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President Trump said Thursday that he would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday in New York City. The meeting will take place at Trump Tower. JUST IN – Trump: "Zelensky has asked to meet with me, and I will be meeting with him tomorrow morning at around 9:45 in Trump Tower" https://t.co/LxDDRxFcPr — Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) September 26, 2024 Per NBC News: Trump was previously not expected to meet with Zelenskyy, who has already held meetings on Thursday with both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Both Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, have been critical of the U.S. aid to Ukraine. “It’s a shame what’s happening in Ukraine: so many deaths, so much destruction. It’s a horrible thing,” Trump said Thursday. “And one of the things that are very bothersome to me is the fact that Europe is paying only a small fraction of the money that the United States of America is paying, and we have an ocean between Russia and ourselves. They don’t.” This will be the first time the two men will have met since Trump was impeached by the Democratic-controlled House in 2019 over his efforts to pressure Zelenskyy to open an investigation into the Bidens. Trump shared this message Thursday on Truth Social. WATCH: President Trump announces a meeting with President Zelensky tomorrow morning. pic.twitter.com/M19dUX7K6E — Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 26, 2024 CNN reports: Friday’s meeting comes at a pivotal moment for Zelensky ahead of November’s US election. He’s sought this week to convince the Biden administration that his country can still win the war, so long as the US and other countries significantly and quickly ramp up military assistance. Trump has repeatedly complained about the funding the US has provided for Ukraine and claimed he will quickly end the war between the two sides, which began with Russia’s unprovoked invasion in February 2022. Zelensky said this week that Trump doesn’t know how to end Russia’s war on Ukraine. “I look forward to seeing him,” Trump said Thursday. “We’ll see — I do believe I disagree with him — well, he doesn’t know me. I disagree, but I will say this: I believe I will be able to make a deal between President Putin and President Zelensky quite quickly.” Zelensky met at the White House on Thursday with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Democratic nominee used the appearance to draw a stark contrast with Trump on Ukraine. “There are some in my country who would instead force Ukraine to give up large parts of its sovereign territory, who would demand that Ukraine accept neutrality and would require Ukraine to forego security relationships with other nations,” Harris said.

Hall of Fame singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Mason has cancelled his upcoming tour after being diagnosed with a “serious heart condition.” Mason, 78, is known for his work with the band Traffic and a notable solo career. He has played and recorded with famous musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, and the Rolling Stones. “Dave Mason has announced the cancellation of his Fall ‘Traffic Jam 2024’ west coast tour after doctors detected a serious heart condition during a routine appointment that requires immediate medical attention. His team of doctors expect a full and successful recovery, and Mason plans to resume his touring plans in 2025,” an Instagram post read. “I’m heartbroken to have to cancel these dates, but it’s Doctor’s orders. I’ll be back, and better than ever, in 2025,” Mason said. Dave Mason, the English guitarist and songwriter best known for his work with Traffic, canceled his upcoming “Traffic Jam” concerts after doctors detected a “serious heart condition during a routine appointment that requires immediate medical attention. pic.twitter.com/poTdX6oA75 — Died Suddenly Worldwide (@_DiedSuddenly) September 24, 2024 Traffic founder Dave Mason cancels tour to seek ‘immediate’ medical attention https://t.co/BwkTMKwyed pic.twitter.com/eudKxFl2Dc — The Independent (@Independent) September 24, 2024 From The Independent: Mason was one of the original members of the influential psychedelic rock band Traffic, alongside guitarist Steve Winwood, drummer Jim Capaldi and multi-instrumentalist Chris Wood. They formed in Birmingham in 1967. Mason went on to leave the band following the release of their 1967 debut album Mr. Fantasy, but rejoined midway through sessions for their 1968 follow-up Traffic. Among Mason’s best-known compositions are “Feelin’ Alright“, famously recorded by Joe Cocker in 1969, “Hole in My Shoe” and “Only You Know and I Know.” "I’ll be back, and better than ever, in 2025"https://t.co/g2hx9YCxMp pic.twitter.com/zRGTqRDsQU — The Smash Magazine (@thesmash_mag) September 27, 2024 Traffic co-founder and Rock Hall of Fame member Dave Mason has canceled his fall “Traffic Jam 2024” West Coast tour after doctors detected a serious heart condition requires immediate medical attention. https://t.co/ZeH3h70Xbe — Variety (@Variety) September 23, 2024 Variety reports: Mason’s storied career has found him not only co-founding Traffic in 1967 with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood but writing rock classics like “Feelin’ Alright” (gloriously covered by Joe Cocker), enjoying solo hits like “We Just Disagree,” and playing on such classic albums as the Rolling Stones’ “Beggars Banquet,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Electric Ladyland” and George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass.” He also played on early sessions of Eric Clapton’s Derek and the Dominos. He has released a series of solo albums over the years, including one in collaboration with the late “Mama” Cass Elliot. Later this fall, he will release his memoir, “Only You Know & I Know.”

As the election year heads into October, many are wondering what the regime and their propogandists in the mainstream media will drop as their “October Surprise.” Despite months of glowing media coverage, Presidential candidate Kamala Harris continues to struggle to win over skeptical Americans. President Trump’s apparent strength only increases the likelihood of an “October Surprise” — given the way the left used the pandemic to their advantage in 2020, many are wondering whether another pandemic is in the cards. Indeed, some medical experts are now openly asking the question whether the bird flu will be this year’s “October Surprise.” In a new article titled “Could Bird Flu Be The October Surprise?”, Dr. Clayton Baker writes: Regarding bird flu, we should remain mindful of the following. In its current iteration, bird flu has caused no widespread human illness, no human deaths, and sporadic outbreaks in farm animal populations. However, there is much evidence that bird flu could be used as a bioweapon. Furthermore, it could also be applied to disrupt the November 5 US Presidential election. Dr. Baker lays out three reasons why bird flu is the most likely – though not the only possible – pandemic related October surprise: Multiple bio labs in the United States and abroad – such as the lab run byYoshihiro Kawaoka, PhD at the University of Wisconsin – perform alarming Gain-of-Function research on the H5N1 virus, making variants of the virus that are much more dangerous to humans than variants that occur in nature. These labs have had leaks with alarming frequency. The current strains of bird flu in the US show strong genetic evidence of having originated in a laboratory. A laboratory leak of a new strain of the virus, manipulated to be highly transmissible and/or pathogenic in humans, remains a real possibility. The“International Bird Flu Summit” will be held on October 2-4, 2024 at the Hilton Fairfax in Fairfax, VA – just outside Washington, DC – exactly one month prior to the election. Listed topics include “Command, Control and Management,” “Emergency Response Management,” and “Surveillance and Data Management.” If this sounds eerily reminiscent to you of the Covid lockdowns – which were also closely preceded by government-based planning exercises – your memory serves you well. The infrastructure is already in place for a “pandemic” of bird flu, much more than it is for other potential pathogens. Already, widespread testing of farms is underway. The development of bird flu vaccines has increased dramatically. The FDA has already approved vaccines made by Sanofi, GSK subsidiary ID Biomedical Corporation of Quebec, and CSL Seqirus, while Moderna recently received a $176 million government grant for its mRNA-based bird flu injection, which is in development. One Way to Be Prepared – Not Scared One of the most important pieces of knowledge every American should have is the knowledge that they don’t simply have to trust the corrupt biopharmaceutical complex and their partners in crime – big government and the legacy media. They want us afraid. But there is no reason to live in fear when you can be prepared! That’s where the Wellness Company comes in. The Wellness Company’s Contagion Emergency Kit, designed by Dr. Peter McCullough and his colleagues, contains five critical life-saving prescription medications – including generic Tamiflu, IVERMECTIN, and HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE– that every American should have on hand: Oseltamivir 75 mg (generic Tamiflu) – 10 tablets Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg -20 tablets Ivermectin 12mg – 25 tablets Azithromycin (generic Z-Pak) 250 mg – 12 tablets Budesonide 0.5 mg/2 mL – 5 vials (plus nebulizer included) 1 Medication Guidebook written by the Chief Medical Board for safe use. You already have Tylenol and Nyquil – why not medications that could actually save your life? The Wellness Company’s Contagion Emergency Kits are the gold standard when it comes to medical preparedness. This kit is prescription-only – you can’t find it in any store. Simply fill out a short questionnaire after purchase and a trusted Wellness Company doctor will confirm your suitability and issue your prescription Contagion Kit. Never be caught without these critical drugs in your medicine cabinet. Protect yourself and your family with The Wellness Company’s Contagion Kit before the next emergency hits! Take steps today to keep you and your family safe. People are saying: This is the perfect emergency kit at the perfect price. Every home should have this for peace of mind. – Rebecca B. This is absolutely great! I encourage everyone to buy one of these for emergencies!! – Melody H. Peace of mind. It is an amazing peace of mind to have this kit in case of emergencies and shortages. 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As reported, Ukraine President Zelenskyy campaigned with Democrats at an ammunition factory in Pennsylvania. This is a foreign leader campaigning for a political party on US soil. This is after every taxpayer, no matter the party, funded everything in Ukraine for two years. Zelensky told the New York Times that Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. […] The post Dems Fume Over GOP Interfering with Zelensky’s Harris Campaign appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

An appeals court appears likely to overturn the $478 million civil fraud judgment against Trump. The state received a frosty reception in the court yesterday. Thursday, the court grilled attorneys for Donald Trump and the New York attorney general’s office over the $478 million civil fraud judgment against the former president. The questions raised were […] The post Appeals Court Might Overturn AG James’ Lawfare Case Against Trump appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

 From Pac-Man to VR: How Arcade Software Paved the Way for Today’s Gaming Apps   Arcade software from the 1980s profoundly shaped the landscape of modern online gaming, setting the foundation for the interactive and immersive experiences enjoyed by gamers today. This article traces the technological and design evolution from early arcade classics like Pac-Man to cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) games. By examining how early arcade principles such as simplicity, user engagement, and addictive gameplay mechanics still influence current mobile and online gaming apps, we reveal how the social and competitive nature of arcades has left a lasting legacy. The Simplicity of Early Arcade Games Early arcade games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong revolutionized gaming with their simple yet captivating gameplay. These titles did not require complex controls or long tutorials; players could jump into the action immediately. The simplicity that made these games accessible to a broad audience is mirrored in today’s mobile apps, where games like Candy Crush and Angry Birds thrive on easy-to-learn mechanics. The straightforward controls of Pac-Man, with its simple joystick navigation, set a precedent for modern game design. By focusing on quick accessibility, developers learned that simplicity fosters greater player engagement, which is why mobile gaming apps still prioritize ease of use to maximize audience reach. User Engagement: Then and Now Arcade software was designed to keep players coming back, and that engagement was often driven by addictive gameplay loops. Games like Space Invaders created a sense of urgency, challenging players to beat high scores or survive longer in progressively difficult levels. Today’s gaming apps, like Clash of Clans and Fortnite, use engagement techniques similar to those of arcade classics. While arcade players were driven by high-score leaderboards, modern gamers are encouraged to return through daily rewards, in-app purchases, and real-time multiplayer battles, all inspired by the addictive engagement strategies of arcade games. The Social Element of Arcades Arcade machines were often located in social settings like malls or arcades, where players could compete head-to-head or try to dominate the local leaderboard. This competitive and social aspect was one of the key reasons for the popularity of arcade games. The social nature of arcades, where players could gather and compete on leaderboards or head-to-head battles, is echoed in today’s online gaming apps. Modern titles like Call of Duty: Warzone and Fortnite allow players to connect globally, creating online communities where competition and teamwork mirror the experiences players once had in arcades. Technological Advancements from Arcade to Mobile The transition from arcade hardware to mobile software required significant technological advancements, particularly in processing power, graphical capabilities, and user interfaces. The graphical evolution from the pixelated visuals of Galaga to the highly detailed environments of today’s games is a testament to how far technology has come. In the early days, games like Galaga had to operate within the limited capacity of arcade hardware. However, today’s mobile devices have surpassed those limitations, offering high-definition graphics and advanced physics engines. This leap in technology has allowed mobile apps to become as visually stunning as their console counterparts, yet the core gameplay experience remains rooted in the principles pioneered by early arcade games. Addictive Gameplay: The DNA of Mobile Apps One of the defining features of arcade games was their addictive nature. Games like Asteroids and Centipede were designed with short, action-packed levels that urged players to try “just one more time.” This addictive loop is now a cornerstone of modern mobile games. Modern mobile games such as Subway Surfers and Temple Run utilize addictive mechanics pioneered by arcade games. Quick gameplay sessions, escalating difficulty, and continuous rewards have evolved from the arcade design philosophy. These elements keep users hooked, driving engagement and increasing the likelihood of in-app purchases. Leaderboards: From Arcades to Online Rankings Leaderboards were a hallmark of the arcade experience. Players would enter their initials after setting a high score, and the quest to have your name displayed at the top became a driving force in arcade culture. In today’s gaming landscape, online leaderboards are ubiquitous. Whether it’s League of Legends, Apex Legends, or even puzzle games like Words With Friends, the competitive drive to be the best lives on. This tradition started in arcades and has been redefined for a global audience, with players now competing for top rankings worldwide. User Interface Innovations Arcade games were the first to experiment with intuitive interfaces. Games like Track & Field introduced innovative control methods such as buttons for rapid taps, while Street Fighter II featured more complex joystick combinations for executing special moves. Modern gaming apps have continued this legacy by designing interfaces that are easy to use but also offer depth for more skilled players. The touchscreen controls seen in popular apps like PUBG Mobile and Garena Free Fire echo the joystick-and-button combinations of arcade classics, maintaining an intuitive yet skill-based interface for players. Visual Progression: From Pixels to HD The visual style of arcade games started with blocky, pixelated graphics, but as technology advanced, so did the games’ ability to deliver more detailed and immersive environments. Games like Pac-Man or Frogger may seem primitive by today’s standards, but their bright and colorful aesthetics were groundbreaking at the time. Modern games have taken these advancements to new heights, with titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Minecraft offering both high-definition realism and creative, pixelated styles, showing a direct lineage from those early arcade visuals. Multiplayer: A Legacy of Cooperation and Competition Arcade games introduced the concept of cooperative gameplay, allowing two players to team up in games like Gauntlet, or battle each other in competitive titles like Street Fighter. Today’s mobile apps have taken the multiplayer experience to a new level, offering real-time global play. Games like Among Us and Brawl Stars allow players to connect from around the world, but the roots of these experiences can be traced back to the competitive and cooperative multiplayer features pioneered by arcade games. VR: The Future of Gaming, Built on Arcade Foundations The evolution of gaming has now entered the realm of virtual reality (VR), but the foundations of VR gameplay can be traced back to arcade experiences. The immersive nature of games like Star Wars: Battle Pod laid the groundwork for the virtual environments of today. Modern VR games like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx owe their existence to the immersive, engaging gameplay developed by early arcade designers. The leap from 2D screens to fully interactive 3D worlds is built on decades of incremental technological improvements, starting with arcade software. Closing Thoughts The legacy of arcade software is undeniable in modern gaming apps. From the simple, engaging gameplay of Pac-Man to the highly immersive VR worlds of today, the evolution of gaming has always been rooted in the pioneering designs of arcade classics. The addictive gameplay loops, social competition, and technological innovations that defined arcades continue to shape the mobile and online gaming landscape, proving that the impact of arcade software is still felt across the industry.