Weekend Hot Topic, part 2: Least favourite video game genre - Metro.co.uk

Fighting games can be hard to get into (pic: Capcom)

Readers discuss the video game genres they’ve never been able to enjoy, from MMOs to waking simulators.

The subject for this week’s Hot Topic was suggested by reader Olliephant, who asked whether there’s a particular game that put you off a genre and what it is exactly that you don’t like about it.

Everyone seemed to have at least one type of game they never enjoy, although curiously some people had multiple – seemingly leaving more they avoid than those they enjoy.

Long-standing concept
I’d have to say fighting games for me. It’s not that I don’t like them exactly but they’re just so cliquey in terms of the existing audience and the games’ refusal to explain anything to you. GC always points out in their reviews how they never have proper tutorials and even the tiny few that do seem to have this air of assumption that you know what’s going on and are already a fan.

I’d like to play them, but I don’t know how and if the game can’t be bothered to tell me then I can’t be bothered to play it. Also, too many don’t have a proper single-player mode, which is even more off-putting because whenever you play online everyone’s using the same couple of characters and it gets boring real quick.

The other problem – and this I admit is not necessarily the developers’ fault – is that the whole genre hasn’t seen any meaningful innovation since Street Fighter 2 a gazillion years ago. Or Virtua Fighter if you want to be generous and say 3D games are any different. I don’t know how you’d update the concept, but it doesn’t seem as if anyone ever really tries.
Lordo

Massive multiplayer overrated
I will never in a million years understand the appeal of MMOs. I kind of get the description of ‘graphical chat room’ but even that implies that the gameplay is just getting in the way of what you’re really there for. I’ve tried World Of Warcraft a couple of times and it is so painfully boring to me that it almost seemed like some sort of joke.

There’s no skill to it, it’s insanely repetitive, and the whole game is extremely ugly. I haven’t played any other MMOs but looking and reading about them it doesn’t seem to be much different there. It’s just not for me I guess, but then no-one likes everything, eh?
Gacha

Similar roles
I can’t stand Japanese role-players, I don’t mind admitting it. Especially ones with turn-based combat and/or random battles. It’s probably because I don’t like anime but I don’t like the long-winded storytelling and the fact that every character is always an over-excited teenager. It doesn’t help that the games always seem to go on for 60 hours at a minimum.

The combat isn’t interesting, the stories aren’t interesting, and the characters aren’t interesting, plus the setting always seems to be some interchangeable high fantasy world that’s always exactly the same. Not that Western ones are much better (please, no more post-apocalyptic worlds!) but at least the action tends to be interesting, even if nothing else is.

Persona is the one that I’ve come the closest to enjoying, but its combat is bog standard turn-based and it’s even more long-winded than others I’ve tried.
Cozstar

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Anti-game
It’s not a genre exactly but can I say mobile games, or anything else that uses a touchscreen? Mobile games are obviously much worse though because they’re always full of microtransactions and really disgusting methods for teasing money out of people, like gacha collecting and timers. Really, everything about mobile gaming seems a disgusting perversion of the real thing, a negative image where everything that’s great about games is never allowed to happen.

I don’t know what you’d call Clash Of Clans (a strategy game?) but that kind is the absolute worse, where there’s zero strategy and everything is about how long you can last without given in to the temptation of spending more money. Disgusting.
Focus

Interactive storytelling
Walking simulators. Easily. Don’t like video games but, for some reason, want to dedicate your life to making them anyway? Then make a walking simulator! You don’t need to know anything about gameplay, because they don’t have any, but you do need to be a failed scriptwriter taking out your frustrations that you never got a book published, or film script made. Game standards are much lower though so you’ll be fine.

Also, if you can’t think up an original way to make your game work just have someone slowly walk around a house reading scraps of paper that its inhabitants have, inexplicably, left lying around the house for no reason whatsoever.

I’m not sure if Telltale games count as the same thing but they’re just as bad. Why even pretend they’re interactive if the interactive parts have no bearing on anything that happens?
Polre54

Short list
To be honest, it’d be easier to list the number of genres I do enjoy, which would be first and third person adventures and open world games. I wouldn’t say I actively disliked other genres, but I very rarely play them and one I do decide to give one a try I rarely end up enjoying it.

I’m a philistine, I’m happy to admit it, but I have limited time and I prefer to spend it on games I know I’ll enjoy.
Endel

More: Gaming

A preference against
It’s a bit of a tough one regarding genres, as there is something I like from each one really. It’s easier for me to look at it from the genres I don’t get too often, like Street Fighter style fighting games, strategy games, or games like Japanese strategy role-players and Western real-time strategy western. I have nothing against them, apart from the time and patience to learn them properly.

The problem with the above is that normal Japanese and Western strategy role-players can take up a lot of your time up. Strategy and more emphasis on tactical battles, and the positioning of characters/units etc. which are not too rich in exploration and story, are a turn off also. I would probably like them if I gave them a proper go, like Disgaea, Fire Emblem, and Valkyrie Chronicles, though the last one mentioned was very good and I enjoyed a lot.

Total War games, Age of Empires, and StarCraft do look absolutely amazing, and I love watching streamers on Twitch getting through these games. Consoles are just not really suited for this genre really. Having a tactical mind and a love for complex options are a must for these, but I don’t really have that particular type of mindset.

I liked tabletop gaming back in the day and they were pretty complex to get use too, and a load of time was spent on these after school or during the holidays. Painting the models and using them in your games was very tangible and thrilling for us all. But I did not get the same feeling playing the same type of style on the screen.

Games like Dune 2 and Command & Conquer were played very early on in my life on a PC Intel 486 computer. I enjoyed them but I did not carry on, as more instant Mario and Zelda gaming thrills took my fancy instead. So no dislike, just lacking the time and patience on my side.
Alucard

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The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

MORE : Weekend Hot Topic, part 1: Least favourite video game genre

MORE : Games Inbox: Call Of Duty 2021 delay, The Ascent co-op, and Halo Infinite Technical Preview details

MORE : Games Inbox: PS5 beating Xbox Series X, Activision Blizzard boycott, and Hardcore Henry

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Masks in school? Topic reignites after CDC guidance change - The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel

The Board of Directors of the Mesa County Medical Society sent a letter to School District 51 and the Board of Education on July 23 with one simple message: Please add more COVID-19 mitigation strategies in schools this year.

This came after District 51 changed many of its practices when it released its back to school plan for the 2021-22 school year. That sparked concern from the 19-member Board.

“We’re not asking for School District 51 to totally return to what they had last year. It wasn’t fun for anyone,” said Dr. Chris Taggart, a medical professional for 14 years who spoke on behalf of Medical Society. “We just want some reasonable accommodations.”

The letter was drafted after members approached Medical Society leadership with concerns over the strategies, or lack thereof, within the plan.

Taggart, who has kids of his own, said the organization has yet to receive a response from the school board or district staff. Taggart emphasized that he was not speaking on behalf of his employer, Family Health West.

Taggart said Medical Society members were alarmed by the mask mandate being suspended for children under 12, who are not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. Cohorting strategies at elementary schools are suggested by the plan when possible, which Taggart and other experts say are effective in limiting the spread of the virus.

That was especially frustrating for Taggart after what he called a successful return to school last year.

“While we understand that you have competing concerns, we believe that the health and safety of the students, staff and visitors in your buildings needs to be paramount,” the letter says. “In reality, what you did last year with cohorting, masking and so forth worked and we fear that the proposed changes will only result in more COVID outbreaks, school closures, less in-person learning time, more mental illness, more COVID disease in our community and increased morbidity and mortality.”

Four days after the letter was penned, the Centers for Disease Control changed its guidance, recommending that vaccinated individuals in areas at a significant or high risk for spread of the delta variant — which includes Mesa County — and that everyone in schools should wear a mask.

District 51 declined to comment when the guidance was issued, saying that no changes to the plan had yet been made.

Taggart said that medical group understands the position the district is in and that few people, if any, enjoyed last year’s restrictions.

“We are afraid of the health consequences to our community if cases spike again and outbreaks happen, and part of our role as physicians is to look out for the health of our community Taggart said. “Our whole point is to come to reasonable accommodations.”

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Masks in school? Topic reignites after CDC guidance change - The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
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Weekend Hot Topic, part 1: Least favourite video game genre - Metro.co.uk

Fortnite – not everyone likes it (pic: Epic Games)

Readers discuss the video game genres they’ve never been able to enjoy, from Japanese role-players to fighting games.

The subject for this week’s Hot Topic was suggested by reader Olliephant, who asked whether there’s a particular game that put you off a genre and what it is exactly that you don’t like about it.

Everyone seemed to have at least one type of game they never enjoy, although curiously some people had multiple – seemingly leaving more they avoid than those they enjoy.

Free excuse
I don’t know if this is controversial or not but I do not see the appeal of battle royale games. Remember that time when we thought they’d be everywhere, as the next bandwagon for publishers to jump on? And then that mysteriously never happened?

The only ones that are still popular are Fortnite, Warzone, and Apex Legends and what do they all have in common? They’re free. So clearly battle royale is not popular enough for people to actually pay for them, which says a lot. Especially as the likes of Battlefield 2042 and Halo Infinite are refusing to put them in their games.

I have tried them plenty of times – they are free, after all – but spending 10 minutes walking through a field, not seeing a soul, only to be instantly shot and killed by someone you never saw is not my idea of fun. I suppose I could try and git gud at it but apart from anything I don’t particularly want to be the one ruining someone else’s day with a cheap shot.
Baker

Snake? Snake??!!!
For me it’s stealth games. And this is going to sound mean but I’m glad they’ve fallen out fashion. Obviously I don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun but for a few years there the likes of Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell were the hot thing in gaming, which meant that every single action game had to end up having a stealth section, even if it made no sense whatsoever and there was nothing else like that in the rest of the game.

This was awful as, even ignoring the fact that I just don’t like stealth they always tended to be super hard, I guess because the developer didn’t really have any experience with that kind of gameplay and had just done what it could (probably at the behest of a publisher, I realise now).

So in all it’s forms, stealth is the one I don’t like. It’s a gameplay idea that basically involves you being rewarded for doing as little as possible. When my choices are playing an exciting action game or hiding in a cupboard for five minutes I know what I’d go for.
Glud

Arcade or nothing
I guess it’s sports for me but I wouldn’t dream of playing any of them, for any reason, so I guess that doesn’t leave me much to talk about.

My second least favourite is racing games, or rather serious racing games. I don’t mind arcade racers in theory, although there hasn’t been one I really enjoy since Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit and looking it up I find out that was over 10 years ago now.

An arcade racer is fun because you go as fast as you want and crash as much as you want and it doesn’t really matter – exactly the opposite of real life. But racing sims? You’ve got to drive sensibly, the smallest knock does catastrophic damage, and there’s never a turbo boost. You can turn off the assists but if you’re going to do that why no play an actual arcade game, that wants you to have fun, rather than a boring old simulator?
Mailer
PS: Microsoft Flight Simulator sounds even worse, you literally do nothing but fly in a straight line.

E-mail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Don’t fight
My least favourite genre has to be the 2D fighting genre.

It’s the pyramid scheme and cigarettes of gaming rolled into one.

You have to learn all these mad, time consuming moves to even play them and be in with a shout, and there’s only one real winner à la pyramid scheme.

Plus, all the constant mad, quick button tapping surely has to cut short life expectancy on gamers’ reflexes a lot earlier than standard gamers. And nowadays the genre itself appears as if it’s a pyramid scheme, with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate being pretty much the winner.

Don’t do it kids, fighters are bad for you.
Tundra_Boosh

GC: We’re lost, what do fighting games have to do with pyramid schemes and cigarettes?

Random battles
For me it’s the Japanese role-playing genre and it’s primarily due to the grinding aspect. I suppose this could also apply to role-playing games in general too, but it seems particularly prevalent in JRPGs. I just don’t like how you’re forced to go and battle random enemies to level up, just to tackle a boss. I don’t know why you just don’t make the boss a lower level or introduce it later on. I don’t mind so much if you can grind via interesting side quests but often it’s just go find enemies and beat them, sometimes offering no challenge at all.

I hadn’t tried one for years due to the above until Yakuza: Like A Dragon came out and I found there to be two huge difficulty spikes which required grinding, which slightly spoiled the game for me. Hearing the news that the Yakuza franchise is going to stick with this approach going forward has put me off getting future instalments, so I think I’m just going to stick with the Judgment series from now on.
Angry_Kurt (Twitter)
Now playing: Zelda: Skyward Sword (Switch) and F1 2021 (Xbox Series X)

Not LOLing now
I’ve never understood the appeal of MOBAs. Maybe it’s a kids thing or something but for League Of Legends being the most popular game in the world I’ve never met a soul that has played it or had anything to say about it.

Since it’s free I gave it a go myself a couple of years and it just seemed a confusing mess that gave me no good reason to try and understand how it works. I assume I must be missing something but I’m fine with not knowing.
Goldie

More: Gaming

What’s left
Writing this made me wonder if I even like gaming, given the number of genres and sub-genres I actively avoid.

I dislike horror across all media, so that’s out straight away. I find most role-playing games too big and directionless, so it’s got to be something really special for me to pick up. Mass Effect 1 and 2 were the last I played and completed, but I never got on with 3 and the bad rep its ending had never compelled me to play on.

While I used to really enjoy racing games, I find they require too much of a time investment to get good at and unlock the best cars. I liked FIFA for a while but their focus on Ultimate Team put me right off, and before that Master League on PES had me hooked every year until PES didn’t translate very well from PlayStation 2 to 3.

The recent discussion about difficulty in Soulsborne games has just reaffirmed to me that I’ll never buy any of them, as games that are too difficult never get played again once I get frustrated with dying over and over again. The most recent (for me) example of this wasn’t even a Soulsborne game but God Of War – the Stranger killed me so many times I gave the disc back to my neighbour there and then, and while I lasted a bit longer in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order being gunned down by even the most basic stormtroopers made me feel far less than the Jedi I was supposed to be, so that went to a galaxy far, far away after the second planet.

Finally, I find first person games far too stressful. I really enjoyed Titanfall, however, primarily because of jetpacks, invisibility, and giant robots rather than the shooting. But then they ruined it with Titanfall 2 by giving one of the mechs a sword, because then most multiplayer games ended up with a bunch of people zooming round the map slashing anything that flinched.

In case you’re wondering, I mostly play Civilization 6 (a lot) and superhero games (so imagine my disappointment when Marvel’s Avengers turned out the way it did…).
StellarFlux

GC: What superhero games?

E-mail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

MORE : Games Inbox: Call Of Duty 2021 delay, The Ascent co-op, and Halo Infinite Technical Preview details

MORE : Games Inbox: PS5 beating Xbox Series X, Activision Blizzard boycott, and Hardcore Henry

MORE : Games Inbox: Worst big video game publisher, Ōkami 2 hopes, and Streets Of Rage 4 DLC love

Follow Metro Gaming on Twitter and email us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk

For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.

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Weekend Hot Topic, part 1: Least favourite video game genre - Metro.co.uk
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Google Discover gains keywords, topic pages in new beta test - MobileSyrup

Google Discover, the weird newsfeed side panel living to the left of the home screen on Pixels and several Android-powered smartphones, is starting to show keywords below articles.

Spotted by 9to5Google, this isn’t the first time Google has tested keywords in Discover. Keywords previously showed up in Discover back in January, but never fully rolled out. It’s possible that was a test ahead of this roll-out (itself a test), but it’s not clear.

Discover keywords appear beneath the headline in little pill-shaped buttons. Most articles have three keywords attached, although some have less. Tapping a keyword surfaces a topic page with a list of other articles connected to that keyword.

Further, the change adds options to the three-dot overflow menu that let users tell Discover if they’re not interested in a particular keyword. Overall, I’d say the ability to fine-tune what Discover surfaces is the real benefit. Previously, users could tell Discover if they were interested in a given article, while the new system could allow users to keep following topics while filtering out related items they don’t care for.

That said, keywords alone likely won’t encourage me to re-enable Discover. I turned it off years ago because it kept showing me MobileSyrup articles that I wrote — very helpful, Google. Occasionally, I check out Discover, but each time I do it’s full of weird click-bait headlines and articles that don’t have anything to do with my actual interests.

9to5 reports that the new keywords are available in the beta version of the Google app’s latest update (version 12.28). I’m on that version, but didn’t have the keywords on my device — it’s possible there’s some A/B testing going on here too, or perhaps a server-side switch.

Image credit: 9to5Google

Source: 9to5Google

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Google Discover gains keywords, topic pages in new beta test - MobileSyrup
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TOPIC PAGE: Coronavirus, oil price direction – impact on chemicals - ICIS

The chemicals and plastics industry is officially on notice. With the EU’s proposal to implement a border tax for certain carbon-intensive imports, and carbon prices expected to rise, the clock is ticking for producers to decarbonise en masse.

Forecasts of sharp increases in the cost of carbon for Europe's chemicals industry highlight the need to plan now for a transition to more efficient production. Tune in to this week's ICIS podcast as Will Beacham interviews Florian Rothenberg, ICIS carbon and power analyst; John Richardson, ICIS senior consultant Asia; and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

Also, as the coronavirus pandemic shifts consumer buying patterns and ship demand surges, containers and tankers have seen a large divergence in demand. Market experts Adam Yanelli and Marta Fern discuss this and more in the following podcast interview by Anna Matherne and Alex Snodgrass.

In another podcast episode, senior reporter Nurluqman Suratman discusses with ICIS principal analyst Patricia Tao on current feedstock issues being faced by some of China's private teapot refineries, following recent government crackdown on crude import quotas trading.

Meanwhile, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) could face demand recovery, fueled by Asia – the key market for the majority of GCC’s PE and PP producers.

China’s PE and PP imports’ markets have remained mostly sluggish through Q2 due to slow finished goods uptake, but plastics’ demand is said to increase from September on seasonal restocking for the Q4 holiday season, with players eagerly awaiting this.

Asia's acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) demand is likely to stay weak until mid-August, when feedstock procurement for the major downstream household appliance sector typically kicks off in earnest.

The Asian purified terephthalic acid (PTA) market is expected to continue to struggle with challenges, amid high container freight costs, growing supply within China, and the coronavirus pandemic.

Lastly, supply of polyacetal (POM) in Europe is expected to remain tight while demand stays firm in the second half of 2021.

Updated on 30 July

On this topic page we analyse the impact of coronavirus and oil price dynamics on chemical markets and bring together the latest news reported by ICIS. 

Scroll down to see the latest interactive graphics, podcasts and videos. 

Click here to register for regular updates to help you navigate these challenging times.

LATEST HEADLINES

OUTLOOK: GCC’s PE, PP players eye demand recovery; pandemic weighs on sentiment
By Veena Pathare 30-Jul-21 10:41 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have had a mixed run in H1 2021 but players gear up for a more promising rest of the year with hopes of a recovery in demand to pre-pandemic levels.

INSIGHT: Carbon clock is ticking for chemicals as border taxes loom
By Joseph Chang 30-Jul-21 05:12 NEW YORK (ICIS)--The chemicals and plastics industry is officially on notice. With the EU’s proposal to implement a border tax for certain carbon-intensive imports, and carbon prices expected to rise, the clock is ticking for producers to decarbonise en masse.

PODCAST: Shipping container supply, demand diverges from chemical tanker market
By Adam Yanelli 29-Jul-21 22:37 HOUSTON (ICIS)--As the coronavirus pandemic shifts consumer buying patterns and ship demand surges, containers and tankers have seen a large divergence in demand.

PODCAST: China private teapot refiners face crude feedstock shortfalls
By Nurluqman Suratman 29-Jul-21 18:00 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--In this episode of the ICIS Asia podcast, senior reporter Nurluqman Suratman discusses with ICIS principal analyst Patricia Tao on current feedstock issues being faced by some of China's private teapot refineries following recent government crackdown on crude import quotas trading.

OUTLOOK: Europe POM demand to remain beefy against tight supply
By Zubair Adam 28-Jul-21 23:36 LONDON (ICIS)--Supply of polyacetal (POM) in Europe is expected to remain tight while demand stays firm in the second half of 2021.

OUTLOOK: Asian PTA faces mounting challenges, high freights, weak fundamentals
By Samuel Wong 28-Jul-21 11:21 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--The Asian purified terephthalic acid (PTA) market is expected to continue to struggle with challenges, amid high container freight costs, growing supply within China, and the coronavirus pandemic.

PODCAST: Mushrooming carbon costs will push Europe chemicals to transform
By Will Beacham 27-Jul-21 22:35 BARCELONA (ICIS)--Forecasts of sharp increases in the cost of carbon for Europe's chemicals industry highlight the need to plan now for a transition to more efficient production.

OUTLOOK: Asia ABS demand to improve from mid-August
By Julia Tan 27-Jul-21 13:54 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia's acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) demand is likely to stay weak until mid-August, when feedstock procurement for the major downstream household appliance sector typically kicks off in earnest.

INSIGHT: OUTLOOK: Asia PET to track upstream pricing, supply and demand uneven
By Hazel Goh 23-Jul-21 14:00 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--The Asia polyethylene terephthalate (PET) market is likely to track upstream price movements amid uneven distribution of supply and demand and shipping challenges.

Uncertainty grips Asian R-PET market
By Arianne Perez 23-Jul-21 12:09 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--As most of Asia continue to grapple with mounting COVID-19 cases, extremely tight supply of post-consumer bottles (PCB) bale feedstock casts uncertainty in the level of production for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) flakes and pellets in the region.

OUTLOOK: Asian PX market continues to face uncertainty in H2 2021
By Samuel Wong 22-Jul-21 12:16 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--An uncertain paraxylene (PX) market in Asia is likely to continue heading into the second half of the year, with balance largely dependent on the run rates at major PX producers in China, amid an unclear upstream outlook.

OUTLOOK: US benzene strengthens into H2 on firm upstream markets, improving derivative demand
By Adam Burkin 22-Jul-21 04:02 HOUSTON (ICIS)--US benzene is strengthening in H2 on firm upstream markets and improving derivative production, as the country’s economic recovery continues.

INSIGHT: OUTLOOK: US PE margins likely to remain elevated in H2
By Zachary Moore 21-Jul-21 23:03 HOUSTON (ICIS)--Margins for US polyethylene (PE) producers are likely to remain at elevated levels through the second half of the year, buoyed by packaging demand and favourable production economics for US producers.

OUTLOOK: Shipping container rates to remain elevated into 2022 as US demand outpaces capacity
By Adam Yanelli 21-Jul-21 01:46 HOUSTON (ICIS)--Shipping container rates have spiked by as much as three or four times since the onset of the pandemic and are likely to remain elevated beyond the Lunar New Year in 2022 as the global demand for goods continues to outpace available capacity.

INSIGHT: Persuading others to change is a huge climate challenge for the energy majors
By Nigel Davis 21-Jul-21 00:06 LONDON (ICIS)--"Climate change is a challenge that requires both urgent action and an approach that is global, collaborative and encourages coordination between all parties,” Shell CEO Ben van Buerden said on Tuesday.

OUTLOOK: Mideast isocyanates supply tightens in H2 as oil, feedstock gain
By Damini Dabholkar 20-Jul-21 13:40 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Supply of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and polymeric methylene diisocyanate (PMDI) to the Middle East is showing some signs of tightening in the second half as upstream oil and feedstock prices strengthen.

PODCAST: Chemical markets may have peaked, expect H2 slowdown
By Will Beacham 20-Jul-21 19:36 BARCELONA (ICIS)--After a stellar first half, global chemical markets may now go into decline, driven by destocking and faltering downstream demand.

SE Asia industries suffer output cuts amid raging COVID-19 battle
By Nurluqman Suratman 2021/07/16 Petrochemical downstream industries in southeast Asia have been running at reduced capacity on poor demand, amid an ongoing battle with the fast-spreading Delta coronavirus variant and slow vaccine rollouts in the region.

Singapore's petrochemical exports rise by 51.2% in June
By Nurluqman Suratman 2021/07/16 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Singapore's petrochemical exports rose by 51.2% year on year to Singapore dollar (S$) 1.33bn in June, supporting the strong growth in overall non-oil domestic exports (NODX), official data showed on Friday.

The continued expansion in overall exports and NODX underlines the continued recovery in global trade demand.

PODCAST: Asia, China's styrene markets could stay in a short-term limbo
Both Asia’s and China's styrene price movements have been affected by cost pressure stemming from firmer upstream benzene and ethylene performance, together with a seasonal lull in China's downstream domestic demand and squeezed styrenics production spreads.

INSIGHT: SE Asia economic recovery at risk from Delta virus variant
By Nurluqman Suratman 2021/07/13 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Rising coronavirus caseloads from the Delta variant and slow vaccination rollouts in key southeast Asian economies may derail their recovery as governments impose fresh restrictions to stem further outbreaks.

While petrochemicals production across the region has not been heavily weighed by restrictions, downstream demand in domestic markets has been badly hit by the resurgence of COVID-19 cases.

PODCAST: China's phenol prices surge in H1 2021, demand to rise sharply in H2
By Yoyo Liu 09-Jul-21 14:13 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--In this episode of the ICIS Asia podcast, analyst Jady Ma speaks with analyst Yoyo Liu about China’s phenol market. Phenol prices surged in H1 on supply tightness and benzene support; demand would surge in H2 amid intensive capacity expansion of BPA and phenolic resins.

Asian R-PET recyclers continue low output on feedstock supply squeeze
By Arianne Perez 09-Jul-21 12:49 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) producers in Asia continue to operate on reduced output rates due to persistent tight availability of post-consumer bottle (PCB) bale feedstock.

OUTLOOK: Asia’s petchem markets hit by ample supply, rise in Delta variant cases
By Felicia Loo 09-Jul-21 10:27 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--The outlook for many Asian chemical markets is geared towards ample supply amid rising cases of the COVID-19 delta variant, which has prompted emergency responses in the region. Demand has been eroded in tandem with the regional economies.

Canada wildfires affect shipments at Port of Vancouver
By Stefan Baumgarten 09-Jul-21 00:32 TORONTO (ICIS)--The wildfires that have been raging in Canada’s British Columbia province in past weeks have begun affecting commodity and other freight rail shipments into the Port of Vancouver, officials said.

INSIGHT: OPEC+ deadlock hits US olefins markets as supplies loosen
By Al Greenwood 08-Jul-21 23:01 HOUSTON (ICIS)--The alliance between OPEC and other oil-producing nations reached a deadlock on a new production agreement right when US olefins supplies were recovering from a year's worth of supply disruptions.

Europe R-PET PCB contamination rising, yields dropping
By Matt Tudball 08-Jul-21 22:32 LONDON (ICIS)--Buyers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) post-consumer bottle bales (PCBs) in Europe have noted a rise in contamination levels over the past few months, resulting in lower yields.

Fire from container ship blast in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port under control
By Ruth Liao 08-Jul-21 06:24 HOUSTON (ICIS)--A fire caused a massive explosion from a container vessel anchored within the port of Jebel Ali early on 8 July, according to a social media post from the Dubai state media office.

Europe's polycarbonate scarcity may draw competition
By Miguel Rodriguez Fernandez 06-Jul-21 22:17 LONDON (ICIS)--The structural lack of polycarbonate (PC) seen in Europe among traditional suppliers this year has prompted many buyers to seek new sellers in other regions.

OUTLOOK: Strong demand, disrupted supply to keep European AA tight
By Mathew Jolin-Beech 06-Jul-21 21:33 LONDON (ICIS)--Tight supply in the European acrylic acid is expected to persist in the second half of this year.

Indonesia chemicals markets slow down on new COVID-19 restrictions
By Nurluqman Suratman 02-Jul-21 12:40 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Indonesia's chemicals markets are expected to slow down as new emergency measures come into effect across major parts of the country from 3-20 July to stem a massive surge in coronavirus cases.

PODCAST: Europe Q3 BDO and PBT to be influenced by supply and import availability
By ICIS Editorial 02-Jul-21 00:32 LONDON (ICIS)--Third-quarter contract price negotiations are underway in the European butanediol (BDO) market and its derivative polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

INSIGHT: Europe petrochemicals disconnect between costs and prices
By Nigel Davis 01-Jul-21 00:22 LONDON (ICIS)--The disconnect between costs and prices is clear across petrochemical markets in Europe as the region suffers from continued coronavirus-led isolation and restricted imports.

Europe ABS supply shortage to continue in July, multiple issues add further pressure
By Stephanie Wix 01-Jul-21 04:07 LONDON (ICIS)--The severe supply shortage affecting the European acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) market is expected to continue into July, caused by low supplier stocks, a backlog of demand, production issues in the supply chain, and an ongoing lack of imports from Asia.

Europe SAN supply shortage to continue into July with lack of imports, backlog of demand
By Stephanie Wix 01-Jul-21 02:12 LONDON (ICIS)--The supply shortage is expected to continue into July in the European styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) market, driven by ongoing upstream production issues, suppliers on allocation, low imports from Asia, and a backlog of demand going back several months.

Asian acrylic acid and acrylates remain firm; supply outlook mixed
By Li Li Chng 30-Jun-21 22:27 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--The Asian acrylic acid (AA) and acrylates markets remain firm, buoyed by a recent plant outage in southeast Asia and a firmer trend for domestic prices in China.

Asia’s fatty acids market lacklustre despite cut in India’s crude palm oil import duty
By Helen Yan 30-Jun-21 16:29 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia’s fatty acids market remained lacklustre as players stayed on the sidelines despite news that India will cut its import duty for crude palm oil and that Indonesia will reduce its export tax and levy for the palm oil complex markets.

PODCAST: Supply chain disruption ripples through chemical markets
By Will Beacham 29-Jun-21 21:12 BARCELONA (ICIS)--Record-high container logistics costs and delays are impacting chemical markets in different ways, with margins spiking in Europe while a massive gap opens up between regional polymer prices.

Middle East's petchems largely face oversupply, sluggish demand
By Felicia Loo 25-Jun-21 12:36 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Middle East's petrochemicals are broadly facing a similar trend of ample supply and thin demand, and this is likely to persist through the summer season.

PODCAST: China PE to see ample supply in H2 after new capacity additions
By Joanne Wang 25-Jun-21 12:01 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--In this episode of the ICIS Asia podcast, analyst Jady Ma speaks with analyst Joanne Wang about China’s PE market.

Asia PVC supply lengthens; regional demand mixed
By Jonathan Chou 25-Jun-21 11:13 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia's polyvinyl chloride (PVC) spot supply has improved from this week while deep-sea availability from the US remained constricted amid signs of mixed demand in the region.

PODCAST: US BD supply shortages persist months after winter storm, limiting availability for SBR
By Amanda Hay 24-Jun-21 23:12 HOUSTON (ICIS)--Shortages of US butadiene (BD) are pressuring domestic styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) prices, with producers caught between insufficient BD supply and unyielding downstream demand from tyre producers.

INSIGHT: Petchems may face longer lead times for parts for outages
By Al Greenwood 24-Jun-21 22:24 HOUSTON (ICIS)--If petrochemical plants and refineries sustain any damage during this year's hurricane season, they may need to wait longer to get replacement parts or spend more money getting them shipped on time.

INSIGHT: US, Europe petchems face uncertain future as Asia, Middle East mega-refineries come onstream
By Will Beacham 23-Jun-21 23:08 BARCELONA (ICIS)--Petrochemicals producers which are non-integrated or attached to older, smaller oil refineries face an uncertain future as new, efficient mega-refineries come onstream in Asia and the Middle East which will accelerate the closure of other facilities.

Supply chains, shortages, inflation biggest risks to US economy – ACC
By Joseph Chang 23-Jun-21 04:26 NEW YORK (ICIS)--Global supply chain constraints, shortages of materials and labour, and inflation are the biggest risks to the US economic outlook, the chief economist of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) said on Tuesday.

Asia's electric vehicle market to surge in 2021 on China growth
By Nurluqman Suratman 22-Jun-21 13:51 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia's electric vehicle (EV) market will continue to grow at a fast pace, supported by strong sales growth in China, as more countries in the region look to support EV uptake to reduce emissions. EV sales in Asia are projected to jump by 78.1% year on year in 2021, up from the estimated growth of just 4.8% last year, Fitch Solutions Risk & Industry Research said.

China’s distillates yield to fall as chemical integration trend accelerates
By Yu Yunfeng 18-Jun-21 11:36 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--An increasing number of refiners in China are shifting their focus from the fuels market where margins are squeezed amid ample supply, to seek better returns in the downstream petrochemicals markets for better value addition.

INSIGHT: US needs rapid recycling growth to meet industry pledges
By Al Greenwood 18-Jun-21 05:09 HOUSTON (ICIS)--The US will need to expand its recycling capacity at a compounded annual growth rate of nearly 40% if it is to meet goals to produce plastic packaging containing 25% post-consumer resins (PCR) by 2025, an analyst with ICIS said.

Europe chemical tanker shipping market faces slow spot interest
By Marta Fern 18-Jun-21 00:54 LONDON (ICIS)-- European chemical tanker market fundamentals have remained broadly unchanged in June, with spot space length caused by sluggish interest coinciding with broadly stable Contract of Affreightment (COA) volumes on most intra-Europe, Transatlantic and Asia-bound routes.

PODCAST: Europe PA value chain supply tightness easing amid healthy demand
By ICIS Editorial 17-Jun-21 17:25 LONDON (ICIS)--The orthoxylene (OX) - phthalic anhydride (PA) - plasticizers value chain has seen a number of supply hiccups in the first half of 2021. Against a background of buoyant demand, tightness has characterised all three markets in the first quarter and the start of the second.

Asia's chemicals a mixed picture post-Dragon Boat Festival holiday
By Felicia Loo 17-Jun-21 15:01 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asian chemicals paint a mixed picture on supply and demand after the recent Dragon Boat Festival against a backdrop of slowing economic data.

INSIGHT: Egypt pins growth hopes on petchems, but questions remain
By Paolo Scafetta 16-Jun-21 21:38 MILAN (ICIS)--Egypt’s potential to become a northern African energy and petrochemicals hub has long been discussed, but question marks remain over whether the political will and business appetite is there to bring the idea to fruition.

Asia crude glycerine to stay subdued; China demand yet to pick up
By Helen Yan 16-Jun-21 14:22 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia’s crude glycerine market is expected to remain subdued in the near term despite the re-opening of the Chinese market following a three-day holiday.

PODCAST: Can industry rise to the challenge of a low carbon future?
By Will Beacham 15-Jun-21 21:26 BARCELONA (ICIS)--The chemical industry faces an uphill battle to transform itself quickly enough for a low carbon future. It is a battle it must win.

East Asia, Pacific growth to rebound to 7.7% in 2021 – World Bank
By Nurluqman Suratman 09-Jun-21 11:48 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Economic growth in the east Asia and Pacific region is projected to strengthen to 7.7% in 2021 from 1.2% last year, primarily reflecting the strong rebound in China, the World Bank said late on Tuesday.

Growth in China is projected to pick up to 8.5% this year, up by 0.6 percentage point from a previous projection, supported by buoyant exports and the relief of pent-up demand amid effective control of the coronavirus outbreak.

Asia manufacturing continues recovery in May despite COVID-19 restrictions
By Nurluqman Suratman 2021/06/04 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Asia's manufacturing sector continued to expand in May despite fresh restrictions imposed to stem a surge in COVID-19 cases in some economies.

US researchers raise prediction on named storms in 2021 Atlantic hurricane season
By Adam Yanelli 2021/06/03 HOUSTON (ICIS)--Hurricane researchers at Colorado State University (CSU) raised their prediction on the number of named storms expected during the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, which began on Tuesday and runs through 30 November.

More than 31m homes at risk to damage from storm surge, winds this hurricane season - CoreLogic
By Adam Yanelli 03/Jun/21 HOUSTON (ICIS)--More than 31m single-family homes along the US Gulf and Atlantic coasts are at elevated risk of damage from storm surge or winds from hurricanes in the 2021 season, which began this week, according to real-estate information provider CoreLogic.

INSIGHT: Spain chemicals hope to make virtue out of pandemic hit in the 2020s
By Jonathan Lopez 2021/06/03 LONDON (ICIS)--The Spanish chemicals industry is hoping for another golden decade as it prepares for the green revolution, despite a worsening political environment where paralysis and instability have become the dominant feature.

Fire-hit container ship off Sri Lanka coast starts to sink
By Pearl Bantillo 2021/06/03 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--The fire-hit container ship off the coast of Sri Lanka has started to sink on Thursday, with no signs of oil or chemical spills detected so far, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) said.

PODCAST: Mid-2021 review and H2 2021 outlook for acetic acid industrial chain
By Jady Ma 03/Jun/21 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--In this episode of the ICIS Asia podcast, analyst Candy Nie speaks with analyst Jady Ma and Anna Xiang about China’s acetic acid industrial chain.

PODCAST: Do not ignore demographics - they drive chemicals demand
By Will Beacham 01/Jun/21 BARCELONA (ICIS)--Chemical company leaders must take account of demographic trends because they have a strong influence on chemical demand patterns.

Malaysia lockdown to hit palm oil output; oleochemicals demand weak
By Helen Yan 01/Jun/21 SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Palm oil output in Malaysia will be limited by a manpower crunch as the country goes into a nationwide lockdown for two weeks from 1 June, but demand is expected to slow down from downstream oleochemicals markets.

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TOPIC PAGE: Coronavirus, oil price direction – impact on chemicals - ICIS
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Clean Bandit & Topic - Drive (feat. Wes Nelson) [Official Lyric Video] - Clean Bandit

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NBA pays homage to Terrence Clarke on Honorary Draft Topic - Floridanewstimes.com

Incredible emotional moments in the 2021 NBA Draft … when commissioner Adam silver Slow selection Terrence Clarke An honorary pick will be held on behalf of the league.

The 19-year-old Clark, a superstar at the University of Kentucky, died in a tragic car accident in April … months before he became the rising star of the association.

Clark’s name was still called Thursday night … in honor of Silver before the 15th pick took place.

If it was his draft night, the NBA honored Kentucky’s Terrence Clarke in honor of the draft 🙏 pic.twitter.com/i3BOvzIlTi

— ESPN (@espn) July 30, 2021
@espn

“His extraordinary talent, dedication and dedication to the game deserves recognition at this stage,” Silver said.

Terence’s family was attending the Barclays Center in honor … his mother, brothers and sisters received an NBA-themed draft hat and were walking on stage.

Silver went on … “Know to your three, and everyone who knew and admired Terence, that he would be part of the NBA family forever.”

Clark’s mother was very emotional when she reached the stage … the whole room gave a standing ovation and hugged Silver when she chanted Terence’s name.

Clark (expected to be the first round pick) was loved by the basketball community … and had a bright future on and off the court.

RIP.

NBA pays homage to Terrence Clarke on Honorary Draft Topic

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Athletic director to begin putting policy in place for compensation - Dodge City Daily Globe

Experts: Biles' Olympic withdrawal could help normalize topic of mental health care - WWBT NBC12 News

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Simone Biles’ decision is sparking conversations about the pressures these athletes face and the importance of mental healthcare. Experts believe it could usher in a shift away from the stigma tied to therapy.

“It’s really, really scary to admit your child needs help,” said social worker, Kristin Lennox with ChildSavers.

She says the nonprofit is seeing more and more young people being open about their mental health, “whether it be through social media, viral TikToks and things like that, Instagram slides. People are learning more and more about putting their mental health and wellness at the forefront.”

ChildSavers has seen more patients since the pandemic began, and even still as people recognize its lingering effects. The group says since July 2020 until June 2021, they’ve helped 668 kids get therapy, and have seen a 14% increase in service.

“People need people, we learned that the most this last year,” Lennox said.

She believes that an Olympian like Simone Biles disclosing such a personal matter could help others that are suffering feel like they’re not alone.

“Simone is human, she’s doing her job. It really does normalize the conversation around mental health and wellness, and it makes it a priority.”

She hopes that it can help parents who might be leery of therapy in general for their kids.

“They can have their feelings without any shame and that can talk about those things. Be prepared to be doing some work while you’re in there. We’re only with them but an hour. You’re with them the rest of the time, so you’re their resource, and you’re who we really want to partner with,” Lennox added.

More information on their services can be found on their website. They also provide a 24-hour hotline for anyone, regardless if they are a patient or not. The hotline can be reached at 804-305-2420.

Copyright 2021 WWBT. All rights reserved.

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Maria Zuckerman Named President Of Topic Studios - Deadline

First Look Media has promoted Maria Zuckerman to President of Topic Studios. She will continue to report to the company’s CEO Michael Bloom.

Zuckerman will continue to lead the Studio’s creative vision and overall strategy, including development, financing, and production across feature films, documentaries, television, and podcasts. She joined the Studio in May of 2019 as EVP & Head of Topic Studios.

During her tenure, Topic Studios has expanded with a broad range of award-winning film projects, as well as ramping up their TV division and full-service podcast studio. In addition, the Topic Studios has brought in world-class creators such as Pablo Larraín, Destin Daniel Cretton, Awkwafina, Kevin Macdonald, Chris Smith, Nikyatu Jusu, Adam Leon and Toni Collette.

Zuckerman’s promotion comes just weeks after Topic Studios, along with its partners The Intercept and the Invisible Institute, were lauded as a Pulitzer Prize finalist for the podcast Somebody, and the July 18 premiere of its newest TV series 100 Foot Wave, on HBO/HBO Max.

Watch on Deadline

In announcing the promotion, Bloom said, “I’m thrilled to recognize Maria’s role in growing Topic Studios with her promotion to President. Maria and her team have built the Studio into a major creative force, giving new and established voices the opportunity to collaborate and produce truly extraordinary work. I know the Studio will continue to thrive under her leadership, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Zuckerman said, “It has been thrilling over the past two years to grow Topic Studios’ reach and slate of productions. By working with the most exciting creators and partnering with the most dynamic leaders in our industry, we are demonstrating Topic Studios’ unique full-service capabilities across all our formats, playing diverse roles bespoke to each project. I’m grateful to our stellar creative team and for the tremendous support of Michael Bloom, as well as our fantastic colleagues across First Look Media. I look forward to sharing so much more to come from Topic Studios.”

Projects developed by Zuckerman on the film side include the the Golden Globe winning Jodie Foster-Tahar Rahim movie The Mauritanian, Pablo Larrain’s upcoming Kristen Stewart Princess Diana biopic, Nikyatu Jusu’s psychological horror film Nanny, as well as a a film about the influence of Chinatown restaurants on California Punk produced by and starring Awkwafina; and Toni Collette’s directorial debut Writers & Lovers, adapted from Lily King’s bestselling novel.

In Topic Studios’ TV, Zuckerman has shepherded the Untitled Vincent Chin Project, the story of a tragedy that set off the largest-ever pan-Asian-American protest movement, with Destin Daniel Cretton attached to direct, for Amazon Studios; the adult thriller Savannah from Tracy Oliver, also for Amazon; and the English-language adaptation of the critically acclaimed Israeli comedy Nehama.

Topic Studios recently announced a slate development and production deal with Audible to produce four new Audible Original podcasts. These include American ISIS, a portrait of an ordinary American who become a fighter for The Islamic State; and The Messenger, a tale of friendship, lies, betrayal and terrorism, both currently in release. Also from Topic Studios is the thriller Imposters: The Spy on Spotify’s Parcast Network; the return of Politically Re-Active with W. Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu on Warner Media Podcast Network; and the Pulitzer Finalist and IDA Award-winning investigative podcast, Somebody, with iHeartMedia. Upcoming podcasts developed under Zuckerman include Hurry Up and Kill Her, an investigation into the assassination of Malta journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Prior to Topic Studios, Zuckerman was a 20-year vet at HBO where she served as SVP, HBO Films.  Her career slate included 30 titles from such talent as Richard Curtis, Peter Morgan, and David Yates. Her films earned HBO 95 Emmy nominations, winning 17 Emmy Awards, including three Best Movie/Miniseries; 22 Golden Globe nominations with five wins, including two for Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television; 23 BAFTA nominations and numerous NAACP, GLAAD and SAG Awards. Some of her HBO movies include Bessie, Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight, Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth, Grey Gardens and Mary and Martha.

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UPDATE 1-Fed's Powell will give speech at Jackson Hole conference; topic not specified - Reuters

By Reuters Staff

2 Min Read

(Adds more details about conference)

July 28 (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday he is in the process of writing a speech to be delivered at the annual Jackson Hole conference of central bankers next month, but he declined to say what his remarks will focus on.

Powell announced the speech while responding to a question during a news conference about whether the U.S. central bank will provide more details about the future pace of its asset purchases during the Aug. 26-28 conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

“We haven’t made any decisions about the timing,” Powell said, adding that Fed officials made their first real “deep dive” into discussions about the timing, pace and composition of future asset purchases during the two-day policy meeting that ended on Wednesday.

“There’s nothing I can say about Jackson Hole,” Powell said. “I am going to give a speech but I wouldn’t want to say what will be in there at this point.”

The Kansas City Fed announced in May that it will hold “a modified, in-person program” for this year’s Jackson Hole conference. The regional Fed bank said at that time it anticipated providing notice on keynote speeches closer to the event. (Reporting by Jonnelle Marte; Editing by Leslie Adler and Paul Simao)

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Biden AGAIN warns press to stay on topic in refusing to answer question on military vaccine mandates - Daily Mail

Joe AGAIN warns press to stay on topic: Biden refuses to answer question on military vaccine mandates and says Made in America is 'all I'm going to talk about' on Pennsylvania trip

• Biden warned press to keep their questions on topic on Wednesday
• He refused to answer a shouted inquiry on whether he would implement a vaccine mandate for all federal employees 
• Stepping off Air Force One in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, Biden said: 'I'm talking about Made in America today, that's all I'm going to talk about' 
• 'Tomorrow I'll talk about whatever you want to talk about, including COVID' 
• Biden is in Pennsylvania to tour a Mack Trucks manufacturer and reveal a new rule increasing the threshold for a product to be considered 'Made in America'
• On Tuesday, Biden called an NBC News journalist a 'pain in the neck' when she asked about the VA mandating vaccines during a meeting with the Iraqi PM
• Biden said Tuesday mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for federal workers were 'under consideration' 
• New reports reveal he will announce Thursday that all federal employees will be required to get the jab  

By Katelyn Caralle, U.S. Political Reporter and Rob Crilly, Senior U.S. Political Reporter For Dailymail.Com

Published: 19:08 BST, 28 July 2021 | Updated: 21:58 BST, 28 July 2021

Joe Biden signaled to press again on Wednesday that he won't answer questions that stray off topic as he refused to answer a question about potential military vaccine mandates at a 'Buy American' event in Pennsylvania.

'I'm talking about Made in America today, that's all I'm going to talk about,' Biden said as a member of the media yelled questions at the president when he deplaned Air Force One on Wednesday.

'Tomorrow I'll talk about whatever you want to talk about, including COVID,' he added. 

The reporter was questioning if Biden will require vaccines for members of the military.

The clap back came after Biden also snapped at NBC News reporter Kelly O'Donnell on Tuesday when she asked about a new Department of Veterans' Affairs vaccine mandate during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi at the White House on Monday.

President Joe Biden warned press to keep their questions on topic as he refused to answer a shouted inquiry on whether he would implement a vaccine mandate for all federal employees

Stepping off Air Force One in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, Biden said: 'I'm talking about Made in America today, that's all I'm going to talk about. Tomorrow I'll talk about whatever you want to talk about, including COVID'

Biden then toured a Mack Trucks manufacturer in Macungie, Pennsylvania as he plans to reveal a new rule increasing the threshold for a product to be considered 'Made in America'

Biden is expected to announce Thursday that all federal employees and contractors be vaccinated against COVID-19, or undergo regular testing.

He is due to deliver a speech setting out the administration's next steps in increasing vaccination rates around the country as officials battle the rapidly spreading Delta variant.

During the Tuesday incident, Biden took questions following a meeting with the Iraqi leader on American strategy in the Middle East and the U.S. relationship with Iraq. .

As White House staff began ushering reporters out of the Oval Office, O'Donnell shouted a question about VA Secretary Denis McDonough's department-wide COVID vaccine mandate for more than 100,000 health care workers.

'You are such a pain in the neck, but I'm going to answer your question because we've known each other so long,' the president shot back.

O'Donnell retorted, 'I take that as a compliment, Mr. President,' earning a chuckle from Biden.

Biden told her the question had 'nothing to do with Iraq', but he did end up confirming McDonough's announcement.

'Yes. Veteran Affairs is going to in fact require that all docs working in facilities are going to have to be vaccinated,' Biden said.

The Wednesday comment from Biden came after Biden called journalist Kelly O'Donnell a 'pain in the neck' when she asked about the VA mandating vaccines following the president's meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi

On Wednesday, Biden wanted to keep the question on track and didn't answer when asked whether the VA mandate would be expanded to all employees working for the federal government.

He then went to a Mack Trucks manufacturing facility to tour before remarks on increasing the threshold for products to be considered 'Made in America.'

On Tuesday, Biden said mandatory vaccination was 'under consideration' for all federal workers.

Officials insist a final decision has not yet been taken but Dr Irwin Redlener, Director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University, said the signs were clear.

'I think we are seeing these trial balloons going up from the White House that this is coming,' he said.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has already announced it will require frontline health care workers to be vaccinated over the course of the next two months. 

White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jeanne-Pierre said vaccination requirements could vary from department to department withing the government. 

Biden said Tuesday mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for federal workers were 'under consideration' during a visit to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in McLean, VA

He denied that changing official advice was causing confusion and instead said it was the unvaccinated who were to blame for rising levels of infection 

'Our goal as a federal employer is to keep our employee safe and to also save lives - that is the number one goal that we have here,' she told reporters aboard Air Force One as the president traveled to Pennsylvania.

'While no decision has been finalized I will say that the attestation of vaccination for federal employees is one option under strong consideration... which means confirming vaccination status or abiding by stringent COVID-19 protocols, like mandator mask as wearing masks even in communities not with high or substantial spread, and regular testing.' 

She was speaking a day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should go back to wearing masks indoors in regions where infections were on the rise.

The moves illustrate how far the nation is from the 'summer of freedom' that Biden promised just last month. 

Redlener said the 'retrograde' steps reflected how scientists were reacting to new data that showed the danger of the Delta variant.

'Predicting what is going to come next, even a month from now, is very hard,' he said. 

Another possible option might be 'heath passes,' which are being used in some parts of Europe to offer proof of vaccination and allow people to gather.

In an interview  with CNN, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky did not rule out the idea. 

'I think some communities are doing that,' she said. ;And that may very well be a path forward.'

However, she warned they may offer a false sense of security if, as new evidence appears to show, asymptomatic, vaccinated people can transmit the Delta variant. 

The Delta variant is blamed for surging numbers of COVID-19 infections in the U.S., triggering a range of new measures to halt its spread

Biden was asked about mandatory vaccinations for federal employees during a visit to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

'That's under consideration right now,' he said, 'but if you're not vaccinated you're not nearly as smart as I thought you were.'

He added that masking and vaccination were the best way to avoid a repeat of the lockdowns the country endured last year.    

'The more we learn about this virus and the Delta variation the more we have to be worried and concerned,' he said.

'And the only thing we know for sure, if those other 100 million people got vaccinated we'd be in a very different world.'

In the meantime the White House released a statement in which Biden said he would be laying out the 'next steps' in getting more Americans vaccinated on Thursday.

'By following the science, and by doing our part by getting vaccinated, America can beat COVID,' he said.

'In the meantime, more vaccinations and mask wearing in the areas most impacted by the Delta variant will enable us to avoid the kind of lockdowns, shutdowns, school closures, and disruptions we faced in 2020.' 

But officials know that vaccine mandates come with a risk.

A day earlier, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said: 'The president certainly recognizes that he is not always the right voice to every community about the benefits of getting vaccinated, which is why we have invested as much as we have in local voices and empowering local, trusted voices.'

On Tuesday, as the CDC was preparing to issue its guidance, Psaki said vaccinated people should wear masks indoors to protect their loved one.

'We're not saying that wearing a mask is convenient, or people feel like it, but we are telling you that that is the way to protect yourself protect your loved ones and that's why the CDC is issuing this guidance,' she said.    

The White House is preparing to return to wearing masks again if required by the new federal guidance and rising rates of COVID-19, she added. 

Within a matter of hours that was the case. 

The new guidance set a threshold for masking at 50 cases per 100,000 people, based on a seven-day rolling average. In Washington the number was over 63 on Tuesday afternoon.

As a result Vice President Kamala Harris's office told reporters to mask up as they arrived to cover her meeting with Native American leaders to discuss voting rights, and signs were going up in the James Brady Briefing Room informing people they would have to use face coverings even if fully vaccinated. 

Critics have accused infectious disease experts of flip-flopping on their guidance.

But Psaki said the Delta variant had upended the scientific thinking since masking requirements were relaxed.

'That is their job,' she said.

'Their job is to look at evolving information, evolving data, an evolving historic pandemic and provide guidance to the American public.'

Although the number of cases is on the rise, officials say vaccination protects against developing severe cases of COVID-19 and is saving lives 

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the guidance was changing as the position on the ground was changing and scientists understood more about the virus and the pandemi

At the White House, that would mean officials preparing to follow the new CDC guidelines and to monitor conditions that may require masking.

'First, we will, of course, be abiding by every aspect of the CDC guidelines on masking that they provide this afternoon,' she said.

'And that does mean, as you conveyed, that we will be looking at the rates in different areas where the president may visit and also the rates as they if they move in Washington, D.C. and we will apply guidance accordingly.'

Psaki faced repeated questions during the daily briefing about whether President Biden had been too quick to declare a 'summer of freedom' last month as the country faces setbacks in the fight against COVID-19.

She insisted the responsible thing to do was to keep updating guidance as conditions changed.

'We're at war, we continue to be at war with a virus and evolving pandemic,' she said.

'Our responsibility here is to always leave with the science, and always lead with the advice of health and medical experts, and we're going to continue to provide information to all of you about how to protect yourself and save your lives.' 

Most new infections in the U.S. continue to be among unvaccinated people. But 'breakthrough' infections, which generally cause milder illness, can occur in vaccinated people.

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