Category Archives: Reviews

Gaming

Esports Betting Data Levels Up Via Artificial Intelligence

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AMSTERDAM — HUDstats, the pioneering esports data analytics company, has partnered with the leading multi-channel supplier of 24/7 live betting services, Sports Information Services (SIS) to deliver actionable, real-time data for esports betting purposes. 

“We’re looking forward to working with SIS and providing esports fans and esports betting aficionados with engaging and fascinating data and statistics for their favourite streams,” said Andrei Bălănescu, CEO of HUDstats. 

As part of the partnership, HUDstats will use its proprietary Advanced Video Analysis (AVA) technology to collect, standardize and distribute accurate esports data from SIS Ebasketball and Esoccer streams for the creation of real-time esports betting products. 

“Our technology stack allows us to provide a great number of accurate match data points in real-time, at a sub-second speed,” said Bălănescu. “Our partners, SIS, can use them to create engaging on-screen graphics and betting commentary that increase performance for their customers.” 

Live AI stats from Counter Strike provide bettors informed choices when wagering on this popular esports game.

Conleth Byrne, Product Director at SIS added, “HUDstats provides a ground-breaking and easy-to-integrate solution that enables us to scale our 24/7 Competitive Gaming content with automated and accurate in-play event tracking.”

Tracking Multiple In-Game Events for Ebasketball and Esoccer

The HUDstats – SIS partnership currently involves tracking more than 20 major in-game events for Esoccer and 40 in-game events for Ebasketball.

For example, in Esoccer, HUDstats covers data points from events such as ball location, free kicks, goal kicks, throw-ins, substitutions, added time, offsides, goals, corners, and more. For Ebasketball, HUDstats can track free throws, 2-pointers, 3-pointers, timeouts, fouls, the team in possession, and others.

“HUDstats showcases all the noteworthy aspects of the match and even more in-depth features, such as what side a corner is taken from or if a free-kick is from a dangerous position,” said Bălănescu. “That’s a feat otherwise impossible to obtain in real-time by manual input.”

Highly-Scalable, Reliable, Sub-Second, Fast Data Collection

HUDstats covers a full range of esports titles such as EA FIFA, NBA2k, EA NHL, EA NFL Madden, as well as the big three: League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. 

Its proprietary technology generates data directly from the esports stream or game server and can collect over 1,000 data points for every single minute of a game.

HUDstats is able to scale its data-collection solution to numerous streams at a time, analysing hundreds of angles and allowing esports bettors to experience a new dimension of esports. 

esports team doing their best in CS:GO

About SIS (Sports Information Services)

SIS (Sports Information Services) has been at the forefront of live pictures and data delivery to the global betting industry for over 35 years with a rich heritage in creating and distributing betting events for horse and greyhound racing, as well as esports and live numbers draws. 

SIS is the leading supplier of high-quality 24/7 live betting services, delivering a range of 24/7 channels to retail and online operators globally 365 days a year. To complement their horse and greyhound racing, they provide a flexible SIS Trading Services offer, which now includes a fully outsourced managed trading service. 

In addition to racing, they also offer over 150,000 highly competitive esports events a year, all underpinned with robust integrity, and provide over 300,000 Live Numbers draws annually. 

SIS partners with over 400 operators in more than 50 countries, offering rights holder partners the opportunity to showcase their first-class content across six continents. 

Supplemental-

How to bet on CSGO Counterstrike: Global Offensive

How AVA is used with sensors to mine consumer behaviors and patterns. by Ontario’s Privacy Commissioner Ann Cavoukian.

Reviews

The Sentient AI Future is Here And She’s A Lovely Stranger Named Frankie

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Bringing work home can put stress stress on a marriage, especially when that “work” is a beautiful woman who seems too cozy with the husband. But in Bruce Deitrick Price’s genre-busting tragicomedy book “Frankie”, looks are deceiving.

Raymond Mason, an AI genius and college professor, brings Frankie, his latest, most human-like creation, to dinner. Raymond knows his wife will be impressed.

No way! Julia Mason feels competitive and threatened. 
Raymond touches Frankie in a romantic way.

Julia is hostile and drinks too much. She passes out as Professor
Mason runs upstairs to find a gun. An hour later, Julia wakes to find
her husband dead and Frankie gone. Julia, semi-hysterical, races into
the night to find the missing masterpiece.

Simon, a grad school drug dealer, falls in love with Frankie. He
realizes he can build a cult around this spiritually evolved woman.
First, he has to hide her.

For different reasons, many people search frantically for Frankie.
Meanwhile, more unexplained deaths are reported. Panic sweeps  New Jersey. Some experts think that humanity is dealing with
an alien invasion.

A pathologist says he has never seen so many beautiful corpses. Cause of death: unknown.

“Elon Musk believes that AI will destroy us. 

First there will be lots of misunderstandings, confusion, and paranoia,” Price says. “Frankie is a look into the future of AI. The smarter the robots, the more likely that strange, unanticipated things will happen.”

About the Author

Bruce Deitrick Price is a novelist, poet, artist and education
reformer. He wrote his first article about robots around 1990. 

Featured image: Historic “Mona Lisa of the Pacific Islands” photograph Mestiza de Sangley, c. 1875

Reviews

Three Thousand Dollar Cartridge Reveals All That Vinyl Records Offer

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Audio-Technica Introduces Its ART Series AT-ART20 High-End Phono Cartridge  

STOW, OH, June, 2022 — Audio-Technica recently reached out to The Silo and announced the introduction of its AT-ART20 Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge, the latest in A-T’s ART Series of high-end phono cartridges. The AT-ART20 utilizes Audio-Technica’s magnetic-core design to achieve extraordinary musical realism. Complementing its superlative vinyl playback performance, the AT-ART20 has a striking, distinctive contoured appearance.

“Our goal in creating the new AT-ART20 was to capture the full expressiveness of the original recording,” said Bob Peet, Audio-Technica Global Product Manager – Analog Products. “

To that end, the AT-ART20 embodies technologies and know-how that are the result of our 60 years of experience in phono cartridge design and manufacturing.” 

The AT-ART20 (SRP: US$2,900 / CAD$3,760) delivers expansive, detailed sound with unmatched imaging and dynamics. The AT-ART20 utilizes the advanced manufacturing and polishing techniques that have been developed in the eyeglass industry of Sabae City in Japan’s Fukui Prefecture. The cartridge’s body features graceful curves with a flowing, organic design that has never been previously achieved. The body is made of precision-machined titanium combined with an aluminum cartridge base and an elastomer under cover, a selection of materials that provides significant resonance reduction along with lower mass. The cartridge body has threaded mounting holes to facilitate installation. 

The AT-ART20 features dual moving coils aligned in an inverted “V” shape which provides optimal channel separation for superior stereo imaging and wide dynamics. The front yoke of the magnetic circuit is 0.6 mm thicker than previous designs, to improve magnetic flux density and increase the output efficiency by more than 15 percent to 0.55 mV. 

The cartridge employs a nude special line-contact stylus with a solid boron cantilever just 0.011 inches (0.28 mm) in diameter, to extract a remarkable amount of information from the record groove. The boron cantilever is connected to the armature utilizing a stepped-pipe construction, which provides increased rigidity and improved strength with decreased resonance for a purer audio signal with clearer, more detailed sound.

The AT-ART20’s tip reinforcement plate is made of titanium, which reduces overall mass and improves the cartridge’s high-frequency performance, which extends to 50,000 Hz. 

The Audio-Technica AT-ART20 Dual Moving Coil Stereo Cartridge is now available. Contact us on where and how to place your order.

Gaming

JUMANJI GAME LAUNCHES ON NINTENDO SWITCH

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  • Mobile game sees 384% increase in downloads after its major update
  • Fans’ demands are answered as JUMANJI launches on Nintendo Switch
  • Play local co-op, private or open online co-op, with cross-platform play

Marmalade Game Studio has announced that its mobile game JUMANJI: The Curse Returns, is now available on the Nintendo America eShop for Nintendo SwitchTM, making it available to millions more gamers. GamesIndustry.biz data shows Nintendo Switch is Nintendo’s best-selling console of all time, with over 103.54 million units sold. This exciting launch is predicted to build on the recent 384% mobile growth.

In March, Marmalade Game Studio released a major update to the mobile version of JUMANJI: The Curse Returns, introducing a new level of card and deck building tactics.

This evolution of card gameplay added another dimension to every encounter in the game. Since this landmark update, weekly downloads of the game on iOS and Android have increased by 31% on average, compared to previous weeks.

Drawing from a selection of ever-changing Attack and Assist cards, players must work together and strategize to defeat invading jungle wildlife. Every encounter brings with it fast-paced, card-based gameplay, for which quick thinking, deck management and teamwork are key. What’s more, when players buy the game on Nintendo Switch, they’ll get 2 Maps including Brantford and the Winter Resort.

Michael Willis, Co-CEO of Marmalade Game Studio, said: “Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular game consoles in the world. Making JUMANJI: The Curse Returns available on this platform means millions more people can now enjoy playing our game in the way they want to.”

“We recently unveiled a major upgrade of the game which we consider our best version yet, as proven to be hugely popular with a massive increase in downloads on mobile. We’re happy to be launching on Nintendo Switch at this time, bringing our latest update to a whole new audience and maintaining our momentum of success.”

JUMANJI: The Curse Returns captures fans’ nostalgia for the 1995 classic film.

Players visit iconic locations where they will be rolling the dice, reading riddles and facing dangerous creatures and plants from the mysterious jungle. Playing on their own or within a team, players face multiple threats including giant mosquitos, raging stampedes and monsoons, right through to the hunter, Van Pelt. The gameplay is simple to pick up, fast-paced and comes with tactical and deck building features. This combines to put the team under pressure as they work together to save the town.

All Marmalade Game Studio games support cross-platform multiplayer.

This means that those on Nintendo Switch can join their friends on iOS and Android. There are multiple ways to play JUMANJI: The Curse Returns. Play at home with 2 players in Local Co-Op or tackle the jungle in single player mode with AI characters. Bring friends and family together to vanquish Jumanji in online 4-player co-op.

JUMANJI: The Curse Returns is one of Marmalade Game Studio’s collection of highly successful digital board game adaptations, including MONOPOLY, CLUE/CLUEDO, THE GAME OF LIFE, THE GAME OF LIFE 2 and BATTLESHIP.

JUMANJI: The Curse Returns is available on the Nintendo America eShop for Nintendo Switch, priced $18.99 usd ($24.42 cad) / £14.99 / €17.99.

Fans of JUMANI should also watch out for new downloadable content that is coming soon based on the movies ‘JUMANJI: Welcome to the Jungle’, and ‘JUMANJI: The Next Level.’

About Marmalade Games Studio

London-based Marmalade Game Studio is one of the most successful publishers in the digital board games markets on Steam, Nintendo Switch and mobile. Notable successes include MONOPOLY, THE GAME OF LIFE 2 and CLUE/CLUEDO, all highly polished and innovative games that constantly top the charts on the App Store and Google Play.

For more information about Marmalade Game Studio, please visit the website: https://marmaladegamestudio.com/, and follow us on Twitter (@MarmaladeGames), Facebook (@MarmaladeGameStudio), and Instagram (@MarmaladeGames)

About Sony Pictures Consumer Products

Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) is the licensing and merchandising division of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group and Sony Pictures Television for Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services, and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions, and Sony Pictures Classics.

Reviews

This Kick Scooter Converts From Backpack To Longboard

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OLAF kick scooter workshop

Kick scooter, pronounced ‘geek scooter.’

Kick scooters are gaining popularity in many populous urban and suburban areas worldwide. As Europe leans toward sustainable mobility, more and more creative ideas are addressing the issue of daily commuting. Designed and engineered in a home garage in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the OLAF Kick Scooter is one such attempt to alleviate the ‘last-mile’ problem.

Engineer Bostjan Zagar and his father developed an open platform kick scooter, OLAF Urban, that can carry any bag or backpack.

A unique feature is that if used with the provided OLAF backpack, the scooter itself is a backpack, and if the handle is folded, also a longboard.

Jure Lozic, designer of Musguard – rollable bike fender, calls the  folding mechanism “an engineering marvel, simple and effective”. Bostjan owns a patent and hopes it will take him from A to B, where B is mass production. Slovenia has ample production capabilities, so an eventual goal would be global manufacture.

After almost three years of research and development, Zagar was confident enough to start crowd funding at Kickstarter.

To broaden the odds of success, he implemented the same folding mechanism to an existing concept of carry-on kick scooter, OLAF Business. Now you really can cross the Atlantic with a kick scooter. “It’s the coolest carry-on!”

Gaming

Retro FPS Action In Next Year’s Warhammer 40,000: Bolton

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Visceral retro FPS action to the Warhammer 40,000 flavor


Retro vibes activated!

Load up your Boltgun and plunge into battle headfirst! Experience a perfect blend of Warhammer 40,000, classic, frenetic FPS gameplay and the stylish visuals of your favourite 90’s retro shooters.

Play a battle-hardened Space Marine on a perilous mission across the galaxy, as they battle against the Chaos Space Marines and daemons of Chaos.

In glorious boomer shooter style, unleash your devastating Space Marine arsenal as you blast through an explosion of sprites, pixels and blood. Run, jump and charge across huge levels to shoot, shred and slice the worst heretics across the galaxy!

“We are delighted to be working on this fast-paced indie FPS alongside the talented Auroch Digital studio, and our long standing partner Games Workshop,” announces Dessil Basmadjian, Chief Creative Officer at Focus Entertainment. 

“We are excited by Boltgun’s skillful combination of iconic 90s style, the Warhammer 40,000 universe, and thrilling gameplay that is sure to delight all kinds of players.”“Auroch Digital is proud to be working with Games Workshop again and Focus Entertainment on Boltgun. As a team of massive Warhammer 40,000 fans, this game has been brewing since 2018 and we’re so excited we can FINALLY shout about it from the rooftops! We can’t wait for players to get their hands on it and to see their reactions” says Nina Adams, Operations Director at Auroch Digital.

Stay tuned FPS gamers- Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun will be coming to PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PCs in 2023. For the Silo, Clemence Bigeon.

Gaming

Online Casino Games Explained

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There are now a seriously wide variety of online casino games available for players to participate in, and it can be somewhat daunting for those of us with little or no experience of the exciting pastime. Online casinos have been around for quite some time now, but over the years the offerings from operators have improved significantly. The days of huge downloads are gone, and now instant access while on the move is all the rage. Sites like novibet.co.uk are able to provide a real casino experience in the palm of your hand, or the comfort of your own home. Let’s take a look at some of the games on offer.

Blackjack

An American card game which is seriously popular around the world, Blackjack is often the purists’ game of choice. In simplistic terms, Blackjack is a head to head battle against the dealer, where the best possible score available is 21. Each player is dealt two cards, with the dealer usually receiving one card face up. Players must then take the decision to ‘Hit’ (take another card from the dealer) or ‘Stand’ (stick with what they currently have). The dealer’s second card will then be revealed, with the winning hand then taking the spoils. There are some slight rule variations depending on where you are playing, but that’s the basics of the game of Blackjack covered.

Roulette

Roulette takes its name from the French word meaning little wheel, and is very much a game of chance. Players are able to mitigate or spread the risk as much as they like, either selecting one of 36 numbers, or splitting chips over a variety of different selections. The winning number is selected when the croupier releases the ball onto the roulette wheel in one direction, and spins the wheel itself in the other. The ball will eventually come to rest in a specific slot, and players are paid out accordingly. Various other bets can be placed on the roulette table, including red or black and 1st, 2nd or 3rd twelve. Some players will also choose to cover the green zero, as this is a loser on any red, black, or block of 12 combination.

Craps

A particularly versatile dice game, craps lends itself well to the online casino setting. Players make wagers against the house or bank as to the outcome of the roll or rolls of two dice. Although this may sound like a very simplistic game, it has the potential for great excitement with players looking to roll ‘the natural’ 7 or 11, while avoiding crapping out! Competitors take turns of rolling the two dice, with wagers placed on the pass line, or the don’t pass line. A roll of 2, 3 or 12 is referred to as craps, which results in anyone wagering on the pass line losing. Those having had a bet on the don’t pass line win on a 2 or 3 and tie on the 12. The shooter can continue to roll until a seven is hit, at which stage the shooting responsibility moves to the next player.

Reviews

Noteworthy Gifts And Gadgets To Improve Your Summer And Beyond

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With upcoming summer temperatures in North America forecast as  “lingering on the high end of the spectrum”, many are still out and about enjoying the longer days and extra leisure time. Of course, during the summer our desire for gadgets and gear that eases our travels, enhances our self-care regime, and just makes life more enjoyable is always in high demand. With that in mind, I’ve found some noteworthy gifts and gets sure to improve the rest of your season and far beyond.

myFlipShade (www.MyFlipShade.com) – $9.99 usd

Maybe the best accessory for smartphones since the PopSocket is myFlipShade—a newly launched item that provides a pop-up shield that prevents glare and other weather conditions from affecting your ability to see your screen.

It attaches to the back of your phone using an adhesive strip and flips around to not only prevent annoying glare, but also serve as a privacy shield to block peeping eyes from reading your screen. It also functions as a horizontal and vertical smartphone stand. Even though the shade is an all-in-one phone accessory, it can still be used with other accessories like credit card holders and stands. myFlipShade is compatible with iPhone 6 and up, including Plus models, and comes in several fun colors and patterns to match various mood or personalities: black, pineapple, summer print and marble white.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: myFlipShade

Skinit, MacBook Skins, iPhone Cases (www.Skinit.com) – $29.99-$45.99 usd

Speaking of stylish phone accessories, you can express your unique style with Skinit’s authentic case collections and premium vinyl decal skins featuring your favorite iconic brands, characters, and professional sports team…or you can custom-create your own! Skinit collaborates with Marvel, DC Comics, Looney Tunes and Hello Kitty to offer you official and original artwork, so you can let your inner character shine and express yourself with killer pop-culture brands and characters. Skinit is also an official licensor of the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS so you can show off your team pride and let your team passion be known. Skinit iPhone Cases can also be fully customized, including personal photos, and also provide maximum protection from damaging falls. Featuring a dual-layer case construction, the Skinit Pro Case will provide maximum style and solid protection for any iPhone model. No matter what device you have or who your all-time favorite character is, Skinit will likely have you covered.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Skinit

i-Top (www.GoliathGames.us) – $16.99 usd

Leave your cellphones behind, disconnect from the world, and embrace quality family time this summer—and as often as you can, really! Goliath Games has introduced a new generation of spinning top toys called i-Top. Using smart technology, this high-tech top keeps track of the number of spins while LEDs light up the display. Spin your way to the top score by competing in multiple challenges. Unlock hidden features by spinning the top an exact number of spins to show special animations, or you can challenge your friends and family to a high score. With over ten different ways to play and tons of animations, the fun with i-Top can be non-stop. Have a friendly family competition to see who can spin the highest score and unlock the most hidden challenges and determine who’s the ultimate i-Top master? Also super portable and travel-friendly, the i-Top—available in Mega Gear Blue, Infinite Purple and Vortex Red—has a spinner that folds down so it easily fits in a pocket or bag. Keep it handy for hours of fun and laughter. Kudos to Goliath, which celebrates and facilitates quality family time and bringing people together.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Goliath Games

RCA Sound Soother (www.RCAAudioVideo.com) – 29.99 usd

There’s no better time than summer to catch up on your sleep and with RCA’s Sound Soother device you can relax and get a good night’s slumber (or daytime nap) while listening to your favorite of 10 pre-loaded sounds. You can also use it block out ambient noise, so it’s great for hotel use and while studying among other scenarios. Users can choose from white noise, waves, rain, brown noise, pink noise, campfire, Canon in D, Clair De Lune, Gymnopedie No. 1 or Greensleeves. Set your sleep timer for 30, 60 or 90 minutes or keep it on constantly to keep you sleeping soundly through the night. AC powered with included adapter or use anywhere with 3 AAA batteries and of course adjustable volume controls. You can also enjoy your own music from your smartphone through the aux input—making this a totally customizable product for your preferences.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: VOXX International Corporation

Minetan (www.MineTanBodySkin.com) – $34.95 usd

During the summer months there’s nothing better than having that perfect, sun kissed glow.

So it’s great news that Aussie self-tanning powerhouse Minetan has landed in the U.S. This one-hour self-tanner contains skin loving, PETA-approved ingredients that truly benefit skin, including moisturizing antioxidants and oils like argan oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, coconut water, shea butter and more. Every product is free of parabens, contains 100% natural DHA, and is even vegan friendly—all quite unique for a tanning brand. You can achieve a streak-free, bronzed babe look in just one hour, or leave it on longer for a darker result. Minetan has an inclusive color range, challenging the industry-wide standard of three size-fits-all (light, medium, dark) approach to tanners, by exploring the nuances of undertone. Offering a comprehensive range of highly advanced tanning products, Minetan’s one-hour tan is just one of their many world-first, skin-friendly formulas that’s been introduced to North American customers—both online and in Ulta Beauty stores. Other notable groundbreakers include a range of nourishing coconut-water based tans, a fitness tan, and a personal spray tan kit. With all of their one-hour tans, you choose your preferred custom color depth skin finish by deciding when you shower after application. You wash off for 45 seconds and you are good to go, with a personalized tan that looks and feels great and is actually good for your skin.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Minetan

Luster Pro Light Dental Whitening System (www.LusterPremiumWhite.com) – $43.99 usd

Want dramatically whiter, brighter teeth without a trip to the dentist, without messy strips and trays, and without sensitivity?

No problem! Luster Premium White offers just that with its Pro Light Dental Whitening System. Developed by dentists and clinically proven to deliver results, this trusted brand lets consumers enjoy peace-of-mind and professional-grade teeth whitening right at home…quickly, safely, conveniently and comfortably. Luster Pro Light Dental Whitening System is unique among teeth whitening brands in that it uses a patented Dual Power Xenon Whitening Light and Stain Lifting Serum to whiten teeth up to 6 shades in 30 minutes! It gently whitens without sulfates (SLS) and is enamel-safe. The system includes everything needed to deliver amazing results: Dual-Energy Whitening Light, Accelerinse, Stain Lifting Serum, Power White Pro Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste in Mint. The Pro Light Whitening System can be purchased online as well as neighborhood retailers such as Walmart and Walgreens.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Luster Premium White

OMM Collection Haircare & Skincare (www.OMMCollection.com) – prices vary

The OMM Collection was inspired by the provincial South of France approach to “naturalism” and the company’s natural “farm to beauty” concept.

Indeed, OMM Unique hair formulas are blended with revolutionary Green Apple Stem Cell and Clover Flower Seed Extract to stimulate natural growth, strengthen hair follicles and deliver nourishment and thickening. The Shampoo is formulated with this Apple Stem Cell Extract with natural oils of Marula, Moringa, Amla and Prickly Pear. It’s a gentle concentrated light wash without sulfates. The Serum is a powerful infusion of hair treatment with Apple Stem Cell Extract and Capixyl, which preserves the hair follicle, providing thicker, healthier hair. The company’s Hair Mask is a rich, deep conditioning, weightless leave in treatment to rejuvenate, strengthen the overall health of hair. The Body Butter Soufflé is a rich, velvety and ultra-hydrating body butter containing natural ingredients that moisturizes the skin and locks in hydration. In addition, their Hand and Body Milk Crème is a rich, non-greasy, hydrating body cream enriched with Shea and Cocoa butter to help nourish, protect skin. The company also offers OMM signature fragrance essential oils of White Tea Jasmine and Dark Chocolate that were custom-developed with exclusivity and excellence in mind by a globally recognized international fragrance house.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: OMM Collections

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier (www.Liquid-IV.com) – $24.99 usd – 16 pack

Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier is a great-tasting, Non-GMO electrolyte drink mix that utilizes the breakthrough science of Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) to deliver hydration to your bloodstream faster and more efficiently than water alone. So effective, Liquid I.V. can provide the same hydration as drinking 2 to 3 bottles of water! Just add the electrolyte powder to your water and let CTT do the rest. Proper hydration allows your body to perform at the highest level, increase calorie burn, helps you stay mentally alert and energized, and even reduces signs of aging. Liquid I.V. is available in three flavors: Lemon Lime, Acai Berry, and Passion Fruit. I also love that Liquid I.V. is committed to defeating dehydration at a global level. With every order received, they donate one serving of Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier electrolyte drink mix to someone in need around the world. This includes the poorest regions of countries like Haiti and refugees in Uganda to helping those in need during emergency and disaster situations such as Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and the Southern California wildfires.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Liquid I.V.

Empower Cosmopolitan Martini (www.EmpowerCocktails.com) – $21.99 usd

For refreshment of a different sort, try the Empower Cosmopolitan Martini for happy hour, while lounging by the pool or whenever you’re in the mood for a tasty spirit.

While the distilled beverage market is a booming industry, it’s one that continually targets men while often leaving women out as an afterthought. But Empower Cocktails seeks to change all of that. This new disruptor puts celebrating and empowering women at the forefront of its mission, while dazzling and delighting with its ready-to-pour line of delicious cocktail drinks. They recently launched their first cocktail, the refreshing but not too sweet Empower Cosmopolitan Martini. The beverage contains Sweet Potato Vodka that’s locally-sourced from a family-owned farm in Northern California, as well as triple sec, cooling white cranberry and zesty lime. It is best-served refrigerated; all you need to enjoy it is a martini glass and—if you so desire—your favorite garnish. The drink is 25 proof and contains only 80 calories per three ounces. Also cause-conscious, Empower Cocktails partners with several non-profits that champion women’s initiatives including the Voss Foundation, Dress for Success Boston, Kicked it in Heels and the Metro-Manhattan Community Foundation to name a few.

Photo Ownership/Copyright: Empower Cocktails 


For the Silo, Merilee Kern. As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee Kern is an internationally-regarded consumer product trends expert and hospitality industry voice of authority—a travel, dining, leisure and lifestyle expert who spotlights noteworthy marketplace innovations, change makers, movers and shakers. She reports on exemplary travel destinations and experiences, extraordinary events and newsworthy products and services across all categories. Reach her online at www.TheLuxeList.com, on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList and on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReviews.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

 

Reviews

Mattress Sales in Toronto: How to Find the Best Deals  

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A mattress is a vital component of comfort in your home.

A poor-quality mattress can cause body aches and affect your life. It’s, therefore, crucial to purchase the right mattress from a reputable store at a reasonable price. For the best mattress sale in Toronto, you need to consider some factors to help you make the right decision. If you’re looking for a deal on your next mattress or bed set, keep reading for tips on finding the best mattress sale in Toronto and get the most significant savings with no compromise on quality. 

  1. Identify a Reputable and Reliable Mattress Store 

When shopping for a mattress sale in Toronto, it’s essential to identify reliable and reputable retailers. If you have friends or family members who have recently gone through a mattress purchase, they can give you good advice about specific stores that they found reliable. Local blogs or online forums dedicated to mattress purchases can also be good resources when looking at different brands and retailers.  

Once you’ve identified some potential stores, it’s time to look into their sales policies. Most reputable retailers will offer sales periodically throughout the year—especially around major holidays like Black Friday and Christmas—so knowing how long those sales last is critical to ensure you get a good deal. A good mattress store in Toronto like the Queensway Mattress will provide overall satisfaction from good customer service to quality products and after-sales services. So, look out for any complaints about delivery times, damaged goods, or unsatisfactory services before finalizing your decision. 

  1. Try Out Before You Buy 

Getting out of bed and trying out a mattress is an excellent way to be sure you’re making an informed decision. You can check how it feels, whether it’s too soft or too firm, and see if you like how it looks. If you want to buy a new mattress, try one out before purchasing—you may even decide that you can get by with what you already have. Leave enough time for your test drive; going from store to store will likely take more than a few hours. 

Ask about return policies: Most stores won’t accept returns once you take off mattresses from their premises. Asking these questions up front can save you time and energy later on. Therefore, if you’re looking for a mattress sale in Toronto, it’s crucial to ensure they allow you to sleep on your new mattress before deciding whether it meets your needs. 

The Most Uncomfortable Bed in the World - Touch a Life | OpenSea
  1. Go for The Best Quality and Comfort 

You might assume that high-quality, comfortable mattresses are expensive, but that’s not always true. You can get quality mattresses from reliable stores at reasonable prices if you know how to shop around. However, you need to know your needs and requirements before shopping for a new mattress to avoid wasting money on a product that doesn’t suit your needs. 

For example, if you need a mattress that can help you relieve some pressure points on your body, then you can invest in a Latex or Memory foam mattress. If you have problems with allergies, then it is better to buy a hypoallergenic mattress from a reputable store. It’s good to match your needs with quality, comfort, and economical pricing to decide what type of mattress you should purchase. 

  1. Check The Warranty 

Before you finalize your deal on a mattress sale in Toronto, check to see what kind of warranty it comes with to be safe. If your mattress wears out within five years and doesn’t have a solid product warranty, you might pay a lot more than you bargained for in the first instance. It’s also worth asking about details like return policy and restocking fees: some businesses are notorious for charging steep return fees or simply refusing to accept used or damaged products. 

Buying mattresses supported by the most reliable warranties will keep you from paying extra money later. Also, ask how long those warranties last; sometimes, they expire just months after purchase. Dedicated warranty periods may range between 2 and 15 years. 

  1. Take Advantage of Free Delivery and Removal 

When buying a mattress, ask about free delivery and removal. If a retailer doesn’t offer such services or charges too much for them, you can probably find them elsewhere. The point of getting great deals on mattress sales is not to deal with additional hidden fees. Just be sure to factor in other costs, like transportation and set-up, when you do your comparison shopping. 

For example, if one store offers free shipping, but another delivers right to your door at no extra charge, you might pay more overall by Option 1. However, some people prefer picking out their mattress; they say they can test it out before purchasing. You can also benefit from some retailers offering a mattress sale in Toronto who let customers try out mattresses at home—so check around! 

  1. Look for Economical Pricing and Flexible Payment Methods 

Many of us choose to buy mattresses online since they tend to be less expensive. However, if you’re going to buy a mattress online, make sure you find one with an economical pricing structure and flexible payment options. You don’t want to spend even more money paying interest or other fees because you bought your mattress online; shop smart and get a good deal. 

You can also search for reputable stores that offer mattress sales in Toronto at monthly installments and no-interest financing plans. This way, you won’t have to pay all at once but will still get to enjoy your new mattress immediately after making your purchase. 

Conclusion 

Those who know how to find deals on mattress sales in Toronto are doing a service to themselves, whether they choose to purchase online or offline. There are so many choices that come with different prices, but if you know where to look and what questions to ask, you can get what you need at a price that won’t break your bank. A reputable mattress store in Toronto will have all of their products clearly labeled and will be able to answer any questions you may have about their products. You need not settle for less than what you want when purchasing mattresses; do your research, ask your questions, and use these tips as a guide when looking for a deal on a mattress sale in Toronto. 

Gaming

Gaming And Exercise Reduced Pandemic Stress In These Countries

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  • Nearly six out of 10 adults have suffered mental health problems during the pandemic
  • Stress and anxiety are the biggest concerns, international research shows

Taking more exercise and online gaming are the two main ways people globally are tackling mental health issues driven by the pandemic, new international research* from the leading digital board game publisher Marmalade Game Studio shows.

Its study across the US, France, Germany, Hong Kong, and Singapore found nearly two out of five people (38%) have turned to exercise to address mental health concerns while 30% are using online gaming to relieve stress and anxiety.

Marmalade Game Studio’s research found mental health issues have soared across all countries during the pandemic with nearly six out of 10 (57%) saying they have developed mental health concerns during the pandemic and the same number say they are currently suffering from a range of issues. People in Singapore (65%) and Hong Kong (64%) are the worst affected followed by France (57%), Germany (56%) and the US (52%).

The biggest issues internationally are stress and anxiety with 38% saying they are currently affected by stress while 30% say they are suffering from anxiety.

However more than one in five (22%) say they are depressed and 4% say they have suicidal thoughts.

Marmalade Game Studio has recently introduced a new feature on its games in response to demand from customers for more ways to stay connected with family and friends – its Bubble in-game video chat allows gamers to add friends and family to group chats, start games from these, and video chat whilst playing.

Cristina Mereuta, co-CEO at Marmalade Game Studio, said: “The pandemic has had a huge effect on mental health globally and millions have at points suffered from a range of conditions caused by worries about their own and others physical health as well as financial worries.

“Many people are clearly taking action with increased exercise and online gaming appearing to be the most popular ways of relieving stress and anxiety.

“It is important however that people seek professional help where appropriate and it’s worrying to see that some people are doing nothing.”

The mental health impact has not all been negative – around 7% of French people say their mental health has improved during the pandemic followed by 6% of Americans, 5% of people in Hong Kong, 4% of Germans and 2% of people in Singapore.

The table below shows the ways people across all countries are addressing mental health issues.

ACTION TAKEN?PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES WHO HAVE TAKEN THESE STEPS
Doing more exercise38%
Playing online games30%
Trying to see friends and family more29%
Getting help from my doctor27%
 Talking to loved ones26%
Getting help from mental health professionals25%
 Talking to close friends19%
 Doing nothing14%

Digital gaming has proved to be important for mental health – 16%** of European Union gamers say being able to play games online and connect with others particularly families helped during lockdowns and 42% say playing multiplayer games during lockdown made them happier.

* Marmalade Game Studio commissioned independent research company PureProfile to interview 1,000 adults aged 18-plus across the US, France, Germany, Singapore, and Hong Kong in November 2021 using an online methodology. 

**  https://www.statista.com/topics/8016/covid-19-impact-on-the-gaming-industry-worldwide/#dossierKeyfigures

Gaming

Agency Now Representing World Class Esport Athletes

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You may have only recently heard about esports and esport athletes but professional video game sport competitions have been around for over half a decade. Since 2018, Prodigy Agency carries the mission to bring 360° support to esports players by guiding more than 170 talents around the world.

Are you an accomplished esport athlete? Prodigy can help you become a professional and compete against the world’s best. Much like a physical world professional, you can find your way to the top and earn sponsorships, awards and a real world salary. Read on…..

Gaming

World Chess Champ Partnership With Unibet Fights Problem Gambling

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Kindred Group brand Unibet continues its sponsorship with five-time World Champion in chess, Magnus Carlsen, and extends its partnership with Offerspill, the Norwegian chess club, founded by Magnus Carlsen.

Kindred Group plc (Kindred) has signed a two years extension of its partnership with the world’s best chess player, Magnus Carlsen through its flagship brand Unibet. The Group also extends its sponsorship of Offerspill, Norway’s largest chess club. Both sponsorships will promote and support Kindred’s long-term ambition to reach zero per cent revenue from harmful gambling by 2023.

“We see great potential in engaging the best chess player of all time, and the world’s highest-ranked chess player, as a global ambassador in the fight to combat problem gambling,” says Nils Andén, Chief Commercial Officer, Kindred Group.

“It is also natural for us to involve Offerspill, Norway’s largest chess club in our work. This partnership is an important contribution to raising awareness of chess as an exciting global sport, while also engaging in the local community in Norway.”

“Just as I have set a hair-raising goal of becoming the first chess player in the world to reach 2,900 rating points, Kindred, as the first global gambling operator, has set itself an ambition of zero revenue from customers with harmful gambling behavior. This is an ambition I would like to contribute to achieving and a message I am happy to support,” says Magnus Carlsen, five-time World Champion.

“In top sports, it is about pushing the boundaries, but at the same time, you have to know your limitations and know when to stop. The same thing is important when gambling; you need to stay in control and know when to stop,” says Carlsen.

“Over the last two years, Offerspill made an impressive effort to lift Norwegian chess to a new level, especially during the pandemic.

Such a boost requires funding, and we are proud to contribute, and at the same time promote our message of safety, sustainability and responsibility in entertainment-based gambling through the club,” concludes Nils Andén.

In 2014, Unibet was the first gambling operator to introduce odds on chess, at the same time as Magnus Carlsen defended his World Cup title for the first time.

Throughout the years, Kindred has also sponsored a number of international tournaments and major championships. Magnus Carlsen founded Offerspill in 2019 and has been a Unibet ambassador since 2020. The same year Offerspill and Kindred Group signed a partnership. Today, Offerspill is the largest chess club in Norway with 400 members. For the Silo, Maria Angell Dupont.

Reviews

Progressive Dolls Feature Anatomically Correct Bodies And Varied Ethnic Groups

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Educational Insights, a leader in manufacturing toys that ignite passions and inspire imaginations, offers  two innovative new baby dolls.

Beyond being crafted from the highest-quality European standards, Baby Bijoux and Baby Doux foster nurturing-care and imaginative play while exposing children to the realities of their world. The dolls come in a wide variety of just-like-me skin-tones and ethnicities, and Baby Bijoux features anatomically correct body designs.

Educational Insights Baby Doux African American Doll | Walmart Canada

Both dolls were awarded the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award and are already catching the attention of influential moms like @kcstauffer, with over 3.2 million followers, who has shown her daughters playing with the new dolls twice on her Instagram channel.

zoomed image

Baby Bijoux is a beautifully crafted, anatomically correct 15.75” (40 cm) doll which encourages self-discovery, nurturing and empathy.

Available in both boy and girl in just-like-me skin tones and hair types of African American, Asian, Caucasian and Hispanic. This baby will be sure to encourage curiosity and answer kids’ natural questions about the human body while helping to develop language and vocabulary skills and encouraging social and emotional development.

Educational Insights Has Released Two Innovative New Baby Dolls | Emily Reviews

Age range: 3-6 years

MSRP: $64.99usd

Baby Doux is a 12” (30.5 cm) soft bodied baby doll available in multicultural skin tones including Hispanic, African American, Asian and Caucasian. With movable arms and legs and realistic baby details, the just-like-me skin tones promote real world connections. Encouraging your little ones to care for their baby helps teach empathy, social and emotional skills as well as promoting imaginative play.

Age range: 2+ years

MSRP: $54.99usd

For the Silo, Megan Flagg. 

Gaming

Gaming And Gambling Is Innately North American And Predates Euro Contact

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Mystic Deck

First Nations Gaming In CanadaGambling is innately Canadian.

Whilst that may seem self-evident today, it was no less obvious before the idea of Canada as a unitary nation had even been established. Gary Smith of the University of Alberta has described how “First Nations peoples gambling on sports events pre-dated the arrival of Europeans in Canada”.

Despite a fluctuating legal status since 1892 when the first Criminal Code of Canada was established, Canadians have remained firmly welded to the idea of a bet. Whether it is a matter of sports betting or the more calculative games provided by casinos, and more recently over the internet, Canadians, it seems, love to gamble.

What it is in the Canadian national psyche that drives this appetite is far from clear.

Those reports that have dealt with the question have tended to look at the administrative and legislative conditions that have enabled the industry to establish itself, rather than asking the more fundamental question of where the appetite for this form of recreation stems from.

There is no doubt that the way the gambling industry in Canada is managed at a state level has meant that local pockets of gambling activity have been allowed to flourish. Smith points to the way that two Criminal Code of Canada amendments (1969 and 1985) were ‘pivotal’ in enabling the expansion of the industry. The first was because it decriminalized lotteries and casinos and the second because it allowed electronic gambling devices whilst also allowing provinces to operate and regulate the industry within their territories. In essence, because there was no one-size-fits-all brake on the industry it was allowed to extend into all those areas where it was not explicitly barred.

Against that historical backdrop the emergence of the internet and the de-territorialised markets it has allowed to develop have seen the Canadian appetite for gambling further supplied.

Such is the extent of the market that European based providers, such as Bet365, the UK’s leading online provider, are going out of their way to woo Canadian punters. Specialist sports books focusing on Canadian sports as well as a long list of games and pursuits that are already well-established across North America – not least poker and blackjack – mean that what these providers are offering is a perfect fit for the Canadian market.

There is a sense that with the US gambling industry seemingly at a tipping point in terms of the full deregulation of online gambling, these global providers are doing everything they can to achieve a presence and a profile on the continent. The basic thinking is that something akin to a gold rush is set to take place once the US marketplace truly opens up, and that rolling out into the US market will be easier from Canada than from Europe.

If this makes it sound as though the Canadian gambling market is somehow merely a stepping stone that is far from the case. Canada’s gambling market is itself measured in the billions of dollars and it is an entirely viable proposition on its own merits.

Of course, what it is that makes Canadians so happy to gamble remains an open question.

. Amidst such a diverse and heterogeneous population is it possible that enjoying a gamble in one form or another is one of the things that unites us as a nation? For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Gaming

SUPER BOWL TO GENERATE $1 BILLION IN LEGAL BETS

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(LAS VEGAS) — Bettors could place $1 billion usd in wagers on Super Bowl LVI at legal online and retail sportsbooks across the country, according to projections by PlayUSA, which provides news and analysis of the U.S. gaming industry. If sportsbooks reach those estimates it would roughly double last year’s estimated Super Bowl handle of more than $500 million, a product of the continued proliferation of legal sports betting.

NFL Bets, 2022 Pro Bowl NFL Betting Lines | Vegas Super Bowl Odds NFL

“It would have seemed impossible just a few years ago to reach such heights, but with the expansion of sports betting over the last year it is inevitable that legal wagering will soar.”

https://www.thesilo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Super-Bowl-fact-sheet-2022.pdf

The Super Bowl is the most-wagered-on single sporting event in the U.S. In 2021, the American Gaming Association estimated that Americans & North Americans bet $4.3 billion usd on Super Bowl LV, both legally and illegally. PlayUSA estimates that more than $500 million usd was wagered at legal online or retail sportsbooks for last year’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, still a small chunk of the more than $50 billion usd in legal wagers placed across the country throughout 2021.

When the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals meet for the Super Bowl on Feb. 13, sports betting in some form will be legal in 30 states and Washington D.C. Those jurisdictions represent more than 166.9 million people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates for 2021. By contrast, 120 million people lived in 21 legal sports betting jurisdictions for last year’s Super Bowl.

For this year’s game:

  • Sports betting is legal in at least some form in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
  • New York, which was limited to retail sportsbooks last year, launched online betting in early January. New York is already on pace to shatter the U.S. record for monthly handle, which New Jersey set in October with $1.3 billion usd in bets.
  • Arizona, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming did not offer any form of legal sports betting for last year’s Super Bowl.
  • Even with legal sports betting in 30 states and Washington, D.C., no team from a state with legal sportsbooks has ever played in the Super Bowl. That will continue this year as Ohio awaits launch sometime over the next year and California lawmakers debate legalization.

“The sports betting landscape has changed dramatically since last year’s game,” said Eric Ramsey, data analyst for PlayUSA. “More than half of all Americans now live in a legal jurisdiction, and even well-established markets such as New Jersey and Nevada have grown significantly over the last year as mobile betting gains in popularity.”

PlayUSA projects that Nevada, which was the second-largest market in 2021 and historically the top Super Bowl market, will produce the largest Super Bowl handle with $175 million usd. New York could generate $160 million usd. If those estimates come to fruition, that would be more betting volume than every legal sportsbook in the U.S. combined to tally for the 2019 game.

New Jersey ($130 million usd), Illinois ($75 million usd), Pennsylvania ($70 million usd), Arizona ($55 million usd), Michigan ($45 million usd), Indiana ($40 million usd), Colorado ($35 million usd) Louisiana ($35 million usd), Virginia ($35 million usd), and Tennessee ($30 million usd) will follow Nevada and New York, according to PlayUSA estimates.

“Americans & North Americans have become increasingly comfortable with online betting in general and the less conventional bets it facilitates, such as in-game wagering,” Ramsey said. “This should really help boost Super Bowl betting, which for years has enticed bettors with fun prop bets and other unconventional wagers. The big difference this year is those types of bets are easier than ever to make in more places than ever before.” For The Silo, Zack Hall.

Reviews

Finest Coffee And Coconut Oil From Dominican Republic

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Everyone already knows Kimera Koffee’s for its finest ground coffee, highest quality beans, and some of the best flavors on the market. Now Kimera Koffee is growing the family with its limited edition Phase 1 Peaberry Whole Bean Koffee and Kimera Koconut Oil.

The Kimera Koffee Pase 1 Peaberry Whole Bean Koffee is grown in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. Using some of the finest beans, this blend uses the plants’ yield of 3%-5% peaberry beans, each hand selected and sorted. Peaberry beans are unique in that they are the only bean in the cherry (rather than two), therefore receiving all of the plant’s nutrients in a concentrated dose.

Peaberry beans roast differently partly because they have a single coffee bean within a single coffee cherry (fruit), instead of the usual two half-beans per cherry.

Peaberry beans are regarded as naturally sweeter, more aromatic, and more pleasant in taste than regular coffee beans.

This limited edition flavor packs a punch to your morning routine with some of the freshest, most potent whole beans you can find.

Kimera’s other new addition is the Kimera Koconut Oil. This handcrafted, pure coconut oil is sure to pack a delicious punch with any drink or cooking need. Kimera’s Koconut Oil is extra virgin and cold pressed, giving you the finest, most high quality oil on the market. The oil is non-GMO and unrefined for the best flavor and potency money can buy.

As well as Kimera Koffee’s dedication to proving the high quality products on the market, they are aslo are proud supporters of the Belarminio Ramirez Foundation, which uses their donations to provide school materials, clothes, food, and basic household appliances to communities in the Dominican Republic’s farming towns. Every Kimera Koffee purchase helps aid this fight for a better future. Featured image- cronkite.asu.edu   For the Silo, Katie Lapinski.

Kimera Koffee can be purchased online through their website at kimerakoffee.com or Amazon, as well as at select retailers in the USA, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Supplemental- The many great health benefits, both physical and mental, of MCT Oil vs Coconut Oil.

Gourmet Coffee Lovers: What is a peaberry?

Gaming

Cures For The Corona Virus Blues

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The stay at home orders for the coronavirus has been extended in most cities, and for many of us who thought it would only be a few weeks, we are realizing that these orders might be for a lot longer than that. 
 
What we thought might be a nice break from the grind of overworking has turned into a situation where we do not know what to do with ourselves. We have watched every series and film on Netflix that we missed and reruns of our favorite sports teams just ain’t cutting it the way we thought they would. 

Online Casino Gaming

You might be tired of watching Netflix, and perhaps you are done with not having any interaction with your entertainment. This will push you perhaps toward playing interactive games. These can be great, but most are aimed toward young people, and they do not have any real-world consequences. As a result, they can get pretty boring after a while. 
 

Casino Background Stock Photos And Images - 123RF


If you want something to do that is both interactive and has consequences, gambling at casinos online like Casimba is an excellent choice for some entertaining fun. This interactive website and mobile app gives you access to all of your favorite casino games, including slots, craps, roulette, blackjack, bingo, Bacharach, and every form of poker that you can imagine. And unlike traditional casinos, you don’t have to travel in order to play your favorite games.

You can use your desktop, laptop, or tablet computer, or your smartphone. As long as you have an internet connection, you have access to all the amazing casino games. And to make things serious, you play for real money. So the stakes can get pretty high, and so can the entertainment when you play online casino gambling.

Learning a New Language

Most people would love to learn a new language. When they hear people able to move from one language to another, it is always cool. However, most people feel that learning a new language is difficult and extremely time-consuming. Well because of the coronavirus lockdown, you got lots of time on your hands. And today there is software like Babel that specializes in helping anyone to quickly learn a new language. The lessons are all online, and you can move at your own speed. Also, the company has dozens of languages for you to learn. Imagine coming out of the coronavirus lockdown able to speak a new language.
 

Meditation

Too many people think that meditation is an eastern practice that is not effective in the western world. The reality is that meditation is both wonderful at reducing stress, and is effective no matter where you are. Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, and wherever it is introduced, it becomes part of society. In Western societies, even traditional doctors and medical institutions are now advising patients to indulge in meditation on a regular basis. Meditating is simple. You only need to sit in a quiet place and clear your mind. Steady breathing helps. It will take a while for you to do it, but after some practice you will find this simple exercise relieves stress and lifts your spirit.

Mindfulness Meditation Can Help Relieve Anxiety And Depression ...

The coronavirus has caused lots of stress and feelings of lost control. This is a natural response to a situation that takes you out of your normal routine. Invest some time in the endeavors included here and it will help you to relieve the coronavirus blues. For the Silo, Dimitry Karloff.

Reviews

Groove Life Silicon Rings Are For Modern Living

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Traditional metal rings are uncomfortable, costly to replace or repair and can lead to serious injury of caught on rocks, wires or other objects – turning a fun day into a medical emergency in minutes.

Instead of worrying about losing or damaging expensive, meaningful jewelry, let Groove Life provide a peace of mind with the Groove Ring. The Groove Ring features a comfort fit band made from low profile, flexible silicone that’s been imprinted with their patent-pending inner grooves. These grooves allow proper airflow, keeping moisture out and comfort front and center.

The Groove Ring is a revolutionary new accessory for the active user who wants to do it all without worrying about losing a finger or prized possessions.

Backed with a lifetime warranty, the Groove Ring provides breathe-ability, flexibility, safety, security and style.


Offered in a variety of colors, sizes and styles the Groove Ring is the perfect accessory for all. Leave your worries behind while planning your next great adventure with the Groove Ring. For the Silo, Katie Lapinski.

Gaming

How The Online Casino Differs From The Offline Casino

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The days are gone when people had to travel to different places in order to experience casino jest.

There are many casino games available online. With the help of technologies like artificial intelligence, we can have a realistic experience of playing online casino games. But, some people still like to go to traditional ground casinos. 

Image: Pixabay 

You must have often wondered which one is the best and safest. If you are also curious to know the difference between online and offline casino games, this article is a must-read for you. 

Which is more secure? 

From the security point of view, both online and offline casino gambling are equally safe. However, you need to be quite cautious while choosing to play online casino gambling since there are several gambling malicious websites claiming to be genuine.  

It is advisable, especially for the newbie gamers, to do thorough research using reliable platforms like https://onlinecasinofans.com/. The users should choose the casino on the basis of the feedback, ratings, speed, feasibility, and compatibility of the game with their device. 

If properly surveyed, you can find the best online casinos, which are even more secure than the traditional ground casinos.  

Which one is more reachable? 

We live in an era of technologies and globalization. Hence, we are able to access everything with the help of the internet. As aforementioned, there are many online casino games available that have increased their reachability.  

It can be a tedious task for you to find spare time for offline gambling. 

Whereas, you can easily play these games, sitting comfortably on your sofa couch. 

Isn’t that awesome? 

Which is more convenient? 

If you are a busy bee and can’t find time from your hectic schedule, online casinos can prove to be more convenient.   

Many of the good websites also offer trial games. They are totally free, and you can have a gaming experience similar to real casinos. No such option is available in offline casinos. 

On the other hand, if you are a partygoer and have a ground casino available near your place, just go for it. 

Which one has a better payout? 

The opportunity of winning numerous bonuses and credits offered by online casinos attracts a lot of players.  

In terms of cash deposit and withdrawal, offline gambling is better since you can cash your winnings immediately in traditional gaming. However, you need to be patient in online gaming. 

Which one has the better ambiance? 

No online casino can beat the zest of playing traditional ground casinos. Although you can access online casinos easily, the playing ambiance is confined.  

If you go for offline gambling, it is surely going to be a fun experience for you. You will get an opportunity to interact with new people, make new friends, and learn from experienced strata of gamers. 

Image: Pixabay 

Conclusion 

No doubt, online casinos are a step ahead of offline casinos in terms of many factors. However, it totally depends upon your choice and compatibility with the particular platform.  

Reviews

Arctic Blue Carbonator Able to Carbonate ANY Beverage

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Ann Arbor, MI – Drinkmate , a leader in the home carbonation category, has expanded their innovative line of home carbonating systems to include a new Arctic Blue model- sure to spice up any countertop.

More than a home soda maker

Carbonated beverage lovers can now add a pop of blue to their kitchens while enjoying healthier drinks from carbonated water to juice, and even cocktails. The new Arctic Blue color is a soft, pure, breezy bay blue with a twilight blue undertone. The perfect compliment to any kitchen, Drinkmate enables users to add personality with the new 2021 color expansion. The Arctic Blue home carbonator joins the existing color line that includes black, red, and white models.

Easy Hook up


Drinkmate’s countertop unit is one of the leading home carbonation systems available in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Its proprietary technology allows consumers to carbonate any kind of beverage safely and quickly.

Carbonate ANY kind of beverage


“We’re excited to offer carbonated beverage lovers with our new Arctic Blue model,” said Douglas Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Drinkmate.
“It’s always been part of our mission to provide aesthetically pleasing units that don’t distract from our consumers’ decorating style. With the Arctic Blue expansion, they can now choose a pop of bright color to represent their unique personality.”


The new Drinkmate Arctic Blue carbonator is available online at Drinkmate.us and coming to other major retailers throughout North America later this year. MSRP $99.95 usd.

About Drinkmate

Drinkmate’s mission is to allow consumers to get creative in discovering new beverages, drink healthier and have fun, while reducing plastic bottle waste. Its proprietary technology allows the consumer to carbonate any kind of beverage safely and quickly. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company serves as the global headquarters for the Drinkmate brand with operations in Asia, Europe and the Americas. For more information, please visit www.Drinkmate.us.

Gaming

Minecraft is most malware infected game

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228k Users Affected, Are You One Of Them?

As people are looking for ways to unwind at home, the gaming industry has been one of the primary places people set their eyes on. Not only is it a way to entertain yourself for hours on end, but it is also a place for people to connect, which is otherwise hard to do during the pandemic. 

According to data presented by the Atlas VPN team, 303,827 individuals’ devices were affected by gaming-related malware and unwanted software between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021. Mobile games are also a major threat for gamers.

As many as 50,644 users attempted to download 10,488 unique files disguised as the ten most-played mobile games, generating a total of 332,570 detections. Minecraft was by far the most popular game on both PC and mobile platforms for dangerous app distributors to hide behind. On PC, nearly 185 thousand users were affected with over 3 million malware and unwanted software detections.

On mobile, the number of victims exceeds 44 thousand for the period.

Unwanted software includes files like adware, spyware, and so on. There are various versions of Minecraft and a plethora of mods (modifications that may be placed on top of the basic game to diversify gameplay) may account for its enormous popularity. Because mods are unofficial and developed by users, they can be used to hide dangerous payloads or undesirable software. 

Security tips for gamers

  • Protect your accounts with two-factor authentication (2-FA) whenever possible. 
  • Use strong passwords for your accounts, with a different one for each. That way, even if one of your accounts is compromised, the remainder will remain unaffected.
  • Downloading games from official retailers such as Steam, Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore is safer. These marketplaces aren’t completely safe, but they are at least examined by store staff, and there is some sort of screening procedure in place: not every app is allowed into these stores.
  • If you want to buy a game that isn’t accessible in major stores, you should do it through the official website. Make sure to double-check the website’s URL to avoid impostor sites.
  • Be cautious of phishing campaigns and unfamiliar players. If you are unsure about the sender, do not open links you receive via email or in a gaming chat. Do not open files sent to you by strangers.

Another one of the most well-known game titles worldwide, The Sims 4, was the second most often used title to distribute unwanted files. Over 43 thousand users were impacted, with detections closing in on 1.3 million.  For the Silo, Valentina Perez.

Gaming

EML Flexing Global Gaming Muscles At G2E Las Vegas

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EML’s notorious worldwide dominance of the gaming payments experience is fully on show at Global Gaming Expo 2021.

EML Payments (ASX: EML) (S&P/ASX 200) is excited to exhibit at Global Gaming Expo (G2E) presented by the American Gaming Association (AGA) at The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada, today- October 7. This premier event has achieved cult status amongst gaming superfans. EML will be at the center of the action at Booth 3511, having consistently attracted and retained major gaming industry clients through market-leading results.

EML, the home of gaming Payments-as-a-Service (PaaS), substantially increases gaming revenues by turning online winnings into revenue by providing a low friction solution for clients and their players.

EML energizes and invigorates commercial gaming tribes:

· 2X – active cardholders known to double their playing days

· 10X – active cardholders deposit up to 10 times more

· 10X – active cardholders can be over 10 times more profitable

· 12X – active cardholders place up to 12 times more wagers

”Our super flexible global platform with diverse pay-in/pay-out options has successfully served the entire gaming industry for almost a decade,” confirmed Ailie Kofoid, CEO Americas at EML.

EML’s visitors at G2E can enquire about the company’s free digital card giveaway and learn how its comprehensive end-to-end solution allows clients to save time, reduce payment costs and improve customer experience – all while increasing profits on gameplay.

About EML Payments

EML provides an innovative payment solutions platform, helping businesses all over the world create awesome customer experiences. Wherever money is in motion, our agile technology can power the payment process, so money can be moved quickly, conveniently and securely. We offer market-leading programme management and highly skilled payments expertise to create customisable feature-rich solutions for businesses, brands and their customers.

Gaming

Beginner’s Tips To Basketball Betting

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Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. Also, the NBA is one of the most widely celebrated tournaments in the world. Who can forget Jordan’s heroics in the 80s or Black Mamba’s magic in the early 2000s? No one can resist powerful LeBron James shoots or his clever dunks or false shots.  

The huge fanbase of basketball also attracts bookmakers and seasonal bettors who look for an opportunity to make money. You can also utilize this game to your advantage, and win some money over the top. If you are a beginner, here are some life-saving basketball betting tips for you. 

Image Credit: Pixabay  

Points game 

You will come across two kinds of team strategy in a basketball team. The first kind is the team that makes most of their points through center-court or 3-pointers. These teams look for big advantages but have a higher chance of falling in a cold streak. The 3-pointer strategy is reliable if you are looking to bet for the upsets.  

The second is the team that drives up to the paint and shoots the basket. Such teams are consistent in gaining points and are at a lesser risk to fall into the cold streak. Points in the paint strategy are more reliable than the 3-pointer strategy.  

Therefore, if you want to play at a minimum risk, bet your money on the team with points in the paint strategy. Remember, you will have to do proper research to understand each team’s natural game.  

Keep an eye on the team schedule  

Team schedule is very crucial to understand the players’ psyche and physical condition. Although professional players are trained to manage their load well, they can still fall prey to fatigues and jet lags.  

For this reason, look at the weekly team schedule to understand how many games the team has played. If it’s the latter half of the week, the players are most likely to be fatigued. Additionally, location and season progress also play an important role in determining the fatigue level.  

If the players had to travel cross-country for 2-3 games, they are most likely to be tired, which will slow their game. Also, if half of the season is already done, fatigue will start to make a huge impact on players’ agility and reflexes. You can use this opportunity to place a calculated bet.  

Image Credit: Pixabay  

The game of Road favorites 

Road favorites are decided by the oddsmakers, bookmakers, and game analysts. Before every game, you can check the road favorites and place a bet accordingly. However, look at the past games of the road favorites. You can easily check road favorites when participating in online basketball betting.  

If the past game indicates an embarrassing loss by 15 points or more and still the team is picked by oddsmakers, it means that the team is talented and has the capacity to win big. Also, road favorites after a blowout loss are expected to make a strong comeback, which has been true 60 percent of the time.  

Look out for home underdogs  

Home games have always been the center of emotion in every sport. Every team wishes to win on their land and in front of their true fans. Therefore, when placing a bet, take the home game factor into account.  

Even if a team is 10+ points underdogs, it has the capacity to win. Such teams rest their premium players in the first half to make a strong comeback in the second-stringer. Home underdogs do not look for spread, they only play to win.  

Gaming

SGPN OFFERING $100,000 CASH TO NFL SAVANT WHO CAN DELIVER WEEK ONE PICKS PERFECTLY

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LOS ANGELES, CALIF. — Sports Gambling Podcast Network™ will launch the new National Football League season with a free $100,000 usd contest for its consumer audience, rewarding the person who picks all 16 games against the spread and hits on six of six over/unders from Sept. 9-13.

The contest began officially began yesterday, and fans can enter on the SGPN App, which is available on all devices and is downloadable at Apple’s App Store [1], the Google Play Store, and from www.SportsGamblingPodcast.com [2]. SGPN is the only independently-owned and operated sports gambling media network that places a premium on entertainment value.

The no-cost app, which debuted in June, includes content for sports wagerers on the move from over 45 SGPN writers and personalities plus exclusive access to multiple, free audience contests, now including the $100,000 Week 1 NFL Challenge.

In accordance with contest regulations, only one entry is permitted per person and the total number of eligible participants is 5,000.

https://youtu.be/yX8amLVHIuc

“Our audiences are loyal and they deserve the opportunity to convert a big payday,” stated Sean Green, SGPN co-founder, CEO and co-host of the popular Sports Gambling Podcast . “Interest is at a fever pitch now with preseason games in the books and the level will reach its apex that second week of September when the new season commences. Winning the cash will require a little bit of luck, but our audience is savvy. We actually think someone will pull this off.”

SGPN is all over the upcoming NFL season, providing its audiences with insights, analysis and definitive selections non-stop during the pre-season window. On July 13-14, the unprecedented 24-hour Fantasy Football Draft by SGPN expert Ryan Kramer resulted in over 100,000 minutes watched and a 100% approval rating from the audience.

The most recent contest for app downloaders was an NBA playoffs contest with a $1,000 usd winner-take-all cash prize.

The winner identified the Milwaukee Bucks as NBA Champions and correctly predicted that the series would be over in exactly six games. The tiebreaker prediction of total number of points scored in those games was needed to determine the winner.

Green and Kramer were among a handful of sports wagering information providers who produced live shows concurrent with the first round of the NFL Draft on April 29, delivering a second screen experience to avid fans looking for real-time, expert analysis as they viewed the selections and engaged in live wagering on the many legal sportsbooks in the marketplace. The show was delivered from SGPN’s new ultra-high definition 4K studio and resulted in substantial growth in viewership minutes over the 2020 show.

In all cases, Green, Kramer and the Sports Gambling Podcast Network of writers and personalities provide analysis, picks and best bets free of charge.

About SGPN

Sports Gambling Podcast Network™ was established in 2011 as one of the first website/digital media platforms to provide consumers with an entertainment experience featuring sophisticated insight and analysis plus definitive wagering recommendations and selections across the full spectrum of legally-available sports. Co-founded by sports and entertainment personalities Sean Green and Ryan Kramer, it is home to the Top 40 All-Time football podcast (per Chartable.com) Sports Gambling Podcast, one of 11 separate podcasts.  

The website, www.sportsgamblingpodcast.com [2], boasts over 50 contributors delivering editorial content and social media postings under the SGPN banner.  

The platform generates millions of unique page views and podcast downloads annually and remains a primary destination for the burgeoning population of sports fans across America and around the world. In addition to his stand-up comedy act, Green is an accomplished TV comedy and script writer with credits including MTV’s Ridiculousness and Nickelodeon’s Crashletes with Rob Gronkowski.

He has also anchored several sports wagering and fantasy sports shows for SiriusXM and ESPN+.  Kramer is a SiriusXM contributor and a sports wagering marketplace influencer who specializes in NFL game prop bet predictions.  He has multiple top finishes in the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC) Main Event and registered a 14-6 mark last month with his Men’s NCAA Tournament college basketball locks.

SGPN is a member of the Fantasy Sports Gaming Association (FSGA).

Gaming

NFL to Outlaw Taunting in Crackdown on Near-the-Knuckle Play

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When you spend your afternoon/evening running into people at full pace, attempting to put them on the deck, it kind of goes without saying that your blood will start to pump a little more aggressively. 

That can manifest itself in all manner of ways and, in the NFL, one of the most common is for steam to be let off as part of post-touchdown celebration and taunting. 

From the sublime to the ridiculous, taunting is part of the theater of football. From a tackler running their mouth when they have sacked a quarterback, to a TD scorer letting their opponents know how much they enjoyed crossing the line, this part celebration, part tribalism is an inherent part of the game. 

And so it has been met with much frustration that NFL officials, as part of their rule change and points of emphasis framework for the 2021-22 season, have decreed that they will be stamping out taunting in all its various forms. 

The NFL's annual rule change and points of emphasis video notes game officials have been instructed to strictly enforce taunting rules in 2021. Two violations results in automatic ejection, with fines and even suspensions (!!) in play, too.

https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1425150371190788098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Going forward, a taunting offense will see the team in question hit with a 15-yard penalty, while two taunting violations in a game will be punishable with fines and/or automatic ejection.  

Officials are keen to instil a sense of ‘respect’ back into the game, with the competition committee chairman, Rich McKay, stating: “We saw an increase in actions that clearly are not within the spirit and intent of this rule, [and] is not representative of the respect to opponents and others on the field.” 

One of the prime examples of taunting last season came in the clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill gesticulated at the Bucs defenders as he crossed the line for a touchdown, leaving them rather incensed. As Tampa closed in on a revenge victory in the Super Bowl, their safety Antoine Winfield Jr flashed the same gesture right in the face of Hill. 

According to the NFL odds on bet365 for the Super Bowl, those two franchises are on a collision course to meet in the championship game next February once again, and so will Hill, Winfield, or anyone else for that matter, be tempted to taunt an opponent despite the punishments available? 

The Numbers Game 

Every year, there’s a raft of rule changes ahead of the new NFL season – some important and attention-grabbing, others less so. 

Whether you will care that the restrictions on some jersey numbers have been lifted may just depend on whether you plan on buying a replica shirt or not. 

Nothing riles up NFL fans more than seeing what jersey numbers their favorite players are donning each season. However, in the case of Mac Jones, his number may be met with some confusion.

https://twitter.com/sportingnews/status/1424925964660731910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

But a regulatory change will now see a wider pool of players being able allowed to wear single-digit numbers, as well as those between 80-89. That includes running backs, tight ends and wide receivers alongside the traditional quarterbacks and kickers. 

Defensive backs can now also choose any number between 1 and 49, while linebackers can opt for 1-59 or 90-99, but linesmen still have the slimmer pickings of 50-79 or 90-99 to select from. 

Whether that leads to a huge sea-change in the numbers that established NFL stars wear remains to be seen, but it could certainly give the new season a different look and feel.  For the Silo, Carlos Cruz.

Gaming

Legalized Sports Betting Is A New Job Market In The USA

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A few years ago, on May 14, 2018, the Supreme Court decided to back New Jersey’s bid, allowing any state in the US to legalize sports betting. The Supreme Court overthrew PASPA – Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 –  a law that was supposed to define the legal status of sports betting throughout the States.

However, PASPA didn’t ban sports gambling, it just didn’t permit the states to allow it. Passing the law ultimately resulted in creating an underground virtual monopoly over a multi-billion dollar industry.

Strong Case Against PASPA

The infographic below points out some facts regarding the illegal cash flow in the betting industry before the overturn of PASPA. As it turns out, the government of the state of New Jersey presented a strong case against PASPA, and it seems that participants of the hearings were worried that the law would restrain the States’ rights to raise revenue.

The American Gaming Association estimated that American citizens illegally wager more than $150 billion each year on sports betting. Until PASPA was struck down, Nevada was one of the only four states that permitted sports betting (Delaware, Oregon, and Montana also had an immunity). However, Nevada’s legally wagered money covered up for only a small portion of the total sum wagered on betting activities throughout the States (less than 4%).

Before PASPA was abolished, the Congress had the rights to mandate the forms that intrastate commerce states may regulate. However, by doing so, they didn’t manage to eliminate the sports betting market. They’ve just driven it underground.

New Beginnings Will Bring New Changes

On July 31st, 2018 ,Adam Silver, commissioner of the NBA, has teamed up with MGM, creating the first partnership between a major sports organization in the US and a gambling operator. The goal of this historic partnership is to preserve the integrity of the game and spread the global presence of the NBA.

MGM’s partnership with the NBA is only the next logical step in the development of this potentially booming industry. The process of accepting betting as a part of sports culture in the United States has begun.

The Cash Flow in Gambling is Tremendous

According to Oxford Economics, there is a lot going on under the table. Apparently, the numbers from the report project that the legalization of sports betting could increase the US annual GDP up to $40 billion.

Also, legalizing sports can help the US economy to keep the money within the States and help prevent domestic casinos to go bankrupt. Moreover, the newly-formed legal gambling system could create employment opportunities for more than 125,000 people.

When all of this is said and done, a typical worker in a reformed sports betting industry would have an average salary of approximately $48,000. In fact, this is only the beginning of economic benefits coming from legalized gambling in the US. Advances and technological innovations in online betting services will also have a strong impact on the economy.

A Bond Between Technology and Gambling

The United Kingdom has been the world’s leading online sports gambling market for many years now. UK mobile industry currently covers around 60% of the country’s sports betting market. The UK gambling market should serve as a blueprint for the future of sports betting in the US because mobile betting via smartphone apps would bring billions of dollars worth of revenue.

It is a known fact that technological developments make sports gambling far more entertaining. It’s much easier to place a bet for NBA Primetime Saturday game from your favorite recliner than having to drive to the casino at last minute.

It is only a matter of time before the mobile betting market in the US becomes the world’s largest. This somewhat bold statement doesn’t come as a shock if we take into consideration the potential influence of US powerhouse economy on the expansion of mobile betting industry.

To sum it all up, legalized sports betting in the US is a huge win for the US tax revenue, employment, and the entertainment business. Take a look at the nifty infographic below courtesy of our friends at NJ Games. For the Silo, Onur Unlu. 

Economic Impact of US Sports Betting NJ Games

Reviews

Discover Life with Less Pain, Better Health, More Strength, Mobility and Improved Performance

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The Bod-e-Tune Naturopathic Health Aid is designed to protect you from interference from electronic devices that may alter your body’s natural electrical frequencies and can potential cause many health issues.  

You are at risk, your children, loved ones and even your pets are all being affected by EMF’s. 

Bod-e-Tune tunes the cells of your muscles, bones and nervous system optimizing cell function and allowing the body to do what it should naturally. 

Bod-e-Tune utilizes the latest in Nano Technology Research and people world-wide are reporting exciting results with conditions, such as; 

* Arthritis 

* Joint Pain 

* Muscle Pain 

* Carpal Tunnel 

* Fibromyalgia 

* Migraines 

* Chronic Fatigue 

* Old Injuries 

* Neuropathy 

* Increased Strength 

* Increased Stamina 

* Better Nights Rest 

* And Much More 

We are continuously exposed to electrical pollution from cell phones, wifi, tv’s, lights, microwave and other electrical frequencies. Bod-e-Tune is a tune-up to the electrical frequencies of the cells of your muscles, bones and nervous system. It puts your frequencies where they should be and protects you from interference. 

This allows your body to achieve a significant improvement in cell function instantly and allows your body to function at a significantly higher level. 

Daily functions such as getting up out of a chair, walking, lifting, anything requiring the use of strength, balance and flexibility become easier. Within days of wearing your Bod-e-Tune Health Aid, you may experience less pain, greater flexibility, possibly more energy and improved game play allowing you to perform daily activities as you did years earlier. 

So whether you simply want to be protected, you have a pain that you would like to get rid of or you are a sports enthusiasts who is looking for better game play, the Bod-e-Tune Health Aid may be just what you have been missing. 

Results of an independent blind study show an average of 48.9% increase in strength and stamina alone from wearing the Bod-e-Tune Health Aid. 

In the laboratory, chronic exposure to low level electromagnetic fields clearly affects growth and development, stress response, immune response and many neurological functions. This is not surprising because at the cellular level we are all electrical beings. Epidemiologic studies relate electromagnetic fields to birth defects, psychosis, childhood leukemia and to other cancers, especially brain and reproductive tumors. 

Close up view of a frequency tuning disc.

The Bod-e-Tune Health Aid does not do the healing, it tunes your frequencies and allows your body to do what it should do naturally and do it better. Bod-e-Tune works in much the same way as tuning up your car for better performance. By tuning up and enhancing the functioning of the cells of your muscles, bones and nervous system your body works faster, better and stronger, the way it was meant to. 

Be sure to visit our website for more details and watch our information videos and our customer testimonials. 

Gaming, Reviews

Ten years ago- Batman Arkham City released

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In this game, has The Dark Knight become (dare we say it) too dark?

Batman: Arkham City Review – Rated T (for Xbox and Play Station)

Welcome ! I am going to begin this review with a confession: I am a retro gaming fan and somehow have missed out on a number of wonderfully aging titles. In fact, I had never played Batman: Arkham Asylum. It’s not that I was never interested, in fact quite the opposite, but our paths just never seemed to cross. Before beginning Batman: Arkham City I figured it was best to equip myself with some knowledge of its precursor. With an effortless search of Google I quickly found myself lowering my head in shame for all that I had missed out on. Nevertheless, I managed to convince myself that this was an opportunity to go against the grain, travel the road less traveled and yes, play out of sequence!

And so begins the adventure and the review. . .

After reading the necessary details and other reviews for Batman: Arkham Asylum I had a pretty good hunch that it’s follow up, Batman: Arkham City would be nothing short of fantastic. This game is a true indication of how far video games and their technology have come and the possibilities that still remain. Now, I could dive in to the guts of the game and discuss graphics, weaponry and overall gameplay but that would be jumping on the band wagon (which I’ve already determined is not my game plan). Instead, I feel there is something else that stands out above all other criteria: the theme of filth and decay. Darkness and death consumes Arkham City, its people and even Batman himself.

From the game’s beginning we are placed in a world that is full of shadows, crime in every dark corner, filth and grime smeared on every surface yet somewhere, within this dismal world, an intricate story unfolds.

A section of Gotham city has been walled off and is home to some of the city’s worst criminals and madmen, each of whom are fighting for power and fighting each other for it. With only a few far fetches Batman: Arkham City represents a world not unlike our own.

Take Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,  for example.

It has its own areas of the city that are run down, considered ‘ghetto’ and known for acts of crime. Imagine if the mayor decided to build a wall around these areas and seclude them. The people within those walls are now left to fend for themselves – finding their own food, shelter, warmth and safety. It is only a matter of time before those communities begin to deteriorate more and more in to a state of delusional chaos. Stores shut down and become abandoned, buildings are neglected and covered in graffiti, and even the weeds are breathing new life now that there is no city maintenance.

If you can imagine such a scenario and the feeling that one might experience living in such a place, then you now know what playing Batman: Arkham City is like. I think that’s part of the reason why I enjoyed this game so much. Unlike almost every other video game, I could actually see Arkham city as a feasible scenario within our own world, hell, our own city! Furthermore, this allowed me to really sink my gaming fingers into Batman’s character and get a feel for what it might be like to be the cape crusader of Steel Town.

Some of the greatest things about Batman are his gizmos and gadgets which I used religiously throughout the game.

Soaring high above the city and the smog I could see crimes happening and swoop in on un-expecting villains and their goons. Whether I was using my trusty zip line to quietly whiz from point A to point B or using the cover of darkness to conceal my presence, I was using my surroundings, my city – my home. Or perhaps I should say what was my city and what used to be my home. Like the city of Arkham, Batman too deteriorates as the game goes on. His suit and cape become more battered and torn the more fights he’s in and the more evil he defeats. Once again I can only draw on the parallels of our own local cities and communities. Living within the confines of a dying city is a great recipe self-deterioration both physically and mentally.

When it comes to villains, enemies and ‘bad guys’, Batman: Arkham City I applaud you.

I was happy to see appearances by the Joker, Penguin and even the Mad Hatter! However, these guys are not quite how I remember them to be from the cartoons as a kid. No, no – these ugly, vile villains are far more disturbing. Each character that we encounter looks as though they are decaying in some way, shape or form. Some have cuts and scars all over their bodies, while others are losing their minds with insanity. Some just visually look broken down, worn out and even dead (much like the city they are trying to run). Each character has their own story to tell adding to your understanding of the plot and overall game.

Now, if we take a minute, once again this is not unlike the people within our own communities. Okay, we may not have a Riddler running around town leaving giant green question marks on things or gigantic science experiments who can shoot lightning bolts at us but every person has their own background and a story. All these details help explain why they are the way they are and why they live their lives the way they do. For all we know, there are Jokers and Penguins living amongst us, walking our streets and plotting their victories. Scary thought.

Another great addition to the game is the inclusion of Cat Woman and Robin characters.

Each character has their own missions and side tasks to complete apart from Batman. The world still stays the same but the stories become completely different. For example, if you are playing as Cat Woman the side missions that the Riddler has littered all over Arkham are different yet unique to your character in comparison to the tasks given to Batman. Inevitably, you are playing an entirely different game depending on the character you choose. The upside to this is being able to play as a character that you yourself might have a better connection with. Personally, I loved playing as Batman but Cat Woman did connect with my female side and added a certain finesse to my gameplay.

Besides Catwoman, another of The Bat’s fem fatale nemesis makes an appearance in Arkham City- the lovely Harley Quinn

So, I find myself with yet another finished game to add to the shelf however, there still remains a vacant slot for which to place the predecessor of this game. Playing out sequence and blazing my own trail did not seem to hinder how I played Batman: Arkham City, in fact I was able to grab the concept of Batman: Arkham Asylum quite well with help from various hints and stories provided by characters throughout the game.

Not every video game you partake in has the ability to draw you in and allow you to become immersed in its world. Batman: Arkham City however, does just this. Every aspect within this game from the setting, the characters and the missions themselves all have incredible attention to detail, making its world more realistic.

Don’t get me wrong, I love burrowing into the world of fantasy every once and a while. I love being taken into a world where there is no comparison to the world outside my window and furthermore, fantasy worlds require you to play with a different type of gameplay and mindset. But then again, those games don’t necessarily evoke the same response or feelings that a gamer might experience while playing a game that’s hits a little closer to home. The realistic components to Batman: Arkham City is what did it for me. The frightening parallels, the visuals and the overall story within this game gave me goose bumps.

If there are two pieces of advice I can give to my fellow retro gamers it is this: I encourage you to do as I did and every once in a while throw caution to the wind. Play to the tune of your own gamer heart and don’t be afraid to start in act three in a five act play. Also, don’t hesitate to drench yourself in all that an old video game has to offer. Take your time, smell the fumes of sewer smog and embrace the dark shadows that lurk in every corner. After all, you’re Batman – you laugh in the face of danger.
For the Silo, Holly LaRue.