It’s fascinating to look back at Nintendo’s history. Just like all of us, the company has made some wise moves and some absolute splatteringly disastrous missteps, but that’s the rich tapestry of life. Sometimes, you have to have an appalling relationship before you meet your soulmate, and other times, you have to release the poor old Wii U before you can drop the now-beloved Nintendo Switch. The GameCube’s position, I’ve often thought, falls somewhere in between those two extremes. In the battle against Xbox and PS2, it was utterly outshone by the monstrous success of the latter in particular. However, it also brought the world a string of wonderful new games. Some of the most beloved titles of all time found homes on the GameCube, and similarly, it marked the beginning of some now-iconic IPs too. In 2001, with the Millennium Bug (whatever that was supposed to be) safely behind us, two incredible events happened that would impact my gaming life forever: the Game Boy Advance and GameCube both released, months apart. My very first gaming system was the original Game Boy (Super Mario Land: Six Golden Coins was a heck of an introduction to the industry), but the Game Boy Advance and its companion cube (as I liked to call it) were the first gaming systems I bought with my own money, and I felt utterly flush with riches as I did so. I was 14 at the time and a lot of the money had been given to me for my birthday by my grandparents, but that doesn’t at all diminish my achievement. I chose the black model of GameCube over the ‘default’ purple, and there were two reasons for this. The first was that black was far more stylish and sophisticated, and the second was so that it would be a life decision I could regret later. I must have known even then that I’d spend a lot of time doing this in the years to come, so it was nice to get the practice in. Purple is now my favorite color, you see, but back then, I was a far more conventional red enjoyer. That shade of purple would go on to be as emblematic of the GameCube as the beloved start-up jingle. So, unfortunately, would a “for kids” reputation that surely contributed to the system’s relative failure that era compared to its rivals. I remember a wave of “Fisher Price” jokes about the system’s appearance, and it’s certainly true that it didn’t look like a sleek multimedia system. That’s partially because it wasn’t: Instead of pulling double-duty as a DVD player, it was instead made compatible only with those adorably dinky disks Nintendo made for it. The era of memory cards was a special one, but that’s more of a general thing. Beloved In Hindsight, One Mighty Little Cube “Cute” could be the word used to describe the GameCube aesthetically, and for the crowd for whom appearances are everything, that was less than ideal. Of course, you can simply store your console in a TV unit or similar, meaning that the design of the box itself really doesn’t matter very much. What should and did matter the most is the crop of games available on said system, and here again the GameCube was controversial: A little after launch, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker arrived, and it had been widely disparaged for its art style since the public first caught a glimpse of it. The cel-shaded look was considered a huge misstep by those who had seen that initial footage of a rather more realistic Link in action, and cemented for some the idea that Nintendo wasn’t to be “taken seriously.” Nintendo is well-known for the strength of its first-party titles, often suffering when it comes to the third-party side of things. Logically, then, if you’re not interested in the former, you may not sign up for the system just for the multiplatform titles on it that are available elsewhere. Xbox’s now legendary Halo also launched in 2001, a paradigm-shifting exclusive and launch title that became more of a wider movement than a game. It was unfortunate that the GameCube’s launch line-up was less than stellar, with Luigi’s Mansion being the highest-profile Nintendo release. The system didn’t have that Super Mario 64 appeal to kick off with. Nonetheless, almost 25 years of hindsight later, it’s clear to see just how important and influential the GameCube era was for the company. Wind Waker is now one of the most beloved Zelda games ever among fans and critics (it was much-lauded by the latter on its arrival anyway), Super Smash Bros. Melee is often considered the competitive pinnacle of the beloved series, and the Resident Evil remake was the definitive way to play this classic until its HD remaster arrived (there were some fantastic horror games on the GameCube). Super Mario Sunshine, though it continues to divide opinion, was a creative and innovative new entry in the series that wasn’t afraid to experiment. The system was far from awash with third-party releases, but what a line-up it ended its run with. That deal with Capcom brought not only then-exclusive Resident Evil titles, but cult classics like Viewtiful Joe too. From curios like Doshin the Giant and Cubivore to mega-hits like the formerly exclusive Resident Evil 4 and classics like Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and Beyond Good and Evil, GameCube owners had a wide range of fascinating games to enjoy. Some, today, are valuable collector’s items. Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader is yet another example, a technically impressive and visually stunning journey through some of the biggest setpieces of the original trilogy. There were some excellent games every year of the system’s run. When it comes to Nintendo’s own offerings, Pikmin would rise to become iconic, as would Metroid Prime. Luigi’s Mansion, meanwhile, was a bold new direction to take the character in. The GameCube wasn’t my introduction to gaming, but it’s the system I look back upon most fondly. It’s also the one for which I have the biggest physical games collection (kindly stored at my parents’). When some GameCube titles arrived for the Switch 2’s Nintendo Classics range, I was playing back through Metroid Prime Remastered, and it all just coalesced to remind me how much this system continues to mean to me.
https://www.dualshockers.com/gamecube-lost-console-war-but-won-my-heart/
All posts by admin
Trump’s trade reset exposes Europe’s hypocrisy on free markets
The Washington Times ^ | 11/18/2025 | Peter Morici Posted on by E. Pluribus Unum President Trump is redefining the bargain between America and its allies by radically altering post-World War II Western security arrangements and the conditions that fostered market-driven globalization. He has successfully secured commitments from Europe and Japan to contribute their necessary shares to the common defense against Russia, China and their axis allies and imposed asymmetrical deals that raise U. S. tariffs. Regardless of how the Supreme Court rules on the legality of those tariffs, the president’s new arrangements are inherently unstable. Among the accomplishments in creating the 1995 World Trade Organization was the extension of rules governing trade in services, similar to those governing trade in goods under the 1948 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. The 1995 General Agreement on Trade in Services was anticipated to permit America’s most competitive sectors finance, high tech and the creative media to thrive without border taxes similar to tariffs on goods. That expectation has been violated by arbitrary European Union regulations that target U. S. high-tech companies. Governments across Europe, Canada, India and elsewhere have imposed digital services taxes that apply primarily to the largest global companies, American businesses such as Alphabet and Microsoft, on products created in their countries and exported into their markets. By targeting primarily American high tech, those taxes effectively become import tariffs on U. S. services. Canada, seeking to remove the Trump tariffs on goods, has abandoned its digital services tax; however, the trade deals reached with Britain and the EU don’t require similar action. Mr. Trump may be threatening and bullying our partners into accepting what most call uneven economic bargains by imposing tariffs of 10% to 20% while demanding that they lower their taxes on our goods exports. However, by allowing them to retain their taxes on our most competitive services, these deals are hardly one-sided. (Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes. com . TOPICS: Business/Economy; Foreign Affairs KEYWORDS: Click here: to donate by Credit Card Or here: to donate by PayPal Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC PO Box 9771 Fresno, CA 93794 Thank you very much and God bless you. 1 posted on by E. Pluribus Unum Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/4353262/posts
Judge tosses DOJ lawsuit challenging a New York law barring immigration agents from state courts
FILE – New York Attorney General, Letitia James, speaks after pleading not guilty outside the United States District Court on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Norfolk, Va. (AP Photo/John Clark,File) ALBANY, N.Y. — A judge has dismissed a Trump administration legal challenge to New York policies that block immigration officials from arresting people at state courthouses, saying the federal government can’t force states to cooperate with those enforcement efforts. U.S. District Judge Mae D’Agostino late Monday granted New York’s motion to dismiss the government’s lawsuit, one of several legal actions from the Republican administration targeting state and local policies over immigration enforcement. The lawsuit challenged a 2020 state law banning federal immigration officials from arresting people who are coming and going from New York courthouses or in court for proceedings unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. The law, called the Protect Our Courts Act, was approved in response to enforcement actions at courthouses during President Donald Trump’s first term. The law doesn’t cover federal immigration courts. In its lawsuit, the Department of Justice claimed that the New York law and two related state executive orders were unconstitutional because they obstructed the execution of federal immigration authorities. D’Agostino, though, found that New York’s decision not to participate in enforcing civil immigration law is protected by the 10th Amendment, which sets boundaries on the federal government’s powers. “Fundamentally, the United States fails to identify any federal law mandating that state and local officials generally assist or cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts. Nor could it,” the judge wrote. “No such federal laws exist because the Tenth Amendment prohibits Congress from conscripting state and local officials and resources to assist with federal regulatory schemes, like immigration enforcement.” A Justice Department spokesperson said in response to an email seeking comment that, “President Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda is a top national security and public safety priority that this Department of Justice will continue to vigorously defend whenever challenged in court.” New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat whose office argued for the lawsuit to be dismissed, said she was fighting for the “dignity and rights of immigrant communities.” “Everyone deserves to seek justice without fear,” James said in a statement. “This ruling ensures that anyone can use New York’s state courts without being targeted by federal authorities.” Stay informed and connected — subscribe to The Philadelphia Tribune NOW! Click Here Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don’t Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don’t knowingly lie about anyone or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the ‘Report’ link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We’d love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/state_and_region/judge-tosses-doj-lawsuit-challenging-a-new-york-law-barring-immigration-agents-from-state-courts/article_baf5abe3-70bb-42b4-baf8-8a77189f50d2.html
Teen dies in single-vehicle crash after police pursuit in Orange
Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
https://dailyprogress.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_8ad64e8e-cb69-521b-9486-f7884cfd7dfc.html
Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK) Presents at J.P. Morgan 2025 Ultimate Services Investor Conference Transcript
Andrew Steinerman JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division Hello, everybody. I’m Andrew Steinerman. This is the Verisk discussion. This is the Ultimate Services Investor Conference. At this conference, I update our information services data book, which is our primary Verisk and benchmark against the whole info services industry. With me today is Saurabh Khemka. He’s the President of Underwriting Solutions at Verisk. It’s a 30-minute fireside chat. Of course, we want you to jump in with your questions. I’ll start with maybe 20 minutes of my questions. Andrew Steinerman JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division Saurabh, welcome. Good to see you here. Just start out with what is your role now that you’re sole President of Underwriting Solutions, you were Co-President. Does that change anything kind of day-to-day? And what are your kind of your top priorities? Saurabh Khemka President of Underwriting Solutions Yes, exactly, our Life Solutions business and our marketing business and our international underwriting business. So previously, as Co-President, my P&L responsibility was more focused on the Core Lines and the Life Solutions business. Now it encompasses everything. But obviously, I was working very closely with my counterpart across the overall business.
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4845266-verisk-analytics-inc-vrsk-presents-at-j-p-morgan-2025-ultimate-services-investor-conference?source=feed_all_articles
House votes to denounce Rep. Chuy Garcia for ‘election subversion’ after Dem civil war
WASHINGTON House lawmakers agreed Tuesday to denounce retiring Illinois Rep. Chuy Garcia over his underhanded scheme to prevent challenges against his hand-picked successor a slippery ploy that sparked a Democratic revolt. In 236-183, the lower chamber adopted a resolution to rebuke Garcia (D-Ill.), 69, for timing his retirement announcement after the filing deadline for primary candidates in his district, a cutoff his chief of staff happened to meet. Twenty-three Democrats backed the resolution to condemn their colleague. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) announced the resolution last week after the House reconvened to reopen the government and slammed her colleague for “election subversion.” “I believe election subversion is wrong no matter who’s doing it, and I think that right now we’re seeing a profound, very loud call from Americans for transparency,” Gluesenkamp Perez, 37, told CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper” Monday. “You don’t just turn a blind eye to wrongdoing or unethical behavior when it’s politically convenient,” she added. “It’s not fun to call out a member of your own party, but I think it’s important.” Adding to the plot, Garcia was the first person to sign his aide’s nominating petition, days before he announced his retirement, Politico reported, showing a document filed with Illinois elections officials. Republicans happily agreed to rebuke Garcia, while Democratic leadership scolded Gluesenkamp Perez for daring to call a member of her own party. “I strongly support Congressman Chuy Garcia. He’s been a progressive champion in disenfranchised communities for decades,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) told reporters Monday. Allies of Garcia, who was first elected to the House in 2019, quietly revealed to the Chicago press on Nov. 3 that he would not seek reelection for a fifth term in his Illinois 4th Congressional District seat. There happened to be a 5 p. m. deadline that same day for Democratic petitions for his seat and his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, conspicuously managed to turn in the necessary paperwork just before the deadline. The seemingly sneaky move left the retiring rep’s chief of staff the sole Democratic candidate for his heavily blue seat. Before the Tuesday vote, Garcia circulated a letter to his Democratic colleagues underscoring that he is not related to Patty Garcia, despite sharing a last name and blaming his wife’s battle with multiple sclerosis for his last-minute withdrawal. “In the days before the filing deadline, my wife received the news that the MS she has been fighting for several years is getting worse,” he wrote. “Meanwhile, I was told by a cardiologist to take it easy-or else.” “Weighing these difficult health and family circumstances, I decided to retire.” Garcia did not outright deny speculation that he deliberately timed his retirement to benefit his chief of staff in his letter to colleagues obtained by The Post. Democrats unsuccessfully moved to table the resolution denouncing Garcia on Monday, in a bid to stymie a politically dicey vote. Gluesenkamp Perez and retiring Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) both joined with Republicans in killing the effort to table consideration of the resolution to denounce Garcia. Numerous Democrats, such as Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.), publicly spoke in defense of Garcia. It is rare for the House to denounce one of its own members, particularly with support from that lawmaker’s own party. Back in March, the GOP-led House formally censured Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) for disrupting President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress. Other lawmakers to face a formal rebuke include then-Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and former Long Island lying Rep. George Santos.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/18/us-news/house-votes-to-denounce-rep-chuy-garcia-for-election-subversion-after-dem-civil-war/
3 civilian jobs that GTA 6 should have as side-activities
As the excitement and talk about GTA 6 increases, players are hoping the game adds more meaningful side-activities beyond the usual crime-focused missions. Considering that Rockstar has been putting more effort into creating a detailed and believable game world with each new version of the game, this sixth instalmentis in a perfect position to introduce civilian jobs that feel fun, grounded, and rewarding. These types of activities should have a positive effect on the game’s financial system. They should give players different options and methods for earning in-game money, rather than just through crime. Furthermore, these jobs should help make the city of Vice City seem more active, real, and full of things to do. This would create a feeling of a living world in a way that GTA 5, did not completely manage to achieve or try out. Note: Parts of this article are subjective and solely based on the author’s views. Civilian jobs that GTA 6 should have as side-activities Vehicle-based work: From dirt bike racing to classic service missions GTA fans have been asking for the return of older vehicle jobs for years, and GTA 6’s modern engine could finally bring them back in a polished form. The idea is to mix high-speed mobility with grounded civilian tasks. 1) Dirt Bike racing Vice City’s rural roads, swamps, and beaches would be perfect for off-road events. Casual bike races, time trials, or organized underground tournaments could add a competitive but low-stakes activity that doesn’t rely on crime. 2) Taxi, Ambulance, and Firefighting missions These were iconic in older GTA titles. Bringing them back with a modern twist would make the world feel more lived-in. Imagine: Picking up passengers and dealing with dynamic traffic Racing an ambulance through unpredictable city conditions Containing fires in multi-story buildings with physics-based destruction These could be expanded into deep job systems with progression, upgrades, and challenges. GTA 6’s open world is big enough to make this feel fresh again. Real Estate agent: A perfect fit for Vice City’s luxury scene With a map rumored to feature both wealthy coastal neighbourhoods and dense urban districts, a real estate agent role fits GTA 6 naturally. This wouldn’t be a simple ‘buy property, earn income’ system. Instead, it could be a full civilian profession with moving parts: Scouting new homes or commercial buildings Negotiating prices with AI clients Renovating rundown properties Choosing designs and upgrades Marketing the final product Flipping real estate for profit Players could work with beachfront condos, inland family homes, or even skyline high-rises. This would offer a long-term economic path that does not rely on crime. With so much money floating around GTA’s world, a real estate job gives players another way to grind cash without resorting to constant violence. Leisure & Entertainment jobs: Bringing back lifestyle immersion GTA 4 had bowling, darts, and nightlife activities that grounded Liberty City. GTA 5 had its own set of entertainment options, but nothing that took full advantage of its world. GTA 6 could push this further by letting players work (or participate) in Vice City’s nightlife and entertainment sector. Imagine: Running or bartending at clubs Serving drinks, handling rowdy guests, or managing VIPs Hosting events or concerts Working security at bars, beach festivals, or rooftop lounges And beyond jobs, GTA VI should expand its pure leisure content like pool, darts, bowling, roller coasters, amusement park rides, TV shows, minigames and all the little details that make people feel connected to their character. If this article is to your liking, you can check other GTA content below: Should the GTA 6 protagonists be anti-heroes? Which version of GTA 4 is the best in 2025? 5 best GTA Online DLCs ever released, ranked.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/gta/civilian-jobs-gta-6-side-activities
NYT Strands #626 November 19, 2025 Answers (11/19/25)
If you need help finding the words in NYT Strands November 19, 2025 puzzle, we have a list of answers so you can keep your streak going! In today’s puzzle, there are seven words to be found; six are regular words and one is the Spangram. We have the answers for the NYT Strands #626 puzzle below! Strands is a new game created by the New York Times that is a twist on the classic word search concept. It’s currently in beta and can be played through the official Strands website. Each Strands has a theme with theme words that must be found in order to solve the puzzle, but you can find non-theme words in order to generate hints to help you find the theme words. Strands #626 November 19, 2025 Answers The answers for Strands #626, published on November 19, 2025, are: BUDDHA IMAM MONK PRIEST PROPHET RABBI RELIGIOUSFIGURES (Spangram) Today’s theme is “Divinely inspired”, which is a reference to Religiousfigures, so all of the themed words are based around that. How to Play NYT Strands NYT Strands is a word search-style word game with each puzzle having a theme. Letters can be used in any direction as long as they are not re-used or crossed (see image below for an example), and theme words will be highlighted in light blue. One word, the Spangram, will describe the puzzle’s theme and will touch the left and right-most sides of the board and appear in yellow. When you have found all of the words, each letter will be used once within the letter grid. If you’re stuck, you can find any four letter (or longer) word, and for every three of these, you can get a hint, which will reveal one of the theme words for you to highlight. That’s everything you need to know to finish the NYT Strands #626 November 19, 2025 puzzle. If you want to find more content on the game, you can check out the NYT Strands section of our website.
https://tryhardguides.com/nyt-strands-answers-november-19-2025/
Assassin’s Creed Mirage Valley of Memory walkthrough: How to complete The Ones Who Remain quest
After starting the Valley of Memory story expansion in Assassin’s Creed Mirage, The Ones Who Remain is the first quest you will come across. While its initial objective is to inspect the AlUla graveyard to find Basim’s father’s tomb, the mission takes an intriguing turn after meeting a woman named Hind. Here are the details on how to complete the The Ones Who Remain quest in Assassin’s Creed Mirage Valley of Memory. The Ones Who Remain quest in Assassin’s Creed Mirage Valley of Memory: Walkthrough Inspect the tombs at the AlUla Cemetery After starting the Assassin’s Creed Mirage Valley of Memory expansion, Basim’s first objective is to look for his father’s grave at AlUla. From the Traveler’s Camp in Southern Wilds, proceed west to reach the required location. Next, find Dervis in front of the AlUla Cemetery and speak with him. Then, you have to interact with several tombs to find Basim’s father. While you can search them one by one, you can reach the northern segment of the cemetery and inspect the tomb shown in the image to progress. Afterward, a cutscene will begin, and Basim and Dervis will meet Hind. Then, accompany her home. Retrieve the portrait of Hind’s husband As you reach near Hind’s house, you will find that some robbers have infiltrated the area. The primary task is to collect a portrait from a locked chest, while you can also perform an optional task of rescuing a servant. Protect the servant It’s better to complete this task first, as if you take too much time to collect the portrait, the robbers will execute the servant. So, call Enkidu (press B on PC / D-Pad up on controller) and search the area shown in the image to find the servant. You must take the next steps methodically, as two robbers are guarding the servant. Silently enter the area from the northeast and hide in the bushes. Then, assassinate the unaware target, and perform a chain assassination to execute the guards around the servant. After the area is clear, talk to her to complete the task. Also read: Assassin’s Creed Mirage combat guide: How to fight, parry, dodge, and more Find the chest key While the main task is to retrieve the portrait from the warehouse, you must first acquire the chest key. To do that, call Enkidu again to locate the key inside a house in the west. Then, climb to the top of the building and wait for the guard at the front to turn around. After that, sneakily get inside the house and climb the ladder to find the chest key upstairs. Open the chest to retrieve the portrait Now, locate the warehouse, and then climb up to find the entrance. Assassinate the robber there and open the chest to collect the portrait of Hind’s husband. Then, navigate to Hind’s location and give her the portrait. Escort her to Nimlot’s estate and talk to her again. Lastly, proceed towards the house to speak with Nimlot. With this, the The Ones Who Remain quest in Assassin’s Creed Mirage Valley of Memory comes to an end. This also marks the beginning of the Wares and Shadows quest in the story. Check out more Assassin’s Creed Mirage gameplay guides from Sportskeeda: 4 reasons why AC Mirage is worth playing in 2025 (and 3 reasons why it’s not) AC Mirage: 10 best tips and tricks for stealth Complete list of main story missions and side quests in Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/assassin-s-creed-mirage-valley-memory-walkthrough-how-complete-the-ones-who-remain-quest
