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Spells in Forward Order C-D-P-W Dispel magic P-S-D-F Charm person C-S-W-W-S Summon elemental P-S-F-W Summon ogre C-(w Magic mirror P-W-P-F-S-S-S-D Finger of death D-F-F-D-D Lightning bolt P-W-P-W-W-C Haste D-F-P-W Cure heavy wounds S-D Missile D-F-W Cure light wounds S-F-W Summon goblin D-P-P Amnesia S-P-F Anti-spell D-S-F Confusion S-P-F-P-S-D-W Permanency D-S-F-F-F-C Disease S-P-P-C Time stop D-W-F-F-(d Blindness S-S-F-P Resist cold D-W-S-S-S-P Delayed effect S-W-D Fear D-W-W-F-W-C Raise dead S-W-W-C Fire storm D-W-W-F-W-D Poison W-D-D-C + Lightning bolt F-F-F Paralysis W-F-P Cause light wounds F-P-S-F-W Summon troll W-F-P-S-F-W Summon giant F-S-S-D-D Fireball W-P-F-D Cause heavy wounds P Shield W-P-P Counter-spell (p ! Surrender W-S-S-C Ice storm P-D-W-P Remove enchantment W-W-F-P Resist heat P-P-(w-(s Invisibility W-W-P Protection from evil P-S-D-D Charm monster W-W-S Counter-spell ! This is not a spell + Each wizard may use this spell once per battle, then the gestures have no effect. Spells in Reverse Order (read your last few gestures backwards to see if you've made a spell) C-D-D-W + Lightning bolt (p ! Surrender C-F-F-F-S-D Disease P-F-S-S Resist cold C-P-P-S Time Stop P-F-W Cause Light wounds C-S-S-W Ice storm P-F-W-W Resist heat C-W-F-W-W-D Raise dead P-P-D Amnesia C-W-W-P-W-P Haste P-P-W Counter spell C-W-W-S Fire storm P-S-S-S-W-D Delayed effect D-D-F-F-D Lightning bolt P-W-D-P Remove enchantment D-D-S-P Charm monster P-W-W Protection from evil D-D-S-S-F Fireball (s-(w-P-P Invisibility (d-F-F-W-D Blindness S-W-W Counter-spell D-F-P-W Cause heavy wounds S-W-W-S-C Summon elemental D-S Missile (w-C Magic mirror D-S-S-S-F-P-W-P Finger of death W-D-S-P-F-P-S Permanency D-W-F-W-W-D Poison W-F-D Cure light wounds D-W-S Fear W-F-S Summon goblin F-D-S-P Charm person W-F-S-P Summon ogre F-F-F Paralysis W-F-S-P-F Summon troll F-P-S Anti-spell W-F-S-P-F-W Summon giant F-S-D Confusion W-D-D-C Dispel magic P Shield W-P-F-D Cure heavy wounds
Waving Hands from /Duel Purpose/ A game by Richard Bartle. A number of years ago, Richard Bartle published a zine called _Sauce of the Nile_. One feature I particularly liked was the rules for new games which he produced. One game appealed to me more than the others but it never seemed to achieve the fame it deserved. Since then Richard has rewritten some of its rules and has tried to have it produced commercially but, as his proposed publishers have been using delaying tactics for some time now, he has given me permission to reprint the game. The original name of the game was Spellbinder but, as that name has been used in a commercial game since Richard thought of it, he told me to think up some other name. The game is a rarity as it can be classed as a *fairy game* which is totally dependent upon skill! Andrew Buchanan Introduction This is a game concerning the imaginary conflict between two powerful wizards in a duel of sorcery. The two opponents perform magical gestures with their hands to create their supernatural weapons - spells. Some spells are so potent as to be able to blind a man, call forth terrifying creatures, or even kill the unfortunate victim instantly. Consequently, each wizard must rely on his own cunning to be able to time enough defensive spells to avoid the brunt of his adversary's attack, yet deliver sufficient offensive spells of his own to crack the magical armour of his opponent, and kill the wizard outright. The game is an attempt to capture the spirit of such a battle in as simple yet exciting way as possible. The only equipment needed is pencil, paper and opponent. Time taken varies between 15 - 30 minutes. The inventor wishes to state that he has never been involved in a magical duel but would be interested to discover how realistic the game is for those who have been involved in such a bout. The Turn Each turn both player's will write down in secret the directions for their wizards and the monsters under their wizards control. After both players have written their directions for this turn, the moves are revealed at the same time and dealt with as if the actions specified therein occur simultaneously. Certain spells may alter these circumstances. For example, you don't get to see all of your opponent's moves if their wizard is invisible. Each turn a player's wizard can either gesture with their hands to weave part of a spell, stab with their knife, or do nothing. They use both hands and each hand can act independently or in concord with the other. Monsters will obey their master's commands exactly. Monster's may change hands (as it were) as a result of enchantment. From that point on the monster's attacks are directed by the new master. Monsters may make a single attack each turn against a target chosen by their master or they may spend the turn doing nothing. Monsters may attack on the turn in which they are summoned. Monsters are untrained, unintelligent creatures and can neither gesture nor cast spells. Players personally acquainted with monsters who wish to vouch for their ability to cast spells are requested to keep quiet. Gestures Spells are created by strings of gestures made with the hands. There are five single-handed gestures: * the wiggled fingers (F) * the proferred palm (P) * the snap (S) * the wave (W) * the digit pointing (D) There is one two-handed gesture: the clap (C). Both hands must be specified as clapping in the same turn for this gesture to be valid. There also two non-gestures: * stab (stab) * nothing ( ) The abbreviation for each gesture (or non-gesture) is used when specifing directions for the turn. Spells are cast using an ordered series of gestures. A list of spells and the gestures used to cast them is given in the final section. For example, three wiggling finger gestures on consecutive turns (noted as F-F-F) evokes a *paralysis* spell. The uniqueness of the game, however, is that a single gesture in more than one series and, hence, can be used to cast more than one spell. Gestures may be used in multiple series provided that: * the gestures have been made in the correct sequence without interruption * no more than one spell is created per gesture * all gestures for one spell are made with the same hand For instance, the left hand could cast the F-F-F above. In the following four turns the left hand could gesture (S-S-D-D) to finish off a *fireball* spell since the last five gestures would then be (F-S-S-D-D). Another alternative is to simply perform another (F) for a second *paralysis* spell, as the last three gestures are still (F-F-F). If spells are used in a wise manner and frequently overlap, the overall number of gestures needed to cast them can be cut dramatically. If a gesture can be construed to create two or more spells then the caster chooses which one to cast. For example, the last two gestures of a *finger of death* are the same as *missile*, yet only on odd occasions would the latter spell be chosen in preference to the former. Another example of the one-spell-per-gesture concept is the following: Right hand: P P W S Last 4 gestures form *invisibility* Left hand: W W W S Last 3 gestures form *counter-spell* The trouble here is the *invisibility* spell needs both hands to perform certain gestures. However, since the final S of the left hand cannot be used to cast two spells, it is clear that a choice must be made between the W-W-S of the *counter-spell* and the P-P-(w-(s of the *invisibility*. Here and in the rest of the document an open parenthesis, followed by a lowercase letter, denotes a gesture to be performed with /both hands/ simultaneously. E.g. (w denotes a W by each hand. If the caster completes a series that casts a spell, intentionally or unintentionally, the spell must be cast. Most of these are shot off to nowhere if not required but some cannot be easily discarded. For example *fire storm* gets you no matter where it is released. Note also that some of the larger spells have smaller ones incorporated within their casting series. All spells and monsters need a target, someone or something to be the victim. Usually the target is obvious. Normally enchantments and damaging spells are cast at on your opponent's wizard, whereas protection and summonning spells are cast on your wizard. However, if your target is not the usual one, it must be noted along with the gestures. For example, you may wish to cast a *counter-spell* on your own monster to stop a *charm monster* spell from making it attack you. The target need not exist at the time the gestures are made. "The elemental he's about to create" is a valid target but if it still doesn't exist when you actually cast the spell then the spell is discarded (but, once again, recall that certain spells /cannot/ be discarded). Monsters will usually attack their master's opponent but if the target is different, e.g. another monster, then it must be written down along with the monster's action. Spells can be aborted at any point during their development simply by performing a gesture which breaks up the series for that spell. There is no penalty, save having wasted some time. Note that no spells contain *stab* or *nothing*. Also note that nonsense (Zen?)( gestures such as (C with just one hand are considered the same as *nothing* (which is a fairly Zenlike concept, in and of itself). Consequently, after one of these options is taken, all spells must start from scratch. Note also that wizards carry only one dagger and so cannot stab with both hands at the same time. Wizards can, however, change hands for stabbing without wasting time. Such are the disadvantages of physical violence. Certain spells cancel one another if they take effect simultaneously. An obvious example is *finger of death* and *raise dead*. Cancellation occurs when the subjects of the spells concerned are the same, although there are some of the heat versus cold variety which don't care who is the subject. Most other spells which cancel harmlessly are contradictory enchantments (e.g. a wizard cannot both repeat last turn's gestures and give a random gesture with one hand when *amnesia* and *confusion* are cast at the same time). If two spells seem to cancel yet are not mentioned explicitly in the section on spells, use your common sense and you can't go far wrong (henceforth this will be known as the *Cosmic Encounter Rule*). Since spells detonate simultaneously, there is occasionally confusion over spells which don't cancel yet which seem to depend on which happened first. The best example is when a monster is created and, on the same turn, hit by a *fireball*, or something else sufficient to kill it. Since both are simultaneous, the monster will attack that turn whilst being destroyed. There are some examples explicitly mentioned in the final section. For example, ice elementals in an *ice storm* and *counter-spell* or *dispel magic* versus all other spells. Another seeming conflict occurs when a target that is resistant to fire has both a *remove enchantment* and *fireball* cast on them. The enchantment is removed as the fireball explodes (since they are simultaneous) hence the poor victim is fried. If the target were not resistant to fire and was hit by a *resist fire* and *fireball* then they would start to resist fire just as the fireball exploded and be saved. Before the battle commences, the referee casts a *dispel magic* followed by an *anti-spell* at each of the wizards so they cannot commence gesturing prematurely in order to nearly finish a spell when they start the battle. For the same reason, being made resistant to fire in your last battle doesn't do you any good in the next. Winning Each wizard can sustain fourteen points of damage but dies when fifteen or more points of damage are done. The surviving wizard (if any) is declared the winner. Simultaneous death is a posthumous draw. Damage to wizards and monsters is cumulative (so you don't have to do it all in one go!). Dead monsters take no further part in the game. Wizards may also choose to surrender. This is not a spell, but a pair of P gestures made by both hands at the same time signals your surrender. See the final section for details. Spells Below you will find a list of spells (plus *surrender*), what they do, how long they last, and the series of gestures used to cast them. In the notation used for gesture series, upper case letters are used as abbreviations except when two simultaneous single-handed gestures are required. In those cases an open bracket followed by a lower case letter (e.g. (w ) will be used instead. Finally there is a short list of spells in forward and reverse order, intended for use as a reference sheet for players during the battle. To see if a spell has been cast, look up in the reverse section the last gesture and follow back. Protection Spells Shield gesture P. This spell protects the subject from all attacks from monsters (that is, creatures created by a summonning spell), from missile spells, and from stabs by wizards. The shield will block any number of such attacks but lasts for only one round. The shield protects the subject on the turn in which it is cast. Remove enchantment gestures P-D-W-P. Terminates the effects of all *Enchantment Spells* that have been cast on the subject including those that are cast on the subject at the same time as the *remove enchantment*. Effects which have already passed are not reversed. For example, the victim of a *blindness* spell would not be able to see what their opponent's gestures were on the the *blindness* is removed. Note that all enchantments are removed and the caster may not pick and choose. *Remove enchantment* also destroys any monster upon which it is cast, although the monster can attack in that turn. Wizards suffer no adverse effects from this spell, aside from the removal of their enchantments. Magic Mirror gestures C-(w. Any spell cast on a subject protected by this spell is reflected back upon the caster of that spell. The *magic mirror* protects only during the turn in which it was cast. The protection includes spells like *missile* and *lightning bolt* but does not include attacks by monsters or stabs from wizards. The mirror does not affect spells which are cast upon oneself (e.g. spells from this section and the *Summonning* section). The mirror is countered totally if either a *counter-spell* or *dispel magic* are cast on the subject in the same turn as the mirror. The mirror has no effect on spells which affect more than one person (such as *fire storm*). Two mirrors cast at one subject simultaneously combine to form a single mirror. Counter-spell gestures W-P-P *or* W-W-S. Any other spell cast upon the subject in the same turn has no effect. In the case of blanket spells, which affect more than one person, the subject of the *counter-spell* alone is protected. For example, a *fire storm* spell could kill off a monster but not if a *counter-spell* were cast on the monster in the same turn. Everyone else would be affected as usual by the *fire storm* unless they had their own protection. The *counter-spell* will cancel all the spells cast at the subject for that turn (including *remove enchantment* and *magic mirror*) except *dispel magic* and *finger of death*. It will combine with another spell of its own type for the same effect as if it were alone. The *counter-spell* will also act as a *shield* on the final gesture in addition to its other properties, but the shield effect is on the same subject as its other effect. Dispel Magic gestures C-D-P-W. This spell acts as a combination of *counter-spell* and *remove enchantment*, but its effects are universal rather than limited to the subject of the spell. It will stop any spell cast in the same turn from working (apart from another dispel magic spell which combines with it for the same result), and will remove all enchantments from all beings before they have effect. In addition, all monsters are destroyed although they can attack that turn. *Counter-spells* and *magic mirrors* have no effect. The spell will not work on stabs or surrenders. As with a *counter-spell* it also acts as a *shield* for its subject. Raise Dead gestures D-W-W-F-W-C. The subject of this spell is usually a recently-dead (not yet decomposing) human corpse though it may be used on a dead monster. When the spell is cast, life returns to the corpse and all damage is cured. All enchantments are also removed (as per the spell) so any *diseases* or *poisons* will be neutralized and all other enchantments removed. If swords, knives, or other implements of destruction still remain in the corpse when it is raised, they will of course cause it damage as usual. The subject will be able to act normally immediately after the spell is cast. On the turn a monster is raised it may attack. Wizards may begin gesturing on the turn following their return from the dead. This is the only spell which affects corpses. It therefore cannot be stopped by a *counter-spell*. A *dispel magic* spell will prevent its effect, since *dispel magic* affects all spells no matter what their subject. If the spell is cast on a live individual, the effect is that of a *cure light wounds* recovering five points of damage, or as many as have been sustained if less than five. Note that any diseases the live subject might have are /not/ cured. Cure Light Wounds gestures D-F-W. If the subject has received damage then he is cured by one point as if that point had not been inflicted. Thus, for example, if a wizard was at ten points of damage and was hit simultaneously by a *cure light wounds* and a *lightning bolt* he would finish that turn on fourteen points rather than fifteen (or nine if there had been no *lightning bolt*). The effect is not removed by a *dispel magic* or *remove enchantment*. Cure Heavy Wounds gestures D-F-P-W. This spell is similar to *cure light wounds* in effect but two points of damage are cured. Note that only one point is cured if only one point of damage has been sustained and the spell has no effect if the subject is completely undamaged. This spell will also cure any diseases the subject might have at the time. Summonning Spells Summon Goblin gestures S-F-W. This spell creates a goblin under the control of the subject upon whom the spell is cast (or if cast on a monster, the subject monster's /controller/, even if the monster later dies or changes loyalty). The goblin can attack immediately and its victim can be any any wizard or other monster the controller desires, stating which at the time he writes his gestures. It does one point of damage to its victim per turn and is destroyed after one point of damage is inflicted upon it. The summoning spell cannot be cast at an elemental, and if cast at something which doesn't exist, the spell has no effect. Summon Ogre gestures P-S-F-W. This spell is the same as *summon goblin* but the ogre created inflicts and is destroyed by two points of damage rather than one. Summon Troll gestures F-P-S-F-W. This spell is the same as *summon goblin* but the troll created inflicts and is destroyed by three points of damage rather than one. Summon Giant gestures W-F-P-S-F-W. This spell is the same as *summon goblin* but the giant created inflicts and is destroyed by four points of damage rather than one. Summon Elemental gestures C-S-W-W-S. This spell creates either a fire elemental or an ice elemental at the discretion of the person upon whom the spell is cast after he has seen all the gestures made that turn. Elementals must be cast at someone and cannot be "shot off" harmlessly at some inanimate object. The elemental will, for that turn and until destroyed, attack everyone who is not resistant to its type (heat or cold), causing three points of damage per turn. The elemental takes three points of damage to be killed but may be destroyed by spells of the opposite type (e.g. *fire storm*, *resist cold* or *fireball* will kill an ice elemental), and will also neutralize the canceling spell. Elementals will not attack on the turn they are destroyed by such a spell. An elemental will also be engulfed and destroyed by a storm of its own type but, in such an event, the storm is not neutralized although the elemental still does not attack in that turn. Two elementals of the opposite type will also destroy each other before attacking, and two of the same type will join together to form a single elemental of normal strength. Note that only wizards or monsters resistant to the type of elemental, or who are casting a spell which has the effect of a *shield* do not get attacked by the elemental. Casting a *fireball* upon yourself when being attacked by an ice elemental is no defence! (Cast it at the elemental...) Damaging Spells Missile gestures S-D. This spell creates a material object of hard substance which is hurled towards the subject of the spell and causes him one point of damage. The spell is thwarted by a *shield* in addition to the usual *counter-spell*, *dispel magic* and *magic mirror* (the latter causing it to hit whoever cast it instead). Finger of Death gestures P-W-P-F-S-S-S-D. Kills the subject stone dead. This spell is so powerful that it is unaffected by a *counter-spell* although a *dispel magic* spell cast upon the final gesture will stop it. The usual way to prevent being harmed by this spell is to disrupt it during casting using, for example, an *anti-spell*. Lightning Bolt gestures D-F-F-D-D *or* W-D-D-C. The subject of this spell is hit by a bolt of lightning and sustains five points of damage. Resistance to heat or cold is irrelevant. There are two gesture combinations for the spell, but the shorter one may be used only once per day (i.e. per battle) by any wizard. The longer one may be used without restriction. A *shield* spell offers no defence. Cause Light Wounds gestures W-F-P. The subject of this spell is inflicted with two points of damage. Resistance to heat or cold offers no defence. A simultaneous *cure light wounds* will serve only to reduce the damage to 1 point. A *shield* has no effect. Cause Heavy Wounds gestures W-P-F-D. This has the same effect as *cause light wounds* but inflicts three points of damage instead of two. Fireball gestures F-S-S-D-D. The subject of this spell is hit by a ball of fire and sustains five points of damage unless he is resistant to fire. If at the same time an *ice storm* prevails, the subject of the *fireball* is instead not harmed by either spell, although the storm will affect others as normal. If directed at an ice elemental, the fireball will destroy it before it can attack, but has no other effect on the creatures. Fire Storm gestures S-W-W-C. Everything not resistant to heat sustains 5 points of damage that turn. The spell cancels wholly, causing no damage, with either an *ice storm* or an ice elemental. It will destroy but not be destroyed by a fire elemental. Two *fire storms* act as one. Ice Storm gestures W-S-S-C. Everything not resistant to cold sustains 5 points of damage that turn. The spell cancels wholly, causing no damage, with either a *fire storm* or a fire elemental, and will cancel locally with a *fireball*. It will destroy but not be destroyed by an ice elemental. Two *ice storms* act as one. Enchantment Spells Amnesia gestures D-P-P. If the subject of this spell is a wizard, next turn he must repeat identically the gestures he made in the current turn, including stabs. If the subject is a monster it will attack whoever it attacked this turn. If the subject is simultaneously the subject of any of *confusion*, *charm person*, *charm monster*, *paralysis* or *fear* then none of the spells work. Confusion gestures D-S-F. If the subject of this spell is a wizard, next turn he writes down his gestures as usual and after exposing them, rolls 2 dice to determine which gesture is superseded due to his being confused. The first die indicates left hand on 1-3, right on 4-6. The second roll determines what the gesture for that hand shall be replaced with: 1=C, 2=D, 3=F, 4=P, 5=S, 6=W. If the subject of the spell is a monster, it attacks at random that turn. If the subject is also the subject of any of: *amnesia*, *charm person*, *charm monster*, *paralysis* or *fear*, none of the spells work. Charm Person gestures P-S-D-F. Except for cancellation with other enchantments, this spell only affects humans. The subject is told which of his hands will be controlled at the time the spell hits, and in the following turn, the caster of the spell writes down the gesture he wants the subject's named hand to perform. This could be a stab or nothing. If the subject is only so because of a reflection from a *magic mirror* the subject of the mirror assumes the role of caster and writes down his opponent's gesture. If the subject is also the subject of any of *amnesia*, *confusion*, *charm monster*, *paralysis* or *fear*, none of the spells work. Charm Monster gestures P-S-D-D. Except for cancellation with other enchantments, this spell only affects monsters (excluding elementals). Control of the monster is transferred to the caster of the spell (or retained by him) as of this turn, i.e. the monster will attack whosoever its new controller dictates from that turn onwards including that turn. Further charms are, of course, possible, transferring as before. If the subject of the charm is also the subject of any of: *amnesia*, *confusion*, *charm person*, *fear* or *paralysis*, none of the spells work. Paralysis gestures F-F-F. If the subject of the spell is a wizard, then on the turn the spell is cast, after gestures have been revealed, the caster selects one of the wizard's hands and on the next turn that hand is paralyzed into the position it is in this turn. If the wizard already had a paralyzed hand, it must be the same hand which is paralyzed again. Certain gestures remain the same but if the hand being paralyzed is performing a C, S or W it is instead paralyzed into F, D or P respectively, otherwise it will remain in the position written down (this allows repeated stabs). A favourite ploy is to continually paralyze a hand (F-F-F-F-F-F etc.) into a non-P gesture and then set a monster on the subject so that he has to use his other hand to protect himself, but then has no defence against other magical attacks. If the subject of the spell is a monster (excluding elementals which are unaffected) it simply does not attack in the turn following the one in which the spell was cast. If the subject of the spell is also the subject of any of *amnesia*, *confusion*, *charm person*, *charm monster* or *fear*, none of the spells work. Fear gestures S-W-D. In the turn following the casting of this spell, the subject cannot perform a C, D, F or S gesture. This obviously has no effect on monsters. If the subject is also the subject of *amnesia*, *confusion*, *charm person*, *charm monster* or *paralysis*, then none of the spells work. Anti-spell gestures S-P-F. On the turn following the casting of this spell, the subject cannot include any gestures made on or before this turn in a spell sequence and must restart a new spell from the beginning of that spell sequence. The spell does not affect spells which are cast on the same turn nor does it affect monsters. Protection from Evil gestures W-W-P. For this turn and the following 3 turns the subject of this spell is protected as if using a *shield* spell, thus leaving both hands free. Concurrent *shield* spells offer no further protection and compound *protection from evil* spells merely overlap offering no extra cover. Resist Heat gestures W-W-F-P. The subject of this spell becomes totally resistant to all forms of heat attack (*fireball*, *fire storm* and fire elementals). Only *dispel magic* or *remove enchantment* will terminate this resistance once started (although a *counter-spell* will prevent it from working if cast at the subject at the same time as this spell). A *resist heat* cast directly on a fire elemental will destroy it before it can attack that turn, but there is no effect on ice elementals. Resist Cold gestures S-S-F-P. The effects of this spell are identical to *resist heat* but resistance is to cold (*ice storm* and ice elementals) and it destroys ice elementals if they are the subject of the spell but doesn't affect fire elementals. Disease gestures D-S-F-F-F-C. The subject of this spell immediately contracts a deadly (non-contagious) disease which will kill him at the end of 6 turns counting from the one upon which the spell is cast. The malady is cured by *remove enchantment* or *cure heavy wounds* or *dispel magic* in the meantime. Poison gestures D-W-W-F-W-D. This is the same as the disease spell except that *cure heavy wounds* does not stop its effects. Blindness gestures D-W-F-F-(d. For the next 3 turns not including the one in which the spell was cast, the subject is unable to see. If he is a wizard, he cannot tell what his opponent's gestures are, although he must be informed of any which affect him (e.g. summons spells, *missile* etc cast at him) but not *counter- spells* to his own attacks. Indeed he will not know if his own spells work unless they also affect him (e.g. a *fire storm* when he isn't resistant to fire.) He can control his monsters (e.g. "Attack whatever it was that just attacked me"). Blinded monsters are instantly destroyed and cannot attack in that turn. Invisibility gestures P-P-(w-(s. This spell is similar to *blindness* only the subject of the spell becomes invisible to his opponent and his monsters. All spells he creates, though not gestures, can be seen by his opponent and identified. The subject cannot be attacked by any monsters although they can be directed at him in case he becomes visible prematurely. Wizards can still stab and direct spells at him, with the same hope. Any monster made invisible is destroyed due to the unstable nature of such magically created creatures. Haste gestures P-W-P-W-W-C. For the next 3 turns, the subject (but not his monsters if a wizard) makes an extra set of gestures due to being speeded up. This takes effect in the following turn so that instead of giving one pair of gestures, 2 are given, the effect of both being taken simultaneously at the end of the turn. Thus a single *counter-spell* from his adversary could cancel 2 spells cast by the hastened wizard on 2 half-turns if the phasing is right. Non-hastened wizards and monsters can see everything the hastened individual is doing. Hastened monsters can change target in the extra turns if desired. Time stop gestures S-P-P-C. The subject of this spell immediately takes an extra turn, on which no-one can see or know about unless they are harmed. All non-affected beings have no resistance to any form of attack, e.g. a wizard halfway through the duration of a *protection from evil* spell can be harmed by a monster which has had its time stopped. Time-stopped monsters attack whoever their controller instructs, and time-stopped elementals affect everyone, resistance to heat or cold being immaterial in that turn. Delayed effect gestures D-W-S-S-S-P. This spell only works if cast upon a wizard. The next spell he completes, provided it is on this turn or one of the next 3 is "banked" until needed, i.e. it fails to work until its caster desires. This next spell which is to be banked does not include the actual spell doing the banking. The spell must be written down to be used by its caster at the same time that he writes his gestures. Note that spells banked are those cast by the subject not those cast at him. If he casts more than one spell at the same time he chooses which is to be banked. Remember that P is a *shield* spell, and surrender is not a spell. A wizard may only have one spell banked at any one time. Permanency gestures S-P-F-P-S-D-W. This spell only works if cast upon a wizard. The next spell he completes, provided it is on this turn or one of the next 3, and which falls into the category of "Enchantments" (except *anti-spell*, *disease*, *poison*, or *time-stop*) will have its effect made permanent. This means that the effect of the extended spell on the first turn of its duration is repeated eternally. For example, a *confusion* spell will be the same gesture rather than re-rolling the dice, a *charm person* will mean repetition of the chosen gesture, etc. If the subject of the *permanency* casts more than one spell at the same time eligible for permanency, he chooses which has its duration extended. Note that the person who has his spell made permanent does not necessarily have to make himself the subject of the spell. A *permanency* spell cannot increase its own duration, nor the duration of spells saved by a *delayed effect* (so if both a *permanency* and *delayed effect* are eligible for the same spell to be banked or extended, a choice must be made, the losing spell being neutralized and working on the next spell instead). Non-spells Surrender gestures (p. This is not a spell and consequently cannot be cast at anyone. The wizard making these gestures, irrespective of whether they terminate spells or not, surrenders and the contest is over. The surrendering wizard is deemed to have lost unless his gestures completed spells which killed his opponent. Two simultaneous surrenders count as a draw. It is a skill for wizards to work their spells so that they never accidentally perform 2 P gestures simultaneously. Wizards can be killed as they surrender if hit with appropriate spells or attacked physically, but the "referees" will cure any diseases, poisons etc immediately after the surrender for them. Stab gesture stab. This is not a spell but an attack which can be directed at any individual monster or wizard. Unless protected in that turn by a *shield* spell or another spell with the same effect, the being stabbed suffers 1 point of damage. The wizard only has one knife so can only stab with one hand in any turn, although which hand doesn't matter. The stab cannot be reflected by a *magic mirror* or stopped by *dispel magic* (although its *shield* effect *could* stop the stab). Wizards are not allowed to stab themselves and must choose a target for the stab. Knives cannot be thrown. Example Game There follows a sample game with following comments. Significant spells are marked +. Null gestures are in brackets. Underlined gestures and above cannot be used further due to the effects of an *anti-spell*. Turn BLACK WHITE Left Right Damage Left Right Damage 1 W W + 0 W + P 0 2 W P + W + D 3 D F + F + + W 4 D + D + P + + W 3 5 F + P S + S + 6 F + P 1 W D + 7 S D W + + D 8 S W W + + S + 9 F F + S + + F + 10 P + (C) + D + + W ++ 11 Stab + P P ++ + D + 12 P + S P + D + 13 P + S 6 C C + 14 W + W S + + S 15 + S + + S W + + P 16 + D + D W + + F 5 --------------- 17 W + S + 11 C + C 18 D + P + + S + S 19 D + F + 13 + D + D --------------- 20 C + + C S + S 10 21 W + W P + W 22 P P F + W Annotation 1. Black starts with 2 W's hoping to use the left as a possible W-W-S *counter- spell* in the event of White opening with an attack, or as a possible W-W-F-P *resist heat* spell. His right hand also opens for a possible *counter-spell* or W-P-F-D *cause heavy wounds* if White has no possible attack; the second P will also cover against any S-D *missile attack*. White has the same ideas for his left hand as Black and opens with a P for his right hand in case Black tries a stab, leading to P-D-W-P *remove enchantment* hopefully. 2. Both complete their second gestures as intended and both notice that neither can use an offensive spell on the third turn so they can switch their left hands to W-W-F-P *resist fire*. Black notices that the only spell White could be preparing with his right hand is remove enchantment and hence his own *resist fire* would be canceled. Since he cannot adjust his right hand sequence to produce a *counter-spell* he resolves to use his latest W to start a W-D-D-C *lightning bolt*. 3. White had to continue his *remove enchantment* in case Black called his bluff but now knows it is pointless to continue as there will be nothing to cancel. Black is certain to hit White with an unstoppable *cause heavy wounds* next time but notices too late that, had he instead of gesturing a D with his left hand, gestured a W, he could have cast a W-W-S *counter-spell* at White and stopped his *resist heat* from working. However, he has a *lightning bolt* coming as compensation... 4. Black hits White with his *cause heavy wounds* and White becomes fire- resistant. White notes that had he gone ahead with his *remove enchantment* spell he would have been doing two P gestures this turn - surrendering! Instead he performs a W with his right hand to time a *counter-spell* after Black's last continuation. 5. Black aborts his *lightning bolt* spell, but White still follows through with his *counter-spell*, just in case. Black switches to the other combination for *lightning bolt*, D-F-F-D-D and sneaks in the start of an amnesia D-P-P. White commences a *summon ogre* P-S-F-W with his left hand, but upon seeing that next time he will be struck by *amnesia* realizes that he won't be able to continue it. Knowing the nature of the spell, he decides to switch next time to a spell starting off with 2 identical gestures, a W-W-S *counter-spell* for safety. 6. Black hits White with the predicted D-P-P amnesia spell, meaning that White must repeat his gestures next time with the same hands. White knows that he has a "free" S-D *missile* on Black since Black cannot do a P shield to defend himself or he would be performing the *surrender* gestures. 7. Since Black knows White's gestures, he can tell that White will be able to time a *counter-spell* to ward off the proposed *lightning bolt* D-F-F-D-D, so he changes to a *fireball* F-S-S-D-D. However, White is resistant to fire so a P-D-W-P *remove enchantment* is called for from the right hand. 8. White surprised Black by repeating his W gesture in the left hand so he can now time a counter spell for the next round and thus prevent the *remove enchantment* from affecting his fire invulnerability (although his resistance to fire will be unaffected by the *counter-spell* since he has already cast the spell on himself in round 4). With his right hand, White half-heartedly starts off a *confusion* spell to interrupt Black next time. 9. Black does 2 F gestures having to change in mid-spells after White's cunning gestures last round. He decides to go for a *blindness* spell D-W-F-F-(d with his right hand, and for *cold resistance* S-S-F-P with his left, to cut his losses. White casts the counter spell W-W-S on himself so that his *confusion* D-S-F will work on Black. 10. Black writes down P for his left hand and F for his right, and White writes D and W. Since Black was hit by a *confusion* last time one of his gestures will be affected. He rolls a C on the right hand and this supersedes the F he had written down. Since he didn't C with his other hand and C is a 2-handed gesture, it counts as a null. Note that if he had rolled for a P he would have surrendered. White finishes off a *summon goblin* spell S-F-W, and a *missile* S-D. Black's left hand finishes a *resist cold* S-S-F-P but he decides to use only the last gesture as a P *shield* so that neither of White's attacks harm him. Now he will wish to dispose of the goblin as soon as possible so he can stop performing P's to protect himself. 11. Black stabs the goblin and, since only 1 hit is required to kill it, eliminates it. He also gestures a P *shield* so that it cannot harm him in that turn. White gestures for an *amnesia* D-P-P and a *lightning bolt* W-D-D-C (the sort which can only be used once per wizard). He also performed a P *shield* but didn't notice and since it is in the "protection" section it was cast upon himself. If he had cast it at the goblin it wouldn't have been killed. Black realizes that he will have no defence against either of White's forthcoming attacks, so chooses to work 2 spells beginning with the same gesture next time so that the amnesia won't be too damaging. 12. Black must start off both gestures from scratch after the stab and half-C and opts for P-P-(w-(s *invisibility* and *resist cold* S-S-F-P. White's *amnesia* spell is completed so Black must repeat next time as expected. 13. Black repeats, and White does a C gesture with both hands to terminate a W-D-D-C *lightning bolt* giving 5 points of damage to Black. White cannot cast another *lightning bolt* using the same gestures now, even if he does W-D-D-C since this type is allowed only once per battle. However, he may use the alternate gestures if he desires. 14. Black aborts his right-hand spell since a W with both hands is needed for the *invisibility*. White does 2 S gestures, hoping for a C-S-W-W-S *summon elemental* and either an *anti-spell* S-F-F or *summon goblin* S-F-W. 15. Black goes invisible for the next 3 turns so White won't be able to see his gestures. White continues with his *summon elemental* but has the option to change to a *fire storm* sequence if he so desires. 16. Realizing that he is about to be hit by an *anti-spell* S-P-F from White, Black opens up with 2 *missiles* S-D and catches White off guard. Next time Black must gesture from scratch again. Although White does not see Black's gestures he knows he has been hit by 2 *missiles* so can work them out. 17. For the second time, Black starts up for a *lightning bolt* W-D-D-C, hoping this time to complete it, and a covering *anti-spell* S-P-F so that White will be unable to defend himself from it. Meanwhile White realizes he is resistant to fire and unleashes a *fire storm* giving 5 points of damage to all those not fire-resistant which just happens to be Black. 18. White does 2 S gestures again hoping to fool Black into thinking that he will repeat the sequence he used after the last C gesture, whereas he intends to hit out with 2 S-D *missiles* next turn (when Black becomes visible again). Black continues with his plan. 19. Black is surprised by the 2 *missiles* from White and is not performing a P *shield* which would protect him. White is hit by Black's *anti-spell* S-P-F but is unaware of the impending *lightning bolt* anyway... 20. Black hits White with his *lightning bolt* as White prepares 2 more *missiles* which would kill Black if they hit, but, noting Black's C he daren't risk the possibility of it being followed by a pair of W's for a C-(w *magic mirror* which would reflect them back at White. Hence White decides to go for another *anti-spell* and *fire storm*. 21. Black does perform the 2 W's planning to *cause heavy wounds* or defend with *counter-spell*. White continues as planned and Black becomes aware that he is about to be burned to death. 22. Resigning himself to defeat Black surrenders just as White's *anti-spell* hits him. The battle ends before White can make the final C gesture which would have disposed of his enemy. White wins the contest. Credits _Waving Hands_ (also known as _Spellcaster_) © Richard Bartle Taken from _Duel Purpose_ fanzine, written by Mike Lean Scanned, OCRed, and edited by Andrew Buchanan firstname.lastname@example.com March 3, 1993 Edited by Ken Tidwell, April 9, 1994 Follow up can be directed via snailmail to: Mike Lean 74 Friary Park, Ballabeg, ISLE OF MAN. (Near UK) Andrew's current understanding is that Richard Bartle is deceased. His (and my) apologies and compliments to Richard should he reads this page. Richard Bartle has been in contact and reports that his wife finds him in good health. He can be contacted at email@example.com
. The Game Cabinet <../> - email@example.com - Ken Tidwell <../biography/KenTidwell.html>


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Photos of the week: 1/29 - 2/5
This week's news headlines were dominated by the ongoing worldwide Zika virus epidemic, as well as the amping up of the 2016 United States presidential candidates' campaigning in Iowa and New Hampshire. We also saw severe weather in California and Arizona, rare Nacreous clouds in England, and former Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli appearing in court.
Click through the slideshow above to see scenes from all of these stories and more, and be sure to check back next weekend for our selection of the best photography from the next seven days.
More on AOL.com:
In garbage crisis, Lebanon chokes on bad air and bad politics
Some 200 protest San Francisco's Super Bowl homelessness response
For Russia's Arctic troops, four legs are better than two

subset: commoncrawl


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A former UFC heavyweight champion and one of the division's rising hot prospects will collide at the promotion's Feb. 20 event.
The UFC Fight Night event has added a bout between Andrei Arlovski and Tom Aspinall to its lineup, the promotion announced Tuesday. The event does not currently have an announced location or venue.
At the time of the fight, Arlovski (30-19 MMA, 19-13 UFC) will be 42 years old and look to extend his winning streak to three. He's won three of his most recent four outings, which include wins over Ben Rothwell, Philipe Lins and Tanner Boser.
Aspinall (9-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has won both of his UFC outings by quick first-round knockouts. In his promotional debut, Aspinall defeated Jake Collier in 45 seconds before he defeated Alan Badout by ground-and-pound stoppage in 1:35 his next time out. Aspinall is 27.
With the addition, the UFC Fight Night card for Feb. 20 includes:
- Curtis Blaydes vs. Derrick Lewis
- Chris Daukaus vs. Aleksei Oleinik
- Darrick Minner vs. Charles Rosa
- Jai Herbert vs. Drakkar Klose
- Danny Chavez vs. Jared Gordon
- Shana Dobson vs. Casey O'Neill
- Jamall Emmers vs. Chas Skelly
- Matt Brown vs. Carlos Condit
- Vinicius Moreira vs. Ike Villanueva
- Rafael Alves vs. Mike Trizano
- Andrei Arlovski vs. Tom Aspinall


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Miami Beach Memorial Day Weekend Traffic Guide
Relax, It's Just Urban Beach Weekend
The streets are lined with metal barricades and there's floodlights on every corner. This can only mean that it's Memorial Day Weekend in South Beach, aka that time of year where every resident of the Beach either gets out of town or holes up in their apartment like it's the zombie apocalypse. Which, we guess, a couple years ago it kind of was.
For the dumb, the brave, or the blindly curious who venture out to South Beach this weekend: Be careful. There might be a liiiiiiittle bit of traffic, and the streets won't be running like they usually are. Here's a quick guide to what to expect if you're venturing over, or stuck there yourself
I-395 (MacArthur Causeway) - Not only will you have a DUI checkpoint from Friday at 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Saturday, there'll be license plate readers checking every car headed out to the Beach. So get that bench warrant for unpaid parking tickets taken care of before you head out.
I-195 (Arthur Godfrey Causeway) - Same as 395. Don't go over there if there's anything on your record.
Venetian Causeway - Will be accessible to those with Miami and Miami Beach IDs ONLY. No hotel room keys, no licesnes you didn't bother getting updated that have you living in Boca. No New York IDs. Dade County ZIP codes only.
Washington Ave. - Will be running one way southbound all weekend from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. between 5th and 17th streets. This creates a sort-of traffic loop through the main party district, allowing those with rims worth more than their cars to show them to passers-by for 12 hours nonstop.
Collins Ave. - Will be running one way northbound all weekend from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. between 5th and 17th streets. And don't even think about parking on the street.
East-West Streets 5-17, Between Washington and Collins - Will have limited access, only to those with proper residential decals.
Alton Road - Will be the same torn up clusterf**k that it's been for the last year or so. So taking it to avoid Washington and Collins will still be a bad idea.
Ocean Drive - Will be shut down completely from 7 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Residential areas - Between 5th and 17th Streets, from Washington Ave. to Alton Road, police will be stationed on every corner checking IDs and only allowing in residents of that area. This will also be in place on the north side of Dade Blvd. at Washington Ave. If you have just moved (or still have your old ID) bring a bill, car registration, or SOMETHING that proves you live there along with valid photo ID, or you may find yourself taking a very long walk to your friend's house on the mainland.
Parking - Normal parking rules and rates (except as noted above) will be enforces, with the exceptions of the municipal lots at South Pointe Park, Nikki Beach and 46th St.
Here's a handy map of all the traffic changes courtesy of the Miami Herald.
You Deserve More Than an Ordinary Vacation.
Travel with Miami Beach 411 Today!
The Miami Beach 411 Travel Store is Open 24/7.


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BBQ Chicken
This particular recipe card was wrapped in saran wrap, which leads me to believe it was a good one used over and over. The recipe is actually for a barbecue sauce for chicken that has been broiled or fried, and it sounds yummy. I usually make barbecued chicken on the grill, painting the sauce directly … Continue reading


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by Rachel Ciordas, our "Dean of Deliciousness"
Well, we just have so many fantastic things going on over here I can hardly stop working long enough to tell you about them!! I must say that I am really excited about the Downtown Dinner Club on Saturday night. We've spiffed up the piano, transformed ourselves into a swanky bar and funky Dinner joint and I cannot wait for everyone to stream in, kick back, and have a great time!!! Oh… and the best part, as a graduate of the prestigious "Professional Series" of classes Chef has invited ME to help him and the crew prepare dinner. (Yay!!) It will be an event not to be missed folks, come over between 6pm and 9pm on Saturday April 10th, have a drink, great dinner, stop in the shops Downtown to get your $10 Culinary Center gift certificate, and make sure you say hello to the "Dean of Deliciousness!"
As excited as I am about Saturday… we can hardly get through one exciting event before the next on is upon us!
Next Thursday 4/15 6:30-9pm Larry Wheeler's teaching all the girls how to create fantastic ambiance in your house!!! He'll teach us all to master the glue gun and you'll get to take home a personalized 16 inch wreath! This is a ladies only event complete with girly libations, an appetizer and dessert buffet, and serious creative fun!
Calling all Saucy Cooks! On Saturday 4/17 6:30-9:30 we're gettin' saucy over here and learning how to make classic and contemporary sauces… this is the final touch that makes all the difference!
Last time Aaron Dearinger from Annedore's taught a class I was the lucky recipient of an "extra" truffle egg…. biting into that egg was pretty much a life changing experience. I fully intend to hang around on Sunday 4/18 when he comes back to teach us all about Caramel Creations and give him big puppy eyes. I can only hope he'll take pity and throw a caramel my way! Don't risk missing out, sign up and ensure you'll taste the amazing creations and be able to recreate them again at home; we've still got a few spots left!!!
I can't let you go without a mentioning the "More Sushi at Home" class on Monday April 19th 6:30-9pm. Chef Sophia Chatfield makes it easy to impress your family and friends with amazing sushi!!! They won't believe you could have made something that good…


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New Texans punter Cam Johnston gets a three-year, $8 million contract, $1 million signing bonus, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 19, 2021
The Arryn Sippos era is upon us, as Aaron Wilson is reporting that Cameron Johnston has signed a three-year deal with the Houston Texans.
According to Mike Kaye of NJ.com, the deal includes a $1 million signing bonus and $3 million in guaranteed money.
The Eagles decided not to tender Johnston after the worst season of his career, as the punter logged a 46.7 yards per punt average, with a career-low 41.2 net-yard average.


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Frequently Asked Questions
You and your family may have questions about applying to Carnegie Mellon for Fall 2023. We have answers! We hope the information below will clarify some of our policy updates since the start of the pandemic. We're here to help, so if you still have questions after browsing, you can reach our office via LiveChat, email or phone during normal business hours.
We've joined over 300 other colleges and universities to sign this collective statement from Harvard's Making Caring Common project.
Am I able to visit campus?
We're currently offering a limited number of guided tours and a self-guided Outdoor Campus Walking Route in addition to on-campus Information Sessions for prospective students to see campus. Registration is required. We encourage you to check back regularly for changes and updates.
In the meantime, we encourage you to check out our online visit opportunities to engage directly with our current students and staff. You can also sign up for our Admission Mailing List to receive news about future in-person events as they become available.
Will classes be on campus for the 2022-2023 academic year?
The university has returned to primarily on-campus, in-person operations, although there are still a select few hybrid or remote courses through the next year.
For the most up-to-date information on our operational status, please visit the university's COVID-19 website.
Will first-year applicants be expected to submit SAT or ACT scores?
Carnegie Mellon University is extending our test-optional policy through Fall 2024, removing the SAT/ACT standardized testing requirement for all first-year applicants.
Pursuant to this policy, students who are unable to take either the SAT or ACT or choose not to submit their standardized test scores will be considered equally for admission along with those who submit scores. While we encourage those who have been able to take the SAT or ACT to submit their test results, we also recognize that candidates who do submit scores may not have been able to take the SAT or ACT more than once as planned.
We'll continue to review and evaluate our process to make a determination regarding future standardized testing requirements for admission to Carnegie Mellon.
Carnegie Mellon is committed to a holistic approach to admission. No single grade, factor, score or activity guarantees or disqualifies any candidate admission to Carnegie Mellon. We treat every applicant as an individual, taking great care to make our admission decisions fairly, thoroughly and in context. We're interested in students who can be successful at Carnegie Mellon while taking full advantage of all the university has to offer and enriching our campus community.
Which English proficiency tests do you accept?
If English is not a first language for you, you must submit official results from the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test exams.
While we only accept the IELTS Academic exam, we accept three versions of the TOEFL: the iBT, the iBT Home Edition and the Essentials exam.
To ensure we can consider your scores, all results must still be valid when you submit them.
Are SAT Subject Tests required or recommended?
The College Board no longer offers SAT Subject Tests. These test results are neither required nor recommended, and prior scores won't be considered in our admission review process.
Which application plans are available for fall 2023 applicants?
Like previous years, there are four different ways to apply: Early Decision, Regular Decision, Early Admission and Transfer Admission. However, students interested in our Early Decision plan now can choose from two options:
Early Decision 1: This is for students who know Carnegie Mellon is their first choice and will enroll if admitted. Applications are due November 1 and students are notified by December 15.
Early Decision 2: If Carnegie Mellon becomes your first choice after November 1, you can either select this plan on your Common Application or switch your application from Regular Decision to Early Decision 2. Applications are due January 3 and students are notified no later than February 1.
Here are our three other plans:
Regular Decision: Most students choose this plan, as they have until January 3 to submit an application. Music and Drama applicants must submit theirs by December 1 to leave time to schedule auditions.
Early Admission: This is for high school juniors graduating early and follows the same deadlines as Regular Decision. This isn't the same as Early Action, which we don't offer.
Transfer Admission: If you've completed a semester of college in a degree-granting program, you can submit your transfer application until February 15. A very limited number of spots may be open for Spring 2023 as well.
Please visit our Application Deadlines page for more information.
Can I switch my application from Regular to Early Decision?
Yes! You can switch your application plan from Regular Decision to Early Decision 2 until the January 3 application deadline. If you decide to participate in Early Decision 2, we'll send you a decision by February 1.
My course grades were switched to pass/fail during the pandemic. How will this impact the review of my transcript?
We understand and support the move to pass/fail grading options which many schools and colleges have adopted as a valid COVID-19 accommodation. As such, we will be accepting pass/fail results in the normal review of transcripts during this time.
Will you accept the special administration results of the Advanced Placement tests? What about calculated IB results?
Yes, we'll accept official test results from AP special testing administrations offered during the COVID-19 crisis and taken at home. We'll also accept calculated official IB results if your school postponed or withdrew from formal IB testing during the pandemic.
I wasn't able to take my IB/AP exam. How will this impact my application?
If the pandemic has prevented you from taking your Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam(s), this won't affect your admission decision. AP/IB examinations aren't required for applicants but can be used for credit.
At Carnegie Mellon, each college or school has its own curriculum and thus decides how AP or IB exams contribute toward your degree. Carnegie Mellon may grant advanced placement and credit for 4s and 5s on AP exams taken in the College Board Advanced Placement program or for 6s and 7s on IB exams. Visit The Hub's credit awarding page for more information on the guidelines for receiving credit.
Has the admission process changed this year for the College of Fine Arts?
All College of Fine Arts applicants still must submit additional materials beyond our general admission requirements. Each School is handling auditions, interviews and portfolio reviews slightly differently:
- The School of Architecture is offering online portfolio reviews for applicants.
- The School of Art is offering optional online interviews for applicants.
- The School of Design isn't offering portfolio reviews or interviews.
- The School of Drama will be doing all auditions virtually.
- The School of Music will be offering a hybrid schedule for auditions.
Please review our College of Fine Arts Applicants page for more information.
If my family received a payment from the COVID-19 stimulus (CARES Act), will that impact my financial aid eligibility?
The Department of Education has indicated that any aid received by victims of an emergency by either a federal or state entity for purposes of providing financial relief will not be counted as income for the calculation of Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or estimated financial assistance (EFA). This would apply to any funds a student received from a stimulus check and/or funds a student received from the CARES Act Economic Stabilization Fund — the fund to provide emergency grant aid dollars to institutions and students.
Will my admission decision be negatively impacted should I choose to participate in protests and am arrested?
Carnegie Mellon students are passionate, fearless and ready to confront systemic injustice wherever it exists. If you choose to peacefully protest in response to injustice, we support you and your right to be heard. Your admission decision won't be negatively impacted if you're arrested during peaceful protest or assembly, as we don't collect or review criminal history information as part of the admission process.


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The U.S. housing market slowed down at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it's been recovering a lot faster than other sectors of the economy, buoyed by increased buyer demand and record low-interest rates. As the residential real estate recovery continues, the availability of home loans increased in March 2021, according to the latest Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) report from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
Stringent Lending Conditions Make It Harder to Own the First Home
Mortgage credit has been elusive to borrowers without stellar credit qualifications for most of 2020. That year, lenders issued 70% of their mortgages to buyers with credit scores of 760 or higher. This is slowly changing as more lenders loosen up their mortgage credit availability.
How Mortgage Credit Availability Indices (MCAI) Improved in March
As of March, the MCAI index stood at 125.4 after jumping 0.6%. The increase indicates that lenders are generally loosening up the requirements to qualify for a mortgage. This affords first-time homebuyers with a relatively lower credit score an opportunity to own a home.
The Conventional MCAI rose by 0.8%. With the Conforming MCAI rising by 0.2%, there's a glimmer of hope for buyers seeking out low-risk financing guaranteed or otherwise secured by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Jumbo component of the Conventional MCAI soared 1.5%.
Jumbo mortgages are high LTV products associated with more stringent requirements, including a stellar credit score and a substantially low debt-to-income ratio. If lenders are gradually relaxing qualification requirements for these home loans, they're demonstrating stronger confidence in recovering luxury real estate and highly competitive housing markets.
According to the MBA report, the Government MCAI jumped 0.4% to its highest level in 12 months. The index tracks different types of home loans backed by federal agencies like the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Rural Housing Service (RHS). In the past seven months, this is the sixth time the index has increased.
How First-Time Homebuyers Can Benefit
Recent data shows that 43% of new home buyers in 2021 were first-timers. This group constituted just 32% of buyers in the new home market in 2018. About two-thirds of homebuilders claim to have sold more than 20% of their properties to first-time home buyers. Also, 27% of these developers reported having sold more than 50% of their new homes to first-timers.
This generation of buyers isn't always able to satisfy stringent mortgage qualification requirements. Higher debt-to-income ratios due to factors like servicing student loans, lack of enough savings, and poor credit scores are some of the reasons why first-timers are unable to own homes. With most lenders relaxing mortgage credit requirements, most of these buyers are getting closer to owning their first residential property.
To learn more about leveraging safe escrow services, contact the team at Brighton Escrow. We provide standard escrow services to safeguard your best interests as a homebuyer, seller, or mortgage provider.


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Making It Work As A Working Mom
According to the United States Department of Labor, over 75 percent of working women are also mothers. Which begs the question, how do these powerful, successful women manage their full-time careers alongside the demands of motherhood? That was an answer I was determined to solve.
As I was preparing to write this article, I sat at my paper-covered desk, reading a Forbes article about a woman who led the major acquisition of her company, Practice, while breastfeeding her newborn daughter, Hazel. As I sat reading her inspirational story, I knew right away I had to talk to this woman.
Leading An Acquisition While Breastfeeding
So I reached out to her. On her daughter's first birthday, I spoke with Emily Foote, the cofounder of the microlearning program, Practice. Ms. Foote and her team held a strong belief that "practice makes perfect" and that everyone should have access to the same opportunities. Based on those core principles, a company was born.
Not long after, Instructure, a prominent education-technology company, took note. They thought the Practice program might be a perfect fit for their library and they contacted Ms. Foote to request a demo. She was ecstatic. The only problem? Ms. Foote had just given birth to her second daughter and she was technically on maternity leave.
But Instructure was interested in a potential acquisition, and Ms. Foote knew the opportunity couldn't be missed. She scheduled the demo. That day, as she prepared for their Skype call, her daughter became hungry. Knowing she couldn't exactly hold off a hungry child, she improvised. Turning her camera off and leaving her audio on, Ms. Foote sat breastfeeding her newborn while showing a room full of Instructure's executives exactly what Practice was all about.
Three months later, she closed the deal, and thus began a busy season that meant her daughter often came to the office with her. "I also feel the need to prove myself more," she says. "Because I don't want anyone to think that I can't accomplish something as a working mother."
But if anyone can accomplish something as a working mother, it's Ms. Foote, who skipped out on maternity leave and brought her daughter to work when it was her only option. Though her daughter is less likely to make an appearance in a boardroom meeting now, as she has a nanny who watches her while Ms. Foote is working, she credits motherhood with helping her flourish on the job.
"Parenthood is 100 percent an asset in all industries, including my own of education technology," she says. "As a parent, you are automatically tasked with guiding the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a person. In doing so you learn how to teach, you learn patience, you learn how to listen, you learn empathy, and you learn how to adapt. These skills are critical to succeed in any industry."
Missing Opportunities At Work
After finishing my interview with Ms. Foote, I began itching to interview other working moms to find out if they too considered motherhood to be a career asset. So I turned to Chrissey Hayes, a working mother whom I've known (and occasionally babysat for) for the last five years.
Ms. Hayes worked for eBay and American Express before being recruited to join the Avetta team as the global head of training. Avetta thought Ms. Hayes would be the perfect person to build, and maintain, a training model from the ground up. Ms. Hayes says she owes her ability to manage single parenthood and a full-time international career to a supportive family, the help of her now ex-husband, and the flexibility found within her company.
But the flexibility provided by Avetta doesn't mean that her career as a jet-setting woman and her job as a mom are any easier to manage. Though they've been few and far between, she tells me of a specific instance where she was not able to go onsite with a fellow coworker, because she had responsibilities to her two children, ages five and eight, at home.
"Two weeks ago, I had a coworker that said 'Hey Chrissey, I want you to come onsite with me.' And unfortunately, that was a time that I couldn't go. I can't make that happen sometimes, but if you just give me a week's notice, I can usually make it work."
In my mind, missed opportunities can be a death sentence to careers on the rise. Which led me to wonder how all of these women felt about the impact motherhood had on the future of their careers. In fact, Ms. Hayes agrees. "It's going to sound terrible" she says, "but while my kids are as young as they are, there's only so far I can go within my company."
But according to Ms. Hayes, that comes with the territory, as a mother you may lose out on opportunities because your children take priority. One can only hope that as society progresses, time missed due to family events will no longer be frowned upon. For the time being, Ms. Hayes says that open communication with employers is the key to making it all work.
"Be open with your employer and let them know where you stand―they can only be as flexible as you need them to be. If they aren't, it sounds scary, but there are other companies who will be. Find that company."
Balancing Work Demands With Motherhood Demands
For Kat Judd, finding that company meant leaving her job as an employment lawyer to join the Lucid team as the vice president of people operations. The timing of her career change wasn't ideal. Her son was only four months old when talks of her joining the Lucid team began and she had some qualms about taking on a different role with a brand-new baby.
Like any new mom, Ms. Judd wasn't exactly comfortable with the potential for excessive travel, especially while she was still breastfeeding her son. So, before making her final decision to commit to Lucid, she asked CEO Karl Sun how much travel would be required of her if she were to accept the position.
"He asked 'how much travel are you comfortable with?' and I told him my concerns," she says. "It ended up being a really positive conversation."
After that conversation, Ms. Judd's decision to join the Lucid team was an easy one, even with the potential challenge of making the career change work with her new son in tow. But, Ms. Judd had help when it came to navigating her new role as a mother and navigating her changing role in the business world, help that would come in the form of her husband.
When Ms. Judd was first offered a position at Lucid, there were many nights of discussion between her and her husband. After all, they had a new baby to consider and a household to keep running. They eventually decided that when Ms. Judd took on a less flexible, more involved role at Lucid, that her husband would take on more responsibilities at home―including grocery shopping―allowing her the opportunity to focus on her new career.
"[My husband's] support has been crucial to my success at work and at home―we each have our own responsibilities to balance the workload around the house and make sure nothing falls between the cracks," she says. Though this might not always be how the responsibilities are divvied up at home, she says that her and her husband make decisions together as things change for their families and careers.
But her husband isn't the only member of Ms. Judd's support team, she mentioned that she regularly talks with other moms who provide "no judgment support" to one another. Ms. Judd and her family also have a few other "adopted grandmas" found throughout her neighborhood who help her in instances where she or her husband can't leave work early to be with their son.
"A month after I started at Lucid, during my first board meeting, I got a call from the daycare saying my son had hand, foot, and mouth disease. I didn't even know what hand, foot, and mouth disease was! Fortunately, that was a time where my husband could pick him up."
When there is an emergency like that, she says, it's important to make sure you are effectively communicating with those dependant on you by rescheduling meetings and deadlines if need be. The more open and effective the communication, she says, the more likely your employer is to be understanding of your situation. A statement that Ms. Hayes could probably agree with.
But effective communication skills and a team of all the best people only make Ms. Judd's job as a parent and the vice president of people operations a little easier. Like many women in the same position, Ms. Judd finds it sometimes tricky to "balance it all" and prioritize.
"I can do anything, but I cannot do everything," she says, "prioritizing what is most important can be difficult."


text: Categories GCI Updates World's first holistic index on COVID-19 launched Post author By GCI Team Post date June 4, 2020 KUALA LUMPUR: The world's first holistic and comprehensive index on COVID-19, the Global COVID-19 Index (GCI) with its proprietary algorithm that can process approximately 3,000 data points daily, was launched last night. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Khairy Jamaluddin said the index could pull together metrics from well-recognised and validated open-source databases on governance and public healthcare, while it could comprehensively assess the true severity and recovery progress of the countries. "The GCI comprises the Severity Index and the Recovery Index, in which the former measures the severity of the situation in a given country against the ability of its healthcare system to contain the outbreak, while the latter measures on how well a country is handling the crisis from a health and safety perspective. "It also rates and ranks 184 countries based on how well they are coping with COVID-19 pandemic, in which the GCI is poised to be a singular holistic source of data that can facilitate informed decision-making for governments all around the world in the fight against COVID-19," he said in his keynote address during the launching ceremony of GCI. Khairy also mentioned that the GCI could be a powerful tool to help government to make critical decisions to fight the pandemic, and it could also be an indicator for the private sectors to resume regular operations or whether they should prepare a mitigation plan. "This index is updated daily to help countries around the world plan their best strategies in dealing with COVID-19 and to learn the best practices from countries recovering from the outbreak. "The GCI will be an open platform to facilitate fast-learning between countries and organisations based on Big Data and Open Science," he said. The GCI is an international collaboration between MOSTI, PEMANDU Associates, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Academy of Sciences Malaysia, World Health Organisation (WHO) and Sunway University. After the launching ceremony, a webinar session was held featuring experts in health systems, public sector as well as epidemiological presentations from institutions such as the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health and WHO to discuss how Big Data and technology could be used strategically to combat COVID-19. Related posts: The GCI Recovery Index now applies derived Active Cases formula for Netherlands and United Kingdom The GCI Recovery Index Methodology Update – 6 August 2020 The GCI Recovery Index Methodology Update – 21 August 2020 (Serbia, Sweden, Vietnam) Next → Tags gci


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LEHMAN TOWNSHIP -- Some students ditched their backpacks for drones and other technology in Luzerne County.
Reach Cyber Charter School invited its students and their families to Penn State Wilkes-Barre Tuesday afternoon for its inaugural back to school celebration.
The gathering featured plenty of hands-on activities involving drones, magnets, solar technology, and more. It was all designed to help students develop their skills.
Officials say in addition to learning, the event provided an opportunity for students to meet their teachers and peers, in person, for the first time.
Organizers say the cyber school plans to continue holding this back-to-school event in the coming years.
More than 1,800 students throughout Pennsylvania are enrolled in Reach Cyber Charter School.


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Learn How to Intuitively Read Tarot Course
Intuitive Tarot Reading Course with Sharon D'Angelo
Saturdays, 2:00-4:00 pm
6 week series, starting Saturday, February 16th Cost for series is $250.00
Series Dates: 2/16/19, 2/23/19, 3/2/19, 3/9/19, 3/16/19 & 3/23/19
* Learn how to interpret the cards without memorizing the books
* Get to know the Court Cards – in your own unique way
* Move through all of the cards together in a group setting
* Learn how interpreting reversed cards can add a whole new layer to your readings
* Learn how to understand and interpret several different spreads & card layouts
* See how the cards can help you on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level.
Sharon has been reading Tarot and Oracle Cards since 1990. She has trained and studied with many professional readers, and has been working here at the center, as a psychic/Medium, as well as an intuitive Tarot Reader.
Sharon's reading style is less predictive, more getting to the heart of the matter and using the tarot to help us with our challenges, being prepared to recognize and reach for opportunities and see what we can change to manifest positive life choices.
Call the Abundant Wellness Center to Register
(413) 592-2828
** Recommend using the Standard or Radiant Rider Waite deck, available for purchase at the Abundant Wellness Center **


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Her Skirts Were Mini But Mighty: V&A Mary Quant Exhibition Review
By Madeleine Mamak
The V&A in London has put on many exhibitions of stunning pieces and beautiful artwork, all of which include such vibrant, lively and glowing items. The Mary Quant exhibition was no exception.
As I entered the doors, I felt as though I was getting a one-off insight into the streets of London in the '50s and '60s, where women were becoming more and more adventurous in the ways they expressed themselves. Don't underestimate the power of design; Quant was not only designing clothes, but was establishing an outlet for young women to thrive and flourish in style. The more I read about Quant's journey and the impact of her designs, the more it becomes clear: Quant's ideas are still very much relevant today, and this was showcased so perfectly through the two-tiered gallery of garments.
The exhibition included 200 stunning items. Some of them never before seen, and I felt lucky to be able to watch the unravelling of a fashion revolution all in one room. The sketches on show were taken from Quant's own personal archive. It was amazing to get an insight into how her mind worked, and how her fashion and ideas had evolved throughout her time.
Mary Quant was only young as she ventured into the realm of fashion design. Her age and brand went hand in hand, focussing on clothing which was affordable and appealing to the younger generation. She didn't want to be elitist and exclusive; she wanted to be inclusive, standing for the kind of woman that she represented. Before Quant, young women blended in with their middle-aged mothers and aunts. No stylistic distinction was made. Girls went from children to adults with no opportunity for expression in their transition. Quant changed this. Quant allowed young women and adolescents to thrive, exploring their individuality.
The V&A exhibition epitomised this spirited outlook on fashion design. This was shown through the mini skirts on display of which Mary Quant championed the rise of, as well as hot pants. I particularly liked the pinafore style mini skirts, both plain and pinstripe. To me, these pieces emanated female empowerment. Styled with vibrant coloured tights, her skirts were mini but mighty.
I felt as though the exhibition was particularly meaningful as thirty-five of the items were donated from women's wardrobes following the hashtag #WEWANTQUANT. These women volunteered to have their clothes displayed to exhibition visitors. This evidences how Quant influenced the style of so many and to such a degree, so much so that her designs are still being treasured today. The V&A also displayed statements from women who wore the clothes, which further added a personal touch to the garments themselves. It highlighted how important Quant's impact was on the people that wore her clothes. This was especially significant, as Quant recognised that the customers were just as important as the pieces themselves. The young women who wore the clothes were walking ambassadors. Quant herself said that she did not invent the miniskirts, the girls that wore them did.
The V&A perfectly displayed how Quant built an empire. Walking through the room we explored the slideshows, posters, videos and behind the scenes photographs. These showed how Quant was not just a fashion designer, but a talented businesswoman. Quant saw power in claiming femininity and taking pride in caring about your aesthetic proving that you can be a businesswoman in a mini skirt and still secure the respect you rightly deserve. She was the face of her brand, and it was this element which allowed the business to thrive. Quant's business minded approach was what led to her putting her designs in shop windows. She later went into the business with her husband, highlighting how she represents another layer of female empowerment; being able to work with a man who recognised her talent and was proud to assist her.
Quant's designs appeared to be the antithesis to blending in. The bright, block colours of her clothes and posters made the exhibition room come to life. This can certainly be seen with her best selling products, which included a white plastic collar designed to brighten up any outfit.
My personal favourite items in the exhibition included platform mules, a halter neck monochrome maxi dress from 1970, and the circular sunglasses. (pictured below).
One element that I found really interesting were the dolls that were dotted around the exhibition room. These are Quant's 'Daisy Dolls' and were designed for younger girls, with collectable items which mimicked Quant's own designs. Girls could dress their dolls in these many, intricate outfits - mixing and matching looks which resonated with them. My mum, who visited the exhibition with me, recounted how she used to own some of these dolls and would dress them up. Thus emphasising the real-life impact that Quant had when it came to helping young women express themselves.
Walking down the iconic Kings Road later in the day, I came across a plaque above Joe & The Juice marking Mary Quant's former shop. This showed the extent to which her mark has been made on fashion and wider society. She influenced not only fashion in terms of its aesthetics, but fashion in terms of its power.
I certainly left feeling inspired after seeing Mary Quant's entire vision manifested under one roof. And although I was not around when Quant was designing, even in this day and age the clothes resonate with me and I can recognise their importance and place in today's society. The V&A successfully showcased how Quant's risks within fashion paid off and it's evident that the message she wanted to present to young women is still very much alive today.


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Pretentions for exceptionality…
The burden that day after day became more and more unbearable. It wedged me in the corner of my own existence and kept me in captivity of my ambitions. The ambitions that would never allow me to devote to the moment and enjoy the peace and wholeness that it offers me.
Every time, when my ambitions felt the peace inside of me, they rushed to overtake me. They found me unprepared and once again forced me to kneel on the threshold of my own life.
Words… thanks God that they exist!
I used to search for salvation in my words. The pages were my shelter, where I had the opportunity to create and arrange the world, just the way I dreamed it.
I used to package the pain, the worries and the disappointments in words, which I poured on the fragile paper- the one, which was capable of bearing the heavy debris of a broken heart.
The fragile pages, which offered me room and freedom, in a world where limitations kept me in prison.
Pages, which silently soaked up my tears and stamped the memory of each of my transient weaknesses.
We spend our life chasing- people, a successful career, hopes, ambitions. We are too busy to direct our energy towards chasing the future and running away from the past, yet we never find time to stop today- here and now and enjoy life in all of its manifestations.
Every time when you chase something or when you try to get rid of it, you are left one step behind. And life is no exception. Every time when we are desperately chasing something, we are falling behind it and the only thing that is left is the thirst for meaning and the hunger to possess it. A thirst and a hunger, which day after day become stronger and exhaust both- our body and our soul. Day after day, they rob us from strength and turn us into hypnotized beings, which wander through the days of their own life, constantly searching for something, yet never finding it.
I remember moments in my life when I used to be exhausted- from chasing my sick ambitions and from a life robbed by the pretentions for exceptionality. There isn't a narrower and darker cage than the one of your own existence. A cage, which you build on your own and you are the one who chooses to put the bars- then behind them you barricade your suffering and you get drowned in the unbearable nature of your own limitations.
And in reality, life is in the moment. Life is now, not in the past moment or at a place found in the future. We often have the bad habit to postpone the opportunity to experience what we are offered, because we are too busy to chase something in the future. We fool ourselves that when we get there, we will finally be happy and we will allow ourselves to experience, what we declined today. This is just the mask of the refusal to leave our comfort zone; to get detached from the security of the illusionary predictability, which we create with our imagination and with the preplanning of our future.
Just think about it! How often do you promise yourself, that when you achieve "X"or "Y", you will allow yourself to do, what you declined today? And how many times, when you achieved a particular goal, you stopped for a moment, so you could enjoy your achievement? How many times did you stop for a moment and gave yourself, what you've been deprived of? Not a single time, right? Every accomplished goal, is just giving more "food" for your sick ambitions and it is forcing you to chase the next one, a greater one. We rush through life and at the end, when we are too exhausted, we stop and we realize that we missed the meaning, in the chase of the illusion.
A cliché, but a fact- everything we need is here and now- in today. Every day offers us a palette of opportunities and experiences and we have the freedom to choose among them and experience something different. Every day offers us the opportunity to experience something new, which will enrich us and make us a little more complete. Getting advantage of these opportunities is the only thing that could guarantee us the achievement of our goals.
Because the conquering of each goal is just the prize for what you become in your own essence. And the inner world and who you are, is being built by experiencing of today. Avoiding today, so you can chase tomorrow is just a way of destroying our inner world and instead of getting closer to the triumph, we are making a complete turn towards failure.
Life is today and only today could offer us what will take us to our goal.
Stop running away from yourself and your own life, because this way you are just becoming a "drunkard", who is roaming around, wasting efforts for a cause, which is not leading you closer to happiness, but just robbing you out of the opportunity to experience it.
Don't forget to download my FREE E-Book- 30 Exercises on Becoming a Wonder Woman. Download it HERE.
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TORONTO — Schools in Ontario will remain closed until at least May 4 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday, as his government introduced a new plan for students to continue learning at home.
Ford said the extended closures have been recommended by the province's chief medical officer of health as a way to continue to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Earlier this month, the government ordered schools closed for two weeks following March break, and had set April 6 as the date for them to reopen. But Ford acknowledged last week the closures would be extended.
On Tuesday, he said the move is about keeping students safe.
"What we do today will determine what we face tomorrow," Ford said. "The situation continues to change day by day, hour by hour. In order to protect our children, I'm prepared to extend these closures even further if we have to."
Education Minister Stephen Lecce introduced a new plan to re-established what he described as "teacher-led learning."
The plan sets standards for different grade levels, ranging from five hours of work per week for Kindergarten to Grade 6 students and 10 hours of work per week for students in Grades 7 and 8.
High school students will be required to complete three hours of work per course per week for semestered students, with 1.5 hours per course each week for non-semestered students.
Lecce said the plans will incorporate online learning, but where that is not possible, telephone calls and mail-out packages will be used.
The minister said the plan will also require final report cards for all students and prioritize keeping them on track to graduate.
"These are extraordinary times," Lecce said. "We're moving quickly with two aims in mind. The first, to keep your child safe, the second is to keep them engaged in learning."
The president of the Ontario Public School Boards' Association, which represents trustees, said school boards have been hearing from parents in recent weeks that they need help teaching their children at home.
Cathy Abraham said every board in the province has been crafting a local plan to address the needs of students who may not have access to the internet, computers or tablets, or whose parents may not have time to oversee their schooling.
"This is uncharted territory for everyone," she said. "We're just asking parents to have a little bit of patience with their school boards while they try to figure it out. It's not going to be the same for everybody."
The director of education at the province's largest school board told parents Monday night they are developing a plan to connect teachers to students.
The Toronto District School Board's John Molloy said in the meantime, staff have been trying to determine what devices and internet access families have.
He asked for patience as educators connect with thousands of students to make plans for remote learning.
"As you can appreciate, this is no small task, however we have been working around the clock to ensure that as many students as possible have the opportunity to resume learning remotely next week," Molloy said in a statement.
The government has formed a working group with the province's education sector unions to look at options for continued learning until the pandemic abates.
The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario, which represents 83,000 public school teachers, said in a statement that it supports the temporary moves made to address the situation.
But the union's president stressed that learning is best done "face-to-face in a classroom setting."
"We have reminded the ministry that many students have unique and specialized needs and that some have challenging circumstances affecting their ability to engage in learning outside the classroom," Sam Hammond said in a statement.
"It is extremely important that during this temporary situation, we strive to provide equitable and inclusive opportunities for students to advance their learning."
The president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation said the union — which represents 60,000 public high school teachers and education workers — will help the government and provide supports to students during this "unprecedented" time.
But Harvey Bischof urged the government to be mindful of students who may struggle with this new approach.
"There needs to be a great deal of flexibility and we need to be very careful not to throw additional hurdles in the way of students who are already face the biggest challenges," he said. "I don't want this to exacerbate inequities between students."
The union representing teachers in the province's French-language school system said the pandemic is forcing everyone to adapt to an unprecedented situation and the union will work with the government on its plan.
The president of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association said that union will advocate for a "consistent, provincewide approach" to learning during the closure.
"We will be examining outstanding questions around, for example, privacy, safety, and equity of access to materials and technology," Liz Stuart said in a statement.
Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO) president Remi Sabourin said he is conscious of the socioeconomic and geographic disparities that could limit students' distance learning.
"The framework of distance learning will evolve as the situation unfolds," Sabourin said in a statement. "This is a temporary solution. We are well aware that there is no substitute for the direct contact between teacher and students."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 31, 2020.
Shawn Jeffords, The Canadian Press


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Double Trouble
Two girls, one photo shoot. Sounds like a win-win for everyone involved!
For more updates of photos of our many beautiful Bullz-Eye models from our archives, you can follow our Girl Next Door Instagram account for some of our best photos!
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In honor of the London Olympics, we look back at some never published photos from our 2006 World Tour, when we spent the day hanging out in London with Natalie and Britney.
Check out Gemma and Lucy with a Ferarri in London!
Two all-natural blondes roll around on the beach in The Bahamas.
We photographed these beautiful Girls Next Door together in The Bahamas
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Check out this slideshow of hot babes and cool cars.
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