#Ms Excel Part 007

[mrcodings]

Vertical Alignment | Horizontal Alignment | Put text to the center of the cell | Hindi

https://youtu.be/Dgfr_AFu6G8 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 MS Excel Tutorial Part-007 Vertical Alignment | Horizontal Alignment | Put text to the center of the cell | Hindi MS Excel मे वर्टिकल अलाइन्मन्ट | हॉरिजॉन्टल अलाइन्मन्ट | टेक्स्ट को सेल के मध्यमे कैसे सेट करे | हिन्दी ट्यूटोरियल

#MsExcelPart007, #HomeTab, #AlignmentGroup, #CellAlignment, #VerticleAlignment, #HorizontalAlignment, #MrCoding, #MrCoding33, #BestMsExcelTutorial, #MsExcelTutorialInHindi

[aion-rsa]

Why the N64 Controller Design Was So Weird

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

There’s a lot to be said about the 25-year history of the Nintendo 64, but one question that almost always seems to come up in any conversation about the console is “Why was the N64 controller so weird?”

Mind you, that isn’t to say that the N64 controller was necessarily bad. There are certainly some who will make that argument, but others consider it to be one of their favorite video game controllers ever. Whichever side you fall on, though, you’ll probably agree that the N64 controller was simply bizarre from a design perspective. There wasn’t really a controller like it before 1996, and there really hasn’t been a controller like it since.

The N64’s trident (or “Batarang,” as some call it) shape and somewhat strange A, B, and C button layout are certainly unusual, but when most people talk about the N64 controller being “weird,” they’re typically talking about the analog stick and Z-trigger placement. For a modern generation of gamers raised on the idea of being able to easily access a D-pad, analog sticks, and buttons at the same time (or, you know, anyone who grew up with the PS1 Dual Analog/DualShock controller instead), picking up an N64 controller for the first time must feel like a prank.

In fact, you could probably pull off a “Calvin’s dad” style joke and convince some very young gamers that the N64 controller looks the way it does because most people back then had three hands. It’s almost like Nintendo took two perfectly good controllers and decided to fuse them together as part of their attempt to form a kind of Megazord controller.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

You know what’s really funny, though? That’s actually pretty much exactly what happened.

First off, you may have heard that the N64 controller was designed to play Super Mario 64. However, that’s not entirely true. Various Nintendo representatives over the years (including Shigeru Miyamoto) have stated that the design of the N64’s controller and Super Mario 64 essentially influenced each other rather than one solely informing the other. As Super Mario 64 programmer Giles Goddard once put it, “It wasn’t so much that controller dictated Mario 64, it was just that was the game [Miyamoto] was working on. Mario was the way of testing it out.”

That being said, the emergence of 3D gaming very much influenced the design of the Nintendo 64 controller and Nintendo’s decision to use an analog stick. While the N64 wasn’t the first video game controller to feature such a “joystick,” it was the first controller to emphasize the idea that joysticks were going to be the best way to move characters around a 3D space and afford players the range of motion that kind of environment requires.

So why didn’t Nintendo just put the joystick on the left side of the N64 controller (like we saw with the Dreamcast) or give players two joysticks to use in unison (like the PS1 Dual Analog controller eventually did)? Well, we don’t know if Nintendo even considered those specific designs at some point, but we do know that part of the reason they didn’t position the analog stick in a way that let you easily use it along with every other available button on the N64’s controller is that they felt that may softly force developers to use it.

See, Nintendo knew that 3D gaming was going to be a big deal, but reports suggest they ultimately felt that most upcoming games were either going to be 2D, 3D, or, in rarer cases, a combination of both concepts. As such, they wanted to make a controller that was essentially two controllers: one made more for 2D “16-bit” games and one for 3D “64-bit” games. It’s a little strange to think about, but this wonderful MS Paint demonstration from Reddit user rg44_at_the_office does an excellent job of illustrating the concept:

As you can see, the “blue” controller is a pretty standard design that Nintendo suspected you would use to play more 2D-like games. You held it like a “normal” controller and used the D-pad along with the face buttons and L and R shoulder buttons. Meanwhile, the “red” controller is the one Nintendo designed for 3D games. It’s essentially a sideways version of a more standard controller. This layout essentially replaces the D-pad with the analog stick and replaces the L shoulder button with the Z-trigger.

Interestingly, those aren’t the only controller layouts that developers eventually utilized. Some games allowed for a third configuration designed to allow you to use the D-pad and analog stick in conjunction (with the Z-trigger now replacing the R shoulder button rather than the L shoulder button). A few games (most notably Perfect Dark and GoldenEye 007) even let you use two N64 controllers in conjunction with each other for a strange take on the “dual analog” experience.

To be fair the idea of offering developers that kind of hardware flexibility at a time when the bridge between 2D and 3D gaming was still being built probably sounded like a good one. However, Nintendo’s good intentions were eventually undone by a few emerging practicalities.

First off, not many games exclusively used the “blue” controller layout. Kirby 64 is the most famous N64 game I can think of that relied exclusively on the D-pad for movement, and even then, developer HAL Laboratory initially intended to use the “red” layout for that game before they saw how awkward it was for children to hold the controller in that way. There also weren’t a lot of games that really offered you the option of using either the D-pad or the analog stick layout (or both in conjunction), and those that did usually struggled to make the whole thing work.

Most importantly, Nintendo’s design was based on the idea that gamers wouldn’t need to access all of the N64’s buttons at once. However, it soon became clear that 3D games were evolving to require (or heavily benefit from) the use of as many input options as possible. While quite a few N64 developers obviously figured out how to work around the N64 controller’s design, you only have to imagine trying to play something like Ape Escape or even a “next-gen” game like Halo on an N64 controller to appreciate how limited the N64’s controller design ultimately was.

In short, the N64 controller was so weird because Nintendo tried to use it to satisfy two wildly different styles/eras of game design equally. While you could argue that they underestimated how quickly things were evolving and may have been better off going with the dual analog set-up, it has to be said that it’s hard to play a game designed specifically for the N64 controller on any other peripheral and have it feel anywhere close to the “intended” experience.

The post Why the N64 Controller Design Was So Weird appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3ql2ECc

[cutie1365]

Hello Detective Chapter 53 (Sherlock Imagine)

Pairing: Sherlock x Reader

Word Count: 1644

masterlist  Part 54

You hit rock bottom. You tried to still write to Sherlock, but your letters got darker and darker. You had returned to your apartment, spent some time on your own. Alone is what you have, alone protects you.

Ms. Hudson had come to visit you, so did John, and Lestrade, Molly, and even Anderson.

You were bad after that. You began drinking to numb the pain, living recklessly, because you didn’t care what happened to you now. You had lost count of how many times you had been cut off at bars and kicked out.

One night after final call, you were roaming the streets and ended up at a doss-house.

“What do you want?” The man at the door asked in a thick accent.

“What you’re selling.” You held up a wad of cash, and he opened the door quickly.

“Bill Wiggins at your service. Cup of tea? Or coffee?” He asked pointing to the different drugs scattering the room.

“What do you recommend?” You asked.

“For you, the tea. It’s your first time I’m assuming and you want to forget someone. A 7% solution should take care of that for the time being.” Wiggins said.

“I think we’ll make fast friends Wiggins.” You smiled a dark, empty smile.

Mycroft wasn’t happy after he found you back at your flat. He seemed all too used to this routine.

“You need to stop throwing your life away! You need to move on!” Mycroft yelled.

“I am moved on and I’m doing just fine!” You yelled back, still high.

“This isn’t fine Y/N! I expect this from Sherlock, but not from you!” He screamed.

“I think we can stop expecting anything from Sherlock because he’s dead! Our baby is dead! And I’m fine!” You fell back onto the couch. You knew what you had done had crossed the line, but you didn’t regret it.

“This was a cry for help. I won’t lose you to this, you’re too bright for this. Your mind is needed for something greater. You need to go back to work, and the offer still stand to work with me, but only if you are clean and sober.” He said.

“I don’t want to be in London.” You argued.

“I thought you said London was your home.” He scoffed.

“Home hurts.” You answered quietly.

“What about MI6. You have the skillset, you would have to do some training but nothing you couldn’t handle. It would take you out of London. Normally I wouldn’t have suggested something like this for you, but I think you might be what they’re looking for right now, especially after their last double-0 was forced into retirement.” Mycroft explained, and you accepted.

You sobered up, and got to work.

Gareth Mallory, also known as M, had called you into his office a few weeks after beginning your training. You were excelling at an unprecedented rate, and he felt you were ready to be sent out into the field. Technically you weren’t a double-0 yet, that took two confirmed kills, two kills that you didn’t have.

“You wanted to see me, sir?” You asked, entering his office.

“Yes, Gregson, please have a seat.” He pointed to the chair in front of him. He laid a file across from you and your eyes grew wide at who it was, and how long the list was of people he was working for.

“I believe you’re familiar with Ryan Spencer.” M said.

“Um, yes sir, he’s my uncle.” You said, hesitantly.

“He’s been selling CIA, MI6, and FSB secrets, so naturally he needs to be taken care of. We have the name of his contact, so he will have to be taken care of aswell.” M said.

“And you want me to kill them?” You asked.

“That won’t be a problem will it?” M asked.

“No sir, not at all.” You said, and it wasn’t a problem. Ever since Sherlock died, you had been different. Cold, calculating, and ready to kill. Conscience? Gone. Sentiment? Gone.

“Good. Mycroft Holmes seems to think you’re ready, but I’m not convinced. You understand if this mission goes well you will have the two kills necessary to obtain double-0 status.” M said.

“Yes, sir. I’m ready.” You nodded.

“Good.” He handed you the file and you left his office.

You read through the file, last spotted in Prague. Seem’s like a good enough place to start. That had to be lowered down, let’s start with the contact.

Took you less than two days to find him. Conveniently he was in Prague too, lucky you. Guess who also spoke Czech, this mission was just being handed to you on a silver platter.

You had followed him into a hotel, you sat in the lobby, a newspaper opened in front of you. You waited for him to come down the stairs, and as he did he turned left into the water closet. You stood slowly and slipped into the room unnoticed, and locked the door behind you.

“Wrong toilet.” He said, when he noticed you.

“No, I don’t think so.” You said, pulling out your gun, and he pulled his own. You kicked it out of his hand, and your fist collided with his face.

“Where is Spencer?” You asked, as he bled.

“I’ll die before I tell you.” He said.

“That can be arranged.” You smiled, and he lunged at you, slamming you against the wall, your gun falling to the floor. You kneed him in the groin, and threw him into the porcelain sink. It shattered, and you turned the water on of the sink next to it.  

His elbow rammed into your stomach, you groaned in pain. You slammed his face into the mirror, shattering it, before holding it into the now flooding sink. He struggled for a moment while you held his head down, before falling limp.

You walked across the now destroyed room to grab your gun, and as you turned around the contact suddenly reached for his gun on the floor, clearly not dead yet. But you were quicker, you fired into his head before he had a chance.

Based on Ryan’s file he had an office here in Prague, that seemed the next reasonable place to check. You broke in there effortlessly, once inside his office you found a safe hidden in the wall with more money than a man like Ryan should have, M was telling the truth. You heard the door unlock and you sat casually in a chair in the dark corner of the room.

He walked over to his desk and looked to the open safe.

“M really doesn’t mind you earning a little money on the side, Ryan.” Your voice filled the darkness and he turned around surprised, knowing exactly who the voice belonged to. “He’d just prefer it if it wasn’t selling secrets.”

He sat down at his desk, his eyes not leaving yours, and you noticed him pull open a drawer, though you’d already taken care of that.

“If the theatrics are supposed to scare me, you have the wrong man, Y/N/N.” Your eyes narrowed at the sound of that nickname. “If M was so sure that I was bent, he’d have sent a double-0. Benefits of knowing all the secrets, I’d know if anyone had been promoted to double-0 status, wouldn’t I. Your file shows no kills, I’ve told you before you don’t have it in you, it takes–”

“Two.” You cut him off. Jesus, who wasn’t this man working for. He suddenly pulled his gun on you and you remained unphased, a dead smile still present on your lips.

“Shame. After your little boyfriend died I thought I would finally have you to myself.” He said, before pulling the trigger. He looked surprised when nothing came out of the barrel.

“I know where you keep your gun, uncle dear. I’m not the scared little girl you used to take exception to.” You said, holding up the magazine you had extracted from the gun in his desk before he entered the room.

“How did he die?” He asked, and you thought back to the man you had just killed.

“Your contact?” He nodded, you smirked. “Not well.”

“Made you feel it did he? I’m surprised you had it in you. Well, you shouldn’t worry the second is–” You cut him off by raising your gun and firing, the force of the bullet sending him backwards.

“Yes. Considerably.” You said, placing the gun back in your coat.

The next day, you returned to London, a double-0 with two kills under your belt. You stood in M’s office, needless to say he was extremely proud and pleasantly surprised by your abilities.

“Congratulations Gregson, or should I say 009. For your first assignment you will be teaming with 007, Charles Bass.” M spoke, and you turned to see a man leaning against the doorframe. “Q will brief you, he’s waiting in the lab.”

You walked towards the door, and Bass followed you once you had brushed passed him.

“So, how does Sherlock Holmes’ girlfriend end up in MI6?” He asked as he caught up to you. You took one glance at him before speaking.

“How does an orphan get put through Oxford and end up in MI6?” You returned, and he looked at you in shock.

“How did you know that?” He asked.

“Simple deduction.” You continued walking.

“Okay so you’re smart, but are you physically capable to do this?” He asked and you rolled your eyes, and held up his watch that you had snagged when you brushed past him in the doorway.

“Jesus, you’re good.” He grabbed it back. “What about weapons?”

“Would I be here if I wasn’t fully capable? I’m more worried that you didn’t notice your watch was gone.” You smirked to him. He laughed.

“I think we’ll get along splendidly.”

Part 54

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[energysolutions]

Detailed guide: Oil and gas: Inspection Strategy and Enforcement Activity has been published on Energy Solutions News

New Post has been published on https://www.energybrokers.co.uk/news/beis/detailed-guide-oil-and-gas-inspection-strategy-and-enforcement-activity-2

Detailed guide: Oil and gas: Inspection Strategy and Enforcement Activity

Overview

The Offshore Safety Directive Regulator (OSDR), a collaboration between OPRED and the HSE, produces yearly intervention plans detailing planned inspections to be undertaken of oil and gas installations. The OPRED contingent of the ODR intervention plan is based on the OPRED Inspection Strategy.

The Offshore Environmental Inspectorate Team, Enforcement Policy applies to all offshore oil and gas installations operating in connection with the exploration, development or production of petroleum that come within the scope of the relevant environmental legislation. This includes production platforms, mobile drilling units, floating production and storage offtake vessels, pipelines, etc.

Inspection Strategy

As part of its regulatory function OPRED undertakes a programme of planned inspections, both at operators and owners’ onshore offices and of offshore oil & gas installations, to ensure compliance with relevant Regulations and permit conditions. It is also to gain assurances that operations are undertaken with due consideration of environmental aspects and impacts and with effective controls to minimise the likelihood of releases to the environment.

OPRED Inspection Strategy (PDF, 296KB, 3 pages)

Enforcement Policy

Inspectors enforce the requirements on operators set out in statutory instruments (regulations) relevant to the protection of the offshore environment which include:

The regulation, using Permits with conditions, of the activities of discharge and use of offshore chemicals, the discharge of oil, and emissions from qualifying offshore combustion installations;

The prohibition on the release of offshore chemicals and oil; and

The requirement for Licensed Operators to have an oil pollution emergency plan

The enforcement methods available to Inspectors are detailed in the relevant legislation and include: a warning letter, the serving of an Enforcement, Improvement or Prohibition Notice, revocation of a Permit and Prosecution. This Policy sets out the general principles that Inspectors shall follow in relation to enforcement including prosecution.

The Offshore Environmental Civil Sanctions Regulations 2018

The Offshore Environmental Civil Sanctions Regulations 2018 (the 2018 Regulations) enable OPRED to impose civil sanctions on offshore oil and gas companies who are found to be in breach of some existing environmental regulations. The 2018 Regulations entered into force on 01 October 2018 and OPRED will consider the imposition of a civil penalty for relevant offences committed on or after 01 November 2018.

The introduction of the 2018 Regulations provides OPRED with a more flexible, proportionate and timely enforcement response in respect of breaches that amount to criminal offences and would otherwise be dealt with by prosecution. The 2018 Regulations also allow OPRED to accept undertakings from offshore operators to take action for the benefit of any person affected by the offence (including payment of a sum of money) and for this to be taken into account in setting the variable monetary penalty for the most serious breaches.

The 2018 Regulations will help to ensure that OPRED has the ability to provide sufficient deterrent against non-compliance and tackle the behaviour of those who continue to perform poorly or ignore their environmental responsibilities.

The following guidance document is designed to set out how OPRED will apply the civil sanctions regime under the 2018 Regulations; how it makes decisions, and the processes followed by it:

The Offshore Environmental Civil Sanctions Regulations 2018 - Guidance Document (PDF, 337KB, 24 pages)

OPRED (BEIS)has a statutory obligation under the Environment and Safety Information Act 1988 to maintain a public register of certain Notices.

The Public Registers of Enforcement Activity are a new addition to OPRED(BEIS)’s Oil and Gas Website and have been introduced to bring this area in line with our policy on publication of data. The registers outline the formal Enforcement Activity undertaken by OPRED(BEIS) in respect of offshore oil and gas operations on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS).

Under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, OPRED(BEIS) is committed to make available, on request, information about its actions and decisions, which includes information on formal Enforcement Activity.

The information provided within the registers will be subject to release and publication in accordance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).

OPRED(BEIS) Enforcement Activity falls into four main categories; Letters, Enforcement/Improvement and Prohibition Notices, Permit Revocation, and Prosecution. The OPRED(BEIS) Public Register of Enforcement Improvement and Prohibition Notices and the OPRED(BEIS) Public Register of Convictions are available by clicking on the relevant link(s).

OPRED(BEIS)Public Registers of Enforcement Activity and Prohibition Notices

The OPRED(BEIS) Offshore Environmental Inspectorate enforces offshore oil and gas environmental regulations and permit conditions. On occasion OPRED(BEIS) may require offshore permit holders and/or licensed operators to make improvements by issuing them with a Notice; either an Enforcement Notice or Improvement Notice which allows time for the recipient to comply with prescribed conditions or a Prohibition Notice which prohibits an activity from occurring until remedial action has been taken.

An Enforcement Notice or an Improvement Notice may be issued where the Secretary of State is of the opinion that:

any condition of a permit has been contravened, is being contravened or is likely to be contravened; or

a release or a discharge without a permit has occurred , is occurring or is likely to occur

Each Enforcement Notice and Improvement Notice will identify the steps to be taken to remedy or prevent the contravention/release or discharge and will specify the period within which those steps must be taken.

A Prohibition Notice may be issued where the Secretary of State is of the opinion that the operation of an offshore installation involves an imminent risk of serious pollution. Each Prohibition Notice will specify the steps to be taken to remove the risk involved in the operation of the offshore installation before operations are allowed to be undertaken again.

The issue of an Enforcement Notice and/or a Prohibition Notice does not prevent other Enforcement Activity, such as Prosecution, being progressed if this is deemed appropriate.

The OPRED(BEIS) Public Register of Enforcement, Improvement and Prohibition Notices includes all notices issued in the last five years. Notices that are older than five years old are available on request. To account for the appeals process and quality assurance there is a 5 week period following the date of issue of a Notice prior to publication of the Notice details on this register. Where OPRED(BEIS) are notified of an appeal outside this time period, details of the Notice will be removed from the register. Notices that have been appealed will not appear on the register until after the appeal has been disposed.

Register of Enforcement and Prohibition Notices - (last updated 29/08/2017)

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Notice Number Operator Notice Type Legislation Issue Date 010/2018 (PDF, 65.1KB, 1 page) CNR International (U.K.) Limited Enforcement Regulation 13(1) of The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 20 June 2018 007/2018 (PDF, 46.8KB, 1 page) Bumi Armada UK Ltd Enforcement Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Sections 21, 23 and 24 18 May 2018 030/2017 (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 11.1KB) Nexen Petroleum U.K. Limited Enforcement Regulation 13(1A) of The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 19 December 2017 0022/2017 (PDF, 95.2KB, 1 page) ENI UK LTD Ltd Enforcement Regulation 13(1) of The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 19 July 2017 004/2017 (PDF, 93.3KB, 1 page) Statoil (U.K.) Limited Enforcement Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Sections 21, 23 and 24 03 February 2017 033/2016 (PDF, 94.6KB, 1 page) BP Exploration Operating Company Limited Enforcement Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention And Control) Regulations 2005 13 October 2016 032/2016 (PDF, 95.5KB, 1 page) Nexen Petroleum U.K. Limited Enforcement Regulation 13(1A) of The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 27 September 2016 031/2016 (PDF, 180KB, 1 page) Maersk Oil North Sea UK Limited Enforcement Regulation 25(1)(a)(i) of the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015 29 June 2016 028/2016 (PDF, 185KB, 1 page) Total E&P UK Ltd Enforcement Regulation 25(1)(a)(i) of the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015 29 June 2016 030/2016 (PDF, 178KB, 1 page) ENI Liverpool Bay Operating Company Ltd Enforcement Regulation 13(1A) of The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 24 June 2016 031/2015 (PDF, 95.9KB, 1 page) CNR International (U.K) Ltd Enforcement Regulation 13(1A) of the OPPC Regs 2005 13 November 2015 023/2015 (PDF, 94.5KB, 1 page) Marathon International Oil (GB) Limited Enforcement Regulation 16(1A) of the OCR Regs 2002 12 August 2015 002/2014 (PDF, 93.3KB, 1 page) Chevron North Sea Limited Enforcement Reg 3A of the OPPC regs 2005 12 November 2014 001/2014 (PDF, 94.1KB, 1 page) Britannia Operator Limited Enforcement Regulations 16A (1) & 16A (1A) of the OCR Regs 2002 as amended 03 September 2014

OPRED(BEIS) Register of Civil Santions

##OPRED(BEIS) Register of Convictions This is a register of prosecution cases resulting in successful conviction which have been brought by OPRED(BEIS) against offshore permit holders and/or licensed operators in respect of the relevant environmental legislation administered. In general, Prosecutions are pursued where OPRED(BEIS) consider: * the gravity of the alleged offence, taken together with the seriousness of any actual or potential pollution justifies this approach; or * the general record and approach of the alleged offender warrants it; or * there has been a reckless disregard of requirements enforced by the legislation. The register includes Prosecutions brought by OPRED(BEIS) in the last five years. Details of ongoing Prosecution cases and any convictions subject to appeal will not be published. To account for the appeals process there is a delay of 9 weeks following conviction before a case is added to the register. Details of Prosecutions will appear on this register for a period of five years after which they are removed from the register and are available on request. ### Register of Convictions

Company penalty imposed upon Details of the regulation breached Amount of penalty Date issued Incident Report No. Operator Legislation

[pkansa]

What happens when you as a small micro-brand want to make the ultimate dive watch? The first step is, how do you define ‘ultimate’? Orange Watch Company (OWC) makes their vision a reality by optimizing each part for its job. What’s that even mean?

For OWC, it means obsessively picking the best part for the job, even if it means bucking tradition. Spring bars are weak, lousy, and prone to failure under strain. They’re annoying to remove and insert. What do they get replaced with? Torx head screws.

The bezel and crown are meant to have grip for turning. On other watches, you tend to get coin edge or scalloped finishing, because that’s what Rolex, Tudor, and Omega do. Here on the 6538 model, for maximum grip, OWC uses an even diamond knurled pattern. For their Snowflake model, they do pay homage to tradition and use the coin edge crown and scalloped bezel as most dive watches do.

The bracelet is high quality, and rather than use pins or tiny flathead screws that strip to attach just a few adjustable links, again, OWC goes a little nuts. Every link is removable with Torx head screws. The bracelet is non-tapering, which is a shame; personally, I prefer the comfort of a bracelet that tapers to a narrower clasp.

The strap is made from 100% kangaroo leather. It’s some of the softest, most supple, leather we’ve ever had the pleasure to wear.

You see, so far, how every part that’s acceptable in traditional dive watches is replaced with a part that can either take more abuse, or is higher specification?

That means we have to talk about the movement. This is a point that tends to enrage watch purists, because there’s the feeling that somehow, a Swiss watch that’s been blessed by being made where watchsmiths purify themselves in the waters of Lake Neuchatel is intrinsically better.

While there is no doubt that Swiss craftsmanship is excellent, and that historically, Switzerland has been a center for watchmaking, we shouldn’t overlook the influence of the rest of the world: Remember that the Swiss came to the US in the heyday of American watchmaking to learn from the likes of Hamilton and Elgin. It’s also worth remembering that the Swiss canceled the Swiss Chronometry contests in the 1960s, when Seiko started entering and winning.. Knowing that, it should come as no surprise that Chinese movement production exists in sort of a quantum state: there are some very poor quality movements, some very good movements (especially after QC testing), and people who are fans of the Swiss reputation that feel threatened or offended by their use.

But when you’re choosing the movement based on performance as opposed to country of origin, it makes sense to explore the Chinese offerings and use a Seagull that follows the ETA 2892-A2 design. Provided it’s been checked for quality and performs properly, it turns out to be an excellent movement, especially for running a superior dive watch.

However, due to the un-deserved reputation of Chinese movements, OWC now uses the Swiss Soprod A-10 (similar to the 2892) entirely. (The ‘Movements’ page makes a lone reference to the Seagull, “ETA 2892-A2 clone – Seagull ST-1812 – Now deleted.”) The point is, the single-minded focus is on choosing superior parts based on their performance, not their country of origin alone, whether it’s the case design, or the movement.

Speaking of case design, OWC’s cases are true compressors. The function of a compressor case is that the case back isn’t tightened fully against a rubber seal to form the water-resistance needed for depth. Instead, the caseback tightens against the case as the pressure increases with greater depths. It is inspired by the cases made by EPSA in the 1960s, but doesn’t have the two crowns associated with compressor watches. Instead, the watch is equipped with the screw-down crown, a crystal retaining ring, top and bottom O-rings (many watches use just a bottom O-ring), all of which contribute to the water resistance under pressure.

I had the chance, courtesy of a good friend, to borrow the OWC 6538 BOND model for an extended period of time. A few years ago, every microbrand was making their homage to the 6538 Rolex, the Submariner that Sean Connery wore in his turn as 007. The 6538 Rolex Submariner is characterized by being a tool watch more than the jewelry that later Submariners became. There are no crown guards. The crown is hugely oversized even by today’s standards. It’s an 8mm crown, where the common thing on watches of that time period was 4 or 5mm. The big crown looks even bigger mounted on the 38mm Submariner, as opposed to later 40mm models.

The OWC 6538 uses the modern 40mm size, gives it the same large 8mm crown without crown guards, but changes the knurling to a diamond hatching. The original Rolex used a wide coin edge on the bezel and crown, and here, the bezel uses the same diamond knurling. The bezel action is grippy, and precise. The dial is a matte black, and the sapphire crystal is double AR coated. This means that instead of seeing the sun reflecting on the crystal, you see the dial itself. It’s fantastic, and looking it at is like looking at a watch that doesn’t have a crystal on it. Again, if the purpose is time-telling, this is the best way to do it.

That’s really what this amounts to: The Orange Watch Company starts with a singular vision of the end goal, makes every part optimized for its best performance, and that’s the watch. It’s a watch where there are as few compromises as possible, and the few that are present are in the name of making the watch perform better.

If you want a no-compromises, purpose-first watch with style, I’d have to tell you to look no further than the OWC (Orange Watch Company) MS-6538 BOND. If you’re more classically-looks driven and like snowflake hands, the MS-9411 SNOWFLAKE model could be a good answer for you. In either case, these are serious, everything-done-right-or-not-at-all watches. Check them out at orangewatchcompany.com

Watch Overview

Brand & Model: OWC MS-6538 BOND

Price: pricing starts at $

Who we think it might be for: You like a classically inspired tool watch with no compromises.

Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: Yes. It’s the right movement, the right watch. I lean between it and the MS-9411

If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: I want to make a hybrid model, MS-6538 dial in MS-9411 case, without the crown-guards. But we don’t always get what we want. All of the offerings OWC makes are cool.

What spoke to me the most about this watch: The zero-compromises-given attitude

Tech Specs from Orange Watch Company

Case size: 40mm

Height: 12.9mm

Case material: steel

Crystal: sapphire

Strap: stainless steel, iconic kangaroo leather

Movement: Swiss Soprod A10

Zero Compromises Given: The Orange Watch Co 6538 BOND What happens when you as a small micro-brand want to make the ultimate dive watch? The first step is, how do you define 'ultimate'?

[gokinjeespot]

off the rack #1167

Monday, June 19, 2017

 Time. Constantly moving forward no matter what. There comes a point in one's life when you notice the passage of time. For me it started with people I know getting married. Then it was seeing them having children of their own. It seemed like all of a sudden I was attending funerals. I started retailing comic books in 1980 feeling like the luckiest nerd in the world and I'm still doing it part time thanks to Heather at Comet Comics and my partner Chris at Jee-Riz Comics & Appraisals. I believe it helps to keep me young. I think I'll have my ashes bagged and boarded with my lucky headband after I've shuffled off this mortal coil.

 Action Comics #981 - Dan Jurgens (writer) Jack Herbert (art) Hi-Fi (colours) Rob Leigh (letters). The Superman Revenge Squad recruits their latest member and this megalomaniac will pose the biggest threat to the Man of Steel in a while. Not a good time for Superman to suffer from an unexpected handicap. He's going to need a little help from his friends now and Dan gives us hints as to who they are throughout this issue.

 Weapon X #4 - Greg Pak (writer) Greg Land (pencils) Jay Leisten (inks) Frank D'Armata (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). Well the gang's all here plus the Totally Awesome Hulk. The surprise reveal of the villain just made me go meh.

 Jimmy's Bastards #1 - Garth Ennis (writer) Russ Braun (art) John Kalisz (colours) Rob Steen (letters). The title of this new book made me wonder what it was about because it seemed to be a James Bond 007 parody with the patented over the top Garth Ennis sex and violence that we came to know and love in The Boys. Turns out that Jimmy, the MI6 super spy, has sired enough illegitimate children that they have gathered together for a big family reunion. Boy, do these kids have daddy issues.

 Defenders #1 - Brian Michael Bendis (writer) David Marquez (art) Justin Ponsor (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). I suppose that this is the comic book version of the upcoming Netflix TV show because it reads like a first episode where all the major characters are introduced. Well, the heroes at least. I don't know if the villains in here will show up on the show. I have yet to watch the second season of Daredevil, Luke Cage or Iron Fist but I am familiar with them and Jessica Jones so there's no need for me to binge the TV shows to get into what's going on in this comic book. A bad guy attacks the four friends and has a secret weapon which seems to give him a huge advantage. Who needs the Fantastic Four when you've got these guys?

 Dark Days: The Forge #1 - Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV (writers) Jim Lee, Andy Kubert & John Romita Jr. (pencils) Scott Williams, Klaus Janson & Danny Miki (inks) Alex Sinclair with Jeremiah Skipper (colours) Steve Wands (letters). This is the start of DC's big crossover event for 2017. It all revolves around a mysterious metal of alien origin from near the dawn of time. Carter Hall/Hawkman starts things off but most of this is in the hands of Batman. The most interesting aspect of this mystery is the appearance of a villain who we haven't seen on the racks in a while. I'm more interested in another character that hasn't been around who will add some levity do these grim proceedings. He's the main reason that I'll be checking out this new crisis.

 Briggs Land: Lone Wolves #1 - Brian Wood (writer) Mack Chater (art) Lee Loughridge (colours) Nate Piekos (letters). The family of antigovernment secessionists is back on the racks and they are in a whole new mess of trouble. Two lost hikers are found trespassing and the bad guys decide to do something stupid. I find the politics in this series very interesting.

 Kingpin #5 - Matthew Rosenberg (writer) Ben Torres (art) Jordan Boyd (colours) VC's Travis Lanham (letters). If you thought you were going to get more insight into the life of Wilson Fisk by reading this mini you will be disappointed. This focused more on the reporter Sarah Dewey whose life isn't even as interesting as Ben Urich's.

 Wonder Woman #14 - Greg Rucka (writer) Bilquis Evely (art) Romulo Fajardo Jr. (colours) Jodi Wynne (letters). This epilogue to "Godwatch" wraps up Doctor Cale's futile attempt to rescue her daughter and seals the fate of the Cheetah. I've grown annoyed with the alternating past and present storylines with each issue hitting the racks so unless the next present story is really good I will bench this book.

 American Gods #4 - Neil Gaiman (writer) P. Craig Russell (script & layouts) Scott Hampton (art) Rick Parker (letters). I read the novel recently and it's interesting to see how the art is being interpreted. There is a side story about pixies in the book that Colleen Doran does the writing and art for in this issue. If you like Colleen's work here please give "A Distant Soil" a look see.

 All-New Wolverine #21 - Tom Taylor (writer) Leonard Kirk (pencils) Cory Hamscher & Terry Pallot (inks) Michael Garland (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). The end of "Immune" could be the end of Laura. I think Tom handled Deadpool's appearance well. I would read Deadpool if Tom wrote it.

 Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps #22 - Robert Venditti (writer) Ethan Van Sciver (art) Jason Wright (colours) Dave Sharpe (letters). Part 1 of "Fracture" starts off showing us a planet that's a big bank in a comic book about an intergalactic police force. You just know it's going to get robbed. The space pirates are just a way of introducing the mystery that will tear the Lanterns apart if I read the title of this story right. Ethan's art is the reason that I keep reading this book. I do consider benching it when another artist is drawing it.

 Betty & Veronica #3 - Adam Hughes (story & art) Jose Villarrubia (colours) Jack Morelli (letters). There's a really great twist that ends this story about a feud between B&V. Now I wish Adam would do a Josie and the Pussycats story.

 Uncanny Avengers #24 - Jim Zub (writer) Kim Jacinto (art) Tamra Bonvillain (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). I debated whether I was going to continue reading this title after artist Pepe Larraz finished his run but decided to give new writer Jim a shot because I like this team. He did a good job of showing these heroes in action for this Secret Empire tie-in and Kim's art is quite nice. I think I'll stick around for a bit.

 Detective Comics #958 - James Tynion IV (writer) Alvaro Martinez (pencils) Raul Fernandez (inks) Brad Anderson (colours) Sal Cipriano (letters). Part 1 of "Intelligence" starts a new story centered around team member Azrael. James piqued my curiosity by hinting at a mysterious female guest star and when I got to the last page reveal I was very pleased. Alvaro may not be as eye pleasing as Adam Hughes but he did a good job drawing her. I am going to read the rest of this story just to see her in action. The scene with Cassandra reciting Shakespeare was cute.

 Ms. Marvel #19 - G. Willow Wilson (writer) Marco Failla (art) Ian Herring (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). The 4-part "Mecca" starts here. The subject matter is apropos of the current immigration climate in the USA right now. I like to think that comic book fandom is well informed and open minded so I hope that Willow's views are generally supported and there aren't too many negative reactions to this story.

 Star Wars #32 - Jason Aaron (writer) Salvador Larroca (art) Edgar Delgado (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). Uh-oh, some of the good guys change sides in part 4 of "Screaming Citadel". This should have been a Doctor Aphra book because she plays a big part in the adventure.

 Hulk #7 - Mariko Tamaki (writer) George Duarte (art) Matt Milla (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). New artist George Duarte does an excellent job. I am still enjoying watching Jennifer work through her trauma. She Hulks out but only to blow off some steam. The surprise visit from a friend was nice. If the last page is any indication, there is going to be plenty of smashing next issue.