Cover system

A cover system is video game gameplay mechanic that allows a virtual avatar to avoid dangers, usually in a three-dimensional world. This method is a digital adaptation of the real-life military tactic of taking cover behind obstacles, for purposes of attaining protection from enemy ranged or area effect attacks, such as gunfire or explosions. Similar gameplay elements can be traced back to as early as 1986, in Rolling Thunder. Later games which refined the system include Bonanza Bros., Blackthorne, Time Crisis, Metal Gear Solid, WinBack, Police 911, Splinter Cell, Kill Switch, Gears of War, Uncharted, Mass Effect and Vanquish.

Definition

In gaming, a cover system lets a player character use stationary or moving obstacles to avoid damage. To be considered a cover system, there must be some physical interaction with the source of cover and the avatar. This means standing behind an object, as in traditional shooter games, while strictly speaking would be classified as taking cover, does not qualify as an actual cover system. Some first-person shooters such as Soldier of Fortune bridged the gap somewhat by allowing players to lean to the sides, allowing the avatar to lean out from behind objects to survey the environment or open fire on the enemy, without fully moving their own bodies into the open. In addition, the player character must have the ability to move in and out of the covering objects' proximity, leaving points of vulnerability to the player. This excludes the exclusive use of portable shields as a cover system, though they may often be used to supplement a stationary source of cover, as seen in video games like Army of Two, and Gears of War 2.

Cover (film)

Cover is a drama thriller film starring Aunjanue Ellis, Razaaq Adoti, Vivica A. Fox, and Leon. The film was produced and directed by Bill Duke and open at selective theaters on February 22, 2008.

Plot synopsis

A woman accused could be either a killer or a victim in this psychological drama from director Bill Duke. Valerie Mass (Aunjanue Ellis) is a God-fearing housewife and artist who one day finds herself in a situation she never imaged possible—being questioned on murder charges by no-nonsense police detective Hicks (Lou Gossett Jr.) and Simmons (Clifton Davis), a district attorney eager to close this case.

As Valerie repeatedly insists she's not a murderer, she tells the story of the last several months of her life. Valerie's husband, Dutch (Razaaq Adoti), is a psychiatrist with a practice in Atlanta who was offered a high-paying job by his old friend Monica (Paula Jai Parker), who works at a hospital in Philadelphia. Dutch takes the job and Valerie dutifully follows, and she seeks solace in the women's support group at local church.

Lid (container)

A lid, also known as a cap, is part of a container, and serves as the cover or seal, usually one that completely closes the object. A lid is often a type of closure.

History

Lids have been found on pottery dating back as far as 3100 BC. Ancient Egyptian canopic jars with lids held the organs of mummified bodies as early as 2686 BC. The coffee lid market is valued at roughly $180 million. An estimated 14 billion lids were sold in 2009 in the United States.

Some containers such as tubs or jars now have a plastic film heat sealed onto the container: this is often called a lidding film.

Cultural references

The word is used metaphorically, as in "keeping the lid on the secret" and "flipped his lid".

An old saying that you never have to put a lid on a bucket of crabs (because when one gets near the top, another will inevitably pull it down) is often used as a metaphor for group situations where an individual feels held back by others.

An old Yiddish saying, that "every pot will find its lid" refers to people finding an appropriate match in marriage.

USS Halsey (DDG-97)

USS Halsey (DDG-97) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer in the United States Navy.

Etymology

Halsey is named in honor of Fleet Admiral William Frederick "Bull" Halsey Jr. Halsey was commissioned 30 July 2005 at Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado, California, under commanding officer Commander James L. Autrey.

Construction

Built in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the ship and crew were completely certified and "surge ready" 17 January 2006, nearly a year faster than previous DDGs.

Operational history

Halsey departed for her maiden deployment 6 August 2006 under her second commanding officer, Commander Pinckney. 2 November 2006 Halsey visited Kagoshima, Japan. That night, after a party for visiting local Japanese dignitaries, during which on-duty crew were drinking, there was a fire which damaged one of the main reduction gears. An incomplete report was filed and months later another fire and explosion brought to light the extent of the first fire. The ship's commander was relieved and the damage to the ship was $8.5 million.Halsey returned 24 December 2006, having worked with the Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group and taking part in ANNUALEX.

Halsey (surname)

Halsey is an English surname with several possible origins. It may be derived from Alsa, in Stanstead Mountfitchet, Essex, England. This place name was once known as Assey, and was recorded in 1268 as Alsiesheye in 1268. Another possibility is that the name is derived from Halsway, in Somerset, England. The latter place name is derived from the Old English word elements hals ("neck") and weg ("way", "road").

People

Gasoline (Theory of a Deadman album)

Gasoline is the second album released by Theory of a Deadman on March 29, 2005. The album features four songs used in the videogame Fahrenheit/Indigo Prophecy, 'Santa Monica', 'No Surprise', 'Say Goodbye' and 'No Way Out'. The album was first released in Canada by 604 Records, and was later released in the U.S. by Roadrunner Records. The original 604 Records release of the album is fully unedited, however the Roadrunner version released in the U.S. contains edited versions of "No Surprise" and "Me & My Girl", making this the band's only album not to carry a "Parental Advisory" sticker.

Track listing

All lyrics written by Tyler Connolly, all music composed by Theory of a Deadman.

Special Edition Bonus Tracks

Personnel

with

Chart positions

Singles

References

Gasoline (band)

Gasoline are a southern rock band and side project for former Pantera member Vinnie Paul. They once included Dimebag Darrell, Thurber T. Mingus, and Stroker of Pumpjack. Paul described the group's general theme as "booze and women." The band has covered many artists including Pat Travers, Ted Nugent, Black Sabbath, W.A.S.P., Thin Lizzy, Quiet Riot, and Slayer, but have also performed original songs like "This Ain’t a Beer Belly, It’s a Gas Tank For My Love Machine" and "Get Drunk Now." Paul claims the band formed as followed:

In 2006 Pantera's ex-bassist, Rex Brown, played with Vinnie Paul in Texas for the first time in several years with the band.

References

Notes