text:
Prologue

A prologue or prolog (from Greek πρόλογος prólogos, from πρό pró, "before" and λόγος lógos, "word") is an opening to a story that establishes the context and gives background details, often some earlier story that ties into the main one, and other miscellaneous information. The Ancient Greek word πρόλογος includes the modern meaning of prologue, but was of wider significance, more like the meaning of preface. The importance, therefore, of the prologue in Greek drama was very great; it sometimes almost took the place of a romance, to which, or to an episode in which, the play itself succeeded.

Latin
On the Latin stage the prologue was often more elaborate than it was in Athens, and in the careful composition of the poems which Plautus prefixes to his plays we see what importance he gave to this portion of the entertainment; sometimes, as in the preface to the Rudens, Plautus rises to the height of his genius in his adroit and romantic prologues, usually placed in the mouths of persons who make no appearance in the play itself.

Molière revived the Plautian prologue in the introduction to his Amphitryon. Racine introduced Piety as the speaker of a prologue which opened his choral tragedy of Esther.

The tradition of the ancients vividly affected our own early dramatists. Not only was the mystery plays and miracles of the Middle Ages begun by a homily, but when the drama in its modern sense was inaugurated in the reign of Elizabeth, the prologue came with it, directly adapted from the practice of Euripides and Terence. Sackville, Lord Buckhurst, prepared a sort of prologue in the dumb show for his Gorboduc of 1562; and he also wrote a famous Induction, which is, practically, a prologue, to a miscellany of short romantic epics by diverse hands.

Elizabethan
Prologues of Renaissance drama often served a specific function of transition and clarification for the audience. A direct address made by one actor, the prologue acted as an appeal to the audience's attention and sympathy, providing historical context, a guide to themes of the play, and occasionally, a disclaimer. In this mode, a prologue, like any scripted performance, would exist as the text, the actor who speaks that text, and the presentation of the language as it is spoken. In ushering the audience from reality into the world of the play, the prologue straddles boundaries between audience, actors, characters, playwrights—basically, it creates a distinction between the imaginary space within the play and the outside world. Ben Jonson has often been noted as using the prologue to remind the audience of the complexities between themselves and all aspects of the performance.

The actor reciting the prologue would appear dressed in black, a stark contrast to the elaborate costumes used during the play. The prologue removed his hat and wore no makeup. He may have carried a book, scroll, or placard displaying the title of the play. He was introduced by three short trumpet calls, on the third of which he entered and took a position downstage. He made three bows in the current fashion of the court, and then addressed the audience. The Elizabethan prologue was unique in incorporating aspects of both classical and medieval traditions. In the classical tradition, the prologue conformed to one of four subgenres: the sustatikos, which recommends either the play or the poet; the epitimetikos, in which a curse is given against a rival, or thanks given to the audience; dramatikos, in which the plot of the play is explained; and mixtos, which contains all of these things. In the medieval tradition, expressions of morality and modesty are seen, as well as a meta-theatrical self-consciousness, and an unabashed awareness of the financial contract engaged upon by paid actors and playwrights, and a paying audience.

Use in fiction
Prologues have long been used in non-dramatic fiction, since at least the time of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, although Chaucer had prologues to many of the tales, rather than one at the front of the book.

The Museum of Eterna's Novel by the Argentine writer Macedonio Fernandez has over 50 prologues by the author. Their style varies between metaphysical, humoristic, psychological, discussions about the art of the novel, etc.

title: Prologue


text:
Zuiderpark Stadium

The Zuiderpark Stadium or Zuiderparkstadion (, Dutch for Southern Park Stadium) was an 11,000-seat stadium in The Hague, Netherlands. It was the home of football club ADO Den Haag.

For many years after the club's inauguration in 1905, they played football in many different temporary venues, eventually settling in the 'Zuiderpark' in 1925. The stadium was temporarily abandoned on 21 February 1945, near the end of World War II. The War left the club lacking funds with which to maintain the ground. Reportedly, horses were allowed to graze on the abandoned field.

The cold winter conditions of 1946–47 left the stadium in a deplorable state, with the covered tribune the only stand left in a serviceable condition. Nevertheless, plans were afoot to renovate the stadium and to expand its capacity; these were completed in 1949 and the first game played was on 9 August 1949 between ADO Den Haag and Feyenoord Rotterdam.

In 1957, the capacity of the renovated stadium was expanded still further to 25,000 spectators. Later, on 8 March 1973, the stadium entered its modern age with a new club building housing a restaurant, among several other modern amenities catering to the players and club members. On 3 April 1982, hooligans of the club burned down the South Tribune. The fire was set after a 4–0 loss to HFC Haarlem. It damaged the ground's oldest stand dating back to 1928 and caused $500,000 in damages. The damaged part was rebuilt and opened in 1986.

On 7 November 1993, the North Tribune was renamed 'Aad Mansveldtribune', after Aad Mansveld. In 1994, the municipality of The Hague decided to develop the 'Zuiderpark' as a 'football theatre' and the West Tribune 'Jan Knijnenburg Gezinstribune' was inaugurated at around this time. It was renamed the 'Hyundaitribune' in 2001.

On 22 April 2007, ADO played their last home game in the Zuiderpark Stadium. The following season they moved to the Den Haag Stadion.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Zuiderpark Stadium


text:
Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute

Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute (KCVI) was a secondary school in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1792 by Reverend John Stuart based upon a grant for secondary education in the colony of Upper Canada, it moved to its location at 235 Frontenac Street in 1892. It is considered the oldest public secondary school in Ontario and the second oldest in Canada. The site and remaining buildings were purchased by Queen's University in 2021.

KCVI was Kingston's only public secondary school until the opening of Queen Elizabeth Collegiate and Vocational Institute (QECVI) in 1955 and Loyalist Collegiate and Vocational Institute (LCVI) in 1963.

In 2012, KCVI was ranked by the Fraser Institute as the top performing school in the Limestone Board and in the top 10 per cent of public schools in Ontario.

When KCVI closed in December 2020, its student population moved to Kingston Secondary School, a new school constructed on the former QECVI site that was created to replace both KCVI and QECVI as the result of a Program and Accommodation Review Committee decision reached in 2014.

History
KCVI's history starts with the Kingston Grammar school in 1792. In 1807, the school was renamed Midland District Grammar School. From c. 1825–1830, the future first prime minister of Canada, John A. Macdonald, attended the school. In 1853 the school moved to a new location (now Sydenham Public School) and was renamed Kingston County Grammar School. It was renamed Kingston High School in 1871, becoming Kingston Collegiate Institute (KCI) in 1872.

Girls were first admitted as students in January 1877, and the school remained co-educational until its closure in 2020. Fifteen years later, at the institution's centenary in 1892, the school moved to its site on Frontenac Street. Finally, with the addition of a technical and commercial teaching wing in 1931, the school was renamed Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute (KCVI), the name it retained until its closure.

The oldest remaining wing of the school is the 1915 wing, which housed science laboratories. The original wing was destroyed by fire but was replaced. The school celebrated its bicentenary in 1992 and celebrated its 225th anniversary in 2017. The school is commonly recognized as the oldest public high school in Ontario and the second oldest in the country.

The school closure and move to former QECVI site was planned to happen at the end of the 2018–19 school year, but was then moved to happen in the middle of the 2019–20 school year. The school closure was delayed again another until the end of the 2019–20 school year in September 2019. The school finally had its last day of in-person classes on December 11, 2020.

In 2021, Queen's University was approached by the Limestone District School Board and was offered to buy or lease the property and Queen's decided to pursue the offer.

Athletics
The team colours were blue and white. The team name for all sports was "Blues" and the mascot was a blue bear. The school competed in various sports including, but not limited to: rowing, cross-country, track and field, football, chess club, advanced chicken plucking, rugby, hockey, basketball, volleyball, soccer, mountain biking, curling, Ping-Pong, tennis, badminton, baseball, golf, swimming, and skiing, along with various other sports.

Coat of arms
A new coat of arms was formally conferred on KCVI by Ray Hnatyshyn, then Governor General of Canada, in 1992. It celebrated KCVI's 200th anniversary.

The Latin motto, maxima debetur pueris reverentia, can be roughly translated to "Youth are entitled to the greatest respect". Another more literal translation would be "The greatest respect is owed to boys". The differences in translation are not an attempt to make the motto more politically correct. The Latin word "puer", refers to a boy (or child) under the age of 17 (juvenis would refer to older youth) and in the plural is used to refer to groups of children of both genders.

IB Diploma program
KCVI was one of 84 schools in Canada that ran the International Baccalaureate program. The IB diploma program was offered at KCVI during the last two years of secondary school. However, there is also the Pre-IB program to prepare the Grade 9 and 10 students for the rigorous pace of the IB curriculum. Also, if students did not want to enroll in the complete IB diploma program, they could apply for IB certificates in the course of their choosing. Students who applied for the IB certificate but were ultimately rejected could still take an IB course, however it would count as a normal credit and not an IB credit.

SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major)
KCVI offered a SHSM in Arts in Culture and Communication Technologies.

KCVI clubs
KCVI had many different activities going on throughout the school year, such as: the Students' Association – student government, DECA – Student Marketing Club, the student-run Leadership Conference, the improv teams, Mathletes, Model UN, Respect Committee, Outdoors Club, Environment Club, South African Partnership and Youth in Action, Drama Club, Robotics Club and the Debating Club. There was also an Athletics Association in charge of many sport-related school events. The Arts Council was formed in the 2006–07 year as a complement to the Athletic Association. The KCVI Yearbook Committee created a pictorial account of each year in a yearbook called "The Times". As well, KCVI hosted CKVI (The Cave), a radio broadcasting focus program, which broadcast at 91.9 FM in downtown Kingston.

KCVI DECA
KCVI's DECA chapter was the largest and most successful in eastern Ontario, with members competing and winning medals at regional, provincial and international competitions, winning over 100 medals, 20 plaques, and 5 ICDC trophies over the past 9 years. Since its establishment in 2005 until the school's closure in 2020, KCVI's DECA chapter saw significant growth, and registered over 60 members for its 2013-2014 season, making it one of the largest clubs at KCVI at that time. The KCVI DECA chapter also saw active participation within the community of Kingston, having active partnerships with influential businesses and organizations such as VisitKingston.ca, Kingston Community Credit Union, Kingston Economic Development Corporation, and the Queen's University School of Business, raising over $4000 in generous sponsorships and grants.

The KCVI DECA chapter's performance at the 2014 International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia was its best to that point, taking home over 20 medals and 3 trophies.

KCVI Improv Team
KCVI has a long and decorated history of competing in the Canadian Improv Games. Since the Kingston Regional Tournament was re-established in the 1996–97 school year, until school's closure in 2020, KCVI won 10 regional gold medals (including 7 back-to-back regional titles from 1997–2003), three regional silver medals and one regional bronze medal. The team won national bronze in 1998.

Kingston Model United Nations
KCVI hosted a Model United Nations for several years, held every spring. Recently the Model UN has started to expand outside the school.

K-Botics
K-Botics was an extracurricular program at the school where students design and build a robot from scratch to participate in a game created by FIRST. The group received support from local companies and community volunteers. K-Botics merged to become Lake Effect Robotics after the 2016 season.

Lake Effect Robotics
Lake Effect Robotics, otherwise known as FRC team 2708 that was formed as a merger of K-Botics, FRC team 2809, and the CyberFalcons, FRC team 3710. Lake Effect Robotics was on the winning alliance at the Detroit FIRST World Championship in 2018.

Student government
Many school events and spirit days at KCVI ware organized and implemented by the SA (Students' Association), the KCVI student government.

Street Smart
Street Smart is a Community Education Centre of the Limestone District School Board where students can earn their high school diploma in a more relaxed environment. They provide on-site secondary education for students aged primarily 16–20 who require an alternative setting for earning high school credits. They are staffed with certified secondary school teachers.

Focus Programs
The Limestone District School Board offered a number of courses that concentrated on a particular field of interest to give students training, academic experience, and work experience that will give them a foundation in that area of study. There were a variety of programs that prepared students for different destinations post-graduation: university, college, apprenticeships, and direct entry into the workplace. The programs offered at KCVI specifically included guitar building and radio broadcast journalism.

Notable students

 * J. Adam Brown, actor
 * Don Cherry, hockey commentator
 * Helen Cooper, federal and municipal politician, Mayor of Kingston 1988–1993
 * Robertson Davies, author
 * Hugh Dillon, musician and actor
 * Gord Downie, musician and actor, lead singer with The Tragically Hip
 * Paul D. N. Hebert, biologist, developed the DNA barcoding method of taxonomy
 * Rob Gibson, Olympic medalist
 * Rick Howland, actor and musician
 * John A. Macdonald, first prime minister of Canada (attended Midland Grammar School, later KCVI, c. 1825–1830)
 * Emily Julian McManus, poet, author, and educator
 * Peter Milliken, former Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada
 * Robert Mundell, Nobel laureate and "father of the Euro"
 * David Usher, musician
 * Jeremy Wang, better known by the alias Disguised Toast, is a Taiwanese-Canadian streamer, YouTuber, and Internet personality
 * Henry Westman Richardson, Canadian Senator
 * Simon Whitfield, Olympic triathlete (Gold Medalist)

Other

 * Members of The Tragically Hip including Downie (see above)

Grade Points competition
Students of KCVI participated in a Grade Points competition, in which different themes days (called "Spirit Days") were decided by the Students' Association and the grade with the most students participating in that theme were awarded grade points. The grade with the most grade points at the end of the year was awarded a prize. Prizes in the past include various pieces of KCVI memorabilia.

Closure
In 2011, The Limestone District School Board Program and Accommodation Review Committee (PARC) began investigating strategies for managing the board's annual budget. The committee focused on investigating the advantages and disadvantages of closing select Kingston high schools that were under-enrolled or over-budget. KCVI was reviewed as a problematic institution by the committee due to the school's crumbling infrastructure and high annual overhead.

The discussion of closing KCVI caused a large disruption among its students, alumni and parents, and opposition to the closure gained support from the community, resulting in the formation of the group "Save Kingston City Schools". Many Kingston residents supported the group and its cause by posting promotional signs on their lawns and partaking in social media campaigns using Facebook. However, in December 2014, a court ruling dismissed an appeal against the closure. On March 24, 2014, 35 million dollars were allocated to the building of a new school, which began construction in November 2017. The new school, known as Kingston Secondary School (KSS), will consolidate the student populations of KCVI and QECVI, as well as relocating the Grade 7/8 french immersion Module Vanier in a 171,000-square foot building on the site of the old QECVI building.

In late September 2017, KCVI marked its 225th anniversary with a large-scale reunion event before the final closure of the school, which was planned at that time for 2019. The school remained open for the 2019-2020 school year, due to a delay in the construction of KSS due to bad weather and province-wide strike action by plumbing unions and sheet metal workers.

By April 2020, it had become clear that KSS would not be ready to open by September of that year, due in part to the provincially-mandated halt on construction imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

KCVI and Module Vanier's final day of in-person classes took place on December 11, 2020.


text:
Noma horse

The Noma (野間馬,) is a criticallyendangered Japanese breed of small horse. It originates from the island of Shikoku, the smallest of the four principal islands of Japan, and is named for the former district of Noma, the northernmost part of the former province of Iyo, now Ehime Prefecture. It is the smallest of the eight native horse breeds of Japan.

History
Japanese horses are thought to derive from stock brought at several different times from various parts of the Asian mainland; the first such importations took place by the sixth century at the latest. Horses were used for farming – as pack-animals although not for draught power; until the advent of firearms in the later sixteenth century, they were much used for warfare. The horses were not large: remains of some 130 horses have been excavated from battlefields dating to the Kamakura period (1185–1333 AD); they ranged from in withers height.

The Noma may originate from the small islands of the Seto Inland Sea between Shikoku and Honshū, where it may have been used for transport. According to one account, in the early sixteenth century the daimyō of the Iyo-Matsuyama Han of Shikoku wanted to breed horses for military use. Larger horses were kept for that purpose, while smaller ones were given to farmers, who found them useful as pack-animals on steep terrain. The Noma is thought to derive from these. There were not many of them; the total number in the mid-1800s is estimated at about three hundred.

After the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905, there was pressure to breed much larger horses for warfare. Large foreign horses were imported, and the rearing of the small traditional indigenous breeds was forbidden. Numbers of the Noma fell sharply. Some isolated farmers kept a few for farm work, but with the mechanisation of agriculture after the Second World War, their usefulness decreased further.

By 1978 there were six Noma horses remaining; two were in the in Tobe, and four were kept by a private breeder. A government-funded reserve, the Noma Uma Highland, was established in 1989 by the city of Imabari, in Ehime Prefecture of Shikoku; it started with thirty of the horses. By 2008 the number had risen to eighty-four.

A study of microsatellite variation among Japanese horse breeds in 2003 found the Noma to be closely related to three other Japanese small-island breeds, the Misaki, the Tokara, and Yonaguni.

Characteristics
The Noma is a small, compact and sturdy horse. It is hardy and strong, and agile on difficult mountain terrain.

Use
The Noma was traditionally used as an agricultural pack-animal, and in warfare; it is now principally a tourist attraction. The Noma Uma Highland is visited by some 20 000 people per year. The Noma is used for riding – often by children – and for horse therapy.

title: Noma horse


text:
Toyota Mark II

The Toyota Mark II (トヨタ・マークII) is a compact, later mid-size sedan manufactured and marketed in Japan by Toyota between 1968 and 2004. Prior to 1972, the model was marketed as the Toyota Corona Mark II. In most export markets, Toyota marketed the vehicle as the Toyota Cressida between 1976 and 1992 across four generations. Toyota replaced the rear-wheel-drive Cressida in North America with the front-wheel-drive Avalon. Every Mark II and Cressida was manufactured at the Motomachi plant at Toyota, Aichi, Japan from September 1968 to October 1993, and later at Toyota Motor Kyushu's Miyata plant from December 1992 to October 2000, with some models also assembled in Jakarta, Indonesia and Parañaque, Philippines as the Cressida.

For several decades, the Mark II was Toyota's mainstream sedan and station wagon in domestic and international markets. Its size, ride comfort, and interior accommodations ranged from affordable to luxurious, and it was Toyota's most luxurious offering where the more prestigious Crown wasn't available. As economic prosperity grew worldwide, the Mark II grew to match.

History
The first series, called the Toyota Corona Mark II was an all new vehicle at its introduction in 1968, that sought to offer a car that was just under Japanese government regulations concerning maximum vehicle dimensions and engine displacement, thus allowing the Crown to grow larger and more luxurious. Using the established platform of the Corona sedan but slightly larger and wider, it was exclusive to Toyopet Store locations, and offered as a competitor to the newly introduced Nissan Laurel in Japan, the Isuzu Florian, and the Nissan Bluebird / Datsun 510 internationally that appeared August 1967, and two years after the Mazda Luce in 1966. The Mark II was the top-level product at Toyopet Store locations until it was briefly replaced in 1989 when the Toyota Celsior was introduced until 2006 when the Celsior was renamed Lexus LS and reassigned to Japanese Lexus dealerships.

At the Mark II's introduction in the late 1960s, Toyota was known as a small, economy car manufacturer. The Corona Mark II was sold as a larger companion to the Corona while still being smaller than the Crown. In Japan, the sportier Toyota Chaser appeared in 1977 at Toyota Auto Store, and later in 1980, the Toyota Cresta appeared at Toyota Vista Store locations. As other automakers continued to offer vehicles in this size class, the Mark II's popularity peaked in the 1980s. The Mark II's siblings, the Chaser and the Cresta, were discontinued due to declining sales, partly influenced by the Japanese recession that started in the early 1990s and were combined into the short-lived Toyota Verossa. The Mark II evolved into the Toyota Mark X, a name chosen because it was the tenth generation of the car, which was popular in Japan and selected international markets until the growing demand for SUVs and crossovers, which saw the Mark X canceled in 2019.

First generation: (T60, T70; 1968–1972)
The Corona Mark II, first offered for sale in Japan, September 1968, at Toyopet Store dealerships, was intended as an alternative model to the more established luxury sedan, the Crown, sold at Toyota Store dealerships, and the smaller Corona, also available at Toyopet Stores. It was a slightly larger vehicle than the Corona with a higher level of equipment offered at the time, sharing some of the features of the larger Crown, but taking the top position at Toyopet Store locations. At its introduction, the Mark II was third in Toyota's hierarchy of sedans, below the Crown and the all new, hand built, V8-engined limousine called the Toyota Century. Its competitor was primarily the Nissan Laurel in Japan, released earlier that year in April.

The trim packages started with the Mark II, followed by the Mark II Deluxe, Mark II 1900 Deluxe, and the top-level Mark II SL. The four-door sedan was designated the T60, and the two-door coupé the T70. The 1,600 cc 7R series engine was replaced by the 1,700 cc 6R series engine. A year later the 1,500 cc 2R models were replaced by the 1,600 cc 12R engines. The RT62 sedans and the RT72 coupé feature the 1.9-litre 8R four-cylinder engine, unique to the Mark II. The RT63 sedan, RT73 coupé, and RT78/RT79 station wagons feature a two-litre 18R four-cylinder engine, also unique to the Mark II. While only two engines were available yearly to Japanese buyers, yearly changes would be introduced; each year, the two engine choices had two different horsepower ratings. Due to Japan's annual road tax obligation, several trim packages were offered, paired with two engine displacements. The two engine choices kept the road tax obligation the same because the displacement was below the 2,000 cc bracket, which would incur more to be paid.

This was the only series offered as a two-door pickup for commercial use. The Mark II pickup also came as a "double cab" which meant it had a conventional bench seat for rear passengers but only had two doors. Both forms of the pickup shared the same dimensions and wheelbase as the station wagon.

The suspension setup uses a double wishbone with coil springs at the front and leaf springs at the back with a front-engine, rear-drive powertrain format. The Mark II is longer, at 4295 mm over the Corona's length of 162.4 in for the sedan, and the coupe, with a width of 1610 mm in comparison to 61 in for the sedan and coupe. The height of the Mark II is lower at 1405 mm over 55.9 in for the sedan, but higher at 54.1 in for the coupé. The wheelbase for all body styles was a constant 2510 mm and was longer than the Corona's sedan wheelbase of 2420 mm.

Corona Mark II hardtop coupe (T70)
Building on the introduction of the 1600GT performance hardtop coupe for 1965, the Mark II hardtop coupe was introduced in September 1968. Two trim packages and two engines were offered. The top trim package was the 1900SL (Sport Luxury) or the 1900 Deluxe using the SOHC 1900 8R-C. The 1900 SL came with power windows, a rear window defroster, and a choice of four exterior colours with a black interior. The instrument panel came standard with a round tachometer, speedometer, volt meter, water temperature, oil pressure, and fuel gauge. The 1900 Deluxe offered a red or grey interior, four exterior colours, and a 1970s-era sweep speedometer with engine temperature and fuel gauge only.

In September 1969 the Mark II went through a mid-model refresh and new trim packages were added. The 1900SL was the entry-level offering joined by the 1900GSL and the performance trim package 1900GSS was the top model and was installed with the twincam 1,900 cc 8R-G (originally called the 10R).

North America
For North America, the Mark II was available with bucket seats for the driver and front passenger, a centre console with a floor-mounted manual transmission, electric rear window defroster, and a full size spare tire installed externally and underneath the cargo area on the wagon, with rear seats that fold down to a fully carpeted rear cargo area. The Mark II wagon was the largest wagon Toyota offered in North America, next to the Corona and Corolla wagons; the Crown wagon was no longer sold in North America. The US-exported versions arrived for the 1969 model year and often include the more powerful R series motors compared to other regions.

Before its US introduction, it appeared in South Africa, which was the first market to receive the 1900 cc engine. While Japan and other markets often had 1.5-litre 2R, 1.6-litre 7R/12R to 1.7-litre 6R models as well. Engines were shared with the Corona, with both using the 2R, and the 12R engines. Transmissions offered were an automatic transmission with three speeds for export and two speeds in Japan, or a choice of either a four- or three-speed manual transmission.

Second generation (X10, X20; 1972–1976)
The second generation was based on a new X series platform, having graduated away from the previous T series chassis. In Japan, the second generation no longer used the "Mark II" as a trim package name and omitted the "Corona" model name while the "Corona" prefix was used internationally for brand recognition. The X10s are sedans and wagons, while the X20 is a two-door coupé.

The second generation's styling progressed from the first and resembled the S60 series Crown. It reflected a popular styling trend that appeared internationally during the 1960s and 1970s, called "Coke bottle styling," which Toyota adopted for only this generation of the Mark II.

Japanese trim package names for the sedan were updated with the top level "Mark II-L", followed by the 2000GSL, 2000GL, 2000DX, 1700DX, and the wagon came as either the 2000DX or the 1700DX. The Mark II-L was the first time a six-cylinder engine was offered using the 1,988 cc M. The inline six-cylinder "M" series engine was borrowed from the Crown S60 to stay competitive with the Nissan Bluebird SSS (Datsun 610 in North America) and the Nissan Laurel in Japan. The six-cylinder was offered while the engine displacement remained at 2.0 L, so the inherited engine balance vibration from a six-cylinder provided a pleasant driving experience.

Interior colours and the upholstery used were specific to the trim package, while there were 14 different exterior colours to choose including 10 metallic paint selections. The Mark II-L and the 2000SGL came with full instrumentation and a wood-grained steering wheel, a wooden-handled gearshift selector for floor-mounted automatic or 5-speed manual transmission, while a column-mounted automatic transmission selector was provided for lower trim packages. The DX sedan and station wagon offered a front bench seat with individually reclining seatbacks while other trim packages and the hardtop coupe came only with a full-length centre console that could accommodate either a manual or automatic transmission gear selector.

The availability of engines over 2.0 litres was a new approach, obligating the Japanese driver to more annual road tax and upper trim packages added more standard equipment and available optional items. An electric clock became standard on all models but was installed in the console for the Mark II-L and the GSL and was installed in the instrument cluster for other versions. The list of optional items included cruise control, air conditioning, electric rear window defroster, AM/FM stereo with a separately installed 8-track tape player, and power windows. Standard items added include a collapsible steering column in case of collision, three-point seat belts for front passengers with an audible seatbelt reminder, and power assist brakes with disc brakes for the front wheels.

In export markets, a version was sold as a station wagon, whilst in Japan, it was marketed as a van intended for commercial use. Due to the introduction of the Toyota Hilux pickup truck, the previously offered Mark II pickup was discontinued. The suspension carried over from the previous series, using double wishbones for the front wheels, while the coupe used 4-link with coil springs and the sedan and wagon used semi-elliptic leaf springs.

The engines offered began with the 1.7-litre inline-four and grew in displacement with increased standard equipment utilizing an overhead camshaft design. The X10 through 13 are sedans, 16- and 17-series numbers were reserved for vans, 20 through 23 for coupés, and 26 through 29 for wagons. The only exception to this scheme is the 18R-U–engined RX15, introduced in June 1976, which received the same chassis code whether fitted in the hardtop or the sedan.

In August 1973, there were minor changes and updates. The basic trim package wagon was offered with a five-speed manual transmission. Electronic fuel injection was introduced on the two-litre four-cylinder (18R) engine to increase power and lower fuel emissions. The four-cylinder 1,707 cc 6R engine was replaced by the 1,808 cc 16R. The 1.8 was discontinued in October 1975, leaving only two-litre engines of four or six cylinders in the Japanese market. Even after the introduction of the next Mark II, production of the second generation continued through November 1976.

Engine choices included:
 * I4 1,707 cc 6R (RX10/RX16V/RX20/RX26: 95 PS )
 * I4 1,808 cc 16R (RX11/RX17V/RX21/RX27)
 * I4 1,968 cc 18R (RX12/RX22/RX28)
 * I4 1,968 cc 18R-U (RX15, low emissions version)
 * I6 1,988 cc M (MX10/MX20)
 * I6 1,988 cc M-E ((MX10/MX20 fuel injected)
 * I6 2,253 cc 2M (MX12/MX22/MX28, export only)
 * I6 2,563 cc 4M (MX13/MX23/MX29, export only)

Mark II Hardtop coupe (X22)
The hardtop coupe, offered as an alternative to the Crown Coupe, offered a visual distinction from the sedans and station wagons. The trim packages started with the "Mark II-L," 2000GSS, 2000GSL, 2000SL, 2000GL, 2000DX, and the 1700DX. Depending on the trim package, the coupe interior was only available in black vinyl or cloth, while the "Mark II-L" came in tan cloth. All came with a three-spoke steering wheel, but the appearance was slightly different. The sport steering wheel had a raised centre hub, while the DX was flat across. The Mark II-L, GSL, and SL had a wood-grained rim, while the GSS was black plastic. Twelve exterior colours were available, along with eight metallic choices. The list of optional items was shared with the sedan and wagon and included cruise control, air conditioning, electric rear window defroster, AM/FM stereo with a separately installed 8-track tape player, and power windows. Standard items added include a collapsible steering column in case of collision, three-point seat belts for front passengers with an audible seatbelt reminder, and power assist brakes with disc brakes for the front wheels.

The GSS offered the 1,968 cc 18R-G DOHC four-cylinder with dual carburetors for 1972–1974, upgrading to electronic fuel injection starting in 1975, while the Mark II-L coupe offered the 1,988 cc M straight six engine in 1972 then upgraded in 1973 to the 1,988 cc M-E fuel injected version. The transmission was either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic, but the GSS came with a five-speed manual.

North America
The Crown line of cars was no longer marketed in North America after 1972 due to disappointing sales. This left a gap offered by Toyota Motor North America, offering the Corolla, Corona, Celica, Land Cruiser, and Hilux truck. Fortunately, the second-generation Mark II increased in size and would be one of the few sensible options for families transitioning from larger American Detroit cars during the 1973 oil crisis and remain competitive with other Japanese makers selling their vehicles. In 1974, it was marketed in the U.S. as a fully loaded coupe, sedan, and station wagon with limited available options. Standard features included a six-cylinder SOHC engine, four-speed manual transmission, front disc brakes, heater defroster, and bucket seats. Some options were stereo cassette player, power steering, air conditioning, and a three-speed automatic transmission.

North American market cars had the 2.3-litre M-series "six" when they first went on sale in early 1972, but in August of that year this was replaced by the larger 2.6-litre 4M unit. Power, originally at 109 hp, increased to 123 hp. This was the only engine offered for the Mark II's next four years in the North American markets.

Third generation (X30, X40; 1976–1980)
The third generation was introduced with a more upscale, European-type design. The lines combine the previous generation's American styling with a British-looking front end while demonstrating a new corporate Toyota appearance with the larger S80 series Crown. This model generation was amongst the last cars to feature the Toyopet brand name, which was dropped in 1980 while the name continued to be used for the Japanese Toyopet Store dealership. This generation continued to offer Japanese buyers an alternative to the Nissan Laurel sedan and the new Nissan Bluebird based Nissan Maxima in North America, with the new Chaser as an alternative to the Nissan Skyline in Japan.

This generation offered as standard equipment a new windshield wiper and headlight switch installation, where the controls were operated by levers attached to the steering column. Wipers were two-speed with an intermittent wipe and a windshield wash button on the end, installed on the left, and headlights and turn signals were controlled by a lever on the right. All Japanese manufacturers adopted this style, and all auto manufacturers eventually adopted it worldwide, and it is still used today. A rear wiper was also available for all sedan, hardtop, and station wagon upper trim level packages. Left-hand drive vehicles reversed the installation so that the turn signal and headlight control stalk were on the left, and the wiper control stalk was on the right. A steering column automatic gear selector continued to be offered on entry-level trim packages and a bench seat with individually reclining front seat backs. A parking brake handle was now relocated to the centre console unless it had a bench seat that used the version installed to the left of the steering wheel.

Some of the standard or optional items included power express down for the driver's window, a tilt steering wheel adjustment, a system monitor that would inform if the disc brake lining needed to be serviced, an AM/FM Stereo radio with four speakers, a separately available cassette player or 8-track cassette, full instrumentation including a volt meter and oil pressure, cruise control, and the rear seat back that could fold down to accommodate long items in the boot. Mid-grade trim packages with the four-cylinder engine and the automatic transmission replaced the tachometer with an econometer that used intake manifold vacuum pressure to display "power," "acceleration," or "cruising". Entry-level vehicles replaced the tachometer with an electric clock.

Some models had six-cylinder engines, optionally with electronic fuel injection, borrowed from the larger Crown. For the Japanese market, all engines were gradually upgraded with Toyota's TTC-C technology to comply with the Japanese Government's Clean Air Act of 1975 and had a "TTC-C" badge on the rear of the vehicle. In late October 1977, the 3T-U four-cylinder engine was upgraded to pass the 1978 emissions standards with the aid of a lean-burn design. The X30-series chassis numbers were the original codes for the third-generation Mark II, and any vehicle that complied with the new, stricter 1978 emission regulations was assigned the X40 series number. Four-cylinder engines were offered for Japanese buyers who wanted the luxury of the six-cylinder models but wanted a smaller annual road tax obligation.

The suspension and chassis were updated, and used MacPherson struts at all four wheels, borrowing the rear suspension from the Crown, using semi-trailing arms with four links. All body styles were now integrated with a safety cage with crumple zones for the front and rear, a body-on-frame chassis was abandoned, and unitary construction was now used. In October 1979 a diesel-engined Mark II went on sale, a first for the model as an alternative to the diesel-powered Isuzu Florian, and the diesel-powered car was exclusive to Toyota Diesel Store locations.

In 1998, Toyota released a car called Progrès. The Progrès front end resembles an updated version of the X30/X40 series sedan. Both feature a combination of round and squared lighting. The grille and bonnet also have similar shapes, sizes, and lines.

The Grande trim was introduced as the top-level trim package, and the six-cylinder engine's 2.6 L or 2.0L versions were available. If it had the 2.6 L engine, a "2600" badge was installed on the rear of the vehicle and the bottom right portion of the front grille. The Grande trim name remained until the Mark II production concluded. All other six-cylinder sedans and hardtops were only offered the 2.0 L. The 2.6 L six-cylinder engine was exclusive to the Mark-II and was not shared later with the Chaser or Cresta until 1988.

 * Hardtop coupé trim packages six-cylinder
 * Grande, LG Touring, LG Touring-Extra, LG, LG-Extra, L, L-Extra
 * Hardtop coupé trim packages four-cylinder
 * GSL, GL, DX
 * Sedan trim packages six-cylinder
 * Grande, LG Touring, LG Touring-Extra, LG, LG-Extra, L, L-Extra
 * Sedan trim packages four-cylinder
 * GSL, GL, DX, STD
 * Station wagon trim packages
 * L

Chaser
The Toyota Chaser was released in 1977 as a competitor to the Nissan Skyline sedan. The first Chaser was a Mark II with a slightly differing front and rear treatment, of a performance class compared to the Mark II, and replaced the previous generation Mark II GSS hardtop coupe. Later generations received more differentiated styling. The idea of the Chaser was to offer a sportier version of the Mark II, which was sold at a Japanese Toyota dealership called Toyota Auto Store, often with larger engines. The Chaser was an alternative to Japanese buyers as the dealership had only offered one car called the Toyota Sprinter, which was based on the Toyota Corolla.

Cressida
The Corona Mark II was renamed the Toyota Cressida for export markets, and the name Cressida was not used in Japan. Production started in December 1976. The name Mark II was previously identified with the North American Continental Mark II which first appeared in 1956 and the term "Mark" is still associated with Lincoln Motor Company products. It was Toyota's largest sedan and wagon range offered in North America, while the personal luxury coupé wasn't offered. In New Zealand, a two-litre four-cylinder sedan version replaced the six-cylinder Crown in local assembly after the 1970s oil crises prompted the government to impose a 60% sales tax on cars with engines larger than two litres. A few fully built up Crowns were subsequently imported. In other markets, the larger Toyota Crown also remained available.

The name "Cressida" derives from the lead character in William Shakespeare's play Troilus and Cressida, inspired by Cressida, a female Trojan character.

Depending on the market it was sold in, it had the 4M carbureted engine (MX32, MX36), the 18R engine (RX30, RX32, RX35) or 3T engine (TX30). The North American models started with the carbureted 4M engine (MX32) but in mid-1978 the fuel-injected 4M-E replaced its carbureted counterpart – this was one of the first Toyotas in the US to use fuel injection. In 1979, the MSRP in the US was US$9,190. Cressidas sold in California were installed with the TTC-C technology to comply with the emissions regulations but were not given a badge on the back of the vehicle.

In New Zealand, where it was locally assembled and sold in a highly specified GL form (replacing the 2.8-litre Crown which had been hit by high sales taxes on two-litre-plus engine sizes), it had the 18R engine. The Australian-market Cressida received the 2.6-litre 4M engine, although in de-smogged form (meeting ADR27) it only produced 79 kW for relatively leisurely performance, but comparable, if not more power than the domestic, larger inline six cylinder engines offered by Ford, Chrysler and Holden.

Standard features included air conditioning, automatic transmission (a 5-speed manual was available), power steering, rear seat armrests, AM/FM cassette stereo with amplifier, reclining front seats, and a rear window defroster. The automatic transmission was a four-speed overdrive with an overdrive lockout. Power windows were optional. Soundproofing was extensive, and the Cressida was famous for being one of the quietest cars on the road at the time.

In the United Kingdom, the Cressida was available in both sedan and wagon body styles. The only engine available was the 18R and there was one trim level, badged De Luxe. Contrary to common practice, this was not the same as DX specifications on other Toyota cars, but a more upmarket version of the DX trim level. The Toyota Carina sedan and wagon also sold in the United Kingdom at this time were also badged as De Luxe (but were rebadged as DX from 1980 onwards).

South African Cressidas all received the 2.0-litre 18R engine, and were introduced in November 1977. The engine was built in South Africa by Toyota's Motor Assemblies subsidiary. Originally only a fully equipped L version was available, with a lower-priced semi-deluxe version appearing in the first month of 1978. A station wagon, Toyota's first in South Africa, appeared in August 1978. It was available in either semi-deluxe or full deluxe trim, the latter only as an automatic.

Fourth generation (X60; 1980–1984)
The fourth-generation Mark II was introduced in 1980. The two-door coupé was no longer offered, which was replaced by the Soarer. The fourth generation was now available as a four-door sedan, pillared hardtop, or as a station wagon, which is marketed as a business vehicle in Japan. These were body styles shared with the all-new Crown, which also lost the two-door hardtop coupe. The exterior dimensions of the Mark II and Crown were essentially the same, and the Mark II continued as the top-level product at Toyopet Store locations.

Engine options were either the 1G-EU, turbocharged M-TEU, 5M-EU, and a fuel-injected version of the twin-cam 18R-G available in the GT. 2.2 and 2.4-litre diesel engines of the L family, with turbocharging available for the larger engine. In 1982, the twin-cam 1G-GEU engine was added, and in 1983 the automatic transmission was changed to an electronically controlled four-speed. The top-of-the-line "Grande" version continued to be available, only in combination with the more powerful engine options.

The Van generally received less powerful engines, had very sparse equipment, and was shorter than its passenger car equivalent due to the use of more compact bumpers. This Mark II generation included commercial, taxi, and drivers training vehicles. The Mark II was common alongside the slightly smaller Corona as a taxi.

The X60 Mark II introduced the world's first voice warning system, which was developed and offered as standard equipment. In Indonesia, it was sold as the Mark II with the 99 PS DIN (105 PS JIS) 21R engine (RX60) beginning in late 1981.

North America
The second-generation Cressida, the MX63 (sedans for model years 1983 and 1984 with new IRS, the wagon and solid rear axle model is the MX62), was a significant redesign from the previous generation. Gone was the coupé version, but a more up-to-date body style was new for the sedan and wagon. Changes from the previous generation included a larger engine using electronic fuel injection, now up to 116 hp at 4800 rpm in North American trim. The 5M-E would power the 1981 and 1982 model years before it was superseded by the 5M-GE, a DOHC engine with a substantially higher power rating, 143 hp in 1983 and 1984. North American X60-series Cressidas all received versions of the 2.8-litre inline-six engine, while in other markets smaller units were often available.

Much like the contemporary Camry and Corolla, the US market Cressida had a unique interior that differed from other LHD variants, including those sold in nearby Canada, in order to satisfy American design tastes and certain federal requirements. While other LHD Cressidas had essentially a mirror image of the RHD interior sold in markets like Japan and Australia, the US spec interior had a unique steering wheel, completely different bottom half of the dashboard with more luxurious soft touch materials, and the major addition of the automatic shoulder belts, which were not offered in any other market.

The Cressida was the first car to offer an automatic motorized passive seat belt system, a full year ahead of the legal requirement taking effect. The centre console is also different and includes two levers for both driver and passenger with "LIFT FOR EMERGENCY EXIT" decals that are designed to release the tension in the automatic shoulder belts when they lock up as designed in a collision or panic stop situation. The US-market 1981 Cressida was the first car to come with motorized automatic shoulder harnesses which wrapped around front seat occupants when the door was closed and the ignition switched on. All US-market Cressidas from 1981 on were so equipped.

In 1983, the Cressida was refreshed and gained an independent semi-trailing link rear suspension, rear vented disc brakes, and the 5M-GE engine. Much of this technology came from the Toyota Supra parts bin with minor differences. A five-speed manual transmission was available, but cars equipped with it were considerably more rare than automatic versions. The electronically controlled A43DE automatic transmission was another improvement over the previous hydraulically controlled A43DL transmission and had three modes: Power, Normal, and Economy. This iteration was praised for its handling, ride, quiet interior, and most of all, its reliability; the Cressida was quickly gaining a reputation for outstanding ownership.

In August 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda initiated the F1 project ("Flagship" and "No. 1 vehicle"; alternatively called the "Circle-F" project), a clandestine effort aimed at producing a world-class luxury sedan for international markets. This led to the creation of an all new, full size luxury sedan designed for export markets and ended up called the Lexus LS.

Australia and New Zealand
This model was again assembled in New Zealand initially only with a two-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and five-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic transmission. Various markets received different bodywork, combining various elements of the Mark II, Chaser, and Cresta variants.

After the mid-generation facelift, a mid-grade specification similar to the original one-model line was offered on New Zealand assembled models with the four-cylinder engine; a new top version had a two-litre six-cylinder engine, four-speed automatic and air conditioning, becoming the first NZ-built Toyota to have 'air' as standard. A large number of the four-cylinder cars with dealer-fitted air conditioning were sold to car hire company Hertz Rent A Car. Both engines were below two litres to avoid the higher sales taxes that applied on larger engines in New Zealand at the time.

Europe
This model was sold as a Cressida in Europe as well, albeit only in a few markets and never in significant numbers. Toyota was withdrawing from the large car categories in Europe at this time, focusing on smaller vehicles. The Crown had been discontinued in many European markets, leaving the Cressida as the biggest Toyota available. European market Cressidas were generally fitted with two-litre inline-fours or -sixes (21R, 1G), and the 2.2-litre L diesel was a popular option in some places. Power outputs, all DIN ratings, are 99 PS at 5200 rpm for the four-cylinder, 101 PS at 5000 rpm for the six-cylinder, and 66 PS at 4200 rpm for the diesel.

The Swedish- and Swiss-specification models have their own emissions controls due to those countries' legislations; its 1972-cc 21R-U engine produces 105 PS at 5200 rpm.

Chaser and Cresta
Production swapped to the X51 and X61 Chaser in 1980, with the addition of the 6-cylinder 2.0 L 1G-EU (single cam) and 1G-GE (twincam) engines. Body styles offered were a four-door sedan and 4-door hardtop, no longer offering the 2-door hardtop with this generation. The "Avante" trim level had a sport tuned suspension using Michelin tires. This generation saw a new competitor from Nissan called the Leopard with a lower asking price in comparison to the Japanese market favorite, the Skyline.

The all-new Toyota Cresta was introduced in 1980 as a luxurious companion to the Chaser, sharing the chassis, suspension and engines, and was available at Toyota Vista Store locations, while the Mark II remained at Toyopet Store locations.

Fifth generation (X70; 1984–1988 (sedan) 1984–1997 (wagon))

Arriving in August 1984, the fifth generation dropped the "Corona" name in Japan and became simply the Toyota Mark II. This generation Mark II was now the competitor to the Nissan Bluebird Maxima sedan. As well as for private buyers, the Mark II range also contained models specifically targeting fleet sales, government agencies, and taxi services. The accompanying Chaser and Cresta sedans, as well as the export-market Cressida, were also upgraded to the X70-series.

The Mark II has two different variations: the pillared Hardtop and the Sedan. Visually, they are different on the exterior while the interior remains untouched. Exterior changes on the Hardtop version include a slanted nose, which requires a new grille, a thinner headlamp assembly that matches the slanted nose, frameless door windows, a thinner tail lamp, front fenders, and a bumper. Body panel is stamped different from the standard version. The Standard version is exactly like the MX73 Toyota Cressida. It does not have the aggressive slanted front end, conservative body panels and framed windows.

The Mark II (and its sister cars) received the powerful Twin Turbo version of the 1G inline-six in October 1985. This 185 PS engine made the earlier turbocharged M-TE engine superfluous and it was discontinued. In August 1986 the range received a minor facelift and some technical improvements. The 1.8-litre LPG engine was replaced by a 2-litre version.

Station wagon/van (1984–1997)
The X70 station wagon was produced from November 1984 to April 1997 with only a few minor revisions over the years. In most markets, sales of this wagon was stopped when the next model of the sedan was introduced but they continued to be sold in Japan for use as delivery vehicles. It was finally superseded by the front-wheel-drive Mark II Qualis that was based on the Camry Gracia.

Cressida

In 1984 for the 1985 model year, a new Cressida was introduced by Toyota. This was the MX73 (MX72 for wagon). The 5M-E engine was mostly unchanged from the 1984 model year but gained a knock-sensor, which detected pre-ignition and adjusted timing accordingly when a lower-grade fuel was used. Later, the twin-cam 5M-GE engine replaced the 5M-E. The bodystyle was all-new, larger, and more aerodynamic than previous generations. Like its main competitor at the time, the Nissan Maxima, it was given the "compact" designation, though it had grown in size. New options included were an electronic shock absorber control (TEMS), CD player, super monitor, digital gauges, standard woodgrain trim, and secondary radio controls that were placed right by the steering wheel for easier access while driving. The Cressida was offered with the W58 five-speed manual transmission, but was very uncommon and only in the 1986 model.

The US-spec Cressida continued to offer a unique interior that differed from other LHD markets, including Canada. The major difference was the automatic shoulder belts, along with unique steering wheel, and different dash board design.

The automatic transmission retained its "normal/power" selector as many other Toyotas would, but later in production, the "economy" selection was dropped. In 1987 the automatic transmission was changed to the A340E that was also used with the 7M-GE and Lexus 1UZ-FE engine at the time. The 1988 model was not offered with a manual transmission and the wagon was discontinued in 1987. By 1988, power output was at 161 hp.

Cressida badging was also used in other export markets with smaller engines. In Indonesia, the Cressida GLX-i was available with a 109 PS version of the two-litre 1G-E 6-cylinder engine with no emissions controls and low compression suitable for lower-octane petrol. Cressidas sold in Europe had limited engine options, including the 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine with 86 PS.

Sixth generation (X80; 1988–1995)

First released in August 1988, the Mark II was no longer the top level sedan at Toyopet Store locations in Japan with the introduction of the Toyota Celsior 9 October 1989. The Mark II was offered for private purchase ownership with luxury features on upper trim packages while the Celsior was positioned as a Crown alternative for chauffer-driven ownership.

The Grande G series used the 3.0 L 7M-GE engine, and featured traction control and ABS, and offered two variants. The base variant "2.0 Grande G" included a supercharger equipped 2.0 L 1G-GZE straight six engine, while the "3.0 Grande G" included the 3.0 L 7M-GE straight six shared with the Soarer. The supercharger was belt-driven but actuated by an electromagnetic clutch so that it would not be driven except when needed, increasing fuel economy. In 1990, 1JZ-GE and 1JZ-GTE (280 PS) was introduced, replacing the 1G-GZE. The GT model was only available with an automatic transmission. All six-cylinder X80 models used independent rear suspension partnered with available TEMS, while the four-cylinder models had solid rear axles.

After 1992, the X80 series continued to be produced for taxi fleet vehicles until 1995, when the Comfort assumed taxi duties. The Comfort was released on December 19, 1995, as a fleet-oriented replacement for the X80 series Mark II in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau and Singapore. Based on the X80 chassis, the Comfort featured a new body design for increased interior space.

Cressida
Toyota introduced the slightly larger fourth generation of the Cressida, the MX83, in 1988 for the 1989 model year – the final generation for the Cressida in North America.

Standard features included a new, more powerful 3.0-litre straight six 7M-GE engine producing 190 hp at 6,000 rpm and 185 lbft at 4,400 rpm. As with the powertrain, most other mechanicals were modified versions of those in the Supra, most notably the new double-wishbone rear suspension. Standard equipment included power windows and locks, cruise control, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, and a four-speed automatic transmission. Options included antilock brakes, a power driver's seat, leather upholstery, power moonroof, and a CD player. Cressidas of this generation sold in the US featured motorized automatic seat belts (Canada and other markets had manual seat belts); airbags were never offered.

The Cressida was praised for its ride, handling, fuel mileage for its class (23 mpg [US] average according to a July 1989 Consumer Reports test), and reliability. Downsides include a somewhat uncomfortable back seat, ride quality that deteriorated with a full load of passengers, and a boot with only 12.5 cubic feet of space.

The most substantive change was the 1990 facelift for model year 1991, which brought brighter alloy wheels, a redesigned grille containing the new Toyota "T" logo, and simplified climate controls.

In the Middle East, the Cressida had a 2.4-litre 22R engine producing 108 hp at 6,000 rpm. The other available engine was the 2.8-litre 5M-E, which produced 103 kW at 4,800 rpm and 226 Nm at 3,600 rpm using the leaded petrol available in the region at the time. At its peak, the Cressida was so popular in the Middle East that almost every five in 10 cars was a Cressida. This was popular as both a taxi and with private buyers alike due to its immense reliability, tough body panels, cheap spare parts and relatively comfortable ride. The Cressida was sold until 1996 in the Middle East with the Camry immediately positioned as the successor.

In Australia, the Cressida was sold from April 1977 to February 1993, when it was replaced by the Vienta (and later the Avalon in the full-size bracket).

The Cressida also played a part in the design of the first Lexus models, most closely resembling the LS 400. However, some of the shared concepts and similarity between the Cressida and early Lexus models in turn led to the decision to eventually discontinue the Cressida in most markets, as it would overlap with vehicles sold under the Lexus marque. The 1992 redesign of the Camry and introduction of the XLE V6 model helped cover the Cressida's market as well, despite the fact it was a more economy-oriented and front-wheel-drive vehicle, while the Cressida was high-end and rear-wheel-drive.

The introduction of the Toyota Avalon in the American market in 1995 filled some of the gap left by the cancellation of the Toyota Cressida after the 1992 model year. The larger Avalon was a front-wheel drive full-size car, powered by a V6 engine, as the third-generation Camry remained in the mid-market but now had grown in proportions to be classified as a mid-size. The Cressida was an upper-level mid-size rear-wheel drive car with a straight-six engine, as the mid-market second-generation Camry was still classified as a compact car in the early 1990s. The Lexus GS, introduced in 1993 – one year after the Cressida's discontinuation – could also be considered a spiritual successor to the Cressida, as a midsize rear-wheel drive Toyota luxury vehicle with a strong kinship to the Toyota Supra and also derived from a shortened version of the Toyota Crown platform.

Seventh generation: (X90; 1992–1996)

A redesigned Mark II was released in October 1992, called the X90-series. It received a new front bumper (including grille), rear bumpers, and tail lights, and some weight, mainly due to regulations. The Mark II had also grown. Under Japanese exterior dimension regulations, this series was too wide to be classified as a small-size car, but a normal-size car instead. Buyers who wanted a sedan that remained under the guidelines were now served by the 1990 SV30 series Toyota Camry. Toyota added a new sedan called the Toyota Scepter, with the major difference being a front-wheel-drive powertrain. Styling of this generation showed a corporate similarity to the Toyota Windom, which was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store locations. The Mark II sedans (and X70 wagons and vans) were planned to sell about 14,000 units per month, while the sister models Cresta and Chaser were expected to have monthly sales of 7000 and 6000 units, respectively.

The X90 series was available in six different trim levels. All trims came standard with fully automatic air conditioning and faux wood interior paneling. The base GL was available in either standard or automatic with a choice of a diesel or petrol four-cylinder engine. The slightly more up-market Groire had the same engine and transmission options as the GL with more standard features over its inferior. The diesel engine was now fitted with electronic fuel injection and had lower NOx emissions.

The next four trim levels featured only petrol straight sixes for engines and either rear- or all-wheel drive. The Grande was available with either a 2.0 L 1G-FE or 2.5 L 1JZ-GE and either a four-speed automatic or 5-speed manual for 1G-equipped Mark II Grandes. The Grande was otherwise identical to the Groire in terms of options and equipment. The Grande G was available with either the aforementioned 2.5 L 1JZ-GE or a 3.0 L 2JZ-GE mated to an automatic transmission and came with ABS, Digital Instrument cluster, and traction control standard.

The Tourer S came with a 1JZ-GE engine, 4-speed automatic and several options either standard (such as ABS and control) or not present (a factory limited-slip differential) in either the Grande or Grande G.

Lastly, the Tourer V had a reinforced body, sport suspension, and a twin-turbo 280 hp 2.5-litre 1JZ-GTE inline-six engine. It also came from the factory with, traction control, ABS, an optional Torsen LSD and optional 5-speed manual transmission. The Mark II Tourer V was a popular choice among tuners, enthusiasts, and drifters.

The hardtop approach was used on various segments of core Toyota sedans by offering a more upscale hardtop version. These cars were offered for consumers who wanted the luxurious approach offered by the Toyota Crown hardtop and sedan, as well as the Mark II (four-door hardtop), Cresta (four-door sedan) and Chaser (four-door hardtop and performance enhancements), and the next segment down on the Corona and Carina, called the Toyota Corona EXiV and the Toyota Carina ED, with the Toyota Corolla Ceres and the Toyota Sprinter Marino at the lowest segment, which were all offered at reduced prices and tax liability based on the vehicles size. The various versions were sold at different Toyota dealerships dedicated to particular models.

Eighth generation: (X100; 1996–2000)

Like its predecessor, the X100-series Toyota Mark II was available in multiple trim levels. New for this production run was the introduction of All-Trac all-wheel drive to Grande and Grande G as well as the use of Toyota's new VVTi system on its engines. Also new was the standardization of ABS and a new electronic traction control system. The Groire trim level was also dropped for this production run, and was named for a village in the Centre-Val de Loire of France.

The base GL came with only the 2.4-litre 2L-TE turbo-diesel straight-four mated to a four-speed automatic. It came with basic features like power windows and door locks and automatic air-conditioning, but sportier options were only available on higher-level trims. However, traction control and ABS were available as options.

The Grande trim levels had a plethora of options and features available not limited to but including tilt-steering, standard ABS, traction control and AWD. The base Grande was powered by either the 2.0-litre 1G-FE inline-six mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic, the 2.4-litre 2L-TE mated to a four-speed automatic from the GL or the 2.5-litre 1JZ-GE, turning a four-speed automatic as well. New for 1996 was the Grande Four: a four-wheel-drive variant of the Grande, it was powered by the 1JZ-GE and mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission sending power to the All-Trac drivetrain through a centre differential. The Grande G versions were available with a digital instrument cluster and either a 1JZ- or 2JZ-GE with a 4-speed automatic. The "G package" included leather anointments for the steering wheel and seats as well as power front seats. A Grande G Four was also offered with the 1JZ engine, 4-speed auto transmission and all-wheel drive.

The Tourer trim level carried on from the X90 series in both Tourer S and Tourer V. The Tourer S was powered by a naturally aspirated 1JZ-GE and mated to a 4-speed automatic. The Tourer V received some noticeable tweaks from its X90 series counterpart: along with the implementation of ETCS and VVTi, the engine now received forced induction through one large turbocharger as opposed to two smaller ones in a parallel configuration. According to Toyota, this smoothed out the torque curve allowing the engine to deliver more torque at a lower RPM and with VVTi, improved the car's fuel economy.

Mark II Qualis (XV20; 1997–2002)

To continue to offer Mark II customers the option of purchasing a station wagon at Toyopet Store locations, Toyota introduced the Toyota Mark II Qualis which was nearly identical to the Camry-based station wagon called the Camry Gracia. The Gracia was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store locations next to the Camry.

Ninth generation: (X110; 2000–2007)
This last generation of Mark II hosted several new technologies for Toyota. The new 2.5 L with the designation of 1JZ-FSE is the first application of Direct Injection for mass production on a Toyota passenger vehicle. This version of the JZ series engine features a redesigned head to optimize fuel economy and performance. Along with the 1JZ-FSE, the 1G-FE, 1JZ-GE and 1JZ-GTE are available and all with VVT-i technology. This generation of Mark II also host a new feature call Navi AI-shift, which uses GPS signals and shifts the automatic transmission into the appropriate gear.

The X110 series discontinued the hardtop version in favor of the conventional sedan.

During this time, Toyota has discontinued the Chaser and Cresta nameplate and created the Verossa. Toyota has also eliminated the Tourer S and Tourer V and instead called their sportier version 2.5 Grande iR-S and 2.5 Grande iR-V, respectively. iR meaning Intelligent Rapidly. Other models include the 2.0 Grande, 2.5 Grande, 2.5 Grande G, 2.5 Grande G-tb. The 2.5 Grande G Four, 2.0 Grande Four, and the 2.0 Grande Four "S package" all came equipped with All-Trac AWD.

Minor changes were made in 2002. New headlight, grille and a redesigned bumper freshen up the front end while a new taillight design and new chrome trim for the boot handle finish up the rear end. The introduction of the 2.0 L iR grade was added alongside the iR-S and iR-V. The iR-V was the only model to feature a hand brake (instead of a floor mounted E-brake) and was the only model to include an optional R154 5 speed manual transmission. The G-tb model was discontinued in favor for the 2.0 L iR model. Another model introduced by Toyota for the Mark II is their special edition, Regalia, which marks the 35th Anniversary of the Mark II nameplate.

Mark II Blit (X110; 2002–2007)

The Mark II Blit is the wagon version of the X110 Mark II. It was introduced in January 2002 as a replacement for the Toyota Mark II Qualis. The Blit was a return to the Mark II platform with rear wheel drive and optional AWD, and not a wagon version of the front wheel drive Camry. The Blit used straight-six engines with an optional turbo that was discontinued in May 2006. The engines used were the same as the sedan model.

The Mark II Blit was exclusive to Toyota Japanese dealership Toyopet Store continuing to offer the Mark II in a station wagon.

title: Toyota Mark II


text:
File:PiLFirstIssue.jpg

Fair use in First Issue
Though this image is subject to copyright, its use is covered by the U.S. fair use laws because:
 * 1) It's a low resolution copy of a CD/album cover.
 * 2) It doesn't limit the copyright owner's rights to sell the CD/album in any way, in fact, it may encourage sales.
 * 3) Because of the low resolution, copies could not be used to make illegal copies of the album artwork on another CD.
 * 4) The image is itself a subject of discussion in the article or used in the infobox thereof.
 * 5) The image on the cover is significant because it was made by a famous artist.

Source

 * 1) Derived from a digital capture (scan/photo) of the album/CD cover (creator of this digital version is irrelevant as the copyright in all equivalent images is still held by the same party). Copyright held by the record company or the artist. Claimed as fair use regardless.

title: File:PiLFirstIssue.jpg


text:
Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Nelli Kim

 This page is an archive of the discussion about the proposed deletion of the article below. This page is no longer live. Further comments should be made on the article's talk page rather than here so that this page is preserved as an historic record. The result of the debate was copyvio. -- AllyUnion (talk) 05:41, 4 Mar 2005 (UTC)

Nelli Kim
Delete - According to the WP:CP policy, after I've written a stub Nelli Kim/Temp to replace copyvio article Nelli Kim, Nelli Kim should be deleted. Please, do it as soon as possible, rewritten article waits ten days already. My above (00:04, 19 Feb 2005) proposal was not compatible with the WP:CP policy - Nelli Kim/Temp should not be deleted. Cmapm 00:56, 19 Feb 2005 (UTC)
 * agree with above. Delete present copyvio and replace. Megan1967 00:33, 21 Feb 2005 (UTC)

This page is now preserved as an archive of the debate and, like some other VfD subpages, is no longer 'live'. Subsequent comments on the issue, the deletion, or the decision-making process should be placed on the relevant 'live' pages. Please do not edit this page.


text:
Liturgy of Preparation

The Liturgy of Preparation, also Prothesis (Πρόθεσις) or Proskomedia (Προσκομιδή Proskomidē 'an offering, an oblation'), is the name given in the Eastern Orthodox Church to the act of preparing the bread and wine for the Eucharist.

Eucharistic elements
Only very specific elements may be offered at the Divine Liturgy:

Bread

The bread used for the Liturgy is referred to as prosphora. A prosphoron is a round loaf of leavened bread baked in two layers to represent the two natures of Christ. It has a square seal on the top side which has inscribed on it a cross and the Greek letters IC (an abbreviation in Greek for "Jesus") XC ("Christ") and NIKA ("Conquers"). The portion of the loaf that is cut out along this seal is the Lamb (Host), from which all are communicated, and therefore must be proportionately large for the number of communicants.

Prosphora must be made using only the finest wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast. It should be freshly baked and without blemish.

The Greeks use one large loaf for the Liturgy of Preparation, with a large round seal on it inscribed not only with the square seal mentioned above (from which the Lamb is taken), but also markings indicating where the portions for the Theotokos, the Ranks, the Living and Dead are removed (see Proskomedie, below).

Those churches which follow Slavic usage use five small loaves, recalling the five loaves from which Christ fed the multitude. Normally all are stamped with a small square seal, though special seals for the Theotokos are sometimes used.

Wine
The wine used must be red grape wine, and it must be fermented. Orthodox tend to favor altar wine that is somewhat sweet, though this is not a requirement.

These elements are referred to collectively as the "Gifts", both before and after the Consecration.

Ceremony
The Priest's Service Book states that, before celebrating the Divine Liturgy, the priest must be reconciled to all men, keep his heart from evil thoughts, and be fasting since midnight. The same rules apply to the deacon.

The beginning of the Liturgy of Preparation should be timed so that it is concluded slightly before the Reader finishes reading the Third Hour and Sixth Hour.

Kairon
The priests and deacons celebrating the liturgy stand together in front of the holy doors of the iconostasis, venerate the icons, and say special entrance prayers before they enter into the altar. At the end of these prayers, they bow to the throne of the bishop who oversees the church, or, if it is a monastery, the abbot, acknowledging the authority of their spiritual superiors, without whose permission they may not celebrate the divine services.

Vesting
Next The priests and deacons venerate the holy table and vest. For each vestment, the priest blesses it, kisses the cross on it, and dons it reciting a Biblical verse, usually from the Psalms. The deacon brings his vestments to the priest to bless, kisses the priest's hand, and likewise for each vestment kisses the cross on it and dons it, but only for the sticharion recites a verse, the same verse for it as does the priest. Each subdeacon, reader, and server vests in the same manner as a deacon, except for not reciting anything. If a bishop who is not celebrating is present, he, rather than the priest, may bless their vestments.

After vesting, the priest and deacon wash their hands, saying the Prayer of the Washing of Hands (Psalm 26:6-12) They then go to the Prothesis (Table of Oblation) where the Gifts are to be prepared.

Proskomedia
If there are several priests concelebrating, usually only one—traditionally, the most junior— celebrates the Proskomedia. Others may assist in taking out particles for the living and the dead. In the Greek traditions (Constantinople, Antioch, etc.) all particles are frequently taken from one large prosphoron which is stamped with a seal that serves as a template, but in the Slavic traditions there are several (usually five) prosphora, from which particles are taken as described below.

The Lamb

The priest takes a prosphoron and blesses it three times, making the sign of the cross over it with the liturgical spear. Then, cutting on all four sides of the square seal on the prosphoron, he removes a cube (the Lamb), taking from both layers of the loaf, and places it in the center of the diskos. He then cuts the underside of the Lamb, making a cross, then turns the Lamb right side up and pierces it with the spear, saying the words from the Gospel. (See Lamb for more details).

The deacon mingles a little water with the wine that is poured in the chalice and presents it to the priest for him to bless. The deacon then pours the wine and water into the chalice, as the priest says, "Blessed be the union of Thy holy things, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen."

The Theotokos
Next the priest takes up the second prosphoron, blesses it with the spear, and cuts a large, triangular particle from it, which he places on the diskos next to the Lamb in commemoration of the Theotokos. This loaf (if it is a separate loaf) is sometimes sealed with an icon of the Mother of God, or with her monogram.

The ranks
Next, the priest takes up the prosphoron of the Nine Ranks. From this loaf are taken smaller triangular particles in commemoration of the various ranks of saints. There are some differences between the Greek and the Slavic texts as to which particular saints are named, but the intent is that all of the saints are included. Saint John the Forerunner and the Patron Saint of the church or monastery are always named. The number nine was chosen because that is the traditional number of the ranks of angels.

These nine particles are placed to the left of the Lamb (i.e., to the priest's right, as he looks down on the diskos).

The living

Then the priest takes up the prosphoron for the Living. He takes out a larger particle in commemoration of the Patriarch (or Synod of Bishops), and a second larger particle in commemoration of the Ruler (in former times, this would have been the Emperor, but nowadays it reflects the government of the local nation in which the church is located). He then takes out smaller particles in commemoration of others among the living. He must always commemorate the Bishop who ordained him (if he is still among the living), the clergy who are concelebrating with him, and any living Orthodox Christian whom he wishes. Churches and monasteries often have diptychs (memorial books) of the living and departed who should be commemorated at every Liturgy.

Among the Slavic peoples, it is customary for the laity to offer small prosphora in commemoration of those living and the departed whom they would like to have prayed for during the Liturgy. These often are smaller than the five prosphora used by the priest. They hand these to the priest together with their list of names, and he takes particles out (living from the top of the loaf, departed from the bottom) and place them on the diskos. The loaves are returned to the faithful.

All of the particles for the living are placed in a line below the Lamb and the particles for the Theotokos and saints.

Only Orthodox Christians may be commemorated on the diskos at the Proskomedia.

The departed
From the prosphoron of the departed the priest takes a larger particle as a general memorial of the departed hierarchs, rulers and the founders of the local church or monastery. He then takes out smaller particles in commemoration of departed Orthodox Christians. He commemorates the bishop who ordained him (if he is departed) and any of the departed whom he will, as well as the names in the diptychs and those presented by the faithful.

All of the particles for the departed are placed in a line below the particles for the living.

Before the conclusion, any concelebrating priests who would like to make their own commemorations of the living and the departed may do so.

The celebrant himself
For the last commemoration, the priest takes out a particle for himself, saying: "Remember, O Lord, mine unworthy self, and pardon me every transgression, whether voluntary or involuntary."

Conclusion

The deacon places incense in the censer and holds it up for the priest to bless. The priest blesses the incense saying the Prayer of the Censer. Next, the priest takes the Asterisk (star cover), holds it over the censer and then places it on the diskos, saying: "And the star came and stood over the place where the young child was."

He then holds each of the smaller veils over the censer and places them on the discos and the chalice, respectively, saying appropriate prayers for each.

Then he takes the larger veil, called the Aër, wraps it around the censer and then covers the chalice and diskos together.

Finally, he takes the censer from the deacon and censes the covered Gifts. He then says the concluding Prayer of Offering (unless a bishop is celebrating; see below).

Afterwards, the deacon performs a full censing of the prothesis, the holy table, the sanctuary, the entire church and the people while he recites the following hymn and Psalm 50 quietly to himself: "In the Tomb with the body, and in Hades with the soul, in Paradise with the thief, and on the Throne with the Father and the Spirit, wast thou, O Christ, who art everywhere present and fillest all things."

Hierarchical Liturgy
When a bishop is serving the divine liturgy, one of the priests and the deacons and lower clergy vest and the Liturgy of Preparation is performed as normal with a few omissions which are later performed by the bishop: the other clergy who are serving are not commemorated, the concluding Prayer of Offering is not said, and the offerings are not censed. When the liturgy neither immediately follows matins nor is in conjunction with vespers, the reading of the hours generally does not commence until after the arrival of the bishop.

When it is time, the bishop enters formally into the church and the deacons recite the Entrance Prayers and he is then vested by the subdeacons while the deacons read the Vesting Prayers. Then the Reader begins the Little Hours or vespers commences or matins conclude, as the case may be.

During the great litany the bishop himself recites the Prayer of Offering omitted earlier from the usual order of the prothesis.

Just before the Great Entrance, the bishop commemorates those whom he wishes, taking out particles from a special prosphoron that has been prepared for him. Then each priest, deacon, and server approaches the bishop and kissing the bishop's right shoulder says his own name, by which the bishop takes out a particle commemorating him. Finally, the bishop censes the offerings.

Great Lent
During Great Lent it is not permitted to celebrate the Divine Liturgy on weekdays. However, on Wednesdays and Fridays the faithful may receive Holy Communion from the reserved Mysteries (Sacrament) at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. In order to provide for these services, on the Sunday before, the priest must cut out extra Lambs for each Presanctified Liturgy that there will be during that week.

Pascha
During Bright Week (The week following Easter Sunday) most of the services are quite radically different than during the rest of the year. However, at the Liturgy of Preparation, only the Entrance Prayers change; everything else remains the same.

Oriental Orthodox
The various Oriental Orthodox Churches also have Liturgies of Preparation before the commencement of the public portion of the Divine Liturgy. `Some of these are very simple, and some are more complex. They all involve the entry of the clergy, vesting and preparing the Gifts of bread and wine, accompanied by appropriate prayers.

title: Liturgy of Preparation