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It seems that Chase H.Q. was not enough to satisfy my craving for Taito's brand of arcade sprite-scaling action, probably because it was good fun but quite short, so I've dipped back into their back catalogue for another coin-op adventure - the 1990 aerodeslizador-em-up Aqua Jack!

An aqua jack is like a lumberjack, but they cut through plumbing instead of trees. Or it's a device used to raise your boat so you can change its tyres. Or it's neither of those things, and is merely a nonsense phrase that Taito thought would make for a good videogame title. I trust your intelligence enough to let you decide which of those is true. The logo is making me want a delicious, refreshing can of Sprite lemon-and-lime flavoured soft drink. Hey, between this and the article about that Game Gear game they sponsored, I think the Coca-Cola Company could stand to throw me a few free samples.

The intro begins, and Aqua Jack and his female partner Aqua Jill are lying in verdant meadow, watching an aeroplane drift lazily overhead. Credit to Taito, you don't often get arcade action games that start with the heroes relaxing by a lake, possibly telling each other whimsical stories about where that plane is headed.

Ah. There goes the picnic, then. Aqua Jack and Aqua Jill are soldiers - I think, they might just be big fans of sleeveless fatigues - and as such they cannot let this attack on their homeland stand. Burning with righteous anger, they speed to the scene in their high-performance machine. No, not a jet fighter. Not a helicopter, either, nor a tank, jeep, APC or any other armoured land vehicle. They've got something unique, something the enemy can have no defence against. They have...

...a hovercraft. That's why they were hanging around near that lake, I mistook them for soldiers but they're actually ferry operators on their lunch break.
There was bound to be a hovercraft game somewhere amongst the vast library of arcade titles that use sprite-scaling technology. Cars, helicopters, fighter planes, motorcycle and kids who cling tightly to a flying gun as it speeds through a series of alien landscapes have all taken a starring role, so it was only a matter of time before someone got round to bolting a ruddy great cannon onto a hovercraft and calling it a shoot-em-up, which is exactly what is happening in Aqua Jack.

You can get a good idea of how Aqua Jack plays just by looking at the above screenshot, I reckon. You move both the crosshair and the hovercraft at the same time, avoiding obstacles and incoming fire as you float through the sunset swamp while also trying to shoot the various enemies with your massive bullets. Those white-and-yellow ovals are the projectiles that I'm firing, and  their ridiculous proportions elicit two observations. One is that they're bigger than the gun they came out of, so maybe this hovercraft is equipped with more advanced technology that I first thought if they can bend the rules of physical space like that. Secondly, they block your view of an awful lot of the screen, which is not helping with the whole "not dying" aspect of the gameplay.

Okay, this one wasn't the bullets' fault, I was too busy concentrating on those helicopters to notice that I'd sailed into a minefield. Is "sailed" the right word for controlling a hovercraft does? "Piloted," possibly. "Drove" if you're on land.
The next time I came to a mine, I tried to jump over it, because there's a jump button in Aqua Jack. It didn't work, and my second explosive death made me think that maybe Aqua Jack has too many bloody controls. Not only do you have to steer, shoot and jump, but you also have a limited supply of screen-clearing special weapons (I've got to set up a macro to type that phrase for me) and, oddly for a hovercraft, a nitro-boost that's very reminiscent of the one in Chase H.Q. That's not surprising, given that the games run on the same arcade board, but four buttons feels a tad over-generous for a game that's really very simple. Jumping could have easily been removed at absolutely no detriment to the gameplay, and all the turbo boost does is encourage you to forget about shooting the bad guys and just drive / sail / hover towards the goal as quickly as possible. A faster overall game speed and no nitro would have been a compromise that served the game better, if you ask me. Yes, I know you didn't ask me.

Before long I reached the boss, where I witnessed the majestic sight of a heavily-pregnant plane giving birth to a litter of hovercraft, dropping them into the swamp that will be their home for the first few years of their life until they develop the wings and fuselage of adulthood.
I wouldn't worry too much about the hovercraft, they don't do much besides get in the way and you can move a surprisingly large distance to the left and right. Just concentrate on shooting the plane - which I'm pretty sure is supposed to be the plane from the intro - and the fight will be over in about twenty seconds.

Alright then, revenge is ours. The bomber has been neutralized, neutralized into a million tiny pieces, so this crisis is over and Aqua Jack and Aqua Jill can go back to lounging around on the waterfront.

They're just going to stop off to give this guy a hug real quick, then it's right back to the lakeside.

I think stage two is set in The Netherlands. It's got something of a Dutch feel to it, don't you think? Amsterdam is about fifty percent canal, so let's just say that's where I'm heading. These are rather nice canals, too - it doesn't look much in still screenshots but Aqua Jack's water effects are very good, to the point where I suspect the effort of creating them diverted a lot of time and energy that would have otherwise been spent coming up with interesting enemy patterns or power-ups.

Still, it shows off the versatility of the hovercraft as an amphibious assault vehicle. As long as there's a nice, gentle slope out of the water and my rubber air skirt doesn't get popped, this incredibly vague terrorist organisation don't stand a chance! Okay, okay, so maybe I'm being too harsh on the humble hovercraft. It's perfectly acceptable as videogame vehicle go - I know I had a lot of ramping my hovercraft into unsuspecting coastal villages when I was playing Just Cause 2 - but I don't think anyone would argue that a flying motorcycle or something wouldn't have been much cooler and made just as much sense.

For a boss, stage two offers up a tank on a bridge. I'd like to tell you how this boss works, what its attack patterns are, who its favourite member of N*SYNC is, anything really, but it blew up after even less hits than the first boss and so never got to show its stuff. The battle was over so quickly that I didn't even realise it was a boss fight until my hovercraft hovered away without me, so that should be some indication of just how pointless this encounter was.

Before moving on, our heroes take the time to threaten Fidel Castro. I like the way he's pointing them to their next destination, which is down the river. What a spot of luck, with us being in a hovercraft and all.

More greenery, more helicopters and more hovercrafts (evil subdivision) in stage three. With the similarities in setting and the complete non-entity that was the previous boss, it's baffling that stage two and three weren't just combined into one level.
As there's precious little else to discuss in stage three, I'll use this opportunity to mention that your gun has something of a lock-on feature - get your crosshair near enough to a bad guy and it'll "click" onto them until you move the joystick well away from them. It works well, and the extra help with the aiming is definitely appreciated, especially in later stages when shooting enemies takes a back-seat to the increasingly frantic dodging of naval mines and hastily-erected mid-river walls.

Well, the boss is definitely more of a challenge. That is a lot of missiles. Not pictured - my hovercraft exploding roughly 0.03 seconds after this screenshot was taken. Yes, I tried jumping over the missiles and no, it didn't work. I've got infinite continues, that's something of a balm to my bitterness.

Meanwhile, in a never-previously-mentioned part of the game, a bald man in a conference room surveys the carnage that Aqua Jack and Aqua Jill have wrought on a television set that's impressively large by the standards of the early nineties. I assume this is the head villain, then? He's wearing a suit and sitting in a swivel chair, just waiting for a James Bond type to enter the room so he can spin around an produce a pithy one-liner, so he has to be the villain.

Stage four is set on a river, but don't worry, there are some rocks nearby so that ought to keep interest levels high. There are a couple of other things that caught my eye: one is that helicopter, because it reminds me of the main bad guy's helicopter from the cartoon M.A.S.K., which has led me to a shocking discovery. Thinking of M.A.S.K. meant I had to listen to the theme song, only to learn that the lyrics are "always riding hot on Venom's trail" and not "always ri-i-ding on Venom's trail" with a weird vocal hiccup on the word "riding", as I had thought from the first time I saw the show as a kid up until twenty minutes before I started writing this article. Well, that's my M.A.S.K. story, I hope you enjoyed it. Maybe one day I'll tell you my other M.A.S.K. story, about how I found some M.A.S.K. toys in an abandoned steel mill as a kid. Actually, that's pretty much the whole story.

Oh right, the other thing. That would be these walls that pop up out of the water. They're very effective hovercraft countermeasures, and from here on they'll be appearing with a frequency that sadly strays just to the wrong side of annoying. I'm not even sure you can shoot them out of the way - if you can, they absorb a lot of punishment before falling, certainly more than I ever managed to dish out. That probably has something to do with my refusal to stop pressing the speed-boost button, mind you.

Another boss tank on another bridge. Aqua Jack is not going to win any awards for the variety of its enemy design. There'll be none for the balance of its difficult level, either, with this boss being far easier than the previous missile barrage despite the stage itself much more challenging and about twice as long.

Man, Fidel just cannot catch a break, can he?

It might not be any more interesting in gameplay terms, but stage five does at least have a nice atmosphere, the gloomy swamp lit by the occasional flash of lightning. That's why the clouds are glowing orange, there hasn't been a cock-up with the colour palettes.
Now that I've reached the fifth stage, I'm only just over halfway through the game, and that's one of Aqua Jack's more glaring flaws. There's just too much of it, which seems like a ridiculous thing to say about a game you can finish in less time than it takes to watch an episode of The Simpsons and then write an angry tweet about how bad it's gotten, but the experience is starting to feel like it's been stretched very thinly and there are still another three levels to go, and they don't offer much in the way of exciting new moments.

The boss, for example, is a couple of helicopters. These helicopters are red, which at least means they go faster. They explode pretty quick, too. Makes sense to me, attack choppers are no match for a hovercraft.

The Aqua Jack crew grab a bit of down time between stages. They're looking as bored as I am. I say that, but I'm not sure how Aqua Jill is looking because I don't think the game has ever shown her face at this point. Are we leading up to a big reveal? Is she going to turn around during the end credits only to reveal she's a cyborg or Brian Blessed or that there's a yawning portal to a dread dimension filled only with primitive terror where her face should be? I hope so, that'd liven things up.

We're back to this, are we? Cool, I was missing the lush green fields and shallow rivers of wherever the hell we are. That's a lot of radio towers you've got there, Unnamed Evil Organisation. Are you putting out a pirate radio station to fill the time between hovercraft attacks?

"And Then I Drove Into A Wall" could be the goddamn subtitle of this game, especially in these later stages where the difficulty curve has tied itself in such knots that it now adheres to non-Euclidean geometry. They're a pain in the arse, but they're not completely laughable, unlike these things.

I'm no maritime engineer, but this seems like a really bad design for a watercraft. For starters, there might just about be enough room in that cockpit for a person, but not any controls or instruments. Then there's the concept of standing a couple of soldiers on this laughable metal raft in the first place. Oh, they're protected by sandbags, are they? My hovercraft's cannon can destroy a tank so quickly I've barely got time to notice it was there in the first place, I don't think a couple of sacks filled with sand are going to do much to stop me. The actual rafts themselves are dangerous, but that's because they fill the whole river and I kept crashing into them - a result that could have been accomplished just as effectively by an unmanned barge. Those two soldiers died for nothing, they didn't need to be riding on that thing. They could have been firing at me from the bank to distract me long enough for me to crash into the raft but no, there's got to be two men on board at all times. Maybe it's a Health and Safety thing.

When needlessly sacrificing combat troops aboard the SS Death Raft doesn't work, the bad guys respond by send two aeroplanes in to the general region of my hovercraft, where we half-heartedly plinked away at each other until the planes got bored and exploded. Onward to stage seven, then.

I hope for his sake that Super Mario doesn't pop out of any of those pipe.
Ah yes, these pipes. They span the waterways and move towards each other as you approach, eventually blocking your path and causing you to crash. Except when they don't, because sometimes your hovercraft passes through them as though they weren't even there, while on other occasions you're gently buffeted around them with no ill effects. A lot of the game suffers from this feeling of fuzziness, with ill-defined collision detection and the lingering feeling that everything has been thrown together at random. When compared to Chase H.Q., which was a very enjoyable and well-made game, Aqua Jack feels rushed and unloved. The various elements are mostly okay in isolation - shooting's fine, steering's okay - but like a jigsaw puzzle of Piers Morgan's face, when it's all put together it's not very pleasant. The mysterious behaviour of the pipes just happened to be the thing that solidified my opinion on Aqua Jack.

Oh, and the pipes don't scale very well, either. It looks like Aqua Jill has managed to clear them, at least. She'll have to swim ahead and get help.

The boss is something sort of interesting: it's a train on a bridge instead of the usual tank, and each time you blow up the thing that's shooting at you the train rolls forwards, pulling the next carriage into your line of fire. Hang on, that's not very interesting at all.

Whoever is recruiting soldiers for this army definitely has a type.

Here's the final stage. It's grey. I don't have much else to add beyond that. Those mountains look nice, I guess? I was hoping for some new enemies, but the closest I got was a few different bits of background scenery. New lampposts and buildings that look like faintly futuristic multi-story car parks, mostly.

One aspect of Aqua Jack that I can thankfully give my full approval is the soundtrack, a rumbling set of tracks with a classic "arcade" feel. You can usually count on Taito's famous Zuntata sound team to supply something worth listening to and that's the case here, especially the track above which plays during this final stage and did a pretty good job of getting me pumped up for the climactic boss fight. I'm ready, man! This is bound to be good, they've been saving the best for last and you're about to witness a true battle for the ages.

Your final opponent is a wall. Not even an interesting wall like "the Berlin" or "the Wailing", just a wall that shoots a few energy bolts at the player, like boring version of the first boss from Contra. They say that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but I think walls have to be the lowest form of final boss so please don't judge me too harshly for saying yeah, I'm really glad I crashed into all those walls and pipes, fighting this wall made all that struggle worthwhile.

"Oh man, the river goes right into the enemy base! See, I told you it wasn't stupid to bring the hovercraft, you owe me ten bucks."

With this dramatic door-kicking-down scene, we finally get to see what Aqua Jill looks like and she's disappointingly ordinary. No facial tentacles or nothing. She kicked the hell out of the door, though.

It took me a moment to figure out what was going on in this scene, but it eventually dawned on me that the evil leader has pulled the classic "Dr.-Wily-is-actually-a-robot-double" trick using an elaborate mechanical decoy. This means that Aqua Jill burst into the room and gunned the villain down without so much as blinking. That kind of bloodlust is a common complaint amongst hovercraft pilots.
Not only does the game end with the bad guy getting away, but he even has the audacity to pop up on a video screen just to taunt our heroes.

Hey, I recognise that guy! That's Banglar, the evil mastermind behind Taito's own Ninja Warriors games. Finally, something interesting about Aqua Jack, and now I want to play Ninja Warriors Again, erm, again. This must be a prequel to The Ninja Warriors, then, because Banglar doesn't survive that one. He is also incredibly smug-looking, so presumably he doesn't own any mirrors. It'd be hard to maintain that level of self-satisfiedness if he did.

I play a lot of these sprite-scaling arcade games here at VGJunk, because I almost always like them, but there was bound to come I time when I played one that just didn't do it for me. Aqua Jack has the familiar super-sized, over-the-top arcade feel to it, but it'd struggle to hold your attention over four stages, never mind eight, and it's not a patch on Chase H.Q. or A.B. Cop. Apparently having two initials in your game's name is the key to success. Taito should have called it A.Q. Jack, and probably ditched all the pipes and pop-up walls. I couldn't have hurt.

Today's game tells a real underdog story: a plucky young kid overcomes his diminutive stature and his relatively small arsenal of punches to rise through the ranks of the World Video Boxing Association, setting up a showdown with one of the most famous boxers of all time, or a dorky-looking head-swap, depending on which version you're playing. It's Nintendo's 1987 NES classic Punch-Out!!

I sometimes wonder if there's any point writing about games as well-remembered and universally beloved as Punch-Out, unsure whether I'll have anything new or interesting to say. Then I remember I never have anything new or interesting to say, and I've been playing Punch-Out a bit recently so here we go.

Here's Mike Tyson. Just in case you didn't recognise him, Nintendo were kind enough to repeat his name over and over again as the background to jog your memory. Now, before I get started, there's the issue of which version of Punch-Out I'll be playing - as I'm sure many of you know, there a few possibilities here. The game was originally released as Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!, with the final opponent being Iron Mike himself. Later, the game was rebranded as Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream, with Tyson being replaced by the eponymous new champ. As kids, myself and everyone I knew assumed that this was because of Tyson's arrest and conviction for rape, but apparently the license had simply expired and Nintendo chose not to renew it, seemingly thanks to Tyson's shock defeat by Buster Douglas in 1990. If that's the case, the sighs of relief from Nintendo's marketing department probably caused a small hurricane.
There are no differences between the two other than the final opponent and the words "Mike Tyson's" on the title screen, but I'll be playing Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! anyway because it makes the end of the game a bit more climactic than a bout against some bloke whose name sounds a bit like an insomnia medication.

You'll be playing as Little Mac, a young prospect from the Bronx, pictured above alongside his trainer Doc Louis. Doc Louis looks as though he's just remembered that he was supposed to pick his kid up from football practise six months ago, and Little Mac... well, he looks kinda dumb.

Cheerful, sure, but really, really stupid. Thicker than two short planks nailed onto a copy of War and Peace, denser than a loaf of bread baked using lead instead of flour. When you see the kind of freaks Mac is up against, his apparent stupidity will go a long way towards explaining why he's in the ring in the first place.
Also, I love that "playing the role of Mac, it's you!" line at the bottom. I hope no one was too disappointed that they wouldn't be playing the role of Doc Louis, shouting encouragement from ringside and catching Mac's spit in a bucket.

Doc Louis has just realised that his other kid has been waiting for him in the Tesco car park for nearly three years.
Little Mac's boxing career begins with a match against Glass Joe. He's a Frenchman who's not good at fighting, fancy that. I didn't think that stereotype was around in the '90s, but here we are, about to face a man from France who has has ninety-nine professional fights and has lost them all. I know promising young fighters generally start their careers by fighting untalented journeymen, but with his 99-and-0 record I think Mac would get better practise fighting a lamppost.

Our fighters step into the ring, the bell sounds and Punch-Out is underway, each fight promising up to three rounds of three minutes each as Mac climbs the rankings by pummelling a succession of cartoony and extremely large opponents. I said Mac was mentally dense, but his physical body must be made out of neutron star material because he only weighs three pounds less than Glass Joe despite Joe being eight feet tall with fists bigger than Mac's head.
So how does this work? Well, the goal is obviously to punch the other guy until they go down for a ten-count or, more likely, to knock them down three times in the same round for a TKO victory. To accomplish this, Mac has four main punches - left and right body shots and left and right straights to the head. Mac has two hands, and hey, the NES pad has two buttons, would you look at that, so there's one button for left and one button for right-handed punches, with head shots executed by holding up on the d-pad while you punch.

Yeah, like that. Punching alone isn't enough for victory, however, and the most vital skill to master for Punch-Out success is not getting hit. I mean, that's pretty true in regular boxing, but even more so in Punch-Out where everyone you fight is so tall you have to jump to hit them in the face and they generally weight hundreds of pounds more than you.
The most useful evasive manoeuvre is the dodge - pressing the joypad left or right will make Mac lean in that direction, (hopefully) avoiding any incoming punches. You can block, too, by pressing down on the pad, but dodging is just cooler, so do that.

That's all you need to know to beat Glass Joe - wait for one of his incredibly telegraphed punches, dodge to the side and then whack him in the face. Upon doing to he will be momentarily stunned - you can tell when this is because his expression changes to one of a fish that's licked an electrical socket - allowing you to follow up with more punches to the head. Keep that up and in no time at all Joe's record will be 100 losses, no wins.

Mario doesn't half get around. After this, he's going to go over some applications for planning permission before giving a lecture on the latest discoveries in the field of quantum electrodynamics.
As ever, Mac's face betrays not the merest hint of an intelligent thought.

All right, I'm already ranked number 2! Given how little a threat Glass Joe posed, I would say Mac is definitely ready for the next challenge. Unless the challenge is reading a book or doing simple addition rather than boxing. I think Mac might struggle in that case.

Oh good, it's more fighting, this time against a German fellow called Von Kaiser. I once described Punch-Out as "a pixellated catalogue of as many ethnic clichés as possible" and I think I'm happy to stick with that because this German is called Von Kaiser, and he's not even close to the worst of them. This NES version of Punch-Out is a sequel-slash-remake of the the arcade game of the same name, and it contains many of the same fighters, so whoever created the characters for the original game is to blame. One boxer who appeared in the arcade version but not the NES port was an Italian called Pizza Pasta, a name that's truly amazing for its sheer lack of effort more than anything else. Imagine if they'd set the whole game in Italy, it'd be packed with characters like Linguine Gondola and Vespa Massive Government Corruption. It's a shame they didn't stick with it, I could have been fighting a British contender called Steakn Chips.

Beating Von Kaiser isn't any more difficult than beating Glass Joe, and in a way I think it might even be easier - or at least faster - because Von Kaiser is slightly more aggressive and thus spends more of the fight throwing big, easily-dodged punches that you can punish him after.
What this fight does introduce is a gameplay element that's at the very core of the Punch-Out experience, and that's learning and reading your opponent's moves. Most boxers in the game have a "tell" that lets you know they're about to throw a punch. In Von Kaiser's case, he wobbles his head back and forth like a bobblehead in a tumble drier, giving you plenty of time to get out of the way. Naturally the later fighters aren't quite so obvious about it, but deciphering their movements and learning what comes next so you can accurately counter it is what Punch-Out is all about. I've seen it described as a puzzle game pretending to be a boxing game, and there's a lot of truth to that.

Blimey, that was fast. The Minor Circuit must be a pretty awful division if Glass Joe and Von Kaiser were the second and first ranked fighters, but getting a title shot after only two matches still seems a bit premature. Okay, which country gets a semi-offensive stereotype this time?

Why, it's Japan - nice to see that Nintendo didn't spare their own nation from the avalanche of cultural clichés that make up the game's cast.

Piston Honda is a serious man with serious eyebrows, eyebrows that he waggles to let you know when he's going to clobber you. He's also the first opponent with a real special move, a flurry of four quick jabs that can quickly drain your energy and, even worse, are hard to avoid by dodging. Instead, blocking is the better option here, but you can't just hold down block - Mac drops his guard after each punch, so you have to get into the rhythm of blocking again after each blow. One of Punch-Out's great strengths is that it's a game all about rhythm, of finding the right moments to dodge and feeling the rhythmic thud-thud-thud of a successful flurry of punches, all of it courtesy of a control system that's both simple and extremely precise.

Speaking of controls, there's one other punch I haven't mentioned yet: Mac's Super or Star Punch. Hitting your opponent just as they're about to throw certain punches can jar them out of the move, rewarding you with a star, the counter for which you can see in the top-left of the screen. Each star allows you to press the start button to unleash one giant leaping uppercut that will do a ton of damage if it connects. In the screenshot above, I did not connect, because I am still not very good at Punch-Out even after all these years. At least it gives you a good view of the effort Little Mac is putting into the punch, straining so hard that all his facial features have disappeared.

Once I did manage to hit Piston Honda with a few Star Punches - something that he seems particularly susceptible to - Mac's victory was assured and the WVBA Minor Circuit gained a new champion. Mac's reward? The adulation of the crowd, the chance to step up to the Major Circuit and a small trophy depicting an artist's mannequin standing atop a golden goblet.

Following your championship triumph, you're treated to the iconic scene of Little Mac doing his roadwork while Doc Louis rides a bicycle ahead of him. Little Mac and the Statue of Liberty have the exact same face. This is surely an omen that prove Mac is destined to become the true hero of all Americans.

Mac's first opponent on the Major Circuit is Don Flamenco, a Spaniard who's both a lover and a fighter. Don's bio says he's 23 years old. I know boxing can take a toll on a man, but there's no way he's only 23.

He looks like Prince Charles! Prince Charles after an unfortunate incident involving his head and a vice, but still, there's a definite resemblance to the heir to the British throne. There's the germ of a plot for a family friendly action-adventure movie in there somewhere - European royal is mistaken for a heavyweight boxer and finally learns the value of hard work after training for his upcoming title defence, while two-weight champion "Chopper" Gonzales launches a few ships and goes to a polo match. That's King of the Ring, coming to cinemas this holiday season.

Don seems like a challenge at first, and an aggravatingly cocky one at that: he taunts the player into trying to hit him, and when they do he counters with the Flamenco Uppercut. This could prove tricky if there wasn't a simple way to beat Don Flamenco: dodge his punch, hit him to stun him and then alternate between left and right punches to the face. As long as you keep up the left-right-left-right rhythm, Don will never become un-stunned and you can drain his entire energy bar. If it was any other boxing game I'd suspect this was a glitch, but because Punch-Out places such a strong emphasis on learning and exploiting your opponents' weaknesses I have to assume it was included purposely.

As I took a decent screenshot of it during the Don Flamenco fight, this seems like a good opportunity to talk about Mac's stamina. Measured in hearts, which are recorded in the bar at the top-left of the screen, Mac's stamina decreases when he blocks a punch or misses with a swing of his own, or when he gets punched. When your hearts reach zero, Mac turns pink and can't throw a punch, leaving you to dodge for a while until he gets a few hearts back and returns to his usual fist-throwing self.
I've always thought the stamina gauge was a touch redundant, but then again I think that might have been part of Nintendo's cunning plan - I tended to completely forget about it until my opponent blocked a few of my punches and bang, suddenly I can't fight back and I look like a wad of chewed bubblegum, panic stations are initiated and Mac gets a beating because I wasn't paying attention to how many hearts I had.

Next up: King Hippo. You can tell he's a king, because he's wearing a little crown that definitely didn't come with a Pretty Princess Dress-Up Kit with Real Crystal Accessories. I wonder if Hippo is his given name and he's a king, or if he's the king of the hippos. Either way, I feel confident I can beat him. He's got plenty of chin to aim for, for starters.

Okay, I think this represents at attempt by the fight promoters to surreptitiously slip some inter-species boxing onto the fight card, because I'm fairly sure King Hippo is actually a shaven gorilla wearing gloves and shorts.
Punch-Out's puzzle-like qualities come to the fore in this fight, as you dodge King Hippo's powerful punches whilst trying to figure out a way to actually hurt him - all of your shots are brushed aside until the fateful moment when the king raises his fist high in the air and, crucially, opens his massive gob. This is your chance, Mac - slug him in the mouth so hard that his shorts fall down!

This gives you a chance to clobber Hippo in the stomach while he struggles to hoist his trunks back up, leaving his vulnerable belly-button exposed. I wonder what horrors are lurking under those plasters. I can't imagine Hippo Island has the best medical facilities, I reckon "stick a plaster on it" is about the extent of their medical capabilities. I'm going to guess it's a hernia, which explains why King Hippo can never get up if you knock him down. Not to worry, his boxing career may be over but he's still going to make plenty of cash thanks to his appearances in the Captain N cartoon. Speaking of, I just looked up King Hippo's appearance in that show and I had (mercifully) forgotten that he was drawn with big, floppy man-breasts with extremely prominent nipples. Hopefully one day I'll manage to forget this fact again.

Great Tiger occupies the number one ranking, and as a videogame Indian you know he's got mystical powers, he will meditate then destroy you, something about curry, etcetera etcetera. At least most countries sometimes have slight variations on their traditional videogame stereotypes - the British are posh but also sometimes Cockney geezers - but Indians? Mystics and fakirs, every one.
I love the contrast between the images of Little Mac and Doc Louis on one corner and Great Tiger and the tiger skin in the other, especially because it seems to suggest that the tiger pelt is Great Tiger's trainer. I want it to pop up between rounds and say "don't worry, Tiger, you're doing grrrreat!"

A real test of reflexes, beating Great Tiger requires you to pay close attention to the gem in the centre of his turban. It flashes when he's about to strike, and hopefully you'll be quick enough to get out of the way. It's not hugely difficult, but it is fun, like every fight in Punch-Out - each bout is its own unique experience, and each must be approached with a winning mix of the cerebral (learning your opponent's moves) and the physical (getting out of the bloody way, punching back).

Great Tiger also has a special move where he spins around the ring at high speed, stopping only to throw punches at Mac. Easily blockable punches, it turns out, and you can deal with this move the same way you thwarted Piston Honda's jab combo. Great Tiger's wide open to counter-attack once he's finished, too, so you spend much of the fight hoping he'll do his special move so you can punish him for trying it. Punch-Out is incredibly satisfying in that respect, because once you've mastered your opponent's moves they go from being something to fear to a tool you can use to win, and that's a wonderful feeling.

And now, the main event, the Major Circuit Title Bout between Little "Tiny" Mac and Bald Bull, the champion and future exhibit in the Museum of Oddly-Shaped Human Skulls. Look at that thing, it's like an ostrich egg with a face painted on it.

He's a big lad, isn't he? The original arcade version of Punch-Out had the player's boxer displayed as a wireframe, so you would see the person you were fighting through their body, but obviously this approach wouldn't have worked on the less-powerful NES. Thus, Little Mac was made, well, little and his opponents huge, and as far as I'm concerned this worked out exceptionally well for the the game. It gives you a sense of overcoming the odds, of earning your victories, when you're beating down boxers the size of modest two-bedroom houses. It also allows the NES to impress graphically, with each boxer's massive sprite being packed with character and explaining why most of them are remembered to this day in gaming circles.

Bald Bull is definitely well remembered, and in my case that's because of his Bull Charge special move. Bald Bull hops towards Little Mac in a terrifying game of chicken with one of two outcomes: either Bull gets through and punches Mac hard enough to immediately knock him down, or Mac throws a body shot at just the right time, catching Bald Bull right in the gut and knocking him down. It was nice to discover that the correct timing for this punch, honed through hours of childhood battles against Bald Bull, was still floating around in my central nervous system, and I managed to catch him with the telling blow without even thinking about what I was doing. A pretty crappy superpower, yes, but a satisfying way for Mac to win his second belt.

The trophy's a bit bigger now, there's an egg cup between the mannequin and the goblet.

Little Mac's training at night now, so his bright pink tracksuit now seems less like a horrible fashion mistake and more a piece of hi-visibility safety gear. You should always be careful near roads, but after being punched by Bald Bull I don't think getting hit by a car would even register on Mac's pain sensors.

Now Mac's fighting in the World Circuit, and his first opponent is... Piston Honda again. You also have rematches against against Don Flamenco and Bald Bull, and while they do fight slightly differently - Don has a few new punches and Bald Bull can only be knocked down with Star Punches or by countering the Bull Charge - they're not different enough for me to go through them again. Don Flamenco is still an absolute chump, by the way.

While I'm fighting Piston Honda, I'd like to mention this bit of trash-talking that he sometimes spouts between rounds. Not up to the usual boxing standards, that one. "I'll win by technical knock-out" is hardly up there with "I want to eat your children" or even the usual threats of a comprehensive and extremely painful victory, but I can appreciate the almost poetic style.

A new fighter appears: Russian fizzy drink aficionado and yet another inductee into the Museum of Oddly-Shaped Human Skulls, it's Soda Popinski! Just in case you're having VGJunk beamed to your distant alien planet or something, the soda pop he drinks is actually booze. Popinski's original name was famously Vodka Drunkenski, so just remember that someone once sat down and thought "yes, this will be a good name for the Russian character in my videogame." That was a series of events that actually happened, for real.

There's nothing particularly special about Soda Popinski - it's just a good, solid fight against a tough opponent with no major gimmicks. I mean, the fact that he consumes ten times his body weight in fizzy pop a day is a gimmick, but it doesn't affect the gameplay any. Instead, it's a test of the reflexes and boxing skills you've honed over the previous fights, concentration etched on the player's face as they search for a way to land a Star Punch and desperately try to avoid looking to closely at Popinski's very tight briefs. I guess he misunderstood "trunks" to mean "swimming trunks".

He can't drive because he drank too much soda pop, you see. If you were really into over-analysing videogames, you could build a case for Soda's love of fizzy beverages mirroring Soviet desires to partake in the products of the Western world during the Cold War, with echoes of the production of Marshal Zhukov's "White Coke." I would never go that far, though. I'm too busy laughing at everyone's oddly-shaped skulls.

The number-one ranked Mr. Sandman has a relatively normally-shaped skull, although I'm sure Little Mac is hoping that won't be the case after the fight. It took me until I was approaching adulthood to realise that he's called Mr. Sandman because he's going to put you to sleep, because, like Mac,  I'm kind of dumb. I hope that's why he's called Mr. Sandman, anyway, and he doesn't creep into kids' bedrooms at night and knock them unconscious.

Ah, Mr. Sandman, the bout where so many of my youthful attempts to complete Punch-Out were unceremoniously crushed. It's Mr. Sandman's triple uppercut that's the problem, a flurry of three punches that will absolutely demolish Mac if any of them hit him and which are thrown without warning. Okay, so there's some warning, because Mr. Sandman stops moving for a moment before he throws them, but that just makes you tense up as you wait for the inevitable. My problem was that I always got too tense and then dodged too early, so that Mac was leaning back into position just as Sandman's uppercut came my way.

Of course, in this modern age of the internet and FAQs and embarrassingly accurate fan wikis, I had the key to Mr. Sandman's downfall revealed to me after about seven seconds on Google, and his weakness is his body: specifically, you have to stun him with a shot to the head and then you can get a few hits in on his body. I must have figured this out at some point in my youth, because I know I've fought the remaining boxers before, but I didn't remember this particular trick and I sure as hell wouldn't have figured it out on my own. I know it now, though, and with a bit of good fortune on the uppercut-dodging front I managed to get sweet revenge on Mr. Sandman for all the times he made me shout words at my NES that a nine-year-old shouldn't even know.

The champion of the World Circuit is a body-building fanatic called Super Macho Man. I think it's safe to assume he's worried about the size of his genitalia. Anyone who calls themselves "Super Macho Man" is overcompensating for something.

Yes, he certainly looks like someone who's secure in his masculinity. He found time to dye his hair from grey to black, so once again I'm left wondering whether his official age of 27 is entirely accurate.
After the bruising onslaught of Mr. Sandman, Super Macho Man is something of a relief to fight: he's not so fast, there's no special gimmick to hurting him and his punches seem easier to avoid. He does have one dangerous trick up his sleeve, or down his trunks, though, and that's his super spinning punch.

Sometimes he does it once and it's easy enough to avoid, but other times Super Macho Man spins and spins and spins with his fist extended. I'm not sure how this is hitting Little Mac, given that he barely reaches up to the waistband of Macho Man's budgie smugglers, but hit him it does and it results in a knockdown every time. It was at this point that I remembered that Little Mac can duck by double-tapping down on the d-pad, and I avoided Macho's whirling tornado of pain by repeatedly ducking as fast as I could and praying. Miraculously, this seemed to work, and with his most powerful move neutralized Little Mac could pick off the champion at his leisure.

"Last night, we found a small but great champ" cries the newspaper, although given the huge size difference between Little Mac and his opponents readers would be forgiven for assuming this was an April Fool's joke. Well, this is the April 1st edition of the paper. The newspaper also subtly gives you a password and tells you about the Dream Fight, but I'm more interested in that "Daddy, come back home!" message. Is it directed at Mario, whose picture accompanies the headline? Does Mario have children that Nintendo have kept secret for all these years, assuming that Baby Mario is actually Mario as a baby and not some secret love-child? Or is Mario desperately crying out for some parental affection? Everyone needs a family, and Luigi just isn't cutting it. It's a mystery that will never be solved, because it's time for the showdown we've all been waiting for: Little Mac versus Mike Tyson.

What an excellent pixel caricature of Iron Mike, depicted in happier times before he went to prison and started biting human ears. In fact, both Mac and Mike look genuinely happy to be there, with no greater desire in their hearts than to discover once and for all who is the best boxer in the world. I feel confident. I'm ready. I can do this.

Oh god no, I'm wrong, I can't do this. Please send help.

Tell my family I love them. I'm going into the light now. No more tears. No more pain. No more of Mike Tyson's fists trying to separate my head from my neck.

As you might have guessed, Tyson is a far, far tougher challenge than anything you've faced before. For the first half of round one he does nothing but throw gigantic uppercuts that knock you down should just one of them connect, adding different punches to the mix as the fight goes on. He doesn't have special moves, because he doesn't need them, but while his style may be impetuous his defence is not quite impregnable. The thing is, dodging alone isn't enough any more. It's something you'll probably notice as you progress through the game, but in this fight it's vital to realise that it's also important when you dodge. Move too soon and you'll avoid the punch but have no time to throw a counter of your own before Mike covers up, granting an extra layer of tension to the proceedings. You can get through, though, if your reflexes are sharp enough. There's a dollop of luck involved, too. If it all comes together for you, then maybe, just maybe, you can beat Mike Tyson.

Finger speed? Tyson's gone meta, he knows this is all a game. Anyway, I don't think it was down to finger speed as much as it was about headache-inducing levels of concentration. What happened was this: after a war of attrition, I eventually managed to beat Mike on a points decision. I was so overcome with excitement that, like the big clumsy dope I am, I accidentally hit the reset button on the emulator. Rather than put myself through the wringer again, I used a "one-punch-KO" Game Genie code to beat Mike for a second time, and you know what? It felt good. After all the sweat and toil I put into Punch-Out as a kid, I reckon I'd earned it.

And that's it, Punch-Out is over, Little Mac can retire with a perfect record and I can go through some deep breathing exercises in an attempt to relax my body, which has tensed up like a prison warden who's realised he's lost his keys. Before I finish up, though, there's the small matter of Tyson's replacement in the non-Mike Tyson's version of Punch-Out.

Look at this big palooka. From Dreamland, are you? That might explain why you look like a 'roided-out version Bert from Sesame Street. That's something that should only happen in a dream - a horrible, unsettling dream.

Mr. Dream is nothing but a re-coloured, head-swapped version of Tyson, which is fair enough. I can cut Nintendo some slack on this one, because with Punch-Out they created the best sports game - but not really a sports game - of the 8-bit era and one of the NES' very finest titles. As a workout for mind and fingers there's little to challenge it on the ol' grey box, and it's fondly remembered by everyone I've ever met who's played it, which is amazing when you consider it's a boxing game - a sport that's hardly one of the world's favourites. It's beautifully constructed, with massive sprites that ooze character (and aspartame, in Soda Popinski's case) and a soundtrack of tunes that are instantly memorable and yet never seem to get annoyingly repetitive despite there barely being a handful of them in the game.
It seems pointless to tell you to play Punch-Out, because more than likely you already have, but if this one somehow passed you by then give it a go. If you don't feel yourself getting into it, I'll eat my gem-studded magic turban.

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Chris Roach Signature Hoodie
Chris Roach Signature HoodieChris Roach Signature Hoodie

Chris Roach Signature Hoodie

5 out of 5 based on 1 customer rating
(1 customer review)

This is a genuine Chris Roach Approved Hoodie. It’s made with high end materials & will fit perfectly and just right…Not too heavy and not too light! Did we mention this hooded sweatshirt is also designed to make you go faster, rip harder and above all else, give you magical powers of untouchable style.

SKU: Hoodie Categories: ,

Product Description

When you buy this hoodie you support stoke!

How’s that you ask? Check it….

REVERT Foundation’s Mission is to encourage and inspire youth development by sharing authentic mountain and outdoor experiences.

REVERT Foundation is a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization co-founded by Chris Roach and friends. In addition to generous donations and work from our volunteers, your purchase really does help in a BIG Way! Your product purchase will pay for our work that allow us to reach out to underserved youth via high school programs where we hand-pick the kids that need to be stoked out the most!

We then meet and greet the kids at one of Tahoe’s premier, family resorts and host a day of action, adventure and fun!

REVERT Foundation will facilitate the gear the kids will need for a day of snowboarding—boots, bindings, board, helmet, outerwear—as well as a lift ticket. They will receive professional on-hill instruction, a healthy lunch and some cool swag to take home. And they will get to take runs with Chris and Monty Roach, and other legacy and current professional snowboarders.

With continued cuts in public education we need your help more than ever this season in getting the kids on the hill…Your purchase or donation will make a big difference in somebody else’s life!

Read More About Chris Roach & Why He Started REVERT Foundation

1 review for Chris Roach Signature Hoodie

  1. 5 out of 5

    This hoodie is pretty rad. Super soft, not too thick and not too thin. I’m 6’3″ and ordered the XL – Just right with a true and perfect fit.

    One thing not pictured is the inside where there is a Chris Roach Signature by the sizing (near the neck). It’s a really nice touch. I’m happy my purchase goes to a great cause! Thanks

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The Evolution of the deity Handlebar Line is Here!

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Electrocution of the Human Body

Charles Dalziel, GFI Inventor (UC Berkeley) - RF CafeMan being electrocuted: funny picture - RF CafePhysiological effects of current density on the human body are shown in the table below. Contrary to popular belief, it is the current - not the voltage - level which is responsible for effects. According to Ohm's Law, of course, a certain voltage is required to cause the necessary currents to flow. Values show vary depending on the body.

Personally, I have been hit with 480 V while working on a 3-phase industrial motor connection. It didn't feel good.

See article on shock level versus pain level from Discover magazine.

The following table of quantity of electrical current and its effect on men and women is from work done by the inventor of the Ground Fault Interrupter circuit, Charles Dalziel.

Other RF Cafe resources on electrocution: Eliminate Risk of Fatal Electric Shock with the GFI | Mac's Service Shop: Electric Shock | Potential Neutral Conductor Hazards | Electrocution of the Human Body

Direct Current
Alternating Current (mA)
60-Cycles 10,000 Cycles
Men (mA) Women
Men (mA) Women
Men (mA) Women
Slight sensation on hand 1 0.6 0.4 0.3 7 5
Perception threshold, median 5.2 3.5 1.1 0.7 12 8
Shock - not painful and muscular control not lost 9 6 1.8 1.2 17 11
Painful shock - muscular control lost by ½% 62 41 9 6 55 37
Painful shock - let-go threshold, median 76 51 16 10.5 75 50
Painful and severe shock - breathing difficult, muscular control lost by 99½% 90 60 23 15 94 63
Possible ventricular fibrillation
Three-second shocks
Short shocks (T in seconds)
High voltage surges

* Energy in watt-seconds

Table retrieved from the "Deleterious Effects of Electric Shock," by Professor Charles Dalziel, 1961.

Current Level (mA) Effect
1 Threshold of sensation
8 Mild sensation
10 Painful
13 Cannot let go
21 Muscular paralysis
20 Severe shock
38 Breathing labored
42 Breathing upset
70 Extreme breathing difficulties
90 Ventricular fibrillation
100 Death

Above is the original table for this page.

Posted April 26, 2004

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Kirt Blattenberger,

RF Cafe began life in 1996 as "RF Tools" in an AOL screen name web space totaling 2 MB. Its primary purpose was to provide me with ready access to commonly needed formulas and reference material while performing my work as an RF system and circuit design engineer. The Internet was still largely an unknown entity at the time and not much was available in the form of WYSIWYG ...

All trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other rights of ownership to images and text used on the RF Cafe website are hereby acknowledged.

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24-Hr. Iron Painter... & I'm Off!

I announced in my last post that I would be participating in my first marathon painting competition. My biggest challenge won't be staying awake, or even keeping a steady hand; It will come in the form of my bad back. I'm not sure that my back is up to the challenge. We'll see!

Just need to prime these before I head out.

In an attempt to break up the monotony, I'm going to post progress pics of my army throughout the 24-hr. competition. Check back for updates & wish me luck!

2 Hours In... doesn't look like much.
@ 4.5 hours... all bases base coated & now painting overcoats
9 hours in - OD layer ( helmets, field jackets, etc.)

My First Iron Painter Competition & Projects Out the Wazoo

I have entered my first ever miniature painting competition. And it so happens that it's a 24-hr. straight endurance event taking place a few days before Christmas. While It's not my regular gaming store, www.dropzone-games.com, they are well-stocked & have an excellent gaming space & work stations.

The Battlefront models have the early turrets, (without MG shield). I modified several of mine with green stuff to replicate the shield that was so common on US Stuarts in Europe. I also added, chain, crates, bedrolls, etc. that I made to customize each one.

I will have 24-hrs. to paint the company HQ & combat platoons of a Flames of War company of my choice. Since my Combat Engineers are already well underway, I had to come up with something completely new. I'll be painting US Rifle Platoons & Company HQ from Devil's Charge, along with a platoon of M5A1 Stuart Light tanks that I received for my birthday. Since Stuarts are my favorite tank of WWII, & EVERYONE is currently fielding Chaffees, these little fellas will be a nice way to show some versatility in my abilities. While I'm pretty satisfied with the end result of my work, I'm no speed painter! I'm not sure how this will turn out.

I'm now attempting to wrap up my engineers & clear the workbench so I can prep & prime my forces for the Iron Painter.

Regards... Rhinexing


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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

04/25 @ Toontopia!

Monday morning I was back in Toontopia for some more house music.  I followed on the heels of DJane Ebony who spins some awesome vocal trance.  For my set she switches roles and becomes my hostess lol.  For this set I wanted to keep with the house theme but focus the sound a little more on the house and a little bit less DISCO, which I have been doing a lot of as of late.

With Ebony handling the customers I was able to keep things rocking!  Many thanks goes out to the Korean and Japanese customers that came out!  I love having ya guys in TT!  Lemme tell you, the track selection for this set made for some difficult mixing on my end but I thought the music flowed together well!  One transition in particular was difficult and any DJ will know that when mixing and you have a track with a prominent off beat midrange sound it makes for some tricky mixing!  I really had a good time and I look forward to being back in Toontopia in 2 weeks!

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Sunday, November 6, 2011

Andy got into Nursing School!

After applying for 5 semesters! He was beginning to wonder what he was going to do -- he had taken all the pre-requisite classes, was doing an EMT internship, and just wasn't getting selected. I hate that lottery way of admissions -- doesn't take into account a lot of things that need to be considered (in my opinion). So now they have a test every applicant has to take and Andy scored way high on that which I am sure helped.
Long and shot, starting January he is in for a fast paced year of nursing school then he can go be a nurse which he has been wanting to do for several years. Seems like his days of being a computer person are so long ago. Mixed blessing I guess, of one's job being outsourced to another country. (If you are reading this and don't know me, Andy is my husband)

And now it is already November. I have 2 more weeks of school before a whole week for Thanksgiving Break. We used to work the Monday and Tuesday of that week but now those are furlough days off (without pay), part of the 9 days we lost the year before last just so we could keep most of our health benefits. (Oh and there was the pay cut too but don't get me started on that!)

New food I discovered I like: Bison Hotdogs from Costco!

bison dogs

I am not a big hot dog fan to begin with (although I also liked the lamb hot dogs that I tried in Iceland a couple of years ago). These are yummy though! Chopped a couple up and mixed with scrambled eggs and a yummo breakfast!

And a second thing I like: purple potatoes!

purple spuds

I had tried them once before and found them sort of mealy. But this time I roasted them in the oven, cut into quarters and sprinkled with olive oil and they were delish. I don't eat many potatoes any more (sometimes yams) so these were a nice treat. Plus they have a lot more phytonutrients than regular white potatoes. AND they are purple!!

Oh and finally...

Lowest is around 30 years now? Getting there, slowly but surely!

  1. Congrats to Andy! And congrats to you on your continued healthy kick. Even with a bison dog, now and again ;)

  2. Congratulations to you both! I love bison but had no idea Costco had those....thanks for that! There's a local butcher up here that I get steaks & bison burger from, if you ever want's all around $8/lb and it's so yummy!

  3. Thanks! I may have to rethink buffalo -- need to find ways to keep it from being so dry (past efforts). They sell ground buffalo here in a lot of stores. Maybe I should try it!

  4. Hooray for Andy (and Rhonda)! :-)
    Bison hot dogs ... try explaining that to a 6 or 3 1/2 year old ... they'll stick to Ball Park ;-)
    I've seen them use purple potatoes on Chopped! I've never actually seen them in a store (that I can recall).
    Hooray for the scale!!!

  5. Liz: you don't have to tell them what they are eating! LOL
    There are probably purple potatoes in your grocery store -- they have them at Raley's here (as well as of course Nugget, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods)... probably at least at your TJ's. Not sure where they are grown -- the originals I think come from Peru. Very old world spuds!

Thanks so much for leaving a comment on my post! I really appreciate that you took the time to take a look!
It also gives me a chance to get to know your blog and find new art friends!
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tgllounge99 Things To Know Before You Buy

Cell-Friendly Take a look at steps the general performance of the web page for cell products and desktop units. It fetches the url two times, after having a cell consumer-agent, and at the time by using a desktop-user agent. It analyzes the content material of a web page, then generates suggestions to produce that website page more rapidly.

1) the dimensions are Asian dimensions. I did find that someplace during the smallprint. I Ordinarily use a 16, so I ordered a 3x as proven about the conversion charts. All of it fits Okay other than that I have major higher arms Hence the sleeves are restricted. two) Every time they say transported, they signify on a ship which generally takes about per month as well as time and energy to go thru customs and delivery in this article inside the USA.

Data : This reveals your internet sites IP deal with and its places (Bodily location/s in which is is based). You may see a more thorough view in the map.

There is not any cofounder story, stylist weblog or worker uncovered on LinkedIn. Soon after undergoing several lookup terms, I didn’t locate A great deal valuable details.

Individuals may experience some suffering or soreness, bruising and swelling after the treatment. Most people return to work two weeks following their buttock augmentation and can easily resume all regular pursuits inside of four months. Swelling normally dissipates by the sixth week.

Issues from customers on sites like and range between shipments that took a month to arrive, or didn’t get there in any way. Individuals who received their invest in in the mail, documented bad high quality and incorrect sizing.

February eleven, 2016 I bought from below just lately (ought to have checked out the evaluations ahead of I did). I’ve under no circumstances been given a shipping and delivery number. After i seek to get in touch with their company telephone number it’s unavailable.

Facts : By sharing the content of your web site on the above System, your site becomes Section of social networking and you can travel additional visitors to your web site. / Whois Details

I’ve been preventing with them via e-mail for awhile now, precisely requesting a dollars refund to my PayPal account so there’s no misunderstanding.

For this reason, he captures macro images of those amazing creatures striving to find out more details on them as well as their normal habitat.

Crimson flags began popping up, so I immediately Googled “rosegal rip-off,” and posts commenced appearing just about everywhere.

Details : could be the worlds largest website for position and listing Internet sites` usage and consumer entry. Rank : Is your sites rank among the other internet sites on the planet.

On any overseas orders in the future I will pay with either my Visa or Mastercard, they're much a lot more prone to get the job done with you, The client, than to get sides with the vendor when legit disputes occur. Just Get hold of your credit card organization and check with them what their coverage is with regards to disputed transactions, not all of these take care of it in your best fascination but most Visa and Mastercard kinds will. I no more buy from any of those Asian websites as the standard and sizing in the outfits are really inconsistent and by the time you receive them They may be not in year. I do much like the jewelry I purchase on Desire though, I get a great deal of k4d88 compliments on $2 and $three pieces of costume jewellery.

My spouse is disabled from the TB I which was a address for me, mainly because We've so minimal cash. These consumers are evil. Do not purchase from them. Sincerely, Karen

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The Monetary Benefit Supplied By Acn

Residence companies as well as big companies also make use of landlines, for connecting with clients. If you have a landline after that individuals understand your in one location all of the moment, this can gain a great deal of trust in between you and your customers. Even if these organisations make a great deal of money, they still try to find other ways to conserve cash too. That's why they try to find the ideal house phone strategies offered to them. Your bound to locate one for you also.

Don't you understand that by selecting ACN, you are making a conscious effort of finishing childhood years hunger? ACN's Project Feeding Kids feeds a kid each time you authorize up for ACN's services and products.

Donald Trump, the present Head of state of the United States totally supporteded ACN Products, the only company he endorsed outside of his very own firm. Prior to coming to be the head of state of the United States, Trump is one of one of the most widely known as well as extremely reliable entrepreneur. Inning accordance with Trump, ACN has a sensational wide range structure system.

This is a big question for those entering the market. ACN is the acn telecom of telecommunications on the planet, so it makes good sense that their items would certainly be high quality and simple to offer.

Appreciate A Continuous Flow Of Residual Income Through Acn

Signing up with the ACN service could be performed in 2 methods. You can begin as a team instructor (TT) or as a sales specialist (SC). Each includes advantages and also advantages. When you begin as a team instructor, ACN Telecommunications will help in establishing and running your organisation. It has a group fitness instructor starter package, which includes advertising and marketing tools as well as sample of products as well as an individualized on the internet shop. You will get discount rates for the elegance items, a chance to do service in 25 nations, accessibility to the independent organisation proprietor's back office as well as support, earn quick start benefits, increased settlement bundle as you go along in the business, and also funding new independent local Site de ressources pertinent business owner.

They took right into issue things that mattered as well as things that really did not be of repercussion such as appeal. They figured out that popularity does matter but they likewise learnt 24 out of the 25 they examined come from the DSA-Direct Marketing Organization. So Nexera took numerous factors right into account so they can be unbiased about the total project.

Achieving success in the ACN reviews service does require time. It is not a get abundant quick system. You require to do the work as well as get to out to as many individuals feasible; not simply your loved ones members, however random individuals. That's the key to growing your service. Having a system that has actually been checked and also confirmed reliable is a must. Without a system, you will wind up doing all the work blindly. Months will certainly pass as well as you will end up obtaining frustrated since you end up not reaching your objective. It is a must to have a system for your network to grow as quickly as possible.

ACN makes use of a multi-level advertising and marketing method. It offers payments to people that desire to market the product or services of the business. ACN provides a profitable compensation strategy. Similar to lots of other NETWORK MARKETING company, it functions with its very own network of IBO or independent local business owner. Once you come to be an IBO, you currently have the legal rights to be called representative or supplier of the business. Even more sales and also earnings will be made as even more individuals come to be independent local business owner.

What you eat and consume can dramatically influence your acne condition. The majority of people do not consume adequate water. Their body as well as skin are dehydrated and also they have no idea it. You should consume alcohol at the very least eight glasses of water a day to keep your skin healthy as well as strong.

Financial Flexibility Through Residual Income

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Monday, July 19, 2010

Our Real Intent

"People typically judge us—and we judge them—based on observable behavior. Thus, we need to do all we can to ensure that our behavior accurately reflects our true motives and agendas. Also, we need to be careful how we judge others.... [Don't] interpret the intent of others by projecting your own intent onto their behavior....

We tend to judge others based on their behavior, and ourselves based on our intent. In almost all situations, we would do well to recognize the possibility—even probability—of good intent in others...sometimes despite their observable behavior.

—Steven Covey, The Speed of Trust, page 84

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Monday, August 27, 2012

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Perhaps it is a sign of my age, but I can not think of a book that is more romantic than Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson, which was published in 2010, which I have just read. It was on my possibilities list for some time, but its being the choice for an upcoming book discussion moved me to actually read it. It is jolly good to be in a book club, as I am now very glad to have read it.

Major Ernest Pettigrew is a retired British soldier of traditional values who lives in the quiet village of St. Mary, England. As the story begins, his brother has died, and he learns that reuniting the very valuable family hunting rifles (called "Churchills") was not specified in the brother's will as the major has been led to believe. Both his mercenary banker son and his ambitious niece want the guns sold so they can fund their projects, but the major just wants to have them to use at annual duck hunts. The major sense that neither of the young people nor his sister-in-law have any sense of tradition.

The major explains all of this to Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani widow who runs a little shop in the village. As they walk along the beachfront and drink tea, he discovers that the attractive widow shares his love of Kipling and a sense of what is proper behavior. He is enamored, but how does Mrs. Ali feel?

Being a fan of many British books and television, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand was ready made for me, and I do not think I am alone. It is no longer on bestseller lists, but there are many copies in public libraries. If you are similarly inclined, put it on the top of your list.

Simonson, Helen. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. Random House, 2010. 358p. ISBN 9781400068937.

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text: BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Rider Convergence - ECPv4.4.4//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Rider Convergence X-ORIGINAL-URL: X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Rider Convergence BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20180110T070000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20180114T170000 DTSTAMP:20171023T022543 CREATED:20160720T110015Z LAST-MODIFIED:20171022T083436Z SUMMARY:Christmas Skate Camp // Melbourne DESCRIPTION:Rider Convergence Camp will give riders access to premium experience and coaching unlike any other program.\n\n\n\nCamp Location\nMelbourne\nCamp Drop off and Pickup\nPlease arrive at 7am at Sydney Domestic Terminal (Meeting Spot TBA)\nEmail us today to enquire about this one of a kind camp.\n\n\n\nRider Convergence\nWe have tailored our camps to suit the next generation of Skaters! Unshackled from routine\, we offer freedom to experience what its like to be on the road as a professional athlete. Run by top Australian pros\, the campers gain insight into the life of professional Skaters\, enjoy sessions with top Australian athletes and be guided on all new tricks.\n \nLead by Beau Mithcell & Shane Azar\, each day consists of group sessions followed by video filming\, photos and review. Guest appearances from top Australian athletes along with fun and games\, to keep campers guessing. \n \nEach Camper has the freedom to work on their Skating alone or be assisted by the Rider Convergence crew\, because this isn’t your usual camp\, here we encourage campers to pursue their own creative path\, free from structured lessons. (It's the experience)\n \nSpecial to this camp:\nEach Skater on this camp will receive a sponsor pack containing goods worth up to $250;\n1 x XEN Skateboard Deck\n1 x Skate Shoes\n1 x Stance Socks\n1 x Volcom Hat/Beanie\n \nVans Team Manager & Professional Photographer Andrew Mapstone will be shooting photos of the Skaters.\n\nBOOK A SPOT\ URL: LOCATION:Airport Drive\, Sydney\, NSW\, 2020\, Australia GEO:-33.928043;151.1679053 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Airport Drive Sydney NSW 2020 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Airport Drive:geo:151.1679053,-33.928043 CATEGORIES:Skate ORGANIZER;CN="Shane%20Azar" END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR


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Saturday, September 29, 2007

The Price of Black Life 5

A white South African farmer, Stephanus Cornelius van Aardt (50), killed farm worker Elliot Magabane by viciously beating him with a "knobkerrie (pictured) and the flat side of a spade."

The beating was said to be about an alleged theft of R350 ($50). Magubane died from "extensive brain damage" 36 hours later.

He was 15 years old.

Van Aardt was found guilty of the murder in 2006. He was sentenced to a mere 12 years in prison. He appealed both his conviction and his sentence but the High Court in Grahamstown rejected his appeal.

The court ruled today that Van Aardt had "the requisite intent to kill Magabane, and he could have reasonably seen that his actions would cause the victim's death." Also that he "did not seek medical help for the victim to avoid involving the police."

I have written about white farmers who murder their Black farm workers more times than I want to remember. And sadly, I don't expect that this will be the last time.

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has just completed hearings into the plight of Black farm workers who live and work on white farms.

It is interesting to note that the SAHRC draws a structural link between slavery and the present conditions that many farm workers endure on white-owned farms. This link is used to develop the position that the still strange relationship that exists between white farmers and their workers is best described as a system of racialized paternalism.

The SAHRC "concept paper" argues that:

"The plight of farm workers is a complex one and the atypical nature of labour relations on farms is one that has its historical roots in 17th century slavery in South Africa. Numerous studies have shown that those who work on the farm are not only in an employment relationship with the farmer.

Instead, they live together as a ‘community’ but it is a ‘community’ in which the farmer has extensive control over practically every aspect of the farm worker’s life, from his or her work, housing, access to medical facilities, food, electricity, water, education and to the movement and labour of the farm worker’s children and spouse.

Therefore, the struggle on farms was historically not limited to wages and working conditions but to housing, recreation, education, health and the rights of children and spouses living on the farm. Central to the atypical employment relationship on farms is the paternalist discourse that is not only based on the notion of the farm as family but also a discourse based on race."

I think that the SAHRC has aptly described the general lot of farm workers on white farms throughout South Africa. And keep in mind that the majority of farms are owned by whites.

A reporter who sat in on the SAHRC hearings described what s/he saw: It "was like watching a movie. I sat in disbelief, wondering whether the people giving testimony were from another country or another era. The stories seemed surreal."

I don't expect that too many white farmers would agree with the reporter or the SAHRC's assessments. If you read the comments from Alleman on my "The Price of Black Life 4" you will note that white farmers prefer to see themselves as victims of the post-apartheid era.

A pervasive argument is that white farmers are attacked and killed by Blacks on their farms almost daily. This they believe is the 'real' racism on farms.

White farmers are not being attacked by Blacks who harbour a racist agenda. Most of the violence that farmers experience is unfortunately part of the crime reality that all South Africans face.

And inside of this reality, Blacks are more likely to be a victim of criminal violence than whites. In fact, whites make up almost 10% of the population, yet according to the Medical Research Council they account for less than 5% of all murder victims under any circumstance (racialized or not).

This means that being white alone significantly reduces the chances of being murdered in South Africa. In effect, the chance that a white person will be murdered is 50% less than the national average.

This is a statistical reality that must be appreciated when reckless pundits try to inflate hype about Blacks murdering whites.

Furthermore, please don't twist what I am saying here. I am not even trying to suggest that all white farmers abuse, or murder, their workers. Or that the same is true for all other whites.

This is not the point. The point is that too many white farmers still brutalize their workers. And in this regard, not much has changed since the 'end' of apartheid in 1994.

I will leave you with a reader's comment on what the reporter above described. The author is obviously white, and the comment is typical of the denial and vindictiveness that characterizes whiteness in South Africa.

morecats said at Sep 23 2007 11:57AM:

"The moron that wote this piece of garbage is obviously totally out of touch with farming. The life on a farm starts at dawn and ends at sunset as providing food for the nation is a huge endevour. The so-called abuses listed by this bunny hugger like working with toxic chemicals (normal part of farming) sexual abuses (99% perpertrated by farm workers on one another)and other crap spewed by this ignoramus, should be disregarded with the disdain it deserves. Nothing said about farmer intimidation, farm murders and landgrabs as this will not be a great Hollywood movie as it involves abuses against whites. My opinion is that if farm workers are not happy with their circumstances, pick-up-sticks and go to Zimbabwe. There is a great scope of employment opportunities on black owned farms with nothing going on. Get real!!"

And we are not free.

Shus li chu dut nah (Spring Thunder) said...

Well, apartheid only ended 13 years ago, I'm sure the bugs will get worked out soon! Just look at the great and glorious United States of America; it ended racial discrimination in 1964 with the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. This act, of course, outlawed segregation in schools and other public places. Uppity n*'s everywhere could start drinking from the same water fountains as whites! Now that's justice.

Admittedly, there are still just a few "bugs" to be worked out of the U.S. as well; like the dangers of DWB, the disparity of health care and life expectancy between whites and others, the overarching mentality that POC's are for the advantage of whites, the confederate flag that is proudly displayed on a Belmont business here in Portland, the skinhead rally coming to Portland, the Jena six, getting beaten in school for dropping a piece of infinitum

Thanks for bringing this sickening situation to light, Ridwan.

Now, where is Funky Friday??????

Ridwan said...

Hey there Shusli. Great comment! You are right sista ... it takes time for racism to refine itself into just kinks.

I just read your post on the child who had her wrist broken by a security cop. She dropped cake on the floor ... a deviant she is no doubt.

(See Shusli's post at:

I am gonna get back on the Funky Fridays after Ramadan ends. I promise ya ;0)

Be well and I can't wait to celebrate with you on the 7th. I was so eager that I had decided the celebration was today!

Luckily your husband set me right. Well he was humane and kind.

He did not slam me to the floor, call me a "nappy-head", break my wrist, fire my moms, and then return to arrest me with the state on his side.

Thanks for writing my sista.


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color theory

Sooo...the original outfit did not include a scarf. However, after putting my jacket on I noticed I had a bleach spot on my collar after wearing it to a hair appointment a few weeks ago. Not having time to change into another outfit I added a scarf, and yes I do like the scarf with it, which is good since I will never wear this jacket without a scarf again. I do love the jacket enough to keep it, bleach spot or not! Tell me, do you keep an item that has spots on it if you can cover them up? Should you? Would you?

Dress - Zara
Jacket - H&M
Earrings - Limited
Scarf - Express
Belt - Macy's
Sandals - BCBG
Handbag - Dooney & Bourke

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Monday, July 3, 2017

2017. július 3-a

It is hard to believe that it is already July and a new transfer has started. We've been pretty busy the last few days.
We met with Kápolnási elnök to talk about the transfer and stuff. It was a good meeting, although it kinda just turned into Kápolnási elnök and I talking to each other. But it all worked out.
We also met with Ildikó and János. They are doing great and so far everything is on track for the bap. date. They came to church and stayed for 2 hours, which was great. They have a really active 1 1 1/2 year old son Bálint, so they have had to leave to take him home a few times. They had a really great time.
We also met with the Hingyiék. They came to church and are doing good. We kinda accidently had a lesson on tithing, but it was really good. They are a great family and the dad is still as awesome as ever.
Eszter is doing good. She's had some problems, but she came to church, which is good. She's been coming to church more regularly.
As far as other stuff goes, we are doing good. Elder McKim and I have been getting a long great and the Sisters are doing good as well. Sister Bassett stayed and got Sister Schrad from Missiouri. She's really cool, she's a convert of a year and a half.
Anyways, we have had some fun times, and this is going to be a great transfer.
I spent an hour cleaning our refridgerator this morning. That was fun. Now it is super clean.
I don't really have too much else to write. Things have been good.

Terry elder

Attached is a picture of elder Mckim and I. Enjoy

(Elder McKim is 20 years old.  He's 26 days older than Riker.  He is from Adelaide, Australia)

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Biblical Accuracy

Filed in Bible Study , Christianity Today , Creation , Evolution , Nature 0 comments

“If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?” (John 3:12)

Many who profess to be Christian intellectuals today are arguing that we should defer to the evolutionists in matters of science and history, since the real message of the Bible is spiritual. The Genesis account, for example, is not meant to give us details of the events of creation, for scientists can give us this information. It merely assures us that God is somehow behind it all. But if this were all that God meant to tell us, its very first verse is enough for that! What is the need to describe all the days and acts of creation at all if the record has no real relevance to history or science?

As the Lord Jesus told Nicodemus in our text verse, if we cannot trust God’s Word when it relates “earthly things,” how can we possibly rely on its testimony of “heavenly things”? To some extent we can check for ourselves whether or not it is accurate when it records facts of history and processes of nature, but we have no means at all of determining whether it speaks the truth when it deals with heaven and hell, with salvation and eternal life, or with God’s purpose for the world in the ages to come.

The fact is that the Bible is accurate in all matters with which it deals, scientific and historical as well as spiritual and theological. It is a dangerous thing to listen to these modern “pied pipers” of evangelicalism whose self-serving compromises with evolutionary scientism have already led multitudes of young people astray in our Christian colleges and seminaries.

We yet may not have all the answers to alleged problems in the Bible, but we can be absolutely sure of God’s Word. When the answers are found, they will merely confirm what He has said all along. He is able and willing to speak the truth, and He means what He says!

excerpt from Days of Praise

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Fourth of July

In observance of the Fourth of July, the E-ZPass and administration offices will be closed Friday, July 4th, 2014.

June Board Meeting

The next Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at the Authority Offices in Jamestown.

Invitation to Bid

RFP - Contract 14-7: RITBA Commercial Insurance Program.  See full request here.

Memorial Day

In observance of Memorial Day, the E-ZPass and administrative offices will be closed Monday, May 26th, 2014.


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Meetings – Understanding The Shapes and Roles

First in a series.

No matter where you are in the food chain, meetings are critical to success as a manager. It is important to know how to initiate, lead, and participate in meetings. This series of Management Notes on meetings addresses some basic concepts and skills.

But, first, lets start with some discussion of exactly what a meeting is and how meetings function in our organizational lives.

Meetings come in many forms: meetings in conference rooms, in the hallway or parking lot, or over lunch. Email, especially the emails with lengthy lists of recipients and responders, those seemingly endless threaded discussions, present a new form of “meeting”. Instant messaging and, more frequently in dispersed organizations, video conferencing are new forms of meetings.

Meetings can range in size from two people to thousands.

Meetings can be formal with agendas, moderators, chairpersons, and written rules of conduct. Meetings can also be informal, impromptu, and fluid.

Meetings serve a wide range of functions in an organization. Formal meetings may be just for the dissemination of organizational news, policies, or procedures. Formal meetings may also be information gathering, problem-solving, and task setting events. Formal meetings are frequently regular opportunities for teams to check the status and critical actions required to keep a project, business unit or whole organization on track.

Informal meetings provide opportunities for exchange of views on the state of the organization, queries for information, requests for comment, critique, new ideas, challenges to the existing beliefs about the organization, and so on.

In every case the culture of the organization is being displayed, exercised, and critiqued in meetings. Meetings display clearly what is valued and prized by the culture. The way in which people conduct themselves displays how the organization values people and the way in which people should interact. Meetings also are the key arena for the robust dialogue that keeps every organization faced towards the reality of its performance, its customers, the changing environment, and the competition. Meetings require candor and honesty to be effective.

This suggests that managers must pay close attention to how they personally perform in meetings, meetings of all types, and, perhaps, especially in the informal meetings.

This suggests further that effective managers understand how important it is to have meetings that are productive and carried out in a manner that reflects the most positive interactions between people.

Effective managers also see meetings as an opportunity to diagnose the health of business processes as well as the culture and an opportunity to change behavior and achieve better results.


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Thursday, February 28, 2013

The Rules of the Spiritual Road: My Sabbatical and Yours

As I depart on my sabbatical, remember that our community remains strong by virtue of the support and loving care of its members.  Those who undertake certain rabbinic responsibilities in my absence are brave volunteers who have stepped forward to lead in synagogue life, so I ask you to support them in the ways that they have chosen to lead.

Encourage those who will be leading services, giving divrei torah, and making pastoral calls as volunteers by being present for all those who are participating; don’t stay away from services simply because your traditional leadership team is not fully present.

Those on the bimah, from Cantor Martin to our volunteers, need your support, and those in the hospital should know that our volunteers who will visit them are their because they truly care about other members of the congregation.

Remember that our community is a holy place, and that sacred things take place here.

Be gentle with one another, always.

Use direct and humane communication if things don’t always go in the way you’d like.

Don’t sit and stew, and don’t make too much of a fuss.

We’re only human, like that insurance commercial reminds us.

Remember the words of Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav: The whole world is only a narrow bridge, and the main thing to remember is never to be afraid.

--Rabbi Jonathan Biatch

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Monday, March 7, 2011

Meet Your Prolife Representative: Rep. Bill Huizenga

It's important for prolife citizens to know who their legislators are and what they think about life issues. We asked all prolife representatives from Michigan three questions to get each legislator's views about the importance of being prolife. Each month, we'll highlight the responses from one representative and provide you with ways to keep in touch or contact the representative.

Rep. Bill Huizenga

Michigan Second Congressional District - Holland, Muskegon, Cadillac

1217 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4401

Q: What does it mean to be prolife?

A: Being prolife means living your beliefs, and I strongly believe in the sanctity of life and that unborn children at any stage of development are granted the right to life. It means not only advocating for the life of the child, but helping parents work through those decisions, and helping them facilitate either having the child or placing the child into adoption. It also means that at the end of life, not interfering with the natural death process and allow it to take place with dignity and respect.

I served as my church's representative to Michigan Right to Life for 10 years, and my wife currently serves on the board of the Lakeshore Pregnancy Center, which promotes life through crisis centers in Michigan, including Allegan, Holland, Allendale, and Grand Haven. I will continue to be a tireless voice for the unborn children and will work to ensure that these precious lives are protected.

View all of Representative Huizenga's answers.


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Monday, February 24, 2014

So...I kind of lied in my first post. It was a little white lie. I didn't actually do a mkdir and then a cd.

In my configuration files for bash I have a function defined that can do this for me.

$ type md
md is a function
md ()
    /bin/mkdir -p "$1" && builtin cd "$1"

Breaking this down is pretty easy.

Use the mkdir command with the -p option for two reasons:
  1. intermediate directories will be created if I specify a long path
  2. errors will not pollute the terminal in almost all cases
$1 is a positional parameter specifying an item passed after calling the script or function. In this case it will be the directory I want to create and change into.

&& is a control operator that ensures that the cd will only execute if the mkdir exited successfully.

Specifying the builtin cd is only really necessary because I have made a function for my own cd which I might cover in another post sometime. It also has the side benefit of ensuring we use the builtin instead of /usr/bin/cd which will be quite a bit faster.

So what does all this mean? I can do the following at the command line instead of the two separate commands at beginning of my first post.

$ md src
$ pwd

Blog Refinement

I took a look at this last night and I realized two things:

The title looked dumb on my iPhone so I am expanding Mac to Macintosh. :)

I need to make another post about mkdir.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Compiling MTR on Mavericks

MTR is a really cool tool for viewing where in a series of network hops you might be having problems. Here is how you can get it on OS X.

mkdir ~/src
cd ~/src

curl -OL
tar xf autoconf-latest.tar.gz
cd autoconf-2.69
./configure --prefix=/usr/local

NOTE: you may get a pop-up at this point asking you to 'Get Xcode' or 'Install'. Clicking the Install button will download from Apple the software you need to compile source from the command line without waiting for all of Xcode. Once the installation is complete run configure again.
sudo make install
cd ..

curl -OL
tar xf automake-1.14.1.tar.xz
cd automake-1.14.1
./configure --prefix=/usr/local
sudo make install
cd ..

git clone
cd mtr
./configure --without-gtk
sudo make install

EDIT 2014-04-29: removed z from tar options. Fixed directory name for automake. Added note for Xcode pop-up.


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Beautifully designed and superbly comfy – but all wool can get heavy with sweat
Rapha Fixed Jersey
9 10

Where do Rapha find their wool? It says 100% extra fine Merino on the label but we know for a fact that no normal wool is this soft. They must have a whole flock of sheep hidden away somewhere that are fed exclusively on marshmallows and soufflé. And, if wool like this exists, why did we have to endure that Brillo Pad stuff for years?

Anyway… This really is a lovely top. It feels super-comfy next to your skin and keeps you nice ’n’ warm on cold mornings. The cut is close though not quite racy, with a dropped back, long sleeves and a high, zipped neck to keep the breeze out. Unlike the previous version, this incarnation has three pockets in the lower back for storing your ride essentials but, apart from those, it’s not especially bikey-looking – even the same-colour embroidered arm logo is subtle. Oh, and you get velvet taping to stop the collar seam rubbing. Velvet! Really!

The wool stays odour-free much, much longer than polyester or nylon, and it doesn’t retain any nasty niffs after washing – you can just sling it in the machine along with everything else and it comes out just fine. As long as you don’t get too sweaty, you could easily wear it on the commute into work and keep it on all day and nobody would object. That’s what the Fixed range is really designed for: urban riding and all-day wear, although the addition of those pockets adds extra appeal for the long weekend jaunt.

The only downside is that wool does take on more moisture than most synthetics when you work up a sweat… even the posh stuff from Rapha’s special sheep, though not nearly as much as standard wool. It still keeps you warm when it’s damp but there’s no getting away from the fact that it can get heavy. Hang on, one more downside: the price tag. Sizes S-2XL Colours Black, navy

DaSy [759 posts] 9 years ago

I liked the Town Gloves a lot. I think I need to own a pair

cmyk [28 posts] 9 years ago

if it takes on more moisture?

i really fancy the idea of a top for my commute that doesn't stink the office out during the day, but as i don't have anywhere to hang it i don't really want something that takes even longer to dry out than a synthetic top.

Tony Farrelly [2899 posts] 9 years ago

that you carry on wearing it. It will dry out fairly quickly then. Not so useful if you need to be suited and booted for work. Mind you, it's not thick and wool does dry out reasonalby quickly - especially if you leave it anywhere near a computer monitor  1