Latest news with #Garnet
Gizmodo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
The Opening of ‘Final Fantasy IX' Is a Love Letter to Fantasy Itself
Final Fantasy games are known for their big, bombastic openings. Final Fantasy VII's legendary bombing mission, the brainwashed Terra being sent through the snowy paths into Narshe in Final Fantasy VI, the destruction of Zanarkand in Final Fantasy X—these are grand set pieces with high stakes, introducing threats and conflicts central to their epic narratives. They are big and loud, meant to immediately hook you into a journey that will last dozens upon dozens (upon dozens) of hours. They're all iconic in their own rights, but there's only one Final Fantasy opening that I've played over and over growing up with the franchise and keep revisiting even if I don't actually carry on playing beyond it that much: Final Fantasy IX's theatrical, whimsical introduction to Alexandria. Final Fantasy IX, which turns 25 today, opens in stark contrast to its PS1 predecessors. Already a major divergence in returning to the classic fantasy aesthetic that had defined much of Final Fantasy's earliest days—and had been, to much success, diverged from itself at that point in succession with VI, VII, and particularly VIII's leaning into more steampunk and modern sci-fi trappings—Final Fantasy IX opens in a far more subdued manner. We're steadily introduced to the various initial players in IX's party across three interwoven storylines, all threading around a special performance of a play called 'I Want to Be Your Canary,' held to celebrate the Alexandrian princess Garnet's birthday. There's Vivi, a young boy new to the city but eager to see the sights and attend the play, only to find that the ticket he was sold is a fake. There's Captain of the Guard Steiner, tasked with ensuring the evening goes off without a hitch. There's Zidane and the crew of the Tantalus, masquerading as the theater troupe putting on the performance but secretly tasked with kidnapping Princess Garnet at the behest of a rival nation-state—and Garnet herself, who actually wants to be kidnapped so she can escape the control of her increasingly erratic mother, Queen Brahne, and see the world beyond Alexandria's walls. Aside from its clever interwoven stories, what makes Final Fantasy IX's opening act stand out next to its contemporaries is how playful it is with the genre the series has returned to. This isn't Final Fantasy VII's daring act of eco-terrorism or Final Fantasy VIII's deliberate shattering of its initial school setting with the reality of conflict. That's not to say there aren't stakes that are real to the rest of the story's opening, of course—Garnet's concerns about her mother's behavior are for her potential to plunge the world into chaos, and the Tantalus troupe's mission has similar stakes where failure could lead to war between Alexandria and the neighboring city-state of Lindblum. But the opening is wrapped in a layer of metanarrative that is really about the idea of fantasy itself and what it means for Final Fantasy to have returned to this classical, medieval-inspired tradition. Each of the characters we're introduced to throughout the opening act are longing for something bigger and beyond their current lots in life: Vivi wants community and friendship as he takes in the world, even if it means he gets hoodwinked a few times. Garnet, more than just out of worry for Queen Brahne's decline, wants to be free of the expectations placed upon her as a princess. Although he may not initially realize it until Garnet asks him to whisk her away, Zidane finds himself immediately enchanted by the princess he's been tasked with rescuing and the prospect of a life beyond his thievery. Even 'I Want to Be Your Canary' itself, a riff on Shakespearean classics, is about this kind of longing: a Romeo and Juliet-esque tale of star-crossed lovers, Cornelia and Marcus, whose love transcends their perspectives on either side of a conflict between warring kingdoms. 'I Want to Be Your Canary' itself even becomes mechanically important to this romantic view of fantasy. Much of the early battles you fight in Final Fantasy IX's opening are not, as they are in the other games, actual fights: they're presented, even beyond tutorialization, with a layer of artifice. The duels in the play, from Zidane and his Tantalus comrade Blank's famous minigame, to the portrayal of the play's fight scenes as otherwise classic Final Fantasy turn-based combat (including 'SFX' commands to cast magical spells that don't actually harm but dazzle the viewing audience), there's a layer of fantasy beneath the fantasy IX is already engaging with, a love letter to the romantic archetypes of the genre. There's a sense of yearning throughout IX's opening—for the player returning to Final Fantasy's traditional aesthetics, for its characters and their desires to see beyond their current lives, and for the game itself to play with the wanderlust of it all. It remains as infectious now as it did 25 years ago, a call to adventure that doesn't open with the promise of world-ending calamities or huge evils to fight, but a simple desire to embrace that fantasy. And see, as IX's overworld theme asks us to consider, what's over that hill, and what's beyond the next horizon. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Mint
01-07-2025
- General
- Mint
Best kitchen chimney under ₹5000: Top 6 models from Ruwa, Amplesta and more
Finding a reliable kitchen chimney on a tight budget can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. With the right features and performance, even budget-friendly chimneys under ₹ 5000 can keep your kitchen smoke-free and fresh. Whether you're a daily cook or use the kitchen occasionally, a good chimney makes all the difference. Product Rating Price Best overall View Details Ruwa Wall Mounted Kitchen Chimney 60cm 800m3/hr Model: Garnet (Features Push Controls, Baffle Filter, 3watts led Lights) with Installation Kit | 5 Year Warranty on Motor View Details Budget friendly Amplesta EcoFlow 60 cm 1150 m3/hr Pyramid Kitchen Chimney with Elegant Look, Baffle Filter, Push Button, Efficient Dual LED Lamps, 1 Year comprehensive, 5 Years Warranty on Motor (AKHP 60 BK) View Details Ardnib 60 cm 1050 m³/hr Wall Mounted Kitchen Chimney (SUPREME BK 60, Baffle Filter, Push Button, Black), 5 Years Motor Warranty | Proudly Made in India View Details Value for money GreenSmoke 60 cm 1250 m³/hr Kitchen Chimney (Suction Power Chimney, Baffle Filter, Push Button, Black, 12 Years Warranty) View Details View More In this article, we've rounded up the best chimneys under ₹ 5000 that combine efficiency, durability, and value. From compact designs for small kitchens to models with decent suction power, these picks prove you don't have to spend a fortune for cleaner, healthier cooking. Let's explore your options! The Ruwa Kitchen Chimney Citrine model is designed to efficiently remove smoke, odors, and grease from your kitchen environment, making cooking more comfortable and healthier. Its compact and sleek design fits well in small to medium kitchens, and it offers easy wall-mounted installation, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers. This chimney features simple push-button controls that allow easy operation and maintenance. Although it is basic in terms of advanced features, it provides reliable suction power suitable for everyday cooking needs, ensuring your kitchen remains fresh and smoke-free without breaking the bank. Easy to install and operate Affordable price point Limited suction power for heavy cooking Basic filter requiring frequent cleaning What buyers are saying on Amazon? Buyers praise its strong suction, quiet operation, and easy installation. Some mention concerns about material quality affecting long-term durability. Delivers good performance, low noise, and easy setup at an affordable price—great value for budget-conscious buyers. This Ruwa kitchen chimney is tailored for Indian cooking styles, offering effective smoke and odor suction with a compact design that fits seamlessly into most kitchens. It comes with a baffle filter that efficiently traps grease and other particles, ensuring a cleaner kitchen environment. The push-button control makes it simple to use. The chimney provides moderate suction capacity, making it ideal for light to medium cooking activities. Its sturdy build and easy maintenance make it a reliable choice for those looking for a budget-friendly yet efficient kitchen chimney solution. Suction Capacity Around 800 m³/hr Efficient smoke removal for light to medium cooking Durable build quality No advanced features like auto-clean Noise level can be slightly high What buyers are saying on Amazon? Buyers love its performance, value for money, and hassle-free installation—making it a popular budget-friendly choice. Offers great suction, easy setup, and affordability—perfect for small kitchens and first-time buyers. The Amplesta EcoFlow kitchen chimney stands out for its energy-efficient motor that balances power consumption and suction performance. It is designed to provide comprehensive smoke removal while being gentle on your electricity bills. This chimney is well-suited for moderate cooking environments where energy efficiency is a priority. With a baffle filter and push-button controls, the EcoFlow model ensures ease of use and maintenance. The comprehensive 1-year warranty adds peace of mind, making it a dependable choice for budget-conscious users who want a blend of efficiency and durability. Suction Power Energy-efficient motor Warranty Comprehensive 1 year Energy efficient motor reduces electricity consumption Good warranty coverage Filter maintenance can be frequent Limited suction for heavy frying What buyers are saying on Amazon? Buyers like the stylish black finish and value for money, though some report motor issues affecting performance. Attractive design and decent quality at a low price—suitable for light use and modern kitchen aesthetics. The Ardnib wall-mounted kitchen chimney offers a reliable solution for smoke and odor extraction in small kitchens. Its straightforward design and push-button controls make it user-friendly and easy to maintain. The chimney is designed to fit most kitchen spaces without requiring complex installation. With moderate suction power and a baffle filter, this model efficiently captures grease and smoke during everyday cooking. Backed by a 1-year warranty, it provides good value for money, especially for users looking for a budget-friendly chimney with basic but effective functionality. Affordable and easy to maintain Good customer support Basic design without advanced features May not handle heavy smoke efficiently What buyers are saying on Amazon? Many praise the chimney for its good quality, timely delivery, and strong performance, but some report poor quality and delayed installation service. Offers excellent value with good finishing and reliable use for most buyers, though service and consistency may vary. GreenSmoke kitchen chimney is designed to deliver strong suction power within an affordable price range, making it suitable for budget kitchens. Its robust construction ensures durability, while the baffle filter effectively traps grease and smoke, keeping your kitchen environment clean and odor-free. The chimney operates with push-button controls for simple use and is wall-mounted for space-saving convenience. Though it may produce slightly higher noise levels, it compensates with efficient performance and reliable smoke extraction, making it a practical choice for everyday cooking needs. Suction Power Strong for budget chimney Effective smoke and odor removal Robust construction Slightly noisier operation Filter cleaning required often This chimney offers a powerful 1200 m³/hr suction capacity, ensuring efficient smoke and odor removal. Its filterless design and auto-clean feature minimize maintenance. This Ardnib kitchen chimney model is designed to provide efficient smoke extraction for small kitchens at an affordable price. It features a wall-mounted design with push-button controls for straightforward operation, making it a convenient option for users seeking simplicity and functionality. Equipped with a baffle filter, it effectively captures grease and smoke, though it lacks advanced features like auto-clean. The chimney is best suited for light to moderate cooking and comes with a 1-year warranty, ensuring reliability without a hefty investment. Easy to install and operate Good value for money No auto-clean feature Not ideal for heavy cooking smoke This chimney offers efficient ventilation with its 6-inch diameter and 4-foot length, ensuring clean air in your kitchen. Its flexible aluminum design allows for easy installation, adapting to various setups. Suction Power : Choose a chimney with sufficient suction capacity to handle your cooking style and kitchen size. : Choose a chimney with sufficient suction capacity to handle your cooking style and kitchen size. Size and Design : Ensure it fits well in your kitchen layout and matches your cooking space. : Ensure it fits well in your kitchen layout and matches your cooking space. Filter Type : Look for mesh or baffle filters that are easy to clean and maintain. : Look for mesh or baffle filters that are easy to clean and maintain. Build Quality : Opt for sturdy materials like stainless steel for longer durability. : Opt for sturdy materials like stainless steel for longer durability. Noise Level: Quieter chimneys offer a more comfortable cooking experience. Chimneys under ₹ 5000 typically offer basic features like decent suction power, mesh filters, and compact design. They may lack auto-clean or touch controls but are suitable for small kitchens and light to moderate cooking. They provide essential smoke and odor removal at an affordable price. Yes, budget chimneys can handle daily Indian cooking if you choose one with good suction power and easy-to-clean filters. While they may not match premium models, many perform well for regular frying and tadka, especially in small to medium kitchens with limited smoke and oil output. To maintain a chimney under ₹ 5000, clean the filters regularly—ideally every 2–3 weeks. Avoid excessive oil buildup and wipe the exterior often. Check for unusual noise or reduced suction. Regular maintenance ensures consistent performance and extends the chimney's lifespan, even with basic or manual models. Chimney under ₹ 5000 Suction Power Filter Type Warranty Kitchen Chimney Citrine Model Moderate Baffle filter 1 year Kitchen Chimney Model B085P1Y2SW Around 800 m³/hr Baffle filter 1 year Amplesta EcoFlow Kitchen Chimney Energy-efficient motor Baffle filter 1 year Ardnib Wall Mounted Kitchen Chimney (B0F87KJ1CP) Moderate Baffle filter 1 year GreenSmoke Kitchen Chimney Strong for budget Baffle filter 1 year Ardnib Wall Mounted Kitchen Chimney (B0F87S8J61) Moderate Baffle filter 1 year Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.
New Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Forest land diversion stalls IREL project in Odisha
BHUBANESWAR: Land acquisition hurdles continue to plague key infrastructure and industrial projects in Odisha with central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) now voicing concerns. The IREL (India) Ltd (formerly Indian Rare Earths Ltd) has flagged serious issues over forest land diversion delaying its joint venture mining project in Krushnaprasad area in Puri district. The central PSU under the Department of Atomic Energy, in partnership with the Odisha government's Industrial Development Corporation (now merged with Odisha Mining Corporation), had formed IREL-IDCOL, a joint venture company for the extraction of strategic and atomic minerals from the Krushnaprasad heavy mineral deposit. Sources said the project, which received a letter of intent (LoI) from the Steel and Mines department on June 17, 2022, aimed at extracting Monazite, Zircon, Ilmenite, Rutile, Sillimanite, and Garnet, minerals vital to India's strategic interests, especially Monazite, which contains Thorium and rare earth elements. However, the project has run into hurdles due to forest classification issues in the proposed mining area. Of the 852.45 hectares (ha) identified in the LoI, around 581 ha were later determined to be forest land, much of it under the Pitisal proposed reserve forest. Initially, Chilika DFO permitted a differential GPS (DGPS) survey over 540 ha of forest land but following a survey, Krushnaprasad tehsildar authenticated the presence of 580.8 ha of forest land within the lease area. Subsequently, the joint venture company submitted applications for environmental and forest clearances last year. While the forest diversion proposal was cleared by the project screening committee on October 7, 2024, complications arose during subsequent site inspections.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mattamy Homes opens new community in San Tan Valley, AZ
Four new model homes are now available for touring in Phoenix's increasingly popular San Tan Valley, with Quick Move-in homes expected to close as early as September PHOENIX, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Mattamy Homes, one of North America's largest privately owned homebuilders, has recently celebrated the grand opening of Landmarke, a community of new single-family homes in a prime location within San Tan Valley, AZ. Landmarke offers 11 newly available home designs, including four beautifully crafted models – Cobalt, Pacific, Garnet and Mahogany – available for touring in the community. Quick Move-in Homes with closing dates as early as September are also available, as well as dirt homesites for buyers to build their dream home from the ground up. "Landmarke is a community where thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship and a strong sense of place come together," said Don Barrineau, President of Mattamy's Phoenix Division. "We're proud to offer homebuyers a unique opportunity to live in a beautifully designed home, surrounded by natural beauty and plentiful conveniences, in one of the most desirable areas of the Southeast Valley." Landmarke offers two distinct collections of homes from the popular Sapphire and Ruby Collections. The homes offer three and four bedrooms and two to three-and-a-half baths, with two- and three-car garages. Many of the floorplans feature flex rooms, retreats or lofts. Prices range from the mid-$400s to the upper-$600s. Stretching 1,837 to 3,795 square feet, the homes feature Mattamy's signature open-concept floorplans. Large, airy living and dining areas provide seamless and flexible space perfect for quiet family gatherings or entertaining guests. One popular feature of Ruby Collection homes are the three-car front garages, a unique architectural design that many homebuyers desire. Popular Architect's Choice options include a gourmet kitchen with built-in Whirlpool appliances, a 16-foot multi-sliding glass door and the options of an owner's bath oasis or large walk-in shower, among others. Homes in the Ruby Collection also include the option to add a multi-gen suite, ideal for extended families or a private guest apartment. All of the ENERGY STAR Certified homes also include ecobee Smart Thermostats with Alexa and other energy features. Community amenities include a covered gathering area, play structures, bocce ball courts and walking paths that meander more than a mile through the neighborhood. Landmarke is ideally situated near State Route 24 for excellent access to Loop 202 and U.S. Route 60. Everyday conveniences, major retail centers and popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations are virtually around the corner. Just seven miles away, the booming town of Queen Creek features the Queen Creek Marketplace and Cornerstone at Queen Creek, both chock-full of marquee and small retailers and popular local and chain eateries. Nearby Schnepf Farms offers food, festivals and family fun, and Queen Creek Olive Mill, a local hot spot, features farm fresh dining and a charming market, selling artisanal cooking oils and more. Landmarke's San Tan Valley setting provides residents a lifetime's worth of year-round recreational opportunities. San Tan Mountain Regional Park, just eight-and-a-half miles from home, offers more than 10,000 acres of hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and stargazing amid the awe-inspiring Sonoran Desert with its magnificent vista and iconic saguaro cactus. J.O. Combs Unified School District serves Landmarke's families. Several top-rated charter schools are also nearby. Landmarke is located at 38389 N. Sandpiper Court, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 About Mattamy Homes Mattamy Homes is one of the largest privately owned homebuilders in North America, with 45 years of history across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps more than 8,000 families realize their dream of homeownership. In the United States, the company is represented in 11 markets – Dallas, Charlotte, Raleigh, Phoenix, Tucson, Jacksonville, Orlando (where its US head office is located), Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Southeast Florida. In Canada, its communities stretch across the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton. Visit for more information. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mattamy Homes Limited Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Buzz Feed
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
'Steven Universe': Estelle Opened Up About Being The Inspiration Behind Garnet
It's been eleven years since the iconic Steven Universe first aired in the UK. Garnet is one of the cartoon's most beloved characters, voiced by the talented Estelle. Well, on a recent episode of the podcast, Estelle opened up about working on Steven Universe, and she shared some details about the origins of Garnet that has made us love the show even more. Speaking on Seasoned Sessions, Estelle revealed that she loves cartoons (Bob's Burgers is her fave), and back in 2012, she told her team that she was really interested in venturing into voice acting. After asking about animation roles for six months, she got the call about a character that was described as a 'big sister,' and immediately said, 'I could do that, I'm a big sister in real life.' Estelle auditioned for both Garnet and Amethyst, and was told, 'Between your accent, the deepness of your voice, and the sarcasm; this is it.' The came about a few years after Estelle released the music video for her song, 'Freak,' where she took on the persona of a motherly figure on a mission to instil confidence in her children. Well, after securing the role of Garnet, Estelle learned from Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar that she actually based the character on her music video. 'She was based on how strong the character [in the 'Freak' video] looked,' Estelle shared – and you can see the similarities in the way Garnet's drawn. So, with Garnet being based on a character of Estelle's creation, the team approached her for an audition to see if she wanted to take on the role. And of course, the rest is history: a casting match made in heaven! You can listen to the full chat with Estelle below, and all episodes of Steven Universe are on Netflix, if you fancy a rewatch.
