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8 Best Public Colleges and Universities in the State of New York

The state of New York has several landmarks that make it famous worldwide. These are a bustling Big Apple city and the stunning natural landscape. Among its many prominent features is the most extensive system of higher education in the country.

With over 64 campuses, the state welcomes thousands of students every year. A large percentage of these schools found their place in the US top public universities.

If you are looking to spend your college years in New York, here’s a tip. Do not hesitate to resort to write my essay on EssayPro services right away. They will help you craft an impressive admission essay. It will surely get you into your desired university.

Here are your best options for public colleges based on academic expertise and other aspects of student life.

Binghamton University – SUNY

Binghamton University has the perfect blend of history and modernization. It is ranked as the top public university in the state of New York. Sprawling across 930 acres, the campus offers a suburban setting.

The undergraduate enrollment rate is over 14,000 students per year. Its location in Vestal, N.Y, also makes it home to a nature preserve. It includes a forest and landscape that encourages students to participate in outdoor activities. The university’s most coveted departments include History, Public Administration, and Psychology.

The college hosts more than 200 student organizations. These include several organized sororities and fraternities. Along with a focus on the academy, the university is equally renowned for embracing sustainability on the campus.

Stony Brook University – SUNY

Stony Brook is another public institution tied with Binghamton University in the US News list of top New York Universities. The campus sprawls for over 1450 acres. The university is also home to the magnificent Ashley Schiff Park Preserve.

With its campus on the North Shore of Long Island, it is fairly accessible from the city, only 60 miles away. The institute’s most regarded department is the Stony Brook University Medical Center. It also has branches in Southampton and a Manhattan classroom. The university houses the only undergraduate journalism academy in the New York state system.

University at Buffalo – SUNY

Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is the largest institution in the SUNY system. It focuses on research-based studies. The campus is located close to the Canadian border in upstate New York. The North campus resembles the classic architecture. The newest downtown campus is dedicated to the university’s research centers.

This multi-campus institution is organized around 13 separate schools and colleges. They range from arts, medicine, law, business, social studies, education to many more. The college has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1. Students can take their pick from graduate programs, doctoral degrees, or professional courses.

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

SUNY ESF is one of the most distinguished environmental schools in the country. Though relatively small in size with a city campus of 12 acres, it remains high-rated for its niche education.

The institute is known for its 20 short Bachelor of Science programs. These extend from fisheries to aquatics. There are also professional degrees, such as paper engineering and landscape architecture. The college partners with Syracuse University. It gives students access to shared facilities and other organizations. The enrollment to this college is competitive, with an acceptance of 61%.

Baruch College – CUNY

Baruch College’s location in Manhattan is one of the students’ incentives. It offers quick access to unparalleled internships and career opportunities. The college is highly rated. It has one of the most ethnically diverse student bodies among the American Universities.

The academics of Baruch are offered through the Zicklin College of Business. Apart from the graduate and undergraduate programs, there are also Executive, as well as Ph.D. programs. The courses cover business, finance, analytics, data science, taxation, and real estate.

University at Albany – SUNY

UAlbany is among the oldest universities under the SUNY program. The institution offers over 50 undergraduate majors and 120 graduate programs. The college is also renowned for its education and business schools. Among its most highly ranked courses are social work, criminal justice. There are also specializations provided at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy.

The suburban campus has an area of 610 acres and holds a high zeal for associate history. The students have more than 200 clubs, sports teams, and organizations to explore.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice – CUNY

John Jay College holds the reputation of being one of the first liberal arts colleges focused on criminal justice. A part of the City University of New York system, the institute prepares students for public service.

There are 41 undergraduate majors in total. They include forensic psychology and criminology along with criminal justice. There are also 16 master’s programs that offer research opportunities as well. The campus is situated in Midtown Manhattan.

Geneseo – SUNY

This residential liberal arts college attracts brilliant students from across the state. Its reputation holds in being highly selective that maintains high standards of education. The acceptance rate is 65%. The college offers majors in psychology and communications, among other programs. Geneseo is also one of the leading producers of physics bachelor degrees in the US. It has a high number of alumni with doctorates in the STEM fields.

Wrapping Up

New York state has a wide array of public institutions with diverse specializations. You can choose between the urban and the rural setting. Or opt for a campus with feet on the two boats to make the best of both.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: 8, colleges, public, state, universities, york, ...

Android vs iOS: Which Should You Choose?

There are two operating systems that smartphones operate. Apple is the company that almost half of its income comes from their iPhone devices. Samsung, LG, OnePlus, and other phone companies use the Android system and some of them have their own version of Android. While the operating system is something that doesn’t play a big role in the customer’s decision about which phone they’re going to buy, it still makes a difference. In fact, getting the latest update on your Android or iOS device is something that customers should take into consideration if they want their smartphone to run smoothly.

Differences between Android and iOS

Android or iOS, it’s all a matter of choice. Both systems are regularly updated and smartphone users can either opt for manual flashing or the automatic update when they receive the notification on their smartphone. Indeed, games like roulette slots on casino.netbet.com are already available to download from the App Store and Play Store on your smartphone device. It means that you won’t lose much if you chose one instead of the other, however, the differences are still there.

iOS devices are known for the high level of stability, which is free of bugs, and allows customers to have a pleasant experience using their iPhone devices. Android systems, on the other hand, offer more possibilities that the casual user might need. Depending on the customer’s needs, here are some noticeable differences between the two systems, which one you should choose, and why.

Why Choose iOS?

Software updates is what makes the biggest difference between Android and iOS devices. iOS users get notified about the latest software update the moment it becomes available for all users. All iPhone users get the system updated at the same time. On the other hand, not all Android smartphones get their software update the moment it is released.

Whether you will be some of the first users to receive it or not depends on the smartphone’s brand. Bloatware is another factor to consider in the battle between Android and iOS smartphones. iPhone devices come with no preinstalled apps that occupy a large part of your storage. Android systems are known for covering a lot of space before the customer has even started using the smartphone.

Why Choose Android?

Surely, there are reasons why people opt for Android smartphones rather than iOS devices. In fact, Android phones are highly customizable, and the system offers a lot of personalization opportunities. From home widgets to the screen launcher, users have the option to optimize their smartphone use according to their needs.

The Android system always allows you to choose which app you will use to open a file, the pre-installed app or the third-party app downloaded from the Play Store, no matter if it’s a media player, a keyboard, or a web browser. Last but not least, most of the Android phones give users some extra capacity features, and customers can insert a microSD card to expand the storage on their smartphone. No matter which phone you decide to buy, it’s important to evaluate your needs so that your smartphone will suit your daily needs, whether you need only a calling and texting device or all-in-one device that will perform all kinds of things on a daily basis.

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Covid-19’s Movie and TV Impact

During the pandemic, many people cannot do some of the things they like most. They might not feel safe about restaurant eating or gym workouts. They also can’t go to movies in many states.

While Covid-19 affects virtually every niche and profession, Hollywood is experiencing unprecedented upheaval. The movie and TV industries are dealing with it in different ways, and it’s fascinating to see it unfold.

Let’s take a look at the current movie and TV business strategies.

Theaters Are Not Releasing New Movies

If you want to take some time catching up on the best motorcycle movies or the best crime sagas, now is the time to do it since you’re not missing anything at your local multiplex. That’s because:

Many movie theaters remain closed
Open theaters are not getting new releases

A couple of states have some theaters open, but in most of the country’s regions, they remain closed. That is because medical experts fear Covid-19 movie theater circulation. If one person has it, and they sneeze or cough, a single movie showing can become a super spreader event.

Hollywood has what would have been all the 2020 blockbusters ready to go, but they’re not releasing them. They keep pushing back the new James Bond movie, Wonder Woman 1984, Dune, and others.

What Will This Mean for Movies Going Forward?

It’s not completely clear how the movie industry will weather this storm in the coming months and years. We do know that:

The industry has lost a ton of money this year
They are delaying shooting many new projects

The uncertainty is what’s making things so complicated. If medical experts could give a particular date when they will have a vaccine, Hollywood might feel a little better about its prospects. However, that simply isn’t the case.

Some studios are trying to shoot movies that they want to release in 2021 or 2022, but it’s risky. They’re spending money to pay actors, crew members, stuntpeople, etc., and they’re seeing no profit return at all.

What About TV?

Some TV shows have come back this fall season, including some live-action ones. You have popular ones like Grey’s Anatomy and Law and Order: SVU. These long-running fan favorites shot during the pandemic, and fans are glad to see them back.

However, it was a risk for studios to shoot these shows. Most of them have not reported any major stars contracting Covid-19, but the risk was there, and it still is. That’s why many shows are trying to shoot in remote locations or on closed sets where they can attempt to regulate any possible danger as much as possible.

How Can TV Create Shows Safely?

The TV shows that Hollywood can make more safely than others right now include animated fare such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bless the Harts, etc. The actors can do their voice work from studios with no one else around, and they can do virtual table reads rather than gathering together in person.

We could see more animation and fewer live-action shows if we fail to get the pandemic under control soon. We’ll have to see how quickly America and the rest of the world can produce and distribute a vaccine.

Hollywood’s Future

Everyone expects that we’ll have a vaccine at some point and things will return to normal, or something like it. But even if we see that happen, it might not be for another year, or even later.

Most developmental projects have to remain in a virtual holding pattern. That means many shows and movies can’t shoot, though writers, producers, and directors can at least work on the scripts and try to cast actors for the parts.

It seems as though when the movie industry roars back to life, there will be more would-be blockbusters than ever before competing for market share. We might see a whole year or two worth of potential blockbusters released in just a few months. The studios need to do that to clear the way for upcoming projects.

Studios have already lost money, and they’re going to lose more. They can’t avoid it, like what’s happening with airlines right now.

We could see major production companies close down. It’s also possible that some people who can’t go to movies right now won’t even want to go back when they have that option again.

In short, it’s a tumultuous time in Hollywood, and there’s tremendous uncertainty among producers, actors, studio heads, and all others in this particular industry.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: covid19s, impact, movie, tv

Best TV Trips to the Casino

Cinema and television aren’t short on their depictions of casino life. James Bond has a monopoly on looking good and winning big with a martini in hand, while series like Boardwalk Empire offer a grittier look at the underbelly of Atlantic City.

From glitz and glamour to the unpredictable maneuverings of business tycoons in Vegas and Atlantic City, the casino has a special place in the American psyche. One major reason casino and card game scenes have featured so memorably in beloved TV shows is the appeal of a gaming night.

In the US, gaming is associated with a big trip to a brick-and-mortar casino with a large, opulent floor and well-dressed players. Despite the fact that most major brands are moving online to expand their casino bonuses and offers for virtual gamers, episodes of prime time TV that feature trips to brick-and-mortar establishments are likely to stay—no matter how unrealistic or playful they are.

The Office, ‘Casino Night’

Juxtaposed against the hapless characters of The Office, the season two finale delivered on high stakes emotional encounters. Fans remember this episode for the brief, romantic moment shared between the main characters Pam and Jim.

However, it’s the office’s casual casino night that provides the perfect backdrop for the romantic drama happening. A round of Texas Hold’em poker reveals that Pam can actually bluff, which isn’t a comment on poker as much as it is on her ability to be engaged to one man while in love with another.

While the audience may hold their breath watching Pam and Jim, Kevin Malone provides ample comedic relief as he saunters around the casino floor and brags about his poker winnings before losing it all in a single hand.

Sex and the City, ‘Luck Be an Old Lady’

This episode of Sex and the City sees the New York fashionistas head to Atlantic City for an exclusive stay on the boardwalk. As a gift from Samantha’s paramour, Richard, the girls don’t spare any expense as they enjoy their weekend stay.

The backdrop of the episode takes place at the Taj Mahal, which provides equal portions of extravagance and the world of casual gaming. An incident at the craps table provides the perfect opportunity for Samantha, Miranda, Carrie, and Charlotte to band together and rally the crowd in their favor.

However, the real treat may be the luxurious penthouse provided for Richard at the Taj Mahal, as well as the VIP treatment he and all the girls receive. This is the Atlantic City trip all friends dream of.

Friends, ‘The One In Vegas’

While Carrie and company in Sex and the City traveled to Atlantic City, ‘The One In Vegas’ covers the gaggle of New York friends as they travel west to Las Vegas. The trip chronicles some of the stereotypes surrounding the City of Lights.

The episode focuses largely on the last-minute weddings that Vegas chapels cater to. The original wedding between Monica and Chandler, a long-time couple, is dwarfed by the sudden appearance of Ross and Rachel, whose back-and-forth romance never skimps on drama.

If ‘Luck Be an Old Lady’ highlighted the finer aspects of the infamous casino, then ‘The One In Vegas’ reveals all the stereotypes that are tacked on to gaming culture—shotgun weddings in Vegas included.

Curb Your Enthusiasm, ‘The Shrimp Incident’

Known for its cringe-worthy moments in which the main character Larry stumbles through life with witty abrasiveness, ‘The Shrimp Incident’ doesn’t skip a beat. As Larry and a group of friends attempt to reel in an HBO executive for a new TV show, they play a game of two-card guts.

‘The Shrimp Incident’ offers one of the most no-holds-barred views at Larry in his show. Luckily, his temper is eased by Julia Louis-Dreyfus (who plays herself) as she sweeps two-card guts and takes away the $800 pool.

Though some may cringe at Larry’s behavior or revel in the fact that Louis-Dreyfus took the pot home, the emotionally charged setting of even a casual game of two-card guts can’t be missed. This episode may take place far away from a casino floor, but it also showcases another American staple: taking the casino to a kitchen table and making no effort to emotionally detach from the game.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: casino, trips, tv

Famous Stage Plays That Embrace Games

Back in the days of Shakespeare, theatre was one of the most widely accepted and talked about means of spreading cultural capital and ideas, with the working man or woman able to find out more about how their rulers ticked on the stage than perhaps anywhere else.

These days, theatres have become places where rich people like to hold business meetings during the interval and where a miniature tub of ice cream costs more than a three course dinner, although there are some shows which still try to keep things fun and entertaining.

Fortunately, there are plays that manage to buck the trend and include aspects that will still appeal to the masses rather than only the well-heeled few. One of these is games, whose application in a stage play can vary from symbolism all the way through to bringing about a plot twist.

Here are some of the world’s most famous stage plays that featured or were based around popular games.

All of these plays managed to weave game dynamics into a piece of compelling drama

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead – Tom Stoppard

This Stoppard masterpiece is one of the great stage plays of the 20^th century and is still revered to this day by theatre goers and critics alike.

Classic games are used in the play in order to toy with the question of whether the fate of people, and the world they live in, is predetermined, ruled by chaos, or if there is a half-way house that means things can be predicted through probabilities and equations.

This makes for a gripping and challenging play which is actually a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The message being conveyed to onlookers can be construed in many ways, but the main one seems to be that as much as peoples’ live are defined by determinism, it is man’s innate desire to compete and throw caution to the wind that throws up life’s chaotic nature. This point is poignantly put across by Stoppard in a scene where two characters ponder the sort of calculations and probabilities that modern day blackjack and craps players face every time they are dealt a hand.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead still regularly plays at some of the top theatres around the US and, indeed, the world.

Sit back and enjoy the show

A Streetcar Named Desire – Tennessee Williams

Card games are at the very heart of this American stage play classic, which was set in the bustling city of New Orleans.

As was the case in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the games in this play are largely symbolic, often revealing the motivations and personalities of characters rather than being pivotal to the plot or story arcs.

The game that the two protagonists Stanley and Blanche tend to play is poker, with a game being played in one of the play’s very first acts as well as in one of the final acts.

One of the best runs of the play took place at the Circle in the Square Theatre in 1988, with big names like Alec Baldwin, Jessica Lange and a budding James Gandolfini of Sopranos fame lighting up the boards.

Modern Immersive Theatre Plays Borrow Video Game Conventions

While the two plays above are classics which very clearly used games to get their intended messages across to the audience, there are now contemporary theatre plays which are borrowing other aspects of gaming culture to not only enhance their stories but also the way in which their plays are viewed and interacted with as a whole.

Immersive theatre has been a booming trend in recent years and has altered the role of the audience member, turning them from an inert observer into an active and intrinsic part of the play itself.

The Drowned Man, a play set in Hollywood but which ran at London’s Temple Studios, was a perfect case in point, pretty much turning audience members into active parts of the story they were watching, as if they were themselves an avatar in a video game.

There is no doubt that, as gaming culture proliferates, audience members will become less willing to sit back and be passive observers.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: embrace, famous, games, plays, stage

Microsoft Has Acquired ZeniMax Media – What Should You Know about This?

Mergers and takeovers are hardly news in the tech industry. Indeed in any industry with strong competition and great economic opportunities, the prospect of mergers every now and then is more or less a foregone conclusion. However, all mergers are not the same, some are minor with little or no impact in the industry, and some are major with great implications within the industry.

The takeover of ZeniMax Media Inc by Microsoft is unlike most takeovers. It is a monumental one that will greatly impact the industry. It is one that could completely topple the power equation in the industry. For context, ZeniMax is one of the largest game developers in the world with different subsidiaries such as Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax Online Studios, Tango Gameworks, Arkane and MachineGames. The company has a large retinue of games designed to be played on consoles, handheld devices and PC.

The deal, which is worth a whopping $7.5 billion dollars and due to be completed by 2021, will see Microsoft secure ownership of ZeniMax popular games such as:

Wolfenstein
DOOM
Fallout
Quake
Dishonored
The Elder Scrolls
Starfield

A Potential Knockout Punch to Sony

Most industries comprise different categories of stakeholders spread across various tiers. This categorization is usually determined based on the size, commercial success and financial clout of the companies involved. Even for a company the size of Microsoft, this deal automatically becomes the biggest acquisition in its gaming section. This is because it dwarfs the $2.5 billion paid for the acquisition of Mojang, the Swedish company that developed Minecraft.

This deal was a masterstroke for Microsoft because Minecraft was popular prior to taking over their parent company. This popularity hasn’t reduced even after the takeover as the game eventually sold over 200 million copies, thereby sealing its place as the best selling game ever produced.

There is no doubt that ZeniMax’s takeover will produce a similar result in terms of commercial success for Microsoft both in the short and long term. This perhaps explains their willingness to shell out 7.5 billion dollars in cash for the deal. It may not be common practice for deals of that magnitude to be completed with all the monetary value of the transaction paid upfront.

Microsoft vs Sony Studios

As implied above, this deal is a major power move by Microsoft as it gives them the outright advantage over Sony and automatically crowns them as the reigning king of the gaming industry. Prior to this takeover agreement, for quite a while, Sony had positioned itself as the overall king of the gaming industry due to its possession of 14 studios with a retinue of popular games under its umbrella.

This dynamic was changed last year when Microsoft increased the number of its studios to 15, thereby overtaking Sony. Whereas Microsoft’s initial 15 studio teams were already higher than Sony’s 14, the takeover of ZeniMax will further bring about an additional 8 studio teams which will increase Microsoft’s creative studio teams to a whopping 23! Hence, with the magnitude of the ZeniMax deal and considering the popular titles that will be coming under Microsoft control, it is hard to see any commensurate response from Sony in the nearest future. For a start, it doesn’t possess the financial war chest at the behest of Microsoft. Hence, taking over a big studio similar to ZeniMax would have been a credible option, but they are likely to be priced out of the deal for most of the big studios available.

Another sweetener to the deal is the report that Bethesda has started working on two exclusive games by GhostWire: Tokyo and Deathloop. Prior to the announcement of the Microsoft ZeniMax deal, it was touted that these two console games could be featured under Sony console games, now with the latest development, all of this has changed. Quite literally, Microsoft will potentially become the new fixation of gamers worldwide due to the release of two of the most anticipated games for next year.

Microsoft and the Future of Gaming

The symbolism of this deal would not be enough without paying homage to the success of Microsoft Xbox Game Pass, which would now be able to include the lineup of games previously under Bethesda among its vast gaming options. In takeovers such as this, the projection is not always about immediate results. The future projections are another key determinant. Just as in investment, the immediate value of the stock is not the major motivating factor behind the purchase; it is more about the potential future value. The projection of Microsoft is that Xbox unit subscriptions will increase further this year.

Xbox Game Pass, which has already proven to be a more valuable alternative to Sony’s Playstation now, is also primed for a steep rise in subscriptions. Already, it offers players the option of downloading titles directly on the Xbox one as against Sony’s option of streaming PS3 games via different servers available on the network. The disadvantage with Sony’s offering is that streaming bandwidth and the strength of internet connectivity would impact gameplay, and this could be a turn-off for gamers willing to indulge their passion for gaming uninhibited.

Additionally, players on Xbox Game Pass could purchase their preferred games when their subscription expires in order to enjoy unfettered access to it.

Interestingly, this deal was sealed at a time the coronavirus pandemic started ravaging the world. As lockdowns and social distancing measures are being implemented, social contact reduction can only spell more time for gaming enthusiasts. Microsoft has leveraged this to boost its impressive customer base further.

Autonomy to ZeniMax?

More impressive is the fact that Microsoft plans to grant autonomy to ZeniMax to continue operating independently. This move is designed to help sustain their creative impetus rather than bringing them under undue influence and control by Microsoft. So they get to continue to produce their games under the platform of Microsoft.

Bethesda will come with significant experience garnered over the 34 years the company has been operational. Cloud gaming service seems to be the future of gaming, and Microsoft has already positioned itself strongly in that field. With Xbox Game Pass options gaining more titles, subscribers to Microsoft gaming services are only likely to increase further. With a staggering 15 million subscribers already, the sky appears to be the limit for Microsoft as their upward progression seems sealed, at least for the time being.

Growth Opportunities for Microsoft’s Competitors

As massive as it is, this acquisition is not a death knell for others in the industry. Gaming is a quite expansive industry with abundant opportunities for growth. It is also an industry where innovation is a survival skill; hence, without a steady flow of new titles with exciting and innovative features, the stock and value of a company may dwindle significantly within a short time. Therefore with more efforts, Microsoft’s main competitors can also grow and develop. The industry is big enough for everyone. However, presently, Microsoft is the pathfinder and the top dog in the industry as they have just upped the ante and further distanced themselves from the rest of the competition.

It is highly unlikely that the ZeniMax acquisition would be last by Microsoft. Within the next few years, Microsoft is believed to also acquire or collaborate with online casino software developers in a bid to unify their gaming collection. Can you imagine some new types of slot games like MegaWays slots developed by Big Time Gaming or NetEnt in collaboration with Microsoft? Would it be possible to get to play Spartacus or Ted Megaways demo on Microsoft official site? Who knows. By virtue of acquiring more studios and gaining more exclusives, an average gamer may have no choice than to either subscribe to Xbox Game Pass for easy access to some of the AAA titles or be forced to make a one-off sum for access to a particular game.

All in all, gamers are the winner in all these as they will continually be regaled with new products. This is a clarion call for the other stakeholders in the industry to work towards maintaining their market share.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: acquired, media, microsoft, zenimax

Great Games to Play This Winter

The nights are drawing in and the mercury is dropping as we hurtle rapidly towards the holiday period. This means we’re putting away the garden furniture, hanging up our summer clothes, and turning on the heating in our homes.

As we move indoors for several months, many of us will be turning to games as a form of entertainment. If you’re one of those people, and you’re looking for something new to play this winter, then look no further than these.

Grand Theft Auto Online

Despite being more than seven years old, Grand Theft Auto V remains in the top-ten best selling video games list. This is thanks to the constantly-evolving world of Grand Theft Auto Online, with Rockstar Games regularly adding new missions and features.

GTA Online is available to anyone who owns a copy of Grand Theft Auto V on Xbox, PlayStation or PC. It’s free-to-play, though you can buy additional in-game cash to use on buying weapons and other items.

With GTA Online, you can do just about anything from car parkour to open-wheel racing, and from bank heists to playing card games in the Diamond Resort Casino. The possibilities really are endless.

Poker

Poker is one of the most popular card games played today. It’s a great game to enjoy with loved ones over the holiday period, no matter whether you’re a seasoned player or complete beginner.

The basic poker rules are easy to pick up, so you can be up and running in minutes, and because you only need a deck of cards, that’s no fiddly setting up like with other board games.

Alternatively, you could always play online via your computer or smartphone. That doesn’t mean you can’t play with your friends though. Many online poker sites now also give you the ability to set up your own poker room and invite people to it.

Minecraft

Minecraft has beaten GTA V to the top spot in the list of best selling video games of all time. The nine-year-old game has been released on practically every platform ever in the last decade and offers a blank canvas for players to release their creativity.

In Minecraft, you have the freedom to build just about anything you can think of and the game even includes its own programming language to help you make your creations interactive.

There’s also an AR mobile version of Minecraft that lets you bring your creations into the real world by using your phone’s camera.

Monopoly

Monopoly is a board game that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world for the best part of a century. It’s a classic that’s often played during the holiday period, though it has been known to be the cause of the occasional tantrum and argument.

If you enjoy this property trading board game, then you have hundreds of different options, with many regional and special editions of the game being released in the last few decades.

There’s now also an official mobile app that you can buy to play on your own or with others, without the need to set up and tidy up the board. It has two multiplayer modes. One that lets you compete against people over the internet and another where you can pass your device around, with each person taking their turn on the same device.

These games should keep you going through the winter months!

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: games, great, play, winter

Enjoying the Best of Organ Performance with VST Plugins

The organ is an amazing instrument that is very similar to the piano in that they are both played using the same musical principle based on white and black keys that represent the musical scale. This is however how far their similarity goes. This instrument has an interesting and rich history which you can find here.

While the piano naturally delivers a bright, delineated sound that is only sustained when a sustain pedal is used or while the note is held down, the organ on the other hand delivers a rich sustained sound that has a naturally lengthy decay time.

This instrument is easily among the oldest instruments still relevant in modern music. In this article, we will take a quick look at this instrument and how practically anyone can use it in their music projects.

A Look at this Instrument

Like we mentioned above, this is one of the oldest instruments available today. It also has a number of variations with marked differences mainly in their sound. This difference in sound can be readily linked to the principle behind their functions.

Let’s quickly look at a few examples.

Types of Organs

We can broadly group the many different types of organs into two – Pipe and non-pipe organs.

Pipe organ describes the types that make their sound using the passage of air through precisely measured pipes. This is probably the earliest form of this instrument. You will also find that the largest of organs fall under this category.

Some examples that fall under this category include: church, concert, theater and chamber organs.

For the non-pipe category, we have other variations that make use of methods other than air passing through pipes. Examples include those that use reed, electricity, water, steam and digital synthesis.

All you need to do is look at the names to know how they generate their sound. The reed type uses reeds like the accordion while the others use electricity, water, steam and digital synthesis respectively.

The digital or electronic variant tries to simulate the tones of these various types so it does not necessarily have a tone of its own.

You can find an extensive list of the different types here: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-different-types-of-Organ-instruments.

The VST Plugin Solution

With over 10 types of this instrument to choose from based on their unique tones, it is practically impossible for anyone to own each one of them. This setback has thankfully been overcome with the help of technology.

Thanks to VST plugins, it is now possible to enjoy the different tones and feel of these different types of organs all from one point. You can now easily feature the different tones in a musical production without having to physically have any of these instruments anywhere near you.

This is the power and benefit of VST plugins.

What are VST Plugins?

If you know enough about computers, then you will likely have come across the word plugins. These are third party software of programs that can be installed within an existing program to perform a specific function.

VST on the other hand is a special platform that makes it possible for software that simulate the functions of hardware equipment and sounds of instruments to be used within a digital audio workstation or as a standalone instrument player on your computer.

This means that an organ VST plugin can be used to play organ sounds within a DAW or alone without having any physical organ instrument. This most certainly makes it very easy for small studio owners to be able to explore their creativity, using sounds that would usually have been beyond their means and physical capacity to use.

You can read more about the VST platform in this post.

Factors to Consider when Choosing

When choosing an organ VST plugin, there are some important things that have to be considered. We will quickly look at some of the more important factors.

Realism

When we use virtual instruments, more often than not, we do so because the alternative is way more expensive and demanding. It therefore means that we want the instrument to sound as real as possible.

To ensure this, you should find out if the product is synthesized or sampled. A synthesized plugin will have tones generated through computer programming, though this process is getting highly sophisticated, it is usually pretty difficult to get really realistic tones this way.

The alternative which is also a lot more expensive is the sampled variants. In this type, the tones are sampled (recorded) from actual live performances of the instrument. The process is usually very tedious and highly demanding as the aim is to capture every nuance and feel that the instrument produces.

In more cases than not, this should be your choice if you want the best of realism.

Cost

How much you are willing to spend will determine which you should go for. Thankfully, you can get plugins from less than hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. So, decide on your budget and choose one that fits it.

Size

You should also note that some virtual instruments require a lot of space for their sample libraries. This is especially true for sampled ones. You should therefore ensure you have enough space for the choice you make.

Compatibility

There are different platforms in which different plugins can operate. Our focus here is VST so you should ensure that the DAW and OS you are using supports VST.

If you do not know where to find these plugins, you may want to check out any top VST plugin hub online for some great recommendations.

Conclusion

As a musician or music producer today, there are so many tools that you can use to enhance your performance and music as a whole. We’ve just looked at one of such tools and we hope that you’ve gotten some information that will help you going forward.

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Filed Under: Music Tagged With: enjoying, organ, performance, plugins, vst

Trading App Guide – 5 Things to Remember

Some people like the idea of investing in an asset and letting it simmer for quite a while. Others prefer to take a hands-on approach and trade every day. If you belong to the latter group, you know how important it is to be able to make moves at all times. Luckily, if you use a trading app, you can have access to the trade market 24/7. While these apps have been around for a while, they’re still a relatively new concept and some traders are yet to adapt. In case you’re looking for some help, here are five key things to remember when using a trading app.

You can trade the news

Trading is all about making use of momentum. The best time to buy or sell assets is right after an economic event has taken place. With trading apps, news trading has never been easier. All you need to do is make sure you stay up-to-date and you’ll know exactly what kind of moves to make. Another great thing about it is that all economic releases are scheduled. This means that if you’re able to come up with a schedule similar to those of trading tycoons, making profit from news trading shouldn’t be tough. This is because you can learn everything you’re supposed to know about inflation rate releases and trade balance reports right on your mobile device. Make it a habit of checking all announcements once they’ve been made and go on to trade on your app right away. As long as you make trades on your app in a timely fashion, this strategy will prove to be effective.

Getting assistance is easy

There’s a chance you still haven’t tried trading on an app because the entire process seems a bit complicated and you’re used to trading the old way. This makes sense but once you give trading on an app a go, you’ll see that this type of trading is even easier. Once you get used to it, there will be absolutely no reason not to make moves from your mobile device. Even if there’s something you don’t understand about it, there’s no need to panic. People behind these apps know how important it is for traders to have someone who can help them with the technical side of it all. This is why they offer quick and efficient customer support. Some of them even offer multilingual customer support, something traders from across the world will like. Opt for the right app and you’ll know you’ll get top-notch customer support whenever you need help.

You don’t need money to get started

The amount of money you need if you want to start trading from an app is zero. Most of the time, trading on your mobile device is absolutely free. In other words, you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees when making a switch to a trading app. However, keep in mind that some apps require payments if you want extended functionality. So, if you’re just entering the world of trading, all you need to do is find the right app and identify the type of asset you want to trade with. Finding the best stock trading app for beginners shouldn’t be tough, especially if you know where to find out more about them. When starting out, it’s usually a good idea to opt for an app with no fees. That way, the amount of money you need to start trading on your app is only determined by the asset you want to trade with.

Setting stop losses has never been easier

Did you ever wonder why mobile apps in general are so popular? It’s just that the convenience these things offer is unmatched by computer programs. Well, now you can enjoy such convenience when trading. You probably already know how important it is for traders to set the stop-loss order. When markets go down, they go down fast and dealing with it is a must. Not so long ago, if you wanted to set stop losses, you had to do it manually. Now, the app can serve as your defensive mechanism and help you avoid margin closeouts. Let’s say you decided to go at $12,750 Bitcoin and you want you stop loss to be at $12,250. All you have to do is set the amount on your app and once the price reaches $12,250, your position will close automatically.

You can use any device you want

Some investors are yet to transit to trading on an app simply because they believe mobile trading works only on some devices. This couldn’t be any further from the truth and it shouldn’t stop you from trading on an app. Of course, there are some trading apps that only support IOS and Android devices. While that may be enough, some traders prefer apps that are also compatible with Windows. The good news is that such apps exist and if you want to have an option to trade on your desktop, there are apps you can opt for. With one of these apps in your arsenal, you can trade on your mobile device when you’re not home and still make all your major moves on your desktop. It might take you some time to find the right app but once you do, being able to trade from any device you want will definitely be worth it.

The bottom line

Trading with stocks using an app comes with a number of benefits. What’s more, adjusting to trading on an app isn’t tough and it’ll make the entire process even easier. Learn more about the apps available right now, find the one that suits all your needs and you can begin trading more than ever.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: 5, app, guide, remember, trading

Different Rapids Levels on a Full Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most amazing wonders. It’s home to different rock formations and rivers that can’t all be traveled within the day. One of the reasons why people love this Canyon is that it’s also home to many rapids.

River rafting is one of the activities you’ll be doing in the Grand Canyon. If you didn’t know, rapids in the Grand Canyon are rated in levels from I-X with X (or Class X) being the most difficult rapids. It’s important to know what levels of rapids you’re only allowed to go in especially when you’re not a seasoned river rafter. At the end of the day, it’s your safety that matters.

So what are the different rapid levels you can find in the Grand Canyon?

Class I: Easy

For a large Canyon, there are still several rapids that even kids can enjoy. If there weren’t, families won’t be able to raft through the Grand Canyon. Class I rapids have very few obstacles and when they do, you can spot them a few meters away. The water is still fast-moving, but there aren’t any obstructions to hit, so it’s really kid-friendly.

Class II: Novice

Compared to Class I rapids, Class II rapids are a little more challenging but not to the point that you’ll struggle. For this level of whitewater, there are a few obstacles and boulders that you have to avoid. The waves are medium-sized so you’ll feel a few bumps along the way. If you have children, your guide might have to give extra assistance for additional safety. Don’t worry, injuries and accidents are rare for this level of rapids.

Class III: Intermediate

Intermediate rapids already include having eddies and large waves. While they’re noticeable from afar, it’s still not as easy given that you have to maneuver around them or risk getting turned over. The water is fast and strong, and it’s ideal that you are able to maintain control of your raft easily for a safer trip.

Class IV: Advanced

Class IV rapids require more advanced skills when it comes to handling eddies and waves. For this level, kids are not allowed given that the whitewater is already powerful. Turbulence may also occur. Sometimes, even adult beginners in rafting are not given leave to go through Class IV rapids.

Class V: Expert

Class V rapids require experts and skilled rafters to go through this type of rapids. If you’re not one of them, then you won’t be allowed to take this route. Rapids in the Class V level means there are unavoidable waves that you won’t be able to see right away. There are several obstructions, but the more challenging parts are the steep holes and congested areas.

Class VI-VIII Extreme

The Class VI-VII rapids are extreme rapids. This means that there are big and long waves. Strength and endurance are key traits required to pass through these types of rapids. There is also unpredictable danger all the time, so even the slightest error can cost your life. What’s even more difficult in rapids like these is that rescue, when needed, is not always guaranteed.

Class IX-X: Turbulent

Is there anything more difficult than extreme? In the Grand Canyon, there is. The Class IX-X rapids are for those who are skilled and professional but find the Class VI-VII rapids too uneventful. At this point, these rapids are only for those who are looking for an adrenaline rush and the thrill of risking life and limb.

There are different rapid levels found in the Grand Canyon. Hopefully, this guide will help you in identifying what type of rafting trip you’ll take with your family or friends.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: canyon, full, grand, levels, rafting, rapids, ...

The Crucial Elements in the Production of a Sport-based Movie

Experts and sports fans are used to terms such as the box office, Hollywood, and thriller. These are the words used when describing a hallmark moment. You can attend one or two sporting events to have a first-hand experience of this undeniable fact. There is a high likelihood of hearing similar words in a pitch, ring, or court at least once. Sport can be defined through various attributes such as dramatic, visceral, and unpredictable.

The silver screen lights up at the combination of such factors. A feature-length movie can be designed through the blueprint of the narratives, arc, and redemption stories following specific players and teams all through the season. It is hardly surprising that the cinema industry has made several attempts to distill the stories. IMDb has 4,385 film titles that are based on sports. There is a lot of moment in the sports film making business. The greatest ten sports film hits on IMDb have collectively made $1.9 billion.

Even though the subject matter attracts good cash, it is a bit more complex to make a film. For sports films like Goal III: Taking on the World, there will always be a Rocky. In this case, you may want to know the magnificent from the apparent absurd aspects of it. Towards this end, this article has looked at the top sports movies listed on IMDb and explores the exceptional anatomy in some of them.

The realism factor is one that cannot go unattended. There needs to be a possibility of the events depicted in the film happening in the real world. The movie needs to inspire real emotions to meet the popular choice criteria set by makers in the film industry. Winners and losers are two sides of the same coin. It is probably the fact that it creates some similarities between sports film and an online casino. There will be various emotions when you throw in the probability of a defeat.

When done correctly, you can create the perfect sports film guaranteed raw emotions from the audience. For you to sell this aspect in a sports film, you must convince the audience of the realism degree in your story. You could end up with a parody if this side of the show becomes a miss. Amateur setups still have a lot to learn when it comes to achieving a realism level. On the other hand, professional sports are making the cut here with top thirty IMDb sports films going the extra mile to center their stories on professionals.

It is impossible to spot the difference when this is done to perfection. A lead character, Tom Hardy, was involved in fight scenes where he suffered from real physical injuries on his ribs and right arm during filming. Developing stories that have happened in real-life is also another strong selling point for the silver screen. Nothing can be as convincing as something that happened. It is a strong suit exploited by thirty-one films on the list. Real-life stories with a perfect execution are the real jackpot.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: crucial, elements, movie, production, sportbased

Oscars delayed by two months in 2021!

Might Hollywood be on the brink of change? Irrevocable change that goes beyond the rescheduling of celebrity awards events.

The 93^rd Annual Academy Awards have been pushed back while the film industry continues to grapple with the massive upheaval brought on by the global coronavirus pandemic. A return to normal can’t come too soon.

Hollywood understands only too well that the show must go on, that adapting is the only course before it. To what extent though is it prepared to go before the old ways are lost and long-established business models and practices are irrevocably changed?

It’s anybody’s guess.

The 2021 Oscars have been pushed back by two months, the latest celebrity event to be directly affected by the on-going global coronavirus pandemic after both the Golden Globes and Baftas settled on postponement next year.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science (AMPAS) announced it was moving the star-studded event from February 28 to April 25, a move that requires similar proportional extensions to the eligibility period (moved from December 31 to February 28) and the relaxing of some of the Academy’s stringent qualification rules.

President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said jointly in a statement by the Academy, “Our hope, in extending the eligibility period and our Awards date, is to provide the flexibility filmmakers need to finish and release their films without being penalized for something beyond anyone’s control.”

Whether the coronavirus crisis will cooperate with the new timetable is impossible to say. There is genuine speculation about all the big celebrity events actually going ahead as planned next year. Then, if and when they do go to plan, the question becomes logistical.

How will they go ahead? Will it be back to normal? With the usual pomp and ceremony of the red carpet and the whole shebang. Or will it be the “Zoom” Oscars? Forced into the virtual realm, with Academy members and nominees zooming into the event while sat at home in all their designer finery.

The only thing certain these days is uncertainty. But the Academy nevertheless remains optimistic. Somehow, someway, the show will go on.

Like many other industries the film industry was hit particularly hard by the public health crisis. The shuttering of cinemas wreaked havoc on film release dates and the shuttering of studios put a stop to films that were in pre-production, mid-production and post-production. Everything ground to an abrupt, screeching halt.

The verb “to adapt” is, arguably, the underlying theme of 2020 – a most trying and tough year thus far. Working remotely, Zoom meetings, virtual social gatherings, sheltering and social distancing–are just of the many bywords representing the new normal that many people around the world have had to accept.

That Hollywood studios would do their own adapting during this unprecedented time was inevitable, but few could have anticipated the magnitude and implication of some of the measures.

Hollywood studios took the pandemic as an opportunity to experiment with digital-first outputs. For the most part, small to mid-size budget titles skipped cinema release dates in favour of streaming services – motivating this move is the fact that film studios get a larger percentage of the revenue when going direct-to-digital than they do at the box office.

The defining moment, however, came when Universal studios decided in May to give Dreamworks-made Trolls World Tour a digital release at $19.99, instead of delaying its box-office release as some other films have done. The film made $100 million in its first three weeks in the United States. To illustrate the significance: the first instalment of the Trolls film needed a five-month sojourn at the box-office to gross $120 million.

With Disney now announcing it too was taking its big-budget film Mulan directly to digital next month, bypassing cinemas entirely and offering it for $29.99 on its Disney+ channel, a seismic shift has occurred.

Mulan, which was projected to be a $1bn-plus blockbuster, is among some of the early odds-on favourites for the 2021 Oscars Taking it out of the hands of box offices is a big deal.

Suppose, the Academy relaxing the rules for qualification and giving entry to films that would have otherwise qualified but were forced to go to digital outputs was the first significant step towards change. One that may be provisional due to the unprecedented pandemic but, equally, may not be easily undone in a post-pandemic world. This may be the cusp of whole new era in the film industry.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: 2021, delayed, months, oscars

How Doubling Down On Sound Design Can Boost Your YouTube Channel

Whether you are a filmmaker, cinephile, or anything in between, you can appreciate the value of great sound design.

I mean, what is Star Wars without Ben Burtt’s sound effects? Is The Lord of the Rings as impactful without Howard Shore’s soundtrack? Would Jurassic Park have become such a hit without the magic of its sound design?

Sound design brings imaginary worlds to life. It takes us — as viewers — out of our normal lives and immerses us in whatever we’re watching. SciFi films become believable dramas, travel videos become windows to remote corners of the world… You get the picture.

Great videos are about more than just the visuals, and top content creators know the value of background music and sound effects. So if you want to build a successful YouTube channel, you can start by taking a page from successful content creators and double down on sound design.

Why Sound Design Matters For Content Creators

Before diving into a shortlist of things you can work on, let’s look at the impact sound design has. And to do that, we’ll have to look at some research on how sound influences people.

Studies done by Scientific American established that sound has a huge impact on how we think and feel. Sound specifically impacts five different regions of the brain, including our emotional response center (which is why a powerful soundtrack will give us the feels, even if it plays during a boring scene).

In fact, sound can trigger our brains to produce dopamine in the same way that it would after exercise, sex, or drug use. And that physiological reaction makes it pretty clear that sound design is a tool filmmakers use to blur the line between fact and fiction.

Boosting Your YouTube Channel’s Sound Design

Now, knowing that sound design matters is great and all. But if you don’t know where to start, how are you supposed to make any meaningful changes to your content?

First things first: No matter which part you want to work on, the most important takeaway is to include sound design as part of your pre-production process — think about how sound can play a role in the stories your videos tell or the experiences you want to deliver.

The easiest way to break it down is to think of sound design as three component parts: music, effects, and quality.

Music

When we think of music for YouTube, we’ll think about the song or clip you include with your intros and outros. And that’s a pretty important part of establishing a brand — a consistent sound gives us an opportunity to associate laughter or wonder with your channel, and that’s how you build a community.

But “music” also includes background music. In some ways, the songs that play behind the scenes are the things that carry most of the weight in your videos, even if all your work is on recording and editing the visual component.

YouTube is a unique channel. Most of us watch videos with the sound off and subtitles on…but YouTube combines news, entertainment, humor, and every other topic imaginable. And that means each viewer will approach a video with a different need.

Some people want a good story. Others want to laugh. Maybe some people want to learn something new. Background music gives you a way to set expectations and control the experience, adding upbeat or sad music to steer the viewer’s emotions over the course of a video.

Effects

Sound effects are where the “magic” of sound really comes into play. They are like the wizard behind the curtain, pulling the strings and plugging holes before the audience ever has a chance to realize that the make-believe story on screen is just actors, lighting, green screen, etc.

When one of our senses takes in some information (like our eyes watching a film), our brain uses the other senses to try and confirm or reject that data. And regardless of what content you share on YouTube, you are asking viewers to step out of their lives and experience something new. Sound design can help their brains make that jump.

Whether it is adding sounds to smooth out transitions, ambient noise to provide texture, or dropping in humor, you can use sound design to add depth and production value. And that is on top of making everything more believable.

Quality

Here’s the no-brainer point on this list. The fact that you’re reading this article means you’ve created content for YouTube. And that means you know that sound quality matters.

Nothing will turn off viewers faster than bad mic quality, according to a study by USC and the Australian National University. And that goes for your music and sound effects too.

You may want to download songs or effects from free sites, but you get what you pay for. And if what you’re getting is subpar, low-quality stuff, then it’s going to drag down the overall quality of your channel.

In other words, if you’re putting in the effort to improve sound design and strengthen the content on your channel, don’t cut yourself short. Hold yourself to a particular quality standard, and apply that to every part of the videos you make.

How To Actually Use This Information On Your Channel

You want to grow your YouTube channel. (Because let’s be honest, what kind of content creator isn’t always pushing themselves?) To do that, you need to make it as easy as possible for people to love your content and want to keep coming back for more.

That’s why you brainstorm ideas, teach yourself new editing techniques, and study your competition. You know that YouTube is a tough place to succeed, and you’re willing to put in the work to make that happen.

Well, if you’re serious about growing your channel, sound design is an easy place to start. And all you really need to do is study the “masters” of content creation and see how they use background music and sound effects to tell stories.

Filmmakers and YouTubers prioritize sound design during pre-production and post-production. So while you might not have Peter McKinnon’s audience or the budget of an MCU film, you can still deliver the same engaging, immersive experiences that sound design helps create.

Drew Gula is the copywriter at Soundstripe, a company that makes royalty free music and sound effects to help content creators produce better videos.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: boost, channel, design, doubling, sound, youtube, ...

Most Popular Casino Games in Japan

Japan has accepted online casino gaming, and it has been growing in the last few years. The truth is that the market has been growing since then, and this has given room for an increase in the number of sites that offer Japanese friendly gambling services.

While the online gambling laws in the country have remained strict, it does not prevent the fans of online gambling in casinos from enjoying the fun they crave. There are many online casinos that do not fall within the Japanese government’s jurisdiction, which gambling lovers in the country can enjoy games on, because these platforms have successfully found ways of working around the betting regulations in the country to find favourable grounds. The online casino guide 6takarakuji have reviewed all the popular casino games in Japan.

Haven said that it is also good to inform you that it is easy to play games in the regulated and licensed offshore online casino platforms that accept Japanese players without hesitation. This makes it possible for online casino players in japan to have the chance to play and enjoy fun without any qualms about going against the law of the land.

The Most Popular Casinos Games in Japan

One great thing about online casinos is that through them, players get the chance to enjoy the games that they cherish with a single click of the mouse. These sites offer both worldwide favourites and Japanese favourites at the same time, so you are covered if you are here to enjoy online casinos that are Japanese friendly, and with a huge number of games on offer. All you need is to get to casino rank, and you will have a list of them. This saves you a lot of stress and time, as you don’t need to conduct your own research again. From the list, you can jumpstart your online casino experience effectively.

When it comes to the most popular online casino games in the country, the names on the list below take precedence over the others.

Slot Games

This is similar to the Japanese indigenous game named Pachinko, and it is the most popular online game in the country. In every online casino of today, they stand as a staple, and you will find them in their hundreds in the best casinos. They are normally the top-notch real money and free play games found in the best casinos. The slot machines are very easy to play, and you can quickly play them without the need for any special skill. It is interactive and slot lovers will have many to choose from, including different versions like 3D slots, video slots, multiple payline slots, progressive slots, and classic slots.

Baccarat

High rollers in Japan are normally more attracted to baccarat among the table games. They are among the oldest card games ever, and they come with very few rules. The major objective of baccarat is to get the number 9 or the number closest to it. Whenever a player gets 9 or the number nearest to 9 before others, he wins the game. There are several bets that players can choose here, and they include the tie, banker, and player. In the best online Japanese casinos, players will be treated to a lot of baccarat variations including the Baccarat Banque, Chennin De Fer and Punto Banco.

Poker

Many avid casino players in Japan enjoys online poker. In the game of poker, the person with the hands that rank highest after the players have shown their cards at the end of each game wins. This is not just a game of luck, but of skill too, and that makes it more exciting. Punters can enjoy different variants of poker games in Japan online casinos. The available variants include Razz Poker, Omaha High, and 7 Card Stud Poker, Five Card Draw Poker and Texas Holdem Poker.

Roulette

This is one of the games that come with the highest ease of play, because it is a pure game of luck. This, as expected, places it among the most loved games in Japan online casinos. It is a game where the players predict and bet on the colour or number or the colour and number that the ball will settle on when spun. This is one game that new players are encouraged to start with. It comes in different variants, including the French, European and American versions.

Lottery Games

This could be played very easily, and it pays amazing jackpot prizes. So, online casino fans in japan love it and enjoy playing it. In japan online casinos, the popular games include jumbo lottery, mini lotto, lotto 6, numbers 4, numbers 3 and the scratch cards.

Dragon Tiger

This could be described as the Japanese version of baccarat, and many players in the country like and enjoy the gameplay. The major goal of the players in this game is to wager on the one to win among the available two hands, and they include the tiger and dragon hands. The hand that wins among them is the one that gets the higher card. When you make the guess and it pans out right, you win. It’s as easy as that. But when the two hands end with the same value, you will be given back half the amount you wagered.

Live Dealer Games

The iGaming industry is now buzzing with live dealer games. These are dealt by professional croupiers in the bid to bring in physical casino-like experience to the online casinos. Here, you are dealt authentic roulette balls and wheels and cards are really shuffled. Players can also interact with the croupiers and other players as they wish, and most Japanese casino lovers cherish it.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: casino, games, japan, popular

How to use Instagram hashtags correctly for effective social media marketing?

Instagram is the next big thing in 2020. The platform is a hot favourite among millennials and Gen Z kids. A recent report by Sprout Social reveals how 64% of Instagram’s user base is between 18-29yrs.

Business holdings are continually trying to capitalize on the traffic generated by Instagram. And hashtags can make or break your social media game.

Adding a hashtag or two to your pictures increases user interaction tenfold. The trick is to use them correctly. Brands which have successfully mastered the art of optimizing hashtags enjoy better visibility and customer engagement.

In fact, social media marketing is so relevant to modern times that most B-schools have also included it as part of their curriculum. Marketing students often get case studies and projects on Instagram marketing strategies.

Business graduates, swamped with deadlines, often each out to professional marketing assignment help services. Let’s find out some more tips and secrets about Instagram hashtags and how it boosts customer engagement.

Need for hashtags

Although Twitter birthed hashtags, it was Instagram that put them on the map. And since then, marketers are losing their sleep over this refreshingly new strategy. But before we get into all that, let me clear a few essential pointers.

What exactly are hashtags? And what purpose do they serve?

Well, hashtags comprise of a word or a phrase accompanied by a hash (#) sign. There are no spaces between the words, although you can capitalize some letters in-between.

These hashtags categorize your content and make it easier for viewers to identify your posts. Hashtags also create better brand engagement, SEO ranking and overall awareness about your product or service.

Hashtags now appear in multiple platforms. You can use them on blog posts, social media updates, Instagram captions, tweets etc. For instance, if you are a movie blogger, then adding cinema-relevant hashtags can give your website a big boost.

Instagram marketing tactics

Before we delve deeper into the multiple facets and perks of hashtags, let us first understand the relevance of Instagram. A basic SWOT analysis of the platform would highlight its key strengths and weaknesses.

For instance, Instagram has a user-friendly interface. It is intuitive, eye-catching and has an extensive database. However, brands need to be at the top of their game if they want people to find them.

As per a recent report by Forbes, Instagram has some great revenue-generation tools. About 80% of the accounts follow at least one business page. It contributes to a brand’s web presence, increases SEO ranking and helps people connect with influencers.

Relevancy and placement

Hashtags are useful only when they are used correctly. You cannot merely add random words with hashtags and expect to trend overnight. There are specific words, terms and phrases that are already trending on social media.

Also, these words and key phrases must be relevant to your line of business. For instance, if your brand belongs to the organic fashion sector, then hashtags like #OOTD, #natural, #organic etc. works well.

Conduct thorough market research. Know about your customers and their changing preferences. Also, keep an eye out on your peers. Analyze the kind of hashtags they’re putting up and the responses it generates.

Specificity and uniqueness

Hashtags double the scope of user engagement, putting you at the top of the game. But this is not an instantaneous process. New brands and business holdings need to find their voice, their niche, their USP in order to create unique content about your brand on social media. In order to grow your brand, it is important that you diversify your content across all social media platforms. Creating user generated content is also a very natural and yeilding method to create unique content for your brand.

Hashtags can be excellent marketing tools, and they set you apart from others. Develop hashtags that are catchy, chic and easy to remember.

A catchphrase, your brand name, an ad-line- anything can be a hashtag. Note that hashtags are not full-fledged sentences.

I would recommend readers to keep their hashtags small, compact and to the point. This is because hashtags don’t have spaces in-between. Long words and phrases become incomprehensible and difficult to decode.

Capitalize on existing hashtags

There are multiple hashtags on Instagram that already enjoy a large following. If your marketing team cannot come up with new hashtags, capitalize on the existing ones.

For this, you need insights on what your customers are searching for these days. These hashtags can crop up on a variety of topics.

Read up on current political, social, economic events, celebrity weddings, new releases, updates in the tech industry etc. And if you find a trending hashtag, try to incorporate it in your post as organically as possible.

Remember, there must always be a direct or visible connection between your post and the hashtag used. It makes it easier for Instagram to gauge your content and categorize it.

Research on the right set of hashtags

Hashtags add value to your brand, provided your content is readable and relevant enough. There is no point in adding great hashtags to your posts if they are of no expected value.

Users tend to gravitate towards posts that enhance their experience and cater to their interests. The quality of your posts and the hashtags you use are interdependent to each other.

Merely having good content gets you nowhere unless you back it up with creative, trending hashtags. It also helps to learn how you can fund your instagram campaign while you are busy promoting it.

Similarly, a right hashtag is of no use unless added on to a great post. A smart combination of both these elements is what you need for a better SEO rank.

Don’t overdo it

This is something I cannot stress upon enough. Too much of a good thing can turn bad for your business. And when it comes to social media marketing, balance is the key.

Don’t stuff your posts with multiple hashtags. It would only confuse the algorithm and irritate your viewers.

Instead, place a few unique, relevant, authentic and trending hashtags strategically for maximum impact. Learning from Hubspot blogs is a great way to learn more about social media marketing and this guide on instagram hashtags is why they are so highly spoken of in the marketing community. There are multiple platforms where you can find trending hashtags online. Check the SEO score of these tags before adding them to your content. On average I’d recommend you use 2-4 hashtags per post, not more.

The future of hashtag marketing

Hashtags are a crucial addition to any social media post. What’s more, you can add hashtags to pretty much every social media network.

Recently, even Facebook and LinkedIn are accepting hashtags with their captions. Facebook, in particular has some creative marketing gimmicks up its sleeve that completely changes the face of hashtag marketing

As a growing brand, it is essential to keep up with these trends. Evaluate and collaborate with influencers, learn more about your market and use tools to check the visibility of the hashtags you use.

Instagram recently launched a new feature where users can follow trending hashtags and view all the posts tagged under it. It is an excellent initiative for business accounts to boost their reach and engage more customers.

Although, ensure that your content meets the community guidelines laid down by the platform. Failing to do so might get your post deleted or worse reported for abuse.

The bottom line

Everyone wants to project a filtered, picture-perfect version of their life on social media. Social media networks are a medium of self-expression and advertisement.

These platforms give us the space to share our experiences with the world. It can be something as trivial as posting a selfie or a serious post discussing the political issues of your nation.

And with more and more people joining the social media bandwagon, it has become a thriving marketplace for brands.

Author’s Bio

Author Bio: As a technology enthusiast, Bella contributes to open-source projects. She is the co-founder at Top My Grades and delivers online marketing sessions at online tutoring platforms like Expert Assignment Help & Assignment Essay Help helping students with writing essays and assignments. Beyond work, you can find her gardening in her backyard accompanied by her dogs – Birch & Bailey.

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