Are You on a Budget? These Travel Destinations Might Be Right for You

Do you have to travel on a college budget? That is not a problem in 2020-2021, and here is why. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry will lose almost 35% from the previous year. That is why many companies in this sphere will have to cut prices, offering cheaper trips.

Some travel destinations will remain cheap, while others will have to reduce prices for tourists. We will cover the top travel destinations for students in 2020-2021.

Amsterdam

Despite the piquant details, this city in the Netherlands is a perfect destination for students from the US. Western European countries usually offer an expensive vacation. However, some countries and particular cities might be an exception. One of them is this capital.

The Netherlands, as the country, has a lot to offer to the brave and enthusiastic travelers. Most of the long flights over the continent take place in Amsterdam (or its airport serves as the transition point). You will easily find plenty of flights to this city at any time of the year. Schiphol is the main Euro hub (it is the local airport). Some of the city’s attractions arrive at no charge:

  • Walking tours
  • Gigs and events
  • Canal cruises
  • Museums

We recommend avoiding touristic agencies when planning your trip to the Netherlands. It is possible to find way better and cheaper offers on your own. It is friendly to the wallet.

Madrid

Even though most experts in tourism recommend visiting Barcelona and Catalonia in general, arguing that Spanish capital is less breathtaking, Madrid can still be a perfect stop for an average student looking for nightlife, entertainment, and attractions. This location is a perfect place for larks (meaning those guys who go to bed late and rise late). The lunch alone is available only starting from 4 p.m.

Most of the clubs are opened until the sunrise. Madrid is home to scores of restaurants, casinos, and concert halls. You can find gigs for all music tastes. The bars are full of menus of all types. As for your excellent wake-up, experts recommend having the local breakfast made of churros with chocolate for breakfast.

London

Perhaps, you’ve all heard that song with the words, “London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down…” Samuel Johnson used to admit that people who get tired of the UK capital get tired of life, too. This location is a must-see place for people interested in music, as it is the heart of many genres of rock and heavy metal legends.

A melting pot of cultures is one of the main reasons to attend this city. There are many hot spots to view. Do not forget to dedicate some time to such places of sightseeing as:

  • Oxford Street
  • Buckingham Palace
  • Piccadilly Circus
  • Tower
  • Brick Lane
  • Southbank

Among the most famous shopping malls, one can name Spitalfields and Portobello. The city is also renowned for its atmospheric pubs and cafes. We recommend attending Irish pubs to feel the culture. Once again, even such options as London will become more affordable within the next couple of years due to the range of changes, as can be seen from this Forbes article.

Morocco

Yes, we’ll say a few words about the entire country, not just parts of it, as it is hard to choose one. This country became widely famous after “The Clone” series premiere. It has most of the tourists from Latin America every year. This region of Northern Africa contains the entire coloring of the Arabic culture. When choosing the right place to visit in this country, come up with a table with the pros and cons and prices for different hotels and attractions (or ask for Excel homework help to speed up the process).

It is impossible to ignore the beauty of Essaouira with its amazing opportunities for windsurfing. The local touristic agencies sell tickets for different excursions that cost way less than in Egypt. One of the most popular destinations is the Sahara Desert, the largest one in the world. It is an opportunity to see places where “Star Wars” were filmed.

Except for sightseeing, tourists can try camel and jeep riding. Another option is star-gazing. One more place of interest is the Atlas Mountains. You’ll enjoy the craggy mountain passes. Do not forget to take your camera and take some cool pics during your trip!

Albania

One of the poorest European countries still can boast magnificent nature and places of sightseeing. Besides, at any time, you can cross borders to see Macedonia or Montenegro – two other beautiful countries with plenty of water and mountain chains. Albania might belong to the undeveloped countries, but the local tourism is at the same level as Greek and Italian.

An average student would love Albania and almost see no difference with Italy and other more popular yet expensive regions. The remains of ancient empires can be discovered in Albania, and that is a great advantage for students interested in history, anthropology, and geography. There are many cheap hotels and hostels there. The country used to share culture and history with Ancient Greece and Rome. The best yet affordable beaches are located in the Southern part of Albania (a.k.a. Albanian Riviera).

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: budget, destinations, travel

4 Nerve-Wracking Moments We Endured While Watching The Invisible Man

Who doesn’t love a good thriller? 

Sometimes, we watch, and it’s okay, and other times, we catch a good one, and we’re tense and terrified the entire time!

That’s the effect The Invisible Man had on everyone. 

There were many moments in this film that left us on the edge of our seats with our hands buried in our hair—just stressed out. We desperately wanted to figure out how Cecilia was going to beat something she couldn’t see!

With that in mind, let’s get into the four most terrifying moments that left us cringing in suspense. 

[SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN IT!]

Cecilia Trying to Escape From Her Home

The movie starts with Cecilia trying to leave her husband and the extravagant fortress of a home they shared. We can tell she’s already planned this “escape”, but watching her try to get out of the house is enough to make the hair stand up on your body. 

Perhaps, the tensest moment in this scene is when she accidentally kicks the dog bowl and makes a lot of noise. Still, then as a viewer, you were probably annoyed that she almost got caught up trying to take the dog along with her. 

Leave the dog—save yourself!

Her attempt to save the dog allowed the husband (Adrian) to nearly catch up with her. Right as she hops in the car with her sister, he smashes his hand in the window as they drive off. 

She Finds Adrian’s Phone in the Attic with Recent Pics 

If you think your husband’s dead but you find his phone in the attic buzzing, it’s only natural to be a little creeped out!

There were already some strange occurrences that she didn’t pick up on like the handprint on the shower door, or his breath behind her when she was standing outdoors. 

When she locates the phone, she notices that it’s Adrian’s phone with a text message that reads “surprise.” This is a pivotal moment in the film because it’s the moment that she realizes that he’s around in some capacity.

Then, it only gets more insane when she ends up pouring the can of paint and sees the outline of a man!

The Infamous Restaurant Scene with Her Sister

At this point in the film, her sister has had it with her because she believes that Cecilia sent her a nasty email, but it was Adrian (of course). 

Suddenly, when she’s sitting at the table with her sister at the dinner table, a knife rises in mid-air and quickly slices her sister’s throat! Of course, Cecilia is terrified, shocked, and in a state of paralysis. There’s no way she can prove her innocence at this moment. 

The audience feels more for her because it seems like Adrian has won with all of his carefully pre-meditated antics. 

The Final Revenge

When Cecilia’s in the mental hospital because everyone thinks she’s completely lost her mind, she gets a visit from Adrian’s brother, who drops a bomb on her. He tells her that Adrian switched her placebo birth control pills and she could be pregnant!

At this point, could you imagine being pregnant with the seed of a psychotic, abusive man? 

His brother tells her that she should consider going back to Adrian because he’s not dead! Ultimately, she agrees to meet with him, only to give him a taste of his own medicine!

She plays the victim and cries a bit to excuse herself to the restroom where she secretly puts on the invisible suit. Can you believe she comes back out and slices his throat, goes back to take the suit off, and then perfectly positions herself to scream in disbelief in front of the cameras? 

Oh, and the police were outside. 

Smart girl. 

She got the money and her freedom, even though she lost her sister. 

Love Thrillers, But Hate the Anxiety It Brings? 

Some of us love scary movies of all sorts. However, the intense emotions that some films bestow is a little much for some people. 

Besides, who says your stomach has to be tied in knots the entire time?

Some people want to watch thrillers without the added anxiety that the jump scares bring to the table. 

We bet you didn’t know that CBD pairs exceptionally well with scary movies and thrillers because the compound encourages full-body relaxation—making it the perfect product that’ll lighten the mood when needed. 

Sure, specific product selection is up for debate because there are so many amazing products on the market, but CBD capsules give you all the CBD you need to kick back and enjoy whatever comes your way. 

Even if it’s a psycho, abusive husband who created an invisible suit to torture his wife!

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These are the bookies’ favorites to win this year’s Emmys

The nominations are out for the 72nd Emmy Awards, which will be presented Sept. 20 with Jimmy Kimmel serving as host.

Who got the love? Who got the snub?

All of those questions were answered Tuesday when the nominees for this year’s best of television were unveiled.

As one cutdown day passed, the toughest cut of all loomed large over the surviving candidates – which one will be the ultimate winner when the envelopes are finally opened on Emmy night?

Let’s look at some of the favorites and other contenders to consider, with BetOnline sportsbook providing the current odds.

Outstanding Comedy Series

Favorite: Schitt’s Creek (-125)

The critically acclaimed Canadian series wrapped up its sixth and final season, as the viewing audience said farewell to the Rose family. Schitt’s Creek drew 15 nominations.

Last year Schitt’s Creek was nominated for four awards, including Best Comedy Series and acting nods for Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy, but didn’t win in any category.

Value Bet: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (+125)

The clever, innovative comedy about housewife-turned-comic Midge Maisel has been nominated in each of the past two years, winning in 2018. This year, they deserve a better fate but how do you beat an iconic show that’s bidding adieu?

Outstanding Drama Series

Favorite: Succession (-150)

Now that Game Of Thrones has gone to the vat of reruns, is this appropriately-named series the heir to the Thrones throne as best TV drama? Succession garnered a total of 18 nominations, including its second straight Outstanding Drama Series nod.

Value Bet: Ozark (+200)

The gritty American crime drama will be hard-pressed to beat Succession for the Emmy, though. However, next year, Ozark can play the Schitt’s Creek card. Netflix recently announced that Season 4 will be the last for the show.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Favorite: Eugene Levy (-500)

It’s all coming up roses for Johnny Rose. The patriarch of Schitt’s Creek is going to go out on top and win his first Emmy.

Value Bet: Ted Danson (+300)

Danson won this award twice for his portrayal of Sam “MayDay” Malone on Cheers but he won’t need to find room in the trophy case this year.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Favorite: Brian Cox (-250)

Cox has already received a Golden Globe for Best Actor – Television Series Drama for his portrayal of Logan Roy, founder of media and entertainment conglomerate Waystar Royco on HBO’s Succession. This year, he gets an Emmy to go with it.

Value Bet: Billy Porter (+1200)

Porter won this award last year for his portrayal of Pray Tell on the FX Series Pose. He was the first openly gay Black actor to win Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Catherine O’Hara seeks to win her first Emmy. Photo by: Jeremy Avenaim (Wikimedia).

Favorite: Catherine O’Hara (-350)

It should be a clean sweep for the SCTV alums from Schitt’s Creek. O’Hara’s portrayal of Moira Rose is as brilliant as it is over the top. 

Value Bet: Rachel Brosnahan (+250)

Broshnahan won this category in 2018 for her role as Midge Maisel. She’d be a worthy winner again this year but O’Hara is destined to go out a champion.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Favorite: Laura Linney (-175)

Linney is a four-time Emmy winner, although she’s never won in this category. This is her second nomination in a row for her work as Wendy Byrde on Ozark.

Value Bet: Olivia Colman (+300)

Colman won an Oscar for her role as Anne, Queen of Great Britain in the 2018 film The Favourite. She’s up for the Emmy for her role as Queen Elizabeth in The Crown, for which she’s already won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series.

Anyone else sensing kismet here?

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Favorite: Tony Shaloub (-600)

Is there anything that Shaloub touches that doesn’t turn golden? He was nominated as Abe Weissman from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in 2018 and won the award in 2019.

Value Bet: Andre Braugher (+3300)

The 1998 winner of the Best Actor Emmy in a drama for his work as a serious cop on Homicide: Life On The Street, Braugher is nominated for the fourth time for his work as a comedic cop on Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Favorite: Billy Crudup (+125)

The closest call of any category, Crudup is up for his role as backstabbing TV producer Cory Ellison on The Morning Show.

Value Bet: Kieran Culkin (+125)

Roman Roy on Succession, Culkin is nominated for his first Emmy. His portrayal has also earned him two Golden Globe nominations.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Favorite: Alex Borstein (-700)

Borstein has won this two years in succession and it’ll be her personal property for as long as she chooses to portray Susie Myerson, Midge Maisel’s caustic manager. There’s no value in betting anyone else.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Favorite: Helena Bonham Carter (-600)

Bonham Carter is one of those actresses who dominates the screen no matter her role. Her work as Princess Margaret in The Crown is the latest example of this trend.

Value Bet: Laura Dern (+800)

There’s two past winners nominated in Julia Garner and Thandie Newton. But Dern’s already won the Emmy for her role on Big Little Lies as the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie.

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Why Colleges Will Benefit from Implementing Tech Solutions in Classes

The world of education expects the biggest changes soon. Now, when society finally understands the benefits of technologies, colleges worldwide start implementing various digital solutions across the globe. Tutors experiment with new approaches to educating their students.

63% of K-12 teachers apply technologies in the classroom every day. This number keeps on growing with each year. No one knows how far it will go, but here are the main reasons for implementing tech in class.

Getting Ready for the Real World Cases

It is hard to imagine an industry nowadays that survives without technologies. They are everywhere! Digital literacy has already become a part of the overall literacy. Often, technical skills that students obtain in their IT lessons are not enough to meet the real-world cases. Only 40% of adults in the US today answer questions on digital literacy correctly.

If digital devices can be added to the general curriculum, students will obtain more chances to get ready for their future careers in almost every sphere. To succeed beyond school, it is recommended to attend extra courses in computer science or programming. Some of the basic skills to master include:

  • Crafting PowerPoint presentations
  • Using Microsoft Word
  • Mastering Photoshop
  • Creating emails
  • Setting up online campaigns
  • Developing profiles in social networks
  • Editing videos, etc.

More Skills That Will Serve in Real Life

Students can develop not only tech skills when implementing digital tools in class. With the help of computers, tablets, smartphones, and an instant internet connection, they can gain and improve communication, time management, decision-making, adaptability, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Some classes like English 101 and literature are aimed to train such abilities. However, teachers will benefit from allowing students to use various devices during the class. It will make the students work as the team easier. All of the contemporary recruiters expect applicants to have a set of both soft and tech skills. Thus, mastering some digital devices will help with the job application process.

Ensuring Full Participation of the Class

It is impossible to keep an eye on every student in the class, especially when it is a class of 40 or even more people. Some students may be yawning or even falling asleep, and, as a result, their productivity will fall. Tutors can control the situation in class with the help of digital devices and special programs.

One of the effective methods involves online polling and various questionnaires and fun quizzes for class engagement. Some learners may simply feel shy and unsure about answering and performing in front of the class. Different apps will help them to become more confident or, at least, to avoid the stress associated with responding in front of the class.

Many colleges today have successfully implemented interactive engagement systems. Also, they have added grading rubrics and online evaluation for simpler estimation of test and exam scores. Some software is there to collect student’s feedback to understand which type of homework is not effective or seems too complex for young people. It allows adjusting the assignments as well as the entire study plan quickly and effectively.

Student response systems assist young people with detecting weaknesses in the learning process and make their studies more efficient. Most of the systems like that offer multiple-choice questions or simply “yes-no” answers. In a single click or few, a student, as well as their teacher, may retrieve plenty of useful information and correct the educational program.

Getting Acquainted with Different Types of Software

To use different software for education and training, students should have instant internet access and the ability to use their digital devices. As admitted above, many applications assist in studying and grading students. Many free online tools today even allow creating personal websites and blogs without having to know how to code.

On the web, students can find help and support that they need but cannot get from their teachers or families for different reasons. The main one is the lack of time. On the Internet, learners may always find homework assistance by entering keywords like “write my essay” or quick counseling on basically any subject.

Remote Education to Replace Traditional One

On the whole, it is not even necessary to attend physical schools to obtain certification. Students can even receive MA and Ph.D. degrees online, living in a completely different region of the world. Most often, you can find online programs for MBA as business degrees are extremely popular nowadays. They also include plenty of computer-oriented subjects. It is possible to simply combine courses in programing, SMM, and copywriting with the basic business disciplines.

Gamification Element for More Fun

The apps used for learning should not necessarily be serious, and all about academics. Some fun apps like games motivate the educational process as well, but it is hidden. Students may learn a lot when playing various games that improve strategy and logic.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: benefit, classes, colleges, implementing, solutions, tech, ...

Three Major Tech Advancements That Extend Education Today

Enhancing learning opportunities is a huge issue for our society. Various tech advancements can be utilized to improve teaching methods as well as academic performance and grading system. Nowadays, technologies allow improving the entire learning process in-class or at home. Many families choose distant education, and the results are impressive.

So, what are the main innovations that stimulate the growth of literacy? We will list tech advancements that can extend education in many ways.

Specialized Communication Channels

Often, the main reason for the specific lessons to be ineffective and cause confusion is the lack of communication between students and their teachers. The explanations provided in class might be insufficient to make pupils understand complex topics. At the same time, personal counseling for everyone is impossible as tutors have things to do in their lives.

Nowadays, it is possible to create college dashboards in the online regime and post all the necessary materials and additional documents there. Also, most schools add forums for discussions of homework and upcoming exams. Teachers can answer students 24/7, and this process takes less time today.

If a student is missing some class, he or she can go online, enter the official school’s website, and check the lesson materials as well as homework. It is easier to mark absence in an online regime so that teachers know who and why did not attend the specific class.

Not to miss the deadline, students can upload their essays, research papers, and other homework tasks directly to their personal accounts or college forums/dashboards. It is a perfect chance to avoid failing grades and other troubles. Students can reach out to their teachers almost as customers do with client support. Sure, tutors are not available 24/7, but some colleges add robots to answer at least FAQs. Immediate assistance and tips help students to do homework assignments more effectively on their own.

Opportunities for In-Depth Research and Data Processing

College libraries often lack the materials necessary for a successful learning process. The amount of textbooks is often limited, so not all students get the necessary resources for education. It isn’t easy to share a physical book, but it’s simple to do that with an e-book. Thus, the Internet has become a more popular place than a traditional library. Sure, some universities can boast research centers that can replace any online resources, but it is better to combine both. Students get easy and free access to numerous sources on the web:

  • Books
  • Magazines
  • Newspapers
  • Journals
  • Memos
  • Scholarly articles
  • Research papers
  • Videos
  • Dissertations, etc.

They may use some of them as citations and references for their essays; some of them can be used as templates and examples. Multiple search engines make it possible to find any sort of information within seconds. Students are encouraged to use as many sources as possible, but they should be relevant and up-to-date. Most online sources reveal the publication dates. It is easy to detect a trusted source: they usually pop up among the first search results and belong to domains like .gov or .edu.

Students can store and view info easily with the help of various cloud storage services. Google Docs is just one of the many. Gone are the times when learners had to flip through heaps of educational books and papers. They can simply and quickly share data with their peers and tutors. It allows for faster and more effective data processing.

Newest school equipment and tools make it possible to conduct experiments in classes. Students can research different questions and problems on their own in the labs. It was proven that digital sources are more cost-effective than traditional materials. For instance, it is impossible to delete an online source without admin access. As for the textbook, a student can lose or harm it, and it will cost a penny. Finally, it is simpler to find even a rare book online than in a physical store or library.

Services That Help Students

With the appearance of multiple online platforms for education, students received valuable help and support. Early days, they had to ask their parents or peers for assistance. Now, it is enough to type the keywords like “essay writer online” or “help with homework” to obtain the fast and quality solution to any assignment.

Some of the online tools for students and writers are designed to check grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Those apps are perfect for international students – they help to enrich vocabulary just like Thesaurus. Grammarly and Copywritely are two other popular tools. One can find software created to avoid issues with plagiarism. You simply insert the text in the special field and check how original your writing is (most colleges require at least 95% uniqueness).

Before, we used to turn to the psychical translation bureaus to write papers. Now, there is no need to go outside. Other applications can help to generate topic ideas and even entire sentences. Isn’t that amazing?

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: advancements, education, extend, major, tech, today, ...

Five Examples of How Traveling Can Help Your Education

Young people keep on searching for themselves and getting ready for professional careers. One of the ways to find yourself is to travel a lot. Reports from various researches show that 95% of adults who travel around 5 times are more likely to graduate from high school. The best idea is to start traveling alone or with your friends to gain more independence. Use the luxury of having the flexibility to attend different parts of the world. Today, traveling is affordable for almost every student, thanks to the generous discounts and special offers.

Personal Growth

Visiting different parts of the world provides better knowledge than all the textbooks that you might have to read in college. It is a chance to meet different successful people and get inspired. Trips to various places push one’s comfort zone, placing them in a completely new environment.

For high school graduates, it is a great way to get prepared for an independent life on campus. Having to live in a hotel or hostel makes one realize how it feels to be an adult. The experience of traveling abroad alone or with your peers makes you more:

  • Confident
  • Open-minded
  • Accepting
  • Friendly
  • Independent

People have to meet strangers and deal with various cases. It is a challenge to overcome your beliefs and stereotypes and just enjoy new aspects of life. For students with anxiety syndrome and other related mental disabilities, traveling is a nice chance to gain the necessary social skills and become more communicative. It is a chance to become braver and more intelligent.

Business Ideas

Many students get inspired by traveling enough to launch their own business in tourism. Right, currently, this market suffers from the consequences of COVID-19, but it won’t last forever. Some countries have already announced that they will open their borders this year to welcome tourists from different parts of the world (with certain security measures).

Perhaps, it is not the best idea to start this type of business now, but it might work in the nearest future (in a year or two). Still, the statistics show that Americans alone take 93.0 million international outbound trips annually, which is quite promising. It is a chance to penetrate this industry. You will do it way easier if you feel how it works from the inside. To do so, you have to study this field, talk to the corresponding experts, and, of course, travel a lot. Pay attention to how tourism operators behave and act and try to keep this information in mind.

Improved Scores

Yes, regular trips are your opportunity to start earning better grades and increase test scores. After all, when attending various countries and excursions, you learn a lot about different cultures, customs, and traditions. Traveling helps to succeed with such academic subjects as:

  • History
  • English composition
  • Literature
  • Anthropology
  • Mythology
  • Social sciences
  • Psychology
  • Geography
  • Visual arts
  • Music
  • Sports
  • Humanities
  • Liberal arts, etc.

If you write down what happens to you, it might help you to become a better essay helper, which matters for every class that you take at school or in college. After all, journeys are about to increase your overall literacy, which leaves better to be desired in the United States.

What you need is to listen to your guide attentively. We understand that you might be looking for rest, but it won’t require any efforts to share fun stories with experts in history or mythology. They may tell you more than your college professor.

Great Addition to One’s Resume

Of course, traveling does not matter for all industries, but it is a great plus as it shows you from different perspectives. We live in a highly globalized period. Organizations are looking for people who know 2+ languages. Even if you are not a big fan of studying languages, when traveling, you automatically memorize many words. It allows having at least the basic vocabulary.

Students who study abroad, thanks to the exchange programs (or simply intern overseas), put themselves ahead of the competition when it comes to the job application. You may, for instance, describe one of the brightest experiences related to your field in a cover letter, which will automatically make it outstanding. Some graduates are chosen to start a franchise thanks to the rich traveling experience.

Clarity in Life

When having a trip, one may slow down and analyze their life. Traveling brings plenty of new exciting ideas that students can use. It is the moment when young people may realize what they really need and where they want to go. For example, your family might raise you as a financial analyst just to make you feel like you belong more to arts and entertainment during one of your journeys. It is better later than never – keep that in mind, and do not forget to make unexpected decisions and try something new!

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: education, examples, traveling

8 Top-Preferred Educational Tools for Students to Use in 2020

More than 5,000,000 students worldwide are enrolled in online courses. These statistics from educational experts prove the efficiency of such an approach to learning. The demand for study apps grows every day. Software developers create more and more new solutions for both tutors and students and even parents. We have picked several of the best options for students to review. Here are the top-recommended applications for you.

Projeqt

The most effective way to study and memorize things is through presentations. Visual elements help to understand the world around better. That is why students may benefit from using Projeqt. It is an application designed to assist students and tutors by introducing different topics to the audiences. If you wish to develop multimedia presentations easily and fast, this tool is your chance. The app makes it possible to insert links, images, quizzes, videos, and other elements.

Buncee

Sharing multimedia lessons is simpler when you use a special online tool. One of such solutions is Buncee. This software is designed to gain and develop these skills:

The software offers more than 10,000 graphics for students of different academic levels. Also, the app allows recording video and audio, integrating with the various social platform, etc. The software helps users to communicate stories and show excellent learning acquisition.

Buncee is a great way to present your project in class in front of the tutor and classmates. Teachers also benefit from using this instrument. The application was built based on the curriculum standards of the top colleges and universities.

Edmodo

There are social platforms that help job seekers meet their employers. There are social networks that connect musicians around the world. Thus, there is a place for the gathering of tutors and their students. Edmodo functions as a social platform form for mentors and learners. It is possible to:

  • Come up with collaborative teams
  • Create and share study materials
  • Evaluate individual performance
  • Interact with parents, etc.
  • Find help if you ask yourself – “How to write my paper properly?”

The local educational processes are based on tech innovations. The approaches are highly personalized based on the user’s questionnaire.

AdmitHub

A college paper for admission is one of the most important documents a student will ever develop. An application essay can become a winning ticket to a higher educational institution. However, a student should know some tips and tricks that professional essay writers consider useful in the process of writing.

This app is basically introduced as a user-friendly chatbot. With the help of this tool, users can get free, professional guidance and tutorials. This application integrates well with many social platforms. For example, you can connect your Facebook account to AdmitHub. The service is full of talented tutors from real colleges and universities. They will inform you about the requirements of different institutions and how to submit a successful application paper.

Your personal mentor will lead you through the admission process. It is a great helper for young applicants.

FluentU

Many students who come to the United States from different regions of the world face language barriers. This application is one of the ramping language instruments used by young people and professionals around the world. The tool offers help with the following:

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Chinese
  • French
  • German
  • Japanese

You will study the language and enrich your vocabulary with the help of online videos, audios, film trailers, etc. The tool also assists in getting acquainted with different cultures.

Udemy

Udemy is like an online academy with plenty of educational opportunities. The main focus of the service is language learning. This application offers a great variety of languages. In addition, students may apply for such courses as:

  • Design
  • Business administration
  • Management & Marketing
  • Web development, etc.

Students can take some courses free of charge. The prices of the paid classes may achieve up to $200. The tool makes it possible to learn right what you need at the professional level with the minimum of investments.

Khan Academy

This website is similar to Udemy. It is a non-profit organization. This service offers some basic academic disciplines as well as more narrow ones. You can pick one of the following courses to get enrolled:

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Construction
  • Natural Sciences
  • Math
  • Arts
  • Humanities
  • Finance
  • Economics

Disabled students or other young people who cannot attend physical classes for some reason will benefit from using this online resource. It is possible to obtain professional diplomas that will be recognized by various authoritative organizations.

EduClipper

This website is a perfect place for students and tutors to share sources for their works like research papers and dissertations. In every academic project, pupils have to cite and reference various materials. Users who find useful pieces of content on the web share it with others using different categories. The search system here is very simple and clear. The app allows:

  • Managing content
  • Improving research methods
  • Having a digital record of the achievements

It is possible to have a virtual class. One can also create an educational portfolio.

As you can see, a great variety of online services offers effective assistance with various subjects. You can study a subject in full, overcome language barriers, make new friends, and more. We recommend starting with the tools that propose free trials.

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7 Trending Topics to Write About for Your Technology Essay

It seems that the world around us has interwoven technology in every sphere. From healthcare to education, politics to engineering, there is always a new and interesting technological development that affects our lives in one way or the other.

Your teacher or instructor will undoubtedly require you to write an essay on or related to technology at some point. You’ll have to think about an insightful topic to write about, then go about researching, gathering sources, and creating a mind map, before you embark on your writing. If writing isn’t your forte, or if you are not particularly inclined toward technology, you would do well to have professional essay writers write your paper for you.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and the first step is a great tech topic to write about. Here then, are seven fresh and insightful topics to write about for your tech essay.

  • Open-source software versus “freeware”: differentiate between these two types of license agreements

The terms “open-source software” and “freeware” are often used interchangeably. However, this usage is incorrect. Open-source software is software whose source code adheres to the license agreements under the Open Source Initiative (OSI). Amongst some of the criteria to be adhered to include that the software should be freely redistributable and that the source code can be modified into a different format and software all together.

Freeware, on the other hand, refers to software that is commercially available at no cost, but whose source code isn’t necessarily available. Your essay can highlight the major differences between these license agreements, with examples of existing software.

  • Does gaming improve or diminish a learner’s IQ?

There has been a raging debate about whether gaming can improve a learner’s IQ. Research has shown that skills such as spatial cognition, concentration, strategy, and collaboration are improved significantly in children who participate in gaming. However, research also shows that there is a 16% chance of gamers getting addicted. It not only has the potential of reducing their focus on their academic work but also slowing down other cognitive functions.

  • Debate the underlying effects of gaming on learners through an argumentative essay

Have the underlying advantages of blockchain been overtaken by mass speculation and profiteering on bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies?

Bitcoin was touted as a revolution to transacting, and as a means of decentralizing currency. However, most people don’t understand why something that was touted as freedom from mass financial regulation and as a solution to free trade has been monetized and betted upon, with only the elite few having access to it.

Deliberate on the benefits of the concept of blockchain and how this can be harnessed aside from cryptocurrencies.

  • 5G: is faster transfer speeds worth the health risks?

Debate on the benefits of faster data transmission through 5G versus the inevitable health risks posed by higher frequencies of electromagnetic transmission and radiation through the new technology.

  • Has social media revolutionized product marketing completely?

Can companies survive without having some sort of social media marketing strategy in this day and age? Have influencers taken over content marketing? How can a new company without a significant marketing budget and social media following grow its reach organically in the age of social media?

How is social media marketing interwoven with e-commerce, and how are companies that have existed for decades transition to social media marketing if their products are not necessarily sellable to a millennial social media market?

  • Should Facebook be allowed to characterize users’ political leanings?

Facebook has been collecting data on its users for quite a while and selling it to advertisers. It has caused quite an uproar within the worldwide community, especially after the Cambridge Analytica scandal of 2018. Facebook characterizes users as conservative, moderate, liberal, or very conservative. While users can choose their political labels and affiliations, Facebook’s AI automatically does this based on collected data, which itself is a breach of trust. Should this feature’s AI be entirely removed and regulated?

  • Does Donald Trump’s new executive order on social media content policing increase or curtail free speech?

The president is expected to sign an executive order that all but repeals “section 230” of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which gives companies operating online forums the right to moderate content on their platforms. Social media companies, through this act, have the right to take down content that breaches their terms. However, this is also seen by some quarters as an attack on free political speech, which doesn’t align with the leanings of these companies.

Debate on the potential effect on the repeal of Section 230 and what it would mean for political commentary on social platforms.

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Comparing the Top Streaming Services on the Market Today

The top streaming service is more than a matter of who has the best shows. It’s about the app experience, value for money, and how quickly they release new information. The best streaming service should make it easier for the subscriber to find something new to watch. 

The TV landscape has tremendously changed, thanks to the streaming services. That means every major studio is trying to figure out how to play catch-up even with huge competition leading streaming services listed on Streamingwars.com like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.

Viewers have subscribed to streaming services in droves, and for a good reason. There’s not much choice when it comes to selecting the best streaming services for your needs, which is suitable for viewers in some respects. However, it can be overwhelming and expensive to make the right decision. 

The best streaming service overall is Netflix, which has grown to be the standard streaming service for many. First of all, Netflix offers an outstanding selection of TV shows, movies, comedy specials, original programming (including Glow, Love Is Blind and Black Mirror).  Netflix practically controls the talk around streaming, with most the great shows and routine success making new series such as “Dead to Me” and “ Tiger.”

What’s more interesting is that you can create up to five different profiles on the same account to make sure your favorite content doesn’t mess up. As you probably know, Netflix is continually removing and adding movies, so you’ll want to check it out to see what’s coming soon. 

The recently-released HBO Max boosts the HBO catalog for shows such as Westworld or Game of Thrones and a ton more movies and some new original shows. Some will turn to the service for the DCEU films – the Justice League Snyder Cut is coming – while others will treasure the family-friendly trove of content, including the Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo and the new Looney Tunes cartoons. However, HBO Max is still not on Fire or Roku TV.

Lately, Disney joined the fray with Disney Plus, which hosts movies and shows from Marvel, Star Wars, and more. Before its release, Disney Plus was among the most awaited streaming services on the market. Disney controls a frightening number of properties, from Star Wars, to Marvels, to Disney’s own animated canon, to The Simpsons (all 30 seasons and counting). 

There’s also the Amazon Prime Video service that is a part of Amazon Prime subscription. For those who do their shopping online, Amazon is a no-brainer. Like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video is a veritable buffet of original programming, television, and movies. Some of the best Amazon shows range from the Man in the High Castle, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Jack Ryan, and Bosch. 

A deal with Viacom – which controls Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and MTV – made Amazon Prime arguably the best streaming service when it comes to children programming and comedy. The streaming service also provides unlimited access to an extensive collection from HBO’s catalog of classics like “The Wire” and “The Sopranos”.

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In times of Corona, how to choose a good internet connection?

During this time of social distancing and loneliness, we are all dependent more than ever on the Internet. So during the COVID-19 pandemic, if anyone is out of internet connection we have everything you need to learn the factors you need to keep in mind to support you remain linked to education, work and the family. Instead of merely signing an ISP contract that includes glittering bells and whistles, ensure that the one you choose can fulfill your needs. We have gathered a few suggestions to help you make an educated decision.

Serviceability

The most important feature, of course, is availability. It’s completely pointless to spend time studying an ISP that is not providing services in your area. First of all, we recommend that you visit localcabledeals to check the providers available in your region, all you gotta do is put in your Zip Code in the zip code bar. It breaks down the options available categorically, from cheapest to highest-speed internet.

Customer Service

The smartest way to learn about an ISP is to question their current customers about their customer service experience. How easy is it to get help if you have crashes or other internet problems? How quick will the customer support be achieved? Does the business provide client support through email, telephone or live chat? What is the phase of installation? Is it simple or difficult? Well, most of the time, it can be too difficult to search for support from your ISP. Nevertheless, there are organizations who provide their customers with exquisite assistance, for example, spectrum customer service is among those companies that put their customers at the utmost priority and has a team of highly qualified representatives to take care of all your issues promptly.

Internet Speeds

The internet speed is definitely the most critical factor when it comes to selecting a new ISP. Everybody wants to get the fastest speed possible with the rates they are paying. Make sure the services are compared closely that are associated within the most common systems, contrasting both downloading and uploading rates. Speeds typically differ from an area to another. A network providing download speeds of up to 20 Mbps in one area, could be providing up to 100 Mbps a few miles afar at the same price. Therefore, it has to be an important part of your research to know what speeds are offered at your particular location.

Contract Policy

Some companies demand that you borrow the modem and routers, whilst some will ask you to buy them, whereas some will also provide free of cost equipment. Similarly, some of them offer free of charge installation while others bill you for the installation services. Most provide promotions on the web services when bundled with televisions or telephone services (and sometimes just for a few months, and even if the deal ends, you have to keep evaluating cost). In fact, certain companies are adopting contract-free strategies such as Spectrum, while some cannot subscribe you without at least a yearlong contract. Also, at some extra amount, you might even avoid a multi-annual contract with some providers.

Add-ons

Most of the time, ISPs offer additional features to make it look as if you have a high value for money. Those extras that you probably need are things such as subscriptions for antivirus programs, a branded ISP e-mail address or a personalized webpage. One super cool add-on, though, is free Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity. If you use your laptop regularly on-the-go and you can access a Wi-Fi hotspot near you at a coffee shop or in the park, this add-on might be very beneficial to you.

Terms

Make sure you are well-aware of the service limitations. There might, for example, be capacity limitations that restrict the amount of data you may use per month or restrict the type of things you may do, such as operating a website or file server.

Money

Finally, none of these features are relevant if you cannot use the services quite often. Therefore, you need to be sure that an ISP you’re looking for is trustworthy in terms of reliability. It can be done through its ratings online or you may only ask current clients regarding their overall experience.

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Ways in which to include your barcode in your album launch

Using a Barcode within the Music World

Even though the primary purpose of a barcode is to track items in the retail sector, it does not have to end there. There is a myriad of creative and innovative ways to use them in the music industry.  Musicians and artists alike are viewing them through the lens of art and incorporating them into their work. They are using them to sell their albums as well as to promote their music in the wider world. We at https://www.barcodessouthafrica.co.za/ are excited to be a part of this innovation by providing top quality information to artists and musicians throughout South Africa.

In 1980, Dave Davies of The Kinks released a solo album called AFL1-3603, which featured a giant barcode on the front cover in place of the musician’s head. The album’s name was also the barcode number – a code 128 format. These are high density and linear they are used to encode alphanumeric data. It can store a large amount of data within quite a small amount of space, making it very versatile. This was the format that was included on Dave Davie’s music album. It was not until the album was released that Davie’s solo career was revived. AFLI-3603 peaked at #42 on the Billboard 200. And in 2003, he made it onto Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of all Time. All with the help of a Code 128.

Another music artist called Devo released his second album in 1979. This album was called Duty Now for the Future and contained multiple images of a barcode on it. It was the second album from the new wave band, with most of the songs on the album recorded from Devo’s live sets from as early as 1976.

Over the years, codes have spread throughout the music industry. The Barcodes is the actual name of a jazz, blues, and soul band. It consists of 3 members: Bob Haddrell on vocals, organ, and piano; Alan Glen on vocals, guitar, and harmonica; and Dino Coccia on drums. They have released a total of nine albums since their commencement, one of which (Keep Your Distance) has an aerial image of piano keys on the cover, closely resembling the image of a black and white UPC. 

Scott Blake is one of the most innovative artists within the creative industry. He is renowned for creating masterpieces from actual UPC codes. Blake has generated close to 25 life-like portraits using small barcode images from products and artifacts that relate to the person he is working with. His subjects include Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley. His decision to use a barcode is more than just aesthetic – if you scan each barcode on Elvis’ face, it plays a song or a clip from YouTube. In this way, he has taken something very mundane and turned it into something creative and innovative.

How can you use a code to promote your music and increase awareness of your brand? Many music artists are using Quick Response codes or for short a QR barcode in order to boost the public’s awareness of their music, thereby increasing their sales, and enabling them to make a success of their music career. A QR barcode is two dimensional and contains a square image with black dots against a white background. They are able to store a lot of information, unlike the standard one dimensional barcode. They normally store a specific website URL. Another special quality is that they are able to be scanned with a Smartphone. In this way, people can scan them in order to access information about a specific artist and their music. This website is a platform that you can use to promote your music. You can link your fans to YouTube clips of your individual songs or information about upcoming gigs. These codes can be placed on concert posters or on the actual cd cover of your music. A QR barcode is one way of keeping your fans informed and boosting their excitement about your music.

How do you go about acquiring a QR barcode?  This is easy. Resellers are able to provide you with the highest quality QR barcode at cutthroat prices. This is a quick and simple process.  They will link this unique QR with any URL you choose.  In this way, we will set you up for roaring success in your music career.

Another way that they can be used in the music industry is in the distribution of music albums. The majority of retailers require you to have a barcode on your individual albums in order to stock them in their stores.  You will need a separate barcode for every individual music album. The specific one that you will need is the UPC and EAN barcode, which are American and are utilized throughout the world.  The UPC and EAN format are 12 digits and 13 digits long respectively. Using this international barcode will allow your music to exported overseas as well as here in South Africa.Most retailers in South Africa prefer the EAN as it is more versatile.  Companies are also able to provide you with either the UPC or the EAN.  You can either include your unique barcode in the design of your CD cover or you can print them onto stickers which you can manually attach to each CD cover.  It is always a nice idea if possible, to include it in the design of your CD cover as then all your printing is done as one, it also saves money.

In conclusion, a barcoding technology has provided a very unique way to express oneself within the music industry. They have also provided useful tools to promote music albums in the wider world. In this way, they have contributed to the musical success of many thousands of artists worldwide. We are here to pave your way to success by providing you with the tools and information you need to build your music career. 

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How to Become ISC2 CISSP Certified and What It Means to Your Career?

Introduction

With increasing challenges to the cybersecurity sector, there has never been any better time to become a security professional than now. But, if you already have several years of experience in this field, it will obviously be easier for you to improve your career due to your broad knowledge comparing to newbies.

Still, to get your desired promotion or salary raise, you also need something extra like certification. Thus, obtaining the ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential can be a great choice. You wonder why? Read on, and in this post, you’ll find out the importance of getting CISSP certified as well as how you can acquire this badge.

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Why Become CISSP Certified?

The first reason to pursue this credential is the high competence you’ll gain. It is known that qualified CISSP professionals extensively know the IT threat topography. This includes emerging and existing threats as well as those that have been persistent over the years. They also have a deeper understanding of the most appropriate tools and technology necessary in neutralizing attacks or keeping them away. With such comprehensive knowledge as well as its validation from a renowned company, you become a desired candidate for positions like security analyst, security manager, or security systems engineer among others.

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It follows that earning CISSP is one of the best ways to get recognized in the IT-sphere. It helps professionals discover the right path and create a plan to help them successfully follow it. So, here are some more points about what it means to own this certification:

  • You become more visible and credible and this helps in obtaining new professional opportunities and in ensuring job security,
  • CISSP badge is vendor-neutral. This means you can apply your skills to varying methodologies and technologies,
  • It makes you stand out among your peers and to differentiate yourself to potential employers,
  • With expanded and updated skills and knowledge, you will be ready to provide the necessary security solutions in line with industry innovations and requirements,
  • You get a digital badge to display online and allow your employer and others to verify your certification and abilities,
  • You become part of a global community with like-minded members,

If this is still now enough for you, notice, that ISC2 certified professionals earn higher salaries compared to non-certified specialists. As stated on the PayScale.com website, average annual pay for individuals with the CISSP credential is about $114k while, for example, in Booz, Allen, and Hamilton company you can achieve a mark of $125.

Now, you may think that with all these benefits, the certification path should be difficult to complete. Well, the track is not very easy as long as it’s a professional-level badge. But there’s nothing impossible and everything you need to do is to explore and understand all the details and steps and then just follow them one by one.

https://www.certbolt.com/cissp-exam-dumps

How to Acquire CISSP Certification

  • Obtaining the required experience

There are eight domains you need to be proficient in to get your CISSP credential, these are security & risk management, software development security, security engineering and architecture, asset security, identity & access management, security operations, communication and network security, security assessment and training. So, to become eligible for this badge, you need to have at least five years of full-time paid working experience covering a minimum of two of the mentioned areas.

  • Prepare for the exam

The certification will only be awarded to you after passing the CISSP assessment. There are several training options offered by ISC2 that you can use to prepare for it. The first is instructor-led learning that can be held offline or online. Also, there are materials for self-paced studies like CISSP official study guide, ISC2-provided practice tests, and others. The option you settle for is going to be based on your study expectations and preferences.

  • Pass the test

The details of the CISSP assessment vary depending on the language it is offered in. The English exam (CISSP CAT) has 100-150 questions and lasts for 3 hours. The non-English version (Linear) includes 250 items and goes for six hours. Once you are ready to take the exam, you need to schedule it with Pearson VUE. You will have to attain a minimum of 700 out of 1000 marks to be certified.

  • Get ISC2 endorsement

After passing CISSP test, there is another process you need to complete before you finally become an ISC2 member. You will have nine months after passing the exam to take care of this. This includes subscribing to ISC’s code of conduct and completing a relevant endorsement form that has to be signed by an ISC2 certified professional who validates your working experience.

Becoming a member is helpful in your professional life. You will get more opportunities for learning and growing in your cybersecurity career. You will access free courses for professional development, a free security magazine, discounts on official textbooks, webinars conducted by experts, a digital badge, and more. And because you need to recertify after every three years, it will be easier for you to keep yourself updated.

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Conclusion

Receiving your CISSP certification is a great achievement. It proves that you have a strong skillset necessary in performing your organizational duties. It would also act as the beginning of immense benefits that include finding employment and earning decent pay.

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To sum up, the intention of the CISSP certification is to help you become a distinguished security leader and become a successful professional. That is why understanding the right path and adhering to it is necessary to earn this badge and gain all the perks it can bring you. Be thorough during the exam prep and work through the testing period with confidence. You have to make the sacrifices today to enjoy the benefits tomorrow!

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Some Ace Slot Games Inspired By Classic Films

It often adds a little something to your gaming if the game in question leans on on your favorite films for its inspiration. There are thousands (maybe millions) of great slot titles out there and plenty of them are inspired by classic movies.

We picked some ace games that draw on top movies for their storyline and visuals. Read on to see if any of your favorite movies feature.

Scarface

Featuring one of the strongest performances from the legendary Al Pacino, Scarface is a film that achieved instant classic status and has retained it in the following decades.

The film is a gem and the game is pretty special too. It features images of Tony Montana throughout, inspiring you to earn your own cash and rival the lead character’s substantial wealth.

These are the key things to know about the Scarface slot game:

  • RTP: 96.8%
  • Reels: 5
  • Paylines: 20

You can play Scarface at the best real money slot sites. If you’ve not decided on your favourite slot site(s) yet the take a look at this review of the finest ones. It gives you all the important information about each website.

Robocop

Robocop didn’t create sci-fi. But did give it a much-needed boost and set the tempo for many of the action-heavy films that became a feature of the genre for the following years.

It’s a classic film and the slot game of the same name does it no injustice. The Robocop slot is fast-paced and action-packed, just like the movie.

Some of the important things to be aware of about the Robocop game include:

  • RTP: 5
  • Reels: 20
  • Paylines: 95.00%

Robocop can be found in the games libraries of most of the top gambling sites. Simply head to the search bar of your favorite online casino and search for it. Or alternatively, you could also Google “Robocop slot game” and you’ll get a list of the websites that feature it.

The Dark Knight

Heath Ledger’s final completed acting performance, The Dark Knight is perhaps the finest comic book film ever made – it’s so good that Ledger won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Few would question the classic status of the film and gamblers might take the same stance with the game. The Dark Knight is exceptionally good fun and simple to play, making it an ideal pick for your next gambling session.

  • RTP: 88.12%
  • Reels: 5
  • Paylines: 243

One thing to note about The Dark Knight slot game is it’s RTP. It’s lower than some games and that’s because it’s a progressive slot with multiple paylines. This means that there are more ways to win, but also more ways to lose. So, keep this in mind while you’re playing it.

Recommended reading: Casino Games Inspired on Pop Culture

Scarface, Robocop, and The Dark Knight are just three of the great slot games inspired by classic films.

So, play them and the have a look through the games catalog of your favorite online casino and see if you can find any more film-slot adaptations – we guarantee you’ll spot plenty of good ones.

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5 Most Popular Gaming Symbols of All Time

Slot machines have a long and illustrious history, with the first coin-operated examples dating back to the late 19th century.

While modern games boast digital displays, lots of reels, plenty of paylines, eye-popping graphics and a wide variety of themes, their mechanical precursors were necessarily limited by the technology of the time.

Even so, the symbols that were used during the early days of the industry are still widely recognized and replicated in the modern era. You can even find out what different slot machine symbols represent and get an appreciation for how the iconography has evolved over the decades.

As this market is enjoying double digit growth at the moment, now is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with the most popular and enduring symbols found on games, as well as the reasons that they are used.

Image Source: Pixabay

Lucky Number 7

Well known for its lucky status, the number 7 is a gaming symbol that you can reliably encounter in a huge array of different titles in the 21st century.

Aside from the fact that it is considered to be a fortunate figure by those with a superstitious learning, the proliferation of 7 as a symbol was helped along by the fact that the first slot machines featured symbols pulled from playing cards.

There are many other lucky numbers, depending on the cultural background you consider, but 7 still stands as a staple symbol and as such is often associated with major jackpot payouts.

Face Cards

Once again tied into the origins of slot-based gaming, playing card-inspired symbols are still widespread at the moment. While you might still find symbols related to specific playing card suits, it is the face cards that get much more attention; specifically the Jacks, Kings and Queens which most people will be familiar with.

Initially these symbols were nearly universally found on slot machines because the aim of the game was to line up the reels in such a way that you could create a solid poker hand and win a prize for your efforts. While the explosion of different symbols in the interim has allowed for a much greater number of possible winning combinations, this legacy is still reflected in the prevalence of face card symbols seen on current games.

Cherries

In some parts of the world slot machines are known as fruit machines, and it is easy to see why given that fruit-based symbols are commonly implemented across the board.

Of the various juicy options, the most common is the cherry, usually represented as a twin pair of fruits attached by a luscious green stalk.

The precise origins of fruit symbols is not known, with some claiming that they directly represented the prizes that would be awarded to winners before cash payouts were widely available. However, it seems likely that the real reason for their use is that they are easy to identify, as well as being attractive and eye-catching from a distance to help draw in the punters in a barroom setting, which was the natural home of such machines.

Bells

Another symbol that has survived for over a century and still makes a plethora of appearances today is the bell. Like cherries and other fruit symbols, a bell can be represented on the reels in a very alluring way. This symbol also marked the start of the move away from playing card symbols as machine makers aimed to simplify the mechanisms and thus make it possible to automate payouts.

The bell symbol even helped to inspire the name of one of the most popular vintage slots, the Liberty Bell. The fact that this symbol was also popular in the US already thanks to its connotations of independence and freedom helped to add to the appeal.

BAR

If you have ever seen a slot machine in the flesh or via an online casino, you will probably have seen the classic ‘BAR’ symbol used. In amongst the fruits, playing cards and bells, this might seem like an unusual inclusion.

Interestingly enough this symbol has a pretty intriguing backstory behind its inclusion on the majority of slot machines. It first started out as the logo of a chewing gum manufacturer, which included its branding to reels because it both made many of the machines and also offered its products as a prize at a time when cash-based wins were banned in many places. The shape of the logo was bar-like, and players began referring to it as ‘BAR’, which eventually caused the branding to be replaced by the symbol we know today.

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The Best Casino Movie Scenes of All Time

In films gambling is often shown as part of the plotline to illustrate a certain degree of tension. Someone is playing a game of poker and the stakes are high… Or there is a roulette spinning, all eyes on the ball and the protagonist questioning the bet just made.

The presence of gambling scenes does not dictate a specific genre. There are romantic comedies, action films, and thrillers. Let’s have a look at 5 of the best scenes from casino themed movies down below.

Poker, pokies, roulette, blackjack, dice…

There surely is a great way to get your hands on all the most scene-worthy games like roulette, blackjack, video poker, and pokies all in the same place. These are all offered at Televega casino, Australia’s favourite place to gamble. But sometimes you just feel like kicking back and watching a good movie.

When it comes to poker, there aren’t that many films that perfectly capture the essence of the game. But there are a few good ones where you can appreciate the build-up of tension.

In most cases, you’ll find the best casino movies featuring blackjack, roulette, craps, and pokies. Probably because these are easier to understand for the audience that may not be familiar with the hierarchy of poker hands.

Molly’s Game

This film was released in 2017 and tells the story of Molly Bloom. Getting seriously injured during a pre-game qualifier, she takes a year off and moves to LA.

Following some waitressing at a club, she starts running an underground business. The business involves setting up poker games for celebrities, business titans, and the like.

The new job isn’t exactly a career soar. But Molly steps up in the new world and starts running her own games. The film follows her down the rabbit hole of underground poker games.

Throughout the movie, you are left guessing whether Molly will come out on top, with poker adding more depth.

The best scene is the one with Harlan, the guy who “played poker, while the others were gambling” getting bluff by Bad Brad, the worst player. The scene comes commented by the movie protagonist, which lets even less experienced poker fans appreciate the drama.

Casino Royale

The 2006 movie Casino Royale is one of the most famous movie casino scenes. Agent 007 a.k.a. Daniel Craig is on another mission. Poker comes up, as it often happens in movies trying to hike up the sense of tension.

Up against a dangerous terrorist and eyeing the pot with 120 million, James Bond proves yet again he’s always one step ahead of the opponent. Perfectly tense and deliciously nerve-racking, this one is a must-see. The pressure of the real game is portrayed to perfection. As a result, the viewers gain a better understanding of the real atmosphere at the table.

Ocean’s Eleven

Ocean’s Eleven is an illustration of how the gambling theme can become an excellent setback for an action-packed masterpiece. George Clooney’s character is after robbing three Las Vegas casinos in one take.

One of the most iconic scenes is the one with Clooney joining Pitt at the poker table. “What’s the first rule of poker?” – “Leave emotions at the door.”

Even if you aren’t a fan of those two guys and their indirect verbal square off, the tips offered by Pitt to his disciples are worth hearing. Just to brush up on the basics.

And if you start missing Ocean’s Eleven right after watching, there are two sequels and a spin-off.

Casino

Made in 1995, this is the kind of movie that you may still have on VHS as a memory of the time long gone. This one is a must-see and must-rewatch if you have trouble remembering the cowboy scene.

In that scene, a cocky cowboy feels like putting his feet up during a game of blackjack.  Predictably, he gets dragged out and thrown through the door and out, literally. Respect and all that, to be expected in a movie featuring De Niro and Pesci.

Besides that, the movie is filled with masterfully-captured casino scenes.

Indecent Proposal

Released in 1993, this one has a few memorable scenes featuring roulette and dice. Indecent Proposal is about a couple of high school sweethearts who find themselves in a difficult situation. Hoping to score a big win to realize a fantasy real estate project, they end up losing everything.

As everyone knows, relying on a casino win to build your life up is never a good idea.

There are two interesting scenes worth mentioning. One when they lose their money playing roulette. The other one with Demi Moore kissing the dice before rolling out a seven (with stacks of chips at stake).

Final words

There are many gambling-themed movies out there, but only a few ones worth rewatching. Hope all the five movies listed above make it to your personal list of favorites.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: casino, movie, scenes, time
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