An appeals court appears likely to overturn the $478 million civil fraud judgment against Trump. The state received a frosty reception in the court yesterday. Thursday, the court grilled attorneys for Donald Trump and the New York attorney general’s office over the $478 million civil fraud judgment against the former president. The questions raised were […] The post Appeals Court Might Overturn AG James’ Lawfare Case Against Trump appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

 From Pac-Man to VR: How Arcade Software Paved the Way for Today’s Gaming Apps   Arcade software from the 1980s profoundly shaped the landscape of modern online gaming, setting the foundation for the interactive and immersive experiences enjoyed by gamers today. This article traces the technological and design evolution from early arcade classics like Pac-Man to cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) games. By examining how early arcade principles such as simplicity, user engagement, and addictive gameplay mechanics still influence current mobile and online gaming apps, we reveal how the social and competitive nature of arcades has left a lasting legacy. The Simplicity of Early Arcade Games Early arcade games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong revolutionized gaming with their simple yet captivating gameplay. These titles did not require complex controls or long tutorials; players could jump into the action immediately. The simplicity that made these games accessible to a broad audience is mirrored in today’s mobile apps, where games like Candy Crush and Angry Birds thrive on easy-to-learn mechanics. The straightforward controls of Pac-Man, with its simple joystick navigation, set a precedent for modern game design. By focusing on quick accessibility, developers learned that simplicity fosters greater player engagement, which is why mobile gaming apps still prioritize ease of use to maximize audience reach. User Engagement: Then and Now Arcade software was designed to keep players coming back, and that engagement was often driven by addictive gameplay loops. Games like Space Invaders created a sense of urgency, challenging players to beat high scores or survive longer in progressively difficult levels. Today’s gaming apps, like Clash of Clans and Fortnite, use engagement techniques similar to those of arcade classics. While arcade players were driven by high-score leaderboards, modern gamers are encouraged to return through daily rewards, in-app purchases, and real-time multiplayer battles, all inspired by the addictive engagement strategies of arcade games. The Social Element of Arcades Arcade machines were often located in social settings like malls or arcades, where players could compete head-to-head or try to dominate the local leaderboard. This competitive and social aspect was one of the key reasons for the popularity of arcade games. The social nature of arcades, where players could gather and compete on leaderboards or head-to-head battles, is echoed in today’s online gaming apps. Modern titles like Call of Duty: Warzone and Fortnite allow players to connect globally, creating online communities where competition and teamwork mirror the experiences players once had in arcades. Technological Advancements from Arcade to Mobile The transition from arcade hardware to mobile software required significant technological advancements, particularly in processing power, graphical capabilities, and user interfaces. The graphical evolution from the pixelated visuals of Galaga to the highly detailed environments of today’s games is a testament to how far technology has come. In the early days, games like Galaga had to operate within the limited capacity of arcade hardware. However, today’s mobile devices have surpassed those limitations, offering high-definition graphics and advanced physics engines. This leap in technology has allowed mobile apps to become as visually stunning as their console counterparts, yet the core gameplay experience remains rooted in the principles pioneered by early arcade games. Addictive Gameplay: The DNA of Mobile Apps One of the defining features of arcade games was their addictive nature. Games like Asteroids and Centipede were designed with short, action-packed levels that urged players to try “just one more time.” This addictive loop is now a cornerstone of modern mobile games. Modern mobile games such as Subway Surfers and Temple Run utilize addictive mechanics pioneered by arcade games. Quick gameplay sessions, escalating difficulty, and continuous rewards have evolved from the arcade design philosophy. These elements keep users hooked, driving engagement and increasing the likelihood of in-app purchases. Leaderboards: From Arcades to Online Rankings Leaderboards were a hallmark of the arcade experience. Players would enter their initials after setting a high score, and the quest to have your name displayed at the top became a driving force in arcade culture. In today’s gaming landscape, online leaderboards are ubiquitous. Whether it’s League of Legends, Apex Legends, or even puzzle games like Words With Friends, the competitive drive to be the best lives on. This tradition started in arcades and has been redefined for a global audience, with players now competing for top rankings worldwide. User Interface Innovations Arcade games were the first to experiment with intuitive interfaces. Games like Track & Field introduced innovative control methods such as buttons for rapid taps, while Street Fighter II featured more complex joystick combinations for executing special moves. Modern gaming apps have continued this legacy by designing interfaces that are easy to use but also offer depth for more skilled players. The touchscreen controls seen in popular apps like PUBG Mobile and Garena Free Fire echo the joystick-and-button combinations of arcade classics, maintaining an intuitive yet skill-based interface for players. Visual Progression: From Pixels to HD The visual style of arcade games started with blocky, pixelated graphics, but as technology advanced, so did the games’ ability to deliver more detailed and immersive environments. Games like Pac-Man or Frogger may seem primitive by today’s standards, but their bright and colorful aesthetics were groundbreaking at the time. Modern games have taken these advancements to new heights, with titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Minecraft offering both high-definition realism and creative, pixelated styles, showing a direct lineage from those early arcade visuals. Multiplayer: A Legacy of Cooperation and Competition Arcade games introduced the concept of cooperative gameplay, allowing two players to team up in games like Gauntlet, or battle each other in competitive titles like Street Fighter. Today’s mobile apps have taken the multiplayer experience to a new level, offering real-time global play. Games like Among Us and Brawl Stars allow players to connect from around the world, but the roots of these experiences can be traced back to the competitive and cooperative multiplayer features pioneered by arcade games. VR: The Future of Gaming, Built on Arcade Foundations The evolution of gaming has now entered the realm of virtual reality (VR), but the foundations of VR gameplay can be traced back to arcade experiences. The immersive nature of games like Star Wars: Battle Pod laid the groundwork for the virtual environments of today. Modern VR games like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx owe their existence to the immersive, engaging gameplay developed by early arcade designers. The leap from 2D screens to fully interactive 3D worlds is built on decades of incremental technological improvements, starting with arcade software. Closing Thoughts The legacy of arcade software is undeniable in modern gaming apps. From the simple, engaging gameplay of Pac-Man to the highly immersive VR worlds of today, the evolution of gaming has always been rooted in the pioneering designs of arcade classics. The addictive gameplay loops, social competition, and technological innovations that defined arcades continue to shape the mobile and online gaming landscape, proving that the impact of arcade software is still felt across the industry.

If you’re looking for something to keep your home clean and freshen up the smell, two of the top brands that will be in front of your face at the supermarket are Mrs. Meyers and Glade, which are made by the massive corporation, SC Johnson. As you hear in all of their commercials, SC Johnson prides itself on being “a family company.” But your family probably doesn’t share the same values as the people over at SC Johnson, a company that pursues goals focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and LGBTQ talking points. SC Johnson has an entire page on its website dedicated to DEI and claims that it launched its “first formal diversity and inclusion initiative in 1992.” Fisk Johnson, the billionaire CEO of the Wisconsin-based company, says that to reach consumers all over the world, SC Johnson is dedicated to celebrating “every culture, ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and ability.” “A lot of companies approach diversity as something that’s good for business, and that’s certainly true. But for us, it goes deeper. We’ve known for over a century that people do their best work when treated with respect, dignity, and fairness,” Johnson said. “And we have no interest in reducing the value of any individual to a number on a spreadsheet.” SC Johnson is also all about LGBTQ “Pride,” saying in 2021 that the company “celebrates Pride all year long.” “I want SC Johnson to be a place of inclusion. A place where people can be their true selves and where respect is fundamental and heartfelt,” Fisk Johnson said. SC Johnson focuses on ensuring that the company is an “inclusive” place “for anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or gender expression.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by SC Johnson (@scj) The company started an employee resource group called IGN!TE, which has around 400 members and helps employees “emphasize making space for all.” SC Johnson also has a supplier diversity program, which seeks out LGBTQ-owned businesses for the company to partner with. Every year, SC Johnson joins the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference to “identify and partner with diverse suppliers.” SC Johnson seems to care deeply about appeasing the leftist social justice warriors, which — if you’re like most Americans — isn’t what you want from the company you buy air fresheners from. The DEI and LGBTQ values pushed by SC Johnson certainly don’t align with the values cherished by much of the country. Jeremy’s Razors offers an alternative to the DEI agenda funded by SC Johnson. With Jeremy’s Green Tea & Citrus Handsoap and All Purpose Cleaner powered by plant-based enzymes, you can keep your house clean and smelling fresh without the woke agenda. Jeremy’s also has a candle collection, courtesy of The Candle Club, that’s perfect to elevate your home’s ambiance with luxurious scents and clean ingredients. The next time you’re looking for something to keep your home smelling nice, check out The Candle Club, which offers a wide range of refreshing smells without any of SC Johnson’s diversity initiatives. In a market that now contains queer candles and woke air fresheners, you can rest assured that The Candle Club will only focus on making quality candles for your home. The Candle Club from Daily Wire Ventures brings you nine unique brands, including scents crafted to the likings of your favorite podcast hosts, Ben Shapiro, Brett Cooper, Michael Knowles, and Matt Walsh. These all-natural wax candles are handcrafted in Tennessee with ingredients free from phthalates and other toxins to ensure a clean burn. You don’t have to give your money to a massive corporation that doesn’t share your values. Quality products without the wokeness are just a click away. Jeremy’s Razors and The Candle Club share common ownership with The Daily Wire.

Maggie Smith, the actress best known for her roles in the “Harry Potter” film franchise and British drama “Downton Abbey,” died in London on Friday at the age of 89. The news was confirmed by her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, who shared a statement with BBC on Friday morning.  “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September,” the statement said. “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother,” it continued. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.” Smith was born in England in 1934. She made her acting debut in 1952 playing Viola in “Twelfth Night,” then moved to film for a role in “Child in the House” (1956). The actress had a career spanning more than 60 years and had appeared in more than 50 films, per People. Over that time, she won two Academy Awards for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” (1969) and “California Suite” (1978) and had four additional Oscar nominations. Smith also collected other accolades, winning four Golden Globes, five BAFTAs, a Tony, and was nominated for six Laurence Olivier Awards. Am I Racist? Is In Theaters NOW — Get Your Tickets Here! Smith was best known for her roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” series and Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in “Downton Abbey.” The actress appeared in several other popular films, including “Hook” (1991), “Sister Act” (1992), “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” (1993), and “The Secret Garden” (1993). She spoke of reaching higher levels of fame than she felt comfortable with, thanks to her role in the hit BBC series. “It’s ridiculous,” she said during a conversation with Mark Lawson in 2017. “I led a perfectly normal life until ‘Downton Abbey.’ I’d go to theaters, I’d go to galleries, and things like that on my own. And now I can’t. And that’s, you know, awful.”  The star married actor Robert Stephens in 1967 and got divorced in 1975. They had two sons. She married playwright Beverley Cross in 1975 and was with him until he died in 1998, the outlet noted. “Downton Abbey” co-star Hugh Bonneville shared his tribute, saying: “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent. She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances. My condolences to her boys and wider family.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to continue military strikes against Hezbollah until all of Israel's objectives are achieved. His comments came at the conclusion of a six-day trip to the United States, during which he addressed the United Nations General Assembly and held high-level meetings with world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden. Netanyahu’s remarks underscore Israel's determination to neutralize the ongoing threat posed by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group based in Lebanon. He declared that Israel would maintain its full-scale military campaign against Hezbollah, emphasizing that the strikes would persist until all of Israel's goals were accomplished. The Israeli leader has expressed frustration over international pressure to de-escalate, stating that his government remains resolute in protecting the nation’s security. It’s an absolute police state in NYC outside of Loews Regency NY Hotel, where fascist war criminal Bibi Netanyahu is staying. Protesters are outside making noise. There’s an army of NYPD cops along with drones flying overhead. Cops have buses here ready for a mass arrest. pic.twitter.com/YYdgCAPrM6 — Ash J (@AshAgony) September 27, 2024 The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, with both sides launching intense attacks. Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions across southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah has retaliated with rocket fire aimed at northern Israeli cities. The recent uptick in violence has raised concerns about a potential full-scale regional conflict, as air raid sirens continue to blare across northern Israel, and the country’s Home Front Command has elevated the alert level in these areas​. During his trip to New York, Netanyahu took a firm stance against calls for a ceasefire, stressing that halting operations before all threats are eliminated would only embolden Hezbollah. He vowed to continue military operations with full force until Hezbollah’s ability to strike Israeli targets is dismantled. “We will keep striking Hezbollah until we accomplish all of our goals,” Netanyahu said, signaling that the current offensive is far from over. massive pro-Palestine anti-genocide protests outside the hotel Netanyahu is staying at in New York. no sleep for war criminals. pic.twitter.com/IJ89mJgoO7 — ???????? (@_monarcho) September 27, 2024 The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reported the destruction of thousands of short-range rockets aimed at northern Israel. Hezbollah, in turn, has launched hundreds of rockets and drones, aiming to overwhelm Israel’s missile defense systems. The group claims to have targeted strategic military sites within Israel, including an attempt to strike the headquarters of the Israeli Mossad spy agency near Tel Aviv, which was intercepted by Israel's air defenses​. Netanyahu's commitment to intensifying the fight comes amid heightened international diplomacy efforts. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the deployment of additional U.S. military assets to the region, including two aircraft carrier strike groups, signaling American concern over the escalating violence. The U.S. has reaffirmed its support for Israel's right to defend itself, while simultaneously urging restraint to prevent a broader conflict​. The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which has close ties to Iran, has repeatedly vowed to retaliate for Israeli airstrikes. Hezbollah’s leadership, including Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, has warned that the group is prepared for a prolonged conflict if Israel continues its operations. Despite the growing tensions, Israeli officials have stated that their military efforts are defensive and aimed solely at neutralizing threats posed by Hezbollah's rocket arsenal​. While Netanyahu's hardline approach has garnered support among many in Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing rocket fire, it has also sparked concern among international observers. There are fears that the conflict could spill over into a wider war, particularly given Hezbollah's strong connections to Iran and other regional players. Despite these concerns, Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will not be deterred in its mission to secure its borders and protect its citizens from ongoing terrorist threats. The post Netanyahu Vows to Continue Striking Hezbollah Until All Objectives Met appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

In a shocking attack on the Santa Maria Courthouse in California, 20-year-old Nathaniel James McGuire detonated an explosive device on September 25, 2024, injuring six individuals. The incident, which occurred around 8:45 a.m., has rattled the local community and led to an intense investigation involving local law enforcement and federal agencies. McGuire, who was scheduled to appear in court for charges related to a firearms violation, entered the courthouse and threw a bag at the security screening area. The bag exploded, sending shrapnel flying and injuring multiple people. Fortunately, all six victims, treated for minor injuries including burns, were released after receiving care at a nearby hospital. Witnesses described the terrifying moment when the bomb went off, leading to the immediate evacuation of the courthouse. #UPDATE : A suspect detained after throwing explosive device at Santa Barbara Superior Courts complex IVO Santa Maria, California. Two reports of non- life threatening injuries.#Explosion #California #SantaMariaCourthouse #SantaMaria #Courthouse pic.twitter.com/Q6brOmBaNz — upuknews (@upuknews1) September 25, 2024 Law enforcement quickly subdued McGuire as he attempted to flee the scene. Court security officers caught him near his vehicle in the parking lot and noticed ammunition spilling out of his pockets. At the time of his arrest, McGuire was wearing body armor, raising concerns about further violence. His exact motives remain under investigation, though authorities believe the explosion was an act of retaliation over his recent arrest for illegally carrying a loaded firearm. Initial reports suggest McGuire’s actions were not part of a larger terror plot. However, investigators, including FBI agents, are not ruling out federal charges. They are also looking into potential connections between McGuire and several recent arson incidents in the area. This possible link has left many speculating that his violent outburst could be part of a broader criminal pattern​. #BREAKING :Bomb Found and Exploded Santa Maria Ca. Court House. Ambulance has been Dispatch. pic.twitter.com/8l7l54NxwY — Space Cowboy (@SpaceCowboyzl) September 25, 2024 Santa Barbara County officials have praised the swift actions of security personnel and emergency responders, who prevented further injuries and potential chaos. “In my 31 years, this is the first time we've ever had somebody throw an explosive at the courthouse,” Santa Barbara County Undersheriff Craig Bonner noted. He commended the quick response of the courthouse security team, which ensured McGuire was apprehended before he could inflict more damage​(. McGuire now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and manufacturing and using an explosive device. He is currently being held without bail as investigators continue their work. The courthouse remained closed for the remainder of the day and into the following morning as authorities assessed the damage and cleared the area for safety​. This incident highlights the increasing risks law enforcement and court officials face even in routine proceedings. While courthouse security measures typically focus on preventing individuals from carrying weapons inside, this attack illustrates the dangers posed by determined individuals willing to resort to extreme violence. The incident has sparked discussions about further strengthening security protocols at government buildings, particularly in light of recent violent episodes across the country. As investigations continue, residents of Santa Maria remain on edge, grappling with the reality that such an event could happen in their community. McGuire's motives, while still unclear, point to deep-seated frustrations that culminated in a violent and reckless attack. The post Santa Maria Courthouse Explosion Suspect Arrested After Attack Injures Six appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

A post shared on social media purports that Tennis star Serena Williams died in a car crash recently. Verdict: False Williams has been active on Instagram since the claim has been made. Fact Check: Tennis player Naomi Osaka has chosen to work with Williams’ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou and has since won a match at the China […]

Goldman's controversial remarks were made in November 2023, predating any assassination attempt

'I’m going to tell you for a moment a story of two New Yorkers'