises questions about the Moon's thermal history and challenges existing models. [Extracted from the article]

In fact, if you count the delay between the lightning and the thunder, you can tell approximately how far away the lightning is (about a mile for every five seconds). The lightning melts the quartz into a jagged streak of natural glass that traces the lightning's path. Lightning Safety Because of its unpredictability and power, lightning can be extremely dangerous. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the author's preference for the game Pillars of Eternity over Baldur's Gate III. The author acknowledges the praise that Baldur's Gate III has received but expresses a personal connection to the world of Pillars of Eternity. They highlight the game's emphasis on context and history, which adds depth to the characters and the overall experience. The author argues that Pillars of Eternity, while perhaps less popular and technically advanced, deserves recognition for its genuine and deep achievements. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Linux Format reviews the latest version of Kali Linux, a popular distro among hackers and fans of Mr. Robot. Kali is based on Debian and supports the Qualcomm Snapdragon SDM845 SoC. The installation process is text-based and geared towards users familiar with command line tools, offering various desktop environments and system encryption support. While the setup is straightforward, some new tools may need to be installed manually via the terminal. Overall, Kali Linux offers a comprehensive selection of pen-testing tools and excellent documentation, making it a top choice for security professionals. [Extracted from the article]

Oranssi Pazuzu, a Finnish blackened psychonaut band, has released their sixth album titled "Muuntautuja." This album represents a shift for the band, as they delve further into the unknown and embrace a more chaotic and dissonant sound. The album features scratchy and machine-like aesthetics, dubby riffs, and sci-fi synths. While it may initially sound scattered, "Muuntautuja" offers a unique and immersive experience for both new listeners and longtime fans of the band. [Extracted from the article]

MonitorWhat a heistRockstar finally let you claim earnings via your phone in GTA Online. Then it paywalled the feature.You shall not PassMicrosoft suddenly jacked up prices on Game Pass.Solo ModeObsidian says it thought about BGIII-style multiplayer for Avowed, but it didn't have experience like Larian's to pull it off.PHOTO (COLOR) [Extracted from the article]

The 2025 GMC Yukon has been revealed with a facelift and updated features aimed at improving the driving experience. The vehicle is being converted to right-hand drive by Walkinshaw in Australia and will be launched in the Australian market in the first half of 2025. It will be available with a 6.2-liter petrol V8 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, targeting older buyers and those in need of towing capabilities. The Yukon will also come to New Zealand, although specific timing has not been confirmed. The range includes different models with various luxury and off-road features, such as a 16.8-inch vertical screen and 24-inch wheels on the Denali Ultimate model. The powertrain lineup includes V8 engines and a diesel option. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the history of the volcanic glass or obsidian which use for toolmaking with its unique chemical attributes. It highlights the prehistoric record of obsidian scrapers, choppers and all-purpose hand axes. It also cites the chemistry of the artifact with a database of geochemical signatures unique to individual sources.

A recent study by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart found that nearly two-fifths of dangerous driving endorsements in 2023 were held by drivers aged 25 and under, despite this age group only accounting for seven percent of all license holders. The director of policy at IAM RoadSmart, Nicholas Lyse, believes that the root cause of this issue is a "cultural" one, with many young people not taking responsibility when driving. IAM RoadSmart has called for the introduction of a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) scheme to address this problem. In other news, Mercedes-AMG has unveiled a limited-edition GT 63 Pro called the Motorsport Collectors Edition, which is inspired by Formula One and features a design that matches the W11 racer from 2020. [Extracted from the article]

Black Swamp Percussion has released a new line of headless tambourines made with the same materials as their orchestral tambourines. The tambourines have a solid ash shell and come in single or double-row options. They also feature modifications to reduce weight and increase maneuverability. On-Stage has introduced the ASMS3000 isolation shield, which surrounds a microphone to improve recording quality by blocking room reflections and dampening background noise. The shield can be adjusted for precise placement. Spector's Euro CST bass guitar offers boutique-level style and quality at production prices. It features a hard rock maple neck, an ebony fingerboard, and body wings made of European ash. The guitar comes with EMG PJX pickups and Spector's Darkglass-designed Legacy preamp. Zoom North America's H1 XLR recorder is a flexible two-channel recorder with multiple input options. It has ultra-clean preamps and is designed for accessibility for the blind and visually impaired. XO Brass has released the XO 1651 Bb/F double horn, which features a Kruspe wrap and a one-piece leadpipe for reduced resistance and superior intonation. The horn has a traditional string linkage and a clamping mechanism for easy adjustment. Roland's RD-88 EX stage piano offers weighted hammer action and ivory feel keys, as well as expanded sounds. It comes with Roland's SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion, which adds 15 distinctive tones and 20 scenes. The piano is lightweight [Extracted from the article]

Nile, a death metal band, has released their 10th album titled "The Underworld Awaits Us All." Known for their technical prowess and atmospheric might, Nile's latest album showcases their power and intensity. The opening track, "Stelae Of Vultures," is an audacious display of virtuosity, while other songs like "Chapter For Not Being Hung Upside Down On A Stake In The Underworld And Made To Eat Feces By The Four Apes" are fast and ferocious. With chilling instrumental interludes and grandiose epics, Nile's album is considered their best in nearly 20 years. [Extracted from the article]

Kurokuma, a sludge metal band from Sheffield, UK, has released their second album titled "Of Amber And Sand." This album explores the concept of time and features a fusion of sludge, psych, death, prog, doom, and movie soundtracks. Kurokuma incorporates Middle Eastern and Balkan instruments, melodies, and rhythms into their music, resulting in a unique and ambitious sound. The album is praised for its ferocious music, powerful vocals, and impressive guitar work, making it a must-listen for fans of bands like High On Fire, Slomatics, and Tool. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "THE HOT LIST: FOOTBALL" provides a list of popular football trading cards and their estimated values. The list includes cards featuring players such as CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson, Bryce Young, Jordan Love, Puka Nacua, Brock Purdy, Caleb Williams, Sam LaPorta, Patrick Mahomes II, and Christian McCaffrey. The prices of these cards range from $60 to $80,000. The article also includes several black and white photos. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the new Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a foldable phone that features a front screen and a larger, brighter 8-inch flexible display when opened. While the Pro Fold's cameras are not as advanced as the non-folding Pro, it offers dual-screen functionality such as translations and video calls. The phone comes in two colors, Porcelain and Obsidian, and has a new hinge design. The article concludes that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a convenient and pocket-friendly option. [Extracted from the article]

This article highlights the 18 best pasta dishes in New York City, as recommended by top chefs. The chefs provide their favorite pasta dishes from various restaurants across the city, including options like veal tortellini with amaretto at Foul Witch, pici all'arrabbiata at Lodi, rigatoni carbonara at Bar Primi, and tagliatelle with Parmigiano and prosciutto at Via Carota. The article showcases the diverse range of pasta options available in New York City and the strong opinions chefs have about their favorite dishes. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on the Pelotherapy which is the therapeutic use of muds, peats and clays through bathing or application such as skin care.

The article explores the ancient origins and history of natural glass. Topics discussed include the possible production of glass such as tektites and moldavites through meteorite impact, the notable structure of fulgurites or the natural glass produced by lightning strikes, and the composition of volcanic glass compared to other kinds of natural glass in terms of iron and sodium content.

Tuffaceous layers are regularly preserved in Miocene carbonate and siliciclastic sediments of the Dinarides and Eastern Alps in southeastern and central Europe. Detailed mineralogical and geochemical analyses of 13 tuffs of known ages acquired from sedimentary successions of the intramontane Dinarides basins and the southwestern Pannonian Basin were carried out to infer on plausible source areas, relative strengths of volcanism, and ash distribution patterns. Studied tuffs were altered to various degrees with illite–smectite and smectite as dominant phases while volcanic glass, carbonates and other silicates are minor constituents. Tuffs' compositions range from andesite through trachyandesite to rhyolite and trachyte. Trace-element-based correlation with regional data reveal that Lower Miocene (LM) and Lower Middle Miocene (LMM) tuffs (17.0–14.0 Ma) likely originated in the Western Carpathians (the Bükkalja volcanic field) while source areas of Upper Middle Miocene (UMM) tuffs (13.8–12.5 Ma) were in the Apuseni Mountains and/or Eastern Carpathians. The spatial relation of LM/LMM and UMM tuffs with respect to their source areas (the Bükkalja volcanic field and Apuseni Mountains, respectively) is most consistent with tropospheric easterly trade winds that carried ash hundreds of kilometres to the SW toward an azimuth of c. 200–250°. Supplementary material: Annotated X-ray diffractograms of the global and clay fraction of studied tuffs and AFM classification diagram are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5429592 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With eight spider-like lenses combining to deliver immersive VR-ready footage, the professional-grade Obsidian Pro is quickly becoming the new standard for filming or livestreaming every angle of global events. The Obsidian Pro is the first panoramic video camera to shoot in 12K, as well as the first with electronically adjustable aperture and focal length. Best Inventions 2022 Ar & vr Livestreaming has made events like stadium-scale games or NASA rocket launches more accessible to people around the world. [Extracted from the article]

Obsidian Therapeutics, a biotechnology company, has announced updated data from a Phase 1 clinical trial of their engineered cell therapy, OBX-115, in patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma. The therapy, which is a tumor-derived autologous T-cell immunotherapy, showed a positive safety profile and sustained efficacy in patients who had previously been resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The therapy demonstrated a 44% objective response rate and a 75% progression-free survival rate at 24 weeks. The company is continuing to explore the potential of OBX-115 in ongoing clinical trials. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Midwest Living discusses the beauty and nostalgia of sunflowers, particularly in the Midwest region. The author highlights the Hopi black dye sunflowers, which have historically been used for dyeing fibers due to their striking obsidian seeds. The article encourages readers to explore different varieties of sunflowers and provides a link for further information. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Better Homes & Gardens features Genevieve Gorder, a well-known TV host, product designer, and remodeler. Gorder discusses the current trend of bold colors making a comeback in home decor after a period of clean and neutral designs. She also provides tips for decorating, such as starting with how you want a room to feel and creating a mood board. Gorder suggests investing in the kitchen by refacing cabinets and using butcher block countertops, as well as considering painted floors. She emphasizes the importance of finding storage and organizing ideas and recommends looking for secondhand appliances. [Extracted from the article]

Welcome to Fierce Biotech's Fundraising Tracker, 2024's version. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bean was treated at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and released by PhD candidate Vicky Thomson, who is using GPS trackers and leg bands to study what happens to these recovered birds of prey. Many birds of prey are hit by cars, particularly nocturnal owls, which, like raptors, are hunters. Vicky is hoping to fit more raptors with tracking devices. The injured birds of prey - mostly raptors such as eagles and hawks, but also owls - recover slowly and the ultimate goal is to release them back into the wild. [Extracted from the article]

CREATE A BEAUTIFUL PAIR of dragonfly earrings using two-needle appliqué flat beadwork techniques that find their roots within Indigenous beading traditions. Use the binder clip to hold the backing in place as you add the edging. artist's tips Don't use a long beading needle; it needs to be strong enough to pass through the templates and beading foundation. Use single bead and double-bead brick stitch edging around the entire dragonfly: Prepare: Use 4' of thread to pass down through the foundation and backing from front to back, near the edge at the dragonfly's head, leaving a 6" tail. [Extracted from the article]

40Ar–39Ar dating of glass shards from silicic tuffs of the Ellensburg Formation (NW, USA) interbedding basaltic lavas yielded accurate, precise, reproducible plateau and isochron ages that are within error at the 2σ level. The age-spectra have flat plateaus and the inverse isochrons have atmospheric 40Ar/36Ar at the 2σ level. Ages of 12.00 ± 0.24, 11.37 ± 0.15, 10.67 ± 0.21 and 10.70 ± 0.18 Ma are consistent with the stratigraphy of four of the dated layers; the age of 10.77 ± 0.18 Ma for a fifth layer is at odds with the stratigraphy. This discrepancy arises due to the effect of glass alteration that induced K- and Ar-loss. There is no evidence of excess 40Ar or 39Ar recoil. The new ages indirectly constrain the timing of eruption of the lavas above and below the ash beds. This demonstrates that volcanic glass from interbeds can be used as an additional tool for indirectly dating basaltic lava sequences, which is independent of the lavas and complementary to other materials. Considering the numerous studies in which volcanic glass failed to provide reliable 40Ar–39Ar ages, additional and supportive constraints are still needed to assess the validity of the ages from glass shards. Supplementary material: A1 – sample location, stratigraphic position and depositional environments; A2 – electron microprobe information with calibration and sample data; A3 – Ar isotopic data of blanks and samples, data reduction software, J values, criteria for age calculation and images of age spectra and inverse isochrons are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5077705 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two volcanoes are butted up against one another in the southeast corner of the Big Island, Mauna Loa rising tall above the shorter, younger Kilauea. While Kilauea often undergoes dramatic, overnight changes, Mauna Loa's reshaping is mostly gradual, decades of small eruptions and earthquakes slowly shifting the landscape into something entirely new. Mauna Loa and Kilauea are embracing change. [Extracted from the article]

Nine thousand years ago - a couple of millennia after the first humble farming villages appeared in the Middle East - Motza was a town ahead of its time, a vanguard of urban life. In July, after 16 months of digging, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) team unveiled Motza's grandeur. Archaeologists recovered thousands of flint tools crafted by early farmers, such as sickles to harvest crops and arrowheads (above) for hunting and warfare. [Extracted from the article]

According to an article in PC Gamer, RPG developers are blaming the decline of CRPGs in the early 2000s on the influence of retailers. Veteran developers from companies like Obsidian and BioWare discussed how retailers determined shelf space and sales, with Walmart being particularly prudish about content. The developers believe that retailers' unsupported declarations about certain genres being dead led to self-fulfilling prophecies. This article sheds light on the role retailers played in shaping the gaming industry during that time. [Extracted from the article]