Wings Over Atreia: Free 2 pain

For the second time in less than a month, NCsoft has shown wanton disregard for my already-prepared comments for the week, derailing the scheduled Wings Over Atreia with some out-of-the-blue announcement. And not just any announcement, but one that can have a profound effect on Aion in the coming months. What is this announcement, you say? Shall I help you out from that rock you've been slumbering under? Why, last Wednesday's bold free-to-play announcement, of course!

Now, before hyperventilation sets in -- either from glee or disgust -- note that there are set parameters to this specific conversion, including first and foremost that it is for the European market only. And while details aren't exactly pouring forth, there are a few tidbits to pass along, just enough to whet the appetite of future F2P Daevas or enrage current ones.

Breathe into the paper bag and join me past the break for a look at the details that have been revealed and some thoughts on those that have not!

Given such a major announcement but few details, I am sure readers have some questions. Never fear, MJ is here! I shall guide you through what information is currently out there and offer some basic translation/personal commentary/wild speculation. Using my elite powers of information-gathering (no, I really don't have a captured developer locked down in my basement, but that's a good idea...), I bring you The Word.

So here's the scoop: Come February 2012, Aion will convert to a free-to-play subscription model in the European market. What does this mean for folks on that side of the pond? According to the PR machine, it means little will change except opening the market up to a wider audience. In fact, NCsoft expects that there will soon be plenty more Deavas flocking to Atreia for grouping and PvP goodness. Well, ignoring the likelihood of a launch-day fiasco, who can argue against more compatriots and more enemies filling out the server? Other than that, NCsoft's devs were quick to say that little would change for current players.

Surely there is more to it than that, you say. But of course, I reply! Though stop calling me Shirley. Of the details revealed, the outline of the payment models captured my interest most. There will be three distinct levels: Starters (the free group), Veteran, and Gold Pack. The free group is -- drum roll -- free! There will be no cost to sign up, install, or start playing. Starters will have access to every class, level, quest, region, and all equipment in the game. Sounds like a far cry from what many other free-to-play models offer, right? The Veteran group will be comprised of all those who have ever bought and subscribed to Aion in the past, whether the subscription is active or not. This group will enjoy privileges similar to the Gold Pack. The Gold Pack will be a temporary purchase that gives Daevas "full functionality" as well as bonuses like higher AP payouts and (see below) shorter instance cooldown timers.

Two Arrested After Allegedly Found With Heroin in Vehicle

After police allegedly found a number of hypodermic needles, a small quantity of heroin and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle of a Newtown woman, she, along with her 25-year-old passenger were arrested on drug charges in Butler Monday.

Ashley N. Labar, 20, of Newtown, the driver of the vehicle, was charged with possession of heroin, unlawful possession of a hypodermic syringe, failure to maintain a lane, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle and issued a violation for improper installation of a rear view mirror. The passenger of the vehicle, Henry R. Fedder, 25, of Franklin, was charged with possession of heroin, unlawful possession of a hypodermic syringe and failure to wear a seatbelt.

Police said they stopped the vehicle near the intersection of Boonton Avenue and Route 23 North after they allegedly noticed the driver driving erratically and the passenger not wearing a seatbelt. Police said Ptl. Jarred Schmiedhauser noticed the passenger allegedly moving as if they were attempting to hide something while speaking to Labar.

Upon further investigation, police said they allegedly noticed the hypodermic needles.

Both were arrested and transported to the Butler police station. Bail was set at $10,000 for both with a 10 percent option, although police said neither were able to post bail and were transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility. The Butler Police Department was also assisted by the Kinnelon Police Department in the arrest.

UCF Professor wins Gates grant for needle-free vaccines

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has granted University of Central Florida Professor Henry Daniell a two-year, $761,302 grant to support work which could result in less expensive, needle-free vaccines.

Daniell's vaccine production method uses genetically engineered tobacco and lettuce plants that are ground up and added to vaccines. But instead of using traditional needles, the vaccine is delivered in a capsule. This method of vaccine development is faster than fermentation and easier than using inactivated or avirulent forms of bacteria or viruses because no refrigeration is required. That's a key to successfully delivering vaccines to the poorest parts of the world.

The grant will help Daniell continue his research on developing a new polio vaccine based on this method. But the technique could also be applied to more common diseases like malaria, cholera, dengue, anthrax and plague in the future, a release notes.

"If this proceeds as we expect, it will revolutionize how vaccines are made," Daniell said. "We're currently using decades-old technology that is expensive and inefficient. Our new process is a game changer that could make a global difference."