For our recent baby christening, we invited our closest relatives to a home reception after church. A stranger arrived, saying she was invited by my aunt, and stayed eating and drinking.
There wasn’t extra room at the table, so dinner had to become a buffet. My grandmother then spilled her dinner on her dress and our sofa. My aunt said: “You should’ve planned a sit-down dinner! Old people can’t cope with a buffet!” My brother later told me she’d brought three friends to his corn roast.
She has a beautiful house, but never has her friends there. With baby number two on the way, how do we avoid a repeat of this problem? Most of the family makes a joke of it.
Family humour can be more memorable than perfect dinner parties, but still, there has to be a limit put on Auntie Dearest who likes to “entertain” at others’ expense. And, perhaps, these special invitations keep her friends’ attached to her.
Allot her one guest and be clear that there’ll be no room for more at the sit-down dinner she herself recommends.
Entertainment tip: keep an inexpensive fold-up card table tucked in a closet, that can be pulled out for unexpected “overflow” to whom you don’t want to be rude.
I have allergies to fragrances. Most of my co-workers refrained from using scented products when asked, but one doesn’t seem to care.
When I approached her about it, she complained to the assistant manager, who spoke to the manager, who’s asked me not to talk to her about it anymore because she “got upset.”
The manager won’t implement a fragrance-free policy but asked me to alert him so he can smell for himself and then talk to her. The assistant manager will have told her this, so she’s not upset anymore.
Now, the days the manager is in the office, she’s fragrance-free. When he’s not there, she’s heavily scented.
She knows that the manager won’t talk to her about it because she’s unscented when he’s there.
Others in the office who dislike her strong fragrances are afraid to say anything because she has the assistant manager wrapped around her little finger. I’m the only one not afraid to say something.
I’ve thought about working from home, but that’s not ideal for my job. I’ve already switched desks to be as far away as I can get from the fragrances.
My doctor isn’t too keen on helping me because my symptoms aren’t bad enough yet. But it’s getting worse because of the constant exposure.
For some immediate relief, set up a small fan or air purifier on your desk to alleviate the smell. And consider working from home on the days when the manager is not there, if this is doable.
Then, whatever your symptoms, your doctor should be willing to write a note listing them, and the likelihood of heavier reaction with increased exposure.
You should also get informed about labour relations policies in your jurisdiction. You are certainly within your rights to take this to a human resources department if your company or parent company has one.
This is regarding the parents who are worried about their son, age 14, going out publicly dressed up in furry costumes, and isolating himself :
Reader: “I myself have been in the furry fandom for many years, most of my friends locally are furry in some sort of way, and I also make costumes for myself and other people. “I even met my partner of 10 years through the furry groups.
2012年3月1日星期四
2012年2月8日星期三
Air Purifiers Are They Worth It?
Air purifier filters can have a huge impact on the choice of air purifier we choose to buy, as many of us do not wish to incur the time and expense involved with regular replacement of these air cleaning filters. As the effectiveness of your air cleaner is dependent on keeping it well maintained and running smoothly, it is wise to consider whether you want to deal with air purifier filters before you buy.
One of the most effective air cleaning technologies available today is that used in the HEPA air purification systems, said to remove 99.97% of particulates from the air. This type of air cleaner, however, employs special air purifier filters, which must be changed on a regular basis in order to maintain the system’s efficiency.
In addition to that, bacteria and viruses as well as other types of microorganisms are constant threats. Due to these invisible creatures, people get pneumonia and tuberculosis, diseases that may lead to death if not treated properly. Unfortunately, there aren’t many things we can do in order to protect our family or our environment at work. We can’t prevent pollution, allergens or microorganisms from existing in the air that we breathe and we cannot stop breathing either.
The very job that air purifiers do – removing particles and dust from our air that we do not wish to breathe in – necessitates some maintenance, as these particles will gather within the cleaner and will need to be disposed of. But while both filterless systems and those that employ air purifier filters require some upkeep to remain effective, this is minimal in both cases. The job itself involves only the simple wiping down of collection plates, or quickly changing a filter – the problem is remembering to do it!
There are several techniques available for people who want to create a safe – or less dangerous – indoor environment with respect to the air. Some air purifiers use adsorbent techniques and electrostatic charges and ionizers. Some others include a germicidal UV light and the emission of ions into the air in order to react with the agents that may cause health problems and reduce or eliminate them. However, there isn’t an air purifier sold for homes able to create indoor conditions as clean as those found in hospitals.
Using an air purifier should not make you ignore medical advice and guidance that can lead to the removal of the irritant sources and allergen habitats in your house. At the same time, they are not a substitute for thorough and regular cleaning of the air. However, they can help you to diminish the number of air particles and to maintain a healthier environment inside your house.
One of the most effective air cleaning technologies available today is that used in the HEPA air purification systems, said to remove 99.97% of particulates from the air. This type of air cleaner, however, employs special air purifier filters, which must be changed on a regular basis in order to maintain the system’s efficiency.
In addition to that, bacteria and viruses as well as other types of microorganisms are constant threats. Due to these invisible creatures, people get pneumonia and tuberculosis, diseases that may lead to death if not treated properly. Unfortunately, there aren’t many things we can do in order to protect our family or our environment at work. We can’t prevent pollution, allergens or microorganisms from existing in the air that we breathe and we cannot stop breathing either.
The very job that air purifiers do – removing particles and dust from our air that we do not wish to breathe in – necessitates some maintenance, as these particles will gather within the cleaner and will need to be disposed of. But while both filterless systems and those that employ air purifier filters require some upkeep to remain effective, this is minimal in both cases. The job itself involves only the simple wiping down of collection plates, or quickly changing a filter – the problem is remembering to do it!
There are several techniques available for people who want to create a safe – or less dangerous – indoor environment with respect to the air. Some air purifiers use adsorbent techniques and electrostatic charges and ionizers. Some others include a germicidal UV light and the emission of ions into the air in order to react with the agents that may cause health problems and reduce or eliminate them. However, there isn’t an air purifier sold for homes able to create indoor conditions as clean as those found in hospitals.
Using an air purifier should not make you ignore medical advice and guidance that can lead to the removal of the irritant sources and allergen habitats in your house. At the same time, they are not a substitute for thorough and regular cleaning of the air. However, they can help you to diminish the number of air particles and to maintain a healthier environment inside your house.
2012年1月30日星期一
Let it Grow: Breathe easy
Healthy houseplants are great air purifiers, filtering indoor air of pollutants that can cause a range of health problems. These health problems include headaches, asthma, respiratory diseases and even cancer.
Research shows that plants can reduce dust particles, mold spores and contaminants, like formaldehyde, ammonia and benzene. These contaminants are found in paint, furniture, carpet, building products and numerous other sources. In the process of making our homes more energy efficient, we have increased the level of these contaminants found in our homes.
Studies recommend one to two healthy plants per 200 square feet. The more leaf surface a plant has, the more air it can purify, so floor plants and leafy plants are good choices.
The following plants rank in the top 10 for overall ecological benefit. Plants were rated on removal of chemical vapors, ease of growth and maintenance, resistance to insect infestation, and transpiration rate.
Areca palm is a very popular indoor plant. It adapts easily to the surrounding environment and is relatively pest-free.
Its tropical-looking foliage resembles bamboo.
Areca palms tolerate heavy watering and temperatures down to 32 degrees.
English ivy is a vigorous plant with graceful trailing stems covered by distinctive leaves. Commonly grown as a hanging plant, it can be trained to grow on a trellis or topiary frame.
There are numerous cultivars available with different leaf shapes and sizes and green or variegated foliage.
Ficus Alii is a member of the Ficus family. ‘Alii’ is Hawaiian for chief, which is appropriate for one of the toughest members of the Ficus family.
This plant is more durable and easier to grow than the weeping fig . It lacks the finical habit and tendency to shed leaves. It tolerates lower light conditions and more erratic watering far better than the weeping fig.
The Peace lily is very easy to grow and has fantastic foliage and flowers. Peace lily is a great choice for areas with low light levels, although it is toxic to humans and animals.
Different plants remove different contaminants, so choose a variety of plants to combat a range of contaminants. For additional information on the research, visit Green Plants for Green Buildings.
Don’t forget to pick up a plant or two for the office and "Let it grow!"
Research shows that plants can reduce dust particles, mold spores and contaminants, like formaldehyde, ammonia and benzene. These contaminants are found in paint, furniture, carpet, building products and numerous other sources. In the process of making our homes more energy efficient, we have increased the level of these contaminants found in our homes.
Studies recommend one to two healthy plants per 200 square feet. The more leaf surface a plant has, the more air it can purify, so floor plants and leafy plants are good choices.
The following plants rank in the top 10 for overall ecological benefit. Plants were rated on removal of chemical vapors, ease of growth and maintenance, resistance to insect infestation, and transpiration rate.
Areca palm is a very popular indoor plant. It adapts easily to the surrounding environment and is relatively pest-free.
Its tropical-looking foliage resembles bamboo.
Areca palms tolerate heavy watering and temperatures down to 32 degrees.
English ivy is a vigorous plant with graceful trailing stems covered by distinctive leaves. Commonly grown as a hanging plant, it can be trained to grow on a trellis or topiary frame.
There are numerous cultivars available with different leaf shapes and sizes and green or variegated foliage.
Ficus Alii is a member of the Ficus family. ‘Alii’ is Hawaiian for chief, which is appropriate for one of the toughest members of the Ficus family.
This plant is more durable and easier to grow than the weeping fig . It lacks the finical habit and tendency to shed leaves. It tolerates lower light conditions and more erratic watering far better than the weeping fig.
The Peace lily is very easy to grow and has fantastic foliage and flowers. Peace lily is a great choice for areas with low light levels, although it is toxic to humans and animals.
Different plants remove different contaminants, so choose a variety of plants to combat a range of contaminants. For additional information on the research, visit Green Plants for Green Buildings.
Don’t forget to pick up a plant or two for the office and "Let it grow!"
2011年12月25日星期日
LG launches ‘green contest’ on Facebook
LG Electronics has launched a ‘green contest’, which invites entries from LG customers to share their experiences on the official fan page on Facebook
Applicable to all existing customers of LG’s Steam and Green Health technology based washing machines and dishwashers, the contest makes them eligible to win gifts ranging from refrigerators, air purifiers and solar DOM’s, among others.
“In 2011, the core focus for LG has been health and green products. The LG Steam Technology based washing machine and dishwashers have been successful products delivering on their commitment of quality and keeping up the promise of healthy living,” said H S Paik, president, LG Gulf.
“With this competition, we would like to engage with our audience and get them more involved in sharing and learning about ‘healthy technology’ from LG.”
Taking a proactive approach to environmental and health issues, LG launched its Green Health Plus campaign in 2011.
A step up from its Healthy Living campaign of 2010, Green Health Plus campaign that will show how LG is making homes more eco-friendly through energy-efficient and health-conscious home appliances.
Applicable to all existing customers of LG’s Steam and Green Health technology based washing machines and dishwashers, the contest makes them eligible to win gifts ranging from refrigerators, air purifiers and solar DOM’s, among others.
“In 2011, the core focus for LG has been health and green products. The LG Steam Technology based washing machine and dishwashers have been successful products delivering on their commitment of quality and keeping up the promise of healthy living,” said H S Paik, president, LG Gulf.
“With this competition, we would like to engage with our audience and get them more involved in sharing and learning about ‘healthy technology’ from LG.”
Taking a proactive approach to environmental and health issues, LG launched its Green Health Plus campaign in 2011.
A step up from its Healthy Living campaign of 2010, Green Health Plus campaign that will show how LG is making homes more eco-friendly through energy-efficient and health-conscious home appliances.
2011年11月30日星期三
RE/MAX Agents Share Ten Ways to Get the Best of Winter When Selling Your Home
If your home will be for sale this winter, it is important to master certain seasonal issues that are less significant or even non-existent at other times of the year. Here are 10 bits of sage advice from RE/MAX agents that can help put a “Sold” sticker on that yard sign.
Let Those Lights Shine: The best way to combat winter’s short and frequently cloudy days is to turn on your house lights. For a showing, every single light in the house must be on, even in the closets and utility/mechanical rooms, according to Marlene Granacki of RE/MAX Exclusive Properties, Chicago.
“Make sure all the bulbs are working, and stock up on all the right bulbs for lamps and fixtures so burned out bulbs can be replaced immediately,” she advises. “Also, it’s a great idea to keep the lights on in the front of the house even if no showings are scheduled. People are always driving past the house, and keeping it lighted makes it look happy and welcoming.”
Provide Convenient Parking: It’s vital that buyers have a convenient place to park. They won’t want to walk very far in cold weather or be forced to climb over a snow bank to exit their vehicle. Because parking is often more restricted around condominiums, sellers should make sure their agent can pass along parking details to buyers.
Make It Easy to Enter: Winter showings can get off to an awkward start if prospective buyers arrive with snow or salt on their shoes.
“Make it easy for buyers to deal with their shoes when they arrive,” recommends Barbara Hibnick of RE/MAX Showcase, Long Grove, Ill. “Put a festive area rug at the front door for a great first impression and so visitors can wipe their feet. Have slippers or disposable booties available, along with a bench or chair, if there is room for one, where a visitor can sit and easily remove or put on their boots.”
Keep Odors Under Control: Any home tends to be stuffy in winter when windows are opened rarely. That can allow odors to build up, which can be a turn-off to buyers.
“Pet odors can be especially worrisome in winter,” says Mike Mondello of RE/MAX Synergy in Orland Park, Ill. “Use a room fragrance if needed, but nothing too strong, and I recommend that in winter sellers clean more often.” For example, change the cat litter daily, rather than every third or fourth day, or even consider using an air purifier.
If pets are in the house, consider setting the thermostat control so that the furnace fan runs constantly during the day to keep air moving through the house and dissipate odors. Also try to avoid strong cooking odors, especially if a showing is scheduled that day.
Cultivate a Festive Look: Appropriate decorations for Thanksgiving, Christmas and even St. Valentine’s Day help give a home a cheerful look during the winter months.
“I really believe that holiday decorations can help homes sell, but don’t go to excess,” suggests Starr Zook of RE/MAX On Track in Aledo, Ill. “Keeping small, decorative white lights on trees and bushes pretty much through the winter season is fine, but other decorations should be taken down quickly once the holiday passes.”
Don’t Ignore the Outdoors: Make a good first impression on buyers with a neatly maintained yard. Walks and steps should be kept clear, especially of snow and ice.
Don’t Roast Buyers: We all tend to prefer a specific temperature for our homes during the winter, but don’t blast buyers with hot air. Keep the temperature at a comfortable 65 degrees for all showings. Remember, buyers are likely to be wearing their coats even as they walk through the house.
Keep Seasonal Clothing under Control: “One major challenge of selling a home during the winter months is the overabundance of cold weather gear that must be stored,” says Mike Mondello. “A buyer doesn’t want to find the mudroom filled with boots or the hall closet overflowing with heavy coats. Shift some winter coats to another closet and put anything not needed in the closet into storage.”
Encourage Day Time Showings: A home shows to its best advantage during daylight hours, which are relatively scarce in winter.
“Encourage your agent to show your home before 3 p.m. and have it ready to show by 9 a.m. if you want the best results,” Granacki recommends.
Despite the special challenges of marketing a home during winter, there also are benefits, notes Laura Ortoleva, a spokesperson for the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network.
“Buyers out looking at homes in December or January are, as a group, quite serious about buying. Therefore, sellers tend to benefit because each showing is more productive, and fewer showings are needed to sell the property,” she said.
Let Those Lights Shine: The best way to combat winter’s short and frequently cloudy days is to turn on your house lights. For a showing, every single light in the house must be on, even in the closets and utility/mechanical rooms, according to Marlene Granacki of RE/MAX Exclusive Properties, Chicago.
“Make sure all the bulbs are working, and stock up on all the right bulbs for lamps and fixtures so burned out bulbs can be replaced immediately,” she advises. “Also, it’s a great idea to keep the lights on in the front of the house even if no showings are scheduled. People are always driving past the house, and keeping it lighted makes it look happy and welcoming.”
Provide Convenient Parking: It’s vital that buyers have a convenient place to park. They won’t want to walk very far in cold weather or be forced to climb over a snow bank to exit their vehicle. Because parking is often more restricted around condominiums, sellers should make sure their agent can pass along parking details to buyers.
Make It Easy to Enter: Winter showings can get off to an awkward start if prospective buyers arrive with snow or salt on their shoes.
“Make it easy for buyers to deal with their shoes when they arrive,” recommends Barbara Hibnick of RE/MAX Showcase, Long Grove, Ill. “Put a festive area rug at the front door for a great first impression and so visitors can wipe their feet. Have slippers or disposable booties available, along with a bench or chair, if there is room for one, where a visitor can sit and easily remove or put on their boots.”
Keep Odors Under Control: Any home tends to be stuffy in winter when windows are opened rarely. That can allow odors to build up, which can be a turn-off to buyers.
“Pet odors can be especially worrisome in winter,” says Mike Mondello of RE/MAX Synergy in Orland Park, Ill. “Use a room fragrance if needed, but nothing too strong, and I recommend that in winter sellers clean more often.” For example, change the cat litter daily, rather than every third or fourth day, or even consider using an air purifier.
If pets are in the house, consider setting the thermostat control so that the furnace fan runs constantly during the day to keep air moving through the house and dissipate odors. Also try to avoid strong cooking odors, especially if a showing is scheduled that day.
Cultivate a Festive Look: Appropriate decorations for Thanksgiving, Christmas and even St. Valentine’s Day help give a home a cheerful look during the winter months.
“I really believe that holiday decorations can help homes sell, but don’t go to excess,” suggests Starr Zook of RE/MAX On Track in Aledo, Ill. “Keeping small, decorative white lights on trees and bushes pretty much through the winter season is fine, but other decorations should be taken down quickly once the holiday passes.”
Don’t Ignore the Outdoors: Make a good first impression on buyers with a neatly maintained yard. Walks and steps should be kept clear, especially of snow and ice.
Don’t Roast Buyers: We all tend to prefer a specific temperature for our homes during the winter, but don’t blast buyers with hot air. Keep the temperature at a comfortable 65 degrees for all showings. Remember, buyers are likely to be wearing their coats even as they walk through the house.
Keep Seasonal Clothing under Control: “One major challenge of selling a home during the winter months is the overabundance of cold weather gear that must be stored,” says Mike Mondello. “A buyer doesn’t want to find the mudroom filled with boots or the hall closet overflowing with heavy coats. Shift some winter coats to another closet and put anything not needed in the closet into storage.”
Encourage Day Time Showings: A home shows to its best advantage during daylight hours, which are relatively scarce in winter.
“Encourage your agent to show your home before 3 p.m. and have it ready to show by 9 a.m. if you want the best results,” Granacki recommends.
Despite the special challenges of marketing a home during winter, there also are benefits, notes Laura Ortoleva, a spokesperson for the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network.
“Buyers out looking at homes in December or January are, as a group, quite serious about buying. Therefore, sellers tend to benefit because each showing is more productive, and fewer showings are needed to sell the property,” she said.
2011年11月17日星期四
Destiny’ – Shallow Gameplay Mars this Mutey Release
Shallow. That’s one way to describe X-Men: Destiny. It’s a game that you want to love. Conceptually, it sets itself apart from mutant adventures of the past. Instead of fighting as one of Marvel’s legendary cache of mutants, you get to build one up from scratch. However, the monotonous gameplay screams lazy design. The lackluster AI feels ripped out of the world of 8-bit gaming (16-bit would be a stretch). It plays out more like a game adapted from a movie property rather than a standalone title – the latter of which is something you would hope for after Activision’s 2010 Marvel title Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions. Unfortunately, Beenox isn’t the developer on this one. If it weren’t for the rich roster of guest-mutey appearances in X-Men: Destiny and a comic book inspired story arc, there would be little enjoyment at all to be found in this game. As at it stands, the Destiny of this X-Men title is grim at best.
The game starts off with Cyclops and Emma Frost (The White Queen) establishing the X-Men’s new home in San Francisco. The setup is taken directly from the comic books. Cyclops and the Mutant Response Division (MRD) are ready to setup a peaceful environment for mutants in SF. In the crowd, three new mutants are lurking around waiting to be chosen. Adrian Luca is the child of a Purifier, an anti-mutant militia group. Aima Yoshida is smuggled out of Japan by her mutant father. Grant Alexander is a college freshman with no relation to the mutant issue. Your best options for story are to choose either Aima or Adrian. Once you pick your character, the game begins and the peaceful, mutant loving rally is attack. All fingers point to Magneto. However, the Purifiers are also there to show the world how evil mutants are.
The story focuses on trying to figure out who started the mutant attack. You also realize that there is some kind of dissension in the Purifiers, some simply want to kill mutants while others are taking mutants hostage. Hold on to the story for dear life because that’s the only thing that’s intriguing about this game. Several known mutants show up, terrifically characterized but not terrifically used. It’s great to see Northstar make his video game debut and of course it’s always a joy to see Gambit. The swamp rat’s characterization and voicing are spot on. However, these comic characters tend to attack the air. Known mutants who attack with or against you might as well be holograms. That’s how ineffective they are in battle. When I went up against Gambit, he was too busy attacking the wall to notice me attacking him from the side.
There are three types of powers your mutant can have: Density Control, Energy Projection or Shadow Matter. Density Control is more or less your Colossus type power, you can control your body mass and you have super human stamina and durability. Energy projection is for attacking enemies at a distance. Shadow Matter allows you to control dark matter; it also gives you modifiers to movement speed so that you can attack multiple enemies or deal severe damage to a single enemy.
Truthfully, it doesn’t matter which power you choose. The AI enemies move like dumb robots, often in a straight line. You can literally keep tapping the attack button and look away. It feels like you’re fighting through one long succession of Arena battles. The game actually lets you know how many enemies are left in the area. Coincidentally, there are also Challenge Arenas, which are timed battles.
There is some rudimentary RPG gaming in X-Men Destiny. You will often have to choose between helping the X-Men or the Brotherhood. You gain faction points when you do, which slightly modify the in-game dialogue. Regardless of which faction you choose, the action will always be the same. Slay several enemies and walk away. Still, it is amusing to choose between helping Nightcrawler or Mystique.
Probably the coolest thing in this game is seeing the guest-mutants appear. A comic panel tear-out appears on the screen showing their name. Seeing abstract characters like Caliban and Pixie show up will delight hardcore comics fans if they are able to suffer through the monotonous gameplay. I should also note that there is some platforming in this game, but it’s an appalling waste of time that feels tacked on.
Throughout the game, you can pick up various passive mutant abilities that give you offensive and defensive multipliers. Most of them are abstractly tied to known mutants. For instance Avalanche’s powers reduces damage, while Northstar’s X-gene lets you anticipate attacks.
Although the settings are different, like San Francisco’s Chinatown, the colors are drab and tend to run into one another. Most importantly, each enemy fights exactly the same way. Whether you are fighting Purifiers or Gambit’s Externals, you still feel like you’re fending off rodents from an Atari 2600 game.
The game starts off with Cyclops and Emma Frost (The White Queen) establishing the X-Men’s new home in San Francisco. The setup is taken directly from the comic books. Cyclops and the Mutant Response Division (MRD) are ready to setup a peaceful environment for mutants in SF. In the crowd, three new mutants are lurking around waiting to be chosen. Adrian Luca is the child of a Purifier, an anti-mutant militia group. Aima Yoshida is smuggled out of Japan by her mutant father. Grant Alexander is a college freshman with no relation to the mutant issue. Your best options for story are to choose either Aima or Adrian. Once you pick your character, the game begins and the peaceful, mutant loving rally is attack. All fingers point to Magneto. However, the Purifiers are also there to show the world how evil mutants are.
The story focuses on trying to figure out who started the mutant attack. You also realize that there is some kind of dissension in the Purifiers, some simply want to kill mutants while others are taking mutants hostage. Hold on to the story for dear life because that’s the only thing that’s intriguing about this game. Several known mutants show up, terrifically characterized but not terrifically used. It’s great to see Northstar make his video game debut and of course it’s always a joy to see Gambit. The swamp rat’s characterization and voicing are spot on. However, these comic characters tend to attack the air. Known mutants who attack with or against you might as well be holograms. That’s how ineffective they are in battle. When I went up against Gambit, he was too busy attacking the wall to notice me attacking him from the side.
There are three types of powers your mutant can have: Density Control, Energy Projection or Shadow Matter. Density Control is more or less your Colossus type power, you can control your body mass and you have super human stamina and durability. Energy projection is for attacking enemies at a distance. Shadow Matter allows you to control dark matter; it also gives you modifiers to movement speed so that you can attack multiple enemies or deal severe damage to a single enemy.
Truthfully, it doesn’t matter which power you choose. The AI enemies move like dumb robots, often in a straight line. You can literally keep tapping the attack button and look away. It feels like you’re fighting through one long succession of Arena battles. The game actually lets you know how many enemies are left in the area. Coincidentally, there are also Challenge Arenas, which are timed battles.
There is some rudimentary RPG gaming in X-Men Destiny. You will often have to choose between helping the X-Men or the Brotherhood. You gain faction points when you do, which slightly modify the in-game dialogue. Regardless of which faction you choose, the action will always be the same. Slay several enemies and walk away. Still, it is amusing to choose between helping Nightcrawler or Mystique.
Probably the coolest thing in this game is seeing the guest-mutants appear. A comic panel tear-out appears on the screen showing their name. Seeing abstract characters like Caliban and Pixie show up will delight hardcore comics fans if they are able to suffer through the monotonous gameplay. I should also note that there is some platforming in this game, but it’s an appalling waste of time that feels tacked on.
Throughout the game, you can pick up various passive mutant abilities that give you offensive and defensive multipliers. Most of them are abstractly tied to known mutants. For instance Avalanche’s powers reduces damage, while Northstar’s X-gene lets you anticipate attacks.
Although the settings are different, like San Francisco’s Chinatown, the colors are drab and tend to run into one another. Most importantly, each enemy fights exactly the same way. Whether you are fighting Purifiers or Gambit’s Externals, you still feel like you’re fending off rodents from an Atari 2600 game.
2011年11月10日星期四
Half of China's millionaires want to emigrate
It surveyed 2,600 "high net worth individuals" and found that nearly 60 per cent of interviewees were either considering emigration through investment overseas or had already completed the process.
Now, another study has been released that broadly confirms the earlier findings. This one, conducted by the Hurun Research Institute and the Bank of China, interviewed 980 wealthy individuals between May and September. It reported that 46 per cent of respondents, all of whom had personal assets over 10 million yuan, or about US$1.5 million (RM4.6 million), said they intended to emigrate. Of those, 14 per cent had completed emigration procedures. There are about a million such millionaires in China.
The study found that a third of such high net worth individuals already own assets overseas, mostly in real estate. Another 30 per cent are considering acquiring such assets within three years. Acquiring overseas assets is a step towards applying for investment immigration.
As to why wealthy people want to leave China, mostly for the United States and Canada, the reasons given often are that they want their children to have access to better education overseas, concerns about the security of their assets on the mainland and better living conditions.
The fact that such a high proportion of its most successful citizens want to leave the country clearly suggests that they perceive problems in China. Their departure will also inevitably be accompanied by a massive outflow of funds.
This is a wake-up call for the Chinese government. Almost a decade ago, under President Jiang Zemin, the Communist Party decided to admit capitalists into the party to give business people a bigger voice in decision-making. That was a step in the right direction.
Evidently, however, more needs to be done. Concerns expressed about the security of assets reflect continuing apprehension about changes in the party's policies. For example, although private property is now enshrined in the constitution, state-owned enterprises are favoured when banks give out loans. This is something within the government's control to change.
The attraction of a better standard of living overseas is understandable, especially when major Chinese cities are regularly enveloped in a haze and the drinking water is unsafe.
The government is not even honestly reporting the gravity of the polluted air that everyone must breathe every day. For example, in recent days, the American embassy, which measures air quality, has disclosed that it is hazardous to breathe the air in Beijing but the municipal authorities say that the air is only slightly polluted. In fact, China does not even measure fine particulates known as PM 2.5, which are so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs.
Chinese leaders, it turns out, benefit from special air purifiers in their offices and homes. This is in addition to receiving organic foods grown on government-run farms that do not use synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilisers.
Although China proudly proclaims that it has a "people-centred government", it does not look so good for those people to find out that the government is giving itself the best of everything, including housing, schools, food -- and even air.
Most Chinese people do not have the means to leave, but the rich do and, if the government wants to halt the stampede out of the country by some of its most talented and wealthiest citizens, it will have to respond to their demands.
Some things should not be hard to do. To ease apprehension over changes in policy, the government should increase transparency of the decision-making process and allow the free flow of information.
Allowing more international schools with high educational standards without interference by the Communist Party should also be possible. If parents feel that their children are getting as good an education in China as they would overseas, there would be less reason for them to want to leave.
Another step may be harder: dismantle the system of privileges for party leaders. By doing so, the leaders will show that they are not living in a cocoon but are really sharing weal and woe with the people and understand what they are going through.
If the Chinese government takes such steps, it will show that it has confidence in itself, which, in turn, will lead to greater confidence in it on the part of the people. If it doesn't, the haemorrhage in wealth and talent will continue.
Now, another study has been released that broadly confirms the earlier findings. This one, conducted by the Hurun Research Institute and the Bank of China, interviewed 980 wealthy individuals between May and September. It reported that 46 per cent of respondents, all of whom had personal assets over 10 million yuan, or about US$1.5 million (RM4.6 million), said they intended to emigrate. Of those, 14 per cent had completed emigration procedures. There are about a million such millionaires in China.
The study found that a third of such high net worth individuals already own assets overseas, mostly in real estate. Another 30 per cent are considering acquiring such assets within three years. Acquiring overseas assets is a step towards applying for investment immigration.
As to why wealthy people want to leave China, mostly for the United States and Canada, the reasons given often are that they want their children to have access to better education overseas, concerns about the security of their assets on the mainland and better living conditions.
The fact that such a high proportion of its most successful citizens want to leave the country clearly suggests that they perceive problems in China. Their departure will also inevitably be accompanied by a massive outflow of funds.
This is a wake-up call for the Chinese government. Almost a decade ago, under President Jiang Zemin, the Communist Party decided to admit capitalists into the party to give business people a bigger voice in decision-making. That was a step in the right direction.
Evidently, however, more needs to be done. Concerns expressed about the security of assets reflect continuing apprehension about changes in the party's policies. For example, although private property is now enshrined in the constitution, state-owned enterprises are favoured when banks give out loans. This is something within the government's control to change.
The attraction of a better standard of living overseas is understandable, especially when major Chinese cities are regularly enveloped in a haze and the drinking water is unsafe.
The government is not even honestly reporting the gravity of the polluted air that everyone must breathe every day. For example, in recent days, the American embassy, which measures air quality, has disclosed that it is hazardous to breathe the air in Beijing but the municipal authorities say that the air is only slightly polluted. In fact, China does not even measure fine particulates known as PM 2.5, which are so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs.
Chinese leaders, it turns out, benefit from special air purifiers in their offices and homes. This is in addition to receiving organic foods grown on government-run farms that do not use synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilisers.
Although China proudly proclaims that it has a "people-centred government", it does not look so good for those people to find out that the government is giving itself the best of everything, including housing, schools, food -- and even air.
Most Chinese people do not have the means to leave, but the rich do and, if the government wants to halt the stampede out of the country by some of its most talented and wealthiest citizens, it will have to respond to their demands.
Some things should not be hard to do. To ease apprehension over changes in policy, the government should increase transparency of the decision-making process and allow the free flow of information.
Allowing more international schools with high educational standards without interference by the Communist Party should also be possible. If parents feel that their children are getting as good an education in China as they would overseas, there would be less reason for them to want to leave.
Another step may be harder: dismantle the system of privileges for party leaders. By doing so, the leaders will show that they are not living in a cocoon but are really sharing weal and woe with the people and understand what they are going through.
If the Chinese government takes such steps, it will show that it has confidence in itself, which, in turn, will lead to greater confidence in it on the part of the people. If it doesn't, the haemorrhage in wealth and talent will continue.
2011年10月11日星期二
Air Purifier by Americans
The Austin Air Healthmate, a leading all-purpose cutting-edge air purifier, continues its climb to the top of the air purifier market as Americans demand higher indoor air quality. The Austin Healthmate incorporates a 360-degree air intake with a four-stage air filtration system that provides 99.7 percent filtration efficiency in a 1,500 sq ft area.
As fall and winter set in across the country, millions of families will spend even more time indoors at the mercy of major allergy triggers that create definitive health hazards. The EPA and its Science Advisory Board have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Studies have shown that airborne pollutants may be 25 to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors.
It is not only allergy and asthma victims that suffer. The mold, dust mites, pet dander, volatile organic compounds in household chemicals and even wood flooring and paint are having a deleterious effect on all indoor inhabitants .In fact, the American College of Allergists says that 50 percent of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air.
While air purifiers generally help, many lack true HEPA particulate filtration and sufficient stores of an activated carbon filter for the best indoor air quality. The Austin Air Healthmate air purifier combines proven filter technology that is designed to address the complete spectrum of air contaminates such as sub-micron particles, noxious gases and chemicals. The Austin Air Healthmate incorporates True Medical Grade HEPA with 99.97 percent efficiency down to 0.3 microns and 95 percent efficiency down to 0.1 microns.
Austin Air Healthmate air purifiers incorporate a 360-degree intake system to draw air into all sides, passing it through a four-stage filter that provides highly effective particle removal in a 1,500 square foot area. Every minute, over 250 cubic feet of air passes through 15 pounds of Activated Carbon/Zeolite Blend and over 60 square feet of True Medical Grade HEPA.
The result is removal of seen particles such as dust, hair and pet dander as well as small particles such as molds, spores and pollen chemicals in the first two filtration stages. Then the second two stages remove gases and odors such as sulfuric acid and ammonia as well as harmful micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses. The result is significantly cleaner air that greatly improves health and sleep.
As fall and winter set in across the country, millions of families will spend even more time indoors at the mercy of major allergy triggers that create definitive health hazards. The EPA and its Science Advisory Board have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Studies have shown that airborne pollutants may be 25 to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors.
It is not only allergy and asthma victims that suffer. The mold, dust mites, pet dander, volatile organic compounds in household chemicals and even wood flooring and paint are having a deleterious effect on all indoor inhabitants .In fact, the American College of Allergists says that 50 percent of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air.
While air purifiers generally help, many lack true HEPA particulate filtration and sufficient stores of an activated carbon filter for the best indoor air quality. The Austin Air Healthmate air purifier combines proven filter technology that is designed to address the complete spectrum of air contaminates such as sub-micron particles, noxious gases and chemicals. The Austin Air Healthmate incorporates True Medical Grade HEPA with 99.97 percent efficiency down to 0.3 microns and 95 percent efficiency down to 0.1 microns.
Austin Air Healthmate air purifiers incorporate a 360-degree intake system to draw air into all sides, passing it through a four-stage filter that provides highly effective particle removal in a 1,500 square foot area. Every minute, over 250 cubic feet of air passes through 15 pounds of Activated Carbon/Zeolite Blend and over 60 square feet of True Medical Grade HEPA.
The result is removal of seen particles such as dust, hair and pet dander as well as small particles such as molds, spores and pollen chemicals in the first two filtration stages. Then the second two stages remove gases and odors such as sulfuric acid and ammonia as well as harmful micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses. The result is significantly cleaner air that greatly improves health and sleep.
2011年8月3日星期三
the IQAir HealthPro Plus includes a granular activated-carbon adsorption
The IQAir HealthPro® Plus air purifier has been named the Best Air Purifier Overall by ConsumerSearch.com, adding to an already long list of first-place awards for the world's most advanced air purifier.
ConsumerSearch.com based its award on the ability of the IQAir HealthPro Plus to provide high-performance air filtration for large rooms, for its superior odor and chemical removal and for effectively removing allergens.
The ConsumerSearch.com editors also rated the IQAir HealthPro Plus the best choice because, unlike many air purifiers, it does not emit ozone and is endorsed by medical groups.
“We take pride in being recognized again as the very best air purifier available,” said Glory Dolphin, CEO of IQAir North America. “This award continues to validate the simple idea that an air purifier should remove even the smallest airborne particles while doing no harm – such as adding ozone or ionization into the environment.”
The IQAir HealthPro Plus combines four advanced filtration technologies to effectively remove more than 99.5 percent of airborne particles, including especially harmful ultrafine particles down to 0.003 microns in diameter – the smallest particles that exist. Ultrafine particles are the easiest to inhale and are more quickly absorbed by the lungs than are larger particles. Studies have shown they increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and respiratory problems.
In addition, the IQAir HealthPro Plus includes a granular activated-carbon adsorption and pelletized chemisorption cell to remove odors and eliminate toxic chemicals, providing effective gas, chemical and odor control for people with chemical sensitivities.
This combination of advanced filtration makes the IQAir HealthPro Plus a true medical-grade air purification system that has been used around the world in hospitals. Combined with an ultra-quiet “fan-in-center” design, intuitive user controls and a built-in intelligent filter life, the IQAir HealthPro Plus is the leading choice in air purification. For more information about the IQAir HealthPro Plus, please visit IQAir HealthPro Plus.
ConsumerSearch.com based its award on the ability of the IQAir HealthPro Plus to provide high-performance air filtration for large rooms, for its superior odor and chemical removal and for effectively removing allergens.
The ConsumerSearch.com editors also rated the IQAir HealthPro Plus the best choice because, unlike many air purifiers, it does not emit ozone and is endorsed by medical groups.
“We take pride in being recognized again as the very best air purifier available,” said Glory Dolphin, CEO of IQAir North America. “This award continues to validate the simple idea that an air purifier should remove even the smallest airborne particles while doing no harm – such as adding ozone or ionization into the environment.”
The IQAir HealthPro Plus combines four advanced filtration technologies to effectively remove more than 99.5 percent of airborne particles, including especially harmful ultrafine particles down to 0.003 microns in diameter – the smallest particles that exist. Ultrafine particles are the easiest to inhale and are more quickly absorbed by the lungs than are larger particles. Studies have shown they increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and respiratory problems.
In addition, the IQAir HealthPro Plus includes a granular activated-carbon adsorption and pelletized chemisorption cell to remove odors and eliminate toxic chemicals, providing effective gas, chemical and odor control for people with chemical sensitivities.
This combination of advanced filtration makes the IQAir HealthPro Plus a true medical-grade air purification system that has been used around the world in hospitals. Combined with an ultra-quiet “fan-in-center” design, intuitive user controls and a built-in intelligent filter life, the IQAir HealthPro Plus is the leading choice in air purification. For more information about the IQAir HealthPro Plus, please visit IQAir HealthPro Plus.
2011年7月21日星期四
Do Air Purifiers Really Work? Seven Common Myths Dispelled
Myth 1. Air purifiers mean that you will not have to ever dust again.
Sorry, but you will still have to get out a Hepa vacuum cleaner and dusting cloth to dust your furniture and floors to be completely free of dust.
Myth 2. If you have allergies, air purifiers can be a silver bullet.
An air purifier is only part of an allergy control program. When allergens are heavy like pollen, they can fall to the floor before an air cleaner catches them. A Hepa vacuum and steam cleaner are also useful.
Myth 3. If an air purifier has a Hepa filter, it must be effective.
Unfortunately, even if an air purifier has a Hepa filter, other design factors may prevent it from doing a truly effective job so that the unpurified air leaks all around the filter and escapes back into the room.
Myth 4. If you have dust mite allergies, the first thing you need to do is buy an air purifier.
Actually not true. Firstly, you should get dust mite covers for your pillows and mattresses since dust mites tend to congregate in warm moist environments. An air purifier will only capture airborne dust mite fragments.
Myth 5. If you have allergies you should never open your windows and only rely on your air purifier.
Not true; every house needs a certain amount of fresh air exchanges every day. If you do not have an automatic fresh air exchanger, you are best off opening the windows for an hour each day.
Myth 6. Air purifiers with Hepa filters help remove odors.
Hepa filters capture allergens, not odors. That is only achieved through an air purifier that contains several pounds of carbon in a separate filter.
Myth 7. Running an air purifier at any speed will help air quality.
This is really a big misconception. Consumers often run their air purifier at low speeds to not hear fan noise, but don't realize that they reduce the square footage it will effectively cover. Run the air purifier on high a couple of hours before you go to bed and then turn it on low.
Sorry, but you will still have to get out a Hepa vacuum cleaner and dusting cloth to dust your furniture and floors to be completely free of dust.
Myth 2. If you have allergies, air purifiers can be a silver bullet.
An air purifier is only part of an allergy control program. When allergens are heavy like pollen, they can fall to the floor before an air cleaner catches them. A Hepa vacuum and steam cleaner are also useful.
Myth 3. If an air purifier has a Hepa filter, it must be effective.
Unfortunately, even if an air purifier has a Hepa filter, other design factors may prevent it from doing a truly effective job so that the unpurified air leaks all around the filter and escapes back into the room.
Myth 4. If you have dust mite allergies, the first thing you need to do is buy an air purifier.
Actually not true. Firstly, you should get dust mite covers for your pillows and mattresses since dust mites tend to congregate in warm moist environments. An air purifier will only capture airborne dust mite fragments.
Myth 5. If you have allergies you should never open your windows and only rely on your air purifier.
Not true; every house needs a certain amount of fresh air exchanges every day. If you do not have an automatic fresh air exchanger, you are best off opening the windows for an hour each day.
Myth 6. Air purifiers with Hepa filters help remove odors.
Hepa filters capture allergens, not odors. That is only achieved through an air purifier that contains several pounds of carbon in a separate filter.
Myth 7. Running an air purifier at any speed will help air quality.
This is really a big misconception. Consumers often run their air purifier at low speeds to not hear fan noise, but don't realize that they reduce the square footage it will effectively cover. Run the air purifier on high a couple of hours before you go to bed and then turn it on low.
2011年6月8日星期三
Rabbit Air Awarded Certification by Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America
Rabbit Air has finalized a partnership with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
The Asthma & Allergy Friendly™ Certification Program, administered by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in partnership with the international research organization Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), is an independent program created to scientifically test and identify consumer products that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies.
The Certification Program has included certifying air purifiers in order to address some of the contaminants that may be present in indoor air and to scientifically validate that air cleaners contribute to the goal of allergen reduction.
In order to be certified, the MinusA2 Asthma & Allergy Friendly™ special edition air purifiers have passed testing and meet the following criteria:
The air purifier can reduce bio-allergen level in a defined space
The reduction in bio-allergen is a result of actual removal and not just re-distribution.
The air purifier does not contribute to ozone levels in the home
The AAFA certified Rabbit Air purifiers will be sold for $489.95 for the MinusA2 700A and $579.95 for the MinusA2 780A
About Rabbit Air
Since its inception in 2001, Rabbit air has worked tirelessly to provide high quality HEPA air purifiers to its customers. The company's mission is to improve the quality of life through an advanced air purification system that is efficient and compliments modern home décor.
About Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is the leading national nonprofit organization fighting asthma and allergic diseases. AAFA provides free information, conducts educational programs, fights for patients’ rights, and funds research to find better treatments and cures.
The Asthma & Allergy Friendly™ Certification Program, administered by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in partnership with the international research organization Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), is an independent program created to scientifically test and identify consumer products that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies.
The Certification Program has included certifying air purifiers in order to address some of the contaminants that may be present in indoor air and to scientifically validate that air cleaners contribute to the goal of allergen reduction.
In order to be certified, the MinusA2 Asthma & Allergy Friendly™ special edition air purifiers have passed testing and meet the following criteria:
The air purifier can reduce bio-allergen level in a defined space
The reduction in bio-allergen is a result of actual removal and not just re-distribution.
The air purifier does not contribute to ozone levels in the home
The AAFA certified Rabbit Air purifiers will be sold for $489.95 for the MinusA2 700A and $579.95 for the MinusA2 780A
About Rabbit Air
Since its inception in 2001, Rabbit air has worked tirelessly to provide high quality HEPA air purifiers to its customers. The company's mission is to improve the quality of life through an advanced air purification system that is efficient and compliments modern home décor.
About Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is the leading national nonprofit organization fighting asthma and allergic diseases. AAFA provides free information, conducts educational programs, fights for patients’ rights, and funds research to find better treatments and cures.
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