Over the past decades, under the cover of “innovation,” technology companies have successfully resisted regulation and have even begun to seize power from governments themselves. Facial recognition firms track citizens for police surveillance. Cryptocurrency has wiped out the personal savings of millions and threatens the stability of the global financial system.
In “The Tech Coup,” Marietje Schaake offers a behind-the-scenes account of how technology companies crept into nearly every corner of our lives and our governments.
In recent decades, the theory of active matter has emerged as a powerful tool for exploring the differences between living and nonliving states of matter.
“The Restless Cell” provides a self-contained, quantitative description of how the continuum theory of matter has been generalized to account for the complex and sometimes counterintuitive behaviors of living materials.
Review: ‘Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’ brings modern update to beloved classic
Updated 25 August 2024
James Denselow
LONDON: Twenty years after its original release on the Nintendo GameCube, “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” returns to captivate a new generation of gamers on the Nintendo Switch.
This updated version features modern graphics, refined storylines and a host of new features that enhance accessibility, all while retaining the charm that endeared it to fans two decades ago.
One of the hallmarks of the “Paper Mario” series, and indeed the broader Mario franchise, is its vibrant and bold color palette, slick interface and the maddeningly addictive background music that players have come to love.
The transition to the Nintendo Switch allows for a visually stunning rendition of the classic game, making it an easy win for Nintendo as they reintroduce this beloved title to a loyal and supportive fanbase. Although the Paper Mario series occupies a somewhat niche space within the larger Mario universe, it stands out for its creativity, humor and innovative gameplay mechanics.
The storyline of “The Thousand-Year Door” revolves around a mysterious treasure hidden behind the titular door. The original game was lauded for its engaging narrative, memorable characters and enhanced gameplay mechanics, and these elements have been preserved and polished in the Switch version. Players guide the 2D paper version of Mario through a richly detailed 3D world populated by familiar faces from the Mario universe. This blend of two-dimensional characters in a three-dimensional world creates a unique visual and gameplay experience that is as captivating now as it was 20 years ago.
With approximately 30 hours of gameplay focused on the main objectives, “The Thousand-Year Door” is not the longest game by RPG standards. However, newcomers to the series should note that it features significantly more story and dialogue than the average Mario adventure. This RPG engine is what sets the game apart, offering a depth of strategy and narrative not typically found in Mario’s classic platforming outings.
The game’s turn-based combat system is a key feature that provides a more tactical approach to battles. Players must target enemies’ weaknesses and plan their moves carefully, a departure from the frenetic, free-for-all action of traditional Mario games. This strategic element is further enhanced by the collection of star points and coins, which can be used to buy items from shops, providing a levelling-up mechanism before facing the game’s bigger bosses.
In addition to the tactical battle modes, the game introduces several quality-of-life improvements that make it more accessible to modern audiences. These include refined controls, updated interfaces, and various tweaks to the gameplay mechanics that streamline the overall experience without sacrificing depth or complexity.
“Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” for Nintendo Switch is an excellent blend of nostalgia and innovation. It successfully updates a beloved classic for a new platform, ensuring that returning fans and newcomers can enjoy the whimsical world of Paper Mario.
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant graphics, the engaging story, or the strategic gameplay, this updated version promises a delightful and memorable adventure in the ever-enchanting Mushroom Kingdom.
He elaborates on the latest research data on sleep functions, revealing how it can enhance memory, strengthen the immune system and improve innovative thinking
Updated 24 August 2024
Haifa Alshammari
Author: Matthew Walker
In “Why We Sleep,” Matthew Walker discusses the significant role of sleep in our physical and mental health.
Writing about the results of decades of research, Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California and director of the San Francisco Center for Human Sleep Science, reflects on common myths about sleep and makes appealing arguments for its importance.
The spread of sleep deprivation in modern life has become alarming. Many people may not be aware of its long-term consequences, which is one of the main ideas that Walker emphasizes in this book.
He presents scientific evidence explaining how chronic sleep loss leaves devastating impacts not only on health but also our on cognitive function and longevity.
From the risk of developing serious health issues such as cancer to the lack of ability to make decisions and emotional regulation, he argues that people should not neglect the need to sleep.
Walker’s ability to translate complex concepts into understandable, compelling stories is impressive; whether explaining the complex neural mechanisms underlying sleep or the fascinating evolutionary history of the sleep-wake cycle, his writing style is clear, effective and engaging.
He also elaborates on the latest research data on sleep functions, revealing how it can enhance memory, strengthen the immune system and improve innovative thinking.
Walker also sheds light on the mysterious world of dreams, suggesting that they might play a major role in emotional processing and problem-solving.
By emphasizing the vital importance of sleep in our lives, Walker encourages his readers to prioritize this important aspect of their health.
Whether you are a sleep-deprived student, a busy employee, or someone interested in the depth of the human mind, “Why We Sleep” is informative and helpful.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘In Praise of Good Bookstores’
Updated 24 August 2024
Arab News
Author: JEFF DEUTSCH
Do we need bookstores in the twenty-first century? If so, what makes a good one? In this beautifully written book, Jeff Deutsch—the former director of Chicago’s Seminary Co-op Bookstores, one of the finest bookstores in the world—pays loving tribute to one of our most important and endangered civic institutions.
He considers how qualities like space, time, abundance, and community find expression in a good bookstore.
What We Are Reading Today: Technology and the Rise of Great Powers
Updated 23 August 2024
Arab News
Author: Jeffrey Ding
When scholars and policymakers consider how technological advances affect the rise and fall of great powers, they draw on theories that center the moment of innovation—the eureka moment that sparks astonishing technological feats.
In this book, Jeffrey Ding offers a different explanation of how technological revolutions affect competition among great powers. Rather than focusing on which state first introduced major innovations, he investigates why some states were more successful than others at adapting and embracing new technologies at scale.
Drawing on historical case studies of past industrial revolutions as well as statistical analysis, Ding develops a theory that emphasizes institutional adaptations oriented around diffusing technological advances throughout the entire economy.
