Latest news with #Civilization
National Post
10-05-2025
- Politics
- National Post
Interview with author Douglas Murray: 'Canada has disgraced itself'
Bestselling author of eight books, including The War on The West and The Madness of Crowds, Douglas Murray has just released On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel and the Future of Civilization. Article content Article content In it, he paints a detailed picture of the minutes, and hours, of the devastation wrought in the Gaza envelope during the massacres of October 7, 2023, as well as the hours, days and months afterwards; the heroism of Israelis who defied orders, and fended off Hamas on their own; the weaponry IDF soldiers discovered in civilian Gazan homes; and the exclusive harrowing accounts of the massacre's survivors. As one of the first outside observers inside Gaza, he recounts the 'pitiful sight' and the 'utterly avoidable devastation' triggered by the Hamas-led attacks. Article content Article content Murray takes a microscope to the question of how modern Jew-hatred has reached unprecedented levels since wartime Europe. That includes the global campus demonstrations that sprung up almost immediately, which he describes as 'revolutionary cosplay,' their message communicated with 'bludgeoning' — subsequently thanked by a Hamas leader as the 'great student flood.' He follows the blood-soaked international money trail that has made Hamas leaders billionaires, and details the global web of Jihad supporters — the 'death cults' — as an imminent danger not just to Israel, but to civilization. Article content Article content Dave Gordon interviews Murray, a columnist for the New York Post and The Free Press, who has for decades filed stories from Middle East war zones, frequently appears on major broadcast channels, and recently had a much-discussed, tension-filled appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast. Article content DM: Three things. One, was I wanted to get down as accurate an overview as possible, of what happened on October 7 in Israel, by collecting first hand testimony, and much more. The second thing was to give a firsthand account of the Israeli response to October 7, the war, and just get as much as possible up close, an account accurately and truthfully, in an era where much is written a lot about it untruthfully. Article content And thirdly, to look at this question which haunted me throughout the last 18 months and indeed many years before, which was: why so much of the world finds it so hard to decide which side to be on, in a fight between a democracy like Israel, and a death cult like Hamas? Article content DM: I think that much of Western policy making has just ended up in the realm of magical thinking in recent years. Put aside whether or not they deserve one, but there's this completely magical belief that the Palestinians have to get another state, and it will right some great historical wrong. This thinking goes, it would cause an outburst of peace and growth, not just in the Middle East, but in the wider world. Article content I think they mucked up in Gaza so badly, by now it's clear that another Palestinian state would just be another terrorist proxy state, another Iranian front state, and that it would have done nothing to improve the lives of anyone in the region or the wider world.
See - Sada Elbalad
24-04-2025
- General
- See - Sada Elbalad
Cairo Transformed: A Capital Reimagined as an Open-Air Museum
Ahmed Emam Egypt's capital is undergoing a historic transformation, emerging as a breathtaking open-air museum following an ambitious redevelopment campaign that has swept through every corner of the city. Once plagued by informal settlements, Cairo now stands as a testament to architectural elegance and urban renewal. The Egyptian government has cleared and redeveloped Cairo's informal neighborhoods, reclaiming vast spaces to restore the city's cultural and historical grandeur. This transformation is most evident in iconic areas such as Downtown Cairo, the historic quarters of Al-Hussein, Al-Gamaleya, and Al-Muizz Street, as well as prominent public squares like Tahrir Square and Talaat Harb Square. Development efforts are also underway in Ramses Square, Al-Sayeda Aisha Square, and other central hubs. Tahrir Square: A Showcase of Ancient Glory Tahrir Square, the symbolic heart of modern Cairo, has been reimagined as a vibrant cultural landmark. A towering ancient obelisk now stands at its center, surrounded by four pharaonic ram statues. A newly designed three-tiered fountain gracefully encircles the artifacts, with cascading water flowing over marble surfaces. The surrounding landscape has been planted with greenery, transforming the once-chaotic square into a serene and visually stunning space. The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir has also benefited from enhanced exterior lighting, adding nighttime splendor to the historic institution. Meanwhile, palm trees and ornamental plants now adorn the square, and olive trees have been planted on the rooftop of the Tahrir garage. Comfortable benches line the new green spaces, offering relaxation for both locals and tourists, with a state-of-the-art lighting system illuminating the entire square. Khedivial Cairo Restored Downtown Cairo, known as Khedivial Cairo, is another gem being polished to perfection. Revered for its historical and architectural significance, the area has been meticulously restored to reflect its 19th-century elegance. Facades of old buildings have been refurbished, shopfronts unified, and sidewalk encroachments removed. The project is guided by the National Organization for Urban Harmony, which uses archival photographs to faithfully recreate the original aesthetics of the area. Revamping Al-Sayeda Aisha Square Significant progress is also being made at Al-Sayeda Aisha Square, near the Citadel. Vacated areas have been repurposed to serve tourists, with new service buildings adding both functionality and charm. The microbus terminal has been temporarily relocated, and demolition of select buildings is underway to make space for a pedestrian-only zone filled with parks and walkways. Plans also include rerouting Salah Salem Road through the nearby cemeteries to link directly with the Civilization's Axis, and removing the existing Al-Sayeda Aisha Bridge. Reviving Historic Cairo Cairo's historic heart—an area encircled by ancient walls and home to landmarks like Bab Al-Nasr, Bab Al-Futuh, Al-Muizz Street, and Al-Hussein Mosque—is the focus of a comprehensive restoration effort. The initiative covers five major zones, including extensive work around the Mosque of Al-Hakim Bi-Amr Allah. Ruins and neglected areas surrounding these heritage sites are being rejuvenated, creating a more inviting and historically resonant environment for residents and visitors alike. Ramses Square: A Solution to Congestion In Ramses Square, modernization is addressing one of Cairo's most pressing issues: traffic congestion. A multi-story parking facility is currently under construction to consolidate scattered transportation hubs and eliminate chaotic traffic patterns. A new ramp to the 6th of October Bridge will directly connect with the parking complex, and the bridge itself is being expanded in key sections to ease the flow of vehicles. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Time Business News
21-04-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Gaming and Mental Health: How Video Games Affect Our Minds
Video games have long been a source of entertainment, but in recent years, there has been increasing attention on how they impact mental health. While gaming is often associated with positive experiences such as stress relief and social connections, concerns have also been raised about the negative effects, including addiction, aggression, and mental health disorders. In this article, we will explore both video games' positive and negative impacts on our mental well-being. The Positive Effects of Gaming on Mental Health Video games can benefit mental health, offering an escape from daily stressors, improving cognitive abilities, and even promoting emotional well-being. One of the most notable positive effects is stress relief. Many people use video games as escapism, offering a temporary break from real-life challenges. wheon games provide a variety of options that help immerse players in different realities, allowing them to relax and unwind. Moreover, research has shown that certain types of games can improve cognitive skills. Action games, for example, have been shown to enhance attention, visual-spatial skills, and problem-solving abilities. Strategy games like Chess or Civilization can improve critical thinking and planning, while puzzle games like Tetris can boost memory and spatial awareness. These games engage the brain in ways that promote mental sharpness and decision-making. Another significant benefit is the social aspect of gaming. Online multiplayer games allow individuals to connect with others, fostering a sense of community and companionship. This is especially valuable for individuals who may feel isolated or experience loneliness. Online gaming provides a platform to form friendships, collaborate with others, and engage in social activities that contribute to improved mental health. The Negative Effects of Gaming on Mental Health While video games can offer several benefits, there are also potential risks that must be considered. One of the most well-known concerns is gaming addiction. Like any form of entertainment, excessive gaming can lead to unhealthy habits, with some individuals spending hours in front of a screen. This excessive play can interfere with daily responsibilities, relationships, and personal health, negatively affecting mental well-being. Gaming addiction has been recognized as a mental health disorder by the World Health Organization (WHO). Symptoms can include an inability to control gaming behavior, prioritizing gaming over other aspects of life, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not playing. In extreme cases, gaming addiction can lead to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Another potential negative impact of gaming is the influence of violent content. Some studies suggest that exposure to violent video games may increase aggression, particularly in young players. While the link between gaming and aggression remains debated, there is concern that prolonged exposure to violent imagery in games could desensitize players to real-world violence and increase hostile behaviors. Finding a Healthy Balance To ensure that gaming has a positive impact on mental health, it is essential to maintain a healthy balance. Moderation is key—playing video games can be enjoyable and beneficial when done in moderation. Setting time limits, taking breaks, and balancing gaming with other activities, such as physical exercise or socializing, can help prevent the negative effects of gaming. Choosing games that promote positive emotions, collaboration, and problem-solving can also reduce the likelihood of harmful impacts. Games that encourage social connection and teamwork, such as Minecraft or Animal Crossing, foster a more positive experience than those that focus heavily on competition or violence. Conclusion Video games can have both positive and negative effects on mental health. While they offer a form of stress relief, cognitive improvement, and social connection, excessive gaming and exposure to violent content can lead to negative outcomes, including addiction and increased aggression. By maintaining balance and choosing games that promote well-being, players can enjoy the benefits of gaming while minimizing the risks. When approached mindfully, video games can be a valuable tool for mental health. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Guardian
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
South of Midnight review – beautiful surfaces can't hide thin gameplay
Soaring development costs; protracted production cycles; cautious C-suites looking to deliver reliable returns for shareholders: for many reasons, there is a dearth of original programming in big-budget video games. Already this year we have seen the arrival of the seventh mainline Civilization game, the 14th entry in the Assassin's Creed franchise, and, most brain-melting of all, the 27th Monster Hunter title. But look: here's a magical-realist tale set in a moody, hurricane-ravaged imagining of the American deep south, whose title, crucially, bears no numerical suffix. South of Midnight makes a brilliantly atmospheric first impression. Winds bludgeon flimsy abodes; rain lashes down on tin roofs; the world is rendered with the macabre and crooked details of a Tim Burton film. Within minutes, a house – that of high-school athlete Hazel and her mother, a social worker – is carried away along a roiling flooded river. Playing as Hazel, you give chase, bounding with a lanky teenage gait across various platforms until the storm abates. In its wake lie miles of stagnant, fetid swamps. At one grisly point, you explore a farm stacked with the carcasses of pigs who did not survive the typhoon. As a protagonist, Hazel more than holds her own against this vivid and unusual (for video games, at least) world. With mere flicks of her wrists, connected to which are metaphysical scythe-like blades, Hazel rips through reality itself. For this spunky, determined young woman is a Weaver, adept at magically dispelling unsavoury spirits lurking amid the weeping willows and glinting glass bottle trees of her southern home. As a Weaver, she is able to see an enormous cosmic grand tapestry where myth, reality, time and space collide; peering into the past, she learns of ancestors who helped free slaves and of tragic child deaths. Sprinting with energy, South of Midnight lays out its imaginative stall: action-packed chapters whisk the player from sweltering bayous to chilly mountains that feel as if they are edging towards Appalachia. The atmosphere is thick – at times, laying it on a little too thick: your friendly guide to this folkloric romp is a gigantic catfish who speaks with a distinct Creole drawl about, among other things, the classic southern dish grits. But in the actual playing, South of Midnight is simply thin. With its mostly linear mix of 3D platforming and melee combat, the game evokes PlayStation 2-era titles. Yet neither element has much personality. The brawling looks stylish, ending with brutal finishing moves in which Hazel unravels her wraith-like enemies' very fabric of being. Really, it lacks the depth and expressive possibilities of titles such as God of War. Platforming feels floaty until you are vaulting from one conspicuously painted white ledge to another: then it just feels prescriptive and clunky. What great lengths the team of visual artists, sound designers, and scriptwriters at Microsoft-owned studio, Compulsion Games, went to in creating this rugged, earthy place, only to have it undone by gameplay of often mind-numbing smoothness. At various points, you must flee from a nebulous, mist-like entity. But these sequences are so straightforward as to lack any dramatic tension. They repeat many times throughout the game's approximately 12-hour duration, only increasing a little in difficulty each time. Other loops grate as the hours stack up: clear this area of oozing corrupted matter (a visual manifestation of the land's pain and trauma); watch another lightly animated flashback. This lovingly illustrated depiction of the south is rich and arresting yet the game is rote. What you're left with is a game whose best ideas are all optics. The fairytale southern style plays out like a modern, YA take on Toni Morrison's fiction while summoning some of the whimsical, damaged beauty of 2012's Beasts of the Southern Wild. The soundtrack is a rambunctious collage of howling blues, twanging folk and lilting jazz. Compulsion Games bottled much southern magic during the making of this seemingly risky gambit for Microsoft, yet failed to take risks where it really mattered: this unique setting deserved more. South of Midnight is released 8 April, £39.99 or GamePass subscription
CBC
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Why won't Civilization 7 let players design their own leaders?
In 1991, game developer Sid Meier released Civilization, the first instalment of his popular series where players build ancient societies and work to both expand their territory and explore the world beyond their borders. Now, 33 years later, the highly-anticipated Civilization VII has arrived. While it comes with some updates, one setting still remains: players can rule using the leadership skills of only one of the 21 pre-designed historical figures, like Machiavelli, Tecumseh and Harriet Tubman, as they try to build an empire that stands the test of time. Today on Commotion, journalist Anne Victoria Clark joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to review Civilization VII, and why she's surprised that players still can't design their own leader.
